“Do we have the money?” Fairfield Councilman James Tyus asked City Administrator Nate Smith as the discussion turned to the long-awaited Oak Street Paving project.
Although not budgeted, Smith assured Fairfield Councilmen that the much-needed street repairs could be paid from through the City’s Reserve Fund.
“It will require a budget amendment,” added Smith.
Initially, Fairfield Council had planned to fund this, and other projects, including a new City Hall facility, through the issuance of Certificates of Obligation.
However, the outcome of a Special Election held earlier this month nullified that avenue of funding for the present.
Four bids were received back in August for the Oak Street project.
Rayford’s Truck & Tractor submitted the lowest bid, in the amount of $151,315.70.
Following a review of the bidder’s qualifications and reference checks, the City’s engineering firm recommended the City accept the low bid.
According to Mike Tibbetts of Hayter Engineering, it will take approximately six weeks to process contract documents and issue a notice to proceed.
Also approved during the November 12, 2019 Regular Council meeting was use of the booths and two pavilions at the fairgrounds for a Cajun Food Festival planned for Saturday, April 4, 2020.
The new festival is being planned in conjunction with the annual Dogan Alumni Association’s Walk-a Thon fundraiser.
According to one of the event’s organizers, Sherry Brackens, the Walk-a-Thon will take place at Eagle Field that morning, with the Cajun Food Festival running from noon to 6:00 p.m.
More than one City official volunteered to assist in judging a Gumbo Cook-off during the event.
Fairfield Fire Department presented information about a gear extractor the department wished to purchase for cleaning of firefighter gear following a call.
Council approved the purchase, as it had already been budgeted.
Then, Council approved changes to the City’s contract with the Texas State Coonhunters Association.
Changes include moving the American Heritage Hunt from Labor Day to February; Approving up to $4,000 in event promotion in February and April (to be paid for through Hotel/Motel funds); and shortening the contract term to expire in 2020.
Finally, Council approved by a 4-1 vote a new ordinance that would prohibit the disclosure of information discussed in Executive Session of the City Council by making such action punishable by a Class C misdemeanor.
Although all Council members agreed that matters discussed during closed session must remain confidential, Councilman Randy Johnson was concerned that the ordinance, as written, was too broad.
