Polk County News - Breakout

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From Enterprise Staff

Several resolutions related to grant activity will be reviewed and considered for action by the Onalaska City Council during a special called meeting at noon on Wednesday.

Resolution 2024-010 regarding the civil rights policies for the General Land Office (GLO) Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation Method of Distribution Program, Contract #24-065-049-E541 including Citizen Participation Plan Resolution 22-017 (Reaffirm), Excessive Force Policy, Section 504 Grievance Policy, Section 3 Policy and (Reaffirm) Fair Housing Policy Resolution2022-021 will be reviewed and considered for approval.

Resolution 2024-011 designating authorized signatories for contractual and financial documents pertaining to the GLO Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation Method of Distribution Program, Contract #24-065-049-E541 will be reviewed and considered for approval.

Proclamation 2024-001 “Reaffirming Fair Housing Month Proclamation 22-001, Proclamation of April as Fair Housing Month” will be reviewed and considered for approval.

Resolution 2024-012-Amendment No. 1 for the grant administration and environmental services contract for the Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation Method of Distribution Program Contract #24-065-049-E541 will be reviewed and considered for approval.

Resolution 2024-013-Amendment No. 1 for the engineering services contract for the Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation Method of Distribution Program Contract #24-065-049-E541 will be reviewed and considered for approval.

 

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The Livingston High School varsity golf team was recently honored at a meeting of the Livingston Lions Club. The team won the UIL district championship where Jack New and Brayden Akers tied for first place individual champions and Brandon Munson placed third overall. The team is presently gearing up for the regional tournament. (l-r) Lion Mark Birdwell, Varsity Golf Coach Frank Brister, Brayden Akers, Drew Davidson, Jack New, Brandon Munson, Carson Pipes and Lion President Jared Jernigan. Courtesy photo

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By Brian Besch 
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Thursday’s meeting of the Goodrich City Council heard water issues, a report on the recent Easter egg hunt, and added another alderman in April’s regular meeting.

Resident David Hill has volunteered his help for the City of Goodrich with city sewer and ditches. He addressed the council during open forum, saying Goodrich has experienced draining issues. Hill believes one of the major issues is on the south end of town, especially with the heavy rains over the week. He reported missing manhole covers and places where debris needs to be cleared. Hill said he has also purchased a property in the city and cleaned a few alleyways. Asking the council for assistance, he wants to clear travel trailers and cars he said are currently sitting on those alleyways to improve utility access. The property also has a water meter for a house on another property. He said he has broken and repaired the water line that is six inches underground. He also feels he either has a water or sewer leak in the front of his property.

City workers said one of the missing manhole covers is actually an old lift station that was capped off and filled in with dirt. Hill said there is a three-foot cavity where it has sunk in.

Mayor pro-tem Bobby Wright said he appreciated everyone’s help on the matter. Goodrich City Secretary Felicia Garrett added that there is a ceiling leak at the community center where some screws on top of the structure need to be replaced. A contractor informed her that there is around four gallons of water that needs to be released. Wright said he would keep the council informed on the progress there.

A unanimous decision approved the addition of Ty Grubbs to Position 4 on the city council. Grubbs expressed interest in becoming an alderman at the beginning of the year, but had not fulfilled the requirement of living within the city limits for six months. He will be sworn in during May’s regular meeting.

Wright said the Easter egg hunt held a few weeks ago did not have the turnout of previous years, but those who showed still had an enjoyable experience. He thanked all present for their help and participation in the event. He asked anyone for their suggestions to go toward next year’s hunt. There were a total of 5,100 eggs for children to gather across the Goodrich High School athletic field, and there is a goal for 8,000 eggs in 2025. Garrett said many children donated their eggs back to the city after receiving the candy and prizes inside.

The city also approved a mowing contract to Timothy Harrell.

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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.