Taylor City Council Regular Meeting - June 18, 2024
Taylor City Council Regular Meeting - June 18, 2024
The Taylor City Council met on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Taylor Municipal Building. The meeting began with a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by the Taylor High School Band, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council approved a 30-item agenda, including several routine approvals, a reduction in the city tax levy, and a confidential settlement. Notable discussions included the renewal of the waste collection contract, a fee schedule update, and a special assessment for weed cutting and false alarms.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the agenda with an amendment to item 7.15 (Veterans Museum cabinetry) to reflect a total of $32,000 ($15,000 city contribution, $17,000 from Veterans Commission).
- Approved the minutes of the June 4, 2024 meeting.
- Approved Mayor Communications items: amendment of CCR# 9.489-20 to a five-year term, reappointment of Laurie Trueblood to the Housing Commission (five-year term), and authorization to conduct the draw for the 2024 Junior League World Series.
- Approved regular agenda items 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.10, 7.11, 7.12, 7.13, 7.14, 7.15, 7.16, 7.17, 7.18, 7.19, 7.20, 7.21, 7.22, 7.23, 7.24, 7.25, 7.26, and 7.27 (all passed unanimously).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Joe Richter (9065 McKinley) complained about noisy neighbors, unkempt property, and a barking dog. He expressed frustration with lack of police response. Mayor Woolley agreed to follow up with ordinance and animal control.
- Barton Juilliard (6708 Beech Daly) questioned the city's procurement process regarding Al's Asphalt, which has a history of bid rigging, and asked Council Chairman Geiss to request his wife, State Senator Geiss, to draft legislation barring political contributions from city contractors. He also called for more police officers.
- Unnamed speaker (40-50 year resident) complained about a new neighbor's large outbuilding, calling it an eyesore, and asked about standards for color schemes. Council advised her to check with the Building Department for proper permitting.
Discussion Items
- Item 7.1 (Special Assessment for Accounts Receivable): Council discussed the $66,808 roll for weed cutting, culvert installation, and water main repairs. Councilwoman Winton questioned the $80 weed cutting fee and whether it could burden elderly or disabled residents. Director Richard noted that most habitual violators are landlords and that the fee is a deterrent.
- Item 7.2 (False Alarms Special Assessment): Councilman Rose asked about a cluster of high amounts on Eureka Road. Fire Chief Portis acknowledged disputes but said no pattern was identified. Two free passes per year are allowed.
- Item 7.3 (Mutual Aid Dues): Councilwoman Winton asked about staffing issues related to the $10,000 non-participation fee. Chief Portis said new senior members are now on the teams.
- Item 7.4 (Sale of Parcel): Council approved the sale of a vacant lot for $3,000. A resident asked about the process. Director noted the parcel cannot be built on and the buyer has maintained it for years.
- Item 7.5 (CDBG Action Plan): Councilwoman Winton clarified funding allocations for senior services and public service caps. The budget totals $589,237.
- Item 7.10 (Building & Grounds Purchase Agreements): Councilman Geiss requested a detailed explanation from Director Eulin, who listed maintenance items (HVAC, cleaning, etc.). Councilwoman Brandana noted that all purchases appear in the monthly invoice report.
- Item 7.14 (KAB Enterprises Amendment): Council discussed the $30,000 increase for helical piers at Lange Park pedestrian bridge due to soil conditions. Completion expected spring 2025.
- Item 7.15 (Veterans Museum Cabinetry): Councilman Johnson explained the need for cabinets to display uniforms. The city contributed $15,000; the Veterans Commission raised $17,000. Mayor Woolley encouraged future signage.
- Item 7.18 (Priority Waste Contract Renewal): A resident complained about missed compost pickups. Mayor Woolley took his address for follow-up.
- Item 7.24 (Tax Levy Reduction): CFO Couture explained the millage rate factor was adjusted from 0.9953 to 0.9952, reducing the levy by 0.0010 mills to 25.1030 mills.
- Item 7.25 (Fee Schedule): Councilwoman Winton questioned several fee increases, including rental home registration (from $50 to $200), ordinance violation admin fees (from $250 to $300), and fire department cost recovery fees. The schedule was approved unanimously.
- Item 7.29 (Closed Session): Council voted 6-0 to enter closed session to discuss risk management claim QE-0216.
Key Outcomes
- All motions passed unanimously except the settlement of claim QE-0216, which passed 5-1 (Councilman Johnson voted no). The settlement is confidential.
- The 2024 city ad valorem tax levy was reduced from 25.1040 to 25.1030 mills.
- The Fiscal Year 2024/2025 City Fee Schedule was approved, effective July 1, 2024.
- The Junior League World Series draw was conducted; opening ceremonies are August 3, 2024.
- The meeting adjourned at 9:28 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Continue growth and blessings upon the city of Taylor. So let it be written, so let it be done in Jesus' name, amen. This uh evening we've got some special guests from Taylor High School. So I know on the agenda it says Pledge of Allegiance. First, we're going to uh have the Taylor High School Band perform the Star Spangled Banner. Uh they do have an item later on on the agenda, which kind of led to this idea of uh uh having the band come in. I know that they've been performing or practicing uh throughout the summer, a number of different uh items. So with that, if we can all uh rise for the Star Spangled Banner and then remain uh standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. If we could, I do believe we have one uh of the band uh members that has volunteered or been voluntole uh to uh lead us in the pledge. So if you could please come forward to the mic I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. And again, I'm gonna go off off a little script. Mr. Razorick, if you could just come forward and just highlight um rather briefly the accomplishments, the major accomplishments that you and and the band have achieved in the past couple years. I believe there's some ones that uh yeah, some one ratings. Yeah. So first off, thanks for having us here tonight. Um the I took over 21, so this is my going into my fourth year. I will be entering. Uh the band behind me is only a fraction of the band that there actually is. Um we have over a hundred members in the band this year. There started out as 43 when I uh when I took the job. So we're able to grow significantly. Um the past two years uh at our marching band festival, which is our big showcase, we received uh division one ratings. So that's the highest rating that you can achieve uh for a marching band. So we're super happy that hopefully we're going for a third year of uh division one rating. So we're really excited for this year, too. Well, thank you very much. And and to all the students, this is your council chamber. Uh as is uh I know we've got many that are going on to be seniors this year and juniors, uh, but you are always welcome uh in your city hall. So thank you very much for coming. You do not have to stay for the entire agenda. I'm certain your parents would appreciate that, and again, thank you for all that you do. Thank you guys very much. Appreciate it. Thank you very much uh to the council for indulging me in in that uh um slight change from the published agenda that will bring us to the roll call, roll call, please. Mrs. Daniels, here Miss Rose, here Mr. Johnson here, Mrs. Brandana here, Miss Winton, here Mr. Geist here, Mayor Woolley here. Uh Mrs. Bowers, excuse Mrs. Toko. All right. Six members. We have a quorum. That brings us into the motion. Uh item 5.1 motion to approve the agenda. Chairman.
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