PARKWAY UTILITY DISTRICT MINUTES OF BOARD SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 8, 2021
THE STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF HARRIS §
PARKWAY UTILITY DISTRICT §
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Parkway Utility District (the “District”) convened in a regular session, at 6:00 p.m. on March 8, 2021, via videoconference and teleconference pursuant to Section 551.125, Texas Gov’t Code as modified by the temporary suspension of certain provisions thereof pursuant to guidelines issued by the Texas Attorney General and approved by the Governor for use during the COVID-19 statewide disaster. A roll call was taken of the persons present:
Brenda McNeil, President
Alphonso (“Al”) Rettig, Vice President
Jennifer Balderas, Secretary
Ron Everhart, Assistant Secretary
Gloria Woods, Director
All members of the Board were present, thus constituting a quorum. Also attending all or parts of the meeting were Mr. Gary Syzek of Systems Project Management, General Manager for the District; and Mr. Reginald Wilson and Ms. Meghan Koett of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (“NRF”), attorneys for the District.
Pursuant to Section 551.054, Texas Gov’t Code, as modified by the temporary suspension of certain provisions thereof, notice of the meeting was posted on the District’s website within the time limits prescribed by law. A certificate of such posting is attached hereto as Exhibit A. The agenda packet was posted on the website as items became available incompliance with the guidelines issued by the Texas Attorney General.
Call to Order. Mr. Wilson called the meeting to order. He noted that the meeting was being held by teleconference in accordance with federal, state and county directives to slow the spread of COVID-19 by avoiding meetings that bring people together. He said the notice of the meeting included a toll-free dial-in number for members of the public to call so they can hear the meeting and address the Board. He noted that the meeting was being recorded and a recording would be available upon public request. Mr. Wilson then set out guidelines for the conduct of the meeting.
He asked each speaker to identify themselves before speaking. He then proceeded with the meeting business:
1. Public Comments. There were no public comments.
2. Discuss budget for Engineer presence during the construction phase of the Wastewater Treatment Facility, and take any necessary action.
Mr. Wilson stated that Mr. Jenkins can present a tentative schedule where the engineer’s need to be present such as when foundation construction pieces are underway.
Mr. Syzek stated the CSA superintendent will join future monthly meetings to get real time updates.
3. Discuss moving forward with entities willing to partner as stakeholders to provide amenities within the District, and take necessary action.
President McNeil stated she would like to get more amenities throughout the District.
She stated that the District’s financial advisor and bookkeeper have come up with ways to fund various park projects. President McNeil also stated that Texas Parks and Wildlife works with Municipal Utility Districts through matching grants up to 50%.
Mr. Syzek suggested speaking with the HOA and Houston Parks Board for they are active with assisting Municipal Utility Districts.
Mr. Syzek reviewed maintenance fees for the existing park trails.
President McNeil stated that more trails and amenities throughout the District may reduce heavy traffic on the current trail which would reduce the cost of maintenance. Discussion ensued regarding who to reach out to for initial conversation about creating amenities.
Director Everhart stated he is in favor of creating more trails and recommended using decomposed granite to keep costs low. He noted that this material will cut down on graffiti and would be consistent throughout the District.
It was the general consensus of the Board to move forward with continued discussion with Greens Bayou Coalition to bring stakeholders to the table.
4. Discuss capacity and preserving commercial customers until completion of the new water plant.Mr. Wilson stated he has spoken with the engineers and they will presentmore details regarding capacity at the regular March meeting. Mr. Wilson stated that the biggest challenge for the District is water capacity, not waste wastewater capacity.
Director Everhart suggested giving developers the option to use water but supply their own septic system. Discussion ensued.
5. Executive session pursuant to Section 551.071, Texas Gov’t Code, to confer with attorney re matters where the duty of the attorney to the Board requires confidentiality and repotential litigation. Upon motion by Director Rettig, seconded by Director Balderas, after full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 6:53 p.m. pursuant to Section 551.071 Texas Gov’t Code, to confer with their attorney on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Rules of Professional Conduct requires confidentiality and regarding potential litigation. At this time all persons left the meeting, except the Board members, Mr. Wilson, Ms. Koett, and Mr. Syzek.
6. Convene in public session. Upon motion by Director Balderas, seconded by Director Rettig, after full discussion and the question being put to the Board, the Board voted unanimously to enter into public session at 7:32 p.m. No members of the public reentered the meeting. Nothing discussed in executive session required Board action.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD, the meeting was adjourned.
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The foregoing minutes were passed and approved by the Board of Directors on April 14, 2021.
/s/ Brenda McNeil
President, Board of Directors
ATTEST:
/s/ Jennifer Balderas
Secretary, Board of Directors
(DISTRICT SEAL)
/s/