Mayor DeForest presents a plaque to Johnny Mikolas in appreciation of his nine years of service on Seadrift City Council.
-Photo courtesy Kayla Meyer, Port Lavaca Wave
Council members at the April 7 meeting voted to cancel the scheduled May 9 election because there are no contested races for City Council positions. This is in accordance with the Texas Secretary of State, and declares that those who have filed for re-election, along with one who filed for the seat of Johnny Mikolas, who elected not to file for re-election, are declared elected. The term of office begins on June 1, 2015 for current Council members June Cantrell and Jackson “Buddy” Cross and for Geoffrey Hunt, who takes Johnny Mikolas’ position on the Council.
Police Chief Leonard Bermea presented the March Police Report to the Council, noting there had been 490 calls for service, ranging from calls for information to calls resulting in arrest. There were 142 traffic stops, resulting in 41 citations and 87 warnings. Two traffic stops resulted in arrest, one for warrants, and one for evading arrest. In the latter arrest, officers tried repeatedly and unsuccessfully to get compliance from the offender, and had to use their tasers. This was the first time tasers have been used by the department. There were eight other arrests made in March: 3 on warrants, 2 family violence, 1 reckless driving, 1 evading with prior conviction, and one disorderly conduct.
Mayor DeForest reported there were seven building permits granted in March resulting in a property valuation increase of $53,800. Municipal Court closed 27 cases the past month, resulting in fines of $3,868.10. Of this amount, the City keeps $2,339.35; Municipal Security Fund receives $56.26; Municipal Technology Fund, $75.01; and $1,397.48 is sent to the State.
Reporting on Code Enforcement, Animal Control, Coucilman Brigham said six dogs were picked up and impounded to Port Lavaca; eight dogs picked up and returned to owners with warnings; one dog picked up and returned to owners with tickets. Fifteen verbal/writing warnings were issued and one dog was found a new home. There were two call outs for animals hit by cars and one for animal cruelty (cleared) Five cats were trapped and impounded and 18 wild animals were trapped.
Reports were also given by Council members Gaines, Cantrell and Cross. Mr. Cross said work has been done on the boat launch but much more needs to be done. Ms. Cantrell said that due to all the recent rain, work on water lines and drainage is about three months behind. Mayor DeForest said that it will take about two months to reroute about 10,000 feet of ditches to get the water to flow properly in the area of 8th Street. Recently there was a problem with the sewer in part of the town, but another lift station will soon be installed on Houston Avenue. Reporting for Parks and Recreation, Mrs. Gaines said the baseball field is drying out and should be good for play soon.
Mayor DeForest presented a plaque to Johnny Mikolas in appreciation of his nine years of service on City Council.
