The Mansfield City Council met on Thursday evening, January 24, at 7 p.m. This was the first meeting being conducted by newly elected Mayor Buddy Black.

Aldermen present included newcomer Julie Thomas, Beverly Lyons, Sheri Hopkins and Rick McDaniel. Dave Johnson and Jan Carlton were absent with cause.

Police Chief Boyd Farmer gave his report, which included information regarding the recent fraudulent checks on the city. “A warrant has been issued for a white female out of Wister, Oklahoma and we have identified a male subject.”

Farmer also informed the council that Corporal Tom Garrison had hit a deer, which caused damage to the fender of his pickup truck. Farmer is awaiting an estimate from Ducks Body Shop on the repair costs.

Next, Fire Chief Stephen Haysmer gave his report. Haysmer informed the council that most of their calls were medical. Additionally, that four members of the department were scheduled to attend training this weekend at Midland. “We need them trained and for them to be attending the meetings,” commented Black. Haysmer agreed stating, “I can’t have guys not trained going on calls with guys who have their training, someone is going to get hurt.”

Haysmer addressed the council about the fire departments need for new pagers. After some discussion, the council decided not to take immediate action, rather, tabling the motion until the passing of the 2019 budget.

Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker gave a report on the Dixie Theater. Walker informed the council of the formation of the committee, and commended Shelby Allen, the city’s grant writer, for all her assistance with the restoration project. Allen commented that, “We’ve got a lot of people working on this and we want to make this as inclusive as possible and maintain the dignity of the city.” Walker and members of the committee are working to get the Dixie Theater recognized as a venue.

Additionally, Allen commented that she is searching for a grant to help fund a new roof to go on the police department, which is leaking. Allen said there are rural grants available to help fund the project.

Walker also updated the council on the issue of the fraudulent checks. She read a statement from the Municipal League, who is conducting the investigation. -See related story. “It’s going to be an ongoing thing,” said Walker. Adding that, “officer Sean White has done an excellent job with the investigation.”

After discussing items of old business, the council moved on to new business which included the new budget for 2019. Resolution 2019-2, the 2019 budget, and resolution 2019-3, which established procedural rules for the city council, passed unanimously.

Black informed the council that Landmark Engineering will be auditing the waste water facility to see what would be needed to accept liquid waste from the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center.

McDaniel made the motion to reverse the action previously taken by the council to formerly return all mayoral duties back to the mayor. That motion passed unanimously.

In announcements, Black commented that the rural fire dues, in the amount of $40, can be paid at city hall and that dog tags should also be purchased at city hall for $2.50.

With no further items of business, the meeting was adjourned.