Council pursuing well funding, approves Humane Society contract

Whitehouse City Council approved a number of items at the Nov. 27 regular monthly meeting. Chief among those was the authorization to publish notice of intent to purchase certificates of obligation to fund the latest water well on Mountainview.

A complication of this issue could be a complaint filed by the Walnut Grove Water District. President Hank Gilbert said Monday that there were concerns that the city's latest well, which would be located within a few hundred yards of three Walnut Grove wells, could affect Walnut Grove production. Gilbert said a complaint was being filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The city's ongoing efforts to meet its water demand featured prominently in the Nov. 27 meeting and will also be addressed at the Dec. 18 meeting. At the urging of Mayor Jake Jacobson and other council members, the city is considering renewing negotiations with the City of Tyler. Consultant Dan Jackson is also expected to be on hand to share the results of a water rate study.

In other water developments, the council voted to allow the purchase and/or condemnation of property owned by Donnie Green for a water line for the Lilly Road well (see related story Page 1A).

The council also voted to approve a contract with the Humane Society of East Texas (formerly Smith County Humane Society). The annual fee has almost doubled from $7,600 to more than $13,000.

Fite said the city asked and received a 30-day out clause in case they pursue other options.

Council also approved:

- purchase of a new animal control utility bed for $12,640;

- purchase of two utility vehicles for $30,060 (partial cost to be covered from insurance);

- a proclamation for Amanda Barfield Day to be July 24 of each year.

The council also requested that city attorney Stephen Evans look into proper procedure regarding agenda item placement. This resulted from the council overriding the mayor's wishes to have an item removed because he was not notified about it and did not approve it.