The Whitney City Council addressed several agenda items related to street conditions in the city during a regular meeting held Thursday evening, July 18.
The council heard a presentation from Rob Barthen of Grant Works, which has assisted the city on grant applications and related projects in the past.
Barthen presented information about the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) fund for 2025-2026. He said that the application process has been simplified, and the city could apply for a $750,000 grant to be used on infrastructure projects, such as road work. A 5% match from the city would be required, which would add an additional $37,500.
He said that any work completed with the grant money would have to be in a residential neighborhood in which 51% of the residents are considered low or moderate income. The money could not be used on the downtown area or other roads serving businesses.
Grant Works will not charge the city for submitting the application. If a grant is awarded, a fee will come out of the total project cost.
The council also heard from Lonnie Yandell, who presented a petition from residents of Joyce Street asking the city to repair the street. Yandell submitted photos of Joyce Street, which has loose pavement that he said is creating a dangerous situation for residents as passing vehicles send pieces flying into nearby yards and children attempt to ride bicycles in the neighborhood.
Yandell also expressed concerns about large commercial trucks driving on and parking on the streets, and he pointed out that it would be difficult for a fire truck to get to the area if multiple trucks were parked, as is sometimes the case.
Fire Chief David Gilmore said one issue has been addressed, but he was previously unaware of the other trucks in the area.
While the project is not in the budget, Operations Director Billy Pribble asked the city attorney to look into alternative funding options that might be possible due to the petition signed by residents on the street.
The council also voted to proceed with the creation of an ordinance establishing street and roadway specifications to comply with Senate Bill 3699. The 10-page document outlines general requirements of streets, pavement width and thickness, geometric alignments and other construction details.
The specifications will provide standards for companies responding to requests for proposals and any new subdivisions in the city or its extra-territorial jurisdiction.
In other action, the council approved the hiring of Zachary Brown as a Whitney police officer. Police Chief Kyle Nevil told the council that Brown went through the department’s rigorous screening process, and he recommended that he be hired.
Brown began working as a patrol deputy and member of the S.W.A.T. team at the Hill County Sheriff’s Office in 2020 and started the police department at Covington Independent School District in August 2023. Prior to coming to Hill County, he worked at LaSalle Corrections as a detention officer and in immigration and customs.
The council also approved the annual special events application for the Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce to host Pioneer Days Saturday, October 5.
Budget workshop dates were set to allow the council to work through numbers ahead of the annual adoption of the budget for the coming fiscal year, which begins in October. The public meetings will be held at 10 a.m. August 13 and 1 p.m. August 27 at Whitney City Hall.
In departmental reports, EMS Director Megan Leighman told the council that Whitney EMS responded to 61 calls in June, and 75% of patients were transported to medical facilities. The average response time was 5:02. The first community CPR class is scheduled for Saturday, August 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lake Whitney Public Library.
Police Chief Nevil told the council that the department responded to 231 calls in June. The department made two arrests, 65 traffic stops and issued 88 citations. Sergeant Joshua Scholes attended a training to streamline, automate and digitize all department policy, training and departmental forms. A female suspect was investigated for child endangerment involving narcotics and arrested on a felony warrant. The video system in patrol vehicles has been updated and is properly functioning. He also reported that all officers received an updated list of outstanding Class C warrants for unpaid traffic citations and will be actively seeking the individuals.
Public Works Supervisor Chris Brennan reported that his department completed seven water leak repairs in June. The department is continuing discussions with the county on estimates for work on Bush Drive and HCR 1240.
Fire Chief David Gilmore reported that the department responded to 20 fire calls and 21 medical calls in the city in June and 12 fire and 29 medical calls in the county in June.
Code Enforcement Specialist Drew Youngblood reported that five of 28 cases are still open, and one verbal warning was issued in June. Animal control responded to two animals at large and conducted 15 animal registrations. One animal was adopted on the day of the meeting, and four others were receiving medical treatment and expected to be placed for adoption soon. Code Enforcement is planning on setting up a tool library to assist residents in keeping their properties maintained. The department is also reviewing ordinances and making modifications for the council’s review and conducting downtown inspections. Standards and procedures have been completed for animal control.
The municipal court report showed 35 traffic violations in June and a total of $3,521.03 in fines collected.
Library Director Denise Carter reported that the library had 742 visitors in June, issued 51 new cards, handled 197 reference calls and had 126 computer users. Six volunteers put in 38 volunteer hours. The library is continuing to offer summer activities and recently received training on artificial intelligence (AI) based search options that will help the library access documents for patrons more quickly. More information about programs and offerings at the library can be found at http://www.whitneylibrary.org.
During public comments, the owner of Design House in downtown Whitney, Stephanie Westbrook, discussed the condition of sidewalks in the downtown area. She said that falls often occur because of a second step between a top step and the curb that tapers off. She recommended painting the second step yellow to make it more obvious, and she offered to do the painting herself with the city’s permission.
Anne Chastain of Juniper Cove Winery, who spoke about sidewalks at the last meeting, said that she agreed with the proposal when it was her turn to speak during the public forum. She also informed the council of the upcoming 102nd anniversary of the Battle of the Benches, and she invited the community downtown for a celebration Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Non-profit organizations will also be set up to accept donations during the celebration.
Business owner Ayushi Agarwala also spoke to the council, stating that she was unable to attend the last meeting but had representatives present to discuss the condition of Trinity Street behind the urgent care and other business offices. Agarwala provided additional background, stating that the previous city manager agreed to repair the road and she made a significant investment in the project. She explained that she is providing luxury office spaces, and the condition of the road is a factor in attracting and keeping businesses open in the area.
