Water – and the lack thereof, was a chief concern among Teague Aldermen during this month’s regular Council meeting Monday, October 16th.
An ongoing issue for many years, Teague’s infrastructure is once again at the forefront as the Council takes steps to meet the City’s needs, and address long term problems.
Public Works Director Jacob Cowling spoke about the South FM 80 Water Project, requesting the necessary funds to complete the long overdue project that will see 6 inch water lines and fire hydrants installed.
Cowling explained that any Public Works project costing over $20,000 requires engineer specifications and supervision. With that in place, the bid was awarded in September to FH Management for $282,630.
The City has already invested $60,000 in the project.
Homeowner Mr. W.L. Lindsey owns five homes in the area, and was first promised a speedy completion of the project in 2004 after the City annexed part of South FM 80.
Thirteen years later, Lindsey reports that his home insurance has risen 15%, while the infrastructure project remains unfinished.
With unanimous support from the Council, Alderman Ron Rasbeary made the motion to take the necessary steps, including allocation of monies from the City’s fund reserve, to complete the project immediately.
Another water infrastructure project on Northline Road and Parkwood Street may come with a hefty price tag, with the cost of the project estimated to be $477,000.
Budgeting $184,000 for materials and engineering costs, Cowling suggested that the City buy the materials and hire a contractor to complete the project. He plans to utilize existing materials at a savings of around $45,000.
Urgency for completion is evident as several homes, for which the City is required to provide water, are currently being built on Northline Road.
Cowling told Aldermen that they are already exceeding Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) guidelines for water flow in that area.
He also reported that the plans for Parkwood Street are missing, meaning that his Department would have to dig up water lines before determining the most cost effective solution for the area.
If the required lines are in place, Cowling projected a savings of $6,600-$10,000 by tying new lines to the existing ones. Cowling said he will also pursue applicable grants and loans.
In an effort to find the most affordable solution, the Council voted unanimously to advertise for a new engineer for the project, and solicit new bids immediately.
Too much water was the problem for homeowner Ricky Sims, who petitioned the City for help with a flood mitigation assistance grant for his residence on Mimosa Street.
Sims explained that his property has flooded twice, and is now classified as a repetitive loss by his insurance provider.
To offset this, Sims has applied for the grant, which requires sponsorship from the City.
He stated that, while he is required to pay a 10% charge, the City should not incur any charges. Aldermen voted unanimously to sponsor Mr. Sims grant application.
With the workload for his Department increasing, Public Works Director Cowling brought forth a request to outsource the mowing of City grounds.
He explained that this will not only save money on equipment and repairs, but also allow him to move the two current Parks employees to other departments.
Cowling anticipates a savings of $13,000 for the City, and received approval to solicit bids from insured, companies to mow the parks, wastewater facility, and lake area.
Lengthy discussion was held regarding re-establishing a full-time position, to be responsible for animal control.
City Administrator Theresa Prasil shared that the City’s former Animal Control Officer Matt Stentz, had resigned from his position in August to relocate with his family.
Following his resignation, the Council elected to pass the responsibility of animal control and code enforcement to Teague Police Department.
At that time, Aldermen also approved a contract with Sharon Lopes to pick up and deliver the animals for holding at Adkins Veterinary Service in Fairfield.
Now, the Council seeks a new arrangement, voting to advertise for a full-time employee to handle animal control, code enforcement, and 911 coordination under the supervision of the Police Department.
An update on the renovation of the new Police Department on Main Street prompted the Council to vote unanimously to take steps to finish the project.
City Administrator Prasil brought the Council up to date. She explained that there was cause for concern over possible black mold in the building, which upon closer inspection, was discovered to be discolored wallpaper.
With the building cleared, she recommended completing the project, which is already over budget.
Aldermen authorized Prasil to bring in a contractor to provide a quote for completion, and to solicit bids to finish the job, plus he demanded that there needed to be inspections on the building, he suggested to bring in the pressure washer in Missouri City team to make sure there is no mold growing anywhere in the building.
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In light of news that Big Brown Power Plant will shut down next year, TXU Electric Company chose to push for a renewal of the City’s contract.
City Administrator Prasil explained that energy prices are currently at their lowest in years, with costs expected to go up. Council voted to sign a 48 month contract at a rate of $4.30/kwh.
In other business, Prasil shared that the sales tax collected for July was $38,645.43, a 17.93% increase from last year.
Furthermore, the revenue collected covered the City’s expenses, and $100,000 will be put back in to the fund reserve account as a result.
The Council voted to discontinue their currently contracted janitorial service, and will seek bids for cleaning services for City buildings.
Aldermen also authorized immediate advertisements to fill the position of Chief of Police.
Executive session was held regarding personnel matters.
Following the closed session, it was announced that Steven Posey, Water and Waste Water Operator, will be reassigned to the position of Assistant Public Works Director, and Douglas Allen was hired to the Public Works Department.
