The Week of June 27, 2022 in the City of Waxahachie

Hello Friends!

There are some super important meetings this week so lets get started!  

 

As always, please refer back to the city's website calendar to see if any meetings are added after this newsletter goes out. https://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

 

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Tuesday, June 28, 2022

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***** 12:00 PM - City Council Special Meeting *****

Council Chamber, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

Agenda: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/176089/6-28-22_Special_CC_Agenda.pdf

4 - Public Comments

5 - Canvass and accept votes of City Council Runoff Election held on June 18, 2022

6 - Administer Oath of Office to Council Member Place 2 - Congratulations Mr. Patrick Souter

*** 7 - Organization of City Council *** - This is where the Council will, amongst themselves, appoint the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.  Per our charter, it seems like the Mayor doesn't have much authority, but in reality, he/she does.  This position works very closely with the City Manager and determines some things that happen in our city. One example is the board/commission appointments.  Usually the Mayor, Pro Tem does those and Council generally rubber stamps that. 

 

Not only that, but from my experience on Council, the person who is Mayor sets the tone for the Council.  For example, Mayor Barnes was extremely amicable, treated everyone with respect even when there were differences of opinion and when it was time for discussion on items at meetings and during executive sessions, he would ask each Council member for their input.  I can tell you for a fact that that kind of professionalism and team building does NOT happen all the time.  In fact, it was the first time while I was on Council, that a Mayor did those things.  

 

Anyways, the point is the position of Mayor is an important one and I believe that we the residents, should have a right to vote for the Mayor directly - NOT vote on council members and then Council members appoint a Mayor. In order to do this, we must have a charter change AND I strongly believe we should also get rid of runoff elections, which was a fairly recent change to our charter.  It cost the city (taxpayers) THOUSANDS of dollars for this runoff election and only 893 people voted in it... in a city of over 44,000 people... I believe these runoffs are a waste of time and taxpayer dollars.  It's costly for candidates too and leads to voter apathy (as you can see by the numbers) because it's yet ANOTHER election people have to go vote in.  Just to let you know, it would be a very easy change to do this because you just have to take out that the winner of an election must have 50% +1 to win and insert that the candidate who received the highest number of votes in any specific election would be declared the winner; however, it would need to be voted on by the residents since it would be a change to our current charter.

Unfortunately, this public meeting is being held at noon, so many who work will not be able to attend.  Luckily though, this meeting should be live-streamed and if so, you can access it at this link starting at noon: https://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php

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6:30 PM - Planning & Zoning Commission Briefing Session

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/176181/6-28-2022_P_Z_Briefing_Agenda.pdf

This briefing session is being held for the P&Z Commission to discuss items on the 7:00 PM meeting agenda with staff.  It is a public session that is usually has quite a bit of information, so I always recommend attending the briefing sessions whenever possible.  If you have public comments or are coming to City Hall to speak on a public hearing item, please save that for the 7:00 PM meeting.  There is not a time for folks to do that at the briefing session.

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7:00 PM - Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting

Council Chamber, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/176182/6-28-2022_P_Z_Agenda_Packet_-_Scanned.pdf

 

Most of the items are pretty routine, so please refer to the agenda packet link above if you'd like to see the other cases not listed below and their details.

 

8 & 9 -  Public Hearing on a request for a Plat of The Place at North Grove, located at the northwest corner of North Grove Blvd. and Washington Avenue.  The applicant is proposing to plat approximately 10.67 acres of land into 3 lots. Lot 10 is for mixed-use, Lot 11 is for retail and commercial uses, and Lot 12X is an open space common area.  It doesn't explicitly say that apartments or townhomes are going to be involved be it does state that approximately 252 dwelling units are being considered in the mixed-use development.  There should be more to come on this as the project moves forward, but staff is recommending approval per comments.

12 & 13 - Public Hearing on a request by Tom Wright, Heart-In-Hand, for a Zoning Change from a Central Area (CA) zoning district to a Planned Development - Central Area (PD-CA) zoning district located at 212 S. Rogers St to allow for a tattoo shop.  Staff is recommending approval per comments.

 

This is a public meeting and you are welcome to attend.  If you are unable to make it to the meeting, you may watch the live-stream at this link:  https://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php

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Thursday, June 30, 2022

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*** 8:30 AM - City Council Work Session ***

Waxahachie Civic Center

2000 Civic Center Lane

 

Agenda:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/176090/6-30-22_City_Council_Budget_Workshop_Agenda.pdf

 

Not much to put on here, unfortunately.  It is disappointing that there wasn't at least a tentative or proposed budget or at LEAST some very basic numbers like what tax rate the budget has been based on, what is the city's no-new-revenue rate, and things of that nature.

 

1 - Call to Order

 

 *** 2 - Discussion of City of Waxahachie Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget ***

 

3 - Comments by Mayor, City Council, City Attorney and City Manager

 

4 - Adjourn

 

This is a public meeting and I HIGHLY recommend anyone who is able to attend this meeting, please do so.  It has not been streamed in the past, so I don't expect this one to be any different.  Unlike other meetings like the special meeting on Tuesday that COULD be set for Monday or Wednesday evening because it's basically just a Council kind of deal, the budget workshop usually involves every director for the City and all administration plus council, so it is a big deal and usually takes a large portion of a day, if not all day.  The budget and tax rate go hand-in-hand, so that's why this is a huge deal.

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That's it for this week, but make no mistake about how important this week's city meetings are!  Please stay informed and involved!

 

Have a great weekend and wonderful week ahead!

 

Your Friendly Neighbor,

Melissa Olson

(text) 817-507-5162

olsonfortexas@gmail.com

The Week of June 20, 2022 in the City of Waxahachie

 

Hello Friends!

    First of all, Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!  I hope that you all have a wonderful day!

    Next: Election Results: 

 

        1) These numbers are UNOFFICIAL until the canvassed or adopted by the political subdivision holding the election (in this case, the City of Waxahachie). 

 

        2) At this time, it appears that Mr. Patrick Souter has won the election over Mr. Doug Barnes by 29 votes. EVERY. VOTE. MATTERS.  Unofficial-Summary-Results-Report- (ellis.tx.us)

        3) THANK YOU to the 889 residents who voted!

 

        4) This document shows that 268 mail ballots were not returned or pending voter action and an estimated 2 provisional ballots which could be added to the final count.  Generally, however, the changes from the unofficial numbers to the adopted counts are usually very small.  In a race this close, I don't know if it will change things or not.  Preliminary-Election-Reconciliation-Report (ellis.tx.us)

 

        5) Congratulations to Mr. Souter!  I think he is a good man and I wish the best for him as he starts this journey.  I look forward to his analytical approach to city issues.  I think that folks who can bring different perspectives to the Council enhance the ideas, discussion and trajectory of the city in a positive way.

 

        6) Mr. Barnes, I am sorry that you lost your race.  You are a tremendous asset to the City of Waxahachie and thank you for your many years of service, even before the Council. We haven't always agreed on issues, but I have a lot of respect for you and for your experience.  Not only that, but while serving as Mayor, you were great about making each Council member (or at least myself) feel important, respected and part of the Council as a team and I highly commend you for that.  There had not been another mayor while I was on Council who did this like you.  It was great for the Council to have a mayor like that, but also gave Waxahachie cohesive leadership, even though we did not all vote the same.  The time and dedication you give to the role of mayor is something that I am truly grateful for.  Thank you, sir.  Your passion for Waxahachie is evident.  Please continue to remain involved.  There is so much that can be done on this side of the dais.

        7) Whether your candidate won or lost, it is up to us, the citizens of Waxahachie, to hold our leadership accountable (this is not a bad thing) to make sure they are doing what we as residents, want for our city. We hear about this all the time, but how do you actually DO that?  

 

          Here are several ways to hold elected officials accountable:

 

            1 - Communicate with and let them know how you feel on items. You can do this by:

                    A. You can do this by email: https://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/index.php

                    B. Phone Call / Text Council members directly: Most, if not all, of the Council will get you their cell number if you just ask.

                    C. Send mail to City Hall: addressed to P.O. Box 757, Waxahachie, TX 75168

                    D. Call City Hall and leave a message:  The main number is 469-309-4000

 

            2 - Come to a City Council meeting and speak at the Public Comments section.  You can use this method to communicate your opinions, but keep in mind that Council can't really respond to what you're saying.  Even though that's the case, it is still a great way to let them know about your concerns and it addresses all members at the same time, including city staff.  Council meetings are held at 7:00 PM on the first and third Mondays of each month, except for when holidays fall on that day.  A great example is the first Council meeting of July 2022.  That meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 5th instead of Monday, July 4th.

            3 - Be involved.  There are great ways to do that such as the meeting being held this coming Tuesday in the Council Chamber regarding the new Comprehensive Plan for the City.  Another wonderful way is to put in an application to serve on one of the City's many boards/commissions.  Applications must be submitted by July 31st to be considered for the current year.  The link for the application process and other information is: https://www.waxahachie.com/government/boards_commissions.php

 

Alright!  Let's get on with meetings for the week!  There aren't a bunch, but the ones coming up are pretty important.  As always, please check the calendar on the city's website to see if new meetings are added after this newsletter goes out.  The link to do so is here: https://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

 

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Monday, June 20, 2022

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6:30 PM - City Council Briefing Session

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/175777/6-20-22_CC_Briefing_Agenda.pdf 

 

This briefing is being conducted to discuss items for the 7:00 PM regular Council meeting.  It is an open meeting and residents are welcome and encouraged to attend, but there will be no public comments during this time (that happens during the regular meeting).  Also, this highly-informative briefing session is NOT live-streamed at this time.  The consensus of the previous Council (I was okay moving it if it would allow for streaming) was to continue holding briefings in the conference room, as opposed to the Council Chamber, which is already set up for professional streaming.  

 

I make the distinction about "professional streaming" because residents are welcome to live-stream public meetings as long as there are not distractions caused by doing so. (Setting up a tri-pod is fine as long as it is out of the way and if you decide to do it, it would be best to keep any cords free from walkways, if power cords are necessary.)

This is something that is important to me for the sake of transparency and education, but it takes more than one to make it happen.  If this is important to you too, I would definitely encourage you to utilize one of the communication methods listed above to express your wishes to Council.

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7:00 PM - City Council Regular Meeting

Council Chamber, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/175778/6-20-22_City_Council_Agenda_Packet.pdf

 

4 - Public Comments

 

5c - I don't generally put event applications on here unless they will somehow impact residents or merchants; however, Waxahachie is a city that is FILLED with heart and this particular application is for a Fundraiser to build a home for a local homeless man, Thomas Jordan.  The organization requesting the permit is the Ellis County Homeless Coalition and they are requesting to use Railyard Park on July 23rd from 10a -2p.  If approved, I hope there is a great turnout and this home can get funded and built.

 

6 - Present Proclamation proclaiming June 2022 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Month

 

** 7 - This case is for an Electronic Message Sign for the Cowboy Church.  The applicant has requested continuance of case # ZDC-45-2022 to the Tuesday, July 5, 2022 City Council meeting agenda.

 

11 - Consider Adoption of Lions Park Master Plan -  While I think the ideas for the project are great, I really question whether this is the most efficient use of taxpayers' dollars when at least some will be demolished when the Waste Water Treatment Plant gets expanded. That being said, I would need more answers before I could personally make a decision on something like this.  Some might say that it's just approving the Master Plan for the park, but I have been told before "What's the point of a master plan if you're not going to follow it?'- And I agree; however, questions I currently have are:  1) Can we get a clear picture of the costs worksheet?  It is blurry in the packet.  2) When is the WWTP due to be expanded?  3) What portions of Lions Park will be demolished from the expansion?  4) What is the dollar amount of enhancements/projects that will be lost from the WWTP expansion if this plan is approved and executed?  The answers to these questions would certainly help me get a better read on this situation.

 

12 - Consider passing a resolution accepting the terms of the SWAT Night Vision Enhancement, Homeland Security Grant Program.  The terms of the program are not included in the packet, that I could find.

13 - Consider a contract award for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) services for Sipes Instrumentation and Electric Services.  The SCADA system helps monitor and regulate the City's Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection System.  There were two bids received and Sipes was deemed the best provider of these services based on the City's needs (and also low bidder).  This service contract is a 3 year agreement in the amount of $213, 055 with 2 one-year renewal options at the City's sole discretion.  This service is an annually budgeted expense within the departments O&M budget and staff will continue to do so in future years to maintain this service contract.

This is a relatively short meeting agenda and you are welcome to attend in person.  This meeting is also live-streamed at the following link: https://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php

 

 

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Tuesday, June 21, 2022                 *** IMPORTANT ***

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6:30 PM - CPAC - Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee Meeting

Council Chamber, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda Packet:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/175683/6-21-22_CPAC_Agenda_Packet.pdf

 

3 - Discuss and give input on the recommended land use and growth management strategy for the Comprehensive Plan presented by the consultant team. 

 

    I believe that this is the presentation for Tuesday evening; however, it may be one of the, if not the last chance, to provide input in this project which will shape Waxahachie: wax_cpac_flattened

 

Current Phase

February 2022 - February 2023

PRIORITIZE, FINALIZE, ADOPT & IMPLEMENT

• Implementation Program Development
• Draft Final Plan
• Final Plan & Implementation Program
• Adoption Process

 

         

    ***  This is in the final phases of the project and is a great way to have input on what happens in your city! This meeting is open to the public so please attend, if possible.  It is not live-streamed, to my knowledge. *** 

To review the information presented, timeline and ways to provide input (if they're still taking it) please click here to access the site designed just for this comprehensive plan process: 2022 Comprehensive Plan Website

 

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Saturday, June 25, 2022

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This is a great opportunity to get involved and show some pride in our wonderful city!

 

8 AM - 12 PM - Keep Waxahachie Beautiful Clean Up Day

 

Keep Waxahachie Beautiful is hosting a Litter Clean Up Day on Adopt-a-Highway June 25th from 8am – 12pm! 

 

Meet up location will be at Eddie Finley Jr High School parking lot at 8am. The Keep Waxahachie Beautiful Committee will have supplies for volunteers.

 

For more information, please contact the Parks Department at 469.309.4270

 

I was at the last cleanup, but won't be able to make it this time.  The city is always in need of volunteers for this event! 

 

** Please come out if you can - even if it isn't for the whole time! **

 

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I know this was long, but I appreciate you taking the time to read through everything.   Please stay safe in this heat and have a wonderful week ahead!

Your Friendly Neighbor,

Melissa Olson

(text) 817-507-5162

olsonfortexas@gmail.com

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

        

        

    

The Week of June 13, 2022 in the City of Waxahachie

 

 

Hello Neighbors!

 

    First things first!  PLEASE stay safe during these super hot days of summer.  Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen if you don't take extra precautions. The city did a great post comparing the two on the city's Facebook page.  Here's a link to that post: https://www.facebook.com/CityOfWaxahachie/posts/pfbid02yAonVnuTKrT3Ke5zWGobymY2h81w16f3eKZHfZxJsFRYFNFPAHXsgHeQpjf921oJl

    Also, we have a RUNOFF ELECTION for Waxahachie City Council, Place 2 CURRENTLY in the early voting phase.  MONDAY (06/13/22)  & TUESDAY (06/14/22) are the LAST TWO DAYS of early voting.  Polls will be open from 7a - 7p at the Elections Office located at 204 E. Jefferson St., Waxahachie, TX 75165.

    Election Day for this runoff will be one week from today - Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 7a - 7p and the only Waxahachie voting location on Election Day is Farley Street Baptist Church (Gym) at 1116 Brown St., Waxahachie, TX 75165.

    This information and more can be found on Ellis County Election's website: http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/629/Upcoming-Elections

   **** Currently - 284 people (and Waxahachie is now estimated to have a population of 40,000+ now) have voted in-person at the Elections Office - half the number who have voted in-person at the Midlothian Conference Center (presumably for their runoff election) and a fraction of the people who live in Waxahachie.  EVERY SINGLE VOTE MATTERS!!!   Please make the time to get this done.  ****

    Our family supports Doug Barnes and hope you will too! 

 

As always, please feel free to check back on the city's online calendar to see if more meetings are posted after this newsletter goes out.  You can do so at this link: https://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

 

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Monday, June 13, 2022

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8:30 AM - FR&R - Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

Waxahachie Fire Station No. 1

407 Water Street

 

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/175231/6-13-22_FR_R_Agenda_Packet.pdf

 

** This is a very full agenda of important items including an executive session at the end.  I will point out just a couple items, but recommend reading the agenda packet for more details. **

 

2 - Public Comments

 

5 - Discuss and consider hiring a new money manager

 

6 - Discuss and consider new Investment Policy Statement

 

7 - Discuss and consider Qualified Domestic Relations Order Policy

 

10 & 11 - Convene into Executive Session and Reconvene and take any necessary action. 

This is a public meeting and you are welcome to attend; however, please note that there is an Executive Session and during that time, only the board members and anyone they have authorized, may be present in the room.  This meeting will not be live-streamed at this time.

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Tuesday, June 14, 2022

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6:30 PM - Planning & Zoning Commission Briefing Session

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

Agenda: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/175304/06-14-2022_PZ_Briefing_Agenda.pdf

Staff and the P&Z Commission will discuss items for the 7:00 P.M. regular meeting.  Residents are welcome to attend this briefing session, but it is not live-streamed at this time.

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7:00 PM - Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting

Council Chamber, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda Packet:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/175303/6-14-22_P_Z_Agenda_Packet.pdf

3 - Public Comments

Everything in this meeting is fairly routine.  There are some ETJ items, an SUP request for an accessory structure and that sort of thing.  I will mention one case though, and it happens to be the last item up for consideration.

*** Given what has happened recently at the FUMC regarding their SUP request for an electronic sign (P&Z approved it and Council denied it because the vote to approve was 3-2 in favor of it... BUT, due to having over 20% opposition on the case, the Council had to have a 4/5 vote to approve it, so the motion to approve failed to pass) I felt it was important to at least bring this next item to your attention. ***

13 & 14 - Continue Public Hearing on a request by Chris Reeves, Quickway Signs, for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for an Electronic Message Sign use located within a Planned Development - Commercial zoning district at 2374 W. US Hwy 287 BYP.  The applicant is requesting to add a 72 sq ft (6' x 12') electronic message sign to an existing pole sign for the Cowboy Baptist Church.

Staff is recommending DENIAL of this SUP due to it being on a pole sign (against regulations, even though the pole sign is already existing... this is not right in my mind... If the city wants to deny someone on a brand NEW pole with electronic message sign, then that's closer to okay; but definitely not when the pole sign already exists and the applicant just wants to add to it.)

You can read more about this case and the others in the agenda packet, linked above.

This is a public meeting and you are welcome to attend, but it will be live-streamed as well at the following link: https://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php

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I hope that everyone has a great rest of your weekend and a wonderful week ahead!

Your Friendly Neighbor,

Melissa Olson

(text) 817-507-5162

olsonfortexas@gmail.com

The Week of June 6, 2022 in the City of Waxahachie

Hello Friends!!

    I hope everyone is doing well!  We have one more election coming up and this is a big one!  Until our city charter gets changed again, our candidates have to go into a runoff election if they don't secure 50%+1 or more of the vote, so any race with 3 or more candidates almost guarantees a runoff.  They are expensive not only to candidates, but to residents as well.  They also contribute to the voter apathy that we have and that in itself, is enough of a reason to me, to get that charter revised!  

     

    At any rate, PLEASE take the one minute (literally) to go vote in this runoff election!  Dates, times and voting locations can be found here: http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/15884/EV-and-EDLocations-Prim-Runoff-2022?bidId=

    

    As previously stated, here is who I will be supporting in this runoff.  I like both of the candidates, so you won't hear me say anything negative about either, but in this case, I am supporting current Mayor Doug Barnes and here's why: 

   

     I had the pleasure of getting to know Doug very well while working together on the City Council. He is wonderful to work with. He is very respectful of everyone, works to create unity among the council, and is 110% committed to this position. He is honest, hard-working and acts with integrity. I know that Doug will always vote his conscience and do what is right for the city of Waxahachie. His commitment and love for this city is evident in everything he does and Waxahachie would be well-served by keeping him on the Council.

     

    The ballot for this election in Waxahachie is literally only for Waxahachie City Council, Place 2, so it won't take any time at all for you to choose your next council member.  PLEASE come out to vote and get your "I Voted" sticker!

 

    There are a few meetings for the week already on the city's calendar but please check back to see if any meetings are added after this newsletter goes out: https://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

 

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Monday, June 6, 2022

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6:00 PM - City Council Briefing Session

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/174896/6-6-22_City_Council_Briefing_Agenda.pdf

The Council briefings are the meat of the information and at this time, they are still not live-streamed, so please 1) contact the Council and request for this to be live-streamed (The room is already fitted to do zoom calls, so the equipment to do this streaming, at least to the city Facebook or YouTube pages, is already in place and could be utilized for FREE.) and 2) please try to attend the briefing session whenever possible. 

 

Contact information for the Council can be found here: https://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/index.php

 

There aren't public comments during the briefing session, but the discussion amongst Council and staff is truly invaluable.

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7:00 PM - City Council Regular Meeting

Council Chamber, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/174897/6-6-22_City_Council_Agenda_Packet.pdf

4 - Public Comments

 

* Please note that all items under #5 are in the Consent Agenda and are considered to be routine by the Council and are usually all approved as one item.  Council members may remove any item for separate discussion; however, this rarely happens.

 

5d - Event application for Juneteenth Musical, Parade and Celebration on June 17-18, 2022

 

5f - Authorize supplemental appropriation funding the runoff election on 6/18/22 in the amount of $13,910

 

5g - Resolution to suspend the effective date of a rate increase request by Oncor

 

 5h - Set City Council meeting for Tuesday, July 5, 2022 due to the July 4th holiday on the regular meeting day.

 

6 - Present Proclamation proclaiming June 19, 2022 as Juneteenth Day

 

7 - Present Proclamation proclaiming June 4, 2022 - July 4, 2022 as Crape Myrtle Month 

8 - 11: Have requested continuance to a later meeting.  Details are in the agenda packet linked above.

** 12 & 13 - Electronic message sign use for First United Methodist Church at 505 W. Marvin Ave.  This case has created a lot of opposition and buzz in the community. A total of 41% of the property owners WITHIN 200' of the proposed SUP have submitted letters of opposition.  That is practically unheard of to have that much opposition to a project. Due to this level of opposition, per Section 2.04 (h)(v)(1) of the Zoning Ordinance, it will take 4 members of the Council to vote in favor of this for it to be approved. (It only has to be 20% opposition within 200' for this rule to come into effect.)  Staff is also recommending denial.

**** 16 - Consider and take action on a resolution directing publication of

notice of intention to issue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2022; directing the preparation of a preliminary official statement and related materials; and providing an effective date.  This is the first step to the city issuing debt.  Unlike the WISD who takes matters to be voted on by the residents, the city chooses to do Certificates of Obligation where the citizens don't vote on it.  I have been trying for years to get these taken to the citizens because this debt IS BACKED BY PROPERTY TAXES.  That being said, I do support all of the items listed on the sheet except for 2 million for park improvements/ boat dock park.  I think that these kind of park projects would be a great candidate for sales tax revenue uses (projects by the WCDC).  The total bond package is set at $20,931,000  I do think that residents should have the right to vote on this (the May election would've been a great time for that).

 

** I am assuming at this time that our current I&S rate is sufficient to cover this proposed new debt, but plan on asking staff about that on Monday.

17 - Consider Supplemental Appropriation of $15,222 to fund cemetery gravestone repairs.  This is still funding necessary for the vandalism that was discovered in our cemetery on February 28, 2022.  The cemetery fund balance for FY22 has sufficient capacity to fund this supplemental appropriation.

18 - 21: Wastewater and water projects which are pretty routine in nature.

It is a pretty full agenda, but should go fairly quickly, depending on the P&Z cases. I plan to be there and hope that you can go as well, but if not, it will be live-streamed at the following link: https://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php

 

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Thursday, June 9, 2022

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4:00 PM - Mid-Way Airport Board Regular Meeting

Upstairs Common Area of Mid-Way Regional Airport

131 Airport Drive, Midlothian, TX

 

Agenda:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/174835/6-9-22_Mid-Way_Airport_Board_Agenda.pdf

3 - Public Comments

4 - Consent Agenda

5 - Report on the Pancake Breakfast Fly-In/Drive-In that happened this past weekend

6 - Presentation by the Midlothian Economic Development - I don't know what this is regarding, but it sounds like it is definitely something worth noting and would be interesting to hear.

 

This is a public meeting and you are welcome to attend, but it is not a live-streamed meeting. 

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5:30 PM - Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting

Council Chamber, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/174830/6-9-22_HPC_Agenda_Packet.pdf

2 - Public Comments

4 - Reconsider Certificate of Appropriateness for 211 S. College

5 - Consider concept plan for 105 - 111 S. College ( this sounds really interesting!) 

This meeting is open to the public if you wish to attend.  It is not live-streamed at this time.

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That's all for this week!  I hope that everyone has a great rest of your weekend and a wonderful week ahead!  

Don't forget to go vote!!

Your Friendly Neighbor,

Melissa Olson

(text) 817-507-5162

olsonfortexas@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

The Week of May 30th, 2022 in the City of Waxahachie

 

Hello Friends!

    This one will be quick, but before we get into this week's meeting, I wanted to relay this information from the city's Facebook Page: City offices will be closed Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day. For non-emergency needs during this time, please call the Waxahachie Police Department at 469-309-4400. For emergencies, please dial 911. Have a safe and happy holiday!

 

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Wednesday, June 1, 2022

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12:00 PM - Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda Packet:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/174668/6.1.22_Civil_Service_Commission_Agenda_Packet.pdf

 

5a - Waxahachie Fire Rescue - Action item: Consider approval for an entry Fire written examination and physical ability test to be held on July 9, 2022

 

6a - Waxahachie Police - Action item: Consider approval for an entry Police written examination and physical ability test to be held on June 25, 2022.

This is a public meeting and you are welcome to attend, but this meeting will not be live-streamed.

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Please refer back to the city's website calendar to see if any new meetings are added after this newsletter goes out. The link for that is: https://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

 

I hope that everyone has a fantastic weekend and a wonderful week ahead!

Your Friendly Neighbor,

Melissa Olson

(text) 817-507-5162

olsonfortexas@gmail.com

The Week of May 23, 2022 in the City of Waxahachie

 

Hello Friends!

    Here are a couple of items I wanted to mention before getting into next week's meetings:

    1.)  Tuesday, May 24, 2022 from 7a - 7p is Election Day for the Republican and Democratic Party Primary Runoffs.  There are only 3 voting locations in Waxahachie (although you can vote anywhere in Ellis County)

 

            A - Farley Street Baptist Church (Gym): 1116 Brown St.

            B - First United Methodist Church (Fidelis Hall): 505 W. Marvin

            C - Park Meadows Baptist Church (Foyer): 3350 N. Hwy 77

    

     So far, only 2.82% have voted during Early Voting.  Here's the link to view the Daily Report for Early Voting: http://www.co.ellis.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/15958/PrimaryRunoffDailyReport?bidId= 

     

    Republican Party Primary Runoff Election generic sample ballot: _220524_REP SampleBallotGeneric.xlsx (ellis.tx.us) 

 

     Democratic Party Primary Runoff Election generic sample ballot: _220524_REP SampleBallotGeneric.xlsx (ellis.tx.us)

 

    Any additional information on this election can be found on the Ellis County Elections website under upcoming elections: Upcoming Elections | Ellis County, TX Official Website 

 

    2.) Please mark your calendars for the City of Waxahachie RUNOFF Election on Saturday, June 18, 2022.  More information to come on this at a later date, once information is updated on the Ellis County Elections website.

    3.)  From the City of Waxahachie's Facebook page regarding upcoming construction in Gingerbread Village:

 

Starting MONDAY MAY 23, Andale Construction will begin making asphalt road repair in the Gingerbread Village subdivision off of Brown St/US287.

As result, the streets listed will be restricted:

• Audra Avenue from Brown St/US287 to cul-de-sac

• Etta Avenue from Brown St/US287 to cul-de-sac

• Myrtle Avenue from Brown St/US287 to cul-de-sac

• Modene Avenue from Marian Avenue to End

• Morene Avenue from End to End

• Annette Lane from Audra Ave. to Morene Ave.

• Mary Avenue from Etta Ave. to Morene Ave.

• Marian Street from Brown St/US287 to Modene Ave.

Please note that the order in which the streets will be executed is up to contractor and can be followed via their website at www.HA5info.com. Please expect delays and/or find alternate routes. Please contact us with any questions or concerns at 469-309-4300 or email us at publicworks@waxahachie.com.

 

    4.)  Please check back on the City's calendar to see if any other meetings have been added after this newsletter goes out! You can do so here: https://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

 

So for this upcoming week, Tuesday is the day to be at City Hall! 

 

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Tuesday, May 24, 2022

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11:00 AM - City Council SPECIAL MEETING

Council Chamber, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/174104/5-24-22_CC_Special_Meeting_Agenda.pdf

 

3 - Public Comments

 

4 - Convene into Executive Session to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of Municipal Court Associate Judge as permitted by Texas Government Code, Section 551.074.

 

As you might recall, the Council just recently had a special meeting regarding this/similar issue on May 9, 2022 and here are the minutes from that meeting which show what actions were taken after a fairly lengthy (almost an hour) Executive Session: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/minutes_file/171302/CCM20220509S.pdf

 

5 - Reconvene and take any necessary action.

This meeting will be live-streamed; however, most of the discussion will be done in Executive Session which will NOT be live-streamed.  Once Council reconvenes to the Chamber after Executive Session, they may or may not take action, at which point the live-stream should be up again.  You can access the live-stream at this link during the meeting: https://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php  Also, as this is a public meeting, you are welcome to attend.

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5:30 PM - IFCIAC: Impact Fee Capital Improvement Advisory Committee Regular Meeting

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/174187/5-24-22_IFCIAC_Agenda_Packet.pdf

 

3 - Public Comments

 

5 - Hear and accept the April 2022 Mid-Year Impact Fee Report.  Impact fees are authorized under Chapter 395 of the TX LGC (Texas Local Government Code) and empower municipalities to levy a charge or assessment against a new development in order to recoup the costs of capital improvements or facility expansions attributed to the new development.

The agenda packet linked above has some fantastic information regarding major infrastructure projects throughout the city.  Infrastructure demands are usually a concern for residents, so I would highly encourage all to read the report in the agenda packet regarding these projects.

This is a public meeting and you are welcome to attend, but it is not live-streamed at this time.

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6:00 PM - Planning and Zoning Commission Briefing Session

Council Conference Room, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/174212/5-24-22_P_Z_Briefing_Agenda.pdf

 

This briefing is being conducted to discuss items for the 7:00 PM regular P&Z meeting.  

 

The briefing session is the meat and potatoes of the P&Z information and that is a great meeting to attend if you are able to.  Unfortunately, it is not currently live-streamed.  

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7:00 PM - Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting

Council Chamber, City Hall

401 S. Rogers St.

 

Agenda Packet:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/174214/5-24-22_P_Z_Agenda_Packet.pdf

     

Here are a couple of cases that you might find interesting.  Hold on to your hats, though! This is a night of denials (thought not ALL are denied).  I don't think I've seen so many on one agenda before.

 

9 & 10 - This one is particularly interesting because you don't normally have much discourse on small monument sign, but this one has a lot of opposition.  It is a Public Hearing on a request for Specific Use Permit (SUP) for an Electronic Message Sign within a Single Family-2 (SF-2) zoning district located at 505 W. Marvin Avenue (First United Methodist Church).  The applicant is requesting to relocated an existing ground monument sign 50' south of the existing location.  The applicant is also requesting to add a 16 sq ft (2' x 8') electronic message sign to the design of the new sign at FUMC.

 

This case may sound familiar as the applicant submitted an SUP application back in October of 2021, but due to the overwhelming opposition at that time (11 letters of opposition and 1 of support) and the staff recommendation for denial, the applicant withdrew the application prior to the P&Z hearing.

 

Now to this application and public hearing: While it appears the applicant's sign will be meeting the City's regulations for signs, staff has some concerns especially with regard the the proposed electronic sign being located in an area with multiple historic structures.  In addition, staff as received 13 letters of opposition and 2 letters of support within the 200' Notification Buffer. (Note: 2 of the opposition letters were provided by the same property owner.) Furthermore, staff has received 3 letters of opposition and 3 letters of support for the proposed use outside of the 200' Notification Buffer.

 

Staff is recommending denial of this SUP.  You can read even more details in the agenda packet above.

 

11 & 12 - Public Hearing on a request by Tim Jackson for a Zoning Change from an SF-2 zoning district to a PD-SF-2 zoning district located at 800 Sycamore St. The applicant is requesting a zoning change to allow an existing accessory structure 800 Sycamore St. to be used as a rental dwelling unit.  Staff has received 6 letters of opposition to the proposed zoning change.  Due to staff concerns including multiple safety issues and the possible negative effect on neighborhood character, staff is recommending denial of this case.

 

13 & 14 - Public Hearing on a request for SUP for Electronic Message Sign use within a Planned Development located at 2374 W. US Hwy 287 BYP, Cowboy Church. Staff is also recommending denial on this one, but it appears the concerns are mostly aesthetic in nature.  The staff report mentions the proximity to residential uses due to Montclair Heights subdivision which was recently approved, but I really think that's a stretch since not only is Montclair Heights a distance in excess of 400' from the sign, but it's still just dirt.  This is not the same situation as the electronic sign request for FUMC because the surrounding neighborhoods are entirely different. *** I think that Waxahachie needs to be very careful of how closely they are regulating everything and the reasons why they are choosing to regulate things in this manner.  I get the idea behind trying to regulate aesthetics in the city, but at the same time, when is the city stomping on property rights?  I think this might be one of those. ***

 

15 & 16 - Request for a Zoning Change from (Multi-Family) MF-2 to a PD-MF-2 located Southwest of John Arden Drive along Alliance Blvd.  The purpose of this request is for a zoning change from a zoning district for residents ages 55 years and older to a Planned Development Multi-Family-2 zoning district which would allow residents of all age groups.  On December 17, 2018, City Council approved Ordinance # 3073 for ZC-18-0192, resulting in the current zoning of a Planned Development MF-2 which allowed for multiple-family use for those aged 55+.  The applicant as committed to leasing 20% of total units to people aged 55+ during the initial lease-up, but is unable to commit to that percentage in perpetuity after the development has stabilized.  Due to the 2018 approval of the prior PD Ordinance, and the increase of multi-family projects proposed within the city, staff believes it is necessary to have the age restriction and recommends denial of this case. 

 

I agree with this call by the city staff because one thing the city has to take into consideration, especially with multi-family uses, is the impact on WISD.  How many new students will each multi-family development add to an already strained system?  Doing the 55+ multi-family pretty much eliminates any stress to WISD and also serves as a place which is hopefully more affordable for our seniors who are looking to downsize from their current houses.

This is a public meeting and you are welcome to attend.  The meeting will also be live-streamed starting at 7:00 PM at the following link: https://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php

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Whew!  I have the feeling I've left something out, but I can't think of it.  lol  

 

I hope everyone has a FANTASTIC weekend and a wonderful week ahead!

 

Your Friendly Neighbor,

 

Melissa Olson

olsonfortexas@gmail.com

(text) 817-507-5162