Teague’s City Council met Monday, September 17, 2018, conducting much of their meeting in executive session.
Following a lengthy consultation with the firm of Messer, Rockefeller & Fort, PLLC, the City’s new attorneys, during closed session, the Council returned to open session announcing its intention to file suit against the City of Fairfield.
According to a press release drafted by Andy Messer of Messer, Rockefeller & Fort, PLLC “a lawsuit will be filed in Freestone County district court on behalf of the City of Teague against the City of Fairfield for breaches of an interlocal agreement and facilities agreement between the cities regarding management of funds from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act, and for declaratory and injunctive relief.”
Aldermen voted to take no action on another item pertaining to the Interlocal Definitive Agreement discussed in executive session.
This item outlined consultation with attorneys on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas conflicts with the agreement between the Cities regarding record retention.
For more about the interlocal agreement and pending lawsuit, see this week’s front page article.
Back in open session, Aldermen voted to hire Weldon Alexander as an officer of the Teague Police Department at $16 an hour.
Also hired to the Police Department was Ludivina Avalos who will take on the position of Police Secretary/Court Clerk at a rate of $12.50 per hour.
The Council approved a proclamation declaring October 2, 2018 as National Night Out in the City of Teague.
The Teague Police Department will host the third annual free event from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the City Park. Also in attendance will be Teague Volunteer Fire Department, Teague EMS, Freestone County Sheriff’s Department, and all First Responders.
Bounce houses, games, food, face painting, music, and more will make this a fun evening for citizens and local law enforcement and first responders.
Aldermen chose to take no action on agenda items pertaining to financial reports received from the City of Fairfield for the TDCJ Operation and Maintenance Fund for the months of June, July, and August 2018.
City Administrator/Secretary Theresa Prasil delivered her department’s report to the Council, reporting sales tax up 41.3%, and providing an update on the application for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that the City is seeking to assist in repair costs throughout town.
Prasil announced several upcoming events like Homecoming October 19th, Park Fest October 27th, and a Trunk or Treat event at City Hall on October 31st at 5:30 p.m.
Public Works Director Jacob Cowling stated that twenty water leaks have been repaired by his crew, with the Northline Water Project set to being that week.
Cowling also updated the Council on the status of the Highway 80 Water Project, reporting that the contractor has continued failing to show up to finish the remainder of the project. He informed the Council that he will turn the issue over to the project’s engineer.
He concluded that the new generator for the wastewater plant was installed and that his crew is doing what they can for street repair.
Megan Hempel reporting
