BARBARA BRANNON | THE TEXAS SPUR At its regular monthly
meeting July 19, 2022 at the Spur Community Center, the Spur City Council heard two citizens’ concerns in public forum, continued debate on RV Park zoning variance requests, and took action on several other matters of top interest.
A large group of public attended.
In public forum, Spur resident Neel Sanghi complained about ongoing violations of the city’s noise ordinance, and Spur resident Suzanne Fairweather provided an update on problems with loose, vicious dogs. Fairweather reported receiving supportive comments from neighbors after she had informed the city of the problem last month. She also suggested that other cities’ ordinances could provide models for increased regulation in Spur, possibly mandating pet registration so that owners could identify pets.
Spur is “one of the few places where children can safely walk home from school,” she said, “where people can walk neighborhoods.”
Fire department benefit.
Four members of the Spur Volunteer Fire Department were on hand to hear Charlie Morris’ request for a continued Discounted City Services Allotment of municipal water.
According to Morris, the city had provided discounted water for volunteer firefighters “for decades,” with each firefighter receiving a minimum plus 25,000 gallons of wate rmonthly. A search of city records turned up no documentation of any agreement, however.
In light of this, a VFD committee, working closely with Mayor Pro Tem Glenda White, recommended a fixed-rate program instead. The figures, which would cost the city up to $36,000 annually in lost revenue, were based on 20 firefighters, though the department “runs about 15 to 17,” Morris said. Any additional water would beyond the basic allotment of the the city’s minimum charge per month would be charged at normal rate. The city would issue a 1099 to each participant annually to account for the benefit.
The proposal requires active membership and participation in the department for eligibility; if a firefighter left the service before retirement, the benefit would not be reinstated. Retirees after 20 years of servive would receive the benefit of a discounted rate— a retention plan. “The city will receive a return benefit,” said Morris. “Young men get on the fire department to help. As you get older it’s not much fun. But the retention of seasoned firefighters is critical to maintenance and professionalism.” White said she appreciated the VFD committee’s dedication to studying the question, and their profressionalism. Mayor Louise Jones read the proposed resolution aloud for council consideration; council approved unanimously. RV park zoning variances requested. Before the council took up discussion of two particular RV park zoning variance requests that had been tabled at the June meeting, citizen Barbara Brannon, on the agenda, spoke. Comments were focused on encouraging the city to consider a long-term zoning strategy for RV parks and other usages not spelled out in current zoning descriptions, rather than to continue attempting to make decisions on a case-by-case basis. She also urged more careful mapping and more detailed application procedures—citing one application approved in June that was based on an erroneous description—so that council members would have clearer information on which to base decisions. Council considered an RV park request by Michael Mc-Daniel, who was present via audio conference. Mayor Jones reported that a second canvass of nearby property owners had resulted in 1 “yes” response and 4 “no” response. In answer to council’s questions, McDaniel clarified that the entrance to his proposed RV park on East 3rd St., would be where there is some missing curbing next to his tiny house on Cowan Ave. “It floods on the lower part of that property,” he explained, so the location of sites would be toward the front [Cowan Street side] of the property. The proposed laundromat would be for tenants only, and there would be a property manager on site. All of McDaniel’s lots, he said, are two structures away from other residents.
Council member Don Wright, whose resident is located near the proposed park, moved to reject the request; Rhea Melton seconded. The motion failed, on a mixed vote.
In response, McDaniel expressed that he felt his request was not being treated fairly, but said he would not pursue it further.
Next, representing the Mesquite Inn that she and her husband operate, Ruby Hooten presented a request for a zoning variance to allow an RV Park beside the inn, on Highway 70 E.
Hooten said they planned 19 to 20 RV hookups with concrete slabs and hookups, and a laundromat for tenants only.
Council member Wright asked for clarification on the location, and the council requested a clearer site plan that would indicate where the large number of RV units would be located.
The matter was tabled on a vote of 4 for, 1 abstention and 1 absent.
SOS Waste Disposal rate increase. Mayor Louse Jones said that since manager Gary Regner was not present, the matter would be tabled and a special meeting might be required to decide it. Jones said there was no contract on file showing any provisions for an escalating rate since 2017, and the city would like to propose a flat rate. The vote to table was unanimous.
Department reports. For City Works, director Chris Cornett reported that plumbing upgrades to the Swenson Park Bathhouse were still under way; that contractors working in the Freeman had installed wiring in pumps and control panels; and that the city was starting to patch the road and install fence around the new sewer lift station. Cornett also reported routine work of fixing water leaks, gas leaks and potholes, and mowing. With regard to the Swenson Park pool renovation, Mayor Jones reported that Argo’s construction manager had secured a provider for concrete, and although they will have to come back and do some more work on forms, pouring concrete was scheduled for Aug. 4.
Jones also pointed out the new floors that had been installed throughout the Community Center; bathroom repairs were awaiting arrival of plumbing parts.
For the Spur Police Department, Chief Billy R. Spears reported 60 calls for the previous month, including 6 new felony cases and 5 new misdemeanors. New onboard computers for vehicles arrived and were installed, with software updated.
The chief added that “Law enforcement is a long, drawnout process, frustrating to all” and that it’s imperative to make sure that everyone is presumed innocent until
For Codes Enforcement, though most of the oral report was inaudible, officer Clinton Stinson said he had been working with recently approved RV Park owners on
Asked how many properties had residents living without water or sewer, Stinson said about 5 or 6. In Freeman, three properties are awaiting
REporting for the city secretary’s office, Mayor Jones noted that Judge Duggan would be back in the office August 17. No holidays were
A 10% price increase in city utilities was scheduled to take
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16, Jones said. Jones also reported that the city’s Solid Waste Grant application had been approved, and that the city was working on scheduling a cleanup day.
Minutes and invoices.
Council approved the minutes of two previous meetings, the June regular meeting and a special meeting, and approved payment of invoices. Mayor Jones reminded those present of the upcoming KCBD Live Community Coverage Tour in Spur, July 26, 2022, at the school football field.
Present in addition to Mayor Jones were council members Rhea Melton, Hope Ortiz, Don Wright, Laidy Vasquez and Glenda White; Fronye Morris was absent, as was city clerk Ashley Carothers. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.
