June 16, 2015 - During the Monday, June 15, 2015 meeting of the Tenaha City Council, newly elected council member Natalie Harris was voted Mayor Pro Tem.
At the Monday, April 20, 2015 meeting it was approved to take $15,000 out of the Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department account, leaving $1,962 in that account, to pay toward pumper truck repairs in the amount of $31,900. The remaining amount of $16,900 the council agreed to pay out of a tax account. The fire department receives approximately $500 per month and details of how the fire department will repay the $16,900 were discussed. It was decided to hold a portion of the $500 the fire department receives to repay the loan and for the fire department to hold fundraisers.
Although input was given at that meeting by Fire Chief Mitch Menefee on what amount would be comfortable for their expenses, no motion was made. Since that meeting the fire department held their fundraiser and over $4,000 was raised.
During the recent meeting a motion carried to approve taking $250 a month for five years to pay off the $16,900 and if the department can pay more at any given time it may do so.
The purchase of a 52 HP Kubota tractor and finish mower package for $31,800 financed through Kubota at 0% interest $565.30 a month for 60 months was approved at the April 20, 2015 meeting. Stacy Cranford, water department manager, informed the council Kubota no longer will finance any cities. A motion was carried to approve the purchase of a John Deere tractor from Fish and Still Equipment for $32,156.48 for 60 months financed through Citizens State Bank of Tenaha.
During the Public Comment portion of the meeting Dewayne Reese addressed the council and stated he wants to hold the elected officials accountable and the best way he feels he can do this is through social media and news media.
"Our kids don't have nothing to do. We cannot spend no money on our children? We can't spend no money on our future? I understand about the Beautification Project over there. Our children can't do nothin' with that, nothin', nothin' at all. So therefore, my hat goes off to the Beautification Project, but that Beautification Projects not for not one of our kids," said Reese.
Reese stated he wants the people of Tenaha to vote on a five cent tax hike for work on a park in the city, "Let the people of Tenaha vote on [it]. Do they want to invest in their future, do they want to invest in the children?"
He questioned how the city is keeping track of water use in the city and stated his water meter is buried. The financial health of the city is also a concern for Reese and he says he has contacted the Attorney General's office who he says advised him to seek information from the city and if he is not satisfied to seek out the county attorney.
Harris said she would like to see what Reese wants in writing. She said she has nothing against the park; however, she said building a park doesn't necessarily change anything for the children of Tenaha besides provide them with a recreation area.
"We do need a place for not just children, but just the citizens of Tenaha to go enjoy themselves. I'm with you on that, but as your councilwoman I'm asking you to put specifically what you want in writing," said Harris.
Harris also asked if Reese has requested the financial statements from the city and he said he hasn't. She informed him the financial information is public record and all anyone has to do is ask for that information from the city.
Claudine Howard, councilwoman, asked Reese if he is going to help maintain the park and watch over kids at the park. Reese stated part of his drive is to provide a place for children to practice basketball to have a better opportunity at competition.
Howard addressed the finances of Tenaha further with Reese, "You need to come to the city and ask for the financial reports before you go calling Austin to say you need help here, because I'm sure the secretary or the mayor would have opened the books for you. we have spent a lot of money, but we haven't lost any money. We've just spent a lot trying to get this water situation in control, there's a lot of needy things for the town."
Cranford spoke later in the meeting during the department head report about a plan the city has been working on for a park; however, Reese had already left the meeting. Cranford stated he and Mayor Orinthia Johnson approached Tenaha ISD about a baseball field on Sugar Hill Road. Superintendent Scott Tyner informed to his knowledge the school is no longer going to continue to maintain the field.
"The land was deeded at the time by three of our landowners in town that part of the purpose of the school to use it at their discretion and whenever the school was through with it to return it to the landowners," said Cranford.
Cranford says he spoke with one of the landowners about the possibility of the city reaching the same agreement with the landowners to use the land for a park facility. There is a grant which could help fund this project which would require the city to partner with the Hope Project or the school to move forward. Cranford believes it is too late to apply for the grant this year, but feels confident about applying for it next year.
Harris and Howard asked Cranford to present the proposal to the city at the next council meeting.
Cranford stated Family Dollar has purchased a piece of property on Wood Street and an engineering and architect firm is making utility requests at this time as they prepare to build the store.
At the end of the meeting Howard congratulated Harris for being appointed Mayor Pro Tem and Michael Baker, councilman, commended Howard on her previous service as Mayor Pro Tem and congratulated Harris as well.
Approved items on the agenda:
Elect Mayor Pro Tem - Natalie Harris.
Minutes of the previous meeting.
Financial statements.
Establish Process/Timeline for Fire Department Reimbursement to City for Fire Truck Repairs. $250 a month for five years to pay off the $16,900 and if the department can pay more at any given time it may do so.
Purchase a John Deere tractor from Fish and Still Equipment for $32,156.48 for 60 months financed through Citizens State Bank of Tenaha.
Adjourn 6:03pm.
