Seadrift City Council has cancelled the May 7th City Election. There are no contested positions for the two Council positions and the Mayor’s. In accordance with the election code, City Council has voted declaring those filing for reelection: Councilman Ranier Brigham and Peggy Gaines and Mayor Elmer DeForest elected as of June 1, 2016 to be re-sworn in within the time frame specified by the code.
It has been brought to the Council’s attention by the Seadrift Volunteer Fire Department that due to advanced age and corrosion issues, its pumper truck, purchased in 1994, is in need of major repairs and is no longer certified by the state. The City’s ISO Rating is a 4. Insurance underwriters use the ISO ratings on which to base premiums. The lower the number the lower fire insurance premiums to residents. The City was last rated by ISO in 2012 and the condition and certification of fire fighting apparatus equipment is part of the rating structure. Since the primary fire truck is now de-certified any future visit by ISO during a compliance audit, while in non-compliance, will result in increased fire insurance premiums for residents.
There are three primary companies identified in the country that build and sell pumper trucks and the cost of a truck is over $200,000. Since it takes about six months after ordering to receive a truck, next year’s City Budget will have to be adjusted to reflect the payments on the truck, with expected delivery about 6 months after order authorization.
Council voted to request sealed bids from these three companies based on the VFD’s specifications (one of which would be all stainless steel fittings to prevent corrosion); on trade-in value; and on financing.
Giving the Building Permit report, Mayor DeForest reported that there were eleven permits issued in the month of February, bringing a gross property taxable valuation increase to the City of $208,500.00.
After reading the Police Report (327 calls for service; five arrests), Chief Leonard Bermea expressed his concern over the continuing problems at the school. Meeting with the CCISD Superintendent, the Chief was informed that this was a problem to be handled by the school, not by law enforcement. Disorderly students from Port Lavaca are being sent to Seadrift School, with the hope that a “change of scenery” will change their behavior. This is causing disruption at Seadrift School, including assaults on teachers. It is hoped that this matter will be brought to the attention of the School Board and a better solution found.
