Sulphur Springs City Council Approves Bids, Zoning Changes. Ordinances in July Special Session; Sales Tax Receipts Down for Second Month
During Tuesday’s Sulphur Springs City Council meeting, Finance Director Peter Kartens told the council that sales tax revenue has been slightly down during the past two months but the weaker receipts are not a trend. Kartens said he expects the revenue to increase before the end of the year. Even with the weak two months, $10,000 below estimates, the year’s receipts remain on target to be budget $90,000 above last year and the estimates for the current year. The council approved items on their special session agenda but are continuing to seek one to serve on the Downtown Revitalization Board and one as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
A bid of $498,590 by Highway 19 Construction for concrete and work on South Moore Street was approved. The bid was the lowest of four bids submitted. This is the first time the city has worked with Highway 19 Construction but according to city staff, the company did the work on South Broadway Street authorized by TxDOT and received a positive reference from the state agency.
The council voted to continue to deny the rate increase requested by ONCOR. In a recent meeting the council suspended the effective date for the rate increase and joined with other cities in opposing the increase. City Manager Marc Maxwell said the cities are nearing an agreement with ONCOR but must continue to deny the request until an agreement is reached.
An equipment only tax abatement was granted Ocean Spray for new equipment purchased for packaging and a new boiler installation. The new equipment will not add to the effluent produced by the company. A commercial industrial reinvestment zone for properties at Ocean Spray was also approved.
Council approved the first reading of two ordinances related to funding work for the city. One ordinance will provide tax certificates issued funds for paying contractual obligations incurred to fund water and sewer system improvements and other municipal expenses and the other ordinance for the issuance of bonds to provide funds for the purpose of refunding outstanding obligations of the city issued for various public improvements and for paying the cost of issuance of the bond.
Properties on College Street were rezoned from multi-family to single family. The neighborhood where the properties are located is historically single family and the owners of the two properties rezoned desired to have their properties reflect that fact.
A Jefferson Street property was rezoned from light industrial to light commercial. The property is currently vacant.
A replat of a portion of 12 acres on Gilmer Street across from Toliver Ford was approved.
Seven chemical bids were accepted to provide the chemicals needs for the city water treatment plant. The bids were made by companies that have previously provided chemicals. The council voted to accept the low bid in each category.
City Manager’s Report for July Special Session
LOCUST STREET – The utility work (water, sewer, gas) is complete. Cement stabilization is complete and concrete work continues to progress from north to south. The concrete work is approximately 70% complete.
MOORE STREET – Utility work is nearly completed on Moore Street. The Capital Construction Division has completed the sewer improvements, and water improvements will be completed before the next city council meeting. Atmos has replaced the gas main. The contract for concrete street construction is later on the agenda.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT – Work continues at the wastewater treatment plant. The concrete work for the three large primary clarifiers is nearly completed. Total suspended solids (TSS) came in at 1.3 mg/L, well within the limit of 10 mg/L.
CLAIMS – We did not have any liability claims in June. We had one minor workers’ compensation claim for a cat bite. The police department submitted one claim to our insurer for damage to electronics resulting from a lightning strike.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Repaired 107 potholes.
- Made 26 extensive road repairs following utility repairs. 10 repairs were water and sewer, and 16 were Atmos.
- Repaired 4 water mains.
- Replaced 29 water meters and made 3 new water taps.
- Repaired 2 storm drains.
- Unstopped 16 sewer mains.
- Washed 85,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 35 dead end water mains.
- Treated 139 million gallons of potable water.
- Sold 3,799 gallons of AvGas and 7,854 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Aerated and fertilized athletic fields.
- Made repairs to Highway 11 lift station.
- Made 4 felony arrests in the special crimes unit.
- Responded to 190 animal control calls and achieved an adoption rate of 55%.
- Made 55 arrests in the patrol division, wrote 532 citations, recorded 45 offences and responded to 30 accidents.
- Conducted 37 building inspections, 36 electrical inspections, 27 plumbing inspections, 6 mechanical inspections, and issued 32 building permits.
- Responded to 100 fire/rescue calls including 1 structure fire.
- Conducted 56 fire inspections.
- Maintained 84 fire hydrants.
- Kicked off the summer reading program at the library.
- Checked out 2,752 materials and 308 e-books from the library.
Vintage Market Coming to Downtown Sulphur Springs
Marlene DeYong, DBA member and downtown merchant
“Brick Street Vintage Market” is a unique market experience being planned by the Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance. Marlene DeYong, a local fashion merchant and DBA member was a guest during the KSST Morning Show with Enola Gay. Marlene announced that the Vintage Market will be held on Saturday September 16, 2017 between 8am and 6pm along several streets and sidewalks in the downtown district.
Vendors are needed! If you are a vendor of vintage antique, repurposed or handmade items, or vintage-inspired clothing or home decor, you are encouraged to submit an application and photos for selection. Photos should showcase vendor’s booth presentation. Selected artists and gardeners are also invited to apply for vendor space. The event will be held rain or shine. Cost is $25 for a 10×10 space. Pick up an application at Gourmet Kitchen and Company at 213 Main Street, at Danna’s at 438 Gilmer Street or from any DBA merchant, or contact [email protected]. Applications can be mailed to 213 Main Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
The Brick Street Vintage Market event is scheduled for the same weekend as the popular Quilt Show,which attracts scores of visitors to the Sulphur Springs downtown area during mid-September. The Downtown Business Alliance expects that it will be a boost to the entire local economy. Following Vintage Market, the next DBA downtown event will be the popular Heritage Square Car Show set for November 4, 2017.
Bailey Named Head Soccer Coach For Lady Cats
Sulphur Springs High School Athletic Director Greg Owens has named Assistant Soccer Coach Joel Bailey as the new Head Coach of the Lady Cats Soccer Team.
Coach Owens said he had the utmost confidence and respect for Bailey. Coach Owens added Bailey is a SSHS Alumnus who cares very deeply for our community, kids and the girls soccer program. Coach Owens said Bailey was very passionate about soccer and has demonstrated great leadership. Coach Bailey served as interim Lady Cats Head Soccer Coach for a portion of a year before Head Coach Jesus DeLeon was hired eight years ago. Coach Bailey has been Lady Cats Assistant Coach for the past 12 years. Coach Owens said he is interviewing candidates for a Lady Cats assistant coach.
Coach Bailey will replace Coach DeLeon who has resigned to take the head girls soccer job at Texas High. In a letter submitted to Coach Owens on July 3, Coach DeLeon cited personal reasons for his resignation. Coach Owens noted that it was a very difficult decision for Coach DeLeon but one that he felt he had to make for his family. Coach DeLeon will replace Dustin Holly as Texas High Head Coach. Holly has accepted a position at Head Soccer Coach at Wichita Falls Rider.
Sulphur Springs City Council Special Meeting Agenda
The special meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 in the Council Room at 201 North Davis Street. The following items will be discussed:
- Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag, Texas Flag, and invocation.
- Presentations, proclamations, and announcements.
- Manager’s report will include status report of capital improvements, wastewater treatment plant operations, accidents and claims for the month, and a review of expenditures and revenues.
- Discussion/action on Consent Agenda.
- Discussion/action on Public Hearing for second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2702 designating a certain area as an Industrial Reinvestment Zone for Ocean Spray Cranberries.
- Discussion/action on first reading of Ordinance No. 2708 an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of City of Sulphur Springs, Texas Combination Tax and Surplus Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2017; to provide funds for the purpose of paying contractual obligations incurred to fund water and sewer system improvements and acquisition of equipment and vehicles for municipal departments, and for costs of issuance of the certificates of obligation; bearing interest at the rates hereinafter set forth; prescribing the form of certificates of obligation; levying ad valorem taxes and pledging surplus net revenues of the City’s waterworks and sewer system for the payment of principal and interest on the certificates of obligation; making certain other covenants of the City with respect to the certificates of obligation, the funds from which said certificates of obligation are to be paid and the projects to be funded with the certificates of obligation; authorizing execution of a paying agent/registrar agreement and agreements for municipal advisory and bond counsel services; awarding sale of certificates of obligation; providing an effective date; and enacting other provisions relating thereto.
- Discussion/action on first reading of Ordinance No. 2703 an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of City of Sulphur Springs, Texas General Obligation Refunding Bond, Series 2017, to provide funds for the purpose of refunding outstanding obligations of the City issued for various public improvements and for paying cost of issuance of the bond; bearing interest at the rates hereinafter set forth; prescribing the form of bond; making certain other covenants of the City in reference to the bond and the funds from which said bond is to paid; authorizing execution of a paying agent/registrar agreement, escrow agreement and agreements for the municipal advisory and bond counsel services; awarding sale of said bond; providing an effective date; and enacting other provisions relating thereto.
- Discussion/action on the first reading of ordinance No. 2704 for zone change request by owners John and Marcia Davis to rezone property located at 312 College Street, being further described as Lot 16 of Block 51, from Multi-Family (MF) to Single Family (SF-6).
- Discussion/action on the first reading of ordinance No. 2705 for zone change request by owners Montie and Vivian Monzingo to rezone property located at 333 College Street, being further described as Lots 3, 4, S. PT. of Lot 11 of Block 52, from Multi-Family (MF) to Single Family (SF-6).
- Discussion/action on the first reading of ordinance No. 2706 for zone change request by owner Charles Moore to rezone property located at 317 and 319 Jefferson Street, being further described as Lots 2-10 and 2-20 of Block 55, from Light Industrial (LI) to Light Commercial (LC).
- Discussion/action on public hearing as required by Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code to establish a reinvestment zone and on first reading of Ordinance No. 2707 designating a certain area as a Commercial-Industrial Reinvestment Zone.
- Discussion/action on Resolution No. 1131 finding that Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC’s application to change rates within the city should be denied; finding that the city’s reasonable rate case expenses shall be reimbursed by the company; finding that the meeting at which this resolution is passed is open to the public as required by law; requiring notice of this resolution to the company and legal counsel.
- Discussion/action on Resolution No. 1132 approving a tax abatement agreement with Ocean Spray.
- Discussion/action on bids and award of contract for chemicals.
- Discussion/action on bids and award of contract for paving of South Moore Street.
- Discussion/action on a plat of RZ Addition, a request by Owner Mike Moore to plat a 0.48 acre portion of a 12.373 acre lot described as Lot 19 and the N. PT. of Lot 26 of Block 36-2.
- Discussion/action on board appointment to the Downtown Revitalization Board.
- Discussion/action on appointing an alternate board member to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
- Visitors and public forum.
- Adjourn.
Superintendent Tells Board Stadium is on Schedule; 154 Vendor Proposals Approved
Superintendent of Sulphur Springs Schools, Michael Lamb, told school board members that the progress at Gerald Prim Stadium is being guided by sub-contractors that are “pushing hard and fast” to complete the task in the next eight weeks. He stated that he believes the work will be accomplished “on time.” He noted that the final phase of the project is the Bill Bradford Press Box. He noted that the electrical work and plumbing in that area would be the final work to be completed.
Work on stadium parking on the east side or visitor’s side is also underway.
In other action, the board elected Robert Cody as delegate and Leesa Toliver as alternate for the 2017 TASB Delegate Assembly to be held on October 7, 2017 in Dallas, TX. The Friday and Saturday sessions will focus on legislative issues facing school districts as well as other breakout sessions focused on school board activity.
The board endorsed the candidacy of Thomas A. Darden for position on the TASB Board of Directors, representing Region 8. Local board member Clay Johnson stated that he had talk with Darden recently, knows him personally, and stated that Darden would represent the region well.
Request for Proposals for seven product/services categories (EDGAR requirement) received from vendors were also approved. A total of 154 vendor packets have been received and accepted by the local district. Among items that necessitated vendor packets were athletic supplies, office supplies, and maintenance needs. A number of items that fall under a certain cost level may also be supplied by vendors who did not submit packets. It was noted that some vendors, such a Lowe’s did not submit a packet but are a member of a co-op that is exempt from the necessity of submitting a packet. A purchasing clerk had been hired during the past year and facilitated the work of processing packets. The purchasing clerk will also assist in better compliance with the rules that govern school purchases. Each campus will receive a copy of the vendor lists.
Dinner Bell Menu For July 12, 2017
Dinner Bell Menu for
July 12th, 2017
The Ten Percent Club
is this week’s wonderful Community Partner.
The Menu:
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Ham Salad Sandwiches
Pimento Cheese Sandwiches
Zesty Potato Salad
Slang Jang
Fruit Melange
Tea or Water
SSISD Board Approves Resignations/New Personnel Monday Night
Personnel changes approved at the Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board meeting Monday night, July 10, 2017 include:
Resignations
Sonja Bolton Transitional 1st Teacher ECLC
James Cartwright Assistant Principal Middle School
Amy Neal Science Teacher Middle School
Jesus Diaz DeLeon Spanish Teacher/Head Girls Soccer Coach High School
New Personnel
Brandi Brunson Kindergarten Teacher ECLC
Chelsea Holcomb Kindergarten Teacher ECLC
Josephine McNally Kindergarten ESL Teacher ECLC
Laura Kring Grade 2 Teacher Travis
Trevor McClure History Teacher Middle School
Rachel Robinson English Teacher Middle School
Lance Thompson History Teacher Middle School
Martha Bilbrey Math Teacher High School
Madison Millsap English Teacher High School
Mary Kate Wilder English Teacher High School
Cooper ISD Head Start Has Limited Number of Placements Available
Cooper ISD Head Start registration is continuing with a limited number of placements still available. The Cooper ISD Head Start program provides full day educational services to eligible preschool children. Students must be 3 or 4 years of age before September 1, 2017.
For more information please call 903 300 3864 or come by the Head Start office at Cooper Elementary School, 1401 SW 8th Street in Cooper, Texas. The office is open from 8 a.m.- 4:00 pm. daily.
