Story Courtesy of Jeremy Smith for TOC News
The Grayville City Council met in regular session Monday night.
The Treasurer reports $1,220,685.33 in the Restricted Account, $916,871.49 in the Investment Account, and $132,377.18 in Cash Available for Operations, for a total of $2,269,934.00.
In executive session action, the city has agreed to enter into an agreement with Gregg Bish to purchase a building located at 133 Industrial Park to be the location of the new Police Department. The purchase price is $185,000.
Commissioner Baldwin reports that he has received many questions regarding the Eternal Flame at the Veterans Memorial. The flame, which was donated by the American Legion in 1970 to burn eternally in honor of all Veterans, was extinguished due to the gas shortage caused by the deep freeze in Texas. The commissioner says it is time to relight the flame, but there are safety concerns due to its location outside the vacated Police Department. One proposed option is to move it to the Veterans Memorial at the Cemetery, but this option would require changing the flame to LP gas. The issue has been placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting. Mayor Thompson also reports that Chief Burrows is beginning his rounds looking for unkept properties.
In old business, first reading was approved on Ordinance 910 for the Liquor Ordinance Amendment. The second reading of Ordinance 908 Amending Zoning Code to add Special Use to R-2 District for a pet crematorium has been defeated due to location concerns. Commissioners Howell and Jordan voted no on the Amendment.
In new business the city approved quotes for electric supply from Homefield Energy for commercial account, and with AEP for the street lighting account, both for the next 3 years. And the city has received two quotes for the generator service contract but want to ensure that both companies are offered equal conditions in the proposed contract before choosing a bid, the item was tabled until the next regular meeting. A special meeting has been set for March 15 at 7:00 pm for public hearing for the 2022 preliminary budget, and the deadline for bids for the 2021 mowing contract has been set for March 22 at 1:00 pm, to ensure the council has time to review all bids prior to the regular scheduled meeting set for 7:00 pm that night.
Earlier in the day the council held an executive session pertaining to collective negotiation matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives.
The Grayville City Council next meets in regular session on Monday, March 22 at 7:00 pm
