On Tuesday, June 4 Kyle Maynard and Amber Young, with the Whitesboro Area Chamber of Commerce, presented former mayor Dee Welch with a Lifetime Achievement plaque.
Welch was recognized for his service to the community as former City Attorney, former Alderman and former Mayor of the City of Whitesboro.
Next, during the department head reports, Alderman Ronnie Fielder welcomed new employees with the city, Hunter Ryan with the Streets Department and Justin Blevins with the Water Department. Fielder also demonstrated appreciation towards John White, with the Water Department, for getting his multi-purpose residential fire sprinkler specialist endorsement.
Then, a public hearing was held on the acceptance and proposed annexation of a 17-acre tract. This tract is generally located on Locust Street between Hwy 377 and Depot Street. The public hearing was opened and closed without comments or questions from citizens.
Another public hearing was held on a request for a re-plat allowing for the separation of one lot into three lots. This property is generally located on the northwest corner of North Avenue and Pecan Street. After Mayor Dave Blaylock opened the public hearing, John Reynolds (who lives next door to the property) asked to know more about the plans.
Property owner Ryan Patterson advised the council the houses are not platted as three lots (three houses). He would also like to re-plat the property into three lots for the three houses and remove the corner house, which he said is in bad shape. The other two houses are in better shape and would be sold to individuals. This change would make the two houses non-compliant with the building code. The City Attorney advised the re-zone and re-plat could be done together, therefore would be allowable in the zoning code. Alderman Carla Woolsey motioned denying the request. This motion was seconded by Alderman Mike Pack; the motion carried unanimously.
In other news, City Administrator Julie Arrington was authorized to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Mundo and Associates, Inc. Arrington has advised the City Council about the company and would like to hire them for the purpose of providing professional services regarding the Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant application process. Alderman Woolsey motioned to authorize Arrington to move forward and Alderman Stacey Miles seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Next, Resolution 8705 was adopted for an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the temporary road closure of the state right-of-way for the Founder’s Day Celebration. Alderman Su Welch motioned and Alderman Woolsey seconded; the motion carried unanimously.
Moving forward, Arrington advised the City Council of the changes she has made to residency (residents living outside of the city limits) to the Preservation Board. After much discussion, Alderman Welch motioned to adopt Ordinance 1223 Preservation Board. Alderman Woolsey seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Following this discussion, Alderman Welch motioned to appoint Ginger Garvin, Kathy Moore, David Bertino, Mark Pike and Stephanie Dickson to the board. The two at large would be April Ollila and Doris Haynie. Young was appointed as ex-officio. The motion was seconded by Alderman Mike Pack; the motion carried unanimously.
Alderman Woolsey motioned to approve the budget workshop dates for the fiscal year 2024-2025, with changes setting them as June 18, June 24, July 2, July 16, July 18, July 23 and July 30 of 2024. The motion was seconded by Alderman Pack; motion carried unanimously.
Regarding ongoing city projects, Arrington is waiting on the engineer to move forward with the Water Tower project. Regarding the 12-inch water line project, they will not be moving forward with easements. More information regarding the size of the tanks is needed.
Next, Arrington said she is waiting on the contractor in order to move forward with the Texoma Street project.
Regarding the Fourth Street project, Arrington said TxDOT has bank loans for street projects and the City of Whitesboro is at 80 percent qualification to get the loan at a three percent interest rate.
Lastly, Arrington discussed with the City Council a budgeted item for Tyler Technologies for contract maintenance in the amount of $40,424.60.