HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-04-16 - Special City CouncilM
April 16, 1974
Stephenville, Texas
The City Council met in regular session at 7: :00 A.M., April 16, 1974, in the dinning
room of the Ramada Inn, Stephenville, Texas, with Mayor Donald R. Jones presiding
and the following members present: Jim Chambers, Neal Guthrie, Larry Hammett, W. M.
Irwin, Raymond Anderson, Jesse Sexton and Roy McCoy.
Absent: Charles Riggins.
Others present were: City Administrator Shelton,and City Secretary, Joyce Pemberton.
Mayor Jones on behalf of the Council and himself welcomed the new members, Mr. W.M.
(Bill) Irwin and Mr. Neal Guthrie, to the Council and the old members that were re-
elected, Councilmen McCoy and Hammett.
The Council discussed the automation of the well field. The cost of this automation
had been included as part of the Certificates of Obligation in the amount of $20,000.
In order to reduce the amount of obligation and interest or to use the money else-
where, the Council considered doing this outside the Certificates of Obligation. A
bid of $22,829, had been received from L & W Utilities Company in Dallas. This
would automate the 60% of the well field. An additional $800.00 would be needed
for electrical work. Two other companies could not bid on this because of the.
specifications.
After considerable discussion, Councilman Irwin made the motion, seconded by Council-
man Chambers, to accept the bid of $22,829. from L & W Utilities Company and go on
with the automation. Motion carried unanimously.
After some discussion, Councilman Chambers moved, seconded by Councilman Sexton, to
amend the present sewer policy to include churches specifically at the present rate
they are being charged, which would classify them as a small business. Motion carried
unanimously.
The Council discussed the need for a cost of living increase in salary for'the city
employees. The reason for an increase in mid -year is due to inflation. City Admini-
strator Shelton had given each member ":'a salary schedule and a proposal of financing
The effect this increase would have on next year's budget was also discussed.
1 After quite a bit of discussion, Councilman Anderson made the motion, seconded by
Councilman Irwin, to grant a 10% salary increase to city employees, effective April
1, 1974. Motion carried unanimously.
The Council discussed the Workman's Compensation Insurance offered by The Texas
Municipal League. A recapulation of premiums shows that, if accepted, would be app -
oximately $8,599.31 per year. Mayor Jones said that, for the protection of the tax -
payers, he didn't feel,that the City had any alternative but to take the Workman's
Compensation Insurance.
Follwoing more discussion, Councilman Irwin made the motinn to give City Administrator
Shelton the- authority to go ahead with the Workman's Compensation and when he gets
it worked out that it would be satisfactory with the Council. Councilman Sexton
said the Council had passed this at last meeting based on the $5,000. per year prem-
iums. Mayor Jones suggested talking with City Attorney Chandler on the classification
of personnel, then if TML decided to accept it, get them to give a definite amount
of the premium and put it on the June agenda for action by the Council. Councilman
Irwin withdrew his motion.
The Council discussed the Girl Scout request of an exchange of property between
themselves and the City. Mayor Jones reported that the Girl Scouts had acquired
two lots adjacent to the City's overhead water supply on Garfield Street and are
requesting an exchange of this property and City owned property on Harbin Dr., be-
tween the Presbyterian Church and the Lacy property. Mayor Jones said that he had
discussed this with the City Attorney and it was the Attorney's opinion that this
would involve an appraisal of both properties to determine equal value and the taking
of public bids.
Mayor Jones said he qould like to submit this back to the Committee of Councilmen
Riggins, Chambers and add Councilman Guthrie to this committee. Mayor Jones sug-
gested that the committee check with City Attorney Chandler on the legal procedures
and the Girl Scout leaders as they would need their property appraised, also do they
want to take a chance on a public bid. The Mayor asked the committee to report back
to the Council at the next meeting.
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned.
Mayor
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