Teague Council hosted a special called meeting, Tuesday, May 15th to swear in a new Mayor and Aldermen.

Following the Council’s ordered business, City Administrator/Secretary Theresa Prasil administered the oath of office to Teague’s new Mayor James Monks; Alderman Place 1 Jerry Ballew, who will replace Melvin Mims; and Marie Hertenberger, returning Alderman Place 3.

With new members in place, the Council voted to name Alderman Ron Rasbeary Mayor Pro Tem.

The Council held discussion with the City’s Public Works Director Jacob Cowling regarding a proposed amendment to an existing ordinance to provide for a backflow prevention and customer service inspections program.

According to Cowling, the State requires these backflow measures to be enforced to prevent potentially hazardous water from “being sucked back in” to the City’s water supply.

He informed the Council that the City has received violations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for not having these preventive measures in place at commercial locations throughout the City.

The required equipment must be installed at the owner’s expense.

“It’s expensive, but it protects our water, and it protects our citizens,” he told Aldermen.

According to the new ordinance, there will be a compliance period before a penalty of $500 per day is applied. If the property owner fails to comply their water service may be terminated.

Cowling and Prasil assured the Council that business owners will be made aware of the new ordinance immediately and the City will work with owners to meet the necessary requirements.

Bill Elliott presented the Teague Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) new Façade Project for Prosperity Bank.

Mr. Elliott detailed the bank’s plan to make improvements to their drive through with the help of the EDC’s fund matching program.

With the Council’s approval, Prosperity Bank was awarded $10,000 for their project.

In other business, Aldermen approved the updated City of Teague personnel manual and heard reports from Department Directors.

Aldermen signed a proclamation declaring the week of May 20 – 26 as National Public Works Week.