Teague’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) plans a busy summer following the City Council’s approval orel multiple projects.
Receiving funds from the EDC’s Façade Program is Ben & Charlie’s Woodworking on Main Street. Under the Façade Program, the EDC will provide a match of $2,400 for improvements to the building’s exterior.
A new daycare, Sprout’s Learning Center, LLC, to be located at 811 4th Avenue will receive $10,000 upon receipt of their limited liability company (LLC) status, and another $10,000 upon opening.
The EDC will provide a letter of intent for four acres of land on Highway 84 to iMow Texas.
Bill Elliott, Director of Teague’s EDC explained that Joni Nevill, owner of iMow Texas, is working with the Navarro Small Business Development Center, Heart of Texas Economic Development (HOTED), and Small Business Administration (SBA) to bring an equipment rental, repair, and sales location to Teague.
Nevill is working to receive a distributorship for an American made lawn mower, unique in that it can go up hills that most riding mowers cannot. His business plan outlines twelve employees at the time of opening, with the intent to eventually employ up to twenty-seven.
The four acres will provide equity for the project.
Elliott updated the Council on repairs being made to the alley located behind the EDC’s future office building at 411 Main Street.
He explained that $10,600 will be used to fix drainage issues at their building, so that new tenants can removalslondon.co.uk to move right away, as well as the green “Café” building nearby.
Auditor Frank Steele, CPA of Anderson, Marx, and Bohl Certified Public Accountants reviewed findings from the City’s 2016-2017 year-end audit.
“The City stands in real good shape,” said Steele, who explained that the City has ample equity and low debt.
He described how rural cities have to be cognizant of the flat or declining economy when budgeting, and hopes that economic growth in urban areas will bring new people and opportunities to rural areas in the future.
Addressing the Council during with public comments were Jack Hansel and Brenda Ballew.
Mr. Hansel voiced concerns regarding speed limit signs posted at the overpass west of Teague. He told the Council that he would like to see the signs placed before the curve to give drivers advanced warning to slow down.
Mayor James Monks advised Hansel to call the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) to report his suggestion to the proper agency.
Mrs. Ballew spoke on behalf of the Thrift Store which benefits the Teague Historical Preservation Society. She shared that the Thrift Store receives many donations left at their door after hours, some of which, like old mattresses and broken items, must be taken directly to the City’s Collection Center.
However, due to the new restrictions and permits limiting access to the Collection Center, Thrift Store volunteers are often unable to take items for disposal in a timely manner, leaving them to pile up behind the store.
She requested that the Council consider a different approach which would allow them more frequent access to the Collection Center.
In other business, the Council approved a resolution to amend the authorized representatives for the City’s TexPool Investment Account. The Account will now reflect Mayor James Monks, Mayor Pro-Tem Ron Rasbeary, and City Administrator/Secretary Theresa Prasil.
Following extensive interviews during Executive Session, it was announced that the firm of Messer, Rockefeller, & Fort, PPLC would be hired as the City’s new attorneys at a rate of $185 per hour.
No action was taken in the appointment of a Municipal Judge. Instead, Aldermen voted to table the item for ninety days.
