Staff Report
Gainesville Daily Register
Gainesville —
City officials recognized two civic volunteers during Tuesday’s regular Gainesville City Council meeting.
Mayor Jim Goldsworthy read “Star of North Texas” recognition certificates to recipients Jess Cason and Joe McElreath for their assistance to the city in donating their equipment, time and resources for site cleanup following the demolition of the Gainesville Middle School building. Cason and McElreath were each presented a “Star of North Texas” medallion for their volunteerism.
Other meeting highlights:
• Council approved an inter-jurisdictional mutual aid agreement between the city and North Central Texas College that allows them to work together and share critical resources during responses to natural or manmade emergencies located within or partially within the city.
• Council recognized 45 certified (licensed) peace officer positions budgeted in the Gainesville Police Department, licensed through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. The city council is required to annually declare the number of licensed peace officer commissions that the city will carry.
• Council approved for the Cooke County Appraisal District (CCAD) to retain the city’s portion of excess reserves in their 2011 budget. The CCAD board of directors requested approval from the taxing entities to allow the district to keep the excess funds and to apply the funds to their balance with the Texas County and District Retirement System. The city’s portion of the excess reserves is $2,311.
• Council approved release of city liens against four real estate properties that are scheduled to be sold at the sheriff’s sale in 2013. The property locations are 700 Buck St., 301 S. Schopmeyer, 818 S. Schopmeyer and 812 Beattie St. City Manager Barry Sullivan said the city is currently maintaining the properties and he recommended release of the liens so the properties can be sold and put back on the tax roll. Current owners of each property will not be allowed to purchase the property at the sheriff’s sale.
• Council authorized sale of 1.112 acres of former MKT right of way located east of County Road 260 to Stanley and Sharlene Willis. The property is a long, narrow strip with two adjoining land owners. The city is allowed to offer the property only to the adjoining land owners. One family declined purchase of half the property and the Willis’ have agreed to purchase the entire tract for the appraised value of $4,000.
• Council approved and adopted an ordinance designating North Denton Street — from Broadway to East Scott Street — to be a two-way traffic street. Gainesville Police Department recommended approval of the change to benefit residents in the area as well the anticipated new location of the Cooke County Boys & Girls Club.
