Last week’s account of Spur City Council business from April 19 had to be divided up due to space constraints in the newspaper, but is continued here.
Several reports were presented to the council, beginning with public comment by Charlie Morris regarding completion of the FEMA grant administration related to 2021’s Winter Storm Uri that the Dickens County commissioner had handled for the City of Spur as a volunteer. As a result of the careful documentation provided during the application process, Morris, said, several benefits accured to the city’s infrastructure. The federal share of the sewer lift station repair was $11,105; water leak repairs, blackflow valve, and chlorinator were also partly covered. The cost share increased from 75% to 90% during the process, a considerable help for the city, Morris said. The City of Spur will receive check for upwards of $27,000 toward eligible expenses.
Morris reminded city staff that in any future such instance, accuracy in reporting time expenses even amid challenging circumstances would allow the city to recoup the maximum eligible reimburseent allowed. Mayor Louise Jones thanked Morris for his pro bono effort. The mayor also introduced council members to report progress regarding several ongoing projects. Regarding the swimming pool bathhouse, council member Glenda White noted that work was proceeding to get it updated for use when the pool is completed. Lighting has been done; plumbing is under way; and handyman Robert Delacruz has been working inside to add showers on both men’s and women’s sides; some old plumbing called for modifications, resulting in a brief delay, and the project is still a couple of weeks away from completion. “There are quite a few changes,” White said. “I think you will be well pleased.”
In reports from city staff, city works supervisor Chris Cornett said repair of the sewer lift station was going well, with the main tied in. Dorado Construction crews were laying line to manhole last week, with water lines to be tied in next week. Manhole installation should be done about May 15.
Cornett also noted installation of one water tap, work on alleys, installation of a sewer tap. City techs grubbing trees at the pivot, installed fence at the city barn, and responded to a sewer backup issue at the community center.
The Spur Police Department reported 36 calls for service in March, including three criminal offenses and resulting in two arrests. Officer Taylor Howerton was moved to fulltime in March, and the department was “very impressed with her service.”
Codes compliance officer John Schmidt said that the city completed demolition on three condemned buildings and were in the process of having a contractor to move the debris down to level at the disposal pit and cover with dirt within 10 days. This process was expected to cost some money to get a bulldozer, Schmidt said, as the city does not have proper heavy equipment.
A notice had been issued to residents on Experiment Station Road to clean up burned trailer; cleanup has started.
A permit had been issued for 606 N. Parker St., where the owner plans to move in a tiny house.
A permit had been issued for property at E. 3rd and Max Avenue, where the owner had applied to set up tiny house on foundation.
A notice had been issued to 310 E. 2nd St. to board up and tear down.
An address had been issued to 303 S. 2nd St.
Schmidt also mentioned that he had submitted notice of his pending retirement, June 30, 2022.
For municipal court, clerk Ashley Carothers said 10 letters regarding violations had been sent out; no funds had been received. The judge was in the office April 14.
City offices will be closed May 30 for the Memorial Day holiday. Early voting was set to start April 25. Two FOIA requests had been received and dealt with; the EDC report was completed; and invoices had been entered into the Fund-View accounting software.
Working with fire chief Wess Abbot, technicians would be examining city sirens, Carothers said.
In action items, city council approved the use of CLFRF funds for shredding requirements as required by TCEQ at the city wastewater site; KT Road Construction’s bid of $3,250 to grub out mesquite and clear out the 130-acre site was approved. The mayor reminded city staff that this is a task that must be undertaken once or twice a year, to keep vegetation from getting out of hand.
Council approved payment of $2,240 to Terminix for pest control services at the public library.
Council approved a future need to temporarily block off West 3rd Street between Rickels Park and the Godfrey Building during the demolition of the Building to make way for the new fire station. Charlie Morris reported to the council that such work would be scheduled after property owners had removed all private possessions from the building. The eventual demolition, Morris said, would involve pulling out the steel anchor buildings with a front-end loader, collapsing the roof into the street. The loader would then remove salvage material and debris from the street, with roof material crushed for disposal. “It shouldn’t be a long process,” Morris said.
Council approved amendments to the Police Department budget, reallocating unused funds from fleet vehicles or printers to the line item for new in-car computers, which are greatly needed at present.
Council approved a change order in the amount of of $8,500 to Dorado Construction authorizing work on the sewer lift station, using CLFRF funds to pay for reboring of the casing to attain proper angle for flow.
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