COMPILED FROM MINUTES
In its regular monthly meeting, July 16, 2024, the Spur city council heard reports on several key projects within the city: completion of the new fire station and preparation for a tour for council members; delivery of new chairs and dollies at the livestock show barn; and completion of maintenance on the Swenson Park swimming pool and delivery of completed, which was also to have gravel installed in the parking area.
No one signed up for the open comment period.
On agenda items, a motion wasmadebyAlderman Don Wright and seconded to accept a rate increase ($3.75 per 1,000 gallons) from White River Municipal Water District. The price increase will take effect on October 1, 2024. The motion carried, 6-0.
A motion was made by Alderman Elaine Harris and seconded to accept the final ruling on the water bill discrepancy for Aida Torres. The motion carried, 6-0.
A motion was made by Alderman Don Wright and seconded to accept a purchase bid of $850.00 from Cotton Key, LLC for parcel #4983, lot 8, block 40 of Original Town of Spur. The motion carried, 6-0.
A motion was made by Alderman Kristy Price and seconded accept the bid of $650.00 from Cotton Key, LLC for parcel #5403, lot 3, block 5 of Gabriel Subdivision. The motion carried, 6-0.
Department reports. Reports were presented from several departments, including the fire department, which reminded citizens that fire season is picking up and the fire trucks are going to need some maintenance. The fire department is in the process of locating and clearing the property west of Spur ISD, across from the elementary side, to prevent a fire hazard. No action was taken.
For Public Works, director Chris Cornett reported mowing parks; installing one sewer tap; cuting tree limbs in Swenson Park; spraying weeds; mowing lots; spraying for mosquitoes three times; starting work on the lead and copper rule (47 completed); and working on alleys (sewer machine was under maintenance). A TRWA representative was in the office for lead and copper rule training on July 2 and electrofusion training on July 23. City technicians were maintaining a manhole with chemicals and the manhole blew up, and the city will be testing to see why it reacted that way. No action was taken.
Municipal Court reported on compliance hearings; the next court date will be on August 13. No action was taken.
The city secretary’s report covered the following items.
• Revenue and Expense report was attached for council’s review.
• According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) July 1, 2024 the final ruling for exempt employees the pay is increasing from $698 per week to $844 per week ($43,888 annually or $21.10/hour).
• Cost of postage will be increasing to 73 cents for a one-ounce stamp.
• The next regular council meeting is scheduled for August 16. Budget meetings were scheduled for July 18, August 8 and August 22.
• Installation of smart meters has been moved to August 5.
• Merchant bond was completed for the municipal court judge and it has been received
• TESRS (fire pension) training was completed July 1.
• TRWA was in the office July 2 for the TCEQ lead and copper rule.
• City secretary interviews were held July 19.
• According to county attorney Aaron Clements there was a misunderstanding on the pending interlocal agreement for the donation of monies ($6,000) for the swimming pool; a clarification is pending.
• Regarding the TWDB water grant, the project shouldbeontheSeptember boards agenda.
• Regarding the Revitalization grant, there is an updated project map.
• Regarding the Roundup grant, Charlie Wainscott is finalizing the work undertaken in Rickels Park including sandblasting the stage area, painting the pavilion and picnic tables. Darla Thomason will ask him to also replace the boards on the large flowerbed and paint them. Mr. Wainscott knows the deadline; Thomason has taken “before” pictures, and when completed there will be “after” pictures.
• Regarding the Amazon business grant – no update.
• Presentation of the check from SPEC and Co-Bank to the pool was scheduled for July 18 at 1:00 p.m. at the pool.
No action was taken on the city secretary’s report.
Code compliance: No report was presented; no action was taken.
Spur Police Department: No report was presented; no action was taken.
Other business. A motion was made by Alderman Don Wright and seconded to adopt personnel and administrative policy manual with the revisions. The motion carried 5-0, with 1 abstaining.
Minutes as presented for the regular meeting of June 18, 2024 and the special meeting of June 27, 2024 were approved. Invoices for the month were approved for payment. The meeting was adjourned.
Present were Mayor Louise Jones (via phone) and council members Kristy Price, Ward 1; Elaine Harris Ward 1; Don Wright Ward 2; Laidy Vasquez Ward 2; Landon Hinson, Ward 3; and Rhea Melton, Ward 3.
Special meeting, July 29. A budget workshop was held July 29, 2024, with Mayor Louise Jones and council members Kristy Price, Ward 1; Elaine Harris Ward 1; Don Wright Ward 2; Laidy Vasquez Ward 2; and Rhea Melton, Ward 3 present; Landon Hinson, Ward 3 was absent.
