By Saudia Kroviak

The August 16th City Council meeting covered a variety of items including the proposed City of Murphy 2010-2011 fiscal year budget and a proposed tax rate increase. During a public hearing Mr. Roger St. Martin addressed the budget with questions regarding percentage of reserve funds, stating, “You are the citizens’ first line of defense.”  Mr. St. Martin also requested projecting revenues within the 5 year plan.  In addition, Mr. Gus Delaloye commented on the proposed budget. He has been a Murphy resident for over 30 years and asks, “Is the city looking at electric efficiency?”  Mr. Delaloye provided personal examples of how he has managed to cut his own electricity bill in half and recommends the city implement an energy efficiency plan for the municipal complex. Voting will take place Monday, September 20 at 6:00 p.m. for the City of Murphy fiscal year 2010-2011budget and the proposed tax rate of $0.5817 per $100 valuation.

Mayor Baldwin opened a public hearing with no comments submitted regarding consideration and/or act upon approval of an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Article II of the City of Murphy Code of Ordinances, regarding regulations pertaining to sexually oriented businesses. The hearing was closed with a motion to reconsider on the September 7th Council Meeting. 

Council reviewed the 2010 Park and 4B projects with no action on this item and will submit their comments and priorities for the Park and 4B Board to consider at a future date.

Councilmember Daniel moved to approve an ordinance extending the hours of sale for alcoholic beverages to 2 a.m. Councilmember Halbert seconded the motion. A vote was taken and passed, 4-3 with Mayor Baldwin, Council member Richmond, and Councilmember Brandon voting in opposition. 

Other items passed during the August 16th meeting include authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract not to exceed $475,000 to J & K Excavation for repairs to the Windy Hill Farms Lift Station. Councilmember Bradley moved to approve as presented. Councilmember Daniel seconded the motion and it passed 6-1 with Councilmember Halbert voting in opposition.   Councilmember Daugherty moved to approve a resolution designating the Murphy Monitor as the official newspaper with the Dallas Morning News as secondary. Councilmember Richmond seconded the motion, passing 7-0.  Councilmember Bradley moved to approve an ordinance ordering a Special Election to be held on November 2, 2010 to amend the City Charter with Sections 5, 6, and 7 of the ordinance to be amended with polling locations, early voting information, and required notifications; and to direct the City Secretary to make and publish all required notices. Councilmember Daugherty seconded the motion. Councilmember Halbert moved to amend the motion to remove Proposition 4, regarding the election cycle for councilmember places, not including subsection Councilmember Daniel seconded the motion.  This passed 5-2 with Mayor Baldwin and Councilmember Richmond voting in opposition. A vote on the main amended motion was taken and passed, 7-0.

City Manager Fisher reported on the McMillen Road paving project informing council that the title searches are complete on determining public/private road. Maxwell Lane is not public road.  Bids will be on the upcoming agenda along with the Ethics and Governance Policy. Finance Director Linda Truitt presented the July Financial report. Community Services Manager Kim Lenoir presented the Construction/Capital Projects update.

City Council held a closed Executive Session to discuss economic development negotiations regarding commercial or financial information that the governmental body has received from a business prospect; as well as to consultation with City Attorney regarding pending litigation or contemplated litigation or settlement offer involving Michael Cantrell v. City of Murphy, et al., Cause No. 6:09-cv-225 and the  pending litigation or contemplated litigation regarding notice of claim from Johnny Boles.

Other closed session discussion included deliberation regarding real property and an evaluation of the Municipal Judge, City Prosecutor, City Secretary and the City Manager. There were no votes or action taken in Executive Session. Once Council reconvened into regular session, Councilmember Daugherty moved to set the City Secretary’s salary for the fiscal year 2011 to $77,000.00, Councilmember Richmond seconded the motion and it passed, 7-0.  Councilmember Daugherty moved to set the City Manager’s salary for the fiscal year 2011 to $133,000.00, Councilmember Richmond seconded the motion and it passed, 7-0.

The next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 7th due to Monday the 6th being a holiday.