Council Postpones Water Agreement

After a lengthy discussion, the city council voted to postpone a vote on a resolution regarding the city of Wills Point’s contract agreement for water with the Sabine River Authority.

The SRA has submitted new contracts to its customers that would represent a savings to the city on the price of the water it buys, but does not offer the kind of guarantees council members thought were sufficient.

City attorney Shaina Primeaux warned that the new contract would supercede all previous agreements, and expressed that her communications with SRA officials did not reflect a willingness to change any contract language.

The city’s current contract runs through December 31, 2021, and is renewed by mutual agreement in 10-year increments. The structure of rates would change, but represent a savings of approximately $5,000 a month.

The new contract would be a 40-year agreement, however, it offers no guarantees as to Wills Point’s access to water at the end of the contract. Resolution Number 26 from the original contract in 1955 does assure the city’s supply.

The council heard from code enforcement officer Rachel Pearson. Pearson reported that several houses were scheduled for demolition, and added several property owners with abandoned properties were either demolishing or cleaning up their properties.

Pearson also reported that ownership of several more properties were being investigated.

The council discussed developing procedures to speed up the process of condemning properties or foreclosing for non-payment of taxes.

The council also heard a report from Parks Director Dale Watkins regarding fees for use of the Cartwright Building. Watkins reported that a home-school group is using the facility for basketball practice, and other groups had inquired into the facilities availability.

The council approved a resolution regarding the use and fees of the Cartwright Building.

The council approved a bid process for pricing only of a new city hall building. City manager Jim Stephens reported that lending rates for municipal construction were below two percent. He also said that the savings of not paying rent for the municipal court would help make payments for a new building.

It was also reported that construction costs in the Dallas area have come down 21 percent in the last year.

Councilman Paul Addison, citing his own employees and building, added that the present city hall is not conducive to efficient productivity, and he believed a better layout and office structure would increase productivity for city employees.

Councilwoman Deby Frye suggested that financing should be of a longer term so that the rent savings would meet most of the new payment. She also expressed concern over the perception regarding city spending in the current economic climate, and streets that still needed to be repaired.

The council approved the appointment of Larry Byford as the city’s Fire Marshal.

In open session, city manager Stephens asked the council to approve Economic Development Secretary Lettie Clark as the Main Street Director, pending the state’s approval of the city’s application to the program. He cited the need to be ready for training early in 2010.

It was stated, however, that the job would have to be posted as per standard hiring practices.

Paul Addison added that the Economic Development Board should have the opportunity to discuss Clark’s position at its next meeting.