Council recognizes chamber, fire department and take action on security measures for city hall

The City of Wharton City Council, during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, recognized two of Wharton’s organizations for community efforts. 

Mayor Tim Barker proclaimed the week of Oct. 18 – 23 Chamber of Commerce Week and acknowledged the over 100-year-long city partnership with the organization. 

“The Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture promotes our community for quality growth and improvement; and, the business community, represented through Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, serves as a driving force in fostering enhanced educational opportunities, leadership development, job creation, business activity, and a positive vision of the future,” the proclamation stated. 

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The Chamber of Commerce week coincides with the organization’s Party Under The Bridge event, which takes place on Thursday at Dinosaur Park in Wharton. 

Barker also proclaimed the month of October Fire Prevention Month within in the city, saying, “Each year, during the month of October, the Fire Department takes the opportunity to remind the citizens of Wharton of the devastating impact fire could have on each of us.”

Wharton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Anthony Abbott announced this year’s slogan for spreading awareness is, “Learn the sounds of safety,” and reminded everyone to change the batteries in smoke detectors. 

The department is utilizing this month to engage with schools to spread awareness, as well as, plans to host informational booths during local events.

Rezzin Pullum, a representative with Borjorquez Law Firm, PLLC, presented to council members how the firm plans to assist the city with redistricting as a result of the 2020 Census.

In his presentation, Pullum said the early results of census is showing the city has lost around 200 in its population.

The city will continue to work with the firm to determine if redistricting is needed.

Council members approved Finance Director Joan Andel’s request to award A&M Architectural Glass Inc. to continue installing safety glass windows and doors at city hall.

“This would essentially securely close off the front and back offices, because now, it’s just all open for anyone to walk through. It’s all about safety,” Andel said.

A&M Architectural Glass Inc. was also awarded a contract to replace the front entrance to the building with a push button door, complaint with the American Disabilities Act.

Other items discussed:

1. Council approved a request by Elma Samora at 1215 College St, GRAHAM BLOCK 1 LOT 3 for 4’ variance from the required 25’ setback from the front lot line. 
2. Council declined a request by Chapel Creek Constriction, LLC at 398 Hamilton St, HAMILTON PLACE BLK 32, Lot 1 for 8’5” variance from required 25’ rear property line setback. 
3. Council approved request by Chapel Creek Construction, LLC. at 309 N Richmond Rd., WHARTON BLK 32 Lot 2 (replat) for 10’ variance from required 35’ front property line setback and 8’5” variance from required 20’ setback between commercial and residential property. 
4. Council approved a resolution of the Wharton City Council authorizing the City Manager to purchase two patrol vehicles from Caldwell Country through the Buy Board Cooperative Purchasing Program. 
5. Council approved Pay Request No. 1 from Chief Solutions, Inc for the construction of the Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Televising for the City of Wharton. 
6. Council approved a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving Change Order No. 1 with E Contractors USA for the CR 222 Water Well Site Stabilization and authorizing the Mayor to execute all documents related to said change order. 
7. Council approved Pay Request No. 2 from Alsay Incorporated for the emergency work at Alabama Road Water Well No. 3. 
8. Council approved a resolution of the Wharton City Council adopting the Texas Target Communities Planning and Design for the Levee Green and Historical Downtown District Plan and incorporating the Plan into the City of Wharton Comprehensive Plan. 
9. Council approved a resolution of the Wharton City Council awarding a contract for the construction of the Colorado River Control Public Utility Relocation/Abandonment and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said contract.

Well, that’s it for your recap of Monday, Oct. 11 meeting of the City of Wharton City Council.

To view meeting minutes and agendas, visit the City of Wharton website.