[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6070330,"mediaKeyId","3051331-7797d36f0417870d01f40580a1aec4d4","parentId",3051331,"title","Council holds closed executive session to consult with attorney on development agreements and annexation law; no public action taken","audioSeconds",965,"startMs",1693000,"endMs",2658000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3051331-7797d36f0417870d01f40580a1aec4d4&start=1693&end=2658","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3051331-7797d36f0417870d01f40580a1aec4d4/thumbnail_1693000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6070330/Fate/Rockwall-County/Texas/Council-holds-closed-executive-session-to-consult-with-attorney-on-development-agreements-and-annexation-law-no-public-action-taken","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070330-95cb3672cb195f733fd69d107fc0c4b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170555&Signature=VWasEblrEoeqjqT5YcxzwKah1GPL3VX0wLylV0f9brzU5Gp1lykSYoXnPaSTK47Xb049YPh7rmly-Vwk2r6oYeRCv81dqDEWCs6M0GNXHh20Fr3FfOl6wb~wh~w5t0WEjTXNDX4VgNMtNGkCQ0bJnFAWoc-UYWjEzKb-95FfqyI6MTdZpFS4rt3gz13RV8NwVHCJD10xDL73NWz0XJ25FZFwaAv4iKBJNiBMKiRhqFsh493PfXLBbL3VM6-2Xa3sZaELc83eYaSg9TnaG5rQUExcGTsHIQJTplA96Jo9-fdXwXaAIdR61UfnNLpm51EryemA-5tT6ymM36iDMh8cWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","CityOfFate","date","2025-02-17T00:00:00Z","article","The Fate City Council went into a closed executive session under Texas Government Code provisions to consult with the city attorney about development agreements and annexation law.

City staff called the session under Texas Government Code section 551.071 (consultation with attorney) and the council recessed into executive session; Jennifer (identified in the meeting as the city attorney) explained the purpose was to preserve attorney-client privilege so she could provide candid legal advice and noted that state law prohibits action while in executive session. The agenda cited Texas Government Code section 551.001 for the closed meeting and referenced Chapter 43 of the Texas Local Government Code in the list of topics.

The council returned to open session approximately 16 minutes later and the city clerk noted no action would be taken on matters discussed in executive session. No public decisions or votes tied to the executive-session items were recorded in the meeting transcript excerpt.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Fate - City Council Meeting - February 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Under Texas Government Code provisions the council met in executive session to receive attorney advice on development agreements and annexation law; the city attorney explained the privileged nature of the session and the council returned to open session with no recorded action.","taxTitle","Fate, Rockwall County, Texas","taxId",69589,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070335,"Council highlights new downtown businesses, traffic signal activation and accessibility improvements",0,1391000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3051331-7797d36f0417870d01f40580a1aec4d4&start=1391&end=1391","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3051331-7797d36f0417870d01f40580a1aec4d4/thumbnail_1391000.jpg","/articles/6070335/Fate/Rockwall-County/Texas/Council-highlights-new-downtown-businesses-traffic-signal-activation-and-accessibility-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070335-327c76a45247c251607791c1e0b7abba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170555&Signature=ReNYJAUd4hIKL2wJlr7AkukdXLeGCrMEaL0K~6AJzAQA3KF1BfaYx9S76pk6YNGcjXroGM5nsbqxdNeWvocwKp1K8k4AxMj5BTbKSPE2FH8sR3Fe5ffN3Z5G2ZSQFIXgokMBfnEhcpza~kMLFQdrajn9yaYkRjawRb-oqjjTC6~kEVnuD8TBRAd9lEvwFzzmgWM-sikFp2CxvmgiPHkOIFoWygQQcAp5S4V~aDz2yQWs4qimh6sm91DayUTATyoJ9Ul-pm46yJw0aUaksj6m7KF-PHWovM6oIcErofj3LxivrXRKLFsoz2PLL4dOGmMgqRR~RT8OX3Y80LaaaroBvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During mayor and council reports the council noted two new downtown businesses, the activation of the Ben Payne/66 traffic signal, the installation of an automatic-door open button at City Hall and ongoing preparations for winter weather.

Council member Mark Harper said Fate Village Tavern and Red Dirt Social have opened downtown and thanked staff for installing an automatic-door open button that will help residents access City Hall. Resident Karen Kiser also used public comment time to thank the council and staff for making the door easier to open for seniors.

Council members and staff thanked the DPS for its work on a recent arrest and noted the city’s designation among local safety rankings. Council members asked drivers to use caution as the Ben Payne and 66 signal’s timing is adjusted; staff and TxDOT will monitor timing and make adjustments.

Council members listed upcoming meetings and workshops, including a strategic-planning workshop later in the month and a Rockwall Chamber banquet; public-works staff reported preparations for an expected freeze.

These items were delivered as part of the regular mayor and council reports and did not include formal council action in the transcript excerpt.","Council members noted two new downtown businesses, activation of a traffic signal, the installation of an automatic door opener at City Hall and thanked staff for freeze preparations and public-safety work.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070340,"Council approves consent agenda and nominates Lance McGassie to appraisal district board",91,1272000,1363000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3051331-7797d36f0417870d01f40580a1aec4d4&start=1272&end=1363","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3051331-7797d36f0417870d01f40580a1aec4d4/thumbnail_1272000.jpg","/articles/6070340/Fate/Rockwall-County/Texas/Council-approves-consent-agenda-and-nominates-Lance-McGassie-to-appraisal-district-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070340-bd0be1b1a3a2d0026ce8c90b4f2731f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170555&Signature=fy6L5ezIa6K~eSlziOddhnkpbtCTUIyDLwM5lNJ2dzbvY1-q7HHmYkrQ2PWH1QI5~SQ-41eckN9NmDaVpSSZDx2O3YIvP0HEXGW83CPe4-055hMjIQkJ3OhL4~jo4oGJxp4dyMUZC0ZsFvGkGM5kbEsBYioDGZIZbx3X-QsEjCARneFgILEbzQVcp6iWIUUsioz~mSp~yP7eKmLRF7P6v4CvcrsYsnhERbYAOqJYftRPqskY8Hok6~adHEcpIjScnzVdqzr2Gaw~NKO~5ThCgzE6H~gKOqIpiNPSem~OTAMRQecOEBk77AYrx6Na4KTtfLDx7NQ1R2UhGoRa~5z9pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fate City Council approved the meeting’s consent agenda by voice vote and later passed a resolution nominating Lance McGassie to a vacancy on the Rockwall Central Appraisal District board.

A motion to accept the consent agenda passed by a 6–0 tally; the transcript does not name the mover or seconder. The council then considered agenda item 6A, “resolution number R2025-59, nominating a candidate for appointment to a vacancy on the Rockwall Central Appraisal District board of directors.” A motion to nominate Lance McGassie passed by a 5–1 vote; the transcript records Councilman Habbley as the dissenting vote. The motion text as spoken in the meeting was “that we nominate Lance McGassie for the vacancy on the Rockwall Central Appraisal District.”

City staff said nomination materials were included in the council packet. The council did not record additional debate about the nominee in the transcript excerpt.","The Fate City Council approved the consent agenda unanimously and passed a resolution nominating Lance McGassie to fill a vacancy on the Rockwall Central Appraisal District board, 5–1.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070345,"Fate resident urges transparency, line-by-line budget review and audit during public comment",180,1078000,1258000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3051331-7797d36f0417870d01f40580a1aec4d4&start=1078&end=1258","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3051331-7797d36f0417870d01f40580a1aec4d4/thumbnail_1078000.jpg","/articles/6070345/Fate/Rockwall-County/Texas/Fate-resident-urges-transparency-line-by-line-budget-review-and-audit-during-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070345-e1afe532fccb5172bb787da5a5162d18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170555&Signature=WwCIyvwmG-UaSPU0YyemO6aqBxTIBCej0rBhgFZNZK3EPQ0~iLFNLvcy8FNEK9i4wSDga4dYN8dhfFzhYRls0P7f9CwdcmQBj2hkDe7uxIEw8OX4QXmmktAcLmZdtadnVX2RhzVIILmmoRiySd5QQasZdDOA0X4m4t5jXGKp1t4utRd10KTawjhJfTyDIW-ah-PsBSNZUu16iA7xJ5nRTs~~UnzmooES5eRkHt19Ad4ItCcsKu5-Lhryqeqji38TcrZ4dT8lDtOF0-GsfAeugSQYPZRZ4gTyGTfziW10aS13C~DtcBvpuHKJqbyD9WirosOKu3skniLKaC5Ys7rYcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Joanne Yacht, a Fate resident, used her public comment time to press the council for greater transparency and accountability, asking for audits and a detailed budget review before the council approves future budgets.

“Why does a city with less than 30,000 people need a city manager and an assistant city manager?” Yacht asked, urging the council to commission audits of expense accounts, city contracts and subsidies to local groups. She said she wants a line-by-line budget review and said no more executive meetings behind closed doors for financial decisions.

Yacht suggested external review by an audit body she called “Doge” and asked the council to examine travel and expense practices, contracts, and subsidy amounts to local charities and private companies. She estimated the cost of additional managerial positions at “probably a half a million dollars, give or take,” and asked the council to provide more public detail on spending.

Her remarks occurred during the public-comment portion of the meeting; the council did not take action during the meeting on the requests Yacht raised.","Resident Joanne Yacht called on the council for audits, a line-by-line budget review and an end to executive meetings she said lead to nontransparent decisions.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070349,"City staff outline preliminary timeline for DPS bond projects; ladder truck purchase to follow closing",138,702000,840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3051331-7797d36f0417870d01f40580a1aec4d4&start=702&end=840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3051331-7797d36f0417870d01f40580a1aec4d4/thumbnail_702000.jpg","/articles/6070349/Fate/Rockwall-County/Texas/City-staff-outline-preliminary-timeline-for-DPS-bond-projects-ladder-truck-purchase-to-follow-closing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070349-17b1323212147ae4bc64972348f1d9fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170555&Signature=eqLW0p-xnS8iQPAKrt0hCJopsf-LxdQYjmGSXkMS6DWdt7a57papgXeqX93fBsfF626eK55ic6kzpFdzsjcQABOfU-GEG-a7xmA1kPghjKvnXUXY2lUjroObBPt0Vg0FyHDk1ztH1o5Yq-OUHaYm2yArcsfy7yibvnsF5ObauqNTPTVYYpZFKLDOdqNlybTcGC8CHb-be2j0-jZc5LUWqyIcheOMznV0QjeTmTpWGOKQRVEAAbLQScD5ARsb9nKShHMJN2KNdQz1b6R-qy3ZOfVgVJRVSE4jwTqlMJTyZ61IHXmDQqkKbBdoyX7KtOPL1xRUcbyFGPvCy-bKRgipew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a preliminary schedule for several public-safety projects, saying drawings and bidding will take months and some work depends on staffing and the timing of available funds.

Mr. Gilbert, a city staff presenter, told the Fate City Council that, once an architect is under contract, it will take about six to eight months to produce drawings. He said construction of a new DPS building is estimated at 12 to 14 months, a South Side remodel about eight months, downtown fire-station rehab about six months and the ladder truck purchase about 18 months. “This timeline is our best-guess judgment,” Mr. Gilbert said, adding that some dates could change as the project develops.

The staff presentation said the council could select an architect in March and begin construction planning thereafter. Council members asked staff to include dependency charts showing which tasks hinge on other decisions, such as staffing transitions tied to the South Side remodel and fund availability tied to the ladder-truck order. Mr. Gilbert agreed to add a table of dependencies and to publish concept plans and project progress online so the public can track milestones.

On the ladder truck, staff said purchase timing depends on the closing of funding; once funds are in the city account staff expects to return to the council for an order approval. “We don’t actually have funds yet; closing is what, 10 days?” one speaker observed, and staff confirmed funds would be available after closing, then budgeted for a council action to order the truck.

Council members asked staff to clarify operational impacts during construction, particularly how the downtown station can continue day-to-day operations while the South Side work and the new build proceed. Mr. Gilbert noted personnel transfers and daily operations are key scheduling factors.

The presentation did not include contract amounts, final architect selections or binding dates; staff described the schedule as preliminary and subject to change.","City staff presented a preliminary timeline for a new DPS building, South Side remodel, downtown fire-station rehab and a ladder truck purchase; staff emphasized the timeline is contingent on dependencies including staffing and closing funds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council holds closed executive session to consult with attorney on development agreements and annexation law; no public action taken

Council highlights new downtown businesses, traffic signal activation and accessibility improvements

Council approves consent agenda and nominates Lance McGassie to appraisal district board

Fate resident urges transparency, line-by-line budget review and audit during public comment

City staff outline preliminary timeline for DPS bond projects; ladder truck purchase to follow closing