HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-09-07 - Regular City CouncilI
Stephenville, Texas
September 7, 1971
The City Council met in a regular meeting on the above date with Mayor Skipper presiding
and the following council members present: Charles Riggins, Don Metsgar, Garland Louder-
milk, Doug Smithey, Toby Stone, Raymond Anderson, and Mrs. Fred McCleskey.
Others present were: Director of Public'Works Gann, Director of Parks Isham, Fire
Marshall Ferguson, and City Attorney Chandler,
Minutes of previous meetins were read, corrected and approved.
Mr. Neal Guthrie appeared before the council stating that the new trash containers were
placed on the square by the firm of "Hi Neighbor ". There was objections by downtown
businessmen and Mr. Guthrie removed the containers upon request of the City. Mr. Guthrie
stated that Gibsons, Service Center, Cawyers, and Savings and Loan Association bought
advertising on the trash containers, the advertising was bought after each local merchant
was told that the project was approved by the Chamber of Commerce. Also appearing in
regard to trash containers were John Morrison and Telefus Cawyer. It was pointed out that
in excess of $3000.00 was spent on advertising that is on the trash containers. These
persons asked the city to grant permission for placing containers on City sidewalks.
It was moved by Councilman Smithey, seconded by Councilwoman McCleskey, that trash con-
tainers that were donated by the Jaycees and placed on sidewalks be moved to City Park,
and the new trash containers be allowed to be placed upon sidewalks. After brief dis-
cussion, Councilwoman McCleskey withdrew the second to above motion. Then the above
motion was seconded by Councilman Metsgar. Vote was taken with result of 4 for and 3
against, with 1 abstaining. Councilmen Riggins and Loudermilk asked that their votes be
recorded no.
Mr. B. L. Singleton appeared before the council stating that the Lions Club has agreed
to purchase a drinking fountain and would like to give this to the City and if accepted
the fountain be installed in the City Park.
It was moved by Councilwoman McCleskey, seconded by Councilman Smithey, to accept the
fountain and sincere thanks be given the Lions Club. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Kal Segrist appeared before the council stating that he is being charged two minimum
bills at his home. This is being done as the City contends Mr. Segrist has an apartment.
Mr. Segrist stated that there is no such thing as a one room apartment according to his
dictionary.
Councilman Anderson reporting for the committee stated that according to City policy the
two minimum charge is correct and the committee recommend this not be changed. Mr. SegrJ
had been written a letter prior to this council meeting regarding the City policy for
apartments.
It was moved by Councilman Smithey, seconded by Councilman Metsgar, to uphold the
recommendation of the committee. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Charles Ratliff appeared before the Council and asked that refund be reconsidered
of taxes on lot 6, block 152. At previous meeting the Council had authorized three
years tax to be refunded. It was found later that the property had only been used
strictly for church purposes during the two years of 1965 and 1966.
It was moved by Councilman Loudermilk, seconded by Councilman Smithey, to refund to
Charles Ratliff two years tax in amount of $40.01. Motion carried. (Said tax receipts
to be attached to voucher and cancelled check).
Councilman Metsgar had nothing to report.
Fire Marshall Ferguson reported that 17 runs were made by fire dept. last month. Also
reported that the railroad has paid for the fighting of fires on their right of way in
the amount of $750.00.
It was moved by Councilman Smithey, seconded by Councilman Metsga.r, to deposit this ^•
$750.00 in the fire station building fund. Motion carried.
Councilman Smithey asked if a date has been set to meet with Commissioner's Court
in regard to helping with the expense in operating the proposed new fire station.
Director of Parks Isham reported large attendance at all activities in the recreation
programs and there have been a large number of reunions held at the park the past month.
Director of Public Works reported that one new well is complete and the pump has been set.
The test hole and electric log for the second well are complete.
Director of Public Works also reported that resurfacing of streets are in full swing and
plan to use the balance of the funds in present budget to purchase material to continue
with resurfacing of city streets.
-I Councilman Riggins had nothing to report butcalled Director of Public Works Gann to re-
port on the condition of the existing sewer system. Mr. Gann presented a map of the City
showing the areas that have sewer service, and explained in detail when and how the specific
areas were placed on city sewer. It was noted that in excess of 956 of the homes have
city sewer service available.
riyal
was reported that the water department has been very busy and have made a large
number of water taps during the past month. .l
It was moved by Councilman Loudermilk, seconded by Councilman Riggins, to adopt the
following ordinance:
ORDINANCE
That the tax rate in the City of Stephenville for the year 1971 is hereby fixed at
$1.60 (one dollar sixty cents) on the one hundred dollar valuation of all property by
law and ordinance of said city, and which tax is hereby apportioned to the various
funds of the City as follows:
General Fund --------------------------------- 93.5
BandFund------- --------- ----- --- ------ -- -- -- .005
Park Fund ------------------------------------ 31.5
Street Lighting Fund ------------------------------ 11.5
Airport Fund----------- ------ -- -------- - - - - -- .01
Cemetary Fund-------------------------- - - - - -- .03
Bond Requirements---------------------- - - - - -- .19
$1.60
That this ordinance be in full force and effect after its passage. Motion carried.
It was moved by Councilman Loudermilk, seconded by Councilman Riggins to approve and
adopt the 1971 -1972 budget. Motion carried. /!
�roN .5' aAded .6 `l (�PUrtci /metL .LcucO�/inrir /.��
It was moved by Councilman zwi& to transfer $17,000.00 from City Sales Tax Fund
to the Road & Bridge Fund. Motion carried. -;
Councilman Anderson reported that the birds are becoming a nuisance in the Chamberlin
Addition and some of the property owners are shooting to scare the birds. There have
been numerous complaints of shot hitting some of the residents of the area. It was
pointed out that it is against the law to discharge fire arms in the city and this
should be enforced.
There
V) 4,5 also complaints made of persons selling merchandise in the vicinity of the
sale barn. After discussion the Mayor appointed Councilmen Loudermilk, Stone and
Riggins as a committee to look into the matter.
The Council discussed the requiring that in the future persons being employed by
the City take a physical examination.
�iIt was then moved by Councilman Loudermilk, seconded by Councilwoman McCleskey, that
n the future the City require physical examinations before persons are employed by
the City. Motion Carried.
There being no other business at this time, the Council stood adjourned, subject
to the Mayor's call.
Mayor
ATTES�T:
City Se re /tary