Feb 07, 2023 City Council Meeting

[CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:02]

SIR? YES, SIR. I CALL THE 6:30 MEETING TO ORDER.

[EXECUTIVE SESSION]

A TO CONSIDER PENDING AND CONTEMPLATE LITIGATION TO CONSULT WITH AND RECEIVE LEGAL ADVICE FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY REGARDING THREATENED LITIGATION UNDER SECTION 551.071 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE AND REAL PROPERTY RELATIVE TO THE LIBERATION OF THE PURCHASE EXCHANGE, LEASE SALE AND BUY REAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY PURSUANT SECTION 551.072 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE AND SEE CONFERENCE WITH THE CITY MANAGER AND STAFF TO DISCUSS AND DELIVER A COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM BUSINESS PROSPECTS.

THE CITY SEEKS TO HAVE, LOCATE, STAY OR EXPAND IN THE CITY AND TO DISCUSS OFFERS OF A FINANCIAL OR OTHER INCENTIVE.

UNDER SECTION 551.087 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE WILL RECONVENE HERE ABOUT 7:30.

TAKE ANY NECESSARY ACTION.

HE'S RETURNING FROM AN EXECUTIVE SESSION THAT BEGAN ABOUT AN HOUR AGO.

ANY ACTION OF THE COUNCIL AS RESULT OF THAT EXECUTIVE SESSION? MR. RUMBELOW NO, YOUR HONOR.

ALL RIGHT, EVERYBODY READY? THEN WE'LL CALL THE 7:30 MEETING TO ORDER.

[2. Invocation: Nathan Watkins, Gateway Church, Southlake Campus Senior Pastor ]

AND WATKINS, THE GATEWAY CHURCH, SOUTH LAKE CAMPUS SINGING OR PASTOR AND THE POSTING OF THE COLORS.

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WILL BE BOY SCOUT TROOP 179 AND CUB SCOUT PACK 525.

IT'S AN HONOR TO BE WITH YOU HERE TONIGHT.

AND THANK YOU FOR THE HONOR TO PRAY OVER THIS NIGHT.

LET'S PRAY. DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, WE THANK YOU FOR THIS TIME THIS EVENING.

WE THANK YOU FOR OUR MAYOR AND THIS COUNCIL AND ALL THAT THEY DO TO SERVE OUR CITY.

I ASK THAT YOU GIVE THEM WISDOM AND GUIDANCE THROUGH EVERY AGENDA ITEM, EVERY DECISION, AND EVERY DISCUSSION THAT HAS TO BE MADE TONIGHT AS THAT YOU WOULD GIVE THEM STRENGTH AND GRACE TO DO WHAT YOU'VE CALLED THEM TO DO AND THAT YOU WOULD PROTECT THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES.

I PRAY THIS SCRIPTURE OVER THEM THAT THE LORD WOULD BLESS AND KEEP YOU THE LORD, AND MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU.

THE LORD LIFT UP HIS COUNTENANCE UPON YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE.

IN JESUS NAME.

AMEN.

[3. Posting of the Colors and Pledges of Allegiance: Boy Scout Troop 179 and Cub Scout Pack 525 ]

OF ALLEGIANCE] PLEDGE].

MIC].

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

VERY NICELY DONE.

NATHAN WATKINS, BOY SCOUT TROOP 179.

SCOUT TROOP 525.

ALL RIGHT. THE NEXT ITEM ON OUR AGENDA IS CITIZEN COMMENTS.

ANY PERSON WHO'S NOT SCHEDULED ON THE AGENDA MAY ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL AND OR SAYS SOME COMMENTS ON ANY OTHER AGENDA ITEM BY COMPLETING A CITIZEN FOR PARENTS REQUEST FORM OF THE CITY SECRETARY.

DO WE HAVE ANY REQUESTS TONIGHT? NO, YOUR HONOR, WE DO NOT.

[5. Mayor Tate to present a proclamation in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Grapevine Public Library. ]

[00:05:03]

I'LL COME DOWN THERE THAT.

WHEREAS THE TARRANT COUNTY FREE LIBRARY OPENED A BRANCH IN GRAPEVINE ON MARCH THE THIRD OF 1923.

UNDERSTANDING A LIBRARY IS THE CORNERSTONE OF A COMMUNITY, BUT PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL TO ENGAGE AND THE JOY OF LIFELONG LEARNING AND CONNECT WITH THE THOUGHTS AND THE IDEALS OF OTHERS FROM AGES PAST TO THE PRESENT.

THE VOTERS OF GRAPEVINE CREATED THE GRAPEVINE PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE HOME RULE CHARTER IN 1965 AND APRIL 1977. CITY COUNCIL ALLOCATED FUNDS TO COMPLETE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 4000 SQUARE FOOT LIBRARY FACILITY ON DALLAS ROAD.

IN 1983, GRAPEVINE VOTERS APPROVED THE ISSUANCE OF 825,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS THAT ALLOWED FOR THE BUILDING OF A NEW 15,000 SQUARE FOOT LIBRARY, WHICH OPENED IN 1986 AT ITS CURRENT LOCATION ON MUNICIPAL WAY .

THE CITY'S POPULATION GREW, SO DID THE LIBRARY'S COLLECTION AND DEMANDS FOR SERVICE, SO THAT IN NOVEMBER 2001, THE CITY CELEBRATED THE GRAND OPENING OF 53,000 SQUARE FOOT EXPANSION.

THE GRAPEVINE PUBLIC LIBRARIES CONTINUE TO SERVE THE CITIZENS OF GRAPEVINE WITH THE ADDITION OF A MULTIPLE MULTITUDE OF PROGRAMS, INCLUDING THE CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY LAB AND THE GROW W BOOKMOBILE.

THE CITY RECOGNIZES THAT OUR LIBRARY PROVIDES A WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICES TO ALL AGES BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO PRINT AND ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, ALONG WITH EXPERT ASSISTANCE AND RESEARCH AT DYNAMIC GENEALOGY DIVISION, CHILDREN'S SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES.

ON MARCH THE 3RD OF THIS YEAR, THE GRAPEVINE PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL CELEBRATE ITS 100TH YEAR OF BEING A VITAL CENTER FOR THE LEARNING, COMMUNICATION, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE.

I AS MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS MAYOR, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE YEAR OF 2023 GRAPEVINE PUBLIC LIBRARY CENTENNIAL YEAR, AND ENCOURAGE ALL RESIDENTS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE VAST LIBRARY RESOURCES AND TAKE PART IN THE MANY ACTIVITIES THAT WILL BE HELD TO COMMEMORATE THE LIBRARY'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY.

WE HAVE LAID THE DIRECTOR HERE AND SHE'S GOING TO MAKE SOME COMMENTS.

WE ALSO HAVE SOME LIBRARY BOARD MEMBERS HERE THAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEM.

AND I'LL TURN IT OVER TO MS., TO OUR DIRECTOR.

IT'S BEEN A LONG HISTORY IN THE LIBRARY.

WHEN I WAS A KID BACK IN THE FORTIES, IT WAS DARK AND DINGY, HOT AND SWEATY, NO WINDOWS, BOOKS THAT LOOKED LIKE THEY CAME FROM THE TOMBS OF EGYPT. AND I CAN'T REALLY DESCRIBE HOW FAR WE'VE COME AND HOW WONDERFUL A LIBRARY WE HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED AS ONE OF THE BEST MUNICIPAL LIBRARIES IN AMERICA.

THANK YOU. YEAH, WE CAN DO THAT.

I JUST MET WITH THE BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT.

PLEASE COME UP. WE'D LIKE TO TAKE A PHOTOGRAPH WITH MAYOR TATE, PLEASE.

I HAVE GERALD EDMONSON.

WE HAVE SONYA [INAUDIBLE].

WE HAVE LINDA BROWN.

IF SUSAN MATTHEWS.

SO THESE ARE SOME OF OUR LIBRARY BOARD MEMBERS WHO ARE PRESENT TONIGHT.

AND YES, IF WE COULD.

TO HAVE SOMEBODY TAKE A PICTURE.

OH, THERE WE GO. SHOULD WE HOLD THE PROCLAMATION? ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I JUST WANT TO SAY THERE'S GOING TO BE A PARTICULAR BOOK THAT WILL BE SIGNED ON THAT DAY.

[00:10:05]

AND YOU MIGHT SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THAT BECAUSE IT'S WRITTEN BY OUR ONE AND ONLY MAYOR WILLIAM D.

TATE. YES. IF I COULD HAVE JUST A MOMENT HERE TO TO TO SPEAK ABOUT THAT SPECIFICALLY AND ABOUT A SPECIAL EVENT THAT WE'RE HAVING. GOOD EVENING, MAYOR AND COUNCIL.

I'M HONORED TO STAND BEFORE YOU TONIGHT IN ANTICIPATION AND CELEBRATION OF GRAPEVINE PUBLIC LIBRARY'S CENTENNIAL ON MARCH 3RD, 1923, THE GRAPEVINE BRANCH OF THE TARRANT COUNTY FREE LIBRARY OPENED IN THE FRONT CORNER OF THE FARMER'S NATIONAL BANK BUILDING.

THAT FACILITY AND OTHERS HAVE COME AND GONE AS THE CITY HAS KEPT PACE WITH THE GROWTH OF A COMMUNITY THAT CLEARLY LOVES ITS LIBRARY, AS REFLECTED IN THE BEAUTIFUL FACILITY WE HAVE TODAY. I WOULD LIKE TO USE THIS OCCASION TO INVITE EVERYONE TO A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AND OPEN HOUSE AT THE LIBRARY ON SATURDAY, MARCH 4TH, BEGINNING AT 10:30 A.M.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IN HONOR OF OUR 100 YEARS, MAYOR TATE HAS GENEROUSLY DONATED 100 COPIES OF HIS RECENTLY PUBLISHED MEMOIR TO THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FOR A FUNDRAISER.

AS OUR GUEST AUTHOR AT THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, HE HAS AGREED TO SHARE SOME OF HIS MEMORIES OF THE LIBRARY OVER THE YEARS, AFTER WHICH HE'LL BE SIGNING BOOKS.

THE BOOKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A $20 CASH OR CHECK DONATION, AND THE FUNDS RAISED GO DIRECTLY TO THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY.

SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MAYOR TATE, FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THIS SPECIAL EVENT.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE COUNCIL, THE LIBRARY BOARD AND THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT.

THANK YOU ALL AND WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE LIBRARY SATURDAY MORNING, MARCH 4TH AT 1030.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE.

THIS IS GREAT. NEXT, WE HAVE GRACE.

[6. GRACE Chief Executive Officer Shonda Schaefer to provide a report on GRACE services. ]

SHE'S HERE TO PROVIDE A REPORT FOR GRACE SERVICES.

HI, SHONDA. HELLO.

GOOD EVENING, MAYOR TATE AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US A COUPLE OF MINUTES TO BRING YOU UP TO SPEED ON WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON AROUND GRACE.

OF COURSE, GRACE IS A REFLECTION OF OUR COMMUNITY, BOTH IN THE SUPPORT AND THE VOLUNTEERS THAT WE GET AND ALSO THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE.

SO I THINK IT'S IT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW AS YOU'RE MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT OUR CITY, TO KNOW THE KIND OF SERVICES THAT WE'RE PROVIDING.

SO JUST AS A SUMMARY, WE SERVED OVER 740 FAMILIES AT CHRISTMAS AND THANKSGIVING EXCUSE ME, JUST AT THANKSGIVING FOOD DISTRIBUTION. AND SO THAT WOULD BE A FULL MEAL FOR AN ENTIRE FAMILY THAT MOST LIKELY WILL FEED FOR A WEEK.

AND WE SERVED 741 FAMILIES IN THAT PROGRAM, OUR CHILDREN'S PROGRAM, CLOTHING.

WE'RE REALLY PROUD NOT ONLY TO BE ABLE TO SERVE, AM I SUPPOSED TO BE CLICKING? SORRY, MY CLICKER.

HOW DO I CLICK? THERE WE GO.

OKAY. IN OUR CHILDREN'S PROGRAM, WE'RE REALLY PROUD NOT ONLY TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE RESOURCES CHILDREN NEED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL, BUT TO BE A PART OF A LARGER COLLABORATION. SO WHILE WE SERVE 1600 CHILDREN WITH CLOTHING, SHOES AND COATS, WE WORKED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE WOMEN'S DIVISION OF THE GRAPEVINE CHAMBER, AS WELL AS CONNECT AND AS WELL AS GCISD TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THOSE CHILDREN HAD A HEAD START ON THE SCHOOL YEAR.

WE CONTINUE TO DO THAT PROGRAM AND WE'VE KIND OF FEEL IT'S OUR JOB TO FILL IN THE GAPS.

SO WHERE MAYBE THE WOMEN'S DIVISION MIGHT FALL SHORT ON A COUPLE OF SCHOOL PACKS OR THE DISTRICT MIGHT NEED SPECIAL ACTIVITIES OR EXCUSE ME, SPECIAL FUNDS FOR SOMETHING ELSE, WE KIND OF TRY TO FILL IN THAT GAP.

SO OUR BIG CONTRIBUTION IS THE CLOTHING, BUT CERTAINLY WE DO A WHOLE LOT MORE WITH THE DISTRICT TO MAKE SURE THOSE KIDS ARE PREPARED THIS YEAR AT CHRISTMAS.

WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR TO BE AROUND GRACE.

THIS YEAR, ALMOST 3000 PEOPLE RECEIVED GIFTS AND EVERYTHING THAT GOES ALONG WITH THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION.

I THINK WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE HERE IS THAT WHILE SERVING THE CHILDREN IS A OBVIOUS GOAL AND SOMETHING THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE CAN GET BEHIND, GRACE DOES IT REALLY? THAT'S REALLY A SECONDARY GOAL FOR US.

OUR MAIN GOAL IS TO STOP FAMILIES FROM SPIRALING FINANCIALLY AT THE HOLIDAYS AND STILL ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

SO WE'RE REALLY TRYING TO TARGET THOSE FAMILIES THAT LIKE PRETTY MUCH, I WOULD GUESS 90% OF THIS ROOM TEND TO GO OVER BUDGET WHEN IT COMES TIME TO BUY GIFTS FOR THEIR FAMILY.

SO WE'RE TRYING TO INSERT OURSELVES IN THAT PROCESS SO THAT THEY'RE NOT FINDING THEMSELVES SHORT ON RENT COME JANUARY.

SO WE'RE REALLY PROUD ABOUT NOT JUST THE WAY THAT WE ARE SUSTAINING THOSE FAMILIES, BUT THE FACT THAT WE HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT WORK SO HARD TO DO IT.

[00:15:09]

I MEAN, WE LITERALLY HAVE HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THAT COME TOGETHER TO CREATE THIS REALLY MAGICAL SPACE.

AND SO IT'S A IT'S A GREAT BENEFIT FOR OUR FAMILIES THAT ARE LIVING KIND OF PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK, BUT EVEN MORE FOR OUR COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.

IT'S SOMETHING THAT THEY CAN REALLY RALLY AROUND AND BE HAPPY TO BE A PART OF.

WHAT I THINK IS INTERESTING THERE TOO, IS OF ALL OF THE GIFTS THAT WE WE EXTENDED, JUST NOT JUST TOYS FOR CHILDREN, BUT THERE ARE FAMILY GIFTS, CROCKPOT, YOU KNOW, COFFEE MAKERS, ELECTRIC BLANKETS WERE BIG THIS YEAR.

THOSE ALL OF THOSE GIFTS, PLUS THE GIFTS THAT WE DO FOR OUR SENIORS AND OUR SENIOR PROGRAM, IT WAS VALUED AT OVER $350,000 WORTH OF IN-KIND GOODS THAT WERE DISTRIBUTED THIS YEAR. SO BIG NUMBERS AND LOTS OF VERY HAPPY PEOPLE.

OUR CLINIC HAS BEEN GOING NONSTOP.

AS YOU KNOW, OUR MEDICAL CLINIC IS THE ONLY COMPLETELY CHARITABLE, NON GOVERNMENTALLY FUNDED, FEDERALLY FUNDED MEDICAL OPPORTUNITY FOR REALLY MOST OF TARRANT COUNTY AND CERTAINLY NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY.

WE HAD OVER 2009 OR ALMOST 3000 HOURS PROVIDED TO US BY SERVICE PROVIDERS VOLUNTEERING FROM THIS COMMUNITY.

SO YOUR DOCTORS, YOUR NURSES, YOUR SPECIALISTS ALL HAVE COME TOGETHER TO CREATE OUR MEDICAL CLINIC.

THE CLINIC HAS WON NUMEROUS AWARDS, TOO MANY FOR ME TO STAND UP HERE AND MENTION.

BUT I CAN TELL YOU THAT IN OUR INDUSTRY, OUR GRACE CLINIC IS REALLY TOP OF THE LINE IN ALMOST EVERY CATEGORY REALLY ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.

SO SOMETHING TO BE VERY PROUD OF.

IN FACT, WE DID WITH THOSE ALL OF THOSE VOLUNTEER HOURS, WE HAD OVER 5500 VISITS TO OUR COMMUNITY CLINIC.

KEEP IN MIND THAT NOT ONLY DO WE DO URGENT CARE, COUGHS, COLD FLU, WE DO THE COVID VACCINES AND COVID TESTING, BUT WE ARE THE PRIMARY.

AND IN FACT, MOST OF THE TIME THE ONLY MEDICAL HOME FOR A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF OUR POPULATION.

THOSE ARE FOLKS THAT HAVE ACCESS TO NO OTHER HEALTH CARE.

THEY'RE NOT QUALIFIED FOR COUNTY HEALTH CARE.

THEY'RE NOT QUALIFIED FOR ANY TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAMS, OR IF THEY ARE QUALIFIED FOR THOSE THINGS, THE DEDUCTIBLES ARE WHAT WE KIND OF CALL IT, PHANTOM INSURANCE.

THERE'S NO WAY THEY'RE GOING TO MEET A $10,000 DEDUCTIBLE.

SO THEY MAY AS WELL NOT EVEN HAVE IT.

SO THAT IS THE PRIMARY PATIENT THAT WE SEE.

AND WE HAD OVER 5500 VISITS.

OF COURSE, ONE OF OUR VERY FAVORITE THINGS IS THE GRACE GROCERY GIVEAWAY.

GRACE GROCERY GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN HAPPENING SEVERAL YEARS NOW OVER THE SUMMERS.

IT'S SO ORGANIC AND SO GRASSROOTS.

IT'S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY.

WE LITERALLY SHOW UP IN AN AREA THAT IS IDENTIFIED AS A FOOD DESERT, WHICH MEANS THERE'S NOT AN ACCESSIBLE, HEALTHY GROCERY OPTION NEARBY.

AND WE JUST THROW THE BACK OF THE TRUCK OPEN AND WE START DISHING OUT HEALTHY FOODS, FRUITS, VEGETABLES, ALL THE TYPES OF THINGS THAT ARE HARDER TO FIND IN THOSE FOOD DESERTS. SO WE IMAGINE A FOOD DESERT MUSTANG IS PROBABLY THE MOST OBVIOUS.

THERE'S REALLY NOT A GROCERY STORE, SO A LOT OF THOSE FAMILIES ARE SHOPPING AT YOUR 7-ELEVEN AND AND YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FIND A BIG WATERMELON AT 7-ELEVEN.

SO WE LIKE TO GO INTO THOSE COMMUNITIES AND JUST START FLOODING THEM WITH REALLY HEALTHY OPTIONS.

AND THIS YEAR, OVER THE SUMMER, WE SERVED ALMOST 7000 PEOPLE WITH THAT GREAT GROCERY GIVEAWAY.

SOMETHING THAT'S REALLY EXCITING THAT WE'RE WORKING ON FOR THE FUTURE IS WE ARE IN THE BEGINNING STAGES OF PARTNERING WITH A LOCAL CHURCH THAT IS ACTUALLY GOING TO BE INVESTING IN A REFRIGERATED TRUCK AND A PROCESS IN WHICH WE CAN CONTINUE THIS PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

SO GRACE HAS ALREADY BEEN DOING IT OVER THE SUMMERS.

BUT THIS IF WE GET THIS WHOLE THING OFF THE GROUND, WE'RE STILL WORKING ON IT, THEN THAT WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO BE THERE EVERY SINGLE WEEK, 52 WEEKS OUT OF THE YEAR.

SO I'M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

WE'RE GOING TO BE FINALIZING THOSE DETAILS SOON.

AND OUR FOOD PANTRY, THIS IS PROBABLY ONLY SECOND TO RENT ASSISTANCE, BUT AN INCREDIBLY HIGH SPIKE OF NEEDS THIS YEAR.

WE HAD OVER 7000 SHOPPERS AT OUR FOOD PANTRY THIS YEAR.

THAT'S A 50% INCREASE OVER JUST A FEW YEARS AGO.

SO I CAN TELL YOU THAT WE ALL KNOW THAT FOOD IS JUST NOT SOMETHING ANYBODY SHOULD EVER GO WITHOUT, ESPECIALLY IN GRAPEVINE, TEXAS. WE ARE JUST WAY TO WE HAVE WAY TOO MANY RESOURCES FOR THAT TO HAPPEN.

SO AS MOST OF YOU KNOW AT GRACE, THAT IS ONE OF OUR NUMBER ONE RULES.

EVERYBODY GETS FOOD.

I DON'T CARE WHO YOU ARE, WHAT YOU'RE DOING, WHAT YOUR STORY IS.

IF YOU COME TO GRACE ASKING FOR FOOD, YOU WILL GET IT AT LEAST ONCE.

IF YOU COME BACK FOUR OR FIVE TIMES, WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO HELP YOU WITH A MORE SELF SUSTAINING PROGRAM.

BUT AT THE VERY LEAST, NOBODY SHOULD GO TO BED HUNGRY AND NOBODY SHOULD HAVE TO GROVEL FOR SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS A FOOD AND A MEAL FOR THEIR FAMILY.

[00:20:03]

WE ALSO HAVE THE TAKE ONE LEAVE ONES THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.

AND WE ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH A COUPLE OF NEW VOLUNTEERS.

OUR VOLUNTEER MANAGER, RYAN, HAS BEEN DOING THAT OVER HERE THAT ARE GOING TO BE CREATING EVEN MORE OF THOSE TAKE ONE LEAVE ONE PANTRIES.

AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE.

VOLUNTEERS IN THE COMMUNITY KIND OF ADOPT THE BOX.

THEY CHECK ON IT ONCE A WEEK OR SO, MAKE SURE IT'S STOCKED UP WITH NONPERISHABLE FOODS.

AND ANYBODY WHO WANTS IT CAN COME ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT AND GET WHAT THEY NEED.

I'LL TELL YOU, I DON'T DO IT OFTEN, BUT EVERY NOW AND THEN I'LL SCAN THROUGH OUR SECURITY CAMERAS AND I SEE FAMILIES THAT COME WAY AFTER DARK.

AND IT PAINS ME TO THINK THAT THEY'RE EMBARRASSED BY THAT.

BUT I'M ALSO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL THAT THAT'S A RESOURCE WE'RE ABLE TO PROVIDE SOMEONE WHO IS DOWN ON THEIR LUCK AND NEEDS A RESOURCE LIKE THAT.

SO WE'RE REALLY PROUD TO BE ABLE TO DO IT.

BUT I WILL TELL YOU, THIS YEAR HAS BEEN A TOUGH ONE.

WE'VE HAD MORE EMPTY SHELVES THIS YEAR, PRIMARILY BECAUSE WE'VE HAD A 50% INCREASE IN NEED.

BUT I WILL ALSO FOLLOW THAT UP TO SAY EVERY TIME WE GET AN EMPTY SHELF, WE PUT OUT A LITTLE NOTE TO THE COMMUNITY AND THIS COMMUNITY RALLIES AND YOU ALMOST HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR. WE DON'T ASK FOR CANNED CORN BECAUSE I'LL GET LIKE CASES AND PALLETS OF IT.

BUT THE COMMUNITY IS INCREDIBLY SUPPORTIVE.

SO WE CONTINUE TO KEEP EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVED IN THAT PROCESS.

AND THEN, OF COURSE, OUR FEED OUR KIDS PROGRAM.

YOU SEE A COUPLE OF OUR VERY SPECIAL VOLUNTEERS THAT WORK WITH US EVERY SUMMER.

THIS LAST SUMMER WE SERVED OVER 30,000 LUNCHES TO CHILDREN WHO ARE TYPICALLY ON FREE AND REDUCED LUNCHES DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.

AND OF COURSE, OVER THE SUMMER, THEY DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO THOSE SAME NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMS. SO WE'RE NOT ONLY ENERGIZING THE FAMILY WITH PROVIDING LUNCHES FOR THE CHILDREN, WE ARE HOPING TO TRY TO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE FAMILY BUDGET BECAUSE THOSE ARE CHILDREN THAT ARE NOW AT HOME EATING THEIR THREE MEALS PLUS A DAY.

SO WE'RE TRYING TO HELP OUT WITH THAT WITH BOTH THE THE LUNCH PROGRAM AND THE GROCERY GIVEAWAY.

AND THEN FINALLY, KIND OF AS A WRAP UP, I WILL TELL YOU THAT WHEN WE LOOK AT ALL OF OUR SERVICE UNIT, THAT MEANS EVERY PANTRY VISIT, EVERY MEDICAL VISIT, EVERY RENT ASSISTANCE CALL THAT WE GIVE.

WE SERVED ALMOST 82,000 OR OVER 82,000 SERVICE UNITS IN ONE YEAR.

THAT'S A LOT OF PEOPLE DOING A LOT OF WORK.

AND I CAN TELL YOU EACH ONE OF THOSE SERVICE UNITS WERE PROBABLY NOT ONE OR 2 MINUTES LONG.

SO I'M REALLY, REALLY PROUD OF THE FACT THAT OUR TEAM AT GRACE, STARTING WITH OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OF COURSE, WE'RE HONORED TO HAVE MS. STEPH ODELL ON OUR BOARD.

WE'RE ALSO WE HAVE MIKE TAYLOR HERE AND BECKY ST.

JOHN IS HERE. I'M NOT SURE IF ANY OF OUR OTHER BOARD MEMBERS STEPPED IN, BUT OUR BOARD MEMBERS START US ON THE RIGHT PATH WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING.

AND THEN I'M REALLY EXCITED TO TELL YOU THAT MOST OF OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM, I THINK ALL OF OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM IS HERE TONIGHT, EACH DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR, SOMEONE WHO'S IN CHARGE OF EACH OF THE VARIOUS AREAS OF OUR AGENCY, AND YET WE ONLY ACCOUNT FOR A TINY FRACTION OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO COME OUT EVERY DAY AND SUPPORT THE WORK THAT'S BEING DONE THERE. OUR VOLUNTEER HOURS ARE WELL OVER 50000 HOURS A YEAR.

SO THAT LITERALLY.

DOUBLES OUR STAFF SIZE AND IT'S NECESSARY TO GET THIS 82,000 UNITS DONE.

I WILL ALSO TELL YOU THAT OF OUR GREATEST NEEDS TO KIND OF GIVE YOU A HEADS UP.

RENT ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN OUT OF THIS WORLD, PARTLY BECAUSE WE'RE ONE OF THE FEW AGENCIES THAT ARE STILL DOING IT.

IT'S BECOME A VERY, VERY COSTLY ENDEAVOR.

AS YOU ALL KNOW, THE COST OF HOUSING, EVEN ESPECIALLY IN NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY, HAS JUST BEEN GROWING IN CRAZY LEAPS AND BOUNDS.

SO FAMILIES WHO COULD NORMALLY PAY THEIR RENT ARE NOW REALLY STRUGGLING AND THOSE COSTS HAVE GONE UP.

SO WE'RE FINDING THAT MOST OF OUR OTHER PARTNER AGENCIES ARE HAVING TO KIND OF GET OUT OF THAT BUSINESS.

IT'S JUST BECOME TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THEM TO DO SO.

WE FIND OURSELVES IN A SPACE PRETTY MUCH ALONE DOING THE WORK THAT IS REALLY THE GREATEST NEED RIGHT NOW.

IT'S SO CONCERNING TO US THAT OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS HAVING A STAFF RETREAT OR, EXCUSE ME, A BOARD RETREAT IN FEBRUARY.

AND I SUSPECT ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE TRYING TO TACKLE IS HOUSING.

AND THAT MEANS BOTH RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

IT MEANS LONG TERM HOUSING, IT MEANS TRANSITIONAL HOUSING.

STACEY WAS JUST TELLING ME THAT SHE HAS BEEN GETTING AS MANY AS 300 CALLS A MONTH FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR HOUSING RESOURCES.

AND OF COURSE, WE CAN ONLY ATTACK A SMALL PORTION OF THAT.

OUR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING UNIT SERVES 18 FAMILIES AT OUR CAPACITY.

AND SO WE'RE GOING TO BE LOOKING AND TALKING A LOT WITH THE BOARD ABOUT HOW WE CAN EITHER EXPAND THAT CAPACITY OR FIND A PARTNERSHIP IN WHICH WE CAN PROVIDE MORE SERVICES TO THIS COMMUNITY. I WOULD I WOULD VENTURE THE STATEMENT TO SAY THAT IS OUR FUTURE.

BIGGEST NEED IS HOUSING.

THE HOUSING CRISIS IS UPON US AND WE'RE SEEING A LOT MORE HOMELESS FAMILIES COMING IN THE FRONT DOOR.

[00:25:06]

THEY'RE NOT JUST THE ONES THAT ARE SLEEPING ON COUCHES AT FRIENDS HOUSE.

THESE ARE PEOPLE SLEEPING IN CARS AND SLEEPING ON THE STREETS RIGHT HERE IN GRAPEVINE.

SO I DO THINK IT'S SOMETHING THAT I'M HOPEFUL THAT ONCE OUR BOARD KIND OF GETS TOGETHER AND TRIES TO FORMULATE A PLAN THAT GRACE CAN FOLLOW, WE HOPE TO COME TO YOU LATER NEXT YEAR WITH THAT PLAN IN HOPES THAT WE CAN FIND SOME PARTNERSHIPS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.

IT'S ONE, THAT'S THE ONE THAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT, IS HOW WE KEEP ROOVES OVERHEAD AND TUMMIES FULL.

WITH THAT, I WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.

I WILL TELL YOU I'VE LEFT YOU SOME LITTLE TREATS THERE IN HONOR OF OUR DESIGNER BAGS AND BINGO FUNDRAISER EVENT, WHICH IS ON MAY 7TH.

WE WOULD LOVE IT IF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AND AND OUR GUESTS HERE WOULD LIKE TO JOIN US.

IT'S A FUNDRAISER FOR GRACE, AND IT IS A HOOT.

IT'S GOING TO BE OUT IN THE FIDELITY CAMPUS IN THEIR ATRIUM.

WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO FIND A UNIQUE VENUE FOR IT THIS YEAR.

SO IT'S GOING TO BE A LOT OF FUN.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE ANY MORE INFORMATION ON THAT.

WE'LL GET IT TO YOU. ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME? ANY QUESTIONS? APPARENTLY NOT. THANK YOU SO MUCH, SANDRA.

AND FOR WHAT YOU DO.

THERE'S VERY FEW COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE A GRACE.

IT'S ONE OF THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAKE GRAPEVINE A SPECIAL PLACE.

THEY TALK ABOUT INFLATION AT 8%, BUT GROCERIES ARE UP 50 TO 150% IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF.

I DON'T KNOW HOW PEOPLE ARE AFFORDING IT.

THE 7000 PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN PROVIDING FOOD FOR ABOUT 15% OF OUR POPULATION, 30,000 KIDS FED LUNCHES.

YOU GO TO THE STORE AND YOU SEE PEOPLE BUYING GROCERIES AND THEY'RE PUTTING ON THEIR CREDIT CARD.

YOU DON'T KNOW HOW LONG THAT PEOPLE CAN KEEP THAT UP.

SO IT'S GOING TO GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER.

AND WE'RE JUST VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE AN ORGANIZATION AND THEN A LEADERSHIP LIKE YOU THAT CAN SERVE OUR PEOPLE AND MAKE LIFE A LITTLE BIT EASIER.

BUT IT'S MY PRAYER THAT WE CAN GET THROUGH THIS AND PEOPLE CAN HAVE A LITTLE BIT RELIEF AT THE GROCERY BILLS AND AT THE HOME AND THEN GET BACK TO ENJOYING LIFE. IT'S AFFECTING ALL ASPECTS OF SOCIETY.

CRIME'S UP AND IT'S JUST WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH.

PEOPLE. IT HITS HOME AND PEOPLE PAY THE PRICE.

WE'RE FORTUNATE. YOU CAN MAKE IT A LITTLE LESS TOUGH FOR THE PEOPLE OF GRAPEVINE.

WELL, WE CAN DO THAT WITH YOUR SUPPORT.

I KNOW THAT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA IS THE RELEASE OF FUNDS THAT WE HAD REQUESTED FROM THE CITY TO PARTNER ON THESE PROGRAMS. SO I'M HOPEFUL THAT YOU WILL FIND YOUR WAY TO APPROVE THAT.

AND WE'LL JUST KEEP DOING THE BEST WE CAN DO.

RIGHT. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU TO YOUR TEAM,AS WELL.

SO THANK YOU. CAN WE GET A COPY OF THAT PRESENTATION? ABSOLUTELY. IT'LL BE IN YOUR FRIDAY PACKET.

THANK YOU, SIR. I JUST WANTED TO SAY ONE THING ABOUT HOW GRACE SERVES A COMMUNITY.

AND FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT REALLY FAMILIAR WITH GRACE, BUT IT'S REALLY HARD TO BE IN A POSITION TO HAVE TO ASK FOR HELP.

THAT'S TOUGH. AND PEOPLE ARE EMBARRASSED TO COME GET HELP AND.

EMBARRASSED THEY LOST THEIR JOB OR THEY JUST CAN'T.

AND SO THE ONE THING THAT THE STAFF AND SHONDA LEADS BY EXAMPLE IS THEY REALLY TREAT PEOPLE WITH DIGNITY.

THEY LET PEOPLE COME IN AND THEY CAN BE HELPED.

THEY CAN TURN IT AROUND AND PAY IT BACK WHEN THEY CAN.

AND MANY PEOPLE DO.

MANY OF THE CLIENTS WE'VE HAD DO COME BACK AND PAY IT FORWARD.

BUT TO BE TREATED WITH DIGNITY IS SOMETHING THAT NOT EVERY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DOES.

AND THAT'S THE ONE THING THAT I ADMIRE SO MUCH ABOUT.

SO IF YOU NEED A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY AND RIGHT OVER THERE, THEY.

ROOM FOR YOU. EVERYBODY ELSE.

OKAY. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[7. Consider Resolution No. 2023-002 authorizing the approval to accept funds for the State of Texas Bullet Resistant Shield Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023, Ordinance No. 2023-005 appropriating the funds, and taking any other necessary action. ]

AND OUR NEXT NUMBER, 2023-005 APPROPRIATING THE FUNDS AND TAKING ANY AND OTHER NECESSARY ACTION.

CHIEF MIKE HAMLIN.

THANK YOU. HONORABLE MAYOR, COUNCIL.

ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17TH, GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT ANNOUNCED THE AVAILABILITY OF GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50 MILLION FOR BALLISTIC SHIELDS TO TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.

YOU MAY REMEMBER THIS WAS ON THE HEELS SHORTLY THEREAFTER OF THE UVALDE TRAGEDY.

WE RESPONDED AS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $285,000.

THIS AMOUNT WILL ALLOW US TO PURCHASE 57 RIFLE RATED BALLISTIC SHIELDS, A PORTION OF WHICH WILL BE STAGED IN ALL OF THE ELEMENTARY ALL OF THE SCHOOLS IN THE CITY.

AND THE OTHER PORTION WILL BE HOUSED IN OUR MARCH PATROL UNITS FOR OUR OFFICERS WHO RESPOND TO CALLS.

[00:30:06]

THIS IS A FULLY REIMBURSEMENT GRANT.

THIS AGENDA ITEM IS TO AUTHORIZE THE COMPLETE FOR US TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PROCESS, ACCEPT THE FUNDS AND EXECUTE THE ASSOCIATED APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE WITHOUT.

I'LL ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.

ANY QUESTIONS? I'LL MOVE FOR APPROVAL.

ALL RIGHT. SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? ALL OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, CHIEF.

THANK YOU, CHIEF. MOTION IS APPROVED.

THE ORDINANCE AND THE RESOLUTION.

ITEM EIGHT CONSIDERED A PERFORMANCE UTILIZATION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE WRECK OF GRAPEVINE WITH BARKER

[8. Consider a performance utilization analysis (PUA) for The REC of Grapevine with Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture, and take any necessary action.]

CHRIS SMITH, OUR DIRECTOR.

THANK YOU, MAYOR, MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL.

THE ITEM BEFORE YOUR CONSIDERATION IS FOR APPROVAL FOR A CONTRACT WITH BARKER RINKER SEACAT ARCHITECTURE TO PERFORM A UTILIZATION ANALYSIS STUDY FOR THE WRECK OF GRAPEVINE.

PRIOR TO THE WRECK OPENING IN APRIL OF 2015, A BUSINESS PLAN WAS COMPLETED, WHICH WOULD HAVE TAKEN US THROUGH 2020.

COVID WAS A PRETTY BIG SETBACK AND A LOT OF THINGS CHANGED AT THAT TIME CAUSED A DELAY IN THE NEED TO UPDATE THE PLAN IN 2020.

BUT IN 2022, WHAT WE FOUND THAT WAS MEMBERSHIP AND OUR PROGRAM REGISTRATIONS ARE ALL SHOWING THAT WE'VE RETURNED TO THOSE PRE-PANDEMIC NUMBERS.

AND THAT IT IS NOW TIME FOR US TO LOOK AT HOW THE REC IS PERFORMING AND REANALYZE ALL OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE WRECK IN 2016, ONE YEAR AFTER OPENING THE RENOVATED CENTER.

A REVIEW OF THE FACILITY WAS PERFORMED BY A THIRD PARTY CONTRACTOR.

THIS ALLOWED STAFF TO KIND OF TAKE A LOOK AT ALL OF THE OPERATIONS, ALLOWED US TO LOOK AT ROOM USAGE.

WHERE ARE THEY BEING USED APPROPRIATELY? WERE THEY BEING USED ENOUGH? ALLOWED US TO LOOK AT BUILDING UPDATES THAT MIGHT NEED TO BE COMPLETED IN THE FUTURE AND GAVE US SOME STRATEGIES FOR MEMBERSHIP RETENTION AND HOW WE RETAIN ALL OF THE MEMBERS THAT WE HAVE. IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT IT'S BEEN SEVEN YEARS SINCE THAT STUDY WAS COMPLETE, AND IT'S NOW TIME FOR US TO ANALYZE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE WRECK AGAIN.

TO BE SURE, WE ARE ADJUSTING AS A DEPARTMENT TO ALL OF THE INDUSTRY TRENDS THAT WE SEE AND ALL OF THE REQUESTS THAT THE CITIZENS THAT WERE HERE TO SERVE WANT US TO MEET.

AS YOU MAY RECALL, BARKER, RINKER, SEACAT WAS THE ARCHITECTURE FIRM CHOSEN TO TO COMPLETE THE RENOVATION PLANS FOR THE WRECK.

BARKER, RINKER, SEACAT SPECIALIZES IN COMPLETING THESE PERFORMANCE UTILIZATION ANALYSIS ON BUILDINGS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.

THIS PROJECT WAS PRESENTED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD AND WAS BROUGHT TO THE COUNCIL FACILITIES COMMITTEE ON JANUARY 18TH, 2023.

AT THE COUNCIL FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING.

IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE PROJECT BE BROUGHT IN FRONT OF THE FULL COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL.

THE DELIVERABLES FOR THIS PROJECT INCLUDE STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS, A FINAL REPORT AND A PRESENTATION TO COUNCIL WITH INFORMATION THAT WILL INCLUDE FINDINGS ALONG WITH PRESENT AND FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BUILDING.

FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE PARKS AND RECREATION GENERAL FUND FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $45,300.

AND I THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS REQUEST AND I'LL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE.

ALL RIGHT. ANY QUESTIONS? ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU, CHRIS.

MOTION IS IN ORDER.

I MOVE FOR APPROVAL. SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? ALL OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. THIS BRINGS US TO THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 9-32 IN OUR SCHEDULE FOR ANY COUNCIL DISCUSSION.

[CONSENT AGENDA]

DO WE HAVE ANY REQUESTS FROM ANY OF OUR CITIZENS? ANY FROM THE COUNCIL.

MR. MAYOR, I WOULD LIKE TO GET SOME CLARIFICATIONS AND REMOVE ITEM 11 AND 13.

YOU WANT TO PULL THEM OR YOU JUST WANT CLARIFICATION? SOME CLARIFICATION. OKAY.

SO SHE WANTS TO PULL THEM? SHE WANTS TO PULL THEM. YEAH.

ALL RIGHT. THAT WAS 11 AND 13.

11 AND 13 AND 13.

OKAY. ALL RIGHT.

OUR CONSENT IS 9-12 AND 14 TO 32.

I'LL MOVE FOR APPROVAL OF ITEMS NINE, TEN, 11, SORRY, NINE, TEN, 12 AND 14 THROUGH 32.

SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? ALL OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. THE CONSENT IS APPROVED.

[11. Consider an agreement for schematic design development for the Concourse and former Pro Shop building renovation project with Oxley, Williams, Tharp Architects. Convention and Visitors Bureau Director recommends approval. ]

[00:35:01]

THE FORMER PRO SHOP.

I'M SO EXCITED WE'RE DOING THIS.

AND I THINK IT'S A GREAT IDEA THAT WE DIDN'T TEAR DOWN THOSE BUILDINGS.

AND I SEE GREAT THINGS HAPPENING.

BUT I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFICATION AND READING UNDER FUTURE PHASE, IT TALKS ABOUT CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS TAKING 16 WEEKS AND ONE OF THE FIRST THING IT SAYS IS UP TO THREE MEETINGS WITH THE OWNER TO COORDINATE THE DESIGN.

THE OWNER MEANING THE CITY? US? YES.

AND WILL THE COUNCIL HAVE SOME INPUT ON DESIGN DISCUSSIONS AT SOME POINT? YES. WELL, THE FIRST PHASE IS THE SCHEMATIC DESIGNS AND THAT THAT WILL COME TO YOU FOR ALL YOU TO SEE AND REVIEW. BEFORE WE GO TO THE SECOND PHASE, WHICH THEN WOULD BE MOVING INTO THE.

ALL OF THE NECESSARY DESIGN OR THE MECHANICAL AND OTHER UNITS ASSOCIATED WITH IT.

TO MAKE SURE YOU HAD SOME INPUT ON THAT.

YOU WILL. THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT OUT OF 11? IF NOT ALL, A MOTION IS IN ORDER.

MOVE FOR APPROVAL. SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? ALL OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES ITEM 11 AS APPROVED.

[13. Consider Resolution No. 2023-004 authorizing an application of a fiscal year 2024 Office of the Governor Public Safety Office Criminal Justice Division Grant (479051) on behalf of the Northeast Fire Department Association (NEFDA) for the First Responder Mental Health Program. Fire Chief recommends approval.]

AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION OF A FISCAL YEAR 2024 OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION GRANT ON BEHALF OF THE NORTHEAST FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM CHIEF BROWN.

I WAS VERY INTERESTED TO SEE THIS.

AND OBVIOUSLY OUR FIRST RESPONDERS SEE A LOT OF THINGS THAT.

THEY PROBABLY NEED COUNSELING.

I KNOW WE HAVE SOME TRAINING ALREADY IN PLACE IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

BUT I'M CURIOUS ABOUT THIS TRAINING, AND I KNOW THAT YOU'VE DONE YOUR HOMEWORK ON THIS, BUT DO WE HAVE SOME DECISION MAKING AND WHAT THE TRAINING IS? OR IS THIS JUST? WHO'S GETTING WHAT THEY OFFER? OR DID YOU HAVE A CHOICE IN THE MATTER? NO, MA'AM. MAYOR AND COUNCIL, WE DEFINITELY HAVE CHOICE IN WHAT WE'RE GOING TO RECEIVE IF THIS KEEP IN MIND, WE'RE JUST APPLYING FOR THE GRANT AT THIS POINT IN TIME.

THE GRANT IS THERE'S NO MATCH TO US OR ANY OF THE OTHER 13 CITIES IN THE NORTHEAST FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION.

AND IF WE ARE AWARDED $260,000 GRANT, THAT WILL BE DISPERSED AMONGST THE CITIES TO BRING.

AND RIGHT NOW, WE'RE PARTNERING AND GETTING SOME ASSISTANCE FROM A GROUP CALLED THE READINESS GROUP, WHICH WE HAVE VETTED THOROUGHLY.

THEIR FIRST RESPONDER MENTAL HEALTH HELPERS, IF YOU WILL.

DR. BRENDA HAS SERVED WITH MULTIPLE BRANCHES OF THE MILITARY AS WELL AS SHE WAS ON AT GROUND ZERO.

SHE WAS AT THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING BACK IN 93.

SHE HAS EXTENSIVE.

EXPERIENCE IN THAT KIND OF WORK.

ERICA IS ACTUALLY A DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY, IS THE OTHER PERSON THAT WE DEAL WITH MOSTLY.

AND SHE NOT ONLY HELPS WITH THE PHYSICAL SIDE OF IT TO HELP PEOPLE, BUT SHE ALSO IS TRAINED IN THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PART OF IT AS WELL. WE THOROUGHLY VETTED THEIR COMPANY.

THEY HAVE BEEN ASSISTING US WITH THE GRANT.

THEY'VE ALSO HAD MULTIPLE EXPERIENCE WITH A FIRE DEPARTMENT VERSUS FIRE DEPARTMENT.

VERY SIMILAR TO NAFTA.

DOWN IN SOUTHERN DALLAS COUNTY, AND NORTHERN ELLIS COUNTY.

AND THEY WERE HELPING THEY HELP THEM A NUMBER OF YEARS RECEIVE THIS GRANT.

AND IT NOT ONLY TAKES THE.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS PEER SUPPORT TEAM, THE MENTAL HEALTH PIECE OF IT, WHICH WE ALREADY HAVE IN PLACE HERE IN GRAPEVINE.

BUT IT WILL HELP TRAIN ALL CITIES AND THEY WILL BE IN FRONT OF ALL OVER 600 FIREFIGHTERS IN THIS NORTH NORTHEAST FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION WERE, IF WE WERE ALL ONE CITY, WE WOULD BE LARGER THAN THAN FORT WORTH, TEXAS.

SO THEY'RE GOING TO GET IN FRONT OF ALL THOSE FIREFIGHTERS TO GIVE THEM TOOLS FOR DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT WE COME IN CONTACT WITH.

THAT'S GREAT. THERE'S A LOT OF TRAINING OUT THERE.

SOME OF THAT'S REALLY GOOD AND WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL AND SOME OF IT'S NOT.

SO I'M SO GLAD TO HEAR THAT WOMAN.

SOUNDS LIKE SHE'S GOT A LOT OF QUALIFICATIONS.

YES, MA'AM. I'LL MOVE FOR APPROVAL.

SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? ALL OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.

THANK YOU, CHIEF BROWN.

THAT COMPLETES THE CONSENT AGENDA, COMPLETES THE COUNCIL AGENDA.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

[00:40:02]

I WANT TO SAY TO THE STAFF, MR. RUMBELOW, THE VOICE OVERLAY ON THE SCREEN TONIGHT WAS MUCH IMPROVED THAN IT WAS THE FIRST NIGHT.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY DID, BUT THEY THE WORDS SEEMED TO BE ALL PRETTY ACCURATE.

THERE'S STILL A LITTLE LANGUAGE WHICH YOU CAN MAKE SENSE OF WHAT'S BEING SAID.

AND SO I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE VERY HELPFUL TO PEOPLE AT HOME AND THE PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE THAT MAY HAVE TROUBLE HEARING WITH THE ACOUSTICS IN HERE.

SO THANK YOU FOR THAT.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

A MOTION TO ADJOURN IS IN ORDER.

SO MOVED. SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? ALL OPPOSED? COUNCIL STANDS ADJOURNED.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.