Council Hears From Citizens Regarding Various Issues

By Donna Limberger

The Van City Council heard from several citizens regarding a variety of issues during their regular meeting held last Thursday night.

Resident John English was first on the agenda with his concern regarding trucks using Jake Engine Brakes in the city.

English said that he lived across from Van Healthcare and that when the trucks came down FM 314 from the interstate, the noise from the engine brakes, especially in the middle of the night, was very loud.

English suggested that the city put signs prohibiting the use of Jake Brakes in the city limits out close to the interstate so that the truck drivers may see them when they exit off of the road.

Mayor Billy Smith said that there was an ordinance against the use of the brakes and that it was enforced on a compliant basis. He told English he would have the police department keep an eye out for trucks using the brakes improperly.

The council then heard from Robert Harker regarding a privacy fence that he wanted to install.

The council told Harker that it was against city ordinance to erect a fence that blocked over 50 percent view of the property.

The council suggested that Harker get a copy of the ordinance before he built any type of fence on the property.

Jo Ann Barr spoke to the council about destruction of her yard.

She said that someone has been turning around in her yard and destroying the grass, as well as, doing various other destructive acts.

She said that she had spoken to the police about the situation and just wanted the council to know what was going on.

In other business, the council:

-heard from Dr. J.W. Dailey regarding a contract between the city and Texas Cell Net.

-heard from soccer association representative Jack Hand regarding possible funding for a storage building at the soccer fields.

-heard from Gary Burton regarding the city’s water storage tanks.

-heard departmental reports.