Reaching an agreement with Atmos Energy, Fairfield City Councilmen approved the company’s permit request for the replacement of aged gas lines, with certain exceptions.
Discussion of the project has been ongoing, due to the possibility of damage to several newly paved streets.
“Your concerns are our concerns,” assured Atmos Operations Manager Roy Moss.
Mr. Moss once again explained the specifics of the project, and presented new developments to Councilmen. Work on gas lines on approved streets began promptly, following approval of a limited permit granting Atmos the ability to start with streets that have not been paved within the last thirty-six months. The company plans to complete replacements throughout the City by September.
Although currently there are no issues with the vented steel pipes, Atmos has entered into a contract with the Texas Railroad Commission to fund their replacement with safer, poly lines.
Atmos representative Larry Willis provided the Council with a visual representation of the projected work area and techniques.
Mapping out Reunion and Cotton Streets, Mr. Willis explained that the company plans to abandon the old lines, rather than digging them up, tying in the new line at one of the nine taps along the route.
He continued, telling the Council that only a three foot by four foot hole around the tap would be needed to perform the process, with work space possibly extending twelve to fourteen inches into the edges of the asphalt.
Further discussion between the Atmos representatives and Councilmen resulted in an acceptable compromise.
Councilmen voted in favor of approving a permit allowing Atmos to begin work on seven taps, along Reunion and Cotton Streets, and excluding two lines on North Bateman Street, near the Senior Center.
Atmos representatives will meet with the Council again on Tuesday, August 23rd at which time they will present an estimate on any necessary repairs.
Addressing the Council with public comments was Jesse Jones.
“I’ve had some concerns about the City putting its wants ahead of our needs,” he shared, urging the Council to be diligent and frugal.
“We need to watch our money – and watch it real close,” he concluded.
With that said, Mayor Roy Hill announced that the purchase of three new trucks for the Public Works Department was successful, with twelve bids received, including all of the local automobile dealerships.
Councilmen awarded the bid to All Star Ford of Fairfield, which will supply two half ton trucks for $21,414.44 each, as well as a three quarter ton truck for $21,652.16.
“We just bought three pickup trucks,” announced Mayor Hill, “and we bought them all in Fairfield, Texas.”
An offer received from Randy Mitchael, of Texas Cars & Trucks in Fairfield, in the amount of $9,500 to purchase the four trucks being replaced was accepted.
Chief of Police Kenny Bulger presented two letters of resignation from Officers Kyle Orms and Cody Hartley.
This leaves the Police Department with four vacant positions to fill. With the Council’s support, Chief Bulger will begin the process of hiring new officers.
In other business, the Council approved a resolution to purchase aerators from S&N Airflo Aerators, set to arrive in three to four weeks. The City will make its initial payment of $41,000, entering into a five year contract.
An update on the Mims Creek bridge indicated that its replacement should reach completion on August 15th.
Executive Session was called to allow discussion of real property, economic development, and personnel matters, with no action taken.
Explaining to Fairfield Council how they plan to proceed in placing new lines is Larry Willis of Atmos Energy. A compromise was reached with the City.
