The Collinsville City Council hired a new public works director and changed their regular monthly meeting time on Monday night.
The regular December meeting also focused on approving multiple EDC/IDC projects and agreements related to the city’s economic development and community improvement initiatives.
The council approved unanimously to move forward with a $34,000 project to build a storage building at the City Park for the Collinsville Area Youth Sports Association in which to store equipment.
According to Mayor Derek Kays, the 35x15 metal building will be built by Justin McDonnell Construction.
Council approved a $14,000 grant from the Economic Development Corporation and up to a $20,000 grant from the Industrial Development Corporation.
Another EDC grant of up to $25,000 was awarded to Apologetics at 100 North Main Street in Collinsville.
The 75/25 matching business grant is designed to assist new business development in town.
“The owner will invest $75,000 in his project and the EDC will match up to $25,000,” Alderman Chase Guidera said.
The grant is to be used to assist with renovation costs to complete an ADA bathroom, structural issues and a commercial kitchen.
Other business Monday night included:
• Hearing the Chamber of Commerce report detailing a successful Christmas On the Square event last week, recent officer nominations and the Chamber’s upcoming plans for their annual banquet.
• An Economic Development Corporation update including plans for a stakeholder workshop on Jan. 18 to discuss long-term economic planning for the city.
• Adjustments to city water cut-off dates and notification processes were approved to improve efficiency.
• Approving the mayor’s authorization to sign documents related to the state opioid lawsuit settlement, with $1,831 in funds potentially used for health-related initiatives.
Afterward, a near-hour long executive session slated to include:
“Consultation with the city attorney on a matter which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with the Texas Open Meetings Act… and deliberation regarding the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment duties, discipline or dismissal of public officer or employee to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee…”
No action was taken pursuant to executive session.
Before adjourning, the council hired Gabriel Mason as the new Public Works Director.
They also agreed unanimously to change the regular monthly meeting date from the second Monday of the month to the third Monday— effective in January 2025— citing better function with personal schedules.