City of Holly Close to Hiring New Administrator, Sets Clean Up Day Date

 

Holly Depot

Holly Depot

The Holly Trustees have selected a finalist from the candidates interviewed to serve as Holly Town Administrator, following the resignation late last year of Marsha Willhite.  Final details of the negotiations are being worked out and a formal announcement will soon be available.

Monday, April 27 has been selected as the town clean-up day and all materials set out on the curb will be hauled away by city crews.  Town Clerk, Megan Jara, passed around a map of the four zones the city will be divided into for the clean-up, as well as a list of materials that will and won’t be removed.  They will be published in the Holly Newsletter.  The Saturday before, April 25, will be a free landfill day for Holly residents.  If someone needs help with moving their materials to the curb, such as elderly or handicapped residents, Jara said they should call the town office to make arrangements.

Trustees approved the purchase of a newer and taller bucket truck for the town.  The 1997 four wheel drive, diesel model sold for $19,950, well within the budgeted $30,000, and the town got a $2,000 discount for the ‘as-is’ sale.  J.W. Neal, Interim Field Services Supervisor, said the bucket has a crack, but there’s an identical bucket he’ll use for a replacement.  This unit will reach up to 55 feet, three feet higher than the older model, according to Neal, which will make it easier and safer for daily routine work.

After some discussion, the Trustees denied a previously tabled application from Danny and Laura Venegas who had sought an application for an Animal/Fowl Permit for their property.  The Trustees intend to find out if the town is being charged for the cost of serving civil papers by the Sheriff’s Office.  Mayor Brad Simon said he’ll make the inquiry.

Jerry L’Estrange, the Interim City Administrator, briefed the Trustees on the draft version of the Municipal Code, updated for 2012.  “I’ve tabbed some highlights and potential points of review for any changes you may want to make,” he said.  There are some minor language issues that can be corrected and sent back to the publishing firm once the final version has been approved.  L’Estange added, “This will provide the town with some specific answers for questions from our residents for electric, fire safety code and water ordinances.  Instead of educated guesses, we’ll have a written answer for them.”  He added that the code book will aid for any future zoning issues as well.  “These can also help improve our property values,” L’Estrange added.

On another ordinance matter, L’Estrange remarked, “In my three months at this position, I’ve had more inquiries on animal control matters then on anything else.”  He was referring to a section of the code book the Trustees have been considering.  He said the simpler this ordinance is, the better it will be for all concerned.  The ordinance is still under review.

The burning of the drainage ditch has been accomplished.  In the report to the Trustees, L’Estrange noted that all the parties, landowners and the railroad, were able to get together and coordinate their efforts.  He noted that the farther eastward the burn was conducted, the fuel was more easily consumed.

The City of Holly will use Atencio Engineering to help plat a map of the city’s water system, using the REDI Grant obtained from the Department of Local Affairs.  Altus Environmental, LLC was given the go-ahead to put in monitoring wells in proximity to Cliff’s Shamrock station by June.  Two wells will be on Holly property and will be approximately 15 feet deep and be used to monitor ground water flow over the next five years.  An assessment of the city’s electrical utility infrastructure has been recommended as a starting point to upgrade electrical deficiencies.  L’Estrange said he contacted Lamar Light and Power Superintendent, Houssin Hourieh on a best means scenario.  There’s no time set for the assessment to begin.

The city’s crew report showed that the hot water heaters at the ballpark and the complex have been replaced as they developed electrical issues associated with their age.  The walking trail has been mowed and all the sprinklers have been tested.  Curbs have been painted and J.W. Neal told the Trustees the alleys have been rotomilled and the on-going task of replacing water meters continues.

By Russ Baldwin

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