08.12.2024 TC MinutesTown of Trophy Club Town Council Meeting Minutes
August 12, 2024, 5.00 p.m., Work Session and Regular Meeting
1 Trophy Wood Drive, Trophy Club, Texas 76262
CALL WORK SESSION TO ORDER
Mayor Tiffany called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
Jeannette Tiffany, Mayor
Steve Flynn, Mayor Pro Tem
Stacey Bauer, Council Member Place 1
Jeff Beach, Council Member Place 2
Dennis Sheridan, Council Member Place 3
Rhylan Rowe, Council Member Place 4 (arrived at 5.03 p.m.)
LuAnne Oldham, Council Member Place 5
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Brandon Wright, Town Manager
Tammy Dixon, Town Secretary
Alicia Kreh, Town Attorney's Office
Jason Wise, Fire Chief
Patrick Arata, Chief of Police
April Duvall, Director of Finance
Matt Cox, Director of Community Development
Denise Deprato, Director of Human Resources
Chase Ellis, Director of Parks and Recreation
Jill Lind, Director of Communications and Marketing
Tamara Smith, Assistant to the Town Manager
WORK SESSION ITEM
1. Presentation and discussion of the FY 2025 Proposed Budget. (Brandon Wright,
Town Manager)
Town Manager Wright gave a presentation on the FY 2025 Proposed Budget
highlighting and noting the following, and also answered questions from the Town
Council:
• Capital Improvement Plan
• Senate Bill 2 Overview
• Homestead Exemption
• Property Tax Rates (M&O and I&S)
• Proposed Debt Schedule
• Certified Taxable Values
• Tax Rate History
• Financial Reserves Policy and Anticipated Reserve Level
Town Council Meeting Minutes — August 12, 2024
Page 2
• Revenue History
• Public Safety Overtime
• Overtime History by Department
• Expense History
• Personnel Percent of Overall Budget by Department
• Personnel Costs by Department
• Revenue and Expense History for the following funds:
o Trophy Club Park
o Crime Control and Prevention District
o Street Maintenance Fund
o Storm Drainage
o Court Technology/Security
o Economic Development
o Hotel Occupancy Tax
o Recreation Program
o Park Land Dedication
o TIRZ
o Debt Service
• Major Budget Changes:
o Personnel: 3% COLA and up to 2% Merit based on performance. 50% of
Rec Coordinator & Rec Superintendent funded from HOT, also
Communications & Marketing employees. 1 seasonal Crossing Guard
added to PD for traffic control. 1 part time parks staff member added.
o Community Pool: Separated from Recreation as its own department to
better track expenses.
HOT: "Taste of TC" and "Christmas in the Park" funding moved from
General Fund to HOT Fund.
o Parks & Rec: Parks Master Plan allocated in Parks general fund budget $
2503000.
o Fire/EMS — Replacement of 1 vehicle
o Community Development — Replacement of 1 vehicle
o Police Department — Replacement of 3 vehicles (2 funded by CCPD and 1
funded by PD Equipment Replacement Fund), SWAT vehicle 1/5 of the cost
of the shared asset.
The session concluded with commendations for the improved efficiency of the
budget process and the strategic approach to long-term financial planning.
ADJOURN
Mayor Tiffany adjourned the work session at 6.44 p.m.
Town Council Meeting Minutes — August 12, 2024
Page 3
CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Tiffany called the regular meeting to order at 7.00 p.m.
INVOCATION
Pastor Joel Quile, Bara Church, led the invocation.
PLEDGES
Flags.
Council Member Rowe led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American and Texas
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
2. Proclamation - Honoring Our Wounded Military, Inc.
Mayor Tiffany recognized John Bowman, Robert Ulses, Bruce Gill, and Mick
Martin, representing Honoring Our Wounded Military, Inc. She read the proclamation
aloud and presented it to them.
3. Receive Annual Update from Metroport Chamber (Sally Aldridge, President &
CEO)
Mayor Tiffany introduced Sally Aldridge, President & CEO of Metroport Chamber
and resident of Trophy Club.
Ms. Aldridge gave a presentation on the State of the Chamber for calendar year
2024.
4. Working for You ... Trophy Club
a) Update from Town Council Members
Council Member Sheridan emphasized the importance of public participation in
meetings without requiring forms in advance. He expressed support for allowing anyone
to speak on specific agenda items during meetings and thanked the staff for creating a
script for board and commission training to encourage public input.
Mayor Pro Tem Flynn remarked that when board and commission members attend
council meetings to provide input on their board recommendations to council on a topic,
their presence is both highly impactful and helpful.
Town Council Meeting Minutes — August 12, 2024 Page 4
Mayor Tiffany thanked everyone for their input through various channels, including
surveys, focus groups, and the 'Breakfast with Tiffany' event. She also expressed
appreciation for the board applicants and noted the positive experience with the
application process. She looks forward to welcoming new board members in September
and October.
b) Update from Town Manager
Town Manager Wright provided the following updates:
• Bobcat traffic improvement project, noting that as of July 29th, nearly 600
residents have completed the survey, with a goal to reach 1,000 responses.
The survey is open until the end of the day on Friday, August 16t" and residents
were encouraged to participate.
• Upcoming Boards and Commissions Meetings
o August 19, 2024, 6.00 p.m., Parks and Recreation Board
o August 22, 2024, 5:00 p.m., Economic Development Board
o August 22, 2024, 6.00 p.m., Arts & Culture Ad Hoc Committee
All meetings to be held at Town Hall, and the public is encouraged to attend.
Town Manager Wright reminded everyone that the new school year for Northwest
ISD begins on Wednesday, August 8th, and urged residents to be mindful of increased
traffic and to share the road safely with students and other drivers. He wished everyone
a safe and successful school year.
c) Quick Civic Tip
Mayor Tiffany introduced Alicia Kreh, with the Town Attorney's Office who was
filling in for Town Attorney Roggia who is on vacation.
Ms. Kreh provided an overview of Senate Bill 2 regarding the procedures for Tax
Rate and Budget Adoption.
CONSENT AGENDA
5. Consider approval of the July 22, 2024, Town Council Work Session and Regular
Meeting Minutes. (Tammy Dixon, Town Secretary)
6. Consider authorizing the Town Manager to negotiate and execute employee health
and welfare benefits agreements with Blue Cross Blue Shield including medical,
dental, vision, life insurance, and disability insurance. (Denise Deprato, Director of
Human Resources)
7. Consider setting a public hearing for the FY 2025 Proposed Budget on August 26,
2024, at 7.00 pm. (April Duvall, Finance Director)
Town Council Meeting Minutes — August 12, 2024
Page 5
8. Consider a resolution of the Town of Trophy Club, Texas accepting the 2024
appraisal rolls from Denton and Tarrant Counties. (April Duvall, Finance Director)
The caption of the resolution reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF TROPHY CLUB,
TEXAS, ACCEPTING THE 2024 APPRAISAL ROLL; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Council Member Beach moved to approve Consent Items 5-8. Council Member
Bauer seconded the motion.
VOTE ON MOTION
AYES:
Bauer, Beach, Flynn, Tiffany, Sheridan, Rowe, Oldham
NAYES:
None
ABSENT:
None
VOTE:
7-0
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. Conduct a public hearing and consider approval of the FY 2025 Crime Control &
Prevention District Budget. (Patrick Arata, Chief of Police)
Mayor Tiffany opened the public hearing at 7.29 p.m.
Chief Arata gave a presentation on the FY 2025 Crime Control &Prevention
District (CCPD) Budget noting or highlighting the following items answered questions from
the Town Council:
• Proposed budget: $365,000 funded by a 1/4 cent dedicated sales tax.
• Funds various programs, including:
o Citizens on Patrol
o Flock camera system
o Identity theft training
o Home vacation watch program
o School resource officer program
o New home security program
o Budget adjusted to fund two police patrol vehicle replacements. A third
vehicle will be funded by the Police Department Equipment Replacement
Fund.
No one spoke in favor or opposition.
Mayor Tiffany closed the public hearing at 7.34 p.m.
Council Member Sheridan moved to approve the FY 2025 Crime Control &
Prevention District Budget. Council Member Beach seconded the motion.
Town Council Meeting Minutes — August 12, 2024
Page 6
VOTE ON MOTION
AYES:
Bauer, Beach, Flynn, Tiffany, Sheridan, Rowe, Oldham
NAYES:
None
ABSENT:
None
VOTE:
7-0
INDIVIDUAL ITEMS
10. Consider approval of the location of dedicated pickleball courts
Trophy Club and directing staff to initiate the construction desigr
selected location. (Chase Ellis, Parks &Recreation Director)
in the Town of
n phase for the
Director Ellis provided an overview of the pickleball court project. He noted the
project began by gathering and reviewing past designs and community input. In April, the
design architect was retained to assist with public engagement and to oversee the project
through to completion.
Megan Hatcher, Landscape Architect, from McAdams provided a presentation
outlining the design process and community engagement efforts and reviewed the
conceptual designs, which were developed based on feedback from public engagement
events. She presented the three design options, the associated infrastructure needs and
challenges, and the cost estimates for each option.
Dana Kaiser, Park Board Member and Chair of the Park Board subcommittee,
explained the subcommittee's role and process, which included considering public
feedback and previously approved plans which led the subcommittee to recommend
Option #3 to the Park Board.
Jen Kashner, Park Board member, explained the board engaged in thorough
discussions and ultimately recommended Option 1, which includes courts at Harmony
Park and Independence Park West, as the preferred option to spread the benefits of the
project across the community.
Scott Palmer, 40 Cypress Court, expressed his support for Option 3, highlighting
that six dedicated pickleball courts would accommodate different skill levels and allow the
sport to grow.
Jim Thomas, 7 Meadow Brooke Lane, shared his experience playing pickleball at
other facilities, emphasizing the importance of organizing play by skill level. He suggested
consideration in designating specific courts for beginners, intermediates, and advanced
players on different days to ensure a better experience for all participants.
Both Mr. Palmer and Thomas answered questions from the Town Council.
Mayor Tiffany initiated the conversation by emphasizing the importance of
determining the location before addressing budget concerns. Council members engaged
in a detailed discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of court configurations,
Town Council Meeting Minutes — August 12, 2024 Page 7
highlighting the benefits of having more courts to accommodate the growing number of
players.
Council Member Bauer inquired about the impact of having three versus four
courts, and Mr. Palmer explained that more courts would reduce wait times and allow for
more organized play.
Mayor Pro Tem Flynn raised questions about the subcommittee's process and
stressed the importance of considering long-term growth, suggesting that Option 3, which
consolidates all courts in one location, offers better flexibility for future expansion.
Mayor Tiffany expressed support for Option 3, based on the public's input, budget
alignment, and the benefits of concentrated play areas.
Council Member Oldham emphasized the importance of considering the needs of
all demographics, including younger players, and acknowledged concerns about going
against the Park Board's recommendation. She noted that Option 3 was the only one
under budget and that, regardless of the decision, everyone wins because this is more
than what was envisioned. She added that the process and discussion has been equitable
and a good debate.
Council Member Beach suggested modifying Option 1 to consolidate courts at
Harmony Park and improve existing facilities, potentially increasing the number of courts
while remaining cost-effective.
Council Member Sheridan expressed appreciation for the public input received,
noting that during on -site engagement, the majority of participants favored Harmony Park
for the pickleball courts. He stated that many existing facilities are already centralized on
one side of town. He stated that although he doesn't like going against the Park Board's
recommendation, he supports Option 3, which was within budget.
Council Member Rowe highlighted concerns about traffic issues at Independence
West and pointed out that Option 1 location is the only substantial open space left in the
area. He expressed the importance of preserving this space, as it is used by the
community for various activities, including youth sports practices. He reiterated the need
to consider the impact on the community and appreciated the public engagement and
input received on the matter.
Council Member Rowe moved to direct staff to move forward with Option #3.
Council Member Sheridan seconded the motion.
VOTE ON MOTION
AYES:
Flynn, Tiffany, Sheridan, Rowe, Oldham
NAYES:
Bauer, Beach
ABSENT:
None
VOTE:
5-2
Town Council Meeting Minutes — August 12, 2024
Page 8
11. Consider an ordinance of the Town of Trophy Club amending Chapter 2 "Animal
Control," Article 2.02 "Impoundment," Section 2.02.001 "Generally," Subsection (c)
"Disposition of Unclaimed Animals" to provide for forfeiture; and amending
Appendix A "Fee Schedule," Article A1.000 "General Provisions," Section A1.006
"Animal Control," Subsection (a) "Impound Fee," of the Code of Ordinances.
(Patrick Arata, Chief of Police)
Town Secretary Dixon stated staff recommended this item be tabled to a future
date to allow further review by staff.
Council Member Rowe moved to table this item to the August 26, 2024, Town
Council meeting. Council Member Bauer seconded the motion.
VOTE ON MOTION
AYES:
Bauer, Beach, Flynn, Tiffany, Sheridan, Rowe, Oldham
NAYES:
None
ABSENT:
None
VOTE:
7-0
12. Consider adding Veterans Day to the list of Town -recognized holidays for a total
of 12 Town holidays. (Denise Deprato, Director of Human Resources)
Director Deprato presented the request to increase the town's observed holidays
from 11 to 12, adding Veterans Day. She noted this would align with the average holidays
offered by other municipalities.
Councilmember Flynn moved to approve adding Veterans Day to the list of Town -
recognized holidays. Council Member Bauer seconded the motion.
VOTE ON MOTION
AYES:
Bauer, Beach, Flynn, Tiffany, Sheridan, Rowe, Oldham
NAYES:
None
ABSENT:
None
VOTE:
7-0
13. Discuss potential membership changes to the Parks & Recreation Board, Zoning
Board of Adjustment Board, Building Standards Commission, and Tax Increment
Reinvestment Zone Board. (Brandon Wright, Town Manager)
Town Manager Wright provided an overview of the Town Council's Appointments
Committee's efforts to fill several vacancies on various boards and commissions. Staff
explored ways to make the process more efficient, given the challenges of staffing
multiple commissions with sufficient volunteers. The following recommendations were
proposed for consideration:
Town Council Meeting Minutes —August 12, 2024
Page 9
• Parks & Recreation Board Membership Reduction: Reduce the number of
members on the Board from nine to seven, aligning it with other boards in the Town
and making it easier to achieve a quorum.
• Building Standards Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment Membership
Alignment: Align the membership of the Building Standards Commission with that
of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. This would streamline operations, as both
boards have overlapping membership and handle similar cases.
• Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Board and Town Council Membership
Alignment: Recommend that the Town Council serve as the members of the TIRZ
Board. While State law permits this, it conflicts with the Town Charter, which
prohibits Council members from sitting on other boards and commissions.
The consensus of the Town Council was to move forward with the first two
recommendations, while further consideration was needed for the third recommendation
regarding the TIRZ Board.
Mr. Wright advised that staff would prepare ordinances for the first two
recommendations to be considered at the next regular meeting.
14. Consider accepting the submission of the notice of a no -new -revenue tax rate of
$0.395728 per $100 taxable valuation and avoter-approval tax rate of $0.415469
per $100 taxable valuation for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 and
ending September 30, 2025, setting snot -to -exceed ad valorem tax rate of
$0.415469 per $100 taxable valuation (equal to the voter -approval tax rate) for the
fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025, and setting
a tax rate public hearing for Monday, September 9, 2024 at 7:00 pm. (April Duvall,
Finance Director)
Director Duvall presented the proposed not -to -exceed tax rate for fiscal year 2025
and discussed the scheduling of the public hearing for Monday, September 9th, at 7.00
PM, as reviewed during the budget workshop earlier in the evening.
Director Duvall presented the proposed not -to -exceed tax rates for fiscal year 2025
and explained there had been slight adjustments from the original council packet due to
a recent revision by the tax assessor -collector in the calculation of the unused increment
rate, which has impacted the voter -approval tax rate.
The proposed not -to -exceed tax rate is $0.415469 per $100 valuation, consisting
of: M&O rate: $0.316042 and I&S (debt) rate: $0.099427
Council Member Rowe moved to accept the submission of the notice of a no -new -
revenue tax rate of $0.395728 per $100 taxable valuation and avoter-approval tax rate
of $0.415469 per $100 taxable valuation for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024
and ending September 30, 2025, set snot -to -exceed ad valorem tax rate of $0.415469
per $100 taxable valuation (equal to the voter -approval tax rate) for the fiscal year
Town Council Meeting Minutes — August 12, 2024 Page 10
beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025, and set a tax rate public
hearing for Monday, September 9, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Council Member Bauer seconded
the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION
AYES:
Bauer, Beach, Flynn, Tiffany, Sheridan, Rowe, Oldham
NAYES:
None
ABSENT:
None
VOTE:
7-0
15. Consider authorizing the Town Manager to negotiate and execute an amended
interlocal agreement with the City of Roanoke, TX for the administration of
municipal court services on behalf of the Town of Trophy Club. (Brandon Wright,
Town Manager)
Town Manager Wright presented the proposed interlocal agreement with
Roanoke, which operates the Town's Municipal Court and answered questions from the
Town Council.
Council Member Beach moved to authorize the Town Manager to negotiate and
execute an amended interlocal agreement with the City of Roanoke, TX for the
administration of municipal court services on behalf of the Town of Trophy Club. Council
Member Bauer seconded the motion.
VOTE ON MOTION
AYES:
Bauer, Beach, Flynn, Tiffany, Sheridan, Rowe, Oldham
NAYES:
None
ABSENT:
None
VOTE:
7-0
EXECUTIVE SESSION/OPEN SESSION
Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, the Town Council convened into a
Closed Executive Session at 9:04 p.m. and reconvened into Regular Session at 9.37 p.m.
in accordance with the Texas Government Code regarding:
Section 551.074 Personnel Matters to deliberate the appointment, employment,
evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee,
to wit.
1) Town Secretary. No Action Taken.
2) Municipal Judge
Mayor Pro Tem Flynn moved to approve an Ordinance No. 2024-14 providing
for the appointment of the Municipal Court Judge and Alternate Judges effective
October 1, 2024, for the period of two (2) years, with such terms expiring on October 1,
2026: Presiding Judge, Greg Bertrand, Alternate Judge, Alison J. Grant, Alternate
Judge, Gilland Chenault, and Alternate Judge, Warren Bradley
Town Council Meeting Minutes - August 12, 2024
Page 11
Council Member Beach seconded the motion. The caption of the ordinance reads
as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-14
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF TROPHY CLUB, TEXAS PROVIDING FOR THE
APPOINTMENT OF THE MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE AND ALTERNATE JUDGES OF
THE MUNICIPAL COURT OF RECORD IN THE TOWN OF TROPHY CLUB;
PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL
ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
VOTE ON MOTION
AYES:
Bauer, Beach, Flynn, Tiffany, Sheridan, Rowe, Oldham
NAPES:
None
ABSENT:
None
VOTE:
7-0
ADJOUNMENT
Mayor Tiffa d the Town Council eeting at 9:38 p.m.
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Attest:'
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Tammy Dixon, wn e retary