Livingston to get charging stations

By Emily Banks Wooten
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The Livingston City Council approved the installation of two electric vehicle charging stations during its Feb. 14 regular meeting.

“We were contacted by the Holiday Inn and also by Tesla regarding putting in some electric vehicle charging stations. Holiday Inn wants to put in two and Tesla wants to put in eight,” City Manager Bill S. Wiggins said.

“This gives the City of Livingston the opportunity to sell a lot more electricity. Beside the increase in revenue, I think it will bring more people to our community. I think this is good news. And there is absolutely no cost to the city,” Wiggins said.

The stations will be located at Holiday Inn Express at 120 Southpoint Lane and at Best Stop at 1155 E. Church St.

Council ordered the May 6 general election for the election of three councilmembers. The three councilmembers who are up for reelection are Clarke Evans, Elgin Davis and Dr. Ray Luna. All three incumbents have filed and a fourth person, Bobby Jackson, has also filed.

Council approved a proposed resolution establishing procedures for the May 6 general election and also approved an interlocal agreement with Polk County for use of the county-owned voting and election equipment, election supplies and election services for the election.

Carrie J. Hill was slated to make a presentation to Council to request a modification to the Sept. 14 final order of abatement of unsafe and/or dilapidated buildings at 154 Banks Drive. Following her presentation, Council was going to discuss and consider possible action modifying the final order of abatement. However, Hill was not present at Tuesday’s meeting.

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Council accepted the Livingston Police Department’s 2022 racial profiling report in accordance with Article 2.134(b) of the Texas Criminal Code of Procedure. In other police department business, Council approved amendments to the police department’s policy. Policies amended included 202 (emergency plan management), 305 (officer-involved shootings and deaths), 429 (medical aid and response and 1031 (line of duty deaths).

Back in October, Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency, the city’s electricity provider, deeded the Livingston Substation and the Ogletree Substation back to the city. While the city’s electrical crew handles the routine maintenance, bids were let for the annual inspections and maintenance of the two substations. Council approved awarding the bid to Dashiell at a cost of $44,110.

During his monthly report on events and development projects, Wiggins reported that the Livingston Area Fire Training School is slated for Feb. 25 at 8 a.m. with the opening ceremony scheduled for the night before. Wiggins reported that the Livingston Farmers & Artisan Market held at Anniversary Park will be up and running the first and third Saturdays of the month beginning March 4.

Livingston Main Street will host its Meet & Greet at 5 p.m. March 9 at the Across the Tracks Live Music Venue located at 309 N. Jackson. This is an opportunity for business owners in the downtown historic district to meet and get to know each other, as well as an opportunity for Main Street Manager Lynn Riley to inform everyone of the opportunities that are offered through the program.

Friends of the Library will host its book fair March 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Livingston Trade Days is slated for March 18-19 at Pedigo Park and will feature the Spring Outdoor Expo on March 18.

The Trinity-Neches Livestock Show is slated for March 27 through March 31 at the Barney Wiggins Memorial Park. The City of Livingston will host its annual Easter Eggstravaganza April 12 at Pedigo Park with Easter bunny pictures starting at 9:30 a.m. and the egg hunt starting at 11 a.m.

Wiggins also reported that the city staff is researching several recreational activities, including disc golf, a youth bicycle jump zone area and pickleball courts.

Other business included payment of accounts over $500 and approval of the minutes of the Jan. 10 regular meeting.