Things to Know When Planting Melons, by Mario Villarino
Curcurbits include the melon subgroup (muskmelons and watermelons), and the squash subgroup (cucumbers and gourds, etc.) These crops are important in all regions. According to Texas A&M AgriLife horticulture, cucurbits can be planted in Region III (where Hopkins County is located) all the way until May 1.
The eastern region of Texas plants 31,000 acres of watermelons (the most of all regions in Texas). Known for its summer hardiness, cucurbits are a common vegetable in our county.
Melon Subgroup
Melons
Muskmelons include cantaloupes (75%), honeydews (20%) and casaba, crenshaw, and other melons (5%); Texas ranks third in U.S. with 10,000 to 20,000 acres usually produced with plastic mulch and drip irrigation. Most production is direct-seeded in February and March; 5% to 10% of acreage is transplanted for earlier market windows. Growers prefer hybrids.
Insect pests include sweet potato white flies, melon aphids, spider mites, thrips, squash bugs, cutworms, melon worm, leafminer, cucumber and flea beetle, and cabbage looper.
Weeds include pigweed, morning-glory, silver nightshade, sunflower, purslane, johnsongrass, bermudagrass, and nutsedge. Diseases include downy and powdery mildews, southern blight, Alternaria leaf spot, anthracnose, gummy stem blight, virus complex, vine decline, fruit rot, and nematodes. See crop profile or crop brief for details on pesticide use.
Watermelon
Texas ranks second in U.S. production of watermelons with 40,000 to 60,000 acres with wide range of harvest and shipment dates. Commercial production uses plastic mulch and drip irrigation. Harvests start in early May in the LRGV, in June in the WG, July in East Texas, July through August in the Rolling Plains area, late summer/fall in the Cross Timbers/DeLeon area and in September and October in the Southern High Plains.
Grower/shippers contract and manage sales into large metro areas and out-of-state shipments. Roadside market melons come from smaller acreages and part-time farmers.
Industry commodity groups are Texas/Oklahoma Watermelon Association and National Watermelon Promotion Board. Luling, Texas, a small town just south of Austin, holds the world’s largest festival dedicated to the watermelon. Insect pests include aphids, cucumber beetle, squash bug, white fly, and leaf miner.
Weeds include annual broadleaf, and annual and perennial grasses. Diseases include gummy stem blight, anthracnose, powdery and downy mildews, wilt, Cercospora leaf spot, Alternaria leaf blight, leaf mosaic, virus complex, and bacterial fruit blotch.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Providers To Pause Distribution Of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine; Moderna, Pfizer Vaccine To Be Administered As Scheduled
CHRISTUS Health: Anyone Receiving J&J Vaccine In Last 2 Weeks Should Monitor For Symptoms, Contact PCP Immediately If Detected
The Texas Department of State Health Services issued a statement asking all COVID-19 vaccine providers in Texas to pause all administration of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine following Tuesday’s recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.
The recommended “pause” in J&J administration follows reports of blood clots in six individuals 6-13 days after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Currently, the “adverse events appear to be extremely rare and are being further evaluated to ensure vaccine safety,” DSHS reported April 13. People who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination are encouraged to contact their health care provider.
On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told states to expect smaller weekly allocations of the J&J vaccine until a plant in Baltimore is authorized to participate in vaccine production. While none of the cases of blood clots reported have occurred in Texas, where more than 500,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered, DSHS April 9 reported Texas would receive a reduction of approximately 350,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week.
Many facilities were still scheduled to receive the J&J COVID-19 during this week’s distribution, including 1,000 doses allocated to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. Many local pharmacies have received doses of COVID-19 vaccine, which vary by location and distribution date.
“CHRISTUS Health is fully aware that the CDC and FDA have recommended a short pause in administration of the Jannsen Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution while they investigate six cases of blood clots in women between the ages of 18 and 48 who received the vaccine,” CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs and Winnsboro President/Chief Executive Officer Paul Harvey cited from a system-wide release from CHRISTUS Health. “Although this side effect is believed to be extremely rare (six out of 6.8 million people in the U.S. who have received it), we fully support this cautious approach to ensuring the vaccinations we are administering to our neighbors and friends each and every day are fully safe and effective.”
CHRISTUS Health has immediately paused any administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and await further guidance. If it becomes necessary, CHRISTUS does have a number of other vaccinations (Moderna and Pfizer) that can be offered to those scheduled to get a Johnson & Johnson vaccine from a CHRISTUS provider.
In Sulphur Springs, Walmart, CVS, Cody Pharmacy, Brookshire’s and Walgreens are all reported to have received doses of vaccine at different times over the 18 weeks the shots have been available. Anyone scheduled to receive the Johnson & Johnson one-dose COVID-19 vaccine should consult with their provider for any updates for vaccine rescheduling.
CHRISTUS Health recommends that “anyone who received the vaccine in the last two weeks monitor their symptoms and notify their primary care provider immediately if they develop sudden onset severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pain, shortness of breath within 3 weeks after vaccination,” the CHRISTUS release from Harvey stated.
DSHS as of Tuesday morning, April 13, had not been notified of any change in vaccine distribution. Providers who have or receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are being instructed to continue storing it in the proper conditions. Providers should report all adverse events following any vaccination to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System at vaers.hhs.gov.
While the J&J COVID-19 vaccine administration has been temporarily halted, the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are still being administered as scheduled, that includes the vaccine clinics scheduled in the lobby at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs as well as those coordinated by the Local Health Authority and administered by Texas National Guard.
“We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve our communities by providing life-saving vaccinations against COVID-19 and to provide safe and effective care they need. We appreciate the cautious and thoughtful approach of the FDA and CDC in continuing to ensure these vaccinations are safe and trustworthy for all those we are privileged to serve, and we remain entirely committed to doing the same,” the CHRISTUS release from Harvey stated.
HCGS Hosts Special Zoom Program on April 15 by Texas State Genealogical Society, ‘Underutilized Research Sources’ by Pat Gordon
Although the Society is always seeking new members, you don’t have to be a member of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society to take advantage of their great educational ZOOM programs, like the one planned for 7pm Central on April 15, 2021 on ‘Underutilized Sources’ by Pat Gordon. Register in advance to access the ZOOM program by clicking HERE:
Our program will be:“Underutilized Resources,” by Pat GordonTopic Description: Genealogists are taught to search for records where their ancestors lived. However, repositories around the country may have been recipients of special collections containing information about your ancestors as they migrated and settled in other areas. By broadening your search you may uncover a wealth of information in unexpected places. In this presentation, Pat discusses often overlooked and underutilized resources such as university archives and repositories, which may house records from areas far beyond their influence. She discusses Texas Tech, University of Texas Arlington, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Commerce, and many others and shows how to research at those sites.
About the Speaker: Pat Gordon served two terms as president and one as vice president of the Fort Worth Genealogical Society. She was an original faculty member at Angelina College Genealogy Conference, where she frequently presented all-day lectures on Thursday and hour-long lectures on Friday and Saturday. She has also presented all day seminars at Odessa, Texas, and Norman, Oklahoma, as well as society lectures at Fort Worth, Mid-Cities, Grand Prairie, Plano, and Tyler, to name a few. She is a retired journalism lecturer at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she still teaches an online writing class. She is also a former newspaper reporter with The Dallas Morning News. She holds a B.A. in Journalism from University of Texas at Arlington and a M.S. in Media Studies from Texas Christian University. Pat recently published a laminated quick tip sheet on Masonic Research and is working on other topics. She can be reached at [email protected] or 817-293-3398. Pat likes going beyond the names of ancestors to discover what their lives were like during the time period they lived in. Vacations are often spent in university and public libraries, cemeteries, and courthouses where she searches for glimpses into their personal lives.
You can reach the Hopkins County Genealogical Society through the Genealogical Research Library, located inside the Public Library in Sulphur Springs at 611 North Davis Street, by phone at 903-885-8523 or online at hcgsrx.org. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30am til 5pm. When utilizing the Research Library you will be asked to wear a mask and follow CDC guidelines.
Newly Released Song by Local Writers to Debut at Reilly Springs Jamboree April 17 at The Roc
It has been 14 months since the Reilly Springs Jamboree was staged before an audience at The Roc near downtown Sulphur Springs, back in the unsuspecting days of early 2020 prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. In fact, only two shows were held during 2020 at the Jamboree’s home stage at the Reilly Springs Community Center before the shut down, musically, across the state. Now, thankfully, the Jamboree is returning starting with the April 17 show at The Roc.
The live debut of the new pop-country song ‘Bright Side’ is planned at the Jamboree by co-writer Nathan ‘West’. He and writing partner Sadie Evans penned the song a few months ago, and following the submission process, the song was released by BMI on March 26, 2021. Nathan recorded the vocals at the Brad Davis Studio in Commerce and appears in the music video. Thirteen-year-old Sulphur Springs youth Nathan Bilyeu is a BMI-licensed artist with his own publishing company. Catch him on Youtube!
Jamboree producer Enola Gay Mathews states “we’ve got a great talent lineup, and our houseband Running Creek is ready to entertain the audience and back up local singers and musicians. Jack Phillips, 15-year-old professional musician from Hopkins County, will join the band on fiddle and steel guitar and perform some of his favorite Western Swing songs. An acoustic set by the youthful duo of Cade and Scott will take place during intermission time.
Another young man headlining the Jamboree is Gary Jones Jr. whose younger years were spent in close company with the great Ray Price. His dad, Gary Jones, was lead guitar player for the Cherokee Cowboys during the final fifteen years of Ray’s career and traveled extensively with the star. You’ll especially enjoy hearing Gary and Gary Jr. perform country classics during the show.
Local Tribute artist Janet Adams is well known for her Patsy Cline performances, but on this show, Janet will portray the Queen of Country Music Loretta Lynn, performing her hits while she charms and entertains the audience.
Enola Gay, Good Morning Show host on KSST Radio, will sing and emcee, and invites everyone to come for supper as well a great stage show. A Spaghetti Bowl meal with homemade desserts will begin at 6pm, and there will be door prizes when the music begins at 7pm. Country music lovers will also have the chance to “pay it forward” by donating toward a youth music scholarship in the Bobby Flores Western Swing Music Camp this summer in NE Texas. Wearing face masks as a courtesy is optional.
2020 PJC Graduates Invited to Walk in May
In 2020, Paris Junior College held virtual graduation ceremonies for the spring and fall semesters due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those graduates are now invited to return and walk in the in-person commencement ceremony slated for 7:00 p.m., May 7, at Noyes Stadium on the Paris campus.
While an invitation has been sent from the PJC Admissions and Student Records Office to all 2020 PJC graduates, sometimes addresses change and communications may go astray.
Those wishing to participate should email Norma Wright, Student Records and Recruiting Coordinator, at [email protected]. Once added to the list, all previous graduates will receive graduation information, including cap and gown pick up instructions and their assigned time slot.
Current PJC students planning to apply to graduate may learn more at www.parisjc.edu/graduation. The deadline to submit this information or apply to graduate is Monday, April 19.
For more information about enrollment and educational opportunities, call 903-885-1232.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields.
The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Whitworth Street Traffic Stop Results In 3 Controlled Substance Arrests
Kansas Woman Arrested On Wildcat Way On Methamphetamine Charge
A Whitworth Street traffic stop early Sunday morning resulted in three controlled substance arrest. Police also arrested a Kansas woman Saturday on an unrelated controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Whitworth Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Silas Whaley conducted a traffic stop on a Pontiac GT around 3:20 a.m. April 11, 2021, after observing a traffic violation committed with the vehicle.
Passenger Britney Marie Coffelt of Sulphur Springs reportedly had alcohol, and suspected marijuana was observed in the driver’s side floorboard, according to police reports. Consequently, the officer initiated a search of the vehicle. Approximately 0.4 gram of a crystal-like crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine using a scientific substance analyzer device was found in the console, police alleged in reports.
All three occupants, denied knowledge or possession of the substance. Whaley arrested 33-year-old Nicki Michelle Banks, 27-year-old Coffelt and 31-year-old Nicholas Anthony Reynolds, all of Sulphur Springs, at 4:05 a.m. Sunday, April 11, 2021, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. Banks too was reported to be wanted on a theft of property valued at $750 or more but less than $2,500 charge, according to arrest reports.
Banks (who is also known by Nicki Douglas), Coffelt (who is also known by Britney Marie Wilson) and Reynolds all remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, April 12, in lieu of a $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge. Banks’ bond on the theft charge was set at $2,000, according to jail reports.
Sunday was the second time in less than a month that Whaley has arrested Reynolds for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. The officer reported finding suspected methamphetamine in a bag in Reynolds’ wallet on March 14, 2021. Reynolds was released from jail March 15 on a $5,000 bond on the charge, according to jail and arrest records.
Wildcat Way Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Sean Hoffman conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Fusion on Wildcat Way at Arbala Road around 8:20 a.m. Saturday, April 10, 2021. While talking with the driver, Hoffman noted the 38-year-old woman’s hands shook excessively. She was asked to exit the car to talk with him away from her husband. When asked about the shakiness, Stephanie Ann Glenn reportedly started breathing heavily and couldn’t stand still, which she claimed was due to a medical condition, Hoffman alleged in arrest reports.
The woman initially agreed to let Hoffman search the car, then retracted and said she would have to ask her husband and quickly returned to the car and began reaching for something, Hoffman alleged in arrest reports. The police officer instructed the husband to get out, then asked the Wichita, Kansas woman to be honest about the car’s contents, noting he could see her nervousness escalating as a vehicle search was discussed.
Glenn allegedly admitted there was methamphetamine and a pipe used to smoke it in the car either in the console or under the driver’s seat. A search revealed a case with suspected methamphetamine, two glass pipes, a rag and container with meth residue in it in the console. However, the woman initially claimed someone she’d given a ride to the day before had left the contraband in the car, but when asked who it really belonged to, she claimed it as hers, Hoffman alleged in arrest reports.
Hoffman arrested Glenn just before 9 a.m. April 10 and taken to jail on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance; the car was released to her husband. She was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, April 11, 2021, on a $10,000 bond on the third-degree felony charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Sulphur Springs Resident Accused Of Choking The Man He Had Dated
Police Sunday afternoon arrested a 31-year-old Sulphur Springs resident accused of choking the man with whom he had been in a dating relationship, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cameron Robinson responded around 12:15 p.m. April 11, 2021, to a Jonas Street address, where an assault was reported to have taken place. Police contacted two males residents, who were reported to have been involved in a dating relationship.
The 31-year-old allegedly assaulted the 28-year-old man. The younger man had apparent injuries to his head an neck, reportedly from being struck with a stick. A records check showed the older man, identified in arrest reports as Jose Ismael Cuevas, to be wanted for bond forfeiture on forgery of a financial instrument and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone charges, as well as for assault.
Cuevas also later was accused of twice choking the man he had dated during the April 11 altercation, causing the younger man’s breathing to be restricted. As a result, Cuevas was charged with family violence assault-impeding breathing or circulation, a third-degree felony.
Cuevas remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, April 12, 2021. His bond was set $15,000 on the felony assault charge. His new bond on the controlled substance and forgery charges was set at $10,000 each.
Sunday was the third time in the last 10 months that Cuevas has been jailed locally. He was arrested June 28, 2020, on the controlled substance charge, then released two days later on a $5,000 bond on the charge. He was arrested a second time on July 7, 2020 on a forgery warrant. He remained in jail again for two days and was released on a $5,000 bond. Prior to that, he’d been arrested on Feb. 11, 2020, on five traffic warrants, then released later that day.
Cuevas was indicted during the November 2020 grand jury session for forgery of a financial instrument.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Dinner Bell Menu For April 14, 2021
City National Bank is the Community Partner
Dinner Bell continues as a Grab and Go operation. Meals are served under the covered driveway on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
King Ranch Chicken
Roasted Carrots
Mexican Chopped Salad
Tortillas
Sopapilla Cheesecake
WEAR MASKS. WASH HANDS OFTEN. KEEP DISTANCES from OTERS.
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
PLEASE PLEASE continue to WEAR MASK. Get your SHOTS when you can. STAY SAFELY from OTHERS. WASH YOUR HANDS. OFTEN. DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH.
Dinner Bell remains a Grab and Go distribution system for meals. Meals may be secured by driving under the covered driveway on the Northeast Corner of The First United Methodist Church Campus after 11:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.
Spring Signals Start Of Construction Projects In Sulphur Springs
Spring signals a time of new things, and in Sulphur Springs, many are taking advantage of the warmer weather to begin construction projects – including road work, new apartments and multifamily housing units and business renovations. Four additional single family housing projects were green lit by city officials, and the city also approved a contract to jump start the Saputo sewer line expansion project, submission of a grant application for significant infrastructure improvements on Randolph Street and purchase of a used dump truck to better assist the city utilities department in their work, agreed to adjust rules to allow for electronic submission of proposals to make the bid process for city projects more competitive, and authorized the city manager to negotiate with entities for two potential economic development projects in Sulphur Springs.
380 Agreements
Four 380 agreements approved by Sulphur Springs City Council this week will allow for the construction of four additional single family homes, making a dozen infill housing agreements approved since the city adopted the policy last year. Once projects are complete, the city anticipates receiving an additional $12,000 in revenues annually as a result of the program, according to Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski.
SM Family Holdings was granted three 380 agreements which will reimburse the family corporation for permit and tap fees associated with construction of a single family home at 207 West Ross St., which is located just East of WA Street near Pacific Park; reimburse permit and tap fees as well as city liens on 209 West Ross Street, where a single family home will be constructed just east of the 207 West Ross; and to reimburse city permit and tap fees associated with construction of a single family home at 6134 Lamar St., which is located mid-lot between Beckham and Whitworth streets, also near Pacific Park. These fees will only be reimbursed upon successful completion of the homes within 3 years of the agreements being granted.
SM Family Holdings also in January also received 380 agreements to construct single family homes at 306 South Moore St. and 222 Craig St., and in February for 119 West Ross St.
Larry Shaw, the very first applicant to apply for a 380 infill housing agreement, was granted yet another 380 agreement which will help with demolition associated with clearing of the lot, permit and tap fees, and $2,200 in city liens owed on 202 West Beckham St. Demolition will be by the city’s capital construction department, an estimated cost of over $15,500, Shaw plans to subdivide the lot and construct two homes on the property, according to Niewiadomski.
The applicant previously received 380 agreements for reimbursements for fees at 206 Beckham Street and 943 Beckham Street; both projects are currently under way.
Sewer Main
Construction has finally begun on the Saputo sewer main, a $750,000 sewer project funded entirely by a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture. The project is possible because of a $50 million plant upgrade at Saputo and their cooperation with the Texas Department of Agriculture.
The new main will supplement an older undersized main. The path of the new main begins at Saputo and continues under the interstate., then, continues south for 3,500 feet before connecting to an existing trunk line. The new main has a 15-inch inch diameter.
On April 6, City Finance Director Lesa Smith recommended Sulphur Springs City Council accept the lowest bid of $166,000 from D&D Pipeline of Longview, one of five companies submitting proposals, for the sewer line bore for the Community Development Block Grant project.
“They performed the work on the Saputo expansion itself. When Saputo did their expansion, they did some of the work and they were very recommended. What they will do is for 320 feet of sewer main under I-30, install the manhole and complete the connection to the work the city crews are doing,” Smith said. “Part of this bid includes their labor and the materials for their portion of the work as well.”
Mayor Johns Sellers noted a great variance of about $100,000-$200,000 in bid quotes, more so than usual. Niewiadomski noted that one factor include the high cost if they run into difficulties with the bore due to the distance involved; the bidder would have to “eat that cost.” D&D did the work for Saputo’s wastewater pre-treatment plan and discharge plan and are very familiar with how that works.
The City Council agreed to issue a contract to D&D for the sewer line bore.
Grant Application
Marc Maxwell was authorized at the April City Council meeting to act as the city’s representative for another Community Development Block Grant program application to be submitted to the Texas Department Agriculture. In January the City Council approved a grant administrator for the project by the May 3 deadline. The grant writers after reviewing a few potential options for projects, applying for a $350,000 grant to help fund infrastructure improvements on Nicholson Street was identified as the one most likely to meet qualifications and be awarded the grant.
The grant would replace water and sewer lines, allow for construction of a new concrete street and should allow for some drainage work on Nicholson Street as well. The grant is an 80/20 grant, which means that the city would be responsible for $87,500 of the $350,000 project. The city plans to include labor and equipment, as well as a $25,000 cash match to meet their part of the matching requirement, if awarded the grant.
Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins made the motion to approve the resolution authorizing city staff to apply for the grant for the project, which would allow the city to take advantage of the program which would only require the city to pay “20-cents on the dollar.” The motion passed.
Economic Development
The city manager also was authorized to meet with representatives to continue negotiations for two potential future economic development projects. The council discussed the potential projects, identified only as Project Hold fast and Project Flourish, during an executive session conducted 45 minutes prior to the regular April City Council meeting. The council then during the open portion of the meeting authorized Maxwell to continue negotiations regarding the projects. No additional information about the potential projects has been released, and will not be announced until negotiations are concluded and contracts are presented for approval to the City Council or a decision to not move forward with the projects is made, as is standard policy for such matters, according to city officials.
Zoning Change
Donnie and Allen Wisenbaker’s request to rezone their property on northwest Rockdale Road and State Highway 19 from single family to commercial has been granted. The Wisenbakers in March asked the Planning & Zoning Commission to consider rezoning the 11.74 acres, which consists of three tracts, to accommodate existing uses and future uses along the SH 19 corridor.
The property is surrounded by a mix of zoning designations, from light commercial to the east and the south, single family to the west, and light industrial to the north. City staff told the P&Z Commission at the March meeting that given the context of the area, heavy commercial is an appropriate use for the property. It also fits in with the land use plan of commercial along the SH 19 corridor, according to Niewiadomski. The request was approved by the Commission, who along with city staff recommended it to the City Council for approval.
Bid Policy
City staff are in the process of drafting a new policy which would allow business professionals to submit electronic bids and proposals in the future. Smith explained that over the last year that the city has received multiple enquiries as to where or no the city accepts electronic bids and proposals. She said offering an electronic submission option would be good, especially for timely bids, those which might only be good for a very short period of time. Allowing bidders to submit online would allow them to do so in an even more current and efficient manner.
Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar said he foresees having the policy in place to accept electronic bids helping out the bid process in the long run, as it could mean more businesses participating in the bid process, making them more competitive and providing additional options on projects.
Texas Local Government Code requires cities to have a policy regarding electronic receipt of bids and proposals in place before the city can accept them. Sulphur Springs did not have one, so Smith asked City Council to consider approving a resolution approving rules which would allow the city to accept electronic bids and proposals.
The city will be required, per the government code, to utilize third party electronic bid software. Essentially, that would mean bidders could submit bids online through the software and the bid would remain sealed until the date and time established in the bid documents. At that time a staff member who has authorization to do so would go into the system and unseal the bids at that time. Each authorized city user would be required to have their own individual password and ID for login. The software, according to the government code, would also be required to have its own audit system which would show what each person did any time they used the software, which would validate that all bids remained sealed until the designated time. The system would also need to utilize the atomic US nuclear clock to ensure the bids are unsealed at exactly the specified time.
Smith said there are several software programs that offer different features, while others are on a per bid basis. City staff members are still talking with different vendors to determine which software program would be the best for the city. Allowing electronic submission could prove useful in the near future, as the city is nearing completion of the design for the new Senior Citizens Center, which means the construction process is not far behind.
Truck Purchase
Utilities Director James Jordan received approval Tuesday to purchase a used dump truck at a rate higher than originally budgeted. Construction and equipment costs have gone up since the amount was budgeted. Jordan said city staff has searched for a unit that meets their needs, but have discovered enough money for the needed purchase. They have located some units, but they do not meet the use needs for the utilities department. Jordan reported a 2006 Mack dump truck with approximately 370,000 miles on it that has been well maintained has been located in Kingston, Oklahoma. It has a 12-yeard demo bed on it that is constructed a little bit heavier than the city has in it’s current fleet of dump trucks, and is in mint condition for the age of the truck. The purchase is estimated to be about $9,000 above the $50,000 purchase limit which requires approval of the City Council before a purchase can be made. It will require a budget amendment
The city currently has two dump trucks, a 2003 International and a 1999 dump truck, which both have approximately 420,000 to 600,000 miles each on them. This would be adding another truck to the fleet which would allow the city to continue to maintain collection and distributions of materials. Typically, these truck are built to have an average life of 1 million miles, according to Jordan, who was excited to be able to make the trip to Oklahoma last week to collect the truck which will better equip city utility workers to perform their jobs.
Announcements
The City will be hosting it’s annual Spring Clean Up from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 12-17 at the site just past FlowServe on U.S. Highway 67. City residents can bring large items that are too large to be collected by sanitation works. This can include brush and other large items. Hazardous materials or chemicals will not be accepted. The city will accept up to three regular-sized car or pickup tires per household but not commercial, large truck or tractor tires.
Hopkins County Rodeo Committee will be having the annual UPRA Rodeo starting at 7:30 p.m. Apr l6-17. Doors open at 6. Tickets are available at Circle E and the Civic Center Box Office. A trick roper out of Florida will also be bringing his trailer town to provide an LED lighted show.
Cinco de May Festival will also be held downtown this year, with lots of food and vendors downtown.
“It’s going to be a fun day with Mexican music live. So they can come up here and do the Cha Cha Cha or whatever. Come join us,” Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar invites.
