Susan Hayden

The City Council reviewed reports from the Police and Fire Departments, and considered bids for the North Davis Street project, ultimately accepting the low bid from Emery Sapp & Sons Asphalt. They also approved the payment of bills for May. The meeting adjourned to inspect the basketball court and tree planting locations at the park, where ideas for court improvements were discussed without any formal action taken.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including an engineering proposal for sewer line replacement in Woodridge Addition, additional funding for the On-Call Services contract, and the construction of aprons for two driveways at the city shop. An ordinance to regulate open burning in the City Limits was introduced and adopted. The 2026 Budget Proposal for the Franklin Sebastian Public Water Authority and the City of Lavaca was approved. The council also addressed tax lien certifications for property clean-up fees and sanitation charges. Additionally, the council filled a vacant planning commission seat and approved payment of the bills for the month.

The meeting included discussion of the police and fire reports, proposed budget amendments in the General, Water, and Street Funds for projects like the Pickleball Court and North Davis Street projects, and various sewer repairs. The council appointed three new members to the Planning Commission. An amendment to the Salary Schedule was considered to add a pay scale for the position of Police Sergeant. The starting rate of pay for a newly hired Certified Full Time Police Officer was also discussed.

The council meeting addressed several agenda items, including a change order for the N Davis street project to add a concrete apron to Ithaca Street, which was approved. A re-zoning ordinance for property on West Houston Street was introduced and adopted, changing the zoning from R2 to R3. The council also considered a TAP Grant action, deciding to cancel the sidewalk project due to issues with the sewer easement and increased construction costs. Additionally, the council reviewed reports from the Police and Fire Departments and approved the payment of bills.

Key discussions included reports from the Mayor regarding the N. Davis street mill and overlay project and ABC Center usage in 2025. Departmental reports detailed Police Department activities, Fire Department response calls (fire and EMS), and Public Works activities, which included meter replacements, water leak repairs, and managing an old fire hydrant. The Council adopted Ordinance 2026-01, which amends personnel policies to allow non-uniformed employees to be paid for unused sick leave upon death or qualification for APERS retirement benefits. The Council also approved the payment of bills for the month of January.