Council approves new compensation package
Examiner photo by Connie Clements Navasota Mayor Bert Miller presents a Proclamation recognizing the distinguished service of Johnny McNally, the retiring Navasota Grimes County Chamber of Commerce executive director. The Proclamation expresses the sincere appreciation of the City of Navasota for McNally’s tireless work, outstanding performance and dedication to duty during his tenure. McNally began his career with the chamber July 1, 2015 and retires Dec. 31, 2022. Pictured (L-R): Council member Bernie Gessner, Mayor Bert Miller, Johnny McNally, wife Lisé McNally, council member Pattie Pederson, Mayor Pro Tem Grant Holt and council member Josh Fultz.
City employees will see a boost in pay on their Jan. 6, 2023, paychecks following action by the Navasota City Council Monday night. At the Dec. 12 Regular Meeting, council members approved a Compensation Pay Plan and wage adjustment philosophy which will bring all employees to at least the minimum of the proposed pay grades which begins at $15 per hour for fulltime employees, provide an across-the-board 3.5% wage increase and make necessary adjustments to account for length of time in that position. The estimated annual cost, which includes benefits of TMRS and FICA, is $953,633.
According to City Manager Jason Weeks, following the Nov. 28 presentation of the compensation study by HRCC at a Special Meeting of council, several pay grades were added to plan for growth. Those include a W3 pay grade for an “A” licensed Water/Wastewater position, a Grade 4 Utilities Crew Leader position and a Grade 2 Streets Worker position.
Weeks said, “However, I will tell you, police and fire are still hesitant about the correct hourly rate and so we’re going to have to work with consultant to finalize that. What we’re asking you to approve is the pay grades with the minimum, midpoint and max and whatever hourly rate gets to that.”
Contract awarded for Brosig project
Moving forward with the Brosig Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project, city council members approved an engineering agreement with Goodwin Lasiter Strong. GLS’ bid of $78,000 was one of four bids received through the sealed bid process, and based on scoring criteria, considered the most qualified. Councilman Bernie Gessner recused himself from voting since his son’s firm, Gessner Engineering, submitted a bid.
The project consists of constructing 6-foot wide sidewalks on the west side of Brosig Avenue from E. Washington Avenue to Piedmont Road, a pedestrian bridge across Cedar Creek, and pedestrian crossing signage and lighting at the intersection of Brosig and Brule Drive.
Eighty percent of the $784,245 project is funded by a TxDOT Transportation Alternative Grant and the City’s 20% match of $156,849 is being provided by TxDOT Transportation Development Credits.
EDC, TIRZ board appointments
Council members approved the appointment of incoming Executive Director of the Navasota Grimes County Chamber of Commerce, Lucy Ybarra, to the Navasota Economic Development Corporation. Ybarra will take the seat vacated by retiring chamber director Johnny McNally.
They also approved a board of directors for the City’s newly created TIRZ No. 1 (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone). The board is required to have five members, and with Navasota the only taxing entity participating in TIRZ No. 1, Mayor Bert Miller appointed city council members to serve staggered terms. The terms will run concurrently with their council term and end as follows: Miller and Mayor Pro Tem Grant Holt, May 31, 2023, with Bernie Gessner, Pattie Pederson and Josh Fultz, May 31, 2024.
Other council action:
•Approved Consent Agenda items which included minutes and expenditures for November 2022 and the Municipal Court Report for 2022.
•Took no action after reconvening from Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 551.086 – Utility Competitive Matters-City of Navasota Gas Utility System-Gas Supply and Transportation Arrangements and Agreements and associated matters.
Reports from City staff/officials to council
•Received introduction of new Navasota Police Department employees, Patrol Officer Todd Moon and Communications Operator/Dispatch Paige Saylor.
•Received the annual Airport Advisory Board update from Michael Dearing.
•Received an update on the 2022 soccer program from City Manager Jason Weeks.
•Mayor Bert Miller issued a Proclamation honoring the retiring Executive Director of the Navasota Grimes County Chamber of Commerce, Johnny McNally.
•Council member Pattie Pederson gave an update on the Dec. 8 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
View city council meetings in their entirety at www.navasotatx.gov/city-council/pages/meeting-videos.