Council votes to discipline secretary
The Clarendon City Council approved moving forward with a project to replace aging water lines on north side of town during its regular meeting last Thursday, December 11.
Former alderman Mandy Smith spoke in support of the project during public comments at the opening of the meeting.
“I’ve asked for two and half years for clean water, and we’re so excited,” Smith said. “We hope you all vote ‘yes.’”
City Administrator Brian Barboza told the council the city’s engineers estimate the project will cost about $107,000 to replace several blocks of cast iron water pipes. The city would look at funding the project with tax notes, which could be paid off in seven years with an annual note payment of about $30,000.
The project would not replace all of the cast iron supply pipes on the north side of town, but it would reach a large number of households.
The council voted unanimously to approve the project.
In other city business, the council met in closed session for almost an hour and half to consider disciplinary action on City Secretary Machiel Covey following citizens’ complaints aired at the November meeting. Returning to open session, the council approved placing written employee disciplinary note in Covey’s file.
The city’s procedures for cutting off water service due to non-payment were discussed. The council express their desire for notices not be placed on the outside of meter boxes in public view, and aldermen also encouraged more to be done to educate the public about e-billing and other options to help possibly mitigate cut-offs.
Also last week, the council approved amending the waste management agreement with Republic Services to add complimentary service to Prospect Park and to adjust rates for Greenbelt Water Authority following a meeting between city, Republic, and Greenbelt officials.
A resolution was approved for the city’s participation in a Panhandle Regional Mutual Aid Agreement.
The council approved appointing Brandon Frausto, Bob Weiss, Nathan Floyd, and Earl Hartman to the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.
A proposed ordinance to add new stop signs in the city was discussed but no action was taken.
A quote for lighting in Prospect Park was also discussed, but the council directed Barbosa to talk with AEP / SWEPCO first.
An ordinance was approved to set $150 as the radio tower rental rate, and a tower rental agreement was approved with AW Wireless.
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