Black ribbons lined the halls of Teague’s City Hall last week in memoriam of Mayor Earnest Pack, who passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2018.
Pack was elected Mayor of Teague in 1998 and, with the exception of a few years, held the position faithfully until his death.
During those many years of service, Mr. Pack declined to accept the Mayor’s salary. For his many contributions to the community, he was awarded the distinction of Citizen of the Year by the Teague Chamber of Commerce in 2014.
City Hall closed Wednesday, February 21, 2018 to allow staff to attend funeral services for Mayor Pack, and pay their final respects to a man who has meant so much to Teague.
In light of Mayor Pack’s passing, the City Council issued an emergency supplement to their agenda during the regular meeting held Monday, February 20th.
Aldermen voted unanimously to allow Mayor Pro Tem Marilyn Michaud to hold the vacant position until the appointment of a new Mayor, following the municipal elections in May 2018.
In regular business, the Council approved a proposal from AT&T for the purchase of six iPads for $3,500, to be appropriated from the City’s fund reserve account.
The tablets will be provided for use by the Aldermen and Mayor, as voted on during their last meeting. Monthly meeting packets, emails, and documents that were previously being printed at great expense to the City, will now be available digitally to cut costs.
A social media policy recommended by the Texas Municipal League (TML) was voted in to action at the request of City Administrator Theresa Prasil.
Prasil explained that, while social media is a great tool for communicating with the community, guidelines for its use by administrators and employees is strongly advised.
Aldermen approved a new benefit for the City’s full-time employees by signing a one year membership contract with Air Evac Life Team in the amount of $1,100, to be paid for with money from the employees’ insurance fund.
Under this agreement, all full-time employees and their families will receive membership to Air Evac.
Discussion was held regarding the lease contract for the Workforce Center downtown.
Alderman Ron Rasbeary raised the issue of continuous repairs being made to the building, which is currently occupied by Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions.
He made a motion to raise the rent from $1,200 (all utilities included), to $1,500 per month.
Mayor Pro Tem Marilyn Michaud questioned if raising the rent would help recoup losses, which was answered in the negative.
Public Works Director Jacob Cowling weighed in, stating that his department is called in three or four times a week for maintenance to the Workforce Center, and the shared facilities of the Senior and Community Centers.
City Administrator Prasil explained that under the existing contract, the City is responsible for all maintenance to the building.
Alderman Chris Nickelberry expressed concerns that a rent increase may cost the community a valuable service if the current tenant should decline to renew the lease.
However, with a vote of 4-1, the new contract will reflect a rent increase from $1,200 to $1,500 per month.
Following a closed executive session, the Council approved the hiring of Joshua Wolfe to the Public Works Department, as well as the promotion of officer David Keale to the rank of Sergeant with the Teague Police Department.
