The Week of October 31, 2022 in the City of Waxahachie

 

 

Hello Friends!

    Happy Halloween!  Can you believe it's already the first week in November coming up this week?  I just can't believe it, but it looks like we're in store for some wonderful fall weather this week!

    *** Early Voting for the November 8th election is open TODAY, Sunday, October 30th from 1-7 PM at the following locations:  http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/16427/221108-EVLocations-2022-?bidId= ***

Here's a report of the voter turnout so far.   18.39% of registered voters in Ellis County have voted.  http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/16680/General-Election_EVDaily-Report

 

This election includes the race for the Governor of Texas, among many others.  Here is a generic sample ballot (Please remember that this is only a generic ballot.  The precinct you are registered in will determine the races you will vote in.) : http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/16437/221108_SampleBallotGeneric-with-write-ins?bidId=

 

For all the information regarding this election, you can visit the Ellis County Elections website here:  http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/629/Upcoming-Elections

 

Let's move on to city business! 

 

** I want to first throw out a huge THANK YOU to all of the city staff and volunteers that help make the Texas Country Reporter Festival what it is.  The amount of time it takes to bring everything together is immense, but in true Waxahachie fashion, people come out and help each other.  Just another reason I love this city!! **

 

Here is a link to the city's calendar where you can see any meetings that may be added after this newsletter goes out:  https://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php  *Please note that if you visit this link before November 1st, you'll need to click "Next Month" at the top of the calendar.* There are no meetings scheduled for October 31st at this time.

 

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Thursday, November 3, 2022

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8:30 AM - Cemetery Board Regular Meeting

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers 

 

Agenda Packet:  https://storage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/187550/11-3-22_Cemetery_Board_Agenda_Packet.pdf

* This meeting is FULL of important business, so I've listed just about every action item except for approval of the September 8th minutes. *

 

2 - Public Comments

3 - Reorganize the Board

5 - Hear update on Cemetery vandalism repairs

6 - Hear update on Babyland headstone project

7 - Hear update on security camera project

8 - Discuss and consider upcoming clean-up events

Citizens welcome to attend:  Yes

Meeting Live-Streamed:  No - This is really unfortunate because this meeting will be very interesting.

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3:00 PM - Park Board Regular Meeting

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers

 

Agenda Packet:  https://storage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/187552/11-3-22_Park_Board_Agenda_Packet.pdf

I highly recommend reading this agenda packet for the minutes of the last Park Board meeting since they had an Executive Session and came out and took action. (It's really short.) These minutes will be revised, if necessary, and approved during this November 3rd meeting.

2 - Public Comments

3 - Reorganize the Board

4 - Approve Park Board meeting minutes from September 8th

5 - Hear update on Penn Park Pool and Boat Dock Park

6 - Review past events

7 - Discuss upcoming events

Citizens welcome to attend:  Yes

Meeting Live-Streamed:  No

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4:30 PM - Keep Waxahachie Beautiful Committee Regular Meeting

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers

 

**  They also have a Facebook page where they post upcoming events! https://www.facebook.com/KeepWxBeautiful  **

Agenda Packet: https://storage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/187554/11-3-22_KWB_Agenda_Packet.pdf

2 - Public Comments

3 - Reorganize the Committee

5 - Discuss and consider leadership opportunities

6 - Consider properties for PIN Nomination.  The PIN stands for Pride in Neighborhood - which is a pretty cool little program they have to reward those who go above and beyond in beautifying their yard.  I'm not sure if they have a set criteria for the award or not at this time, but it's still a neat program.)

7 - Review past events: Mustang Creek Clean-Up and Tree Giveaway

8 - Discuss and consider 2023 events

9 - Hear update on 10 on Tuesday program

 

Citizens welcome to attend:  Yes

Meeting Live-Streamed:  No

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That's it for this week! 

 

Please keep in mind that if you have any concerns related to streets, utilities or code enforcement, you can submit those on the city's website at this link: https://www.waxahachie.com/services/report_an_issue/index.php

 

*** I hope y'all have an amazing week and enjoy this beautiful fall weather!! ***

 

Your Friendly Neighbor,

 

Melissa Olson

(text) 817-507-5162

olsonfortexas@gmail.com

 

The Week of October 24, 2022 in the City of Waxahachie

Hello Friends!

There are very few city meetings so far for this coming week, but I do anticipate a busy first week of November.  As always, however, please check back on the city’s calendar to see if any more are posted after this newsletter goes out.  The link to do that is: https://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

Also - Early Voting for the general and special elections begins THIS WEEK!  Please note - YOU CANNOT VOTE (EARLY OR ON ELECTION DAY) AT THE ELECTIONS OFFICE.  The primary polling place will be the Cowboy Church in Waxahachie.

 

Early voting locations are: http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/16427/221108-EVLocations-2022-?bidId=

For all things election-related, please visit the following link: http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/629/Upcoming-Elections

This election includes the race for Texas Governor, among many others, but here is a GENERIC sample ballot so you know what to expect (and also a list of those candidates who are declared winners due to having no opposition): http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/16437/221108_SampleBallotGeneric-with-write-ins?bidId=

 

 

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Tuesday, October 25, 2022

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6:30 PM - Planning & Zoning Commission Briefing Session

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda:  https://storage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/187106/10-25-22_P_Z_Briefing_Agenda.pdf

Normally these are really informative, but short, especially on nights were the agenda is rather small, like on this night; however, this briefing will have a Work Session regarding Accessory Structures in addition to discussing items for the 7:00pm regular meeting.  There is no additional information provided with the agenda, but this is a public meeting and residents are more than welcome to attend.  I definitely would encourage folks to try and make this one, at least for the work session component.

Residents able to attend: Yes

Live-Streamed: No

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7:00 PM - Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting

Council Chamber, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

Agenda Packet: https://storage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/187108/10-25-22_P_Z_Agenda_Packet.pdf

Please review the agenda packet link above for the few cases which will be brought forward this evening.  I want to point out one particular item which is highly irregular and that is Item 6 & 7, since they go together.  I've marked them with **.

3 - Public Comments

5 - Recognize Mr. Jim Phillips for his service on the P&Z Commission

** 6 & 7 - Convene into Executive Session for consultation with attorney regarding pending or contemplated litigation as permitted under Section 551.071, Texas Government Code and Reconvene to take any necessary action.  My observations:

 

    1 - I don't think I've ever seen P&Z have an executive session - ESPECIALLY one "regarding pending or contemplated litigation", so this is definitely NOT normal.

   

    2 - Generally speaking, P&Z is usually a recommending body to the City Council.  City Council is the body who generally convenes into Executive Session to meet with the city attorney.  I wonder if Council will then go into an Executive Session in the next regular Council meeting.... It is definitely something worth keeping an eye on.

Please keep in mind that while residents may attend the P&Z Briefing AND Regular Meeting, the Commission will leave the Council Chamber for their Executive Session and only certain parties are allowed to be there for that.  Also, that portion of the meeting may still be streaming the Council Chamber or it may be paused until the Commission comes back and takes their seats at the dais.

Residents able to attend: Yes

Live-Streamed: Yes at the following link: https://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php

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On Saturday, October 29th, the Texas Country Reporter Festival will be going on downtown with the Concert headliner - DIAMOND RIO!!!  Here's a website to help you navigate the festival so you have the best time out there!  https://texascountryreporter.com/festival

 

Once again, there are so many awesome things happening in Waxahachie, the CVB website should be at your fingertips!  Here's that link: https://www.waxahachiecvb.com/ 

I hope y'all have a fantastic rest of your weekend and have a wonderful week ahead!

Your Friendly Neighbor,

Melissa Olson

(text) 817-507-5162

(email) olsonfortexas@gmail.com

The Week of October 3, 2022 in the City of Waxahachie

Hello Friends!

 

    I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this fall-like weather!  I sure am!  Took its time to get here, didn't it? lol  There aren't very many city meetings scheduled for this upcoming week, but the ones that are have some pretty important matters and I'll just touch on those few.  Please refer back to the city's website to see if any other meetings are added to the calendar after this newsletter goes out.  The site is: https://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

 

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Monday, October 3, 2022

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10:00 AM - Economic Development Commission Meeting

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda:  https://storage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/185450/10-3-22_Economic_Development_Commission_Agenda.pdf

 

2 - Public Comments

 

3 - Reorganize the Board

 

4 - Approve minutes of their last meeting, which was February 9, 2021

 

5 - Consider tax abatement incentives for Cardinal IG (Insulated Glass) for a proposed expansion at their current facility.  I'm not a huge fan of incentives when the Council refuses to go down on the tax burden for residents; however, I have NO IDEA what the terms are nor do I remember what happened at the last EDC meeting (the minutes they are approving in #4) because there is no supporting documentation online with the agenda.  I hope this is simply an oversight, or to get the agenda posted ASAP to meet Texas Open Meetings Act laws and supporting documentation will be added later.

 

The picture I used in the beginning is from Waxahachie's website: https://files4.1.revize.com/waxahachietx/AVAILABLE%20INCENTIVES%20OVERVIEW%202019%20RW&B.pdf

 

For more on Waxahachie's website regarding incentives, please go to: https://www.waxahachie.com/departments/economic_development_new/resource_library.php#outer-125

 

For still further information on these, you can visit the Texas Comptroller's website here: https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/local/ch312/ 

Citizens Welcome to Attend?: Yes

Meeting Live-Streamed: No

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6:30 PM - City Council Briefing Session

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda:  https://storage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/185830/10-3-22_City_Council_Briefing_Agenda.pdf

 

This briefing session is being held for Council and staff to discuss items for the 7:00 PM regular Council meeting. 

 

Citizens Welcome to Attend?: Yes

Meeting Live-Streamed: No

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7:00 PM - City Council Regular Meeting

Council Chamber, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda Packet:  https://storage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/185829/10-3-22_City_Council_Agenda_Packet.pdf

4 - Public Comments

5 - Consent Agenda: Lots of items in there including minutes from the last meeting and briefing session, so I encourage you to look through them.

6 - Introduce Honorary Councilmember:  This was a cool thing that Council did before COVID and it's good to see it back and running again!  Council members would be assigned meetings when they would be responsible for selecting someone, usually from WISD, to come to the Council meeting, get their own agenda packet and sit up at the dais with the Council.  It is a great program and a way to highlight some of the outstanding younger folks in our community.

9 -  Consider proposed Ordinance amending the "Animal Care Advisory Committee" and appointing members.  The memo in the packet says they are wanting to have an additional citizen member, namely Ms. Cherie Batsel. The more citizen involvement in city committees is a good thing in my book!

11 -  Consider price increase for concrete services with G.A.W. Construction Services.  If I understand the situation correctly, because Waxahachie has an interlocal agreement with Midlothian and because Midlothian recently approved an increase to THEIR contract with G.A.W. Construction Services due to inflation, Waxahachie has to approve revised contract pricing; otherwise, Waxahachie needs to discontinue further work with GAW and go out for bids to find another concrete contractor.  This company is currently used for various projects throughout the city and the staff "...recommends approval as it is in-line with current market pricing."  I know that prices everywhere have gone up, but this would definitely be one I'd like to see go back out for bid to see if the city is getting the best price for the quality of work.

16 & 17 - Convene into Executive Session to review Performance Evaluation for City Manager as permitted by Section 551.074 Texas Government Code.  Reconvene and take any necessary action.  This is something that is done every year and the Council typically decides whether to approve terms of the contract or to make any changes.  

Citizens Welcome to Attend?: Yes

Meeting Live-Streamed: Yes at the following link:  https://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php

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That's it for this week!  Have a great one, everybody!!

Your Friendly Neighbor,

Melissa Olson

(text) 817-507-5162

olsonfortexas@gmail.com