The Whitney City Council approved the purchase of ambulance equipment and new city software at its monthly meeting held Thursday, December 14.
The council approved the purchase of a Stryker Power Load Stretcher in the amount of $19,376.71. EMS Director Megan Leighman said that the department has been trying to replace its stretcher, which does not function properly and is well beyond its expected service life. While new stretchers are typically over $32,000, a Stryker representative offered the city a demo stretcher at a discounted rate with two years of maintenance. The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) has given the city $5,900 to put towards the purchase, with a smaller check expected in the spring that will further reduce the city’s cost.
Council members also approved the transfer of $49,000 from the Reserve Fund to the General Fund to purchase an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Solution from Edmonds GovTech. The software helps the city manage its business processes, such as sending out water bills.
Information Technology (IT) Director Ben Keith reported that there are significant deficiencies in the city’s current ERP software from FundView, with the product not including features it was supposed to have. The city has also had trouble getting timely support for issues that arise. He said that water bills went out late last month due to FundView not getting back to the city about a problem for three weeks.
The council’s action will allow the transition to a new ERP to begin, with the process expected to take at least nine months.
In departmental reports, Fire Chief David Gilmore reported that the department’s new fire engine is currently being striped and should be in the city by the beginning of January. The department’s new tanker should be delivered in spring. Gilmore also said that he has requested more bunker gear from the Texas Forest Service to minimize expenses for the city. His department worked to address a citizen complaint from last month’s meeting regarding a tree hanging in the roadway and will also soon begin working on setting up playground equipment that was donated to the city park.
EMS Director Megan Leighman reported that the department responded to 45 calls last month with 60% of patients being transported to medical facilities. The average response time was slightly higher in the latest report due to calls that came in from areas outside of the city, but the average response time for the rest of the calls was between five and six minutes.
Police Chief Kyle Nevil reported that the department responded to 234 total incidents in November, making three arrests and 76 total traffic stops with 86 citations issued. Officers recently attended required training on new Texas laws, juvenile detention procedures and response to domestic situations. Whitney Police Department assisted sheriff’s offices in McLennan and Hill counties in locating a stolen vehicle along with other stolen items valued between $150,000 and $300,000. Officers assisted in the apprehension of the suspects, who had additional outstanding warrants for theft. The department also took a felony fugitive into custody after a standoff that required forced entry into a residence for the manufacture and delivery of methamphetamine.
Library statistics for November showed 581 visitors, 38 new library cards issued, 170 reference calls and 84 computer users. Forty-six programs were offered, and 62 club meetings were held. The library has Texas Bluebonnet Award books available just in time for students getting out of school for the holidays. A number of services, such as technology help and driver license assistance, are offered at the library. The library’s website is regularly updated with information about programs and services.
Public Works Director Chris Brennan said that his department repaired three water leaks in November and continues to work on pothole repair. The department also recently cleaned out a ditch on Pecos Street.
The mayor presented two certificates recognizing individuals for their contributions to the city. Drew Youngblood was recognized for his efforts to improve and maintain the city baseball fields in the spring, and John Moore was recognized for his longstanding commitment to assisting the public as a library volunteer.
In open forum, John Thiele spoke to the council about the Hill County Salvation Army. Thiele said that he has served as treasurer of the organization for the past six years and has seen the good that it does in Hill County. He said that the sheriff’s office and police departments throughout the county call volunteer Carol Westbrook when a family is in need of assistance. Through a connection Westbrook has established with the Toys for Tots program, a trailer was recently filled in Waco and brought to Hill County to assist children at Christmas. Thiele said that he knows the city is considering the possibility of no longer leasing the current office space to the organization, and he feels that would be a terrible situation. He told the council that he believes the parties can sit down and work out any issues.
The council convened in closed session for consultation with the city attorney regarding the Salvation Army lease agreement, and no action was taken when open session resumed.
The Lakelander 