Teague administrators prepare to implement a purchasing program to replace its aged fleet of police vehicles at the Monday, March 18, 2019 Council Meeting With more than $7,000 spent on maintenance just this year, Chief of Police DeWayne Philpott and City Administrator/Secretary, Theresa Prasil, urged the Council to adopt a fleet management program during the next budget cycle to utilize these funds in a more constructive way. In the last three years, the City has spent $33,232 on critical repairs for police vehicles, like rebuilt transmissions, front end adjustments, and mechanical issues. Under this program, the City would finance new police vehicles and replace them every three years. Prasil and Chief Philpott explained their plan to include approximately $35,000 in the 2019-2020 budget to finance a steadfast fleet of patrol vehicles, and asked for the Council’s support and recommendations. The Police Department’s current fleet is more than a decade old, and almost all vehicles are in need of constant repair, including the newest 2016 Ford Explorers. Of the department’s fleet, one vehicle has been decommissioned and one is no longer suitable for patrol leaving five vehicles ages eight to three years old. Prasil told the Council that with the fleet management program in mind, City staff plan to begin next year’s budget preparations as early as January 2020 for both the Police Department and Public Works. “We need to get this issue under control,” urged Prasil, “or the City will continue spending the money on repairs.” Chief Philpott and Prasil requested that the Council allow for a sealed bidding process to assess the cost and availability of the department’s recommended vehicle, the Chevrolet Tahoe. The pair explained that in light of the numerous issues with both the Ford Explorers and Dodge Chargers, and the lack of available Dodge Durangos, the Tahoe would provide durability and adequate space, meeting the requirements for the department’s K-9 Officer, Zelda, and CopSync computer systems. According to Prasil’s research, two Chevrolet Tahoes with police package would cost approximately $92,000, not including the installation of the computer systems and graphics, which would cost around $2,500 each. Alderman Ron Rasbeary questioned how the City would pay for these new vehicles. Prasil explained that the money spent on repairs annually would be repurposed for financing new vehicles and transitioning into newer vehicles as time passes, recommended every three years. Alderman Jerry Ballew, acting as Mayor Pro Tem in the absence of Mayor James Monks, pointed out that the City can also hold a surplus sale of its decommissioned vehicles and unused equipment; a plan that Prasil says is already in the works. Because the purchase amount is more than $50,000, the City would be required to go through a sealed bidding process, which requires the Council’s approval. Prasil suggested that these bids be collected now for consideration during budget planning next year. The City is not obligated to accept the bids received. Alderman Chris Nickleberry asked about the interest rates associated with financing the new vehicles. Prasil answered that the City’s public finance firm, Government Capital, has interest rates of 4% or lower; and local banks’ rates will also be considered. Alderwoman Marilyn Michaud made the motion to approve the request to begin the bidding process on three Chevrolet Tahoes for the Police Department. Receiving a second from Alderwoman Marie Hertenberger and 3-1 vote from the Council, the process of implementing a fleet management program was approved. Alderman Rasbeary voted against the motion, and Mayor Pro Tem Ballew abstained from all voting while conducting the meeting. In another motion, Alderwomen Michaud and Hertenberger, with a unanimous vote from the Council, set the start of the bidding process for the next business day through April 18, 2019, with bids to be presented at a later Council meeting for consideration during annual budget planning. The Council was asked to consider applying the fleet management program to the Public Works Department as well. Prasil reported that, in the last two years, the City has spent $40,850 on repairs to Public Works’ vehicles. Public Works Director Jacob Cowling and the Crane truck Dry hire Brisbane Company explained the condition of his department’s current fleet, ranging from trucks leaking diesel fuel and oil in the coolant system, to transmission issues. Public Works currently have seven work trucks ranging from 2003, 2008, and one 2019 model. This year’s budget included funds for the purchase of the department’s new 2019 Chevrolet 2500HD Silverado. Also purchased recently was a 2018 Ram with crane, and the City’s old animal control vehicle was repurposed for use. Like the Police Department’s fleet, the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the vehicles. Cowling and Prasil provided a quote of $26,625, plus $875 for lights and graphics, for a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The Council voted unanimously to collect bids on a new truck, as they consider adopting a vehicle transitioning program into next year’s budget planning process. Two public hearings were conducted to replat several lots in the Meadow Ridge and Toler Subdivisions. Prasil explained that the respective homeowners are seeking to combine their two lots to build homes in compliance with the new homesteading qualifications. The sewer lines previously in question in the Toler Subdivision have since been properly identified, abandoned, and capped; and at the suggestion of attorneys, a release of liability was signed by the City and property owners. With no participation, the hearings were closed and the Council voted unanimously to approve the two requests. Teague Economic Development (EDC) Director, Bill Elliot, received unanimous approval on a request from his board to appoint Bill Bowers as a Director. Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Ballew presented a proclamation declaring April 7-13, 2019 as National Library Week for the City of Teague. The Council voiced their support of the Teague Public Library and its outstanding service to the community. Following executive session, Miguel Hutchinson was hired as a Patrol Police Officer with a unanimous vote from Aldermen. During department director reports, City Administrator/Secretary Prasil noted a 24.77% increase in sales tax; the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application has been submitted; the Little Dribblers American Regional Basketball Tournament began Monday, March 18th, being hosted at Teague High School gyms through Saturday, March 23rd and the Teague Baseball and Softball teams have prepared Thomas Field to host two tournaments in May. Prasil reported that the presentation of the City’s annual financial audit was delayed due to the ongoing litigation against Fairfield, but is due to be reviewed at the Council’s next meeting on April 15th. She reminded the group that voting begins March 20th, by mail, with early voting beginning April 22nd for the May 4th election; and the Teague Chamber of Commerce Banquet is set for April 11th at the Teague Community Center. Public Work Director Cowling reported that water operations are good, well tests have been run and some repairs are needed; aerators for the wastewater system will be replaced; and the generator at the north plant has been installed. Cowling shared that the Streets Department is considering and testing a product called Aqua Patch, provided by TBI Solutions, LLC, for pothole repair throughout the city; solar lights have been ordered as budgeted for both 8th Avenue and Jefferson Parks and the old lights will be moved to the Public Works yard. Drainage issues are still being addressed at the 8th Avenue Park, baseball fields, playground, and the surrounding streets. Chief of Police Philpott delivered his statistics and code enforcement report. He commended Officer Winston for her diligence while working code enforcement. New Animal Control/Code Enforcement Officer Eric Sterling will now take the lead on enforcing those ordinances. Librarian Diane Willis told the Council that Spring Break was a success at Teague Public Library, with daily craft projects for kids and teens volunteering. EDC Director Elliot reported that one project was lost, however work continues on the second. Due to non-disclosures associated with projects of this nature, Elliot was unable to elaborate on the specifics of the projects at this time. Elliot reaffirmed his board’s desire to assist the City and reported that Stephanie Burns was elected the board’s new president. Alderwoman Marie Hertenberger questioned Elliot’s previous comments regarding a lack of office space in the city, asking about the delay in the EDC completing their new building and the restoration of the old City Hall. Elliot answered that work on both buildings is still planned, with asbestos testing still required at the old City Hall. He clarified that he was mostly referring to the dilapidated and fire damaged buildings along Main Street. City Administrator Prasil requested that Elliot meet with her on the next available business day to discuss developments regarding some of the downtown properties, and together, form a plan of action. The next meeting of the Teague City Council will be April 15th at 6:00 p.m., with the Park Pavilion Committee set to meet March 25th at 6:00 p.m. Megan Hempel reporting
