West Tawakoni Takes

The West Tawakoni City Council took the next step toward annexation of Sandy Lynn on Tuesday night at its regular meeting.

The council voted unanimously to extend municipal services to the area proposed for annexation. The addition is bordered on three sides by the city.

City Administrator Cloy Richards said the immediate thing that would benefit the area’s residents would be grading the dirt road after rains and the city would begin pulling drainage ditches. Two public hearings will be held before a final vote on annexation.

Richards said the big deal for the water department was the first water inspection in two years was scheduled by the state for next week.

He said he had looked up previous inspections and found that 95 percent of the items of which the state had noted needed correction at those times had already been corrected with construction of the new water plant.

He also noted that he was "really tickled" with the state’s report on the recent sewer inspection.

He and Utilities Director Lamont Jenkins explained work underway at the water plant included valves with pneumatic control that keeps the water treatment at a constant level. Jenkins said the construction company would need to ship new parts before the repair could be made.

Carrying his arm in a sling, Jenkins also informed the council that the department was working short-handed but that all needs were being met in the city.

Police Chief Jack Schultz expressed concern at a crack cocaine arrest in the city. "Crack cocaine is highly addictive and is much cheaper than other drugs," he said and noted that drug arrests were beginning to rise again.

Schultz also announced that he would begin a series of meetings on the last Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at city hall with citizens and businesses.

The department issued 107 citations during the month including assault, 1; consumption of alcohol on prohibited property, 1; disorderly conduct, 3; allow unlicensed driver to drive, 1; expired drivers license, 2; failure to display drivers license, 3; no valid drivers license, 1.

Driving while license invalid, 8; failure to change address, 2; expired motor vehicle inspection, 12; expired motor vehicle registration, 12; no insurance, 11; public intoxication, 4; parking violation 2; speeding, 37; stop sign, 4; unregistered vehicle, 1; and unrestrained child, 2.

Arrests included aggravated assault, 1; assault family violence, 4; burglary, 1; disorderly conduct, 1; driving while intoxicated, 3; public intoxication, 3; trespass, 1; and warrants, 5.

Offense reports taken included aggravated assault, 1; assault family violence, 4; burglary of a building, 1; debit card abuse, 1; driving while intoxicated, 3; evading arrest, 1; forgery, 2; fraud, 1; hindering apprehension, 1; and theft, 1.

No accidents were investigated.

Code Enforcement Officer Mike Kerr reported 20 permits issued including building, 1; plumbing, 1; electrical, 1; mobile home, 1; and pet registration, 16.

Permit fees received included heating, ventilation and air conditioning, $35; occupancy permits, $60; and mobile home permit, $50.

Violations listed were high grass, 10; trans and junk, 15; inoperative vehicles, 5; animal complaints, 10; and animals removed, 7.

No citations were issued.

Municipal Court Judge Janice Leuze reported 83 citations issued; cleared, 55; reset or extended, 7; appeals, 3; trials pending, 2; payment agreements, 12; deferred probation, 14; defensive driving, 3; and community service 1.

Gross fines for the month totaled $8,776.20; court costs, $4,198; and net fines, $4,578.20.

Park host Rob Butler reported 125 used West Tawakoni City Park during the month of August for various events including fishing, birthdays, camping and baseball field reservations.

All members of the council and Mayor Pete Yoho were present.