During its regularly scheduled meeting of May 21, 2024, the Spur city council was faced with a number of personnel questions, ending up in a stalemate on action once again as change is on the horizon for its police department and city hall.
“We’ve got a lot to get through and we don’t have to make a decision” immediately, said council member Elaine Harris in proposing that the council table an executive session until next month. Council had received and accepted a letter of resignation from police chief Ramon Golden, effective May 29; Golden is expected to take a position as deputy in the Dickens County Sheriff ’s Office, whose future is also on the cusp of change pending a local runoff election this week and a general statewide election in November.
In agenda item #14 Harris had moved acceptance of Golden’s resignation, contingent upon return of all city property; the motion carried unanimously.
Council was also stalled on matters of appointing a city secretary (Harris moved to table the matter until an upcoming special meeting) and enacting an updated personnel policy (which was delayed on a motion by council member Rhea Melton pending time for newly sworn-in council members to review).
City Secretary Ashley Carothers administered the statement of officer, oath of office and certificate of election to newly elected council members Landon Hinson and Kristy Price and reelected member Laidy Vasquez. The council then unanimously reelected Rhea Melton as mayor pro tem, upon nomination by Vasquez.
• Fire cheif Wess Abbott reported that concrete pouring had been completed at the new firehouse.
• For city works, Chris Cornett reported that installation of smart water meters had been postponed until around June 20 due to recent rains.
• Mayor Louise Jones reminded attendees that a grand opening for the reconstructed Spur swimming pool was scheduled for Monday, May 27, at 1 p.m., with Galaxy Digital handling invitations on behalf of the community, and providing water and snacks. Excess funds remaining from a Spur Housing Authority grant would be used to purchase benches for use on the pool deck.
Spur Economic Corporation funding
for Spur Ex-Student Association application. Subsequent to a public hearing held just prior to the council meeting— during which details about proposed chair and chair dolly purchase were provided—council moved to grant the application, in the amount of $13,523.03, for 200 new 250-pound capacity plastic chairs and dollies for use at the Spur Livestock Show barn, replacing earlier, lightweight models.
A motion was made by Rhea Melton; it carried unanimously.
In-trust property bids via Texas Communities GroupwereapprovedforIn-Trust Property tax deeds to be issued on parcels R5051 (West 1st St., Jerry Thomas, $1,200), R5484 (Cruz and Debra Olivarez, 5th St., $650) and R6882 (S. Parker & S. 1st St., Steve and Janet Bridges, $300).
Community Development BlockGrant. Council approved EHT (a service provider used by the city for previous engineering services) for engineering/ architectural/surveying to complete project implementation for the city’s Texas Community Development Block Grant Downtown Revitalization/Main Street Program funding administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Council then adopted Resolution #694 Authorizing the Award of Professional Service provider(s) contracts for the TXCDBG Downtown Revitalization Program.
Department Reports.
• Police Chief Golden reported on arrests, citations and calls for service during April.
• Fire Chief, Wess Abbott submitted a monthly report in writing.
• Public works director Chris Cornett reported progress on mowing grass in parks, spraying weeds; fixing belts. Mosquito control spraying is set to begin this week for the season.
• For code compliance, Barry Ferguson reported sending letters of non-compliance, all active in-trust property cases have been accepted and are in process of obtaining new deeds. One parcel, 6882, used to have 2 lots; Fergusion would now like to put the other up for bid process. Fergusion reported sending out letters regarding 77 violations mailed out this year to date; 20 substandard buildings gone through condemnation process, with 15 more in process, almost ready to bring to city; and clarification of emergency abatement procedures has been undertaken. The Spur Memorial Cemetery requested assignment of an address (under SPAG jurisdiction), but it was discovered that SPAG had already assigned an address. One tiny house permit application had been approved.
• For Municipal Court, Ashley Carothers reported that financials and administrative services had been completed. Judge Duggan sent out 1 violation letter; next court date is slated for June 12, 2024.
• City Secretary Ashley Carothers reported on financials, administrative services, and updates, including a note that there has been a significant increase in the cost of mosquito control chemicals.
Carothers said that following TCEQ’s recent inoffice assessment of the city’s water system, two areas for improvement were recommended, for a reconsideration of rates based on cost and rate study. “We’re basically losing money on water,” Carothers said.
The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for June 18.
For swimming pool operating expenses, the Dickens County Commission funded a one-time allotment of $6,000; Carothers anticipates the “need to go back next year.”
Sidewalk grant consultant visited Spur recently, and walked around town with Carothers getting ideas. Carothers said she would like to solicit public input as well.
Executive Session. Council convened into executive session at 6:49 p.m. to discuss personnel matters related to the Spur Police Department and the city secretary position; council returned at 7:22 p.m. and took no action.
Following consideration of the previous regular meeting minutes of April 16, 2024, the previous special meeting minutes of April 29, 2024 (both approved), and the invoices for the month (approved), council adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
