Agenda

AGENDA

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
City of Garland

REMOTE MEETING

Monday, April 19, 2021
6:00 p.m.

DEFINITIONS:

Written Briefing: Items that generally do not require a presentation or discussion by the staff or Council. On these items the staff is seeking direction from the Council or providing information in a written format.

Verbal Briefing: These items do not require written background information or are an update on items previously discussed by the Council.

NOTICE: Due to the COVID-19 emergency, and pursuant to Section 551.125 of the Texas Government Code and the executive orders of Governor Greg Abbott suspending provisions of the Texas Government Code and other applicable laws of the State regarding normal open meetings, the City Council will hold this meeting by internet/telephonic remote means.

The meeting will be broadcast by webinar or telephone at the following URL:

https://garlandtx.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7i2bf2hvRbmNuIE8P6dbKQ

Registration for the online meeting is required. The meeting will be recorded and will be available for viewing the next day at www.garlandtx.gov.

For those without internet access to the meeting, a dial-in option is available. The numbers are:

346-248-7799
470-250-9358
470-381-2552

The Meeting ID is: 919 9582 2210

For participants (online and by phone) who wish to speak, a public comments period is provided as the first item on the agenda. If you desire to address the City Council on a matter that is posted on this agenda, please be prepared to do so at the beginning of the meeting. After the City Council has begun its discussion of the agenda, you will not be recognized to speak. The public comments portion of the meeting is provided for citizen comments. You are invited to offer a comment or make a statement on any item on the agenda. However, please bear in mind that offering comments should not be done in the form of posing questions. Generally, due to legal restrictions, the City Council is not able to answer questions during the public comments portion of the agenda. Your comments must relate to an item on this agenda - non-germane comments are not in order.

If an Executive Session is included as part of the agenda for this meeting, the Executive Session will be conducted by teleconference between and among the members of the City Council and relevant City staff. Public access to that call is prohibited by State law.

COUNCIL HOUSE RULES

1. Decisions based on issues, goals and vision.	9. Follow goals, principles and action agenda.
2. Do not take things personal.	10. Decide, vote and move on.
3. Project a positive attitude.	11. Avoid ambushes - Council or staff.
4. Focus on issues, not on the person.	12. Talk to staff before meetings.
5. Be prepared to discuss issues.	13. Vote our convictions, but be willing to compromise "What is best for Garland."
6. Maintain decorum.	14. Follow Roberts Rules of Order consistently.
7. Keep your sense of humor.	15. Agree to disagree.
8. Honor and respect each other; accept each other as individuals.	16. Be open and honest.

NOTICE: The City Council may recess from the open session and convene in a closed executive session if the discussion of any of the listed agenda items concerns one or more of the following matters:

(1) Pending/contemplated litigation, settlement offer(s), and matters concerning privileged and unprivileged client information deemed confidential by Rule 1.05 of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Sec. 551.071, Tex. Gov't Code.

(2) The purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, if the deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City in negotiations with a third person. Sec. 551.072, Tex. Gov't Code.

(3) A contract for a prospective gift or donation to the City, if the deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City in negotiations with a third person. Sec. 551.073, Tex. Gov't Code.

(4) Personnel matters involving the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee or to hear a complaint against an officer or employee. Sec. 551.074, Tex. Gov't Code.

(5) The deployment, or specific occasions for implementation of security personnel or devices. Sec. 551.076, Tex. Gov't Code.

(6) Discussions or deliberations regarding commercial or financial information that the City has received from a business prospect that the City seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the City and with which the City is conducting economic development negotiations; or to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect of the sort described in this provision. Sec. 551.087, Tex. Gov't Code.

(7) Discussions, deliberations, votes, or other final action on matters related to the City’s competitive activity, including information that would, if disclosed, give advantage to competitors or prospective competitors and is reasonably related to one or more of the following categories of information:

generation unit specific and portfolio fixed and variable costs, including forecasts of those costs, capital improvement plans for generation units, and generation unit operating characteristics and outage scheduling;
bidding and pricing information for purchased power, generation and fuel, and Electric Reliability Council of Texas bids, prices, offers, and related services and strategies;
effective fuel and purchased power agreements and fuel transportation arrangements and contracts;
risk management information, contracts, and strategies, including fuel hedging and storage;
plans, studies, proposals, and analyses for system improvements, additions, or sales, other than transmission and distribution system improvements inside the service area for which the public power utility is the sole certificated retail provider; and
customer billing, contract, and usage information, electric power pricing information, system load characteristics, and electric power marketing analyses and strategies. Sec. 551.086; Tex. Gov't Code; Sec. 552.133, Tex. Gov’t Code]


1.		Public Comments on Work Session Items Persons who desire to address the City Council on any item on the Work Session agenda are allowed three minutes to speak. Speakers are taken only at the beginning of the meeting, other than invited testimony. Speakers are grouped by Work Session item and will be taken in the order of the Work Session agenda. Speakers must submit to the City Secretary a completed speaker’s card before the beginning of the meeting. Speaker cards will not be accepted after the Mayor calls the meeting to order. Speaker cards are available in the lobby, at the visitor’s side of the Work Session Room, and from members of staff. Speakers are limited to addressing items on the Work Session agenda – any item relating to a Regular Session agenda item should be addressed at the Regular Session and any item not on an agenda may be addressed during the open microphone at the end of the Regular Session.

2.		Consider the Consent Agenda A member of the City Council may ask for discussion or further information on an item posted as a consent agenda item on the next Regular Meeting of the City Council. The Council Member may also ask that an item on the posted consent agenda be pulled from the consent agenda and considered for a vote separate from consent agenda items on the regular agenda. All discussions or deliberations on this portion of the work session agenda are limited to posted agenda items and may not include a new or unposted subject matter.

3.		Written Briefings:

	a.	Partnership Agreement between the Garland Housing Finance Corporation (GHFC) and the City of Garland to Administer Donated GHFC Funding Council is requested to approve the execution of a Partnership Agreement with the GHFC to make available up to $500,000 in GHFC Program funding for emergency home repairs, minor repairs, substantial repairs and exterior repairs as defined in the program. This item is scheduled for formal consideration at the April 20, 2021 Regular Meeting.

	b.	Use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding for the Demolition of 1922 Castle Drive Council is requested to approve the execution of an agreement with the Garland Housing Finance Corporation that provides $211,000 in CDBG funding for demolition of 1922 Castle Drive. This item is scheduled for formal consideration at the April 20, 2021 Regular Meeting.

	c.	Easements Related to Hinton Landfill Gas-To-Energy Project Council is requested to approve two easements to Oncor Energy for the Hinton Landfill Gas-To-Energy Project. This item is scheduled for formal consideration at the April 20, 2021 Regular Meeting.

	d.	2020-21 Budget Amendment No. 3 Council is requested to approve Budget Amendment No. 3 to appropriate $15,000 for 300 doses of Narcan Nasal Spray for police officers. The funds would come from the Narcotic Seizure Fund. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the May 4, 2021 Regular Meeting.

	e.	Administrative Service Committee Pending Items Report At the November 30th, 2020 Work Session, Council Member Rich Aubin requested that the Administrative Service Committee (ASC) consider drafting a pending item report to provide periodic updates to Council on what items are in committee, how the items were referred to the committee and the status of those items in committee.

4.		Verbal Briefings:

	a.	DART Presentation on the Redesign of the Bus Network DART staff will update Council on the proposed redesign of the Transportation Agency's Bus Network.

	b.	COVID-19 Response Update and Further Actions Staff will provide an update to Council and ask for Council direction, if needed, on various matters related to COVID-19 and actions being taken by the City. Vaccination Update Senior Centers

	c.	2019 Bond Program - Status Update Staff will brief Council on progress to date in implementing the 2019 Bond Program.

	d.	2021-2022 Discussion of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Federal Grant Allocations Staff is requesting Council direction for the allocation of CDBG, HOME and ESG funding. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the May 4, 2021 Regular Meeting.

	e.	Consideration of the Fall 2020 Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant Application from The Trails Recreation Club (District 4) Council is requested to approve or deny approval of the Trails Recreation Club application for participation in the Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant program. Council is also being asked to provide policy direction to staff regarding future applications that are similarly limited access to the public.

	f.	Windsurf Bay Park At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Nickerson and Mayor Scott LeMay, Council is requested to discuss the possible reopening of Windsurf Bay Park.

	g.	Backup Generators for Power Outages At the request of Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Deborah Morris and Mayor Scott LeMay, Council is being asked to consider expanding GP&L's Energysaver Rebate Program to include portable standby generators.

5.		Announce Future Agenda Items A member of the City Council, with a second by another member, or the Mayor alone, may ask that an item be placed on a future agenda of the City Council or a committee of the City Council. No substantive discussion of that item will take place at this time.

GARLAND
POLICY REPORT


City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 3.a.
Meeting Date:	04/19/2021
Item Title:	Partnership Agreement between Garland Housing Finance Corporation (GHFC) and City of Garland to Administer Donated GHFC Funding
Submitted By:	Mona Woodard, Neighborhood Services Administrator
Strategic Focus Areas:	Safe Community Vibrant Neighborhoods and Commercial Centers

ISSUE
The Garland Housing Finance Corporation (GHFC) is prepared to make $500,000 available for programs that benefit homeowners in the city of Garland and is seeking Council approval for the City Manager to enter into a Partnership Agreement to administer new GHFC grant programs. This item is scheduled for formal consideration at the April 20, 2021 Regular Meeting.
OPTIONS
Approve the execution of a Partnership Agreement with GHFC to make available up to $500,000 in GHFC Program funding. Deny the execution of a Partnership Agreement with GHFC to make available up to $500,000 in GHFC Program funding.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the execution of the Partnership Agreement with GHFC for new program funding.
BACKGROUND
The Garland Housing Finance Corporation was created to provide quality affordable housing for the residents of Garland. Its mission is to provide that housing through down payment and closing cost assistance, neighborhood awards, affordable senior and multifamily housing, issuance of bonds, and direct ownership opportunities. In February of 2021, the GHFC made available $50,000 in emergency repair dollars to assist income-eligible Garland residents with funding to recover from damage to property due to the winter storm. The Housing and Community Services Department had identified income-eligible clients that requested assistance but were not qualified for CDBG funding. Similar needs exist for Garland residents beyond impacts caused by the winter weather event. The GHFC has agreed to provide funding under the following categories: 1. Emergency Minor Repair (Storm Damage) $50,000 2. Minor Repair Partnership Program $200,000 3. Substantial Repair Partnership Program $200,000 4. Exterior Repair Partnership Program $50,000
CONSIDERATION
The funding will be used to fill "gaps in services" that traditional CDBG or HOME Federal grant funding would not cover. The Programs are targeted to reach low-income, elderly or veteran households in Garland. The GHFC will work and coordinate with the Neighborhood Vitality and Housing and Community Services departments to administer the programs. Code Compliance and Planning departments will also support this effort.

Attachments
GHFC Partnerhship Agreement

GARLAND
POLICY REPORT


City Council Work Session Agenda		Work Session Item 3.b.
Meeting Date:	04/19/2021
Item Title:	Use of CDBG Funding for the Demolition of 1922 Castle Drive
Submitted By:	Mona Woodard, Neighborhood Services Administrator
Strategic Focus Areas:	Safe Community Vibrant Neighborhoods and Commercial Centers

ISSUE
The Housing and Community Services Department, working in partnership with Garland Housing Finance Corporation (GHFC) is seeking Council's approval to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Garland Housing Finance Corporation to provide Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding in the amount of $211,000 for the demolition of a blighted, abandoned structure located at 1922 Castle Drive. This item is scheduled for formal consideration at the April 20, 2021 Regular Meeting.
OPTIONS
Approve the execution of an Agreement with GHFC that provides $211,000 in CDBG funding for demolition of 1922 Castle Dr. Deny the execution of an Agreement with GHFC that provides $211,000 in CDBG funding for demolition of 1922 Castle Dr.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the execution of an Agreement with the GHFC for the demolition of 1922 Castle Dr. using $211,000 in CDBG funding.
BACKGROUND
The immediate goal is to demolish an abandoned former nursing home facility with the long term plan of providing affordable senior housing for Garland's senior population. Demolition of this structure will remove neighborhood blight and be the catalyst for new construction needed in the neighborhood. The GHFC will work and coordinate with the Housing and Community Services Department to carry out the project. Funding will be used for asbestos remediation as well as demolition. The facility has not been in use since 2008.
CONSIDERATION
HUD recently performed a reconciliation audit to close out all unspent funds from program years 2003 to 2014. HUD is offering jurisdictions a one-time opportunity to consolidate remaining funds from prior program years, with the stipulation that they be spent by September 12, 2021. HCS has identified the demolition of the Castle Drive property as an eligible, shovel-ready project. There is an urgency to execute a contract between the GHFC and the Demolition Contractor prior to the end of the Garland Independent School District calendar year. This is to avoid any delays and interruption of services because of demolition contractor's previous obligations with the school District.

Attachments
GHFC Partnership Agreement
1922 Castle Map
Property Information


6.					Council will move into Executive Session

					EXECUTIVE SESSION AGENDA NOTICE: The City Council may recess from the open session and convene in a closed executive session if the discussion of any of the listed agenda items concerns one or more of the following matters:



					The City Council will adjourn into executive session pursuant to Sections 551.071, 551.086, 551.087 and 551.072 of the Texas Government Code regarding: Attorney-client communications and competitive matters to consider a report from the Legislative Affairs Committee concerning the legal and other effects of proposed legislation impacting the operations of Garland Power and Light; and The purchase, exchange, lease or value of tracts of real property located in (a) the downtown area and (b) in the vicinity of East Miller Road between South Garland Avenue and South Shiloh Road.

7.					Adjourn