HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-02-07 - Regular City CouncilREGULAR SESSION - TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 79 1978 7:00 P.M.
CHAMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, CITY OF STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS
The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, met in Regular
Session, Tuesday, February 7, 1978, at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Donald R.
Jones present and presiding. Councilmembers W. M. Irwin, Calvin McGee,
Charles Riggins, Raymond Anderson, E.._W. Ferguson, Larry Hammett and
Betty Heath were present.
Others attending the meeting were City Administrator Marshall Shelton,
Director of Public Works R. Y. Gann, Assistant City Attorney Randolph
Chandler, Administrative Assistant Kurt Ackermann, Director of Parks $
Recreation Ronnie Isham, Chief of Police Mike Watkins, Fire Marshall Kenneth
Haley and City Secretary Joyce Pemberton. Also attending were Zoning
Board Chairman Dean Cox, Fire Chief Donald Smith, Administrative Assistant
Verna Hancock, Mrs. Kay Walton, Mrs. Barbara Lancaster and many others.
Mayor Jones called the meeting to order and the Reverend Eddie
Carpenter gave the invocation.
ITEM I: APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Councilwoman Heath moved, seconded by Councilman Anderson, that the
City Council approve the minutes of the January 3, 1978, meeting as written.
Motion carried unanimously.
ITEM II: DELINQUENT TAX PROPOSAL
BY MR. EDWIN R. YORK77R.
Mr. Edwin R. York, Jr., and attorney from Corsicana, Texas, came
before the Council with a proposal for the collection of real and
personal property taxes.
In his proposal, Mr. York outlined his procedures and stated that he
would furnish all supplies for 15% of the delinquent taxes collected.
City Administrator Shelton advised the Council that the city had
approximately $450000 in delinquent taxes, plus the penalty and cost.
Mr. Shelton also,pointed out that some type of annual collection program
was needed.
The Council discussed with Mr. York the problem of the elderly and
indigent citizens that are financially unable to pay their taxes. Mr.
York said these would be taken into consideration-,and there would be no
suits filed without the consent of the city.
After considerable discussion, with the consent of the Council,
Mayor Jones deferred action to give the Council more time for study
and consideration of this proposal. There was no further discussion
and no action taken.
ITEM III: HISTORICAL COMMISSION
AWARDS HISTORICAL MARKER
Mrs. Kay Walton came before the Council on behalf of the Erath
County Historical Survey Commission with the Announcement that the
brick streets of Stephenville have been awarded a historical marker
by the Texas Historical Commission with the dedication ceremony to be
February 22, 1978, at 3 :00 p.m.
Mrs. Walton requested authorization from the city for the historical
marker to be placed on city property at 984 W. Vanderbilt St. She also—
requested that the intersection of W. Vanderbilt and Clinton be blocked
off from city traffic for thirty (30) minutes for the dedication ceremonies
at the above designated time and place.
The Council discussed what position this would put the city in
legally if at a later date the citizens decided they wanted the brick
streets paved.
Mayor Jones commented that he did not object to the preservation
of the brick street, but also does not want a porhibition against the
Council being able to pave the brick streets if the Council so desires.
Additionally does not have objections to this type dedication, but he
would want the assurance that, if the Council did in fact decide to pave
I
I
i
1412
the ''streets, they could do so. Mayor Jones also stated that, in his
opinion, the fact that there has been a dedication would not be a
prohibition, but he would not want the position taken against council
action, that because of the dedication and the placement of the marker,
the 'brick streets could never be paved.
Councilwoman Heath commented that she felt that the citizens
interested in the preservation of the brick streets realized that some
time in the future the brick streets might have to be covered to preserve
them.
Councilman McGee commented that he thought this dedication might prohibit
the paving of said streets as a similar situation in Fort Worth had prevented
the ',owner of a building from painting said building as he wished.
Mrs. Walton suggested the Council contact LaVerne Herrington with the
Texas Antiquities Committee with any questions they might have.
After more discussion, Councilwoman Heath moved, seconded by Councilman
Hammett, that the City Council accept the designation of all the brick
streets of the City of Stephenville as a State Archeological Landmark by
the Texas Historical Commission. Also authorize the placement of a historical
marker on city property at 984 West Vanderbilt, with the stipulation that
said dedication would not bind future councils, also that there would not
be a'legal prohibition against alteration of the streets by the designation
itself.
Mrs. Walton, in answer to Councilman Irw.in's question, said that the
Texas Historical Commission is now working on the guidelines for the
repair of the brick streets.
Councilman Irwin then called for question on the above motion. The
motion carried unanimously.
ITEM IV: MRS. VERNA HANCOCK REVIEWS
GRANT APPLICATIONS
Mrs. Verna Hancock, Administrative Assistant, came before the Council
to report the status of several grant applications she is presently working
on and to discuss several funding programs that are available.
Mrs. Hancock requested the Council to approve and adopt a Resolution
establishing a Young Adult Conservation Corps.
After Mrs. Hancock read the Resolution, Councilwoman Heath moved,
seconded by Councilman McGee, that the City Council approve and adopt
said Resolution as read. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION
;CALLING FOR THE CITY OF STEPHENVILLE CITY COUNCIL TO AUTHORIZE
MARSHALL L. SHELTON, CITY, ADMINISTRATOR, TO SUBMIT TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT
OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING
A YOUNG ADULT CONSERVATION CORPS NON - RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM WITHIN THE CITY
OF STEPHENVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION~DEPARTMENT,
WHEREAS, IT IS THE OPINION OF THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE BEST
INTERESTS OF THE CITIZENS OF STEPHENVILLE WILL BE SERVED BY THIS PROJECT
IT PLEDGES ITS FULL SUPPORT TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT GRANT FUNDING.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THE 7TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1978.
ona d R. Jon s r
City of StepffpKville, Texas
Secretary
The Council did not take any action on the Low Rent Housing to be
=d by the Federal Government as outlined by Mrs. Hancock.
Um
Firei
this
Dece:
out i
meet:
for
ITEM V: AMENDMENT TO THE VOLUNTEER
FIREMEN "S BYLAWS
Fire Chief Donald F. Smith presented the amendment to the Volunteer
ien's Constitution and Bylaws. Mr. Smith advised the Council that
amendment had passed by 50% of the volunteer firemen in their
fiber meeting. The amendment had also passed by a'vote of 26 for
f 32 members.of the volunteer firemen present in their January
.ng and he is now requesting approval of the City Council.
Mr. Smith read the amendment to the Council and?Mayor Jones asked
iscussion.
After considerable discussion, Councilman Irwin moved, seconded, by
Councilwoman Heath, that Article 5, Section 1, page 4, of the Constitution
and Bylaws of the Stephenville Fire Department be amended to read as follows:
"All active members must be eighteen (18) years of a e or over, of .
good moral character and a,resident not to exceed five (5� road miles of
the city limits. No more than one - fourth of the total membership are to`
live !outside the city limits of Stephenville at one time. Members are
to have some respectable means of support, and be exempt from all
infirmities of mind and body which prevent them from performing the duties of
an active fireman with qualified service.
Qualified Service means fire - fighting service rendered while a
member in good standing of a fire - fighting unit that has no fewer than
ten (110) active members, and a minimum of two drills each month, each
drill two hours long, and each active member present at sixty _(60 %)
percent of the drills and twenty -five (25 %) percent of the fires. Records
to be checked in the annual meeting in January. Failure to meet the
above qualifications is automatic suspension."
After more discussion, question was called and the above motion
carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Irwin, McGee, Riggins, Anderson, Hammett and
Heath.
NOES: Councilman Ferguson.
ITEM VI: RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
River North Subdivision
Councilman Irwin advised the Council that he, Councilman Riggins
and Councilman Ferguson had met with Mr. Gann regarding the changes in
the River North Subdivision preliminary plat.
It was the consensus of this'c6mmittee that they were not in a
position'at this time to make a definite determination and requested
that the suggested changes, made in writing, recommended by the Planning
Commission, Mr. Denison and Mr. Gann, be redrawn into a plat and said
plat be resubmitted to the committee for re- evaluation before it is
brought before the Council for final approval. The committee would like
this to go back to the Planning Commission because of the major changes
in traffic flow, street changes and many others. The committee felt
that the Planning Commission should review the preliminary plat after
the changes had been made.
Councilman Irwin made the above request into a motion, seconded by
Councilman Riggins. The motion carried unanimously.
Tanglewood Northeast Subdivision
Councilman McGee moved, seconded by Councilwoman Heath, to approve
the preliminary plat of the Tanglewood Northeast Subdivision as recommended
by the Planning Commission.. Motion carried unanimously.
Morningside Drive
Councilman Riggins moved, seconded by Councilman Ferguson, to
accept the Planning Commission's recommendation not to sell Morningside
Drive at this time. Motion carried unanimously.
Im
Combining the Planning & Zoning Commissions
Mayor Jones said at the next regular council meeting that he would -
consider combining the Planning and Zoning Commission and appointing a
Board of Adjustment as suggested by Mr. Dave Denison and recommended by
the Planning Commission.
ITEM VII: RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
ZONING BOARD
Request of Fred Parker
After considerable discussion of the items of rezoning with Mr.
Dean Cox, chairman of the Zoning Board, Councilman Irwin moved, seconded
by Councilwoman Heath, that the City Council accept the recommendation
of the Zoning Board and approve the change of zoning on Lot 4A, Block
40, Park Place Addition, from R -2 to B -1 for the purpose of constructing
an office building or buildings on said property as requested by Mr.
Fred Parker, along with a policy statement that appropriate property
in the area will also be considered for B -1 zoning. Motion carried.
unanimously.
Request of Don Taylor
Councilman Irwin moved, seconded by Councilwoman Heath, that the
City Council accept the recommendation of the Zoning Board and grant
Mr. Don Taylor's request to construct an apartment complex on Lot 3,
Block 105, City Addition, according to his plans and provide one parkingi
space per unit. Motion carried unanimously.
Property on Northwest Loop
Councilman Irwin moved, seconded by Councilman McGee, to accept
the recommendation of the Zoning Board and approve the change of zoning
from R -1 to B -1 of all property starting at Dale Avenue following the
Northwest Loop to and including the Carl Chumney Property at a depth of
200 feet. Motion carried unanimously.
Request of Dr. J.C. Terrell, Sr.
Councilwoman Heath moved, seconded by Councilman Irwin, to accept
the recommendation of the Zoning Board and approve the zoning change
on Lots 39 4A and 4B9 Block 96, City Addition, form R -1 to B -1 for the
purpose of constructing a clinic adjacent to the present hospital as
requested by Dr. J.C. Terrell, Sr. "Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Jones directed that the above zoning changes be published
according to the City Charter and set the next regular council meeting
on March 7, 1978, at 7:00 p.m. as the date for public hearing on the
said zoning, changes.
Discussion of annexation of a portion of
River North Subdivision
The Council discussed the annexation of approximately two acres
outside the city limits in the River North Subdivision. Said two acres
being located at the north east corner of 'a 19 acre tract which is the
proposed site of a new clinic.
Mayor :_;Jones read the letter from Mr. James Ramsay petitioning the
City Council to annex said property.
After some discussion, Councilman Irwin moved that the City Counci
request those who wish to have said property annexed into the City of
Stephenville furnish the city with the metes and bounds of said propert
for the purpose of preparing an annexation ordinance to be considered
at the next regular council meeting on March 7, 1978. Councilwoman
Heath made the second-. Motion carried unanimously.
ITEM VIII: AUTHORIZATION GIVEN TO
INVITE BIDS FOR BACKHOE
FOR WATER DEPARTMENT
Councilman`Anderson moved, seconded by Councilman Ferguson, to
authorize the invitation of bids for the purchase of a new backhoe for
the Water Department. Motion carried unanimously.
Director of Utilities Johnson had budgeted $20,000 for this backho
MR
ITEM IX: DISCUSSION OF RENT PAID ON
MUNICIPAL JUDGES OFFICE IN
COURTHOUSE
Councilwoman Heath reported that several state agencies, such as
the 'State Highway Patrol, CETA, Office on Aging and the District Attorney
and 'others office in the county courthouse and do not pay rent. Mrs.
Heath said that she questioned the facat that the.city is paying $153.00
per 'month for the use of the Justice of the Peace's offace for the
Municipal Judge. Also she would like for the city to forfeit paying
the ''county rent of $153.00 per month and add said amount to the salary
of Municipal Judge Sarah Miller. Mrs. Heath asked that Mayor Jones
appoint a committee to meet with the County Judge and County Commissioners
to discuss this matter.
Mayor Jones appointed Councilwoman Heath and Councilman Irwin to
said committee.
ITEM X: AUTHORIZATION FOR.CLOSING
OF THE CITY PARK AT DESIGNATED
HOURS
Mayor Jones read a letter from Mr. Dickie Ingram of the Texas`
Municipal League regarding the closing of the city park because of
recent vandalism increases.
Mr. Ingram stated in his letter to City Attorney Chandler that, in
his ',opinion, closing portions of the city park after dark to prevent
vandalism falls well within the "reasonable rules" provision of Article
6080,9 V.T.C.S.
After considerable discussion and there being no opposition,
Mayor Jones directed 'Assistant City Attorney Randy Chandler to prepare
an ordinance to be considered at the next regular meeting.
a p(
Con!
ov e:
the
the
to
had
tha-
lot.
Councilman Anderson, reporting for the committee on.the leasing of
-tion of Lot 4, Block 13, City Addition, (104' X 1041) to the Soil
�rvation Service for the purpose of fencing and parking their vehicles
light, said they had looked at this property and talked to some of
)roperty owners across the street from said property. He also advised
;ouncil that the Soil Conservation Service had said they wanted
aase the south portion of the lot rather than the north portion as
>een discussed previously. Mr. Anderson also advised the Council
some of the property owners across the street from said lot were
3ed to the erection of a chainlink fence on this portion of said
Councilman Anderson said that the committee recommends the leasing
of the north end of the lot (the width of the lot east and west. and 100'
north and south) for $75.00 per month for a period of one year.
After some discussion, Mayor Jones asked that the committee meet
with the Soil Conservation Service and advise them that the Council
would probably approve a lease of 100' of the north end for the full
east'' -west width at a price of $75.00 per month if they want it. If they
should want to lease this portion at said price, to notify Mr. Shelton
so that the City Attorney may prepare a lease agreement to be adopted
at the next meeting.
ITEM XII:. DISCUSSION OF GARBAGEFRANCHISE
Mr. Bill Bledsoe came before the Council- reporting that he now
has an office set up and a lady to answer the telephone and has changed
the number of bags of leaves picked up at one time as had been requested
by the Garbage Franchise Committee. He said he had also changed some things
regarding the pick -up in the downtown area. Mr. Bledsoe advised the Council
that he would like one more meeting with the committee.
Mayor Jones suggested he and the committee.meet one more time and,
assuming that he and the committee are in agreement on the terms, have
an amended franchise drawn for adoption at the next meeting. If there
are any problem areas, they can be discussed at that time.
MI.
ITEM XIII: AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE
BURROUGHS BILLING MACHINE
City Administrator Shelton presented the report for the Data
Processing Committee. Mr. Shelton advised the Council that the Burrougl
Corp. had submitted a quotation on a Burroughs Mini - Computer Series
L9!900 of which they had a copy. Mr. Shelton said he would like to omit
the automatic reader @$64.45 per month.
Mr. Shelton said he would take -,the Burroughs L6500 billing machine
presently being used for water billing and put it in the accounting
department and install the new L9900 in the water billing - department
This new machine will cost $22,292 less $2,810 for the automatic reader
or $511.26 per month less $64.45 per month on the reader. Said cost is
including $3,900-for programs for the accounting department.
Mr. Joe Fraley with the Burroughs Corp. came before the. - Council an,
advised them that this is an installment plan which can be paid off at
anytime at 5% simple interest. This will be a capitalized expense.
There is no warranty on this type machine and the Maintenance Agreement
will be $180.00 per month.
After some discussion, Councilman Anderson moved, seconded by
Councilman Riggins, to accept the quotation submitted by Burroughs
Corp. for the purchase of a Burrough Mini - Computer Series L9900. Moti
carried unanimously.
ITEM XIV: REGULAR CITY ELECTION CALLED
It was moved by Councilman Irwin, seconded by Councilwoman,Heath,
that the annual City Election be called to be held on the 1st day of
April, 1978, in accordance with the Election Ordinance on page 86 -C,
Minute Book F. and the State Statute Procedure for use of the secret
ballot. The election being called for the purpose of electing one
councilperson for each place, numbers 2,4,6,8 and a mayor to serve
a two year term each. Also to elect one councilperson for place 3 to
serve a one year unexpired term. Mr. Olen Fenner to be appointed as
the Election Judge and Mr. C. N. Merrill as the alternate election
judge. The rate of pay to be the maximum of $2.50 per hour for clerks
and judges and $15.00 for the delivery of the returns. Motion carried
unanimously.
ITEM XV: RESOLUTION TO TRINITY
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mayor Jones advised the Council that Trinity Emergency Medical
Services had requested a Resolution stating the acceptance of the
$5,000.19 toward the purchase of a new ambulance for their audit trail.',
Mayor Jones read said Resolution.
Councilwoman Heath moved that the City
Resolution as read. Councilman Hammett made
unanimously.
RESOLUTION
Council pass
the second.
and adopt said
Motion carried
RESOLVED, THAT WHEREAS THE CITY OF STEPHENVILLE HAS RECEIVED
FROM TRINITY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES THE SUM OF $5,000.19 AS
PART OF THE COST OF A NEW AMBULANCE FOR THE CITY, AND WHEREAS ACKNOWL
MENT OF RECEIPT OF SAID SUM OF MONEY SHOULD BE MADE, THE MAYOR OF THE
CITY OF STEPHENVILLE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF T
SUM OF $59000.19 BY CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION BEING FURNISHED
TO SAID TRINITY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.
WE, DON JONES, MAYOR AND JOYCE PEMBERTON, CITY SECRETARY OF THE
CITY OF STEPHENVILLE, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT ABOVE AND FOREGOING I$ A
TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF A RESOLUTION PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF STEPHENVILLE AT A MEETING HELD ON THE 7TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 19789
AS SUCH RESOLUTION APPEARS IN THE CITY MINUTE BOOK SHOWING THE MINUTES',
OF SAID MEETING.
WITNESS OUT HANDS AND THE SEAL OFATHE CITY OF STEPHENVILLE, THIS
7 -TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1978.
onald R. Jon , ayor
ex
oyc Pemberton, City Secretary
MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION
Councilwoman Heath requested a six month budge
advised that he had planned to review the budget in
with the full council if they so desired.
Councilwoman:.,Heath asked Mayor Jones if he had
civic center committee to which Mayor Jones replied
a 'ointed Councilmembers Riggins Heath and Hammett
L review. Mr. Shelton
March and it could be
appointed the
he had not. He then
VV , as a committee to
work on the civic center project.
Councilman Riggins asked if the city had anyone locally that would
be interested in working on the delinquent taxes.
Assistant City Attorney Chandler replied that he really did not know.
He said he would check to see.
Mr. Shelton advised that he thought someone out of the city could be
more objective and Mr. York had stated he would not file any suites without
the consent of the city.
Councilman Riggins stated that he felt if the city were going to
spend the money that the city should give someone locally first chance,
if they wanted the job.
Councilman McGee suggested arr:"Honor Box" be installed for the
collection of fees for the camper sites in the City Park. There was some
discussion but no action taken.
NEW BUSINESS
Councilwoman Heath suggested that the city look into the possibility
of grant funding for the microfilming of city records.
Mr. Shelton said this had been looked into some but he would check
further.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor
10 :00 P.M.
147
If
ra
01
d
148
REGULAR SESSION - TUESDAY
MARCH 7, 1978 -7.00 P. M.
CHAMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, CITY OF STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS
The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, met in Regular Session, Tuesday,
March 7, 1978, at 7:00 P. m., with Mayor Donald R. Jones present and presiding. Council.
members W. M. Irwin, Calvin A. McGee, Charles Riggins, E. W. Ferguson, Larry Hammett,
and Betty Heath were present. Councilman Raymond Anderson was absent.
Others attending the meeting were City Administrator Marshall Shelton, Director
of Public Works R. Y. Gann, Assistant City Attorney Randolph Chandler, Administrative
Assistant Kurt Ackermann, Chief 'of Police Mike Watkins, Director of Utilities Danny
Johnson, Water Superintendent J. D. Chapman, Director of Parks & Recreation Ronnie
Isham, Street Superintendent Clinton Hicks, Fire Marshall Kenneth Haley, Tax Assessor -
Collector Robert Groves, City Secretary Joyce Pemberton, and many interested citizens.
Mayor Jones called the meeting to order and City Administrator Marshall Shelton
gave the invocation.
114
Councilman Irwin moved, seconded by Councilman McGee, to approve the minutes of the
February 7th meeting as written. !Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Jones asked that
these minutes clarify that the discussion of zoning changes in the February 7th meeting
were for the purpose of setting a`idate for a Public Hearing and not approval of said
zoning changes.
GA
Mayor Jones presented an Appreciation Plaque to former Councilman James T. Chambers
for his five years service on the ;City Council.
Mrs. Carpenter had requested to appear before the Council regarding a permit for
a barber shop in her home at 121 Park Drive. Mayor Jones reported this--had been handled
earlier in the day and would be referred to the Zoning Board and the Council would
subsequently act at a later date.
Miss Gates, daughter of William Gates, 322 S. Belknap Street, came before the Council
reporting that she was ,concerned about the Starlite Drive -In Theatre showing X -rated movies
and having them labled R- rated. Also that theatre personnel is letting minors into the
theatre when the X and R -rated movies are being shown.
Mayor Jones advised Miss Gates that, as the city does not have an ordinance pertaining
to this Problem, he did not know that there was anything the Council could do to alleviate
this problem. Mayor Jones did refer Miss Gates to the District Attorney's office as the
state statutes regulate the rating of picture shows and /or pornography. Miss Gates
i
also reported that a minor was employed at the theatre during the showing of said movies;
Miss Gates also reported that the hotdogs and hamburgers were being reheated on
five different nights.
Mayor Jones advised her the the City Health Officer had been contacted and he would
inspect the premises and check this out.
Director of Parks and Recreation Ronnie Isham came before the Council reporting
that the Optimist Club had pledged ',a portion of the proceeds from their annual auction
to the Parks & Recreation Department to apply toward the construction of a youth softball
field. (A Little League and girls! softball field).
Also the Norton Company would like to donate $4,000 to start the construction of
a softball field that they hoped the city would see fit to name "Norton Field" when
completed. In future years Norton (Company would like to donate money to this field
either for lights or other aspects of this field.
Mr. Isham said he hoped to have these fields completed this year, with the Youth
Field to be ready by the start of the Little League season.
Councilwoman Heath moved, seconded by Councilman Hammett, that the City Council
gratefully accept the kind offer of donations from -the Optimist Club and Norton Company
to the benefit of the Parks & Recreation Department.
In answer to Councilman Irwinffs question, Mr. Isham said he did have the space
available for these two fields and ';had budgeted $3,000 for one of them this year and
these donations would make it possible to develop both fields now.
Mayor Jones then called for question on the above motion. The motion carried unanimously.
. glj
REGULAR SESSION - TUESDAY
MARCH 7, 1978 -7.00 P. M.
CHAMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, CITY OF STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS
The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, met in Regular Session, Tuesday,
March 7, 1978, at 7:00 P. m., with Mayor Donald R. Jones present and presiding. Council.
members W. M. Irwin, Calvin A. McGee, Charles Riggins, E. W. Ferguson, Larry Hammett,
and Betty Heath were present. Councilman Raymond Anderson was absent.
Others attending the meeting were City Administrator Marshall Shelton, Director
of Public Works R. Y. Gann, Assistant City Attorney Randolph Chandler, Administrative
Assistant Kurt Ackermann, Chief 'of Police Mike Watkins, Director of Utilities Danny
Johnson, Water Superintendent J. D. Chapman, Director of Parks & Recreation Ronnie
Isham, Street Superintendent Clinton Hicks, Fire Marshall Kenneth Haley, Tax Assessor -
Collector Robert Groves, City Secretary Joyce Pemberton, and many interested citizens.
Mayor Jones called the meeting to order and City Administrator Marshall Shelton
gave the invocation.
114
Councilman Irwin moved, seconded by Councilman McGee, to approve the minutes of the
February 7th meeting as written. !Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Jones asked that
these minutes clarify that the discussion of zoning changes in the February 7th meeting
were for the purpose of setting a`idate for a Public Hearing and not approval of said
zoning changes.
GA
Mayor Jones presented an Appreciation Plaque to former Councilman James T. Chambers
for his five years service on the ;City Council.
Mrs. Carpenter had requested to appear before the Council regarding a permit for
a barber shop in her home at 121 Park Drive. Mayor Jones reported this--had been handled
earlier in the day and would be referred to the Zoning Board and the Council would
subsequently act at a later date.
Miss Gates, daughter of William Gates, 322 S. Belknap Street, came before the Council
reporting that she was ,concerned about the Starlite Drive -In Theatre showing X -rated movies
and having them labled R- rated. Also that theatre personnel is letting minors into the
theatre when the X and R -rated movies are being shown.
Mayor Jones advised Miss Gates that, as the city does not have an ordinance pertaining
to this Problem, he did not know that there was anything the Council could do to alleviate
this problem. Mayor Jones did refer Miss Gates to the District Attorney's office as the
state statutes regulate the rating of picture shows and /or pornography. Miss Gates
i
also reported that a minor was employed at the theatre during the showing of said movies;
Miss Gates also reported that the hotdogs and hamburgers were being reheated on
five different nights.
Mayor Jones advised her the the City Health Officer had been contacted and he would
inspect the premises and check this out.
Director of Parks and Recreation Ronnie Isham came before the Council reporting
that the Optimist Club had pledged ',a portion of the proceeds from their annual auction
to the Parks & Recreation Department to apply toward the construction of a youth softball
field. (A Little League and girls! softball field).
Also the Norton Company would like to donate $4,000 to start the construction of
a softball field that they hoped the city would see fit to name "Norton Field" when
completed. In future years Norton (Company would like to donate money to this field
either for lights or other aspects of this field.
Mr. Isham said he hoped to have these fields completed this year, with the Youth
Field to be ready by the start of the Little League season.
Councilwoman Heath moved, seconded by Councilman Hammett, that the City Council
gratefully accept the kind offer of donations from -the Optimist Club and Norton Company
to the benefit of the Parks & Recreation Department.
In answer to Councilman Irwinffs question, Mr. Isham said he did have the space
available for these two fields and ';had budgeted $3,000 for one of them this year and
these donations would make it possible to develop both fields now.
Mayor Jones then called for question on the above motion. The motion carried unanimously.