June 30, 2016 - The Timpson City Council approved a new truck for the fire department during their recent meeting held on Tuesday, June 21, 2016.
Representing the fire department was fireman Jason Terry who explained the fire department is replacing Truck 1 which is a 1986-87 model truck. The tank and the pump currently on Truck 1 will be moved to the new truck. The new truck will be a Ford F450 or F350.
"This action item is more or less it's just to follow purchasing policy. The fire department belongs to the city in essence, because of the tax ID number. They don't have their own 501C3, so they have to follow purchasing policies of the municipalities and the 'if' here is, their truck and bed, if it went over $50,000 they'd have to take sealed bids. If it falls under that they can do small procurement policy," said Mayor Smith.
Smith continued to explain the department needs council approval to spend money out of the city held fire department account, because it is under the city's tax ID number. The account currently has $100,000.
A motion carried to take bids for a new truck and bed.
Timpson City employee Henry Marx obtained his Water Operator license on May 7, 2016. A motion was carried to raise his salary from $15.35 to $16.35 per hour.
During discussions over the budget, Smith talked about street repairs and questions which may have been asked in the community inquiring why entire streets are not just repaved.
"That's a lovely concept, but if you remember when we repaved Austin alone that was $178,000. So, I don't imagine any major repaving," said Smith.
Smith said the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has sought bids for repaving on Bremond Street at Rancho Grande, Todd Street at Texas State Bank and Timpson Street at the doughnut bakery.
"Just the first block and all the way out to the pavement in the highway, and the reason we are just doing the one block is because the EDC money has to be tied to business," said Smith.
The council looks forward to looking more closely at the numbers in the upcoming budget workshops.
Larry Burns was recognized for his 22 years of services with the city. Burns gave the public works report and he stated the process of patching the roadways and pot holes in Timpson is being done in a methodical pattern, so no areas are missed.
Burns announced the water audit has been completed and the repairs to fire hydrants have been completed. One fire hydrant remains to be replaced.
Mayor Smith commented Bradley Allen, Precinct 4 Commissioner, informed her he would be bringing iron rock for Rosehill Road and spread the material. Burns commented the road is in dire need of work and Mayor Smith stated some of the issue is the result of recent logging. Burns said one culvert along the roadway needs to be removed.
Chief Kent Graham updated the council on Timpson Police Officer taking office as Constable Precinct 5 July 1, 2016. Hairgrove will remain a reserve officer with the city and as a result will be able to enforce city ordinances. Timpson Police Officer Jake Metcalf was elected Precinct 4 Constable and he is still scheduled to remain on the force until January 1, 2017 when he takes office.
Leslie Leathers, city secretary, announced dates for budget workshops and they are water/sewer Thursday, July 7; electric department Tuesday, July 12; police department and city office Wednesday, July 13. The city office is scheduled to be closed on Monday, July 4.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10pm.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Consent agenda items: A. Minutes of the regular meeting held on May 17th, 2016 B. Financial Statement for the month of May, 2016 C. Accounts Payable – Unpaid bills for May, 2016 D. Revised MVBA contract. The first contract was approved by the previous Council, but there were changes made at the suggestion of the City’s Attorney. E. Resolution Adopting The City of Timpson Hazard Mitigation Plan. 2. Take bids for a new truck and bed. 3. Raise Henry Marx salary from $15.35 to $16.35 per hour. 4. Adjourn at 6:10pm. Public Works Report for May 2016: 57 work orders received, 40 current work orders resolved, 3 previous work orders resolved. Timpson Police Department Report for May 2016: 32 agency assists, 9 motorist assists, 2 escorts, 11 extra patrol requests, 1 animal complaint, 5 warrants, 12 disturbances, 4 suspicious persons, 3 suspicious vehicles, 2 crash investigations, 8 investigations, 2 welfare checks, 4 assaults, 3 criminal trespass, 3 driving while intoxicated, 1 harassment, 2 thefts, 2 identity theft/fraud, 1 unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Total arrests 7, total calls for service 107. Municipal Court Report for May 2016: 60 citations issued, 78 violations, 0 to juveniles and 4 to minors. Total amount reported $9,788.00, the city’s portion a 55% estimate of $5,383.40.
