The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday evening, April 15 at 6 p.m. Members present were Bobby Musgrove, Sheri Hopkins, Beverly Lyons, James Steele, and Julie Thomas. Councilwoman Jan Carlton was absent. Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.
After approving the March 18, 2021 meeting minutes and financials, the council heard the city services reports.
Fire Chief Michael Smith reported a total of 21 calls, one fire and 20 EMS. He presented bids for a thermal imaging kit and a Ready Rack washer and dryer. Smith stated that he is still waiting for bids on the air cascade system. The department had one resignation and added one new member. Smith concluded by reporting issues with the Freightliner, and the leaking roof inside the bay.
Police Chief Wayne Robb presented his report, noting the department had 35 calls, 17 agency assists, nine school calls 10 total incident/arrest reports, two accident reports, 140 traffic stops, 108 warnings, one drug arrest, four adult arrests, and eight animal calls. In total, the department participated in eight and a half hours of training.
Robb also stated that West Fraser had donated $500 to purchase a portable breathalyzer for officers to use in the field.
Public Works Director Joe Manes was not present, however, Wastewater Operator Tony Gregory presented the department’s report. Gregory stated that the Public Works Department had performed 81 work orders, installed a new pump, and checked the valves at the out-of-town pump station. He noted that pump hours had dropped from 16-18 hours to five-six hours per 24 hour period. He added that cameras were being installed at the sewer plant and that the U.V. bulbs and crystals had been replaced.
City Attorney Travis Plummer addressed the council, reporting on the status of the Carlton de-annexation case, which is nearing completion.
In items of unfinished business, Mayor Black presented water rates from surrounding cities. “We have to address our water rates,” stated Black. “We are behind. It is gonna hurt, but we gotta do something.” Plummer stated that any action on increasing water rates would require a new ordinance. No official action was taken.
Under items of new business, a motion was made by Councilman Steele and seconded by Musgrove to amend the minutes of the October 15, 2020 meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda, a discussion on purchasing two vacant lots on Howard Street from Martin Funeral Home. Black proposed the two lots be utilized for parking. The council discussed the cost of future resurfacing and the estimated expense of filling up a well on the property. No action was taken, and the matter was tabled.
Additionally, no action was taken on the next two items on the agenda, the fire department roof repair, and police department floor repair. Black is awaiting an additional bid for the roof of the fire department and bids are being taken for the floor repair at the police station.
Next on the agenda, a discussion on the trash ordinance. “Lots of trash was not picked up last week,” stated Black. Ordinance 2019-4 limits the number of trash bags that the city will pick up. Black added that it is unsanitary, especially during this period of COVID, to leave household trash on the side of the road. “I don’t think this is an issue with the ordinance,” Councilman Steele stated. “I think this is a personnel issue.” Black stated that he had addressed the problem, and felt that it had been resolved.
The last item of business, appointing a third check signer. Black recommended Councilwoman Lyons be appointed to fill that role. Steele made the motion to accept Black’s recommendation, Hopkins seconded, and the motion carried with Lyons abstaining.
Before adjourning, Black announced the Spring Countywide Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, May 8 from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Public Works Department.
