During the regularly scheduled City Council meeting Monday, July 9 at the City office, Mayor Wellenberger discussed the only bid given by Forza Energy to replace the lightning in the Conference Center and the DPS building with LED lighting. This would be a three year maintenance agreement and would reduce the energy cost significantly over time. “The DPS building is a 24/7 operation and LED lighting would make a big impact alone in the City’s energy costs. With the amount of lights within the Conference Center, the upcoming conference schedules with the new hotel coming would benefit greatly with the installation of LED lighting, said Wellenberger.
Forza Energy provides everything, including lighting design and engineering, utility incentive processing, financing, installation, disposal and warranty service. Electric bill savings more than offset the cost of retrofit. LED lighting generates positive cash flow from day one. Federal, state and local tax benefits and cash utility incentives further improve the immediate cash flow benefits of LED.
Minutes from last months meeting were approved. Rose Owen, Treasurer/Recorder presented the City’s financials stating they had an excellent month financially. The PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) quarterly payment has been received, property taxes are up and sales tax receipts are in line. The 2015 Bond funds a have been completed. Reconciliation for June show a balance of $112.8K in the General Fund, Rescue: $60K, Street funds: $66K, Fire: $55K, A&P Commission: $2.5K, Franchise Fee: $14.5K and Bond Construction $409.7K. Council approved financials as presented.
Police & Dispatch: Working with local and state agencies to address concerns within the city with proven results. Been working with Texas to address an out of state offender with getting closure on the case.
Plans include a Director Development class to be held in August, this will allow graduates to become instructors for other officers.
Dispatch had 749 calls with 583 actual emergencies for the month of June. The County Judge is expected to sign the new 911 equipment contract within a couple weeks. This allows text capabilities and several other improvements within the system. Dispatch will be working with EMS to design a class for the new EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) program.
Fire: There were 8 calls for the month, 1 rescue, 1 vehicle fire and 6 helicopter standbys with a total of 98 for the year. Training includes firefighting foam on flammable fluid fires. The annual hose testing process has been completed and Steve Sutay has updated maps and resource materials.
Plans include training of two admin volunteers for data entry and records enhancements. Discuss better ways to assist in lake incidents in western Cleburne County and develop training for dealing with electric vehicles.
EMS: Two training sessions were held with AirEvac and Survival Flight to set new protocols on Air Ambulance transports. Stop the Bleed and First Aid classes are being provided to all UTV Guides with the community Club. First Aid bags have been provided to be carried on all UTVs. Greers Ferry and Prim EMS are using FFB DPS site for their CEVO (Certified Vehicle Operator) training and licensing.
Plans include the next EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) starts tonight and meets for two weeks at night. Stop the Bleed classes are being offered to area schools. A meeting is set for next Monday with Medic One to discuss operational procedures. Air Transport has been used more often than Medic One with great results. The Mayor and EMS agreed that patient care was above and beyond anything else.
Public Works: resurfacing and striping of Lazy oak Drive and Dave Creek Parkway from West Cliff to the lake and been completed. Council members along with the Mayor attended Sate Aid committee meeting to discuss the importance of paving of Lost Creek Parkway with the new hotel. Bids will be put out February 2019.
Education Center: “One Nation Under God” performance by the Cherokee National Youth Choir in the Cave was a great success for the first event for the Heritage Center.
Plans include the Annual Cheeseburger in Paradise fund raiser dinner and dance to be held Saturday, August 25 at the Conference Center.
Economic Development: Broadband feasibility is underway, with the financial support of the city, Community Club and Community Foundation. Ideas are being discussed for future projects with the hotel investors. “It’s important to bring new, exciting and profitable businesses to the Bay,” said Wellenberger.
Conference Center: Four Conferences were held back to back in the month of June showing indications that the hotel will bring many more in the future with seven conferences already scheduled for 2019.
Ordinances and Resolutions: A 2nd reading was approved by council on Municipal Code Vehicles and Traffic amending Title 8 and adding Chapter 8.16 for Off Road All Terrain Vehicles. There was some discussion regarding the age limits for paved road driving for children. City Attorney A.J. Kelly said he would review state laws and further discussion will take place at the work session at the end of the month for a 3rd reading set for August 13, 2018.
Council approved 2nd Reading of Municipal Code Public Peace, Safety and Morals, amending Title 7 and adding Chapter 7.20. This chapter describes criminal misdemeanors which can be enforced by the Fairfield Bay Police Department and the actions allowed for any violations. A 3rd reading of this ordinance is scheduled at the August 13, 2018 City Council meeting.
Both ordinances are available for public review at the city office.
Resolution 2018-10 was approved allowing the Mayor to submit an application to the Department of Parks and Tourism to obtain a 50/50 matching grant for pickleball courts.
Meeting was adjourned and the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 13, 2018, the public is invited to attend.