The Whitney City Council welcomed a new member during a regular meeting held Thursday, May 16.
Cheryl Taylor-West was sworn in to begin serving on the council after she won a seat in the Saturday, May 4, election.
Returning council member Valery Peacock was also sworn in by Judge Trey Jetton to serve another term on the council, and returning member Aimee Boswell was unable to attend the meeting and was expected to be sworn in this week.
After members were sworn in, the council voted to appoint Peacock mayor pro tem and Sam Pierce deputy mayor pro tem.
Reviewing other regular agenda items, the council voted to designate a 1996 International 4900 fire engine and 2004 Ford F-350 as surplus property and authorize the sale of the property. The proceeds will be put towards the department’s new equipment.
The council voted to repeal and replace an ordinance relating to municipal court procedures. Municipal Court Judge Trey Jetton said that the previous ordinance was written in 1985 and is inadequate, incomplete and outdated. The new ordinance was drafted by the city’s attorneys and outlines the responsibilities and processes of the office.
The council convened in closed session for consultation with the city attorney. When open session resumed, the council voted to ratify the termination of probationary police officer Jeremy Adye.
In departmental reports, the fire department responded to 50 total calls with 44 in the city and six in the county.
The department used its new truck to assist with major fires in Itasca and Hillsboro recently and received notes of gratitude for its response.
Residents were reminded to be sure that above ground pools comply with state and local ordinances as summer nears. The city will be posting information on social media and its website for the convenience of citizens.
In code enforcement, it was reported that over 200 pets had been registered with the city’s new animal control program through the meeting date.
Code Enforcement Specialist Drew Youngblood reported that the animal control ordinance is being enforced, with animal nuisance calls addressed and three dogs impounded in the city’s kennels last month.
He said that the city has received a donation of materials from Bosque County Supply for its animal shelter and also received donations from Fire Chief David Gilmore for animal control and tools.
There were a total of 49 code enforcement cases opened in April.
Police Chief Kyle Nevil reported that the department responded to 240 total calls in April and officers made 53 traffic stops, issued 58 citations and made three arrests. One traffic stop resulted in the discovery of five grams of methamphetamine.
Officer Abbott has transitioned to administrative duty and is assisting the department with updating its evidence and property room. All evidence is now tracked electronically.
EMS Director Megan Leighman reported that there were 34 EMS calls in April with an average response time of 5:04.
The department is working through its budget process and is looking at options to offer CPR training to citizens and obtain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for public buildings.
Leighman reported that citizens have contacted the department recently to compliment members of the EMS crew for the care they have provided.
The public works report showed that crews repaired two water leaks in April. The department is working on repairs at the city park along with other regular duties.
Library Director Denise Carter reported that the library is hosting multiple counseling services for adults and youth. The adult coloring group continues to be a beneficial way for residents to connect and improve their mental health.
The library continues to offer multiple activities, and information can be found at http://www.whitneylibrary.org.
The municipal court report for April showed that 48 citations were issued and $6,458.50 was collected.
The council’s next regular meeting will be Thursday, June 20, at 6 p.m. in the Lake Whitney Public Library meeting room.
The Lakelander 