Paris council ratifies opioid settlement participation, approves tax abatement, water-line transfer, project awards and two appointments

The Paris City Council on Sept. 22 unanimously approved a set of routine resolutions and contract actions affecting city finances, infrastructure and staff appointments.

The council ratified the city manager’s execution of participation forms for national opioid settlements with multiple manufacturers. The ratification followed the council’s earlier participation in the Purdue/Sackler settlement and formally confirmed the city’s participation in an additional settlement group. The motion carried 5-0.

The council adopted a resolution approving a residential tax-abatement and economic-development agreement under the city’s 5-and-5 housing infill program for property at 358 West Bridal Street. Staff told the council the applicant, Alejandro and Nicole Cardoso, submitted required forms and that the estimated improvements for the project total $200,000; the council voted 5-0 to approve the agreement.

Council members approved a water-main transfer agreement with the Lamar County Water Supply District that transfers roughly 1,400 feet of 12-inch main to the city. City staff said the district approached the city to transfer the line, which will add customers — including the Celebration Paris retirement facility — and will allow the city to improve fire service in that area. Staff also noted the transferred pipe is an older asbestos-concrete main; the city indicated it will not proactively replace the pipe but will maintain it going forward. The transfer and authorization for the city manager to execute documents passed 5-0.

The council accepted bids and awarded the First Street Southeast revitalization project to Richard Drake Construction. Staff said the project will use a Texas Department of Agriculture grant of about $500,000; the low, responsive bid award to Richard Drake was stated in the agenda packet as $906,412.40 and the city’s share after grant funding was discussed as roughly $406,000. Council approved the award 5-0.

Separately, the council awarded a contract for grant-administration services for possible FEMA Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance funds to GrantWorks. John Mapplefish, representing GrantWorks, told the council the firm would be paid from grant administrative fees and that there is no obligation for the city to apply for funds. "GrantWorks is always paid out of the grant itself," Mapplefish said. Council approved the selection 5-0.

As a companion action, the council selected Tetra Tech (partnering with local engineers) under an RFQ process to provide engineering services for FEMA/public-assistance matters should a disaster grant become available. Staff reported Tetra Tech received the highest score in the selection process (99.7 out of 100). The motion to select Tetra Tech carried 5-0.

The council confirmed two staff appointments by resolution: Steve Marriott as finance director and Thomas Herndon III as airport manager. Marriott addressed the council by video and summarized his governmental accounting background; Herndon was recommended after serving in an acting capacity at the airport and for taking the lead on the airport ramp grant. Both confirmations passed 5-0.

No further action was taken following a closed executive session noted on the agenda.

Votes at a glance (each approved 5-0 unless noted):

- Ratify city manager’s execution of opioid-settlement participation forms (national settlements) — outcome: approved. - Approve residential tax-abatement/economic-development agreement — applicant: Alejandro and Nicole Cardoso; estimated improvements: $200,000 — outcome: approved. - Approve Lamar County Water Supply District water-main transfer (approx. 1,400 ft of 12-inch main) — outcome: approved. - Award First Street SE revitalization project to Richard Drake Construction — stated packet amount: $906,412.40; TDA grant ~ $500,000; city share discussed as ~ $406,000 — outcome: approved. - Award grant-administration services to GrantWorks for FEMA/HMA (paid from grant funds) — outcome: approved. - Select Tetra Tech for engineering services under FEMA/public-assistance RFQ (score 99.7/100) — outcome: approved. - Confirm appointment of Steve Marriott as finance director — outcome: approved. - Confirm appointment of Thomas Herndon III as airport manager — outcome: approved.