Coldspring declares March as Red Cross Month

COLDSPRING — On March 9, Mayor John Benestante and the Coldspring City Council issued a proclamation declaring the month of March as Red Cross Month.

The proclamation states:

“This March we celebrate American Red Cross month by recognizing the compassionate acts for the people in Coldspring, Texas, and by renewing our commitment to lend and help hands to our neighbors in need. Since Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross more than 140 years ago, generation after generation has stepped up to deliver relief and care across our country and around the world, bringing out the best of humanity in times and crisis.

“Advancing this noble mission, the volunteers and supporters, who now give back through the (Southeast and Deep East) chapters, remain unwavering in their commitment to prevent and alleviate human suffering in face of today's emergencies.

“Their voluntary and generous contributions shine as a beacon of hope in people's dark hours, whether it's delivering shelter, food, or comfort during disasters, providing critical blood donations for hospitals and patients, supporting service members, veterans and their families, saving lives with birthdays, CPR, AED, and other skills, are delivering international aid, and reconnecting loved ones separated by global crisis.

“This work is uplifting our community, is truly makes possible by those who selfishly answer the call to help whenever and wherever it's needed. We hereby recognize the month of March, in honor of their remarkable service, and we ask everyone to join in their commitment to care for one another.”

In other business, the council:

• discussed grant allocations, funding for future projects, and new ordinances.
• discussed the need for an audit for 2024. Benestante said the city has a written agreement, and the auditing firm has begun the process.
• discussed the TxDOT sidewalk project along Highway 150, and that in the future, sidewalks will be available near the Exxon down to Lincoln Junior High and the Sheriff's office down to the Dollar General.
• discussed a 2023-2024 CDBG Grant for a sewage line.
• discuss applying for a $2.5 million grant for the community center.
• approved a resolution acknowledging the dedication of a permanent easement by Johnnie Berger for construction a sewer lift station, and the granting of one sewer tap and $5,000 to Berger in consideration of the dedication of the permanent easement along with the granting of a temporary easement across his property during the construction of the lift station.
• approved a budget amendment to move $10,000 to the San Jacinto County Animal Shelter from the Contingency Fund.