This topo/utility map was paid for with public funds and obtained by me via the PIA back in 2022. The map highlights one problem with the potential MOU between IC ISD and the City of Mertzon to permanently close the street for the 2024 bond build out: the streets are thick with water, waste water and electric lines. Is it in the public interest to transfer the surface to IC ISD when there are public underground utilities? A public hearing will have to be held. The closest precedent for such a hearing is this one, where I argued that closing 4th Street was not in the public interest because of the flooding it would cause. I lost that argument, and the City turned over 4th Street to IC ISD, thereby worsening the same flooding problems IC ISD is trying to remedy today.
Below is the agenda for this meeting, and underneath that are my agenda analysis and meeting analysis.
A. Agenda analysis: 1. Proposed franchise fee ordinance 8.03, Rural Waste Management, item 5: In a prior meeting, Ms. Rabenaldt stated that one of the trash pickup services, RWM, had not applied for a franchise license with the City. Here are the related franchise ordinances on the City's website. Question: can the City pass new ordinances that will collect franchise taxes or fees from Parkhill, Gallagher and the construction contractors who necessarily must use the City's street for construction of the 2024 IC ISD bond build out? The photo below explains the importance of this question.
Prior to the completing of the IC ISD tennis courts on the left in 2016, this street was literally a one lane dirt road. At the time of this photo the roof was being installed on the new gym at the far right. All the construction from that build out, and its continuous flooding, demolished the paving. The City of Mertzon should not be on the hook for IC ISD's growth when these streets are destroyed as this one was. Here is a photo of the street when it was being repaved, at IC ISD expense. These costs should instead be incorporated as franchise fees to be paid by those who profit from the bond money. Alternatively, IC ISD should commit to street rehab costs as a part of their promises to the community prior to any bond election. There will be significant damage to city streets as part of the 2024 bond construction.
B. Meeting analysis 1. Here are the meeting documents for this meeting. 2. Approved, items 5 and 6: The Council approved the ordinance for franchise taxes, as well as the interlocal agreement. 3. Lesson learned, Administrative report, item 8: Under a previous administration and council leadership, the City let fester TCEQ deficiencies at the waste water treatment plant. If memory serves, the administrative penalty for that mishap was north of $100,000 and caused the City to go into debt to pay the penalty. The current leadership has wisened up to TCEQ's enforcement authority. The current plant is limping along to new upgrades next year to be paid for by bond money. As the Council is faced with ongoing repairs, it is clear from their discussion that they do not intend to ever get in TCEQ's crosshairs again. Maintenance is still being done and paid for to avoid TCEQ's enforcement authority. 4. What's going unsaid? In the "What's not on the agenda...or...What is left unsaid?" department, IC ISD was not mentioned at all during this meeting. Significant street closure (partial and permanent) issues and possible detours are looming in the next 2 to 3 months. According to Supt. Moore at their last board meeting, the initial stages of demolition of the elementary school will start in January, and the District is currently evaluating construction fencing. Mum's the word, it appears. parking 5. Tournament parking: The IC ISD Billy Barnett Hoops Classic set for Dec. 27 and 28 2024, once again makes painfully transparent the achilles heel of City Gym: parking and flooding. (Read more about Barnett here.) To his credit, former Mertzon Mayor Bill Taylor (before he got his ears boxed at this hearing) tried to get the District to address the parking problems for the gym before the gym was built. Former AD Jacob Conner and Supt. Ray DeSpain ultimately failed to alleviate the parking pressure by constructing a new parking lot that I have labeled the GMPL. Even that parking lot was not enough, so part of the 2024 bond funds will be used to pay for the destruction of the current maintenance barn and construction of a new parking lot in its place. (See the photo on this page.) Watch these pages for my posts on the additional stormwater that more parking at City Gym is going to add to our community. More flooding is a certainty, and it will be substantial because the GMPL could be doubled in size. I have personally notified Supt. Moore of these concerns. Expansion of the GMPL is a huge mistake and will lead to additional flooding at the football field. 6. Who was not present: Council member Holland was not present at this meeting. The Council is precariously close to not having enough members present to not conduct business for lack of a quorum. If any of the remaining members, Stewart, Councilman, Lindley or Crutchfield, are absent while Ms. Holland is out there will not be a quorum.
This is the field shown flooding in my recent photo here. Prior to the 2019 bonds, this area was also used as a practice field for the football team. The field did not flood until 2016 when Juanita Street was paved and the tennis courts were completed. Based on the nearby oak groves and the topography, I think it is likely the area was at one time (early 1900's) a dry creek with native live oaks...probably removed by IC ISD for it to become a play area.
Copyright 2024 G Noelke