City offices were closed this past Monday in order to honor Martin Luther King Day.
We removed the Christmas from the Courthouse lawn and packed it away until next year.
The Assistant City Manager / City Secretary attended training for legal issues that could impact cities. The training focused on Open Meetings Act, walking quorums, and several other issues important for the Council to consider.
Parks and Recreation Department prepped for the expected freezing weather this weekend. They repaired AC and heating units at Twin Lakes Activity Center and prepared the facility in the event we need to open it for a warming shelter. Due to a lack of personnel to monitor the facility 24-7, we will be posting a notice for residents to contact the Fire Department if they need to utilize the warming shelter. If needed, someone will ensure it is open. With the assistance of other departments, Parks and Recreation also installed the cover over the swimming pool and ensured it was winterized.
The Street Department, with assistance from other departments, prepped for spreading deicer in several locations. We have a limited supply of deicer; therefore, we have developed a plan to ensure we pre-treat the hospital, Sheriff's Office, State Prison, Lowes Grocery Store, Dollar General and the Police Department this afternoon (Friday). We will treat the schools early Monday morning. The Street Department also delivered four (4) trash trailers.
Distribution and Collection helped Parks and Recreation with the swimming pool, and the Street Department with preparing to pre-treat the streets. Additionally, they continued to work on the installation of the water line on Depot Street. They also responded to twenty-one (21) calls for service, to include assistance at the Junior High School for sewer issues, and the jail for lift-station issues.
Building Inspections and Code Enforcement completed nine (9) inspections and/or plan reviews. He also assisted with repairs of the HVAC units at the Activity Center, and winterizing the swimming pool.
We hosted the Texas Municipal League Region V Quarterly Meeting on Thursday. We want to thank Trevino's for an excellent meal, and Fort Richardson for an interesting presentation to the group.
Our Employee Spotlight of the Week is Officer James Henry. Officer Henry was one of the first officers Chief Penny hired and is a huge asset to the City. He has been a key part in ensuring all the technical needs for the vehicles have been updated, as well as training the officers on all the equipment.
Our next Council Meeting is Monday, January 26, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
Respectfully,
Mike S.
MICHAEL R. SMITH, Lt Col, USAF (ret)
City Manager