The Teague Police Department will soon receive new equipment following the Council’s vote to purchase eight patrol rifles, slings, and vehicle mounted gun locks.
At their Monday, November 20th meeting, Aldermen approved spending $8,200 from the fund reserve to cover the new safety equipment.
Interim Chief of Police DeWayne Philpott shared that with the recent attacks and active shooter situations throughout the nation, officers must properly prepare.
“Expecting an officer to go in to that situation unprepared is a mistake,” said Philpott, who added that all officers will receive the yearly training, and more, required to operate the rifles.
Also on the agenda for the Police Department was the completion of their new headquarters downtown.
With over $50,000 already spent to renovate the old Halbert Building, Aldermen voted last month to take the necessary steps to complete the project.
The City will appropriate $45,000 from the fund reserve to finish the renovation by January 31, 2018.
Teague’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is making preparations for the New Year with new projects in the works.
Aldermen unanimously agreed to two EDC Board approved projects, including a donation of $2,000 for the Main Street Christmas Lights, and sewer taps for Hair Razor’s move to their new location on 4th Avenue.
Also approved was the appointment of Nanette Harwell to the EDC’s Board of Directors.
City Secretary/Administrator Theresa Prasil led discussion regarding updating the guidelines and fees for the use of the City’s collection center by residents.
Prasil explained that the City spent $30,000 on additional dumpster roll offs last year, and in an effort to maintain the collection center for regular use, she proposed a new policy to take effect immediately, with enforcement of the policy beginning next year.
With approval from the Council, residents will be allowed two free dumps each month. A $10 fee will be imposed for additional dumps, and $25 for trailers.
Commercial use of the collection center is not allowed. Agencies needing a dumpster roll off will need to contact Metro Sanitation, or another trash service, to arrange for dumping.
Next year, city employees will operate the collection center on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, checking identification and recording resident’s monthly trips.
A resolution was approved for the sale of the Teague Volunteer Fire Department’s 2001 Pierce International Pumper Truck.
Aldermen set the fair market value of the truck at $60,333 and will advertise for sealed bids, hoping to sell by February 2018. Sale of the truck will not be complete until the new engine is delivered.
In other business, two bids from Texas Maintenance Services, one in the amount of $1,390 per month for janitorial services, and the other for $58,850 per year for mowing services throughout the city were accepted by the Council.
The Council agreed to solicit bids for the Water Infrastructure Project on Northline Road and Parkwood Street, authorizing the City Administrator to work with Government Capital on financing options.
Aldermen voted to authorize the Mayor to execute the Treasury Management Resolution, accepting the terms and conditions of the agreement.
The 2018 Calendar Year Holiday Schedule was also approved with no change.
The Council cast all votes for the Board of Director Members of the Freestone Central Appraisal District in favor of Lovie Whyte.
Following executive session, Justin Campbell was hired as an officer of the Teague Police Department.
