The Parks and Recreation Department assisted with maintenance and operations at the swimming pool. They also cleaned up the edges of the lake and painted the well house and electrical boxes. In addition they continued to work on the drainage near South 2nd Street. We had fifty (50) visitors to the Twin Lakes Activity Center and twenty-one (21) ground operations at the airport. We also sold over 1100 gallons of fuel at the airport over the past two weeks. Next Friday, August 1st, is the last day that the swimming pool will be open to the public.
In addition to assisting with maintenance at the swimming pool and the Fire Department, our Building Inspector conducted six (6) inspections. He also met with Concerned Citizens to help them develop options for back-up electrical power.
The Police Department returned all the patrol vehicles to the PD and began an inventory to determine which vehicles are still operational. Chief Penny also met in Bridgeport with the Child Advocacy Center to meet their staff and tour their facilities. Chief Penny has interviews scheduled next week to begin hiring new officers.
The Street Department paved a portion of South Jack Street and Lost Street. They also prepared East Archer for pavement and will begin preparing Center Street for pavement as well.
The Distribution and Collection Crew responded to fourteen (14) calls for service. They also assisted with the delivery of three (3) trash trailers.
Animal Control Officer met with the Friends of the Shelter to discuss the significant increase in the number of cats and kittens that we take into the shelter. Contractors installed sun shades above the kennels at the shelter, and the Friends received a grant that will go towards the construction of a fence for the Dog Park.
Several of us attended a Regional Texas Municipal League quarterly conference in Wichita Falls last night. The speaker provided a legislative update of bills that affect the City, as well as a discussion regarding the Legislative Special Session that is began this week. Our HR/Tourism Director attended a quarterly regional Texas Midwest Community Network meeting in Abilene.
The City Secretary and City Manager attended a Sesquicentennial Planning Meeting. The City will assist with the set-up and tear-down for portions of the event. The City will also be holding our annual Fly-In at the airport that same weekend.
Our Employee Spotlight of the Week is shared by James Henry and Johnny Burritt. James works in the Parks and Rec Department, and Johnny is our Code Enforcement Officer and Building Inspector. Both assist with the maintenance and operations at the swimming pool. Last Friday James and Johnny stayed at the swimming pool until well after 1:00 am on Saturday morning repairing a pump to ensure that the pool could open on Saturday morning. This is just one example of the dedication these two gentlemen have towards our City and the residents.
Our next Free Trash Day is scheduled for August 9th.
Our next Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 28th at 5:30 P.M.
Respectfully,
Mike S.
MICHAEL R. SMITH, Lt Col, USAF (ret)
City Manager