City Managers Report December 5th 2024
CLAIMS –
We did not have any workers’ compensation claims in November.
We did have one liability claim from someone who fell into North Town Branch and sustained injuries.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
Staff recommends Kimley Horn to write the comprehensive plan later on this agenda.
MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD – The engineering firm, Kimley Horn is 60% done with the design process.
THERMO ROAD –
This $4.4 million project is partially funded by a $2.4 million grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The project is 60% complete.
COLEMAN BALLFIELD LIGHT UPGRADE – We received a $250,000 grant from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to upgrade the lights to LED. We are still waiting for the executed contract from SECO. SECO indicated that they will sign the contract in December.
MIDFIELD APRON – This concrete pavement/drainage improvement is progressing well. This project includes drainage improvements as well as repaving the midfield apron in concrete. Total project cost is $5.28 million, of which 90% is funded by a grant through TXDOT.
WASTEWATER CHLORINE CONTACT CHAMBER –
At the previous city council meeting the city council selected Hayter engineering and directed staff to negotiate and execute a contract. I recently signed the contract for $170,339, or 7.7% of the project cost.
This $2.2 million project will repurpose a former (abandoned) sand filter turning it into a chlorine contact chamber. Chlorine contact time is a bottleneck at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP has a rated capacity of 5.4 MGD. Staff believes we can increase the capacity to 10 MGD when the project is completed. The increase will require TCEQ approval, but staff thinks it is feasible. The project is being funded from the Enterprise Fund balance.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) –
The 2024 Street Improvement Plan (SIP) is complete. Staff is compiling a list of projects for the 2025 Street Improvement Plan. It should be ready for the January city council meeting.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES –
Finance Director Lesa Smith will present the monthly report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Checked out 3,380 items from the library plus 869 eBooks.
- Sold 3,505 gallons of AvGas and 8,715 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Accommodated 1,605 takeoffs/landings.
- Installed Christmas decorations downtown.
- Held 90 activities at the senior citizen center.
- Rented the Grays Building 19 times.
- Made several repairs to Kids Kingdom.
- Repaired 14 water mains.
- Replaced 14 water meters.
- Unstopped 14 sewer mains.
- Washed 77,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Responded to 205 animal control calls.
- Achieved an 83% adoption rate at the animal shelter.
- Made 4 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 2,078 calls for police.
- Worked 32 accidents, wrote 541 citations, recorded 27 offences and made 30 arrests.
- Demolished a structure at 211 Lee.
201 N Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 • 903.439.3700 • sulphurspringstx.org Page 2 - Responded to 222 fire/rescue calls including 2 structure fires and 13 grass fires. • Performed preventative maintenance on 78 fire hydrants.
- Conducted 50 fire inspections.
- Repaired 298 potholes.
- Made 15 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Conducted 76 building inspections, 16 electrical inspections, 12 plumbing inspections, and 5 mechanical inspections.
- Issued 20 building permits and 46 trade permits.
A Shumard Oak for Your Yard From Master Gardener David Wall
December 5, 2024 – Oaks are initially divided into two groups. With only 4-5 exceptions, white oaks have leaves with rounded lobes, and red oaks which have pointed lobes. Within the red oak family, a relatively unknown species called Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii Buckl).
Shumard oaks are a member of the southern red oak family, and are one of the largest members of that group. They accept virtually all soil types in our area, and very few insects attack it. Life expectancy is one hundred years plus, and it’s known to live to 400+ years. Neil Sperry, a nationally known horticulturalist was noted that if he could only have one tree in his yard, it would be a Shumard oak (SO)!
SOs normally reach up to 115’ with a diameter of 39” and a crown of 60’, although under ideal conditions can reach 200’ tall, 60” in diameter, and a crown of 90’. The bole or trunk is vertically straight. They can survive flooding for up to six weeks a year and have a deeply rooted buttress (wide roots on all sides) to provide support under wet conditions.
Leaves are typically large (up to 8”) with 5-9 lobes ending in pointed tips. Leaves provide browsing food for deer. They turn red in late fall (November & December) and may have some yellows mixed in. Acorns are normally 1” in diameter and attractive to deer, turkey, quail, squirrels, water fowl and other animals. They take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 years to develop and don’t appear for at least the tree’s first 25 years. SOs tolerate both acidic and alkali soils and are drought resistant.
SOs make great shade trees but also have considerable commercial value. SO lumber is considered better than other red oaks and used in flooring, furniture, paneling, cabinets, trim, and molding.
Nitrate Poisoning in Cattle is a Critical Issue by Mario Villarino
December 5, 2024 – Nitrate poisoning in cattle is a critical issue that can occur when animals consume feed or forage with high nitrate levels, often due to environmental or agricultural conditions. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides guidelines for understanding and managing this risk effectively.
Causes of Nitrate Poisoning
Forages with High Nitrate Content: Crops like sorghum, millet, and certain weeds (e.g., pigweed, Johnsongrass) are prone to nitrate accumulation, especially during drought or after heavy fertilization.
Environmental Stress: Drought, frost, or cloudy conditions can reduce plant metabolism, leading to nitrate buildup.
Improper Feeding Practices: Feeding untested forage without recognizing its nitrate levels.
Symptoms in Cattle
Nitrate poisoning reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, causing: Rapid or labored breathing. Muscle tremors or weakness. Staggering or collapsing. Cyanosis (blue discoloration of mucous membranes). Death in severe cases, often within hours.
Diagnosis
Test suspect forage or water for nitrate levels before feeding. Post-mortem examination may reveal brown-colored blood in affected animals.
Management and Prevention
Contact your veterinarian.
Testing Forages: Utilize nitrate testing kits or send samples to a lab. Safe levels: below 0.5% nitrate (dry matter). Risky levels: above 1.5%, requiring dilution with low-nitrate feed.
Feeding Strategies:
Gradually introduce high-nitrate forage to acclimate cattle. Dilute with other feeds to reduce overall nitrate intake. Feed high-nitrate forage in smaller portions after cattle have consumed other feed.
Supplementation:
Provide adequate carbohydrates (e.g., grains) to help reduce nitrate conversion to toxic nitrites in the rumen.
Avoid Stress on Plants:
Harvest or graze forage under optimal growth conditions.
Delay grazing for 3–5 days after rainfall to allow plants to metabolize accumulated nitrates.
Emergency Treatment
If you suspect nitrate poisoning:
Contact your local veterinarian.
Remove cattle from the suspected source immediately.
For more detailed advice, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or your local veterinarian.
League Street Church of Christ Coat Drive to be Held December 7th
December 5, 2024 – The League Street Church of Christ will hold a Winter Coat Giveaway Saturday, December 7, 2024, beginning at 9:00am. The location of the Coat Giveaway will be the parking lot of Cash Saver. Everyone is welcome. This coat drive giveaway is sponsored by League Street Church of Christ, 1100 South League Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Wildcat Bands Have a Busy Schedule This December
December 5, 2024 – The SSISD Wildcat and Jazz Bands have a busy schedule this December. Don’t miss any of their performances. They are a talented group of students.
‘Serendipity by the Sea’ Gala to be Held on January 25, 2025
December 5, 2024 – More sponsors lend their support to the annual gala that supports our local hospital, CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs.
Alliance Bank
Alliance Bank is sponsoring the Serendipity by the Sea Gala to be held on January 25, 2025. This annual event funds a local healthcare project. Representatives of Alliance Bank and the Gala Chairs, the Burgin family, gather for a big check photo to recognize the Bank’s support.
Front row, left to right, Ruth Ann Crowson, Linda Burgin, James Law, Jessica Kultgen, Julie Burgin, and Teffany Burgin. Back row, left to right, Joe Bob Burgin, Joseph Crouch, Kevin Monk, Brandon Harry, and Randy Bench.
For more information, sponsorships, or tickets visit LOLGala2025.GiveSmart.com.
Sunny Springs Nursing & Rehab
Sunny Springs Nursing & Rehab is supporting the 19th annual Gala as a sponsor! Celebrating the contribution are Sunny Springs staff and the Burgin family, Gala chairs for the 2025 event. Gathered with the big check are Julie Burgin, Admissions Coordinator Chris Allen, ADON Welda White, Administrator Stephanie Mills, Marketing Liaison Stephanie Stephens, Joe Bob Burgin, Linda Burgin, and Teffany Burgin.
The Gala will be held on January 25, 2025 at the Civic Center. Tickets and sponsorships are on sale now at Gala2025.GiveSmart.com.
GSC Enterprises
A big thank you to our friends at GSC Enterprises for their continued support of the Gala! Joining the GSC Enterprises staff for the big check photo are Gala Chairs, the Burgin family. Pictured are (back row left to right) Kerry Law, Steve Rutherford, David Burns, Josh Hood, Barrett Williams, John Prickett, and Joe Bob Burgin. Front row, left to right are Diana Cotton, Ryan McKenzie, Mickey McKenzie, Linda Burgin, Teffany Burgin, Julie Burgin, and Brad Burgin.
To secure your seat at the Gala, visit Gala2025.GiveSmart.com.
JHH Investments
Mary and Johnny Heilman and JHH Investments support local healthcare by sponsoring the Foundation’s Serendipity by the Sea Gala! Proceeds will go toward the MRI upgrade at CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs. Photographed with the Heilmans are the Gala chairs. Left to right are Julie Burgin, Mary Heilman, John Heilman, Linda Burgin, and Teffany Burgin.
Thank you to the Heilmans for this sponsorship!
To join in on the fun, visit Gala2025.GiveSmart.com
BBQ Lunch on Friday Supports Blue Santa
December 5, 2024 – You can call ahead to make sure you get your delicious BBQ dinner provided each year by CJ Duffy. He will be with the Blue Santa crew at the Walmart in Sulphur Springs on Friday December 6, 2024.
Call 903 438 4044 for your order. Be a hero and buy you college a BBQ lunch and help kids in Hopkins County.
The Choral Society’s Upcoming Christmas Concert is the Subject on this Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Jim Rutledge with the North East Texas Choral Society. The two discuss the Choral Society’s upcoming Christmas Concert, “Winter Wonderland.” We learn what goes on in getting a concert like this ready for the audience. John Mark and Jim also talked about individuals who play important roles in the North East Texas Choral Society. We also learn when and where the concerts will be held, and how you can get tickets. Don’t miss this exciting episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee, and don’t miss the upcoming concert, “Winter Wonderland.”
Assistant City Manager States Applicant Has Withdrawn Zoning Request
December 3, 2024 – In an email received by KSST around 3pm Tuesday December 3, 2024, Tory Niewiadomski stated that the applicant for the recently approved zoning change has with drawn his application. Niewiadomski is the head of the Zoning and Planning board that approved the change during their November meeting. The Board recommended the City Council approve the change at the December 3rd meeting.
I wanted to make you aware that the applicant has withdrawn their rezoning request for the 41.909 acre property located on 7th Street from Single Family to Heavy Industrial. This item will be removed from the agenda for the City Council meeting and will not be discussed.
Please help distribute the word on Social media or other means to let the public know that it will no longer be considered for approval by City Council and that it will be removed from the agenda this evening. Thank you.
Tory
Tory Niewiadomski, AICP, CPM
Assistant City Manager/ Community Development Director
(903) 885-7541
201 North Davis Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
Here is the the original request for a zoning change taken from the November 18, 2024 Zoning meeting agenda.
Discussion/Action on a rezone (ZC-241101) request by John Heilman and Rick Scherer for 25.997 acres on Seventh Street being further described as Lot 1, Blk 76 1 (Parcel ID #5093) and 15.909 acres on Seventh St. being further described as PT. Lot 1, Blk 110 (Parcel ID #5645) to rezone from Single-Family to Heavy Industrial.
Significant pushback from residents of Sulphur Springs and the surrounding areas was generated by Zoning and Planning’s approval of the change. One online petition gathered over 417 signatures in opposition to the Zoning boards decision. See that petition here.
Some commented on the story posted on KSSTRadio.com. Some of the concerns posted are as follows:
- Why did Zoning and Planning recommended a zoning change from Single Family all the way to Heavy Industry. Some residents pointed out that such a jump is usually taken in smaller steps, with time for input for the community.
- Others pointed to the hundreds of unused acres of the ‘Thermo Mine’ property.
- Sulphur Springs has seemingly plenty of space, already zoned for heavy industry, available in the Industrial parks.
Fumes and odors from such a facility can travel upwards of 2 miles. With a north wind, those smells could reach Celebration Plaza in the heart of Sulphur Springs.
Here is a partial list of Public Spaces and Businesses within 1 mile of the Zoning Board’s recommendation.
- Melhaven Cemetery
- Christus Mother Frances Hospital Campus
- Sulphur Springs Health & Rehab (Airport Road)
- Wesley House Assisted Living (Church Street)
- Carriage House Manor (Pipeline Road)
- Redbarn Cafe
- Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport
- Fidelity Express / GSC Offices (Hwy 19)
- Sulphur Springs City Hall (Davis Street)
- Lakes Regional Community Center (Airport Road)
- Jordan’s Place Pediatrics (Hwy 19)
- Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter
- Sulphur Springs Service Center
- Sunny Springs Nursing & Rehab (Jackson St)
- Hopkins County EMS Station (Airport Road)
- Sulphur Springs Public Library (Davis St)
- Sulphur Springs City Cemetery (7th Street, less than 1/4 mile)
- Travis Primary School (Main St)
- Sulphur Springs ISD Administration Building
- Hopkins County Regional Civic Center
- Sulphur Springs High School
- Buford Park
- Gerald Prim Stadium
- Central Baptist Church / Central Christian Academy (League Street)
- Fresenius Kidney Care (Medical Dr)
- Southwest Dairy Museum (Houston St)
With the application reported as withdrawn, the acreage will remain zoned single-family. The City Council meeting will convene at 7PM in City Hall.
Blue Santa 2024
December 3, 2024 – Friday kicks off the annual Blue Santa Toy Drive in Hopkins County. Here’s your chance to help provide Christmas Cheer to children in Hopkins County that might not otherwise receive any Christmas gifts.
Don’t forget the BBQ provided by CJ Duffey. Unlike past years, the weather will be fair and cool. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or some folding money to Walmart in Sulphur Springs. All donations will be appreciated.
