The Kenedy City Council began its meeting with discussion on the final plat for RDRP/Paul Covey Investment Group of four lots on the property formerly known as the Hemby tract located on the West side of Hwy 181 North.

Southwest Engineers examined the contractor plans of the plat and noted several recommendations: Water main needs to be an eight-inch main; sewer services recommend a sewer cap and access roads should go along with TxDOT recommendations. No action was needed as a time lapse for action had expired allowing the plat to be approved by default.

City Manager Reggie Winters brought several matters to the Council table.

Public works has found that there are problems with Well 14. It just came online and "it is still under warranty and contractors have been contacted," according to Winters. The well is pumping but not as expected. As far as water meters are concerned, the council is looking for a firmer price on the replacements, so no action will be taken at this time. Also, council approved changing the proposed 1.5 million gallons per day capacity upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant to 2 million gallons per day of capacity as recommended by Winters. The change at this time should prove cost effective in the long run.

Also, Winters asked that there be changes in wording to amend the City of Kenedy personnel policy on absences, tardiness, and travel and use of city vehicles and motorized equipment. The changes would include notices to employers of expected or planned absences and seeking approval for travel and equipment usage from supervisors. The council approved the changes.

A legal opinion by City Attorney Craig McAda "that as long as no improprieties such as preferential treatment occurs, there is no legal reason that council or Building Standards Committee members could not purchase resale properties."

After a question by Councilman Ken Reiley, McAda stated as far as "setting ethical standards, the council can adopt more rules to be stricter in this matter."

The question of conflict of interest and ethical standards had been raised at an earlier meeting by Councilman Bob Patton.

Three lots in Kenedy are up for resale after approval by the council. They are Lot 4, 150’ by 50’ out of Block 87, and Lots 6 & 7, Block 3 out of the Pan American Addition #2. The resale was approved.

Larry Kiesling reported on the city park expenditures. He stated, "they had two meetings, including a public hearing with discussion regarding Red Holchak Field and no one showed up." But they will need additional expenditures for the park, $3,160, for additional lighting and funds for Christmas lights for the park. Council approved the request. Councilman Bob Patton said "that a committee had been established to negotiate the contract" on the Holchak Field with KISD. Councilmen Felipe Leal and Bob Patton will represent the city and Larry Kiesling and Jerry Richards for KISD.

On an additional city park concern, Councilman Felipe Leal brought up his concerns about allowing dogs in the park. He shared about "an incident he saw that made him realize that even a dog on a leash could be out of control." Councilman Patton said he felt it "would be a shame to disallow those who love to walk with their faithful companions/dogs in the park." It was noted that this should come under the leash law in effect and referred to the animal control policy. No further action was taken at this time.

The update on proposals from last month’s Veolia Water contract five-year review included "investigating costs more closely, capital projects bundled together, a higher level for accountability in maintenance required by manufacturers to document control of water treatment issues, have Veolia interface more with project engineers and other issues to be included at another workshop for further discussion. The workshop will be held the first week in December.

After the regular session ended shortly after 7 p.m., a closed executive session began for a consultation with Albert Lopez, TML attorney, on an EEOC complaint filed by Loretta G. Thiele. After the closed session ended around 8 p.m., the regular session reconvened and the Council Members took action to allow Lopez to enter into conciliation on behalf of Loretta Thiele.