Haden Hodgson

Key discussions and actions during the session included the approval of monthly vendor bills totaling $22,827.10. Departmental reports were given by the Court and Public Works, noting 17 new court cases and ongoing construction, respectively. The Council unanimously appointed Molly Blackmon to City Council Place 4, succeeding Ellen Eubanks. Further actions included the unanimous approval to renew the loan for City Hall at State Bank of De Kalb, approval of Ordinance 2024-015 concerning water line responsibility in the City Code, and approval of Resolution 2024-016 to contract with Grantworks for the 2025-2026 Texas Community Development Fund Program Administrative Services. The Mayor noted that the EDC had not yet submitted its budget.

The meeting commenced with a public hearing that had no public comment. Key actions included canvassing the votes for the 2022 De Kalb General Election and approving Resolution 2022-007 regarding the election results. The Mayor and a Councilwoman were sworn into office during the session. Following public comments regarding low water pressure and sediment, the council indicated plans for a looping system funded by grants. The council approved monthly vendor bills and specific payments, and departmental reports were received from the court and police departments. Updates on water system repairs following a lightning strike were provided. The council approved the use of City Park for upcoming baseball district tournaments, authorized the purchase of a new lawn mower, and approved resolutions for rezoning properties at 317 Mill St. and 111 W. Grizzly, as well as implementing a $75.00 rezoning fee. Resolutions were approved for grant administrative services for the 2022 TxCDBG Downtown Revitalization and awarding engineering services for utility line relocation. The session concluded with authorization for the Mayor to negotiate the sale of land at the Industrial Park.

The meeting began with an announcement regarding Councilwoman Eubanks' resignation due to her appointment as Justice of the Peace. Key discussions included the payment of monthly vendor bills totaling $9,633.17. Departmental reports covered court statistics, showing 17 new cases filed and revenue distribution, and the PD report, which included 16 citations and 170 calls for service. The Council unanimously approved several items: the First Baptist Church's request to close part of Church and Johnson Streets for Trick or Treat; Resolution 2024-012 regarding the TWU True-up Rate of 1.2606 per thousand; Resolution 2024-013 contracting KBB Consulting for Home Program management; Resolution 2024-014 setting the 2024-2025 Tax Rate at 0.456199; authorization to issue RFPs and RFQs for the Texas Community Development Grant Program; the appointment of Annette Holder, Melissa Walker, and Molly Blackmon to the De Kalb Board of Building Standards; and the approval of the FY 2025 Budget. A Mayoral Update referenced a TWDB forgivable loan from September 9, 2024.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of monthly vendor bills totaling $15,565.37. The Council approved the use of Runnels and Fulton for the 'Christmas in DeKalb' event scheduled for December 10th, noting the Storm Shelter is no longer available for events. A resolution was approved to abandon Redwood Street, allowing First Baptist Church ownership. The Council also approved a request for a driveway for Greg Barnett with Twin Rivers, requiring the relocation of the EDC Sign. Furthermore, the Emergency Management Plan was renewed, and a resolution was passed appointing Van Alexander to the Riverbend Board. Authority was granted to Mayor Walker to apply for additional funds from the SIB. Personnel, legal issues, and real estate contracts were addressed in a closed session.

Key discussions included public comments regarding traffic during school pick-up, which the Council agreed to review against city code. Departmental reports noted repairs to a major water leak and the installation of a switch at the tower. Action items involved tabling the purchase of new police radios pending grant application, approving an application for a $1 million TDA loan for the Industrial Park contingent on job creation requirements, increasing water rates by $1.13 per thousand gallons due to increased costs from TWU, authorizing the Mayor to issue and rescind a burn ban, proposing a 2022 property tax rate of 0.50991, and scheduling a public meeting for the tax rate. The Council also noted the receipt of the second half of ARPA funds by the State of Texas.