After considering applications, Seadrift City Council has awarded the contract for administration to Grant Works and the contract for engineering to John D. Mercer and Associates to begin a sewer and water upgrade project made possible by the recently awarded $275,000 grant from Texas Department of Agriculture.
At its November 3 meeting, Council also voted to renew the Inter-local Agreement with Calhoun County Appraisal District for the collection of Seadrift property taxes. They also voted to cast their allotted (23) votes for Eldon Gaines on the upcoming Appraisal District’s Board of Directions election.
Councilperson Peggy Gaines reported that the theme of the Calhoun County Historical Society’s Seadrift historical sculpture has been selected. It will be a depiction of a 1909 Train Engine and will be installed at the Train Depot. The Historical Society will donate the sculpture to the City and the City will cover the cost of installation.
Police Chief Leon Bermea gave the October Police Department Report: There were 89 traffic stops, resulting in 23 citations and 48 warnings. Citations ranged from speeding to public intoxication and various other traffic violations. There were eleven arrests made, seven of which were the result of traffic stops. They included: three warrants; four public intoxication; one reckless driving; one criminal trespass; one DWLI; and one minor in consumption of alcohol.
The newly purchased, used Tahoe for $15,000, is operational and in use by the Police Department. Grants for three radios have been received. Eros the K9 was utilized four times in October with two positive results. The Chief reported that Seadrift Volleyball games and the Halloween parade, all went off without a hitch. He extended the Department’s thanks to all the parents who came out and all who helped with the parade. The Chief also said that the Department is ready and willing to help in upcoming holiday events and would be glad to hear from the community about how they can be of assistance.
Mayor DeForest reported that building placements and remodels for October resulted in a $31,900 increase in property valuation. One building was demolished and removed from the tax rolls. Municipal Court Clerk Marilyn Dufner reported that 24 cases were closed in October resulting in fines of $3,685. The amount that the City keeps is $2,441.49, with the remainder going to the State and special funds. There are 23 new cases on the books, bringing the total cases to 94.
Councilman Ranier gave the Animal Control report for October. There were nine dogs picked up and impounded to Port Lavaca; seven dogs picked up and returned to owners with warnings; one dog picked up and returned to owner with ticket; one dog found a new home. Eleven cats were trapped and impounded and 15 wild animals were trapped. Six animals were hit by cars.
The next meeting of Seadrift City Council will be held Tuesday, December 1st at 7:00 p.m. at Seadrift City Hall. All residents are welcome to attend.
