The City of Spur has had more than its share of supply-chain and engineering setbacks in its grant-funded water and sewer improvement project—but during the October 19 regular monthly meeting things looked to be back on track.
Jan Torres of Public Management LLC, which has overseen the grant application and administration of CDBG grant #7919421 since the outset, said, “We have encountered some red lights at times, but we’re fortunate to be at a green light right now.”
That very day the city got word that the Texas Department of Agriculture had approved the change , authorizing a variance of 25% of the construction contract, the maximum allowed.
Mayor Louise Jones signed off on amendment so those funds are being added to the construction project, said Torres. The city also worked out a solution to use its Covid Relief funds already in hand for the lift station construction, pending attorneys’ approval.
The goal was to meet November 1 with the construction firm for a status update, then request an extension of three to six months, based on their analysis, to complete the work.
More forward progress came in the form of a preliminary brief on prospective bond options presented by Bond attorney Vince Vialle. To fund future water and sewer improvements, Vialle analyzed a range of funding amounts and repayment periods. Spur’s 507 municipal water connections— supplemented by prospective grants—would need to yield sufficient revenue to repay any debt incurred.
Vialle explained that Spur right now is outside grant qualifcation parameters and “can keep working on it,” but with financing at a record low interest rate for capital improvements, timing may be favorable to consider a bond issue.
A committee of council members was formed to investigate priority needs, with the possibility of also forming a citizens advisory board to be involved. Asked about how to secure funding for street repair after water and sewer work, Jake McAdams with Public Management said there could be grant options for that work as well.
Alderman Rhea Melton made a motion, seconded by Don Wright, to accept the CDBG grant #7219421 changes and an agreement/contract between the City and Construction firm to include the use of ARP funds of $58,296.00 for the water line connection, gate valve and also includes the sewer line additional cost of materials. The motion carried.
McAdams also reported that he has been working on a comprehensive plan for the city and hopes to have draft maps for preliminary discussion early in the new year.
Next on the agenda, Kay Ellington and Barbara Brannon, representing the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce, as an information item showed a brief digital slide presentation with information about Spur and Dickens County that they planned to exhibit at the Texas Midwest Community Network annual conference October 27.
Also for the Chamber of Commerce, chamber president Matt McArthur requested a reudced-fee arrangement for use of the Livestock Show Barn for monthly public events such as dances and trade days, similar to the arrangement with the Spur Community Center;
Council approved a reduced rate of $125 (regular rate $175) per use, with a $500 check to be kept on file as a revolving security deposit.
Council discussed and approved bids for improvements to the Swenson Park Bath House that will come from the Swimming Pool Fund.
Alexander Electrical Service submitted a bid of $1,400 for electrical wiring work and changing light fitures to LED. Electrician Jerry Alexander, according to Mayor Jones, had also commented that he was surprised how good the existing electrial wiring was. The bid was approved.
David Baxter submitted a bid for consutrction, including two outside doors and framing at $500 each, with the city to supply paint, for a total of $4,275.00 plus revisions for the construction work. A question was raised regarding the need for an ADA_compliant handrail alongside the walkway. The bid was approved.
Phil Kerr Plumbing submitted a bid of $16,000.00 for the plumbing work at the Swenson bath house. All stalls are to be re-plumbed and sewer lines checked, with new fixtures. Sinks will be enlarged without damaging concrete. The bid was approved.
Regarding a request from residents Donald and Christina Keffer regarding water bill forgiveness, after close research and discussion regarding the leak on the customer side, the customers agreed to set up a payment plan on the bill. No action was taken.
In department reports:
• Police Chief Billy Spears shared the Dickens County Sheriff’s report of 33 Spur PD from September (Spears was was not yet employed at the time; he expects to submit a more detailed report next month). Shane Trotter has been hired as a part-time deputy. Spears will be looking to hire a full-time officer as well.
“I appreciate serving you and look forward to many years” in Spur, Spears told the council.
For city works, Chris Cornett reported one water leak fixed, work on alleys and trimming trees, mowing of parks and prison property. Repair work is continuing on mower and the Bobcat. Cornett also said staff had a report of zero writeups from the Railroad Commission’s gas line inspection.
For Codes Compliance, John Schmidt submitted a written report that he had assigned one new address and issued a tiny house permit, sent 42 noncompliance letters, talked to a business owner about older vehicles and trailer that will be worked on in the near future, mowed and shredded lots, removed junk off of property per complaint, talked to contractors to remove building materials out of the dumpster and take building materials to the roll-off, worked on getting a proposal and figures for new disposal pit and cleared property and staked it out, and worked with Berry Engineering on zoning issues for the Family Dollar that will need action from council.
For Municipal Court, Ashley Carothers reported that no letters had sent out and no collections pending work to be done in FundView accounting software. Judge Matthews plans to return to Spur November 5, 2021, though she will be retiring soon afterward.
Regarding the appointment of a new municipal court judge, the council considered the application of Plainview-based paralegal Garyn Leyendecker, sister of former city secretary Laura Adams. Leyendecker, who was present for a brief introduction, said she currently works for attorney Taryn Minter and is completing a master’s degree in legal studies. Council approved hiring her at a salary of $7,000 per year, plus mileage.
In the city secretary’s report, Carothers noted that upcoming city holidays will be Veterans Day, Nov. 11, and Thanksgiving, Nov. 25-26.
In the remainder of her report, Carothers noted that she had transferred $33,543.95 (TDA money) from the general fund to the water grant fund for engineering and construction costs; transferred $40,000 from special savings to the general fund for city bills; transferred $14,000 from CLFRF (Covid fund) to general fund to pay for four (4) fire hydrants; next council meeting scheduled for November 16; working with Public Management in getting updated information; and updated contract information and pricing for the lift station project. She is undergoing training with Laura Adams regarding financial management and reporting.
In other business, city staff discussed a proposal with an independent financial director for hands-on training inputting data into FundView.. Council approved the consultant’s fee of $15 per hour plus mileage and board for a three-day training session.
Council handled annual appointment of liaisons to the police department for personnel action, with Crystal Leary and Glenda White as Morris volunteering. Council also appointed Ashley Carothers as the city’s authorized user for the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESRS).
Council approved minutes of previous special meetings of September 7 and September 27, as presented, and approved minutes of the September 21 regular meeting as presented, with grammatical and spelling corrections. Payment of invoices was approved.
Present were Mayor Louise Jones and aldermen Rhea Melton, Fronye Morris, Glenda White, Don Wright and Laidy Vasquez. Alerman Crystal Leary was absent.
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