On Thursday, Nov. 7, Mayor Dave Blaylock began the City Council meeting by recognizing longtime resident Jack Humes for being a huge part of Whitesboro.
“Jack passed away this week and he was a great asset to this city. We really appreciate him and everything he did,” Blaylock said. Humes passed away on Monday, Nov. 4 of a brief illness. Services are pending with Meador Funeral Home.
Moving forward, a citizen representing the Foster family said she has been to City Hall with concerns regarding the home her family has lost. Mrs. Foster said in July her family was ready to have a home delivered and placed on the piece of property they own in Whitesboro, land her family has owned for many years.
According to the Foster family, the Whitesboro Building Inspector spoke during a previous council meeting and told the family the City of Whitesboro had another solution for them. Foster was told the funds were available to completely rebuild their home on their land. Their home had been completely lost due to a fire. The family thought it would be a great idea.
“Dreams do come true,” she said. They broke the contract with the company that was going to deliver their prefabricated home. Instead, they waited.
Things rapidly changed and the house that the Foster family was promised has yet to come to fruition. The house has not been built, the home they were going to purchase and have delivered is no more (because they canceled the process, expecting a home to be built on their land with the help of the city) and their property is vacant and unused.
Foster said although the water and utilities are not being used, they are still having to pay over $100 every month. The family has been displaced for quite some time and have had to stay at other family members’ homes as a result.
“We need some answers. We need a home,” she said. Mayor Blaylock reassured her that they would take everything spoken about into consideration, but they could not respond at the meeting. He said she could be addressed at a later time.
Next, former City Administrator Julie Arrington said the citizen comments and executive session comments in the minutes from previous meetings held on Oct. 15 and Oct. 22 were incorrect and grossly negligent.
“All commenters at one time were misquoted and their intent was not captured,” Arrington said.
Arrington said the meetings are recorded to assist the City Secretary in writing accurate minutes. She said the primary objective of keeping minutes is to preserve an accurate record, business transactions and a meeting. She said they should be concise and they are to be used in a court of law to be used to support or defend a claim against the city. She said what was written on these dates in the minutes was neither truthful nor trustworthy.
“Quit making people look stupid,” Arrington said.
On Thursday, after listening to the City Administrator’s concerns, the Council reviewed the minutes and decided not to approve the minutes for Oct. 15. They will allow the City Secretary to review the minutes and make the necessary corrections on said minutes. Mayor Pro Tem Carla Woolsey motioned and Alderman Su Welch seconded. The motion carried.
Next, the Council agreed to approve the minutes for Oct. 22. Alderman Ronnie Fielder motioned and Woolsey seconded. The motion carried. Moving forward, the council agreed to leave the PCA at the same rate of 0.01197 for the month and the bills payable were approved.
The Whitesboro Municipal Court has a new payment kiosk. The kiosk will offer defendants the options to look up balance and take payments in the form cash, debit and credit cards. The kiosk is now located inside the Police Department lobby and defendants will have ‘round-the-clock access to it. The payment kiosk was purchased with the approval of the City Council, partially using the Court Technology Fund and the Court Security Fund. The Whitesboro Municipal Court is thrilled to offer this option to defendants and citizens.
Next, the Whitesboro Public Library (WPL) has added 140 books to its collection this month. Their annual book sale was a huge success. They have recently added a new art display that has been provided by Hayes Primary School. 4H has also added rocks to the display in front of the library.
After many years of using Hoopla (a digital borrowing service for libraries that provides movies, ebooks, audio books, music, magazines and TV shows), the service is being replaced. The WPL will now use the online book service called Boundless. This change comes with great benefits. Library Director Lara Blair said the State of Texas is providing the funds for the service.
The Council approved and adopted Resolution 8710, authorizing the submission of a Texas Community Development Block grant program application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for the 2025-2026 Community Development Fund.
According to the agenda, during the budget session, staff informed the council of a dump truck that was ordered in July 2023 and had arrived in late September 2024. The item was paid in full and not financed. After much discussion and consideration, the Mayor was authorized to enter into an agreement for the reimbursement bond for the purchase of the dump truck for an amount not to exceed $110,992.21.
This bond will allow for more interest accrual into the bank account and allow the city additional revenue to provide to the Parks and Recreation building that are now needed. It is noted in the agenda that this will increase the debt fund for next year. The first payment is scheduled to be made out of the General Fund Capital Improvement. Other payments will come from the I & S Fund, thus creating a tax increase to the I & S.
After clarification, no action was taken on authorizing the City Secretary to open a new bank account with the purpose of paying utility debt. Next, the Interim City Administrator, Phil Harris, was approved to enter into an agreement for the engineering of the 2024 Roadway Impact Fee Analysis and designate an advisory committee. Woolsey motioned and Alderman Mike Pack seconded. The motion carried.
Alderman John Moore motioned to pay $169,473.40 for paving and water line improvements to 03 Concrete Contractors. Woolsey seconded and the motion carried.
Harris presented the advantages in replacing computers at City Hall. After much discussion, the Council approved Harris to be authorized to purchase and install replacement computers in an amount not to exceed $51,000.
After reviewing the new City of Whitesboro Organizational Chart, the Council adopted the new chart which, according to Moore, is in alignment with the City Ordinance. Next, the Council motioned to table the item regarding the Drought Contingency Plan until the next meeting. Moore motioned and Fielder seconded. The motion carried.
In ongoing city projects, Bradley Williams with the Water Department said everything is going great with the Water Tower project. Williams said with the way things are going, they will be turning dirt in January. Williams said 100 percent of the Water Tower Project plans are complete. Small modifications will be made, but the City is moving forward with the project and the 12-inch Water Line project as well.
“It’s going to be a great thing for Whitesboro. I can’t say that enough,” Williams said.
The Texoma Drive project and the 4th Street expansion project continue to move forward in the right direction.