Recommendations from Teague’s Park Pavilion Committee were reviewed and approved by the City Council Tuesday, February 19, 2019.


Kelly Satterwhite, Chairman, presented the Committee’s recommendations regarding demolition of the Pavilion. The long-awaited report evaluating the Pavilion’s structural integrity and ultimately determining the fate of the one hundred year old 8th Avenue Park Pavilion in Teague was reviewed by the Committee Monday, January 28th. The plan is to make way for the mining operation that will take place.

Demolitions take place in mines during upgrades or at the beginning stages of a mine. In the case of a mine that will begin its operation, mining engineering experts need to be hired in order to evaluate the environmental aspects that need to be taken into consideration in order to incorporate cleanup and reclamation of the sites.These decisions can affect the schedule and cost of the demolition activities because they may control how the demolition contractor will conduct his activities. In the case of demolitions in order to upgrade facilities, the fact that it is a live site means that extra care and safety must be taken in order not to disrupt mining activities on the site both underground and above ground.

When sourcing for a demolition contractor, experience and track record should be key. Assess the qualifications of the personnel and peruse their past projects. Determine their suitability for your particular project because each project always has unique challenges. Even while the contractor may tout himself as the best in the market ask for a list of references of satisfied customers. When it comes to the type of equipment, we take a look at some of the companies and what they have to offer.


The official report compiled by Structural Design Consulting, and the City’s engineering firm TRC Engineers, Inc. following their inspection of the Pavilion on January 4, 2019 noted numerous structural deficiencies.


Engineers deemed the facility unsafe in its current condition and recommend that the pavilion remains closed to the public and removed in its entirety, contractors have been hired and already have been provided with contractors insurance in order to undergo the project.
Aldermen voted unanimously to approve all items presented by the Committee beginning the process by seeking contractors’ bids for the removal of the entire structure, leaving the concrete slab for future use.
A minimum of three bids will be sought for the project with a scope of work to be prepared by Alderman Jerry Ballew and Public Works Director Jacob Cowling detailing the specifics of the demolition.
Both the Committee and the Council have voiced their dedication to preserving what history they can during this delicate process. Therefore, the approved contractor will work with a City representative to identify any salvageable materials.
The directive will require the approved contractor to designate an offsite staging area where citizens may obtain select materials from the historic structure and direct that special care be taken of the gable at the south end of the Pavilion to salvage the affixed sign.
Once the fencing is removed in preparation for demolition, local photographer and Committee member, Jessica Risken will photograph the Pavilion and grounds for historical preservation. The area will also be opened for photographing to area newspapers.
Mayor James Monks signed a proclamation honoring Black History Month, proclaiming Sunday, February 24, 2019 a day to honoring local legacies Joycie Burns, Doris Nealy, and Dr. E.V. Moore.
It was announced that the three would also be recognized during a celebration of Black History Month hosted by Kingdom Fellowship Bible Church at the Community Center on February 24th. See The Times’ coverage of the event on page 1-B.
Aldermen voted unanimously to name Alderman Jerry Ballew Mayor Pro Tem.
Bill Elliot, Director of Teague’s Economic Development Corporation, received the Council’s approval of a Façade Grant to Joy Bowers and Linda Buchanan Properties at 518 Main Street for $5,220.
Also approved was an amendment to the
EDC’s current budget in the amount of $2,000 for an unexpected computer replacement.
Mr. Elliot updated the Council on the EDC’s activities. He reported that three people are looking for office space however there is a shortage of available properties. Elliot has appealed to property owners to clean up their buildings and make them available for renters.
He also reported two new projects in the works that could employ approximately fifty people respectively.
The Council approved the purchase of a 2019 Chevrolet 2500HD Silverado truck for $26,568 from Caldwell Country, as budgeted for the Public Works Department.
Public Works Director Jacob Cowling gave his department’s report, stating that the purchase of the new truck will assist in replenishing their aging fleet and hauling the necessary equipment for water and sewer repairs.
Cowling reported that water samples for the City are good, five leaks have been reported and identified, and Well #3 has been brought back online. Wastewater operations are good with aerators scheduled for replacement and sewer line work ongoing at Elm Street.
The FM 80 and Northline Water Projects have been completed. Street signs have been ordered and Cowling is working with the City’s insurance to repair the lights damaged at Jefferson Park during recent high winds. With recent rains, Cowling reported a drainage issue at the 8th Avenue Park, but is hopeful that his department will be able to install some available drainage pipe to address the problem.
Payment of eleven outstanding invoices to the City’s collection service, McCreary, Veselka, Bragg, and Allen, P.C. was tabled to allow time for City Administrator/Secretary Theresa Prasil and Municipal Judge Shirley Mays, who Prasil says believes these invoices may have been received in error, to review the issue further.
Also tabled by the Council was the review and approval of financial reports from the City of Fairfield regarding the TDCJ Operation and Maintenance Fund for the months of June 2018 through January 2019 and the operating plan for the facilities. City Administrator Prasil informed Aldermen that this information has not been received from Fairfield.
Prasil delivered her administrative report to the Council, showing a 27% increase in sales tax, submission of the Community Development Block Grant application, and completion of the City’s financial audit to be presented to the Council in March.
She informed the Council that the two Town Hall meetings held earlier in the month were well received by citizens, and reminded Aldermen to prepare and submit their priorities for the upcoming budget workshop.
Chief of Police DeWayne Philpott presented his department’s report, showing an increase in code enforcement activity which is expected to continue as notices of violations are issued. Chief Philpott reported that the department’s two new officers are doing well in the training program and the new animal control officer is scheduled to begin February 27th.
Librarian Diane Willis shared the Library’s activity from new computer installations and preparing for daily crafting events during spring break.
The Council spent about three hours in closed executive session discussing Municipal Judge Shirley Mays; the ongoing litigation between the City of Teague and the City of Fairfield regarding the shared Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Boyd Unit water and wastewater facilities; and allegations of inappropriate behavior by Alderman Ron Rasbeary.
Choosing to take no action on the other items, Aldermen did vote to censure Rasbeary for conduct unbecoming of a City official. See our article regarding the action taken on this week’s front page.
The next meeting of the Teague City Council will be Monday, March 18th at 6 p.m.