Seadrift City Council held their regular monthly meeting on August 4, with all Council members present. On the agenda was renewing the Curfew Ordinance which was enacted in August of 2013. Chief of Police Leonard Bermea recommended keeping the ordinance in effect as the curfew for adolescents has been helpful and has the apparent support of parents. Council agreed to preserve the ordinance.
Council voted to engineer a deeper ditch and increase signage from 12th St. to 15th Street at A.D. Powers Park to discourage vehicular traffic, which is prohibited there.
Councilman Cross reported that community service workers have done weed-eating and garbage pick-up in the Harbor area, but trash was already accumulating by the next day. He also informed Council that Mish’s has plans to build a 3-story oyster house at the harbor.
Councilman Gaines reported that pier repairs at 12th Street have been completed and new playground equipment has been ordered for the Bayfront.
Police Chief Bermea reported that 442 calls for service were received by the Department during the month of July. Calls ranged from information, to calls resulting in arrests. There were 107 traffic stops made during that period, resulting in 47 citations and 65 warnings, and 8 resulted in arrests. Arrests were made: 4 on warrants; one assault; 2 possession of marijuana; 2 DWLI; one major drug bust; one disorderly conduct and one reckless driving.
Reporting on Animal Control, Councilman Bringham said there were three call outs for animals hit by cars; 14 wild animals trapped; 12 cats trapped and impounded; five dogs picked up and impounded to Port Lavaca; eight dogs picked up and returned to owners with warnings; one dog picked up and returned to owner with ticket; 17 verbal/writing warnings issues; and one dog found a new home.
City of Seadrift Court Clerk Marilyn Duffner reported that 31 cases were closed in July, resulting in $4,905.00 in fines collected. Of that amount, the City keeps $2,872.12; Municipal Court Sec. Fund keeps $78.54; Tech. Fund, $104.75; and $1,849.59 was sent to the State.
Mayor DeForest reported that three permits were granted for new construction; one for placement of manufactured housing; one for repair/remodel; one for placement of RV; and one for demolition/move out, resulting in a gross property valuation increase to the City of $504,786.00.
Residents are reminded to call Mr. Boyd, City Building Inspector, before planning to build/remodel or move or demolish a building. His number is 361-746-4742.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. All interested residents are welcome to attend.
