“I consider it an honor to support law enforcement, especially the Teague Police Department!” exclaimed Bill May as he presented a check for $694.41 to Chief Dan Ramsey at the November 21, 2016 meeting of the Teague City Council.
Mr. May, a renowned fiddle player and proud citizen of Teague, recently hosted Bill May’s Hootenanny, a musical event designed to entertain and raise money for the Police Department’s canine and officer training.
Receiving many thanks and praise from those in attendance Mr. May simply replied, “Whoo doggie!”
Continuing with donations, the City accepted property at 403 Main Street (block 93, lots 21 & 22) from Martha and Tommy Neale, DBA Pharmacy Plus.
Aldermen voted to accept the necessary actions required to take possession of the property, which will be used to expand parking downtown for shoppers and officers of the Teague Police Department upon their headquarters’ relocation to the nearby Halbert Building.
Mayor Earnest Pack shared that the City has been approached by individuals interested in purchasing the old City Hall building on Main Street.
He informed the council that, with numerous and expensive repairs needed, the City is unable to maintain the building. Mayor Pack further reported that the Historical Preservation Society also declined to take on the property.
Aldermen voted to approve necessary actions to complete the transaction, including appraisal of the property and solicitation of sealed bids.
Chief of Police Dan Ramsey addressed the Council regarding possible implementation of a 2017-2018 School Resource Officer (SRO) Program with the Teague Independent School District.
He presented his plan to Aldermen, along with associated costs and implications.
With the Council’s approval, Chief Ramsey plans to present the proposed plan to the TISD school board for their consideration.
The City of Teague will begin the search for a full-time Public Works Director to replace long-time director Gus Ramirez, who has come out of retirement to fill the position until a suitable replacement can be hired and trained.
After much discussion, an amendment to the City’s ordinance regarding accumulation of rubbish or brush was tabled.
The proposed revision would prohibit accumulation and depositing of grass clippings, brush, and other refuse in or on private or public property, providing for a penalty of up to $2,000 per violation.
Essentially, the amendment aimed to keep grass clippings out of roads, sidewalks, gutters, and drains, which are often clogged by such materials. However, many in attendance thought the revision was unreasonable, especially for older homeowners who have no way to collect the clippings and brush to take to the City Dump.
It was suggested that the City come up with a way to provide such a service to homeowners before any action was taken on the proposed amendment.
Megan Hempel reporting
