Review, and possible approval, of four contractors’ bids for demolition of the 8th Avenue Park Pavilion was foremost on the evening’s agenda during a special called meeting of Teague’s City Council Monday, October 29, 2018.
Aldermen heard first from the numerous citizens in attendance that filled the council room to capacity to express their opposition to the demolition of the one hundred and eleven year old structure.
LaDonna Turner, a fourth generation resident, told the Council that she is totally against demolition of the Pavilion and urged Aldermen to obtain a second opinion and form a committee to investigate the possibility of repair in the proper manner.
“We have to fight to preserve the things we can,” implored another fourth generation citizen, Brenda Woodruff.
“Give the community a chance to fix the Pavilion. Let’s work hard and keep working to preserve it for future generations.”
Brenda Ballew questioned the Council about their discussions and actions leading up to the October 19, 2018 vote to demolish the Pavilion.
Ballew read back her notes from the Monday, October 15th meeting where Aldermen voted unanimously to meet in special session to form a committee to study the cost of repair and restoration.
She continued with a review of the special called meeting on Friday, October 19th, four days later, where the Council voted 3-1 to solicit bids for demolition of the Pavilion within thirty days and to form a committee to determine options and a timeline for replacement of the structure.
“This is our town and we elected you to be our representatives,” stated Ballew. “You were not voted into your positions to make decisions while ignoring our input.”
“I know the Pavilion can be saved,” said local contractor John Birdwell, who told Aldermen that he submitted a bid to repair the Pavilion three years ago. However, according to Birdwell, the Council at the time opted for beautification over repair.
Bill Bowers, a fifth generation resident, submitted a petition with one hundred and ninety-two signatures requesting the Council postpone the demolition to give citizens time to act.
Bowers believes that the fence now in place around the Pavilion and food court will serve to absolve the City of liability while providing time for Aldermen to reconsider and reevaluate their decision.
He added that he believed that the October 15th vote to form a committee was meant to study all options available and decide what to do next. Bowers reminded the Council that their constituents want to have an input in these decisions.
“All we want is maybe a chance to save the Pavilion,” said Paul Beaver who pointed out that, to his knowledge, no contractors have been brought in to assess or bid on the possibility of repairing of the Pavilion.
Beaver questioned if the Council knew whether repair or demolition would be the more cost effective option without this feedback from contractors. He consented that while he believes the Pavilion is in need of repair, he doesn’t believe that it cannot be repaired. He also questioned whether the Council is acting on their engineers’ certified letter, or an unofficial recommendation to demolish the Pavilion.
He urged Aldermen to carefully consider all available options, and proceed in a manner which best represents the interests of the town and its citizens.
“Remember the Pavilion!” he concluded. “That’s the battle cry that will be heard during spring elections.”
Continuing in open session, the Council reviewed the four estimates received for demolition of the Pavilion presented by City Administrator/Secretary Theresa Prasil.
Ranging from $11,490 to $240,144, two bids also included the cost of disposal of materials.
Alderman Jerry Ballew questioned Prasil about whether a contract would be drafted for the project. Prasil answered that the approved bid would serve that purpose.
Ballew asked how the City will guarantee indemnity without a contract in place and was told that the City requires approved contractors to provide workman’s comp, liability insurance, and disclose a conflict of interest form.
Ballew requested that approved contractors also be required to produce employees’ project-specific qualifications and certifications.
“It’s ironic that we wouldn’t make every effort to relieve the City of liability,” added Ballew who also told the Council that he has sought guidance from Texas Municipal League (TML) attorneys regarding the “very confusing process” of deciding the fate of the Pavilion.
Mayor James Monks asked for comments from the rest of the Council.
Alderwoman Marilyn Michaud maintained her belief that the City should address the possible liability associated with the compromised structure.
“There is nothing original about the building now,” stated Michaud. “You can’t tell me that a one hundred year old building isn’t ready to come down.”
Alderwoman Marie Hertenberger asked Prasil when fines would be levied against the City for the condemned structure.
Prasil answered that the City would be the controllers of the fines since they are operating under the terms of their existing ordinances.
During the original discussion of the Pavilion on October 15th, Prasil had suggested that the Council adhere to the timeline outlined in the city’s ordinance, which demands demolition of condemned structures within thirty to sixty days, adding that extensions are often granted to allow for compliance.
Hertenberger explained that she understands that the Council’s quick decision has upset many citizens.
“I hate to see things destroyed that don’t need to be destroyed.”
She confided that she would also like more time to work with the community to resolve the matter.
Alderman Ballew shared that he believes that the City has already mitigated potential liability by closing the Pavilion and installing the necessary fencing to secure the area as outlined in their existing ordinances.
Citing the recommendation he received from TML attorneys, Ballew made a motion to table demolition of the Pavilion for ninety days, allowing for the previously approved committee to be formed and make their recommendation to the Council.
With a second from Alderwoman Hertenberger and a unanimous vote from the Council, demolition of the Pavilion was effectively put on hold.
The previously approved committee, as voted on at both the October 15th and October 19th meetings, is to consist of two Council members, City Administrator, Mayor, and members of the public.
On October 19th, the approved motion to appoint a committee was clarified to include two Council members, City Administrator, Mayor, Public Works Director, and four citizens.
Park Committee members were announced Monday, November 5th however a meeting had not been set up as of press time.
Serving on the committee are Mayor James Monks, Aldermen Jerry Ballew and Ron Rasbeary, City Administrator/Secretary Theresa Prasil, Public Works Director Jacob Cowling, Jessica Risken, Bryan Teer, Kelly Satterwhite, and Travis Miller.
The “Times” will continue to follow the issue as it develops.
