Download Mayor’s Recap 01-30-2024
Amy Hedtke, 1127 E. Jefferson, spoke out against Items 14 and 15 on the agenda, which pertain to security cameras for the library. She urged the Council to postpone the items or vote against allocating $48,000 for the camera system. Additionally, she requested that the plain text of the grant notice regarding the TxCDBG grant be sent to the paper.
Wesley Turner, 507 S. Colorado, spoke about seeing the large wreck at Brookshire’s and stated he called “911” to report it. The Council thanked Mr. Turner for his civic service.
Tami Gardner from Community Outreach Housing wanted to provide an update about a clean-up day scheduled for February 22 at City Park. They are raising funds for new playground equipment, a pickleball court, and a basketball court at the park on Cleveland St. that has the old tennis courts.
Charles Edwards and Rob Barthen gave an update on the CDBG Grant that Grant Works applied for on behalf of the City of Whitney. Mr Edwards explained the process of the application. Listen to recorded
The Council went into a public hearing for the TxCDBG for Program Years 2025-2026 at 6:20 pm. The Public hearing was adjourned at 6:22 pm.
This resolution authorizes two positions, such as Mayor and Director of Operations, to sign and submit documents related to the grant.
Shane Baker has been a developer in our area for many years. The new development he is working on is not within the city limits of Whitney but within its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). During Mayor Barker’s tenure, Whitney asserted control over its ETJ primarily for annexation. However, Texas annexation laws have undergone significant changes over the last decade, significantly restricting the powers of cities to annex land unilaterally. During his presentation, Mr. Shane Baker discussed the possibility of petitioning the City to annex a portion of the development’s property. It is important to clarify that the City of Whitney cannot proactively annex this property or any adjacent property without a petition from the landowner. Annexation of any part of this land will occur only if Mr. Shane Baker requests city services and benefits for its development and not through unilateral action by the City.
Operation Greater Love, a faith-based group from Central Texas, was granted the use of land to develop a park dedicated to veterans. This organization focuses on honoring wounded American military personnel by building homes and fostering hope. While they successfully constructed a beautiful park, they’ve found that maintaining it diverts resources away from their main mission. Consequently, they have requested the City of Whitney take over the park’s maintenance. Operation Greater Love will continue to fundraise for their primary mission of building homes for wounded military personnel by selling personalized bricks at Whitney’s Veterans Park.
Before this administration, we had separate paid positions for the fire chief and the EMS director, held by Chief Gilmore and Director Megan Leighman, respectively. Robert Matthews is now a Paid Director of Emergency Services overseeing both Fire and EMS.
Before Chief Gilmore, Waylon Price served as the Paid Fire Chief. Now, Chief Price has returned as the Fire Chief, he was elected by the members of the VFD. Currently, the fire chief position is not a paid position. We owe a huge thanks to Chief Price for coming out of retirement to take on this role again for our City.
When Chief Nevil left to become our county constable, we experienced some personnel changes within the department. Chief Scholes, previously a patrol sergeant and investigator, was promoted to chief, which left his former positions vacant. Additionally, Officer Jessica Abbot did not return from maternity leave, as she chose to stay home with her two daughters. Officer Aucoin moved on to a new career outside of law enforcement, though he continues to serve as a reserve officer. We must fill two patrol officer positions and one combined patrol/investigator role. This agenda item has allowed us to hire replacements for these positions. Future city council meetings will provide updates on the status of these roles being filled.
This agreement permits the City to request the sheriff’s office provide deputies to cover shifts when our police department is short-staffed. No formal agreement was needed with the prior sheriff’s administration, but the new sheriff has requested a formal agreement. Consequently, we created an Interlocal Agreement (ILA), which the city council has approved. This agreement ensures that our police department can request additional officers to cover all shifts when necessary.
The City of Whitney has installed new security cameras at the local library to ensure the safety of everyone who visits. These cameras are special because they offer live monitoring, store recorded video, and can be set to send alarms to the police. The live alarm feature sets them apart from other cameras we’ve looked at, as none offer all these features.
We decided to upgrade the library’s security due to a combination of concerns. Our acting interim director, Christie Rogers, felt uneasy unless her husband accompanied her to work and ensured she entered the building safely because of the chronic presence of transient individuals camping at the library. Additionally, there’s a growing awareness about the need to enhance safety for children and all patrons. The Verkada cameras can be set to alert the police to live threats at the library, providing a rapid response capability.
Furthermore, the library’s relocation has separated it from the more centrally located City Hall and police department, increasing the need for better security measures. The urgency for this upgrade was further underscored when a council member’s vehicle was vandalized during the December meeting. These factors collectively prompted our decision to install advanced security cameras that record and can be programmed to trigger immediate police alerts.
We’re not the only town doing this. Many other cities about the same size as Whitney are putting these cameras in their government buildings, libraries, and schools because they help keep these places safe. This kind of camera allows the police to respond faster, which is crucial for everyone’s safety, especially for kids and library staff. By investing in these cameras, we’re making sure our public spaces stay welcoming and secure.
This action allowed the non-budgeted money to be used for the Verkada Cameras.
This is the Official Ordinance Calling for the May General Election
Download a copy of 1-16-25 Recap
I am adding what I said at the January 16, 2025, City Council meeting. I have edited this to add information I gained this morning after the meeting.
I’m happy to announce that my team completed our 2023 audit in just one month, and our 2024 audit is already underway. Our financial audit system had problems in the past, and we fell behind. When I became Mayor, we were three years behind on audits. I made fixing this a Top Priority. Previously, our audit failures and delays prevented us from applying for outside funding. Today, we are caught up and on schedule.
We must have outside funding to repair roads, wastewater plants, and drainage issues. Thanks to the new Audit process, we are up to date, and last fall, my administration was able to start applying for grants again.
Today, I am thrilled to announce that we’ve been awarded a grant of $750,000. This is the first outside funding for infrastructure in five years. We will hold a public meeting on January 30 to discuss using this money. I encourage everyone to come and share their ideas.
Since we became eligible for outside funding, we have aggressively applied for everything we can find.
As I mentioned, TxCDBG=_Allocated $750,000
We applied for but were denied the T-Mobile on our first try. We can apply for the T-Mobile Grant every quarter and plan to do so until we succeed.
We will apply for several state parks and wildlife grants, with Deadlines ranging from February 1 to August 1 of 2025. If awarded, these grants would reinvigorate City Parks.
We are working with engineering firms to apply for everything possible. As mentioned in Council Meetings, we have engineering plans ready and approved by TCEQ for a new Wastewater Treatment plant, but we need money to fund it. The Texas Water Development Board programs can fund many areas to make our Water and Sewer Department safer and better.
We are working with a grant writer to apply for the Transportation Alternatives Set-aside (TA) Program for bicyclist and pedestrian infrastructure and planning. (in plain language, that means sidewalks.)
We have applied for a program that allows the city to have an administrative team ready to apply for FEMA programs when storms come through and cause damage in Whitney. This program will allow us to move quickly if we are affected by storms and flooding.
We are working on applying for this program through the General Land Office. The goal of the Resilient Communities Program is to prepare communities for future hazards.
We are actively exploring additional opportunities. Since we improved our audit program, we have diligently sought and applied for any available grants to help restore Whitney to health. We will continue to seek grants to ensure consistent funding to build and maintain our city.
We may not win them all, but we will continue trying until we rebuild our infrastructure, prepare for disasters like flooding and storms, revitalize our city parks, and maybe put some sidewalks down in our neighborhoods for pedestrian traffic.
I am proud of my team for their hard work and diligence in securing funding. While money is vital, it is not the sole solution to the problem. Citizens and organizations can be crucial in bringing these projects to life.
The Lake Whitney Area Lions Club has generously agreed to oversee the City Parks project. They’ve formed a committee dedicated to bringing this project to life. We are extremely grateful for the Lions Club’s support and are excited to see the progress they will make.
We have successfully purchased the Historic Cato Building. When the chance came for the city to buy this property, we began negotiations with its owners.
We were unsure about how we would use the building, but we felt it was important to preserve its rich history for our city’s future.
We have not yet decided on specific plans for the building. Whatever we choose to do, our goal is to honor its heritage. After completing all necessary inspections, we will have a clearer understanding of how to move forward with this project.
In October 2024, the city increased Water/Sewer billing, but the new rates weren’t applied until 2025 to help residents during the holiday season.
Even with these changes, our water rates are still lower than in many neighboring communities.
The EMS and Fire Department collectively ran 118 calls in December.
The police department apprehended a narcotics and firearms suspect, he turned out to be a fugitive from another state for aggravated robbery.
Chris Brennen reported on repairs, specifically about 2 Lift Stations.
Christie Rogers reported that our library continues to thrive as a vital hub, strengthening the community by connecting people with resources, knowledge, and each other.
#8. The first agenda Item was the final step in releasing the right of way for the property generally located at 605 South Bosque/State Highway 22. This has been a multi-step process to help complete the sale of that property.
#9. Regarding the signage for the urgent care. The council is unable to assist in this request. However, there was a creative exchange of ideas between the council members and the owner of Urgent Care. Several council members provided valuable suggestions on how to address this request moving forward.
#10. Facility Use Agreement for the Whitney Wildcat Football League (WWFL) to use the park for games and practice. The city has used this agreement before, and a new agreement must be signed each year to keep responsibilities and expectations clear for all parties. It’s cold outside, but this agenda item gave me visions of spring and summer outside watching kids play ball.
#11. A resolution authorizing the Mid-Tex Division to represent the City in matters related to Atmos Energy’s proposed increase in rates, directing Atmos to reimburse rate case expenses.
This agenda was brief due to the need to move several items to January 30 because of timing after the holidays. Jan 30 is also a public hearing. I hope to continue to see more people attending City Council meetings. This is how your city is run, and your presence and participation is important.
Download a copy of 12-19-24 Recap
Dear Whitney community, I’m glad to present a full update on the December 19 City Council meeting, during which we discussed several important matters. It was an evening of lively discussion, with a full house ready to share ideas on the Zoning Ordinance.
Supporting Growth The Council approved revisions to the zoning ordinance, taking a significant step in modernizing Whitney’s zoning regulations. Ordinance 2024-12-01 combines state laws issued since 2020, corrects discrepancies in the previous ordinance, and extends opportunities for home-based companies to all residential zones. This adjustment was implemented to encourage economic growth while preserving local harmony. Operations Director Billy Pribble noted that the 2020 zoning ordinance limited home-based companies to agricultural districts, excluding most citizens. The amended ordinance enables these enterprises to operate in all residential zones, including SF-1, SF-2, MF-1, and HUD. Pribble underlined that the goal is to open doors for residents while maintaining neighborhood integrity.
The legislation also addresses complaints about overly bright signs by requiring electronic signs to adjust brightness to ambient light and ban flashing or scrolling for safety and aesthetics.
Fines and compliance with state law. The amended zoning legislation contains a provision for sanctions for infractions, which has caused some concerns during discussions. I heard people were upset that the fines were set at $2000. To be clear, the ordinance establishes the upper limit of the fine at $2,000 per infraction. Texas state law requires this exact limit, and the language in the ordinance is taken straight from Texas Law. It’s important to note that a judge, not the city, sets the actual amount of any fine issued, and $2000 is the top limit, not the actual fine. This ensures fairness and judicial discretion when determining fines based on the facts of each case.
Customized Consideration for Unique Situations The new zoning ordinance allows residents to appeal judgments and bring their specific situations directly to the City Council for consideration. This approach is especially crucial for residents who operate or want to operate home-based companies under unusual conditions.
If a home-based business permit is denied, residents can appeal in writing to the City Secretary within 10 days. The City Council will consider this appeal at the next available meeting. During this process, residents can explain their situation and request an exemption to meet their specific needs. For example, the sort of street a property is on, the form or capacity of the driveway, or other site-specific characteristics may make parking standards difficult to follow. By sharing this information, residents can work with the Council to develop a tailored solution that suits their specific needs while remaining consistent with the broader intent of the legislation.
The rules and guidelines attempt to maintain the neighbor’s rights to live in a peaceful residential area. This appeals process ensures flexibility for the business owner and fairness to the entire neighborhood. It allows the city to address the different needs of its residents while maintaining the integrity of Whitney’s zoning framework.
We were happy to hear from the owners of AusTex Machine and Design, a company that recently moved from Austin to Whitney. AusTex specializes in machined parts for industries such as medical devices and aerospace and is delighted to generate well-paying employment and begin working with local schools to develop talent.
This expansion to Whitney’s business community exemplifies the city’s ability to attract creative businesses.
The Council agreed to my request to have the United States Army Corps of Engineers conduct a feasibility study under the 1948 Flood Control Act. This is a vital step toward addressing Whitney Creek’s regular flooding issues. Director Pribble discussed the problems and frustration while trying to work with the local branch of the Corps and expressed hope that formal action would result in solutions.
As always, your contributions are critical to our community’s success. I encourage everyone to be engaged as we prepare for the next Council meeting on January 16, 2025. Together, we can make Whitney stronger and more vibrant.
Download a copy of 11-21 Recap
Mayor’s Recap: Regular Agenda Items – November 21, 2024
Good evening, Whitney residents. Here’s a summary of the key decisions and discussions from tonight’s City Council meeting:
The Council approved a contract with Vyve Broadband to provide communication and internet services to City facilities for the next 60 months. This agreement ensures reliable and enhanced internet connectivity for city operations.
The Council authorized issuing Requests for Proposals (RFP) for administrative services and Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering services. These will support disaster recovery and hazard mitigation projects, leveraging FEMA assistance programs to enhance the city’s resiliency.
A commercial property contract for 115 and 117 West Washington Avenue was ratified. An amendment to change the closing date to November 22, 2024, was also approved.
The Council approved a contract with Pink Elephant Properties, LLC, for the purchase of city-owned surplus properties. This sale is part of ongoing efforts to repurpose underutilized city assets.
The Council approved a special event permit for a Community Christmas Dinner on December 7, 2024. This event will close South Brazos Street between Washington Avenue and Railroad Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Resolution 2024-10-01A was approved to correct a clerical error in the previous resolution, formally naming the newly dedicated roadway “Wildcat Way.”
The Council ratified the release of a nuisance abatement lien on a property at 922 East Chad Avenue. The lien, dating back to 1999, was resolved after the property owner paid the full amount due.
The Council declared Brush Truck 325 and a 2016 Ford Explorer police vehicle as surplus property. The Mayor was authorized to execute the sale of these items according to state law.
Thank you to everyone who participated in tonight’s meeting. Your engagement is vital to our city’s success.
Download a copy of 10-24 Recap
Mayor’s Recap: October 24 City Council Meeting
I apologize for the time I took to create this recap. We had an extremely long list of items for this meeting. I want to provide an overview of the key points discussed during our 10-24-2024 City Council meeting. This is part of our ongoing effort to inform you about our initiatives and activities.
At the last City Council meeting, the City of Whitney honored Denise Carter for her 18 years of service as the Librarian for our Lake Whitney Public Library, recognizing her tireless commitment to literacy, community engagement, and transforming the library into a thriving facility. In celebration of her contributions as Mayor, I proclaimed October 18, 2024, as “Denise Carter Public Library Day.”
We also created a Plaque to hang in the Children’s Library, dedicating it as the Denise Carter Children’s Library.
The first two related Agenda Items (#10 & #11) focused on improving street repair and maintenance through a partnership with Hill County. Public Works Director Chris Brennan and Commissioner Jim Holcomb both presented information to provide insights into the project, emphasizing its necessity and efficiency.
Agenda Item #10: Deliberate and Act on the Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Whitney and Hill County relating to street repair/maintenance.
The Council deliberated and approved an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Whitney and Hill County. This agreement allows collaboration on repairing and maintaining streets, specifically using county equipment, which helps both entities save money while addressing needed repairs.
Agenda Item #11: Deliberate and Act on Approval Request from Hill County Precinct 1 for reconstruction of HCR140 from FM 933 and end of Whitney ISD property.
The Council also considered a project approval from Hill County Precinct 1 to reconstruct HCR 1240 from FM 933 to the end of Whitney ISD property. The road has received temporary fixes, but Texas’s increasingly harsh weather conditions require a more permanent solution to ensure safety and prevent erosion. The council approved the following options:
The project will be completed in two phases:
Phase 1 will begin soon. It will focus on prepping the road and reinforcing the shoulders to prevent erosion, which will improve drivability in the short term.
Phase 2 will occur next summer when hot asphalt is available and traffic is lighter, allowing for final repairs.
Working together, the City and the County aim to deliver long-lasting results that benefit the community.
Agenda Item 12: Deliberate and Act on Resolution, Dedicating and Naming the City’s Portion of HCR 1240, Approximately 2540 feet, “Wildcat Drive”.
In 2008, a resolution was passed to name the city’s portion of 1240 “Wildcat Drive.” This never happened. We want to pass another resolution to add the road’s length and change the street’s name.
Agenda Item 13: Receive Information from Vyve Business Services Concerning the City of Whitney’s Internet and Phone Services.
Ben Keith, City of Whitney IT Director, introduced Vyve Broadband. They are bidding on internet services for all city facilities.
Agenda Item 14: Deliberate and Act on the Annual Rate Increase from Republic Services of 5%.
Robyn Mota presented the increase in the Republic Services Rate. This year, the rate increase is 5%
Agenda Item 15: Deliberate and Act on sealed bids for the sale of City of Whitney Owned Properties (PID 107700, 107699, 395626), More Legally Described as WHITNEY OT BLK 15 LT 3, WHITNEY OT BLK 15 LT 2, Generally Located at 111 North San Jacinto Street, and J BURGESS A-2 TR 26 0.87 AC, Generally Located at 501 East Polk Avenue.
We only received one bid. The bid was for WHITNEY OT BLK 15 LT 3 and WHITNEY OT BLK 15 LT 2, Generally Located at 111 North San Jacinto Street. Pink Elephant LLC bid $5500 on each lot. The Council Accepted the bid. The property on Polk did not receive any bids.
Agenda Item 16: Deliberate and Act on a Resolution Authorizing the Submission of A Texas Community Development Block Grant Program Application To The Texas Department Of Agriculture For The Community Development Fund.
Last month, the Council voted to hire GrantWorks as the administrator of the grant application. This month, the resolution is to agree to apply for the grant. Applying for grants is a time-consuming and precise process. We are working diligently to do each step correctly.
Agenda Item 17: Deliberate, Act, or Give Direction to Staff regarding the City of Whitney Animal Control Shelter.
This item discussed whether the city wanted to create a shelter and own and operate the shelter. Or create a shelter and allow an outside organization to operate as a 501c3 under an agreement with the city. It was unanimously decided that a 501c3 was better suited to run the shelter. Obtaining funding and grants is generally easier for nonprofits. The council determined that the shelter would be better supported and maintained by an organization specifically formed for this purpose.
Agenda Item 18: Deliberate and Act on an Updated Failure to Appear (FTA) Interlocal Cooperation Contract with the Department of Public Safety Due to changes occurring in the 88th Legislative Session.
This is an agreement with the Department of Public Safety for the “Failure to Appear” Interlocal Cooperation Contract. Whitney has had this agreement before. The terms were updated, and it is necessary to review and sign this contract again. Judge Jetton favored continuing this cooperation and stated it was very helpful when offenders did not appear when scheduled in court.
Agenda Item 19: Deliberate and Act on Approval of an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Whitney and Whitney ISD.
This Interlocal Agreement states that the City and District agree to work together for mutual aid and emergency assistance. Each will appoint a representative to manage the agreement, using resources like personnel, equipment, and buildings for government and emergency functions.
This agreement covers requests for help during disasters or emergencies. It includes sharing supplies, equipment, and personnel and participating in training exercises. Both parties will follow standard procedures, such as issuing warnings and managing utilities.
Agenda Item 20: Deliberate and Act on an Ordinance Amending Section 1.01.004 of the City of Whitney Code of Ordinances to redefine “City Manager” and “City Administrator” as “Operations Director” as outlined in Chapter 9, Article 9.06
Since I was elected, we have been combing through our city code. We have focused on updating because much of our code is 15-20 years old and does not reflect current legislation. We also have done some reformatting. Last month, we gathered all fines and penalties and made them all fall under the general penalty clause. Judge Jetton has mentioned that having them all under the General Penalty Clause gave him flexibility in the courtroom.
This ordinance is more housekeeping. The City Council voted last year to change the title of City Administrator to Director of Operations, and the city code is now updated to use the term Director of Operations instead of City Administrator.
Agenda Item 21: Deliberate and Act on authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract agreement with Government Capital Securities to Purchase Two Police Vehicles for $56,000.00.
The Council voted to approve the purchase of 2 cars for the police department.
Agenda Items 22 – 24:
Agenda Item 22: Public Hearing on the Proposed 2024/2025 City of Whitney Fee Schedule
A public hearing was held before these changes, with notices published in The Lakelander and on the council meeting agenda to ensure residents were informed about the proposed fee updates.
Agenda Item 23 Deliberate and act on Ordinance No. 2024-XX, repealing O2023-11-10 and adopting an Updated Fee Schedule for the City of Whitney, Texas, to amend and establish fees as adopted by the City Council on November 26, 2023.
The Council repealed the 2023 fee schedule and adopted an updated one, which now includes additional previously missing fees. This move ensures that all city fees are now centralized and up-to-date.
Agenda Item 24: Deliberate and Act Ordinance 2024-10-01, amending Chapter 13, “Utilities” of the Whitney Code of Ordinances to relocate the rates, fees, and charges to the comprehensive fee schedule and amend provisions relating to defining rates, deposits, and account holders.
Water and sewer rates, previously in Chapter 13 of the city code, were relocated to the comprehensive fee schedule. This amendment also updated definitions related to rates, deposits, and account holders for better clarity.
Last year, the City of Whitney took a significant step by consolidating various city fees into a comprehensive fee schedule, as these fees had been scattered throughout the city code. This change, made in November 2023, aimed to streamline fee management and ensure regular updates. The goal was to improve oversight, as some fees had not been updated for years. By organizing fees into a yearly schedule, department heads can review and adjust them more effectively.
At the October 24, 2024, City Council meeting, the City of Whitney approved an updated fee schedule, including increases to water and sewer rates. This change follows last year’s effort to consolidate fees into a single schedule for better management and regular updates.
The new water rates are based on the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, marking the first increase since 2016. Sewer rates were also updated for the first time since 2006. The funds from these rate adjustments are vital for maintaining and improving city infrastructure, such as the $4 million water treatment plant planned for 2025 and ongoing repairs to pipes and roads.
These changes ensure the city collects the necessary funds to support infrastructure needs effectively.
Agenda Item 25: Deliberate and Act on a Resolution Designating the Lakelander as the Official Newspaper of The City of Whitney.
The Council voted to accept Resolution 2024-10-04. This is something our city must do every year.
In Texas, cities must designate an official newspaper by ordinance because state law mandates that certain public notices must be published in a widely circulated newspaper. This ensures compliance with transparency and public notification requirements outlined in the Texas Local Government Code.
The official newspaper is used for publishing various legal notices, such as:
Bypassing an ordinance, the city formally identifies which newspaper meets the criteria for official notices, typically considering factors like frequency of publication, distribution reach within the city, and general readership. This designation ensures residents have a reliable source for accessing important information about city governance.
Agenda Item 26: Deliberate and Act on Library Director Job Description.
Since I became Mayor, we have made it our policy to have the city council approve all Job Descriptions before we begin advertising the positions.
Laying the Groundwork for a Stronger, More Efficient City
As your Mayor, I want you to know that we’re proactively improving Whitney daily. Part of this commitment is keeping you informed through these recaps, so you understand how and why decisions are made.
I have collaborated with my administration team and the city council to update our code. Over the past year, we have worked diligently to revise outdated regulations and establish necessary new ones. We aim to present updated zoning ordinance changes by the end of the year.
By updating our ordinances, streamlining our fee schedules, strengthening interlocal partnerships and applying for grants, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more efficient city. I appreciate your support and involvement as we work together to make Whitney Beautiful, inside and out.
Mayor’s Recap – City Council 9-20-2024 Meeting Highlights
At last night’s meeting, we heard from a public speaker who expressed concern over being unable to request a variance to sell alcohol at the “Pioneer Days” event. The City of Whitney initially accepted the variance application and contacted the Chamber of Commerce to inquire about their policy on alcohol sales at the “Pioneer Days” event. The Chamber informed us that their insurance coverage does not extend to alcohol sales, and allowing it would violate their current policy. Additionally, the Chamber emphasized that “Pioneer Days” is intended to be a family-friendly event, so they have chosen not to permit alcohol vendors or personal coolers containing alcoholic beverages.
Public speakers interested in addressing the council can participate by submitting a form before the meeting. Refer to this Texas Municipal League resource for more details on the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Two Ordinances were passed last night. First, the council passed Ordinance 2024-09-01, which updates the city’s wrecker ordinance. This ordinance refines definitions and operational requirements for wrecker services. It allows any wrecker company to operate in Whitney, but those wishing to be part of the city’s call rotation must obtain a permit and meet specific criteria. This new ordinance ensures regulatory compliance and efficient service.
Then they voted in favor of Ordinance 2024-09-02, item #18 on the agenda, consolidating all specified penalties under the City of Whitney General Penalty clause and delegating the authority to the court to determine fines within the city code’s guidelines. This amendment covers multiple areas, including building regulations, flood damage prevention, oil and gas well drilling, and more, ensuring consistent enforcement.
The council voted to remove the Whitney EMS COW Program Fee from monthly water bills. The $5 fee per household was initially established in 2015 to support the City’s Emergency Medical Services but has become unsustainable due to changes in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement regulations. Removing this fee will help avoid further complications and ensure compliance with current laws.
The City of Whitney is currently accepting applications for the newly created Director of Emergency Services position. This role will act as a liaison between the city and the Volunteer Fire Department while overseeing Emergency Medical Services. Interested candidates can view the job description and apply through the Texas Municipal League job posting.
The City of Whitney is serious about property owners maintaining their properties. Last night, the council approved four more liens to be filed for properties that failed to meet maintenance requirements. The process begins with attempts to contact the owner, followed by a certified letter. The city abates the property and sends a bill if no action is taken. After 30 days of non-payment, a lien is placed. Neglected properties with tall grass or trash are unsightly and pose health and safety risks to the community.
We appreciate everyone’s participation and input in these discussions. Your involvement helps us make decisions that serve our community’s best interests. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact City Hall. Thank you for your continued support!
Mayor’s Office, City of Whitney
Welcome to the Mayor’s Recap. I’m providing this summary to keep you informed in the period before the official minutes are published, as they cannot be released until a month after the meeting due to the need for City Council approval at the following session. This delay often creates a gap where chatter and misinformation can take hold. My goal is to provide you with an accurate overview during this time.
Please note that this recap is my personal summary and is not a substitute for the official minutes. While I’ve made every effort to capture the key points, this recap is not legally binding and may not cover every detail discussed. For a complete and accurate account, I encourage you to refer to the official minutes prepared by our diligent city secretary, Kristi. Thank you for staying engaged with our city’s work, and I look forward to working together to keep Whitney a great place to live and work.
First Quarter
The first quarter of a City Council meeting typically begins with the Mayor or presiding officer calling the meeting to order, signaling the official start of the proceedings. Following this, a roll call is conducted to confirm the attendance of council members, ensuring that a quorum is present for decision-making. The meeting then proceeds with an invocation, which is a prayer from an audience member or Mayor. Then, everyone stands and recites the Pledge of Allegiance to the American and Texas flags, demonstrating respect for the nation and state. The first Quarter concludes with a public comments section, where citizens are invited to speak on any topic, excluding personnel matters or ongoing litigation, for up to four minutes each. While council members listen, they do not discuss or take action on these topics until they are formally placed on a future agenda, in compliance with Texas Government Code Section 551.042.
Please view his document if you want to be a speaker or be on the agenda.
Second Quarter
This is the Consent Agenda, in which the City Council Approves the minutes of the previous meeting. Then, they vote to approve the Whitney Expense Report and Check Register Report presented at the previous meeting.
Third Quarter
The Third Quarter contains the Department Reports. Our various departments provided reports covering statistics, personnel updates, equipment, and training. These reports are essential for keeping us all updated on the operations and needs of our city services.
Fourth Quarter
The fourth Quarter is the Regular Agenda. This is the longest section, where policy is discussed and made. It is also a time to talk about programs for the city and anything that needs to be discussed and approved or denied by the council.
Overtime
Sometimes, meetings go into Overtime. The Council may go into executive session and discuss a topic privately or with a lawyer. Once they conclude their discussions on any private topic, they come out and offer the topic publicly for a vote from the council.
We started this the week after August 15th. So, we are now posting The Mayor’s Recap, and our goal is to post it within a day after each City Council meeting.
Recap of Executive Meeting August 27th
