City Council Approves Capital Improvement Plan; Begins City Charter Amendment Process
Sulphur Springs City Council approved the Capital Improvement Plan for 2019-2023, approved an amendment to the case management software contract with GHS, voted to begin the City Charter Review/Amendment process, discussed a potential food truck ordinance, and heard speakers focused on recycling, downtown parking, and animal control.
Josh Bray with Sanitation Solutions told the council that his company pays $55-$95 per ton to get rid of recyclable materials. Bray stated that services like his now have to pay recycle centers to take the materials. He said that curbside pickup of recyclable material has a substantial cost. He noted that when curbside pickup of material to recycle is instituted, garbage pickup would be only one day per week with the second day used to pick up recyclables. He noted that only 15-20% of residents in cities that recycle participate in the program. However, he said, all residents in the city pay additional cost. He noted studies and area cities as examples for his presentation.
The council heard that with the budget 75% complete for the year, revenue for the city remains strong. Sales tax revenues are up 3.4% over the budgeted revenue expected. It was also noted that expected water revenue for the city should give the city a strong finish to the year.
Bellview Street will be an asphalt street with major water and sewer utility work performed for more of the street than originally planned. The council approved a $1-million expenditure on the street. With that completed, the council approved the Capital Improvement Plan for 2019-2023 with no other change to the original plan presented in the June regular session and a June 27th special session of the council.
GHS, a case management software service that provides services to the city municipal court will now house servers in the city police department. The company is under mandate to secure the servers in a protected environment and will use Sulphur Springs Police building as the hub for their cloud servers. Council approved the new relationship based on the fact that the city has the proper facility and more than ample space and because it will save the city over $16,000. The city will no longer pay $17,500 for the service but will supply just over $1,000 in electricity are the servers. Dave Graves, with GHS, described the agreement to KSST News as a win-win.
Following a request by Councilman Jimmy Lucas and an explanation of procedure by City Attorney Jim McLeroy, the city council voted to begin the Charter Review/Amendment process. The City Charter was last reviewed in 1983 and all though it time to update the Charter. The process will now begin and a review committee could be chosen as soon as the August Council meeting.
Food trucks were the focus of a discussion requiring no action. The council did state individual agreement regarding guidelines for location, safety, food handling, and other steps to regulate food trucks. It was noted that permits and required inspections as known in local restaurants are already required for food trucks in the city. Council members stated that they desired to see those permits posted on trucks.
During Public Forum, recycling, parking downtown, and animal control were subjects for local residents. One local resident spoke against recycling saying that it is not the right thing for the city. Barbara Palmer, owner of Pioneer Café, addressed the council regarding parking downtown and the use of parking spaces by employees of downtown businesses. She noted that her staff was limited in locating parking near her café and that the use of some green space and the closing of streets near her business is a detriment for all downtown businesses. Charles Oxford addressed the council regarding what he called the city murdering his dog. Oxford stated that a neighbor falsely accused his dog of biting the neighbor and animal control took the dog and “…cut off its head.” He also accused city staff of telling the Commerce Animal Shelter to not sell him another dog.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report July 10, 2018
CROSSTOWN TRAIL –The railroad crossing is complete. The Capital Construction Division is now constructing the portion of the trail from the KCS railroad tracks to Coleman Park. When finished, this grant-funded project will connect Buford Park to Coleman Park and the high school/civic center complex. It will also replace the sidewalk on the north side of Connally Street.
CANTEX FORCE MAIN – The materials for this project have been delivered, and are being staged on site. The Capital Construction Division has cleared the easement and has constructed temporary fencing in certain areas. This is the final capital improvement project in the 2013-2017 C.I.P. It replaces 2,400 linear feet of aging sewer force main and 2,900 feet of gravity main. Currently the main passes through the middle of the hospital complex. The new route passes around the hospital complex. One-third of the city’s sewage passes through this line.
SUNSET STREET – We have designed the Sunset Street improvements. The project will include new water mains, new sewer mains and a new concrete street from Connally to Houston. The $275,000 CDBG grant is matched with $132,000 of city funding. We have submitted construction drawings for approval. Work will begin in the fall.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT – Progress at the wastewater treatment plant achieved a milestone on Monday. The three primary clarifier basins have been filled and they are now operational. Now work will begin on the aeration basins. This project is on time and under budget.
CLAIMS – We did not have any workers compensation claims or liability claims in June.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director Lesa Smith will give a year-to-date report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Made 11 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Replaced 6 stop signs and 12 street signs.
- Graded Pipeline Road and Wisenbaker Lane.
- Hauled select fill to 105 Mark Street for H.O.M.E. program.
- Performed set-up and take-down for Independence Day event.
- Sold 2,145 gallons of AvGas and 10,534 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Conducted 36 building inspections, 30 electrical inspections, 17 plumbing inspections, 9 mechanical inspections and issued 28 building permits.
- Replaced lights at Pacific Park and installed new lights at Coleman Lake.
- Repaired Airport Fountain.
- Began transporting sludge to Republic Maloy Landfill because the compost company is behind.
- Achieved a monthly average total suspended solids reading of 5.27 mg/L, well within our limit of 10 mg/L.
- Repaired 14 water ruptured water mains.
- Replaced 31 water meters.
- Unstopped 7 sewer mains.
- Repaired 3 sewer mains.
- Washed 75,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 35 dead end water mains.
- Treated 170 million gallons of potable water.
- Responded to 189 fire/rescue calls including 4 structure fires.
- Conducted 47 fire inspections and reviewed 47 pre-fire plans.
- Replaced sod on various baseball and soccer fields.
- Responded to 208 animal control calls, achieving a 38% adoption rate.
- Made 5 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Made 69 arrests in the Patrol Division, wrote 672 citations, recorded 47 offenses and responded to 41 accidents.
- Checked out 5,017 items and 513 e-books from the Municipal Library.
Hayward Found Guilty; Receives 5 Years Probated Sentence
July 10, 2018 – It took an hour to decide guilt or innocence and almost two hours to determine the sentence Tuesday in Eighth Judicial District Court. A Hopkins County Jury found Brooke Sierra Hayward, 23, of Sulphur Springs, guilty of Evading Arrest Detention with a Motor Vehicle, a Felony 3. However, the jury did not find that a deadly weapon enhancement, the use of a motor vehicle as a deadly weapon, should be added to the verdict. Following a sentencing hearing and deliberation, the jury presented their decision to Judge Eddie Northcutt who sentenced Hayward to five years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice probated to 5 years, 100 hours of Community Service, and to pay court costs of just over $300.
Hayward was driving a 2013 Chevy Malibu clocked at 105 mph when a traffic stop was initiated by the Hopkins County Deputy on FM 69. She continued to drive FM 69 to the south service road and along the service road until finally coming to a stop in the drive of her employer.
During his questioning of the arresting deputy during the guilt/innocence phase of the trail, Defense Attorney Frank Long asked if anyone could have been harmed during the high speed chase. The deputy testified that although Hayward was traveling at speeds over 100 miles per hour they met no one on FM 69 or on the south service road of I-30 before she came to a stop in the driveway of a residence on the service road. She failed to stop for the deputy until she reached her destination, according to testimony. During the sentencing hearing, Long called Hayward’s mother and employer. Both asked for probation for her.
The prosecution showed camera footage of the arrest as videoed by the dash camera in the Sheriff’s vehicle and referred to the numerous traffic violations with which Hayward had been charged with since 2015.
Ratcliffe Supports Kavanaugh Nomination to Supreme Court
Following President Donald Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the U S Supreme Court Monday, U S Congressman John Ratcliffe, R-Texas District 4, expressed his support of the nomination.
In a letter to constituents, Ratcliffe stated:
“I could not be more pleased with President Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.Judge Kavanaugh’s extensive legal experience, including his service as a federal appellate judge on the D.C. Circuit Court, qualifies him as an excellent candidate for this important position that will have a lasting impact on our country. His longstanding and unwavering commitment to upholding justice makes me confident that Judge Kavanaugh will work diligently to uphold the Constitution as a Justice on the highest court of the land. I urge my Senate colleagues to move swiftly on his confirmation and stand strong against any pushback … to delay this process.“
Friddle’s Death Called Great Loss to Law Enforcement
Cumby Police officer Jarrod Friddle, 40, died Monday night of a sudden medical event following his return home from his work shift. Friddle, a former SSISD Police Officer had been with the Cumby Department for approximately two years.
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum said that the death of Friddle is a great loss to law enforcement. The sudden shock of his death adds to the grief of law enforcement but more so to Friddle’s family. Lewis stated that local law enforcement will remember his service. The Hunt County Honor Guard and other law enforcement agencies from around the area will assist at his memorial service.
Scam Alert: Calls Regarding Medical Bill Collection Being Made to Local Residents
Another scam and this time the attempt to dupe the elderly is focused on doctor bills. Sheriff Lewis Tatum told KSST News Tuesday afternoon that scam calls in which to caller poses as a representative of a collection agency calling regarding unpaid doctor bills are being made to county residents. Sheriff Tatum says that if you are unaware of owning a medical bill, hand up and block the number.
He advises that if you have a question regarding any money owed to a doctor; call your doctor’s office regarding any bill. He stated that if you do not recognized the number calling you, do not answer the call. Noting that people know who and what they owe, this type of call should be ignored.
Lady Cat Assistant Basketball Coach Wells Named Head Coach at Winona
Lady Cats Assistant Basketball Coach Ashton Wells has been named the head girls basketball coach at Winona. The Sulphur Springs School Board accepted Coach Wells’ resignation Monday night.
Coach Wells has been with the Lady Cats since the 2009-2010 season. She was an assistant coach for Head Coach Jeff Chapman for all of his eight years here. Coach Wells was also an assistant for Head Coach Phil Hale in 2009-2010.
Wildcats Athletic Director Greg Owens said Coach Wells has been an exceptional teacher and coach at Sulphur Springs High School. Coach Owens called Coach Wells conscientious and one who cared about helping students reach their fullest potential. He said she will be missed. Coach Owens added he was excited about Coach Wells’ opportunity at Winona.
New Wildcat Football Defensive Coordinator On Job
The new Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra is now on the job. Coach Guerra was at the Multipurpose Building Monday. Guerra, in his twenty-first year of coaching, replaces Triston Abron, who left to take the head football job at Paul Pewitt High School. Coach Guerra comes to the Wildcats from Nevada Community, where he was defensive coordinator and inside linebacker coach.
The San Antonio native played college football and baseball at Texas A&I in Kingsville, now known as Texas A&M-Kingsville. Coach Guerra was a head football coach for four and a half years at San Antonio Memorial. He was also a defensive coordinator at Pittsburg. Coach Guerra has also had coaching stops at Royse City, Rockwall and LaVilla.
He said he was excited and happy to be in Sulphur Springs. His wife is from North Hopkins. Concerning the Wildcats’ defense, Coach Guerra says he likes the three-four defense.
For a month and a half, he’s been watching the Wildcats defense on tape and he said he has some adjustments he believes will be beneficial. He added he saw lots of positive things. Coach Guerra said he wants the Wildcats defense to play fast. Coach Guerra described himself on the sideline as fast and loud, crazy and emotional. He has known Coach Owens for over ten years. Coach Guerra said when he was a head coach, he would occasionally call Coach Owens seeking advice.
SSISD Board Approves Change in Pro Rata Agreement With City During Monday Regular Session
In less than 30 minutes the Sulphur Springs School Board had completed much of the work of the evening Monday, July 9, 2018.
In regular session, the board reviewed the 2018-2019 employee handbook, appointed a delegate to the 2018 TASB Delegate Assembly in September, approved the 2018-2019 Student Code of Conduct Handbook, approved revisions to local policies and approved the Superintendent and School District Attorney to make changes to the Pro Rata agreement with the City of Sulphur Springs. They also conducted a budget work session as they prepare for the 2018-2019 budget year that will extend from September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2019.
Superintendent Lamb and Attorney James Litzler were approved to make a change in the Pro Rata agreement with the City of Sulphur Springs regarding businesses and other developments tapping into the water line that the district installed and paid for to connect the Middle School building to the city utilities. The water line extends along undeveloped properties and, currently, any development on those properties is required to pay the school to tap into the line. The school district believes that the tax revenue from development will be more advantageous to the district than the amount received in accessing the water line. The district will renew the contract taking two years off the 10 year agreement. The new end date to the Pro Rata agreement with the city will be February, 2019.
The board awaits the release of anticipated tax revenues from the Tax Appraisal District. With the increase in property values, it is anticipated that tax revenues for the school district will increase. Currently, the developing budget for 2018-2019 school year shows expenses over revenue with an estimated net fund balance decrease of $42,266. Superintendent Lamb told the board that when final tax revenue numbers for next year are released, the budget will be adjusted to reflect a balanced budget. Estimated expenditures for 2018-2019 is $37,707,408. Transportation reflects the largest increase. The district plans to purchase three buses in the next budget period.
No significant changes were made to the employee handbook. The only changes were made to the Local Leave policy found on pages 36-37 of the handbook. All school employees will earn three paid local leave days per school year after one year of full time employment with the district. All regular employees will also be granted a maximum of 30 leave days of extended sick leave in a 12-month period. The employee handbook is located on the district website.
No significant changes were made to the Student Code of Conduct Handbook which is also located on the District’s website.
SSISD
Work Continues to Improve KRVA Signal
Like most renovation projects, there are always a few surprises. KSST’s sister station KRVA 107.1 FM, Young Country, remains off the air as work to increase signal quality continues. KRVA 107.1 FM will return to the air as soon as the work is completed. Additional work on the antenna will be required to improve the quality.
Although the FM radio signal will not be heard, KRVA FM will continue to be heard as a ksstradio.com live streaming option and on the Simply Sulphur Springs App for smartphones. The live stream can be heard streaming on computer, tablet, or smartphone and can be sent to your favorite sound system and/or vehicle radio via bluetooth, as available. Using the streaming option, you can continue to hear your favorite Young Country artists including Lady Antebellum, Rascall Flats, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean and more.
