November 1, 2016 - Following an executive session of the Tenaha City Council, a motion carried to appoint Elizabeth Municipal Court Judge. Darren Gray was then approved as the rehire as Deputy Tenaha City Marshal following a motion.
During officers reports, Marshal Jimmy Wagstaff stated there are several ordinances and codes that are going to begin being enforced, because they have to be enforced.
Sheryl Clark, City Secretary, said she really thinks the team of employees is strong and and they are working well together.
"I want to thank you for giving Elizabeth [Swint] a chance here to represent the City of Tenaha as the Judge. She's going to do a fantastic job," said Clark.
Mayor Jernigan informed the council and community of a letter submitted by Michael Baker, alderman. Baker informed the city he has resigned his position effective immediately on October 23, 2016.
Natalie Harris, alderman, stated to Swint she is excited about her stepping into the position as Municipal Court Judge and she believes she will be great at the job.
Mayor Jernigan welcomed Swint to her position and stated he believes she will handle the job responsibly, which is all anyone can ask of her.
Council heard an estimate for projected repairs on Cemetery Road and Houston Street. The projected cost for each street was $6,500 for Houston Street and $21,000 for Cemetery Road as presented by Pierce Construction. Mayor Jernigan explained the city has not yet sought bids on the project and got a cost estimate from the company.
Cliff Lloyd, alderman, asked for the city to contact Blazer Construction about an estimate on the project. He commented Bradley Allen, Commissioner Precinct 4, had done some work on the Cemetery Road in the past.
The council reviewed and discussed nuisance ordinance #20-06-20-3. Mayor Jernigan explained to the council the ordinance is already on the books and he was not seeking action from them, instead he wanted them to be aware there are several ordinances he intends to address in the coming months for the city to begin enforcing.
Jernigan stated the only thing the council will likely have to revisit on the nuisance ordinance is a fine fee schedule. He explained the ordinance includes such things as junk cars, overgrown trees, overgrown property and trash in a yard among other things. Mayor Jernigan said enforcement will come after proper notification to anyone in violation of the ordinance.
Becky Barker addressed the council during public comment about water supply to McNeill Park. She stated in speaking with Mayor Jernigan the water supply to the park is a low priority. She stated, with homecoming in mind, several other citizens and herself with the assistance of a city worker planted roses and shrubs around the park.
Barker is very proud of how the quickly put together project worked out and she asked the city to install a water line and hydrant in the park as soon as possible in order to water the plants. Efforts have been made by Barker and her husband to water the plants via a 5 gallon bucket, but this has proven to be an arduous task. She asked the council to consider the request to help spruce up the park and city.
Mayor Jernigan said he would be speaking with the Director of Public Works about using a grass truck to provide water for the time being.
The meeting adjourned at 6:09pm
Agenda items approved during the meeting: 1. Minutes from September 26, 2016 Regular Scheduled Council Meeting and October 20, 2016 Special Called Council Meeting 2. September 2016 Financial Report. 3. TMRS Retirement Eligibility - Reduce From Current 25 Years to 20 Years. 4. Municipal Judge appointment of Elizabeth Swint. 5. Rehire of Deputy City Marshal Darren Gray. 6. Adjourn at 6:09pm.
Related article:
Swint Sworn in as Tenaha Municipal Court Judge
