I. Called to order and established a quorum at 7:00 pm
II. Amanda Adams, PK Kirkpatrick - Mayor Pro Tem, Benny Combs, Doug Franklin and Lindon Warden were present. Mayor Jan Cooper was absent
III. Invocation was led by Doug Franklin. Pledges spoken aloud by those present.
IV. Visitors (limit 3 minutes) –
      1. Cheryl Seilhan requested something be done about the bar ditches on Paris street in front of her house. As they are, she will not be able to mow them.
      2. James Yancy requested that fireworks restriction in the city be enforced this year. He told the Council that last year his roof and yard were covered in fireworks ‘leavings’ and it was too dangerous to allow this kind of behavior to occur again.
      3. Cheryl Seilhan issued a complaint of loose dogs around her house.
      4. Cliff Isaacs questioned an agenda item, namely IX. C. sending Shane Tarpley to wastewater class. He asked why the city would send an employee to class when Mr. Mayberry had been approved to go to classes and obtain his license for the city. Julie Russell explained that Mr. Tarpley would be attending Wastewater class and that Mr. Mayberry was working toward his Water license first.

V. Approved Minutes of February, 2011 with a motion from Doug Franklin, seconded by Lindon Warden, and motion carried 5-0.

VI. Approved Accounts Payable for February, 2011 were approved after request to clarify “splits” next month by a motion from Doug Franklin, seconded by Lindon Warden, and carried with a vote of 5-0.

VII. Reports
      1. Police Department – Chief Mayberry reported 35 total calls for service, including three for code violation and agency assists, ten disturbance and six incident calls, two arrests and four welfare concerns. He made 17 traffic stops, wrote 13 warnings and 11 citations. His mileage for the City was 1,322 using $348.99 in fuel. Chief Mayberry announced that the police department received a donation for handheld radios of $1,500. His reserves will be in place shortly; one reserve will begin Friday March 11th. The chief explained he was going to UNT to obtain or request free equipment from a program that provides free equipment for municipalities.

      2. Public Works Department– Julie Russell reported the successful repair of the sewer ‘jetter’ machine was achieved by the purchase of new bolts and a 1” swivel joint, the donation of wheels and tires, and the hard work of our city employees. Four new tires were purchased for the City truck from a government sponsored tire program, reducing the cost of the tires to the city. The lift station at Hwy 64 is soon to be repaired with the new pump (warranty replacement) obtained through North Texas Pump at no cost to the City. There are just a few remaining issues to get it working properly. Animal control calls have decreased in former problem areas, yet remain, generally, a problem. The roof leaked during a heavy storm and damage was done to the ceiling tiles, insulation, and carpeting. Adjuster is working on estimate and an ACV determination. Municipal Court processed citations with Judge Skotnik presiding. Fines were ordered totaling just over $2,500. $1,484 has been paid and is income for the city. There are three more cases pending.

      3. Volunteer Fire Department – Chief John Ryder reported 13 calls, one of which was a large grass fire, during which the clutch in the grass truck went out. Fortunately, Mr. Yancy was able to repair the truck in only 2 days at a reasonable cost. They are trying to add sprayers to the back of the grass truck which will greatly increase its effectiveness. There are two new members, Thomas Mead and Shane Tarpley, which the department was able to outfit with gloves. Some members attended the storm spotter class held in Bonham which was informative. He reported that the required monthly reports had been turned into the City. The Emergency Siren has been found by Mr. Metzky, who will return it to us. Chief Mayberry informed the Council that he was told Ralph Hall’s office might donate a siren to the City if needed.

VIII. Council Presentations
      A. There will be a Ribbon Cutting on Saturday April 16th at 10:00 am for the new repeater antenna installed and maintained by Rick Nelson of Crossroad Communications serving the Police and Fire Departments. The Mayor called for everyone to attend. Areas newspapers will be reporting the event.
      B. At 10:00 am on Saturday March 12th is a Compost Demonstration at City Hall co-sponsored by TCoG, featuring Master Gardener Jerry Haynes.

IX. New Business

      A. Approved beginning the bid process for bank depository services. Motion made by Lindon Warden, seconded by Amanda Adams, and carried 5-0.

      B. Approved beginning the bid process for Electric utility providers. Motion made by Amanda Adams, seconded by Lindon Warden, and carried 5-0.

      C. Amanda Adams moved to send Shane Tarpley, water department employee, to a Basic Wastewater Class (pre-requisite for testing for Class “D” wastewater license) in Kaufman, March 22-24 at a cost of $250, with a provision that he sign a statement noting his agreement to repay the class fee if he resigns his position before two years. Doug Franklin seconded the motion, and the motion carried 5-0.

      D. Considered determining which city properties are to be inspected for substandard condition and possible condemnation, and considered beginning procedures for condemnation and demolition of said properties, including setting a Public Hearing on condemned properties for June 6, 2011. After much discussion it was pointed out that the City budget was a great concern in dealing with demolition of property so Amanda Adams made a motion to set a workshop for this item immediately preceding the next Council meeting and to table this item tonight. The motion was seconded by Lindon Warden, and carried 5-0

X. Old Business
      A. Discussed results of research into truck pricing and considered authorizing the purchase of a truck or delegation of authority to make a purchase. This item was tabled by a motion from Lindon Warden, seconded by Amanda Adams, and carried 5-0.

XI. Executive Session: Pursuant to Sec. 551.087 of the Government Code, deliberation regarding Economic Development Negotiations - CLOSED SESSION at 8:12 pm - After a closed meeting, reconvened into Open Session at 8:50 pm taking no action.

XII. Motion to adjourn from Amanda Adams. Meeting adjourned at 8:52 pm

I. The Mayor called the meeting to Order at 3:03 pm and established a quorum.
II. Janis Cooper, Lindon Warden, Amanda Adams, PK Kirkpatrick, Benny Combs, and Doug Franklin were present.
III. Pledges were recited and Doug Franklin led the invocation.
IV. Visitors (limit 3 minutes)
      1. Rita Isaacs informed the Council that she would like the special meeting notices posted on the Yahoo Group.
      2. Debra Scoggins asked when and where the notices were posted.
V. Workshop Session (no action took place during this session):
      A. Discussion concerning condemnation and possible demolition of substandard buildings was carried on for over one hour. Method of homeowner notification was the focus. Demolition methods, safety and environmental concerns were covered, as well as how best to determine which structures should be addressed first.

      B. Discussion regarding currently occupied substandard buildings and homes, notification of homeowners and recourse in trying to find agencies to help homeowners afford the cost of repairing their homes to bring them up to standards.

      C. Discussed cost to the City of cleanup to property and obtaining estimates for demolition by outside companies. Year to date revenue and expenditures shown on the Budget by category was given to Council. The Mayor offered to get at least three company estimates for at least two types/kinds of structures/cleanup sites.

VI. Council Presentations
      A. Reminder about Ribbon Cutting on Saturday April 16th at 10:00 am for the new repeater antenna installed and maintained by Rick Nelson of Crossroad Communications that serves the Police and Fire Department taking place near water well #1, close to the square.

      B. Chamber of Commerce Spring Fling April 16th to be held on the square.

      C. Updates on the Gardens, Hazardous Household materials event (TCOG) April 30th in Bonham, or other information councilmen want to share. Amanda Adams shared that the Gardens has seeds that have been donated and are ready for planting.

      D. Doug Franklin informed the Council that our City siren has been returned to the City and we have it working. He commended Police Chief Mayberry for his cooperative and timely arrest of a suspected shooter (who also had illegal drugs and weapons in his possession) reported by Commerce Police.

VII. New Business
      A. Motion made by PK Kirkpatrick to schedule the Annual City-Wide clean-up to begin Saturday April 2nd and end Saturday April 9th, having one free roll-off dumpster ordered initially, to be situated off of Depot Street south of the square, and authorized the Mayor, at her discretion, to order a second dumpster. Lindon Warden seconded the motion, motion carried 5-0.

      B. By a motion from Amanda Adams, seconded by PK Kirkpatrick, the Council appointed Virginia Russell as election judge for the May 14, 2011 City Council election by a vote of 5-0.

VIII. Old Business
      A. Lindon Warden moved to authorize the purchase of a truck, namely the 1991 Dodge Diesel automatic ¾ ton located in Ladonia for $1800.00. Doug Franklin seconded, motion carried 5-0.

IX. Council did not enter into Executive Session.
X. Meeting was adjourned by a motion from Amanda Adams.