West Tawakoni Praises Richards, Extends Contract

An appreciative council extended the contract Tuesday night of West Tawakoni City Administrator Cloy Richards by two years.

After a short executive session charged with the task of considering his contract, the council returned to the open meeting and heaped praise on Richards.

"We appreciate the job you are doing," Mayor Pete Yoho said. "We know you will continue to do the same."

Councilman Ed Weston commented, "I appreciate the way you have managed your duties and the people that report to you. I think you are doing an outstanding job."

Councilwoman Carol Solomon said Richards was doing a fantastic job. She said she had noticed the smiles on the faces of city workers who were cordial and acted proud of their city jobs.

Councilman Winston Dennis said he had seen the transition in city departments because of Richards’ leadership. "He sets the example," Dennis said.

Councilwoman Candy Schultz expressed her excitement with the city’s progress and pointed to the improvements underway at City Park as an example.

Richards said he would say what he did every time, that he really enjoyed working for West Tawakoni. He said the city had done things since he was hired that had never been done before and stressed that he had "some really good people." He credited them rather than himself.

"I love living here. I love working here. It’s been a real good run," Richards said.

The council accepted the bid of ADT Security Services of Carrollton to provide video security with remote viewing at wastewater plant buildings. The city had experienced two break-ins that resulted in the loss of equipment last month. A third break-in occurred since the council discussed the need of security at its last meeting.

Richards said the system included a key-entry system that would allow the city to know who entered the buildings and at what times. Employees would be assigned individual numbers to gain entry.

Mayor Yoho who also serves as president of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) reported that the organization had purchased and delivered two new game tables to West Tawakoni City Park. Game tops would allow visitors to play games including checkers, chess and tic-tac-toe. One was located by the backstop at the ballpark and the second near the walking trail.

Yoho announced that Ben E. Keith Company had selected Lake Tawakoni for a bass tournament after a recent visit.

The erection of a flood light was discussed at the meeting, and the $200 purchase of a manual lawn mower was approved for the park host to reach close areas.

City Administrator Richards said that city employees had done a wonderful job in preparation of the garden at West Tawakoni City Park. "It looks great, and it’s not even planted," he said. "Everybody had a good vision." He said women at city hall had come together with ideas and praised the men for putting it together.

Richards had a planting session planned for Wednesday at the butterfly garden.

He reported that the new pavilion with the barbecue grill stayed busy at all times.

He said the work was all completed at a bargain price.

Richards said that only a sign remained to complete work provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant. He said the $50,000 city portion of the work had already been paid in the form of in-kind work and cash and would be able to close the project eight months early.

The larger federal grant that was funded by the U.S. Fish and Game Department would pay for several other projects. Richards said the bid opening for one of those, a public boat ramp, was to be held Thursday. The bid opening to sell the city’s service center, located next door to Big D’s Barbecue, was also scheduled for Thursday.

• Richards said the Home grant project was almost complete. He said the two homes, one on Kenny Street and one on Hemlock, would soon be ready for the owners. The grant provides for the construction of new homes to replace dilapidated housing of qualified homeowners.

Richards recognized the county for providing dumpsters to move many loads of dirt. He said the next grant would start building in October. The city qualified for five homes if that many applicants were found.

• The city administrator reported that the city had applied Stimulus Grants including an additional policeman, transmission sewer line from State Highway 276 to the wastewater plant and a sewer line along Mays Lane. He said he planned to make application for additional grants to expand the water plant although it would not be needed in the near future.

• All council members were present except Carol Welch.