On the 15^th day of December, 2015, the City Council of the City of Lufkin, Texas convened in a Regular Meeting in the Council Chambers of City Hall with the following members, thereof to wit:

Bob F. Brown Mayor
Mark Hicks Mayor Pro Tem
Victor Travis Councilmember, Ward No. 1
Robert Shankle Councilmember Ward No. 2
Lynn Torres Councilmember, Ward No. 3
Rocky Thigpen Councilmember, Ward No. 5
Rocky Thigpen Councilme Sarah Murray Councilmember, Ward No. 6
Keith Wright City Manager
Steve Floyd Assistant City Manager
Bruce Green City Attorney
Kara Atwood City Secretary
Rodney Ivy Human Resources Director
Gerald Williamson Police Chief
David Thomas Assistant Police Chief
Ted Lovett Fire Chief
Belinda Southern Finance Director
Mike Akridge Parks & Recreation Director
Barbara Thompson Main Street Director
Brant Lee Civic Center Director
Jason Arnold Water & Sewer Director
Dale Allred Inspection Services Director
Sid Munlin Information Technology Director
Chuck Walker Public Works Director

being present when the following business was transacted.

1.
The meeting was opened with prayer by Brother Steve Killam of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Mayor Bob F. Brown welcomed visitors present.

2.	MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING HELD DECEMBER 1^ST , 2015 - APPROVED
Councilmember Lynn Torres moved to approve the minutes of the meetings as presented. Councilmember Sarah Murray seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

OLD BUSINESS

3. PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LUFKIN, TEXAS AMENDING THE ORDINANCE ADOPTING A CLASSIFICATION PLAN FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF LUFKIN, TEXAS (ORDINANCE NO. 4505), ESTABLISHING CLASSIFICATIONS AND SETTING THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED CIVIL SERVICE POSITIONS - APPROVED

City Manager Keith Wright stated this was a second reading and the proposed Ordinance was in accordance with Civil Service Law requirements. City Manager Wright further stated the Ordinance reduced the number of Lieutenant positions by six (6) and increased the number of Firefighters to thirty-nine (39). City Manager Wright stated the Lieutenant positions were deleted through attrition.

City Manager Wright concluded that Staff recommended the approval of an Ordinance that modified the Classification Plan for the Lufkin Fire Department.

Mayor Brown opened the floor for public comment at 5:02 p.m. There was none.

Councilmember Robert Shankle moved to approve the Ordinance as presented. Councilmember Sarah Murray seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

NEW BUSINESS

4.   RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LUFKIN, TEXAS SUPPORTING THE DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL MOTTO IN THE CITY OF LUFKIN COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND ON CITY EMERGENCY SERVICES VEHICLES – APPROVED

City Manager Wright stated as requested Staff prepared a Resolution that supported the display of the national motto “In God We Trust” in the City of Lufkin Council Chambers and on the City’s Emergency Services Vehicles. City Manager Wright further stated Angelina County and numerous other Texas cities and counties had passed similar Resolutions. City Manager Wright concluded the national motto was adopted in 1956 and had always been a source of strength and guidance to Americans since World War II when the slogan was adopted and placed on U.S. Currency and the Senate Chamber and House of Representatives. City Manager Wright stated documents were attached in the City Council packet that evidenced the number of cities that had adopted the Resolution to place “In God We Trust” in their Council Chambers. City Manager Wright commented that a few of those cities were in Texas. City Manager Wright ended that he would be happy to answer questions about the proposed Resolution.

Mayor Bob F. Brown opened the floor for questions.

Councilmember Robert Shankle moved to approve the Resolution as presented. Councilmember Lynn Torres seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

Mayor Bob F. Brown thanked all the citizens of Lufkin that showed up for support of the Resolution.

5.   PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING A CERTAIN AREA IN THE CITY OF LUFKIN AS “TAX ABATEMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE, CITY OF LUFKIN, TEXAS”; PROVIDING THE EFFECTIVE AND EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE ZONE AND A MECHANISM FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE ZONE; AND CONTAINING OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO THE ZONE – APPROVED

City Manager Wright stated TFG Lufkin, LP had recently acquired the property located at 3047 South John Redditt Drive, commonly known as Angelina Village Shopping Center. City Manager Wright mentioned TFG Lufkin also owned the South Loop Shopping Center. City Manager Wright informed Council that Angelina Village Shopping Center had not had full occupancy for a considerable amount of time and TFG Lufkin had proposed an improvement investment of six-million dollars ($6,000,000). City Manager Wright explained that TFG requested a tax abatement from the City of Lufkin and furthered that in order for a tax abatement, the property had to be located within an Enterprise Zone- Revitalization Zone or Reinvestment Zone. City Manager Wright showed on a map the area to be included as the Reinvestment Zone, and specified the bank and convenience store on the corner of Highway 59 South and Loop 287 at John Redditt Drive were not part of the new Reinvestment Zone.

Mayor Brown opened the floor for public comment at 5:06 p.m. There was none.

Councilmember Lynn Torres moved to approve the Ordinance as presented. Councilmember Robert Shankle seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.
6.   TAX ABATEMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LUFKIN AND ATKINSON CANDY COMPANY – APPROVED

City Manager Wright stated Eric Atkinson, President of Atkinson Candy Company, had requested economic development assistance for a planned expansion that created twenty-eight thousand (28,000) square foot of added floor space, machinery and allowed for the addition of up to thirty-two (32) employees. City Manager Wright stated this was a $5.2 billion dollar investment in the community. City Manager Wright acknowledged Atkinson Candy Company’s eighty-three (83) year history in the City of Lufkin, emphasized excitement over the ten (10) year agreement. City Manager Wright detailed the terms of the agreement and tax abatement as follows: year one through year three, 100% tax abatement; year four, 80% and every year thereafter reduced by 10% until year ten of the tax abatement. City Manager Wright stated the 4B Lufkin Economic Development Corporation would award a job incentive grant in the amount of four-thousand dollars ($4,000) per employee up to thirty-two (32) full time employees, and also provide a low interest loan up to six-hundred thousand dollars ($600,000) toward startup cost. City Manager Wright outlined loan details and specified by State Law, the City’s loan must be secured and required a lien on the property. City Manager Wright summarized the five year loan repayment details. City Manager Wright reported that the 4B Lufkin Economic Development Corporation approved the agreement by unanimous vote on December 2, 2015. City Manager Wright further stated Staff recommended City Council approve the Economic Development Program Agreement with Atkinson Candy Company.

Councilmember Robert Shankle moved to approve the Tax Abatement agreement as presented. Councilmember Lynn Torres seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

7.   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LUFKIN AND HYUNDAI OF LUFKIN – APPROVED

City Manager Wright stated owner Rex Perry of Hyundai Lufkin had submitted an application for economic development assistance for the proposed construction of a franchised automobile dealership at 3101 South Medford Drive. City Manager Wright further stated the dealership added a taxable value to the City of Lufkin estimated at $4.5 million dollars and added employees that totaled up to twenty-five (25). City Manager Wright reported employee salaries were lucrative and ranged from $40,000 to $180,000.

City Manager Wright reported Mr. Perry requested the Lufkin 4B Economic Development Corporation fund certain infrastructure improvements that included widening and lighting of Sybil Street for the purpose of business access. City Manager Wright stated Staff received an estimate of construction costs that totaled three-hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($325,000). City Manager Wright concluded that Staff and the 4B Lufkin Economic Development Corporation recommended City Council consider approval of an Economic Development Program Agreement with Hyundai of Lufkin to fund the widening and lighting of Sybil Street.

Councilmember Lynn Torres expressed excitement over the Economic Development potential and moved to approve the Economic Development Program Agreement between the City of Lufkin and Hyundai of Lufkin. Councilmember Rocky Thigpen seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

8.   DONATION TO THE LUFKIN FIRE DEPARTMENT FROM THE DEEP EAST TEXAS REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (DETRAC) IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,387 AND A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 7 APPROPRIATING THE FUNDING – APPROVED

City Manager Wright stated as participants in the Deep East Texas Regional Advisory Board Council (DETRAC), the Lufkin Fire Department received annual distributions of State funds to use on local Fire/EMS projects and activities. City Manager Wright furthered that the Fire Department had received a grant from DETRAC in the amount of $10,387.

City Manager Wright noted that Staff requested the grant amount of $10,387 be placed in the Fire Services Supply Budget to reimburse for EMS supply expenses.

City Manager Wright concluded Staff respectfully requested that City Council accept the distribution of funding and approve the Resolution authorizing Budget Amendment No. 7 appropriating the funding.

Councilmember Mark Hicks moved to approve the Resolution as presented. Councilmember Victor Travis seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

9.   GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSED DOWNTOWN PLAZA – APPROVED

City Manager Wright stated on December 4^th, Staff met with the City Council Construction Committee. City Manager Wright detailed a proposed project that added ambiance and a place for citizens to gather and enjoy meals in the downtown City of Lufkin. City Manager Wright specified the plaza’s location as the corner of Second and Shepherd Street adjacent to the Municipal Court. City Manager Wright detailed the plaza provided picnic table seating, vendors, a covered area, restrooms, a water feature and trees. City Manager Wright remarked the plaza would draw citizens to the downtown area.

City Manager Wright observed venues of that type increased in popularity and the estimated cost of the project totaled $400,000. City Manager Wright further stated Staff intended to submit an application to a local foundation for grant funds to complete the project.

City Manager Wright concluded Staff requested City Council authorize Staff to move forward with the grant application to a local Foundation for the purpose of securing funding for the construction of a downtown plaza.

Councilmember Robert Shankle questioned the outcome of the project in the event Staff proved unsuccessful at securing the grant funding. City Manager Wright detailed bid securing scenarios.

Councilmember Victor Travis questioned the number of trucks allowed in the plaza. City Manager Wright responded two (2) vendor trucks. Discussion ensued.

Councilmember Mark Hicks understood and clarified the plaza operated similar to a park.

Councilmember Victor Travis moved to approve as presented. Councilmember Sarah Murray seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

10.   AWARD OF BID TO UTILITY SERVICE GROUP ($322900) FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE TWO MILLION GALLON GROUND STORAGE TANK AT WATER PLANT NO. 2 – APPROVED

City Manager Wright stated that each year the City of Lufkin inspected water storage tanks as required by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. City Manager Wright confirmed the needed rehabilitation project of the two (2) million gallon ground storage tank located at Water Plant No. 2 behind Ellen Trout Zoo for the purpose of sandblasting and painting. City Manager Wright stated the budget for the project totaled $450,000. City Manager Wright reported three bids with the low bidder being Utility Service Group from Perry, Georgia, in the amount of $322,900. City Manager Wright noted that although the company had not completed work for the City of Lufkin in the past, the Houston branch of Utility Service Group came well recommended.

City Manager Wright stated Staff recommended City Council award a bid in the amount of $322,900 to Utility Service Group for the rehabilitation of the two (2) million gallon ground storage tank at Water Plant No. 2.

Councilmember Robert Shankle moved to approve as presented. Councilmember Rocky Thigpen seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

11.   PLACEMENT OF A STATUE ON GASLIGHT BOULEVARD BY THE LUFKIN LANDSCAPE TASK FORCE – APPROVED

City Manager Wright stated the Lufkin Landscape Task Force requested approval of the placement of a statue along Gaslight Boulevard. City Manager Wright added the Lufkin Landscape Task Force continued to work on a beautification project previously approved by City Council. City Manager Wright detailed the size and placement of the statue. City Manager Wright mentioned future lighting would be added so the sculpture could be seen at night thereby helping to identify that property as a healthcare area in the City of Lufkin. City Manager Wright summarized the statue as a small boy playing doctor on his dog and further detailed the statue would display on an island in front of Woodland Heights Hospital.

City Manager Wright concluded both Staff and the Lufkin Landscape Task Force recommended City Council approve the placement of a bronze sculpture on Gaslight Boulevard in front of Woodland Heights Hospital.

Councilmember Victor Travis moved to approve as presented. Councilmember Sarah Murray seconded and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

Mayor Bob F. Brown offered his compliments to the members of the Lufkin Landscape Task Force.

12.   APPOINTMENT TO THE 4B ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD (STEPHEN GREAK) – APPROVED

City Manager Wright stated Board Member Jack Sweeny resigned from the 4B Economic Development Board effective December 31, 2015. City Manager Wright stated that there was one (1) application on file for the 4B Economic Development Board for Stephen Greak.

City Manager Wright concluded Staff recommended City Council appoint Stephen Greak to the 4B Economic Development Board to fill the vacated position of Jack Sweeny.

Councilmember Lynn Torres moved to approve the appointment as presented. Councilmember Sarah Murray seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

13.   APPOINTMENT TO THE KURTH MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOARD (LINDA SMELLEY) – APPROVED

City Manager Wright stated City Council approved three (3) members to the Kurth Memorial Library Board in August that included Hunter Haglund, Cindy Tierney and Heather Buchanan. City Manager Wright explained board member Linda Smelley’s term for the appointment expired, however, at the time she was undecided on whether she wished to continue to serve. City Manager Wright further stated Linda Smelley made a decision in favor of reappointment and requested approval for the appointment.

City Manager Wright concluded Staff recommended City Council approve the reappointment of Linda Smelley to the Kurth Memorial Library Board.

Robert Shankle moved to approve the appointment as presented. Councilmember Lynn Torres seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

14.   APPOINTMENTS TO THE CITY OF LUFKIN MAIN STREET ADVISORY BOARD (LES LEACH, AMY FINCHER, LONNIE SMITH AND WILLIAM ROYLE) – APPROVED

City Manager Wright stated in April 2015 the City Council approved the operating procedures and board appointments for the Main Street Advisory Board. City Manager Wright explained those appointments were for staggered terms with four (4) positions that expired in December. City Manager Wright further stated those positions were held by Barrion Johnson, Les Leach, Amy Fincher and Lonnie Smith. City Manager Wright confirmed all of the board members desired reappointment, with the exclusion of Barrion Johnson. City Manager Wright concluded there was one application on file for the board from William (Bill) Royle.

City Manager Wright stated Staff recommended City Council consider appointments to the Main Street Advisory Board as presented.

Councilmember Lynn Torres moved to approve the appointments as presented: William Royle, Les Leach, Amy Fincher and Lonnie Smith. Councilmember Mark Hicks seconded the motion and a unanimous vote to approve was recorded.

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		Bob F. Brown, Mayor

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