Grant Writer Selected For TDHCA Grant Application To Help Fund New Larger Senior Citizens Center Building
The delayed start of construction of the new senior citizens center building could in the long run end up helping the city in more ways than one – as the wait meant the city is able to apply for grant which would not only help keep up with the rising costs of materials but allow the design to be expanded.
The project, along with renovations at Pacific Park, were approved by voters in 2019. The city sought bonds which will be paid back over the next 20 years using Economic Development funding. While the city was able to get the new Grays Building built before costs of materials increased too significantly, the same could not be said for the planned senior citizens building has been delayed several months.
“We have a million and a half budgeted to build the senior citizens center and we’ve had the difficulty getting the final work product from the architect. We told the architect that we wanted to base it off of a pre-engineered metal frame it wasn’t designed that way, so we sent it back and said we’re not going to build a wooden building because this will be much less expensive if we build the pre-engineered metal frame route,” City Manager Marc Maxwell explained to the Sulphur Springs City Council during the regular December board meeting. “So they did it, and precisely then, the price of steel went through the roof. So the rescue comes the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Community Resiliency Program.”
Applicants may request between $500,000 and $5 million in funding to assist with costs of projects. Senior citizens centers are specifically noted as one of the type of projects eligible for funding.
“We want to apply for this but TDA, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, they do not want to deal with cities directly. They require that we hire a firm that does grant writing and more importantly grant administration if we are receive the grant,” Maxwell noted.
To select a grant writer/administrator, the city sent out four request to firms the staff new were qualified. The city received three responses back with qualifications. A selection committee composed of Maxwell, Mayor Pro Temp/Place 6 Councilman Doug Moore, two of the city’s three assistant city managers scored the responses, and based on the results chose KSBR.
Maxwell said he anticipates applying for $1.5 million. The initial cost for the grant application is $200,000. The award for administration would be 10 percent of the $3 million project cost, not the grant amount. The city officials contacted KSBR, and were told the firm would provide the services for 13% of the $1.5 million, or $195,000. All of that would be covered with grant funding.
“So, basically, we’ve already allocated a million-and-half dollars to the senior citizens center. We got that through that special bond election. So, this additional one-and-a-half million is going to allow us to increase the size of the building?” Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian asked.
Maxwell affirmed that the additional $1.5 million would not only cover additional costs of materials but also allow the city to increase the size of the building.
“Even though costs have gone up considerably because of inflation, this is still going to allow us to get the building that we want, furnished the way we want, designed the way we want. So, it’s going to be a $3 million project?” Julian asked. “We had the original million-and-a-half and we’re going to apply for a grant that we hope we win for another million-and-a-half. So, a $3 million project cost?”
“That’s what we expect, but we are still waiting on final construction estimates from Don Roundtree. That’s kind of where we think we are headed. It might be a little more or a little less, that’s the neighborhood,” Maxwell said.
Julian then asked how big of a size increase a grant expansion would fund.
“I think the original was 8311, but we made a little bit of expansion to that so it might be around 8500 original,” Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski said. “I think with this expansion it gets us up in the 11,000-square foot range, which is kind of what our desired output was from the onset, but due to budget constraints we had to reduce things to try to make it work. Which 8500-square foot is what we thought we could get, but as Marc indicated when we went out for steel bids, the price of those was a quarter-million higher just the steel erection package.”
Julian said based on his research using glassdoor.com and salary.com showed the 13% requested was “outrageously above average,” high even for the Dallas area.
“I used a Dallas zip code. The median is $79,038, but adjusting it upwards for the Dallas zipcode pushed the median $82,068. If the firm is outstanding, excellent, master’s degrees, 6-9-10 years in the business with excellent success rates, it pushes it to $90,791,” Councilman Julian said. “So, 13% seems like a lot of money. What I would query is, the other firms that did actually submit bids, did their fees match or close to the 13 percent, or were they under the impression as well it was going to be a project cost versus a grant fee, the $1.5 million?”
Maxwell said the request was for statement qualifications not a proposed fee. Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith reported all did submit fees. One asked for 11.5-12% and the other was 5%. The proposed cost was 20% of the overall score from the selection committee.
A guiding factor in selecting KSBR over the other two firms submitting RFQs was KSBR’s experience doing other local projects and a lot of experience with Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, which the selection committee felt would improve the city’s chances of receiving the grant. Otherwise, all three firms were very qualified, according to Mayor Pro Tem Moore said.
Julian asked if KSBR was selected, how much that would cut down on the work required on the part of city staff related to the preparation of the grant application, then again in tracking the funding if the city is awarded the grant.
Moore said it was his impression that that was the case, that it would lighten the load of city employees when it comes to grant preparation and a administration.
“They’ve done this, they do that, and they work daily at it,” Moore said.
“So this is going to be a friction-free process?” Julian enqired.
“Nothing is friction free, but close to it,” Moor replied
“For that kind of money, I expect it to be pretty light on us,” Julian replied.
“Like I said, one of the main considerations was their experience with this agency,” Moore said. “If we don’t get it, it doesn’t help us.”
Mayor John Sellers recused himself from discussion and voting on the agenda item, citing degree of degree of consanguinity. Stepping from the room until the council completed both.
Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar made the motion, which Julian seconded, to select KSBR LC to prepare the grant application for the TDHCA Community Resiliency Program grant funding as well as contract implementation services for the grant if the City of Sulphur Springs is selection as a grant recipient, with funding for those services to be paid out of the grant. The rest of the City Council then unanimously approved Resolution No. 1284 to employee KSBR at a rate of 13% of the Community Resiliency Program grant and authorized the city manager to execute the agreement with KSBR.
Opioid Abatement Fund
Also during the Dec. 7 meeting, the City Council at the recommendation of Maxwell approved Resolution No. 1283 to join the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council in order to receive a portion of the settlement awarded.
Maxwell said Texas Attorney General’s Office called to see if the city wanted to participate and noted that a City Council resolution was needed to make that official.
No Cookie Walk: Amazing Christmas Tree Raffle is CASA Fundraiser 2021
During the Christmas season 2021, 12 beautiful hand-decorated Christmas trees were donated to Lake Country Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) by local business, organizations and individuals to help CASA volunteers in a fundraising promotion. The funding needed is for the work they do for the abused and neglected children within the Lake County CASA 5-county region.
The 2021 fundraiser was titled “Miracles on Connally Street.” Following a period of ticket sales from their 218 Connally Street offices, Gina Law and her staff of volunteers ended the promotion on December 8 by announcing the winners of the trees.
This year’s imaginative fundraiser took the place of CASA’s traditional Cookie Walk; however, Gena and the staff hope to be able to restore the Cookie Walk next year.
Now for the Winners! The Nutcracker Tree was won by Carolyn Clifton, Shannon Kelly the Flowerland Gift Card, Tim Glenn selected the tree donated by CNB, Kristi Brewer the Aggie Tree donated by the Aggie Mom’s Club, Marquita Fisher picked the North Pole tree donated by the Mother’s Culture Club, Todd Connor took the Winter Wonderland Tree by Como Pickton High School Interior Designers, Kim Rogers won the Christmas Express Tree by Alliance Bank, Tom Sellers was awarded the Family Fun Night prize donated by the SSHS Key Club, the Santa’s Elf Tree went to Marie Halcuh donated by Lake Country CASA, Michelle Kultgen took the Moo-ey Christmas Tree from Yorri Franklin and Chick Filet, and Cindy Hill chose the Wreath designed by Rose of Sharon, Laverne Hipp selected the Texas Tech Tree created by Stacy Moore, and Charles Usry the Texas Longhorn Tree, designed by Sarah Goggans of CASA. Congratulations to al the winners!
If you would like to give a gift this Christmas or anytime of year to Lake Country Court Appointed Special Advocates, a nonprofit organization, donation may be mailed to CASA, 281 Connally Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482. Find out more about the organization at lakecountrycasa.org, on the Lake County Casa Facebook page, or by calling 903-885-1173.
Both Basketball Teams in Action, Plus Both Soccer Teams Have First Scrimmage Tomorrow
With Christmas approaching, plenty of teams will be in action this weekend.
Both basketball teams have games, plus both soccer squads have their first scrimmage tomorrow.
The men’s basketball team are the first team in action on this Friday game day, in day two of the Forney tournament.
The tourney is the second for the Wildcats this season.
Yesterday, Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad went 1-1 on day one. They started the tournament at 1:30 P.M. against Wylie on Thursday, Dec. 9 but fell to the Pirates 65-56.
Sulphur Springs did bounce back by beating the host Forney later Thursday afternoon 62-53.
The 1-1 record puts Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad at 11-3.
Next up, the Wildcats will be back in the Forney tournament on Friday, Dec. 10 first against Dallas Carter (9-4) at 12 P.M. The second match for the men’s basketball team is against Waco at 1:30 P.M.
Sulphur Springs will be back in Forney tomorrow as well.
Moving over to the women’s basketball team, the Lady Cats are back on the road for this Friday game day.
Friday, Dec. 10 has Coach Erica Delley’s squad traveling to the coach’s alma mater in Dallas Kimball.
The women’s basketball team head in to today’s match 0-14, still looking to get their first win on the season.
Sulphur Springs lost a tough one on Tuesday when they hosted New Boston, falling to the Lady Lions 56-16.
The match today in Dallas will be a mid-afternoon one starting with JV at noon followed by the varsity at 1:30 P.M.
Moving over to Saturday, Dec. 11, both soccer teams are all too ready to get back on the pitch to begin their season.
The women’s soccer team have their first scrimmage on the road tomorrow.
The Lady Cats, lead by head coach Javier Aguayo, will be in Athens at noon on Saturday, Dec. 11.
JV will get the action going in Athens at 10 A.M. and Coach Aguayo’s varsity Lady Cats will follow at noon.
The men’s soccer team on Saturday, Dec. 11 will be at home for their first scrimmage when they host a quad-match between the Wildcats, Celina, Pittsburg and Lindale.
That scrimmage tourney will commence at 9 A.M. and will conclude later Saturday at 3 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Proposed Woodcreek Addition: 9.31-Acre Lot To Be Developed Into 39 Single Family Residences
Infill Housing Development Policy To Be Expanded To Include Duplexes and Quadplexes
A majority of items on Sulphur Springs City Council’s regular December meeting agenda had to do with property and construction projects, including six of seven requests for infill housing program agreements, a plat request to change a 9.31-acre property into 39 single family lots, expansion of the 380 policy, an agricultural land lease, and appointment of a representative to the appraisal board.
Plat Request
The City Council approved a plat request from Ramachandra Yennam for 9.31 acres of land at the end of Live Oak, Cadi Lane and Marianne Circle to be turned into 39 single family lots which meet the minimum dimensional requirements of 6,000 square feet with 50 foot of frontage, 90 foot depth. Lots would range from 6,000 to 23,244 square feet. Part of the development includes replatting of four lots, which were never developed with improved streets and other infrastructure, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski reported during Tuesday night’s regular December City Council meeting.
The proposal Woodcreek Addition was reviewed by city engineer reviewed the plan and determined drainage and utilities are acceptable as proposed.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 15 approved the project. Lot 4, an irregular shaped lot in a cul de sac, was granted a special setback of 10 feet instead of the regular 25 feet setback along Live Oak Street.
As proposed, the project would include two storm water detention ponds to ensure there is no increased post development runoff over what currently exists. Off site drainage was discussed but is considered more of a maintenance issue at the P&Z meeting, Niewiadomski reported.
Side walks too were discussed but the city does not at this time have any requirement mandate sidewalks in the city ordinances.
The residential development would include extending Marianne Circle and Live Oak, and a new street proposed as Rams Drive. The development would connect the two streets together. Streets are to be 28-feet concrete with laydown curb, and the development will have 6-inch water and sewer mains. The property in question is zoned single family residential.
The city manager was given authority to execute a community facilities contract for public utilities.
Yennam indicated he is waiting on financial guaranties for the community facilities contract before the project can move forward. The developer is working on attaining that and would like to get started onit quickly, Niewiadomski said.
“Thank you for investing in the city and making a development. If we ever need new housing, things are coming up that we need to be sure we have housing for in the future,” Precinct 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar told Yennam.
380 Agreements
Niewiadomski reported the infill housing development program has really taken off. Approximately 35 applications have been approved for the 380 program, which reimburses certain city fees to approved individuals or businesses that construct a single family residential dwelling on identified properties located within the city limits on identified properties on existing city streets. where they can utilize existing infrastructure.
Applicants who receive a 380 agreement with the City of Sulphur Springs, upon satisfactory completion of their project within 3 years, are eligible to have reimbursed the permitting fees, utility tap fees, and delinquent city taxes and liens reimbursed; and demolition costs associated with clearing a lot for redevelopment.
Some of the projects are completed, others are still in progress and some are in the planning stage. At the Dec. 7 meeting alone, the City Council approved as part of the consent agenda resolutions granting six of seven requests for 380 agreements. Approved were those at:
- 307 West Beckham Street,
- 309 West Beckham Street,
- 311 West Beckham Street,
- 312 West Beckham Street,
- Parcel #R391 at Fuller Street and Como Street, and
- 207 Calvert Street.
Place 1 City Councilman Jay Julian made the motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, with the exception of Resolution No. 1280, which requested a 380 Agreement for 623 Putman Street. The motion was approved as presented.
Niewiadomski also asked the City Council Tuesday night to consider expanding the city’s 380 policy. He said the city’s infill housing policy currently only offers the reimbursements and demolition assistance to developers who have single family residences constructed on one of the identified properties. He said he’d also had a number of inquiries from developers interested in constructing duplexes and quadplexes on identified properties as well.
The assistant city manager for community development asked the City Council to approve Resolution # 1274, which would extend the reimbursement incentives beyond single family to duplexes and quadplexes. Doing so would open up additional revenue by putting those new dwellings on the tax rolls. The City Council approved the resolution.
“I do think this has been a tremendous program for us and I feel like this will open up even more avenues for development,” Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers said at the Dec. 7 City Council meeting.
More information about the city’s infill housing development (380) program, including properties identified in 2020 as eligible for the program, may be viewed by clicking here.
Agricultural Lease
The city accepted bids for a 1,007 agricultural land least for Thermo Property Site A. Currently, a cattle company is leasing 959 acres of the property for agricultural purposes. is being leased. That lease expires at the end of the month.
The city received seven bids for the agricultural lease. Jonah Massey submitted the high bid of $62,434 per year, to start Jan. 1 and continue through Dec. 31, 2022. The lease would generate $44,213, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith told the City Council. The city manager was authorized to sign the agricultural lease of 1,007 acres in the city-owned former Thermo mine property.
Appraisal Appointment
Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian said he spoke with both the chief appraiser and introduced himself to Koby Long. He said he believes Long to be “an outstanding nominee” to serve on Hopkins County Appraisal District Board of Directors, and recommended he be appointed to serve on the board. The motion, seconded by Mayor Sellers, received unanimous approval of the City Council.
Cumby ISD Having Unanticipated Early Release Today Due To Power Outage
Cumby ISD is having an unanticipated early release today. The school began notifying parents at 11:47 a.m. on social media and other means that classes will end at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 2021, due to a power outage.
An Oncor electrical transformer was reported by the City of Cumby to be down on Main Street at 11:24 a.m. Cumby Volunteer firefighters were on scene and ONCOR has been notified.
Cumby ISD staff reported that caused the power at the school to be out. Electric service is expected to be restored by 2:30 p.m. However, the school did not yet have enough food cooked for junior high and high school lunches, before the power went out. Thus, district officials determined it would be in the best interest of all to dismiss classes early, Cumby ISD staff reported in the parent notifications Thursday morning. Families are asked to take the appropriate action for their students.
Buses are scheduled to begin running at 12:30 p.m. today, to give teachers a chance to ensure that caregivers will be home to receive their students.
Parents who pick up their students at school at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 9 will have two options to exit:
- Take Donellton Street OR
- Go west on FM 499 (Main Street
Concerns or questions from parents regarding the Cumby ISD unanticipated early release may be directed to Megan Petty at 903.456.6866, since the phones are out on campuses due to the power outage.
New City Attorney, Secretary Administered Oath Of Office
Mayor, City Manager Express Appreciation to Roberts, McLeroy For Service, Guidance To City And Leaders
Sulphur Springs City Secretary Gale Roberts administered the oath of office to Nate Smith, the new city attorney, and Natalie Darrow, the new city secretary, Tuesday evening during her last City Council meeting. Both Roberts and City Attorney Jim McLeroy are retiring this year from the City of Sulphur Springs.
“I would like to publicly thank our retiring city attorney, Jim McLeroy. Thank you so much for your service to our our community and your wonderful advice to the council and myself to this long period of time. We wish you well in your endeavors. Thank you very much for your service,” Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers said.
“Jim is, of course, a very good friend and will be missed. His value goes beyond what he can do in a courtroom and with legal documents. For me, he has been truly a counselor and a friend. I can’t tell you have many times he has said, ‘Marc, let me talk you down.’ I really appreciate that and our friendship,” City Manager Marc Maxwell said of McLeroy.
“Our City Secretary Gale Roberts, we are going to be celebrating some more for you also, but this is your last official City Council meeting and I want to also thank you for your service to this city, to this council, to this manager, keeping him straight most of the time,” Sellers said with a laugh. “Thank you so much. We wish you well, please, and Jim you as well, please do not be strangers to this city. Thank you.
Maxwell said the saying “behind every man is a good woman is true.” He, however, is fortunate to have the support of two good women in his life, the ‘wonderful woman” he’s married to and Gale Roberts.
“Gale and I have worked together for 17 1/2 years. You work together that long with somebody, you either hate their guts or you love them. I love her. She has picked me up so many times when I’ve been down, and had my back so many times when I needed it,” Maxwell said.
He said the city department heads can be heard giggling when he and Roberts bicker back and forth, as friends do after knowing and working together for an extended period of time.
“You are dear friend and have been a most competent city secretary. Thank you so much,” Maxwell told Roberts.
“Thank you. It’s been my pleasure,” Roberts said.
Darrow has been working with Roberts and Smith with McLeroy for a few months, becoming familiar with the job to make the transition as smooth as possible. McLeroy will remain available to assist Smith through the end of the year. Roberts will stay on as assistant secretary until her retirement.
Family and friends for both Darrow and Smith were in attendance at the Dec. 7, 2021, City Council meeting.
Darrow has worked for the City of Sulphur Springs for 25 years, starting in records at the task force, and now is the records manager and computer systems specialist at Sulphur Springs Police Department. She has been working periodically alongside Roberts, learning some of the duties, and has even filled in for her on occasion while the city secretary was on vacation.
Philip Nathan “Nate” Smith Jr. Smith is an attorney at Smith & Smith Law Firm in Sulphur Springs, specializing in civil law including the areas of consumer and family litigation, commercial litigation, personal injury, and wills, trusts and probate. He has been with the family practice for 10 years, starting as a paralegal. The Winnsboro High School graduate went to Texas A&M School of Law, where he graduated in 2013 with a doctor of jurisprudence. He said his time at Smith & Smith Law Firm, which has five attorneys and 15 employees, and working with has helped prepare him to become city attorney.
Smith knows the city’s issues, knowledge that goes beyond just the law, but the ins and outs of the city, including personnel, and thus seems a “natural fit,” City Manager Marc Maxwell said when announcing his intent to recommend him to the City Council for the position of city attorney.
McLeroy said he is thankful to have been involved in the process of recommending such a sharp attorney to serve as is replacement. He expressed confidence in leaving the city in the hands of someone very capable for the future.
A retirement reception is planned for Jim McLeroy this month and one will be held for Roberts in January, city officials reported.
Wildcats Basketball in Day One of Forney Tournament For Thursday Game Day
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad are locked in for day one of the Forney tournament.
Day one on Thursday, Dec. 9 has them taking on the Wylie Pirates and the host Forney.
Sulphur Springs’ first game on the day is at 1:30 P.M. against the Pirates. The Wildcats’ second tourney contest against the Jackrabbits will tip-off at 4:30 P.M.
The men’s basketball team comes in to this Thursday game day set for their second tournament on the winter 2021-22 season after Tuesday’s win over previously undefeated Royce City.
Coach Shaver’s squad were able to make some stellar halftime adjustments to stifle the Bulldogs and cruise past them in the second half.
Sulphur Springs outscored Royce City 37-18, leading by 20 at times.
The win over the Bulldogs on December 7, 2021 gave the Wildcats a 10-2 record.
They will see if they can improve upon that mark by getting some wins over talented schools in the Forney tournament, starting with Wylie.
That match will begin Thursday game day for the men’s basketball team at 1:30 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
It’s Christmas Card Time! We’d Love to Receive Seasons Greetings From Your Family to Ours…Postal Mail or E-mail!
During this Christmas season, we’d like to honor a long-standing tradition between KSST and our listeners by asking for your Christmas card! Whether you send yours by postal mail or email, please add us to your Christmas Card list! Here are the addresses:
KSST Radio/Channel 18TV, P.O. Box 284, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75483 or [email protected].
Feel free to include a little note, a picture or a favorite memory, or even one of your best recipes. Put yours in care of a member of the staff is you wish! Getting neighborly correspondence from you feels like hearing from an old friend, and truly enhances our Christmas season! Once received, we’ll display them in the studio and include yours on the air during the season. So, whether you listen to KSST, catch us on Youtube, watch Channel 18 TV or live-stream on ksstradio.com, join us for the reading of the Christmas Cards on the Good Morning Show with Enola Gay at 8:15am, on weekday mornings starting December 20, 2021.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report – December 7, 2021
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell presented the following report to the Sulphur Sprigs City Council during their Dec. 7, 2021 meeting:
COVID-19 RESPONSE
The Delta variant wave of Covid-19 declined for several months, but now the trend seems to have turned around. The number of active cases in Hopkins County fell from 122 to 44 in November, but quickly rebounded to 65. The number of COVID cases at the hospital also dropped to 2 in November but then rebounded to 9 as of the writing of this report.
CLAIMS
We did not have any liability claims in November.
We did incur one minor workers compensation claim. A police officer sustained injuries while trying to pen a bull in the 300 block of League Street.
SENIOR CITIZENS BUILDING
We are in the process of applying for a grant to enlarge the building. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs recently announced a grant program called the Texas Community Resiliency Program that will award grants between $500 thousand and $5 million for qualifying projects. Senior citizen centers are specifically called out as a qualifying project.
SAPUTO SEWER MAIN
Everything is done except the final inspection.
COLLEGE STREET
Work has begun on the project. The Capital Construction Division has installed a new sewer main and new water main between Oak and Jackson. Next, they will construct a small drainage component and then the project will progress to the east.
We will advertise for bids for construction of the concrete street this winter.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will present a report of year-to-date revenues and expenditures
RUNWAY/TAXIWAY REHAB
This $1.9 million project is in progress. We are getting close.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Two street segments remain: More delays from Texana land and Asphalt. We still lack League and Lee Streets. Woodbridge crossing is in progress.
MISCELLANEOUS
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Checked out 2,588 items from the library.
- Made lighting system repairs downtown and strung zillions of Christmas lights in preparation for the holiday season.
- Repaired runway lights at the airport.
- Cleaned and repaired several apparatuses at the wastewater treatment plant.
- Treated wastewater effluent to a daily average total suspended solids (TSS) count of 0.55 mg/L. Our limit is 12 mg/L.
- Repaired 12 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 13 water meters.
- Unstopped 23 sewer mains.
- Washed 75,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Made 4 new sewer taps.
- Treated 145 million gallons of potable water.
- Flushed 36 dead end water mains.
- Repaired 228 potholes.
- Made 3 major street repairs following utility repairs.
- Demolished a structure at 514 Woodlawn.
- Made preparations to improve drainage system on Hinnant/MLK.
- Responded to 163 animal control calls while achieving an 88% adoption rate.
- Made 3 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 2,079 calls for police including 39 accidents, wrote 400 citations, recorded 48 offenses, and made 48 arrests in the patrol division.
- Trimmed downtown trees.
- Put up Thanksgiving and Christmas banners.
- Made repairs at Kids Kingdom.
- Hosted 1 baseball tournament.
- Trimmed trees at the soccer complex.
- Pressure washed sidewalks at Coleman Park.
- Installed security lighting at the north parking lot at Coleman Lake.
- Responded to 213 calls for fire/rescue including 1 vehicle fire.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 79 fire hydrants.
- Performed 15 fire inspections.
- Sold 1,751 gallons of AvGas and 7,968 Gallons of JetA fuel.
- Conducted 23 building inspections, 13 electrical inspections, 10 plumbing inspections, 10 mechanical inspections and issued 28 building permits
Chamber Connection – Dec. 8: Time To Get Recognition Nominations In
By Butch Burney
As 2021 comes to an end, it is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Paraprofessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Chamber Directory
Work is continuing on the 2022 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
Chili Cookoff
The Senior Citizen Center is still looking for chili cooks for the Chili Cookoff on Friday, Dec. 10. The chili will be judged and the seniors citizens will then eat the chili
Winners get a trophy, certificate of award, bragging rights and a prize from Carriage House Manor.
Call Karon Weatherman at 903-885-1661 to enter a crockpot full of chili.
Golden Agers Gift Tree
You can adopt a senior citizen through the Golden Agers Gift Tree, through Dec. 17, by choosing a name off the tree and going shopping with the senior. The tree is located at the Senior Citizens Center, 150 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Dec. 1, Bear Littleton State Farm Insurance. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
