A recap of the City Council meeting of Monday, Feb. 22, 2021
At the 3:30 p.m. work session:
• Council heard presentations from Troy Lestina, City finance director; Andre McEwing, manager of supplier diversity for Tarrant County College District; and Andrew Nash, director of operations for Dallas-Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council, as they reviewed the City’s existing procurement policies and discussed ideas for expanding opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses.
At the 7 p.m. public meeting:
Presentations
• Parks & Recreation employee Heath Woodard was recognized for his efforts in providing life-saving aid to a resident who was experiencing a medical emergency at one of the City parks.
Staff Comments
• Emergency Management Coordinator Captain Greg Cutler of Mansfield Fire Department provided Council with an update on the City’s response during the winter weather emergency last week.
• Library Director Yolanda Botello presented Council with the update of the Library Strategic Plan document. Council will review the plan prior to a March 8 presentation and discussion. The plan would be on the agenda for adoption on March 22.
• A presentation by Environmental Services Manager Howard Redfearn detailed the plans for the trash/recycling reroutes and communication efforts that had been hampered by last week’s winter weather emergency. Council agreed on a delay in implementation to March 22.
• A representative from ETC Institute provided Council with an overview of the community survey results. The survey was conducted in November and December to provide Council and City staff with specific data that could be used in strategic planning and developing priorities.
Consent Agenda:
• Council approved a resolution authorizing the Fire Chief to act as the City’s representative in all matters relating to the mutual aid agreement with the Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. 1.
• Council approved a resolution authorizing the execution of a joint election agreement and contract with Johnson County Elections Administrator to perform election services for the May 1, 2021 General Election.
• Council approved a resolution authorizing the execution of a joint election agreement and contract with Ellis County Elections Administrator to perform election services for the May 1, 2021 General Election.
• Council approved minutes of the Feb. 8, 2021 regular City Council.
Public Hearing and Resolution:
• Council approved a resolution for the 2021 (47th) year Community Development Block Grant Project for Pond Street (East Broad to Lake Street).
New Business:
• Council authorized funding in an amount not to exceed $650,100 for contracts including design services with Garver to prepare the U.S. 287 frontage road utility relocations and 30-inch water line project for public bidding and construction.
• Council approved a resolution to be sent to the Texas State Legislature in support of legislation that prohibits electricity providers from selectively turning off power supply to other critical public infrastructure such a regional water districts, water treatment plants and sewer lift stations. Councilmembers said the resolution was designed to show their continued support for this effort, explaining that actions that might have been taken during the winter weather emergency could have had devastating consequences to the City’s water and sewer infrastructure.