Reporting By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News
The Mineral Wells City Council extended its wholesale water contract with Millsap for 30 days while negotiations on a new agreement continue and authorized another $400,000 in planning work for the Hilltop Water Treatment Plant project during its July 21 meeting.
Council also advanced a $1 million airport drainage improvement project, authorized additional purchases for the city’s ongoing water meter replacement program, approved a land exchange with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and accepted a grant for Boyce Ditto Public Library.
Millsap Wholesale Water Contract Extended
Council approved a 30-day extension of the Millsap Water Supply Wholesale Water Contract following an executive session discussion regarding the agreement.
The extension provides additional time for the City and Millsap to finalize negotiations on a new wholesale water agreement. No additional details regarding the negotiations were disclosed in open session.
United Way Supports National Night Out
United Way of Palo Pinto County Executive Director Hannah Burkhall presented a $1,500 check to the Mineral Wells Police Department to support the upcoming National Night Out event.
“National Night Out is more than a community event,” Burkhall said. “It is an opportunity to come together and build relationships and trust with police officers and make our community stronger and safer.”
Mineral Wells National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Mayor Regan Johnson also issued a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month. The proclamation highlighted the role parks and recreation programs play in promoting health and wellness, supporting physical and mental health, and contributing to economic growth.
New City Employees Introduced
Council welcomed two new City employees during the meeting.
Police Chief Tim Denison introduced Officer Jeremy Martin, a recent graduate of the Weatherford College Police Academy. The City also welcomed Katriyanna Stivers as a part-time kennel technician at the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter.
Hilltop Water Treatment Plant Planning Advances
Council approved Task Order No. 2 with HDR Engineering, Inc. for planning services associated with the Hilltop Water Treatment Plant, Brazos Pump Station and Raw Water Transmission Main Project in an amount not to exceed $400,000.
The authorization allows HDR to proceed with professional planning and environmental assessment work required before final design of the project can begin.
The action represents another step in the City’s ongoing work toward the major Hilltop Water Treatment Plant reconstruction project.
Water Meter Replacement Program Continues
Council approved a $198,000 change order with Atlas Utility Supply Co., increasing the City’s total purchase authorization to $393,000 for water meters and related components.
The additional authorization will allow City staff to continue implementation of the Water Meter Replacement Program throughout Mineral Wells.
Airport Drainage Project Moves Forward
Council approved a resolution supporting implementation of the Mineral Wells Regional Airport Airfield Drainage Improvement Project.
The resolution documents the City’s support for the proposed project and commits the required local matching funds, positioning the project for consideration for state and federal grant funding.
According to supporting documents, the City anticipates grant funding toward the $1 million project, which includes a $100,000 local match from the City.
The project will reconstruct a drainage crossover near the northwest end of Taxiway A.
Lake Mineral Wells Land Exchange Approved
Council authorized an exchange of real property with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department involving property surrounding Lake Mineral Wells and Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
Under the agreement, the City will transfer three tracts totaling approximately 15.34 acres and receive three tracts totaling approximately 11.87 acres.
According to supporting documents, the exchange is intended to improve long-term property management, clarify ownership boundaries and resolve property encroachments.
Finance Department Staffing Agreement
Council authorized City staff to negotiate and execute a Staff Augmentation Services Agreement with Strategic Government Resources in an amount not to exceed $172,800.
The agreement will allow the City to bring in additional Finance Department personnel on an as-needed basis.
Famous Water Holdings Easement Approved
Council approved a water line easement agreement with Famous Water Holdings, LLC.
The agreement allows the company to install a private water line across City property connecting its groundwater well to its storage and bottling facility.
Library Receives Texas Book Festival Grant
Council accepted a $2,500 Texas Book Festival Library Grant awarded to Boyce Ditto Public Library.
Boyce Ditto is one of 70 public libraries across Texas receiving funding through the program. The grant does not require a local match and will be used to expand and modernize the library’s teen graphic novel collection.
Commercial Rezoning Approved
Following a public hearing, Council approved rezoning properties at 706 NW 2nd Avenue, 605 NW 2nd Avenue and 302 NW 5th Street from Single Family Residential to Commercial.
Development Services Director Richard Glass said the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning.
The change will allow the applicant to construct a wellhouse, storage facility and parking lot associated with the surrounding business.
Other Executive Session Discussions
In addition to the Millsap wholesale water agreement, Council discussed several real estate matters during executive session involving a proposed Public Safety Facility, a 50.3-acre former landfill site and property at 105-109 SW 1st Street.
After returning to open session, Council took no action on the real estate matters.
No items were requested for inclusion on a future City Council agenda, and the meeting was adjourned.