City hosts successful cleanup, plans two more
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By Emily Banks Wooten
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Over three and a half 40-yard dumpsters were filled, and 565 used tires were collected during the City of Livingston’s community cleanup event for city residents held April 6 at Pedigo Park, City Manager Bill S. Wiggins informed the Livingston City Council during its April 9 meeting. Calling it “a really successful cleanup,” Wiggins said additional ones are being planned for July and October.
The Livingston Police Department will host a “Drug Take Back Day” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27 in the main parking lot at city hall for citizens to safely dispose of unused and expired medications. Sponsored by the Alcohol & Drug Awareness Council of Deep East Texas and Polk County Community in Action, Onalaska and Corrigan Police Departments will also be participating in their respective communities.
Swimming lesson sign-ups begin at 8 a.m. May 1 at the parks and recreation office in Pedigo Park. Wiggins said over 500 participated last year and they are expecting at least that many this year.
Updating Council on other upcoming events, Wiggins said the city – along with the Polk County Historical Commission – is hosting a marker dedication for Moses L. Choate, the founder of Livingston, at 10:30 a.m. May 4 at the Old City Cemetery. Additionally, Livingston Trade Days is slated for May 18-19 at Pedigo Park.
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Area Engineer Clint Jones, along with other TxDOT representatives Homar Munoz and James Henegan, attended the meeting to answer questions related to a proposed municipal maintenance agreement between the city and TxDOT. The previous municipal maintenance agreement was executed in 2011 so TxDOT’s Lufkin District Office said it was time to update it.
Jones reviewed the summary of changes, commenting that there are some added benefits for the city. Through the new agreement, TxDOT will be responsible for repairs to pathways, curbs and sidewalks, in addition to ADA-related items such as handrails.
“Everyone knows that our sidewalks have been in need of repairs for years, but it’s always been a question of who’s responsible,” Wiggins said, commenting that growth, additional foot traffic and the fact that Livingston is a retirement community have all made it a matter of public safety.
“This is a great opportunity for the city. Economic development is key,” Jones said.
In other TxDOT activity, Jones reported that mowing season for the department starts June 1 as they – by restriction – have to let the wildflowers go to seed. He referred to some patching needed on West Church Street and that he hopes to be able to do it at night this time to reduce traffic congestion. And speaking of traffic congestion, Jones said his district engineer is aware of the traffic problems that plague Hwy. 190 West and is looking at alternatives. Replacement of the Choates Creek bridge is on the horizon, with rights of way presently being determined.
Council approved the proposed ordinance approving the mutual maintenance agreement dated April 9 between the city and TxDOT. Council also approved a proposed mutual maintenance ordinance providing for the maintenance of certain state highways and/or portions of state highways and the City of Livingston.
The appointment of Terresa Langston to replace Whitney Van Hess on the Main Street Advisory Board for a term ending Dec. 31, 2024 was approved. Van Hess moved and no longer wanted to serve as a director.
Although Council was initially slated to discuss and consider possible action on the appeal of denial of a sign permit and request for variance for off-premises signage at 220 FM 350 North by Henry O. Ager III, IDK LLC and Dwayne Vickery, an unexpected scheduling conflict necessitated postponing the item until the May meeting.
Other business included approval of the minutes of the March 12 meeting and the accounts over $500.
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