At its regularly scheduled meeting November 9, 2021, the Jayton City Council discussed several items related to preparations for the future of its public utilities.
In the absence of Mayor George Chisum, mayor pro tem Belle Branham called the meeting to order on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 6:05 p.m. Member Jake Edwards was also absent.
The council meeting moved quickly as no one from the community was present for the public comments section of the agenda. The previous meeting minutes were approved as presented.
Branham presented her notes from a municipality regulatory meeting she attended with Mayor Chisum. As a result of newly introduced Texas Senate Bill 3, the city will be required to develop and implement an Emergency Management Plan and a Drought Contingency Plan. These documents will be submitted to the state to apply for “critical load status” with The Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Having these plans in place will help prevent long power outages affecting the water supply in Jayton, Branham said.
A conversation about timely erecting a metal privacy fence at the city-owned RV park was started during the review of the accounts payable. A decision to re-prioritize the construction of the fence higher on the to-do list was agreed upon. Payment of bills was approved.
Staff time cards were reviewed for approval. Due to problems with the punch clock, despite recent maintenance, legibility of time cards has become an issue. The council asked city secretary Michele Fager to look into a new system. Employee time cards, comp time, and city bank statements were approved unanimously.
No public works/utilities report was presented, as city technicians were unable to attend the council meeting. In lieu of the report, the council discussed the city water tower and considered setting internal deadlines for making necessary improvements and repairs.
In new business, a bid for an annual municipal audit was considered and approved. Due to new Texas State regulations, the prior auditing entity no longer works with municipalities. The council also discussed possibly hiring a new legal firm. No candidates were presented at this time, but the council expressed interested in finding a “more responsive” attorney.
Council member Marsha Smith was appointed as the city council representative for the Kent County Appraisal District.
The water bill delinquent list was shorter than normal, a welcomed development, according to city secretary Fager. Most past due accounts were in the process of resolution, she said, and payment arrangements had been made.
The council meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.
