Budget year-to-date financials, as well as the preliminary budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, were presented to the Livingston City Council during its Aug. 11 meeting. Council called a public hearing on the budget and set it for 5 p.m. on Sept. 8.
Very much aware of the deteriorating condition of city streets, the city manager and city council plan to get Dalton Brown, the city’s engineer, to conduct a street study in which a list will be compiled and prioritized as to the most traveled streets, in addition to the streets in the most disrepair.
Aldermen Dr. Ray Luna and Bobby Jackson Sr. were appointed to serve on a committee along with Brown, City Manager Billy S. Wiggins and Public Works Director Hec Long to study the issue.
Items being considered in the new budget include the construction of new restrooms at Matthews Street Park, the construction of restrooms and concession stands at the soccer fields and football fields at Pedigo Park and possibly, the construction of additional pickleball courts at Matthews Street Park.
Action on the sale of a 10,974-square-foot parcel of land located on Washington Avenue north of Denham Street to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for right of way relating to the Choates Creek bridge replacement project was tabled. TxDOT is offering $120,489 for the purchase – $80,695 for the land and $39,794 for damages to the property. Council tabled action on the matter to allow the city manager the opportunity to negotiate with TxDOT regarding access to the back of the property, something not included in the current specs.
Council reviewed the scoring results of two proposals received for consideration for city attorney services per request for qualifications issued June 9 and awarded a contract to The Williams Firm, authorizing the city manager to negotiate the contract.
Additionally, Council approved the appointment of City Manager Billy S. Wiggins and City Secretary/Assistant City Manager Ellie Monteaux for scoring the emergency disaster debris removal services request for proposal issued by Polk County.
As required by law, a proposed resolution designating an official public information mailing address and electronic mailing address for receiving written requests for public information, reporting to the Texas attorney general, and designation of public information coordinator by the city manager was approved. Fire Marshal/Code Enforcement Officer Josh Mohler will serve in this capacity.
Council accepted the resignation of W. Troy McKinney as municipal court judge and approved the appointment of Dustin Andreas to fill the position for the remainder of the term which ends May 31, 2027.
Though Council entered into an executive session to deliberate personnel and real estate, no action was taken upon return to open session.
Wiggins presented his monthly report on projects and events. He said both McAllister’s Deli and Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp should be open by Sept. 1. McAllister’s Deli will be located in the former Taco Bueno location at 2001 US 190 West and Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp will be located in the former El Burrito location at 100 Southpoint.
Other business included approval of accounts over $2,500 and the minutes of the July 14 and July 28 meetings.
