HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes 03-10-2026The City Council of the City of Plainview met on March 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., at City 103
Hall, 202 W. Vh Street, Plainview, Texas.
Mayor Charles Starnes presided. Members present Council Members Gary House -
District 4, Daniel Rascon-District 5, Evan Weiss -District 6 and Lorie Rodriguez -District 7.
Council Members Mary Elizabeth Dickerson -District 1, Steve Martinez -District 2, and
Gilbert Garcia -District 3, were absent.
Staff members present were Ted Chancellor -City Manager, Jeff Johnston -Assistant City
Manager, David Ellis -Director of Information Technology, Neil Weems -Director of Public
Works, Derrick Watson -Police Chief, Bobby Gipson -Fire Chief, Vannesa Rincon-Interim
Director of Finance, Amber Garcia-HR Manager, Christine Lockridge-Communications
Manager and Belinda Hinojosa-City Secretary.
Guests Present: Erica A. Johnson, Stacy Lopez, Jaylen Owens, Martha Rodriguez,
Terri Courtney, Edward Rincon, Lauren Rincon, Ashley Pierce and William Pierce
News Media Present: Ellysa Harris -Plainview Herald
Invocation — Mayor Pro Tem Evan Weiss
Pledge of Allegiance
2. Recognitions — Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting —
The Finance Department was recognized for their achievement
3. Consent Calendar
a) Excused Absences
b) Minutes of February 19, 2026 and February 24, 2026
Public Comment: None
Motion: Move to approve Consent Calendar
Motion by Council Member Rascon, seconded by Council Member House
Vote: 5 — 0. Motion carried.
4. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 12 "Traffic And Vehicles," Article 12.07 "Speed,"
Section 12.07.005 "School Zones" of the Code of Ordinances, City of Plainview, Texas to
Clarify and Revise the Portions of City Streets Designated as School Zones; Providing
for a Penalty not to Exceed $500.00 for Each Offense; Providing an Effective Date;
Providing a Repealer; Providing a Savings Clause; and Providing for Publication.
(Ordinance No. 26-3783 — Second Reading)
Since this was the second of two readings, the Council chose to forego staff briefing and
ask for public comment.
Public Comment: None
City Council Minutes March 10, 2026 Page 1 of 4
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Motion: Move to adopt Ordinance No. 26-3783 on second reading
Motion by Council Member House, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Weiss
Vote: 5-0. Motion carried.
5. A Resolution Approving an Order to Cancel the May 2, 2026 General Election for
Council Members for District 2 and District 3 and Declaring Each Unopposed Candidate
Elected to Office (Resolution R26-697)
Presenter: Belinda Hinojosa, City Secretary
On February 10, 2026, the City Council ordered the General Election for May 2, 2026.
The filing deadlines for placement on the ballot and for declaration of write in candidacy
have now passed. The City Secretary has certified in writing that each candidate for
District 2 and District 3 is unopposed.
Pursuant to Section 2.053 of the Texas Election Code, when a candidate is unopposed,
the governing body is required to declare the candidate elected and cancel the election
for that office. Accordingly, Larry Williams for District 2 and Gilbert Garcia for District 3
are declared elected and will be issued certificates of election.
Public Comment: None
Motion: Move to adopt Resolution R26-697
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Weiss, seconded by Council Member Rodriguez
Vote: 5-0. Motion carried.
6. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Plainview, Texas Authorizing the
Adoption of a Classification and Compensation Plan for all Employees of the City of
Plainview; Providing a Repealer; Providing a Savings Clause; Providing a Severability
Clause; and Providing an Effective Date (Ordinance No. 26-3784 — First Reading)
Presenter: Belinda Hinojosa, City Secretary
In April 2025, HUB International initiated a comprehensive Classification and
Compensation Study for the City of Plainview. The study included a full review and update
of employee job classifications, as well as a peer compensation analysis involving fifteen
participating cities, including Plainview. The previous compensation study for the City was
completed in 2016.
The proposed pay plan reflects updated classifications and market comparisons intended
to improve internal equity and maintain competitiveness in recruitment and retention. The
estimated budget impact for the remaining six months of fiscal year 2025-2026 is
$549,350. Upon adoption, employees will receive a total compensation statement
outlining the full value of their compensation package, and Human Resources will provide
guidance to supervisors to assist in communicating the changes.
City Council Minutes March 10, 2026 Page 2 of 4
Public Comment: None
105
Motion by Council Member House, seconded by Council Member Rascon
Vote: 5-0. Motion carried.
7. Consider and take necessary action regarding Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant
Application for High -Plains Gem and Mineral Society
Presenter: Christine Lockridge, Communications Manager
The High Plains Gem and Mineral Society has applied for Hotel Occupancy Tax funding
in the amount of 750 dollars to assist with rental costs associated with hosting its 62nd
Rock and Gem Show held February 21 and 22, 2026 at the 011ie Liner Center. The event
reported an estimated attendance of approximately 700 guests, with the possibility of two
to three hotel rooms rented for two nights.
Traditionally, the Main Street Board reviews and approves Hotel Occupancy Tax
applications. As the Board is not currently meeting, this request is being presented directly
to the City Council for consideration. Staff has reviewed the application and finds it
consistent with tourism -related funding guidelines.
Public Comment: None
Motion: Move to approve tax grant application for High -Plains Gem and Mineral Society
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Weiss, seconded by Council Member Rascon
Vote: 5-0. Motion carried.
8. Consider and take necessary action regarding Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant
Application for Caprock Genealogy Conference
Presenter: Christine Lockridge, Communications Manager
Three genealogy societies, Amarillo Genealogical Society, South Plains Genealogical
Society, and High -Plains Genealogical Society, will host the 6th Caprock Genealogy
Conference at the Plainview Civic Center on April 11, 2026. The event is expected to
attract approximately 50 attendees, with an estimated 10 hotel room nights generated
because of the conference.
The applicant is requesting $750.00 in Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds to support the
event. Staff has reviewed the application and determined that the request qualifies under
applicable tourism -related funding guidelines.
Public Comment: None
Motion: Move to approve tax grant application for Caprock Genealogy Conference
City Council Minutes March 10, 2026 Page 3 of 4
106 Motion by Council Member Rascon, seconded by Council Member House
Vote: 5-0. Motion carried.
9. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Plainview, Texas, Approving a
Tariff Authorizing an Annual Rate Review Mechanism ("RRM") as a Substitution for the
Annual Interim Rate Adjustment Process Defined by Section 104.301 of the Texas
Utilities Code, and as Negotiated Between Atmos Energy Corp., West Texas Division
("Atmos West Texas" or "Company") and the Steering Committee of Cities Served by
Atmos West Texas; Requiring the Company to Reimburse Cities' Reasonable
Ratemaking Expenses; Adopting a Savings Clause; Determining that this Ordinance was
Passed in Accordance with the Requirements of the Open Meetings Act; Declaring an
Effective Date; and Requiring Delivery of this Ordinance to the Company and Legal
Counsel for the Steering Committee. (Ordinance No. 26-3785 — First Reading)
Presenter: Jeff Johnston, Assistant City Manager
The City of Plainview, along with other West Texas municipalities, is a member of the
Steering Committee of Cities Served by Atmos West Texas. In 2007, the Cities negotiated
the creation of a Rate Review Mechanism, commonly referred to as RRM, as a substitute
for the interim rate adjustment process under Section 104.301 of the Texas Utilities Code.
The RRM provides a structured annual review of Atmos West Texas cost of service and
allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of expenses, revenues, and capital
investment than the prior process.
The most recent RRM Tariff adopted by the City in 2018 has expired. The revised tariff
attached to this ordinance contains no substantive changes and primarily updates
references to the most recent rate case and Final Order issued by the Railroad
Commission of Texas. Under the RRM process, Atmos will file annually on or about April
1, with any approved rate adjustments effective October 1. The mechanism also requires
Atmos to reimburse the City for reasonable ratemaking expenses associated with
reviewing annual filings.
Public Comment: None
Motion: Move to adopt Ordinance No. 26-3785 on first reading
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Weiss, seconded by Council Member Rascon
Vote: 5-0. Motion carried.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m. r
Belinda Hinojosa
City Secretary
City Council Minutes March 10, 2026 Page 4 of 4