The Whitney City Council met in its regular monthly session Thursday, January 18, and heard updates from city department heads.
Police Chief Kyle Nevil told the council that the department responded to 250 incidents in December, made 10 total arrests, 63 traffic stops and issued 77 citations.
The department also identified and arrested a suspect in a burglary at the King Memorial Methodist Church thrift store and assisted Hill and Bosque county sheriff’s deputies with multiple vehicle pursuits. One of the pursuits resulted in the recovery of a vehicle reported stolen from the city, and the suspect was taken into custody.
The chief said that officers visited Whitney High School to educate students on the dangers and legal repercussions of sending illicit videos and photographs via social media.
The department has received its new tasers that were previously approved by the council, and Officer Octavio Aguirre attended a taser instructor school and will be training all officers on the new devices.
Fire Chief David Gilmore reported that the department has taken delivery of its new fire engine, and brush truck 325 is now back in service after repairs. One of the department’s old engines is undergoing basic repairs at a cost of $12,000 to be used on county calls, which will allow the new truck to stay in town only. Another old engine is expected to be sold to help defray repair costs.
The fire department responded to a total of 27 county calls (52% EMS/48% fire) and 28 city calls (50% EMS/50% fire) in December. Gilmore said that the department’s first toy drive, held in December, was a huge success.
EMS Director Megan Leighman reported that the ambulance service responded to 59 calls in December with 75% of calls resulting in a transport to a medical facility. The average response time was five minutes and 39 seconds.
Leighman said that the new stretcher approved by the council has been installed and is in use, and she has completed the renewal process with the Department of State Health Services and the EMS department is certified for another two years.
She added that preparations are underway for April’s total solar eclipse, which is expected to draw a crowd of tourists to the area. Additional EMS personnel will be working to ensure that the city can handle any increase in calls.
Public Works Supervisor Chris Brennan reported that his department repaired four water leaks, installed speed bumps on South San Jacinto and is working on a fire hydrant leak on Bush Drive. He said that the department is continuing to work on pothole repairs and getting the city’s emergency siren in good working order.
Library Director Denise Carter reported that the library had 588 visitors in December, issued 34 new library cards, had 203 reference calls and 140 computer users.
The library is offering solar eclipse activities and education for both children and adults and continues to have weekly activities for all ages. The library also has income tax forms and information available.
Details about activities offered at the library are available on the website at http://www.whitneylibrary.org.
In public comments, Joe Corson spoke to the council about his effort to raise funds to improve the condition of Baker Field. He said that he has raised $4,500 to date and will be seeking the city’s permission to organize a color fun run fundraiser.
The council discussed approval of a special events permit submitted for a Boiling with the Badges crawfish boil fundraiser, but Operations Director Billy Pribble said that there was some confusion about what entity was hosting the event, and no action was taken.
The council convened in executive session for discussion about the city’s lease agreement with the Salvation Army for office space at the city annex. When open session resumed, the council voted to accept a 60-day lease termination letter submitted by Divisional Service Extension Director Stephen Thomas of the Salvation Army.
The council’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 15, at the City of Whitney Annex.
The Lakelander 