I-30 Vehicle Chase Started In Sulphur Springs Spanned Over 50 Miles Across 4 Counties
An I-30 vehicle chase the began in Sulphur Springs reportedly spanned more than 50 miles across four counties Thursday morning, according to law enforcement reports.
The incident started at 9:52 a.m. Aug. 5, 2021, when a Sulphur Springs Police office stopped the driver of a GMC Arcadia for a traffic violation with a routine traffic stop on Interstate 30 east near mile marker 126. The stop continued as normal until the officer obtained the man’s identifying information to conduct a routine records check.
A check using the driver’s ID showed him to be a Texas man wanted on a misdemeanor charge from another agency – likely the reason the man fled the scene in the SUV instead of waiting for the officer to return to him. The SSPD officer began pursuing the vehicle on I-30 east, and notified other authorities via radio of the pursuit. Other officials including Texas Department of Public Safety troopers joined the pursuit as it sped through their jurisdictions, some reportedly attempting to set up road spikes but unable to get ahead of the Arcadia to set out the stop sticks.
The I-30 vehicle chase chase continued east through Hopkins, Franklin, Titus and Morris Counties, and almost into Bowie County near mile marker 178, before officials called off the pursuit at 10:22 a.m. Thursday. In instance such as this, SSPD typically files at large for a warrant for the fleeing suspect’s arrest on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge, officials noted.
NETEX Amends Agreements With NETC
After months of discussion, Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District (NETEX) agreed to a vegetation cleanup agreement, as well as amendments to the track reimbursement and management obligation agreements with North East Texas Connector, the division of Freedom Rail Group contracted to serve as operators for the NETEX railroad. A right-of-way usage rate schedule for private landowners was also approved as recommended by RAMS, the company that handles fees related to right-of-way and crossing uses.
In the original agreement between the rail group and rail operator, NETC contracted to within 2 years of taking over rail operations upgrade the track to Class 1, then, within 5 years upgrade the track to Class 2 standards. NETEX agreed to return a portion of the amount NETC back to NETC for track maintenance.
The rail operator asked owner NETEX back in the fall of last year to consider amending their operating agreement to allow NETC to skip the Class 1 requirement as NETC plans to skip Class 1 upgrades and work to attain Class 2 status. Given the condition of the track and amount already invested in upgrades and still to be done, working for Class 2 all the way is more cost effective that getting the track up to Class 1 then going back and tearing part of that up a short time later to get the track up to Class 2 standard.
Also, NETEX was asked several months back to consider assisting NETC with the cost or effort of removing vegetation from along the right-of-ways and track. Some options considered were asking counties and cities with interests in NETEX to contribute funding or manpower to help clear the vegetation for their portion of the railroad, helping or purchasing equipment to be used by NETC to clear the vegetation and debris to keep it from causing safety hazards and damage to the rail, especially bridges, paying to help pay for a company to clear the vegetation from along the rail.
After months of negotiations, NETEX agreed to eliminate requirement for NETC to upgrade the track to Class 1 in 2 years, and instead NETC will strive to upgrade the track to Class 2 within 7 years which would be in July 2027, or show significant progress to get to Class 2.
NETC agreed to waive the first year of reimbursement obligation owed by NETEX for track maintenance. NETEX in turn will pay $4,500 per month to NETC for vegetation cleanup efforts in lieu of the 50 percent reimbursement from the carload fee to NETC for 60 months. NETC will see to clearing of the brush, using equipment the $4,500 will help pay for and which NETC owner Mike Salek believes his company can do more efficiently than if he hires someone to do it. At the end of the 60 months, NETEX will go back to paying the 50 percent reimbursement from carloads to NETC for track maintenance.
The $4,500 is currently only $6 less than the total sum NETC remits to NETEX for its share of the carloads carried on the railroad, NETEX Treasurer Neal Barker noted. NETEX Chairman Brian Lee said, hopefully, the positive improvements should increase business, allowing more companies to get their product quicker, which in turn would increase the amount received for carload fees monthly.
Board member Mickey Barker asked once the order is in, how soon NETC would begin clearing the right-of-way using the equipment. Salek said it’s anticipated to take 90 days after the check is written to receive the needed lawnmowing and brush clearing equipment in Sulphur Springs. The work is expected to take 430 days. He asked the chairman to sign a letter that states the agreement so that it can be provided to the financial institution from which funding for the equipment.
Salek also indicated he’d like to host NETEX symposium in the next year and invite elected officials, EDC officials and boards from the cities and counties where NETEX is located and invite potential and customers and other stakeholders to update them on progress and provide education about NETEX, what it is and what it offers.
Hopkins County EDC Executive Director Roger Feagley, at the Aug. 5, 2021, meeting told NETEX board that the transload facility is progressing. The design is down and permits attained. Anticipated is a pre-bid meeting and opening bids at the end of the month. The project could move forward by Sept. 1, and is then projected to be complete by the end of the year, pending weather or COVID related delays.
Amanda Fernandez with FRG/NETC reported 112 carloads in July 2021, 41 more than in June. That’s 700 carloads so far in 2021, compared to the 285 carloads from July 1-Dec. 31, 2020, on the NETEX rail. The average inbound cycle time averaged 1.3 days. In July 239 ties were installed, and 43 FRA 30-day defects and three bridges were repaired in July.
Hopkins County Records – Aug 6, 2021
Land Deed Transactions
- Austin Dyer and Michael Dyer to Annette Murillo and Sinoe Murillo Virgen Edder; tract in the John Norris survey.
- Janet Kay Jetton, Ricky Glyn Jetton and Lynnette Lee Bell to Mark Hill; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey.
- Peter Boekhorst and Tallie Boekhorst to Donald Ray McElhaney Jr. and Rhonda McElhaney; tract in the Justo Tarvieso survey.
- Clifford Ray Hill and Loyd Nolan Hill to Pamela Lee Reeder; tract in the Haynes Crabtree survey.
- Loyd Nolan Hill and Pamela Lee Reeder to Clifford Ray Hill; tract in the Haynes Crabtree survey.
- Clifford Ray Hill and Pamela Lee Reeder to Loyd Nolan Hill; tract in the Haynes Crabtree survey.
- Lavelle Hendricks to Buffy Pruitt and Steven Pruitt; tracts on Fuller Street.
- Elmo Lee and Kathy Lee to Diana L. Cross and John R. Cross; tract in the Santos Coy survey.
- Chandra Green and James Stortnacy to Phillip D. Smith; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey.
- Jason Davis and Kristee Davis to Joe Mack Gober and Nona Fair Gober; tract in the MA Bowlin survey.
- Rita Jean Mann Adams , Jean Marie Webb AIF, to Amy Wilburn Christopher; tract in the Maria Santos Coy survey.
- Jennifer Kennedy Massey, independent executor for the Joe Gant Worsham Estate, to Janice Marie Worsham Estate; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey.
- Carla White, Don White and Elaine Herrell Williams to Luis Dominguez Enriquez, Juan Machuca, Ana Rios Ramirez and Marisa Rios Ramirez; tract n the Russell B. Craft survey.
- Elaine Herrell Williams to Hector Manuel Puente Jr. and Vanessa Puente; tract in the Russell B. Craft survey.
- Elaine Herrell Williams, Carla White and Don White to Carolina Hernandez and Mauricio Hernandez; tract in the Russell B. Craft survey.
- Carla Denise White, Donald Ray White and Elaine Lasater Williams to Trinidad Sanchez Gomez; tract in the Russell B. Craft survey.
- Kristy Cartwright, Mary Elena White and Nicholas Ryan White to Donald Ray White; tract in the RB Craft survey.
- Billy Harris, Carol WCW Harris, Deral Harris, Derran Dwayne Harris, Loretta Jual Marsh and Louise Ritchie to Carol Wayne C.W Harris tract in the Gamblin Addition.
- Billy Harris, Carol WCW Harris, Deral Harris, Derran Dwayne Harris, Loretta Jual Marsh and Louise Ritchie to Daniel W. Harris; tract in the Levi Landers survey.
- Tommie Lee Raines to Kelly Dea Moss; tract in the E. Melton survey.
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Alejandro Sanchez Balderas and Mariana Hernandez
- John Francis Pasternak and Consuelo Rendon Pasternak
- Jose A. Villalobos Rios and Areli S. Flores Lozano
- Christopher Lynn Baldwin and Stephanie Leann Ricks
- Ty Hunter Tolleson and Kelsey Paulette Buchanan
- Mason Paul Martinez and Kaitlyn Frances Allen
Coach Bailey Dorner and Lady Cats Volleyball Looking Forward to First Scrimmages Saturday
Coach Bailey Dorner, head volleyball coach for the Lady Cats volleyball program, said practice has been going very well.
She said the girls have been working hard through practice this week and are looking forward to their first scrimmages this Saturday.
Coach Dorner and her Lady Cats will be playing three scrimmages on Saturday.
She said that scrimmages are a wonderful opportunity to see how kids play, what rotations work best, and what they will need to work on heading in to their regular-season opener on Tuesday.
After Coach Dorner and her squads complete their scrimmages this coming Saturday, the Lady Cats will be set to open their 2021 regular season on Tuesday when they host a Tri-Match between Sulphur Springs, North Lamar and Sherman.
Coach Dorner and her team will hit the ground running before school starts on Aug. 18; after having their three scrimmages on Saturday, and after their season-opening home tri-match on Tuesday, will be:
- the Garland tournament, held in Garland next weekend on Aug. 13 and 14
- and at Greenville, on Aug. 17, with JV playing at 4:30 P.M. and Varsity following at 5:30 P.M.
The Lady Cats volleyball coach said having team try-outs on Monday, Aug. 2, and having a scrimmage the following weekend, is a regular occurrence.
She said that while the UIL starts them early, it is not a bad thing due to the Edge segueing them in to August practices which allows them a sort-of natural build-up to the season.
To get right in to scrimmages, Coach Dorner said, is a good thing.
Tryouts were held on Monday, and last time KSST met up with the volleyball coach she said she was looking forward to it in the hopes that she would see some new faces that would surprise some people.
Coach Dorner said she went in to the tryouts on Aug. 2 still hoping to fill a few spots, so as not to come in with a set roster in mind. The volleyball coach said she spent a lot of time this summer at the middle schools seeing the upcoming talent.
Tryouts are great, Coach Dorner said, because it allows everyone a fresh start. She said that everyone gets a new chance come Monday.
“It’s a new season every year,” Coach Dorner said, adding that her and her staff “don’t think about what’s happened in the past.”
And with this season about to get underway, and the notable advantage of having several talented returning seniors and underclassmen, Coach Dorner and her squad are excited to get back out there with this new team.
Coach Dorner said Lady Cats fans should expect a team with a lot of energy and a lot of excitement. She says that the group they have are excited to play and love to play the game.
The head Lady Cats volleyball coach said that she hopes that energy translates to wins on the court.
The Lady Cats volleyball program will play their first scrimmages of the fall season on Saturday when they play three of them; first with Midlothian Heritage at 10:40 A.M., followed by a scrimmage with Lakeview Centennial, and lastly against Forney at 1:50 P.M. All three scrimmages will take place in the SSHS Main Gym.
Their season-opening home Tri-match between North Lamar and Sherman will take place next Tuesday, Aug. 10.
The volleyball schedule can be found here and here.
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.
Wildcat Football Season Tickets On Sale to Public
All remaining Wildcat football season tickets will go on sale to the public today.
Tickets will be sold online only. A credit card will be required for purchase. Tickets are $50 per seat (includes 5 home games), plus the service fees that the ticket company assesses.
There will be a link available at 1:00 p.m. on the district’s website www.ssisd.net
For more detailed information, see the district’s Facebook or Instagram pages.
General Admission game tickets will be available online the week of each game. There will be a link for those on the website at a later date.
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.
Council Approves Woodside Lane Plat, Weaver Drive Zoning, 380 Agreements
Requests for a Woodside Lane plat, rezoning on Weaver Drive and three 380 agreements that will allow for construction of multiple new single and multifamily housing units received the approval of Sulphur Springs City Council this week.
Woodside Lane Plat Request
Tate Price asked the city to allow the 1.93-acre property on the north side of Woodside Lane, just east of 1680 Woodside Lane and directly west of the commercial business center (Woodbridge Square), to be replatted, dividing it into seven lots on which duplexes will be built. The new units would be built just east of the current duplexes on Woodside Lane. The request came to the council with the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustments and city staff.
Exceptions are needed for lot dimension for the new duplexes as well as a reduced setback on a new proposed roadway for the Woodside Lane property. Due to the uniqueness of Woodbridge Crossing as a whole, most of it required variances. This area had been reserved outside the original plat for Woodbridge addition, according to Tory Neiwiadomski, assistant city manger/community development director.
Price proposed a new street instead of a private drive to run through the middle of the designed duplex area, a requirement for the subdivision of the property. Price also proposed calling the new street Beachwood Court. In fact, the exceptions would not be required if the project were simply constructed on the lot in its current state. However, a subdivision requires the road and setback exceptions.
The property is zoned multifamily, but the proposed plan calls for development of the property into seven duplexes, which would be two-family rather than apartment units. The engineered plans were reviewed and deemed satisfactory by the city engineer. A community facilities contract will be required for sewer, water and street improvements, Niewiadomski told the council during their regular August meeting Tuesday evening, August 3, 2021.
Price reported an architect is working on the duplex plans, but specs for each unit had yet to be completed. They are awaiting approval of the city before move forward any further with the project.
City staff recommended approving the Woodside Lane plat request. Variances have already been granted by the ZBA. The city manager or designee would need to be authorized to execute a community facilities contract. Drainage will be privately maintained.
“I think Tate has got a good reputation, and everything they’ve done, they have done with quality. I believe this is going to blend in with everything out at Woodbridge already. As far as the variances and everything’s involved, the folks that get these places just have a little less mowing to do in their back yard,” Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins said when making the motion to approve the replat and authorize the city manager to execute a community facilities contract.
The motion was approved by the City Council, with Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian recusing himself from voting.
Weaver Drive Zoning Ordinance
Paulino Reyes asked the city to rezone Lot 3R-3, Block 55, at 125 Weaver Drive from heavy industrial to multifamily to better accommodate residential development on the lot. Reyes’ request to rezone the 1.89-acre property, the third of three lots at the address, was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission on July 19 at the recommendation of city staff.
Zoning in the surrounding properties is a mix of light industrial and heavy commercial to the south, heavy industrial to the north, west and east; and residential to the south and eas. There’s a museum to the north and a church to the west of the property, the Niewiadomski noted.
According to city staff, changing the zoning to multifamily would be appropriate and fit the the land use plan of residential Zoning along properties on Weaver Drive.
Place 6 Councilman Doug Moore asked if rezoning the property to multifamily would create problems in the future, if for instance, someone tried to use the adjoining lots for heavy industrial development that close to multifamily zoning.
Mayor Johns Sellers noted aside from having a fire station housed at the location prior to construction of the Intermodal facility on Texas Street in the early 2000s, a cotton gin sat on the property at the corner of Weaver Drive and Jackson Street, making it heavy industrial.
Moore asked what it would take to make the entire property at 125 Weaver Drive a multifamily zone.
Tory Niewiadomski, assistant city manager/community development director, said city staff could reach out to area property owners to gauge response.
Moore noted they have not, to this point, indicated they are opposed to having homes next to heavy industrial in that area.
Spraggins recommended, if the property owners and city agree, to take the steps necessary to rezone the entire section multifamily.
Niewiadomski noted that if the council waits to rezone the enitre area, that could slow down any potential projects the applicant is considering while the city goes through the rezoning process.
The City Council granted on first reading Ordinance No. 2782 rezoning Lot 3R-3, Block 55, Town, at 125 Weaver Drive from heavy industrial to multifamily. A public hearing for the final reading of the proposed zoning ordinance is scheduled during the 7 p.m. City Council meeting on Sept. 7, 2021.
380 Agreements
The City Council also approved Resolution No. 1250 granting a 380 agreement for construction of a a single-family dwelling at 115/119 Nicholson Street, Resolution No. 1251 for another home at 116 Middle Street and Resolution No. 1252 for a house at 122 Randolph Street.
Sulphur Springs city Manager Marc Maxwell asked the City Council if anyone would have a problem with the requests for 380 agreements being placed within the consent agenda, along with minutes from previous meetings, on future City Council meeting agendas.
Niewiadomski noted that most applicants only request standard incentives, such as reimbursement of tap fees and building permits, when applying for 380 agreement under the infill housing policy.
Spraggins and Sellers asked what could be done if there is something unusual or different about the request, such as a substantial city tax lien, demolition or other issue.
Maxwell explained that if, at any time, a council member wishes to remove an item from the consent agenda, all that councilman needs to do is ask the mayor to remove it for discussion and action. Then, after action on the consent agenda, the City Council could address that particular 380 agreement.
City Attorney Jim McLeroy added that the mayor would note the item was being removed from the consent agenda, then, assign it a place elsewhere on the agenda, For instance, it could be dedicated as item 12A, 5B or 11.
Although the matter was not on the agenda for approval, several council members indicated they’d have no objection to standard 380 agreements in the future being listed as part of the consent agenda.
Other Items
Councilman Julian asked if city staff had received any feedback regarding the state jet ski championship held on Coleman Lake July 24-25, 2021, and if it was the biggest event held to date at that location.
Maxwell said he believes the Jettribe hosted event is the largest held on the lake thus far. He said going into the event he was a bit concerned there might be noise complaints lodged about the event from residents of the surrounding neighborhood, but was happy to report he was not aware of a single one.
Julian noted the park was immaculate, down to the aquatic grass. He commended whoever put in the work maintaining and making it ready, made it a spectacular place.
Sellers added that the event did generate a lot of traffic through that neighborhood, but many of the residents attended the event.
“They seemed to really enjoy being able to walk over there. It was really cool to see some of the stuff that was performed on that lake,” Sellers said.
Sulphur Springs and Area Schools’ 2021 Back to Class Dates, Schedules
Hopkins County school districts are getting ready to return to class for the 2021/2022 school year! Here’s a list with start dates for Sulphur Springs, Cumby, Miller Grove, Como-Pickton, Saltillo, North Hopkins, Sulphur Bluff and Yantis school districts plus other brief information. We plan an update next week as more information becomes available!
SCHOOL FIRST DAY OF CLASS
Sulphur Springs ISD Wednesday August 18
Cumby ISD Thursday August 12
Miller Grove ISD Thursday August 12
Yantis ISD Thursday August 19
Saltillo ISD Monday August 16
Como-Pickton CISD Wednesday August 11
North Hopkins ISD Wednesday August 18
Sulphur Bluff ISD Wednesday August 18
Sulphur Springs ISD Meet-the-Teacher for Head Start/Pre-K on Monday Aug. 16 from 4-6pm, the Primary campuses on Thursday August 12 from 3:30-5pm and SS High School August 12-17 from 8am til 11am, or 12 noon til 4pm.
Cumby ISD Parent Meeting is Monday, Aug. 9. Parents of students from kindergarten through 12th grade will meet in the gym at 5:30 p.m. for a parent meeting. Meet the teacher activities will follow from 5:45 to 7 pm.
Miller Grove Meet the Teacher is Monday August 9 from 5pm-6:30pm with free hot dogs and ice cream. Students can also drop off supplies and pick up schedules. Also, student registration is ongoing. Call 903-459-3288 if you need assistance.
Yantis ISD Outdoor Parent-Teacher Meeting Tuesday August 17 from 6pm-7:30pm for all students Pre-K thru 12 and their parents. Also can drop off supplies, pick up schedules and complete any needed paperwork.
Como-Pickton CISD Meet the Teacher Sat. August 7 9-11am with hot dog lunch
Saltillo ISD Meet the Teacher, Schedule Pickup Thursday August 12
North Hopkins ISD Meet the Teacher, Computer Pickup Monday August 16 from 5pm-6:30pm
Sulphur Bluff ISD Meet the Teacher Thursday August 12
Jury Panel Called For 62nd Judicial District Court Aug. 16 At Civic Center Canceled
Those who received a Jury Summons to appear on Monday, August 16 at 9 a.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center need NOT APPEAR. The Jury Panel for the 62nd Judicial District has been CANCELED, according to Cheryl Fulcher, District Clerk for Hopkins County.
City Council Approves Negotiated Atmos-ACSC Settlement, Chemical Bids, Application For LED Lighting Conversion Grant
Sulphur Springs City Council this week approved a number of items; bids for water and wastewater treatment chemicals grant application, and a negotiated settlement with Atmos Energy were among the items.
Atmos Settlement
The City Council agreed to allow the city manager to take action regarding a negotiated settlement between Atmos Energy Corporation Mid-Texas Division and Cities Steering Committee regarding Atmos’ 2021 rate review mechanism. The negotiation would declare the existing rates unreasonable, adopt tariffs that reflect rate adjustments consistent with the negotiated settlement and that are just, reasonable and in the public interest; establish a benchmark for pensions and retiree medical benefits; authorize regulatory liability; require Atmos to reimburse the steering group for reasonable rate-making expense; adopt a savings clause; declare an effective date; and require delivery of the resolution to the company and the committee’s legal counsel on behalf of the City of Sulphur Springs.
Sulphur Springs is one of 172 cities served by Atmos Energy Corporation, Mid-Texas Division, who are part of the Atmos Cities Steering Committee. ACSC in 2007 settled a rate application filed by Atmos for an interim rate adjustment referred to as a Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program legislation or GRIP filing. That settlement created a substitute rate for future filings under the GRIP statute.
Since then, the original tariff has been modified several times, the most recent in an ordinance adopted by ACSC in 2018. In April 2021, Atmos filed a rate request claiming that the cost-of-service in a test year ending Dec. 31, 2020, entitled the company to additional system-wide revenues of $43.4 million. Standards in the steering committee’s RRM tariff reduce Atmos’ request to $40.5 million, $29.3 million of which would be applied to ACSC members. ACSC consultants concluded that the system-wide deficiency undr the RRM regime should be $22.34 million instead of $40.5 million. The amount of the $22.34 million deficiency applicable to ACS members would be $16.8 million.
“In the end, they’ve come to $22.7 million as the agreement. That will have an impact of $1.28 for residential rate and $4.03 for commercial rates. Staff recommends approval,” City Manager Marc Maxwell told the council during the regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening, Aug. 3, 2021.
That would be an increase of about $1.28 or 2.2 percent on residential and a $4.03 increase on commercial bills
Reinsurance of Health Insurance Program
The City of Sulphur Springs sought proposals for specific stop-loss insurance for the city’s employee health plan. The proposals were to include capture points of $80,000 and $90,000.
“What that means is up to that amount, each covered participant’s claims would be paid directly from the city. If they reached that $80,000-$90,000 mark then the stop-loss insurance would kick in and pick up on that. This year we did not have anybody meet the $80,000 mark so far. Our claims are down for the year and our prescription claims are up, so last year we had a really bad year in terms of our medical plan and our expenses. We did have a better year this year so far,” Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manage/Finance Director Lesa Smith explained.
Last year, the city’s medical claims were up, ending at $1,183,859, with prescriptions at $191,688, for a total of $1,275,547. Through June of this year, city medical claims had decreased, but prescription claims had risen. Medical claims are estimated to be $460,000 and prescription claims estimated at $380,00, for at total of $840,000, with three months of caims remaining in the current budget and two in the health insurance plan, which ends on Aug. 31, 2021. The city budgeted for $955,000 in claims
The proposals sought will pick up where the health policy leaves off, providing additional coverage for employees. City officials looked at fixed cost and what the reinsurance can provide. The city received two proposals, one from Blue Cross and one from Highmark; the latter did not meet the specifications because it did not include firm prices and on two proposals removed the high claimant from the plan. That, Smith noted, would put the city at significant risk for very minimal savings. Responses from three additional reinsurance carriers stated they would not submit a proposal because their rates would not be competitive.
City staff recommended remaining with Blue Cross for insurance and select the $80,000 stop-loss for city employees. By going Blue Cross, the city’s fixed cost would increase by $41,000, which includes administration frees, The total claim charge the city would be responsible for would be $1,797,000. Currently, the city’s is responsible for $1,774,000. Smith said based on a review of all factors, city staff did recommend awarding the contract to Blue Cross at the $80,000 stop-loss amount.
The contract for reinsurance for the city’s employee heath insurance program was awarded to Blue Cross.
Water, Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
The City Council approved the low bids for five different chemicals for the water and wastewater treatment plants. Overall, the chemicals are expected to cost about $102,700 more than they did last year, Sulphur Springs Director of Utilities noted in his memo to the council.
Of the five bids the city received for alum, Chameleon Industries’ low bid of $290 per dry ton received the contract.
The contract for alum copper sulfate blend 2% also went to Chameleon Industries, the $415 per dry ton was the lowest of the three bids submitted.
Brenntag, the only bidder, received the contract to provide chlorine at a rate of $1,370 per ton and sulfur dioxide at a rate of $1,230 per ton.
Chameleon Industries and Chemtrade each bid $0.110 per pound wet weight for liquid ammonium sulfate. However, per State of Texas purchasing policy in the event of a tie bid, the award went to the most local company, Chameleon is a Texas bidder, whereas Chemtrade is not, thus, Chameleon Industries too was awarded the contract to provide liquid ammonium sulfate.
Five companies submitted proposals for ortho/polyphosphate. Chemright’s bid of $0.66 a pound wet weight for ortho/polyphosphate was the lowest, thus the contract is to be awarded to the business.
LED Lighting Conversion Grant
The City of Sulphur Springs is also planning to convert lighting at both city fire stations and the utility distribution office. Smith explained that the Comptroller’s Office offers the opportunity to participate in a grant program to convert to LED lighting.
The City Council authorized the city manger or his designee to prepare and submit an application for an $11,000 Local Government Lighting Conversion grant to Texas Comptroller’s Office. The LED lighting conversion program requires a grant match. If awarded the city would receive $8,800 in grant funding and would be responsible for the remaining $2,200.
“We think that this would be a good thing for the city to do reduce the cost of electricity as well as maintenance. Within the city, we have seen how the conversion to LED has lowered electric costs at the library. Back in 2018 and before that their electric bill was $24,000 a year. Now it’s down to around $9,000 a year. It’s not just because of LEDs, but they did convert every light to LED. We have a lower contract rate and we also upgraded the air conditioning units to a more energy efficient unit. So, the combination of all of that has significantly reduced operating expense for the library,” Smith said.
Maxwell noted that solar panels have already been installed on the south facing side of the roof on Station 1 on Church Street that should be going online in the next couple of days, courtesy of Oncor. The city will be generating power from the panels and with the LED lighting conversion providing more efficient lighting, the station’s electric bill should decline.
Family Member Of Human Trafficking Victim To Speak At Aug. 11 Kiwanis Program
As a service to our community, the Aug. 11, 2021, Sulphur Springs Kiwanis Club program will focus on the huge and growing crisis of human trafficking – including in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, reports Jim Thompson. The public is invited to attend the 30-minute presentation beginning at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall of League Street Church of Christ. (Please use the rear or the west entrance.)
The speaker, Julie Prettyman from Greenville, experienced having a member of her extended family become a victim of human trafficking. She is both knowledgeable and passionate about preventing horrific damage to children and families that are victims of human trafficking for both manual labor and the sex trade, Thompson reports.
For years, worldwide estimates have ranked human trafficking as the number 2 criminal activity, exceeded in dollar value only by drugs. Recent estimates now indicate that human trafficking may now be the number 1 criminal enterprise worldwide, Thompson noted.
The Wednesday Kiwanis meeting is meant to help raise awareness locally so families and children can be on the lookout for warning signs that someone is being targeted.
“Please attend this meeting and help promote the meeting throughout our community verbally and through social media posts so the largest number of people possible can become informed about this very real danger,” Thompson invites, adding, “Prepare to be alarmed. The 30-minute program will end with the opportunity to ask questions.”
