Thursday's Internet Edition, August 07, 2008.
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Mayor Rachel P. Gallegos called the regular meeting of the governing body to order at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 11th. Council Members in attendance were Tamara Scotch, Tyne Lomax and Isabel Rangel Jr. Council Members Ramirez and Rendon were unable to attend. Several staff members and guests were present.
Andrew Barnebey was present to speak to the council about a project that is in the planning stages that will be termed a “Civic Fair”. All the leaders, organizations, clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts would come together possibly around the square and share how they contribute or what they have available to the community. He invited the council to a planning meeting on Monday, February 18th at the Woman’s Club building. The Mayor then introduced Ben Banahan and Ruth Baddley and made the Outstanding Citizens presentation. Mrs. Helen Fred submitted a poem that she wrote for Ben and Ruth to honor them for coming to Rocksprings and for their kindness. Ben Banahan added that many people have made the Devil’s Sinkhole Bat tours a success and he especially expressed his gratitude to Jack and Cindy Whitworth, all the board members and volunteers for their hard work.
Carl Esser, grant writer and planner for the City, presented several items for the council’s approval and gave the update on the upgrade project to the Waste Water System in the amount of $219,000. The council approved a resolution to apply for a grant in the amount of $7,500 with Middle Rio Grande to improve the solid waste operations. These funds will be used to assist with a backup plan when bad weather prohibits entry to the Eldorado Landfill Facility and the crew could possibly still continue the garbage routes within the City. The council approved Esser and Company to administer the FEMA funds that the city has been granted to repair streets that were damaged in the floods of 2007. Mr. Esser will be working with the council and personnel to devise the best plan for the street repair and to help stretch the grant funds of approximately $200,000.
Alex Dula, Emergency Management Coordinator, presented his report and spoke about the extreme fire dangers in our County. He stated that planning sessions will be scheduled to review procedures and find ways to respond better to emergency situations. He commended all the groups that responded to the fires in the Carta Valley area and the cooperative spirit that was evident. He also spoke about continuing the education in the community for emergency response during critical weather. The Mayor thanked Mr. Dula for his volunteer service to the community and his desire to keep everyone safe.
The council unanimously approved the donation of a 1967 International Pumper fire truck to the Divide Volunteer Fire Department and comments were made about the improvements to the fire fighting fleet and equipment that we now have locally.
Bebe Ramirez, Election Official, presented the schedule for the upcoming May 10th election and announced that she had one incumbent council member, Julio Ramirez, apply for re-election on the first day of filing.
The council approved the Order of Election. The council then discussed a city-wide trash pickup for early April and the possibility of inviting all the local groups and students to commit only two hours of their Saturday morning to help clean up our city. Watch for the notice of this event in this paper and make plans to participate.
The regular items, financial reports and staff reports were approved. An update of the multi-million dollar TxDOT Main Street project was heard and the construction company is moving in and setting up to begin work on March 1st.
The Mayor urges the citizens to plan their alternate routes to avoid any unsafe conditions and congestion as the project gets underway.
The Mayor touched on the great tragedy with the City of Kirkwood, Missouri shooting incident during their recent council meeting and the council members signed a card of encouragement to be mailed to them.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.