Joaquin City Council (From left) Steve Cockrell, Jessie Griffith, Mayor Frankie Cooper, Cathy Atkinson, and Mike Cummings, Jr.
June 22, 2021 - The City Council of Joaquin swore in their newly elected mayor, Frankie Cooper, during their regular meeting on May 18, 2021.
Frankie Cooper has served on the council since May 2016 and served in May 2017 as Mayor Pro Tem for former Mayor Pat Gray. He is married to Fannie Cooper and they have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. Their children are Demetris Cooper of Dallas, Michelle Cooper of Joaquin, and Fredrick Cooper of Dallas.
Mayor Cooper is the first elected black mayor for the City of Joaquin. He shared regarding his plans as Mayor, "I believe in trying to treat people fairly and bringing the community together with everyone working together to build up the community." Mayor Cooper first began his involvement with the City of Joaquin Council as a citizen back in September of 2010 when he requested Children at Play signs be posted on Saddle Street and that the speed limit be lowered to 25 mph. Now, instead of being the citizen bringing his thoughts and concerns to the city, he is the one listening and in charge of enacting change.
During the meeting, unopposed council members Cathy Atkinson and Mike Cummings, Jr. were also sworn in. Each recited the official statement of officer and their oath of office which was preformed by Amanda Treat, City of Tenaha Secretary.
The Utility Billing report was given: $63,626.10 billed and $52,921.26 collected. The remaining due is a little higher than normally outstanding.
The Public Works report was given: Testing of the fire hydrants have been completed. Completion of repairs have been delayed due to Weather. TCEQ sent a letter requiring the city to finish the elevated storage rehab, sandblaster and painted. TCEQ also wants the overflow pipe extended down to the ground. Railroad Commission paperwork has been submitted for an audit on the gas system. Wastewater updated included gas has been run to the new generator installed on Connell Ferry Road, the Woods lift station. There are two additional lift stations waiting for gas to be run to them. Rain has delayed progress.
On April 21st a proposed agreed order was sent from TCEQ on the wastewater plant. Background on the wastewater plant is nearly two years ago Joaquin did a major overhaul on the plant with lots of updates and changes. TCEQ fined the city in excess of $48,000 because of previous violations at the plant. All the paper work has been submitted with receipts showing the repairs have been completed. TCEQ will take into consideration the money the city has spent which is in excess of $50,000 which is more than the penalties. The city is waiting on the final determination from TCEQ for the next step.
Agenda items approved: 6. Previous month's minutes. 8. Payment of bills. 9. Move forward with Sheriff substation. Discussion did include possible partnership with Joaquin school to cover expenses such as phone, internet, electricity. 10. Purchase 3 (4' x 6') "Welcome to Joaquin" Signs. 11. Purchase playground equipment for City Park. Stacy Cranford will check on grant options with Texas Parks and Wildlife. 12. Closure of North Chalk Street. 13. Remove former mayor William Baker from ASB accounts. 14. Revised addition to Drought Contingency Plan. 16. Executive Session: The council came out of executive session and approved a motion to put a limit on overtime, no overtime unless it's emergency call in. A motion was approved for all spending for supplies goes through Casey Davis, City Secretary, and Stacy Cranford, Public Works Manager, and a P.O. system be used. Tabled items: 15. Discussion and Council Action on Auditor.
