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Votes at a glance: Ellis council approves banking deal, investments, software and city purchases; ordinance outlaws detached 5th‑wheel parking
Summary
The Ellis City Council approved routine business and several motions: adoption of Ordinance 15‑05 restricting detached 5th‑wheel trailer parking on city streets; a public funds banking agreement with Equity Bank and a $500,000 6‑month CD at 3.75%; a change to timekeeping software; ratification of street maintenance invoices; pool recoating; and purchase of five police rifles.
The Ellis City Council approved a package of routine and procurement actions Tuesday evening during its July meeting.
Key votes and outcomes
- Ordinance No. 15‑05 (prohibiting detached 5th‑wheel trailer parking on public roadways) — Motion to adopt made by S11 and seconded by S3; council approved the ordinance and staff were directed to publish the adoption (motion carried).
- Public funds banking agreement with Equity Bank — Council authorized the city clerk to execute the agreement for the period Aug. 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030 (motion carried 5-0). Following that vote, council separately authorized the city clerk to invest $500,000 in a 6‑month certificate of deposit at an annual interest rate of 3.75% (motion carried 5-0).
- Timekeeping software — Council rescinded a prior month‑to‑month arrangement and authorized a month‑to‑month agreement with Latham PayClock Online Enterprise to replace the current timekeeping system; staff explained the per‑employee monthly charge and the software's integration with payroll (motion carried 5-0).
- Ratify street maintenance invoices — Council ratified invoices from Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions totaling $19,368.61 for chip‑seal oil, to be paid from the Capital Improvement Street Fund (motion carried).
- Ellis Municipal Pool recoating — Council approved a quote of $39,500 to recoat the pool vessel, with funds from the capital improvement pool fund (motion carried).
- Police equipment — Council approved purchasing five fully equipped patrol rifles from Loyal 9 Manufacturing for $13,165 with funds from the Special Machinery Fund (motion carried).
Procedural notes and items continued
Patrol vehicle procurement: the police chief presented one turnkey upfitter bid (JR Audio) and was directed to solicit additional bids and return with a comparative proposal at the next meeting; no vehicle purchase was approved.
Special machinery/mower quote: a motion to purchase a 60‑inch mower failed for lack of a second; council asked staff to obtain at least two bids and bring a recommendation back.
Public works and other items: council authorized staff to distribute a Washington Street improvement survey to property owners and residents to inform design options and timing; staff will include illustrative photos on a survey backside where possible.
Vote tallies and provenance: all recorded motions listed above were put to voice vote and passed unanimously where noted (5-0). Full discussion and the transcript evidence for each motion are in the meeting record.
