Watering down a potential threat to the health and safety of Teague, Aldermen voted Monday, April 17, 2017 during their regular meeting to allocate funds from the abandoned swimming pool project to replace twelve faulty fire hydrants.
Last month, Teague’s Fire Inspector, Matt Gillet presented a thorough report regarding several outdated and defective hydrants throughout the city. He urged the Council to take immediate action to replace twelve hydrants, and repair six others that he deemed crucial to the safety of citizens and their properties.
Aldermen accepted a bid from Utility Solutions of Cayuga to install the new hydrants, approving an expenditure of $81,450 for project.
With only $10,000 budgeted, Aldermen chose to make use of remaining funds in the account established for repairs to the City’s swimming pool, a project that has since been abandoned, rather than tapping in to reserve funds.
Hydrants to be replaced are located at Highway 179 and Red Bud Lane; North 8th and Chestnut; North 4th and Ash Street; Highway 84 West (near the towing yard); South 4th and Oak Street; Jefferson and Burnim Street; North 5th and Maple Street; Main and 4th Street, Main and 5th Street, and South FM 80 and Adams Street.
The Council is hopeful that the work will go smoothly, however, there is concern that some of the hydrants to be replaced may not be connected to 6-inch water lines, an issue that will have to be determined once installation of the new hydrants begins.
Newly promoted City Administrator, Theresa Prasil shared with the Council the City’s need for an investment policy which adheres to state and local guidelines.
Prasil recently attended specialized training, where she learned that a policy, meeting the required standards and establishing internal controls, will insure that the City’s money is invested safely.
In light of this information, Aldermen voted to approve a resolution adopting the proposed investment policy.
Prasil also received approval to develop and manage an official Facebook page for the City of Teague.
In other business, the Council agreed to adopt a Limited English Proficiency (LEP) plan, which provides access to programs and services to persons who are limited in the English language.
Three zeroed out bank accounts were closed following approval by the Council.
A motion to allow Gus Ramirez, former Public Works Director, to serve as a consultant for the Public Works Department, was tabled for the next meeting.
Following executive session, it was announced that Cindy Wagoner was hired for the position of Police Department Secretary/Court Clerk.
