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The Plainview City Council met on October 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council
Chambers of the Plainview City Hall at 901 Broadway. The agenda for this meeting
was posted in City Hall at 3:00 p.m. on October 10, 2008. Mayor John C. Anderson
presided. Councilmembers present were: Cathy Waggoner-District 2, Belinda Pena-
District 3, John N. Bertsch-District 4, Ron Trusler-District 5, Wendell Dunlap-District 6
and Roland Nash-District 7. Councilmember Kelvin Tipton-District 1 and Cathy
Waggoner-District 2 were absent.
Staff members present were: Greg Ingham-City Manager, Mike Gilliland-Director of
Public Works, Leslie Pearce-City Attorney, John Castro-Director of Community
Services, Will Mull-Police Chief, Eric Turner-Main Street Coordinator, Dale Simpson-
Director of Civil Service and Belinda Hinojosa-City Secretary.
News Media Representative: Tommy Young-Plainview Daily Herald
Guests Present were: David Teel, Nelson Gumm, Dee Blevins and Anthony
Brocato
Councilmember Belinda Pena delivered the invocation and led in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Councilmember Trusler moved to adopt the consent calendar. The motion was duly
seconded by Councilmember Dunlap and carried by unanimous vote. Items approved
on the consent calendar included approval of the minutes of September 23, 2008
and October 9, 2008; and the granting of an excused absence to Councilmembers
Kelvin Tipton and Cathy Waggoner.
Mayor Anderson introduced Dee Blevins to present information regarding request of
Chamber of Commerce to participate in the GO TEXAN, Certified Retirement
Community Program. Mayor Anderson announced that we would not be taking action
on this today that it is for informational purposes only. Mr. Blevins stated this program is
good for Plainview. He introduced Nancy Cordero with the Texas Department of
Agriculture. She stated this program was introduced by the Texas Department of
Agriculture in May 2006. There are 21 communities in Texas who currently participate
in this program. The City has the option to participate as a City or County. She stated
the income brought in would be the equivalent of three manufacturing jobs, bring
$36,000 a year in income and $3,000 in taxes. Plainview is a rural community, low
crime rate and friendly town, with a low cost of living, and no state income tax, which
are selling points. She stated Canyon and Tulia are communities that participate in the
program. I-27 could become a retirement corridor.
Councilmember Trusler asked what was involved in the paperwork and time. She
stated basically the same amount as required to be recognized as a Main Street City
such as demographics, housing, employment, medical services, continuing education,
recreation in area, festivals, tax structures, performing arts and access to sports.
Dee Blevins stated retirees coming to town will buy homes here and settle here.
Councilmember Pena thanked Ms. Cordero for her presentation. She asked what staff
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or office oversaw the program in Tulia and Canyon. Ms. Cordero stated the first step is
to appoint a board and she stated this is usually fielded out of the Chamber of
Commerce offices.
Tommy Young of 1605 W. 7th asked where do you get numbers. She stated from the
U.S. Census Bureau and agetexaswell.org.
Greg Ingham, City Manager presented for consideration Resolution R08-192, a
Resolution Denying the Rate Increase proposed by the Southwestern Public Service
Company; Requiring the Reimbursement of Municipal Rate Case Expenses; finding that
the Meeting Complies with the Open Meetings Act; making other findings and provisions
related to the subject; and declaring an effective date. Last June, Southwestern Public
Service Company (SPS), filed an application to increase its base rates by approximately
$84.2 million in annual revenue. The City suspended SPS' proposed increase in rates
until October 15, 2008 to allow its experts and special counsel the opportunity to more
fully review SPS' rate-filing package. The experts and consultants retained by the
Alliance of Xcel Municipalities to review SPS' rate application continue with their
analysis. However, those experts and AXM's special counsel have determined that the
rate increase proposed by SPS is not just and reasonable and recommend that the City
deny SPS' requested rate application by the passage of this Resolution.
Mayor Anderson asked for public comment. There was no public comment.
Councilmember Dunlap moved to approve Resolution R08-192. The motion was duly
seconded by Councilmember Truster and carried by unanimous vote.
Mayor Anderson introduced on second reading Ordinance No. 08-3508, an Ordinance
of the City Council of the City of Plainview, Texas: Extending the Existing Electric
Franchise Ordinance in Favor of Xcel Energy, Pending Adoption of a New Franchise
Agreement; Amending Ordinance No. 82-2493 to Provide for a Continued Increase in
Franchise Fees Payable to the City; Providing for Severability; Providing for Repealer;
Providing for Publication and Effective Date. Since this is the second of two readings,
the Council chose to forego the staff briefing and asked for public comment. There was
no public comment. Councilmember Pena moved to approve Ordinance No. 08-3508
on second reading. The motion was duly seconded by Councilmember Dunlap and
carried by unanimous vote.
There being no further business, Mayor Anderson adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m.
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Belinda Hinojosa
City Secretary
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