The City of Fairfield has their work cut out for them, following last week’s Council Workshop on pending projects.

“I believe that makes number five,” remarked Mayor Roy Hill, as one more meeting was added to the list.

While no action was taken, there was plenty of discussion among the council members and City Administrator Jeff Looney.

First, the group discussed the benefits of becoming a Municipal Court of Record.  “This would put more teeth in what they can do,” says Looney, explaining that a formal proceeding would be taken more seriously by those being ticketed or fined.

Becoming a Municipal Court of Record would require the hiring of a City Attorney, a position previously filled by long-time attorney, Reed Jackson.

The council also gave input as to the benefits of utilizing their current law firm out of Waco, versus seeking someone locally.

The consensus was that, while a larger, out-or-town firm might specialize in municipality regulation, travel costs would likely make them more expensive.

However, as one councilman pointed out, “If you’re 30 miles away from home, you’re an expert!”

Mayor Hill interjected that about 85% will entail traffic issues.  He further stated that the City could go to the larger law firm “when we had bigger issues.”

“We’ve been talking annexation for how many years?” asked Councilman Joe Lee Kirgan, when the discussion flowed to the next project.  Both he and Councilman Kenny Hughes suggested waiting until after the City Election, as three of the five council members face opponents.

“It’s going to be an Open Meeting,” reminded Mayor Hill, who agreed that those running for office should be included.

Councilman Randy Johnson asked if they could receive written material beforehand, so the council could be better prepared to ask questions.

City Administrator Jeff Looney will look at possible dates, and check into presentation material that could be printed, prior to any meeting.

Next, possible changes to water charges were discussed.

Currently, some of the older apartment complexes are only being charged one base price, to the owner of the property, rather than each unit having a base price.

“Everyone should get charged,” stated Looney.  “And, of course, that would mean higher revenue for the City.”

Mayor Hill requested the City Administrator to prepare to bring this issue to council at a later date.

The City’s personnel manual is over eleven years old and needs an update, according to Looney.

Money has been set aside in the budget for this purpose.  Council voiced a preference for reviewing it in three sections, over a series of regular council meetings.

Utility rates have remained constant, while expenses have gone up, according to City Administrator Looney.  He would like to prepare a utility rate study for the council’s review.

“We’ve got to have the information, whether we do anything with that, or not,” replied Councilman Kenny Hughes.

None of the Council members indicated whether they would actually approve a change in the rates.

“We don’t want to look at the budget, and then change the rates,” declared Mayor Hill.  “We need to look at the rates, and then figure our budget accordingly.”

The subject moved on to the possibility of utilizing an automated meter system.

“We’ve seen in their presentation, the savings comes in the water you save,” stated Councilman David Steward.  A company presented the option to the Council about two years ago.

Administrator Looney will get some presentations together for the council to review at a future meeting.

As to Westwood Utilities, “Things are progressing well,” states Looney.

According to the Administrator, after receiving some complaints, a hearing was set, but no one attended, so the matter has been turned back over to the Public Utility Commission (PUC).

All seemed in agreement that Oak Street would be a priority for future Street Projects.  Also mentioned was Bateman at Dogan, for consideration at a future council meeting.

Next, Looney said he would like Council to look at the Purchasing Policy, as he has found it contradictory at times.  “I just want to make sure everyone is on the same page,” he said.

Then, Mayor Hill broached the idea of getting private donations to build a portable restroom at the soccer fields.  The project is estimated at $75,000 and could be used for other events.

“I’m good with it,” stated Councilman Landis Bayless.  An opinion which seemed to be shared by the other Council members.

Finally, discussion turned to the Fairfield VFD agreement, currently under consideration with the City.

Mayor Hill brought up a concern wording, that could make liability issues for the volunteer firefighters, in regards to providing 24 hour service.

“That is one of several concerns,” agreed Fire Chief Matt Foree.

A workshop was suggested to allow the two entities to go over the agreement, line-by-line.

When asked if anyone had any other concerns, Councilman Randy Johnson expressed the need for a written plan, in regards to dilapidated properties.  “There is some confusion with property owners and contractors,” he said.

Council members brainstormed a few suggestions before the two-hour workshop was adjourned.

Fairfield Council will meet in regular session on Tuesday, April 11th.