On Tuesday, April 8, Mayor Dave Blaylock issued a Proclamation recognizing April 6-12 as National Library week.
“During this week, I encourage all residents to visit their library, explore its resources and celebrate all the ways that the library draws us together as a community,” Mayor Blaylock said.
Donna Parkinson, GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) History Club of Whitesboro President, accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the Whitesboro Public Library. Later, the GFWC History Club presented certificates to Whitesboro Independent School District (WISD) librarians at the regularly scheduled school board meeting on Monday, April 14.
Next, bills payable for the month of March 2025 were approved. The PCA for the month will remain the same. During the department head reports, Penny Renfroe, Director of Whitesboro Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), spoke about Godwin Park. According to Renfroe, the playground was built in 2002 and had a lifespan of 25 years. She said the playground is nearing the end of its original life expectancy. Therefore, the playground needs to be replaced. Renfroe said the playground has been slowly dismantled over the past couple of months in hopes to eventually replace it completely.
“There are some things that you won’t miss in the wooden playground,” Renfroe said.
Renfroe brought this item to the attention of the council because it is an ongoing process and the playground will eventually need to be replaced. She demonstrated the playground options to the council that would accommodate many.
“We would like to keep a multi-structure design that would accommodate different populations,” Renfroe said. This was a discussion-only item. No action was required.
Next, a public hearing was held on the adoption of the water and wastewater impact fees. According to Texas Local Government Code Chapter 395, the mandated requirements are that the impact fees be based on a specific list of improvements and they are evaluated every five years. Alderman John Moore motioned to adopt the water and wastewater impact fee. Mayor Pro Tem Carla Woolsey seconded. The motion carried.
Then, a request was approved to allow the City Administrator to engage Performance Services Inc. (PSI) to conduct an investment grade audit in accordance with Texas Legislation Government code Chapter 302– energy savings performance contracts for local governments.
The audit is for the purpose of surveying the possibility of replacing all current water meters in Whitesboro with smart water meters. The representative with PSI said studies show Whitesboro charges less than other surrounding cities. According to the agenda, reporting results would be available in early summer. These results would identify operational efficiencies, savings and improved customer service opportunities for Whitesboro residents. The audit was approved.
Next, the Senior Consultant with Synergy discussed with Whitesboro City Council the stabilization of funds, changes in the wholesale market and findings on the utility rate study. No action was required.
Moving forward, Resolution 8717, authorizing the participation in the HOME Program with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) was adopted. The City of Whitesboro has identified significant housing needs, in particular for the reconstruction of owner-occupied housing. Therefore, with the HOME Program, the City wishes to assist low-income homeowners with safe, decent, sanitary and affordable housing. The HOME Program can provide this while also enhancing the health, economic and aesthetic quality of Whitesboro.
A request to use $60k from the Forfeiture Funds to contribute to the purchase of a new system for integrated police vehicle and body cameras was approved. The total cost is $178,880 over a period of five years. The Godwin Foundation has agreed to donate $22,776 for the first year. This is at no cost to the City of Whitesboro.
A request for the approval of draw #7 for Mustang Excavation, for work performed by 03 Concrete Contractors LLC dba Mustang Excavation in the amount of $254,544.71, was approved. This pay request is for Texoma Drive and water line improvements. The project is approximately 95 percent complete and 100 percent of the contract time has elapsed.
Resident Keisha Head said there has been so much transparency with the project for residents, it has been a great experience.
Next, a change order for the KW Utilities in the amount of $25k was approved.
Three members of the Preservation Board, Stepanie Dickson, Ginger Garvin and Kathy Moore, were reappointed.
The Whitesboro Housing Authority reappointed Janet Mings as Resident Commissioner and Kourtney Keeland as Commissioner for a two-year term.
Next, a surplus of office supplies was approved. The surplus was for 14 desktops, two laptops, four monitors, two credit card readers, three credit card printers, one phone handset and five printers.
City Administrator Phil Harris said the City is moving forward with the Water Tower project and 16-inch water line. There are still a couple of easements to take care of. Harris also announced that on Tuesday, April 29 there will be an open house at First State Bank (542 US 377 in Whitesboro) for residents to learn about the latest work on the comprehensive plan.
Moving forward with the budget, Harris said an audit for the budget is anticipated to take about three to four weeks. Expenditures exceeding the City Administrator’s authority in the amount of $53,204.14 were approved.
Lastly, after being in executive session for nearly one hour, Alderman Moore motioned to execute contracts with Synergy, following the direction of the City Administrator. The motion carried.
