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CITY 7, 1995

Freeway extension could hurt Pecos


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By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer

PECOS, 1995 Pecos would lose traffic from U.S. Highway 285 if a proposed freeway extension from Lubbock south to I-20 at a point east of Fort Stockton becomes a reality, councilman Elvia Reynolds told the Pecos City Council this morning.

Reynolds opposed a resolution supporting the I-27 route from Lubbock to
Midland-Odessa along Farm Road 1788 and southerly to a point near Fort
Stockton, as proposed by the West Texas Transportation Alliance.

In an advertisement published in Wednesday's Pecos
Enterprise, the Texas Highway Department indicated that I-27 would
join I-10 between Fort Stockton and Junction - not west of Fort Stockton
as proposed by Mac McKinnon, a member of WTTA.

McKinnon had said that Pecos would benefit from the more westerly route.

But Reynolds said that travelers from Mexico would likely bypass Pecos
altogether if a freeway east of Fort Stockton continues to Amarillo and
ultimately to Denver, Colo.

"I think that's where they are trying to connect to," he said. "That
will take a lot of that 285 traffic...it seems to me we are cutting our
own throats by supporting this thing, and we have nothing to gain.

"Even if it comes to Fort Stockton, I can't see traffic from Mexico
leaving the interstate and coming through here," Reynolds said.

Tom Rivera, Pecos Chamber of Commerce executive director, said that much
of the Highway 285 traffic comes from I-20, attracted by Carlsbad
Caverns and highway signs pointing to the tourist information center and
rodeo.

"The reason we get more stopping at the tourist center, they stop to get
information on the caverns or go to the museum," he said.

Reynolds said that the city needs an information center on I-20 and
suggested working with the Pecos Housing Authority to establish one in
the proposed park where the old airbase property abuts the north service
road.

"If we couldn't have someone there, then how about a billboard
information center, lighted, with maps and information on the museum?"
he asked.

Randy Graham said that billboards are not permitted along the
interstate, even if they are on private property.

"They are not issuing any more permits," he said.

He said the state won't put an information center on I-20 because there
is not enough traffic to warrant one.

His motion to table the I-27 resolution for further information passed.

Also tabled was a request by Ray Hall for the city to move his water
meter closer to his residence at 1110 N. Cedar St. The meter is ¼ mile
from the house, he said.

Octavio Garcia, utilities director, said that a city ordinance requires
residents to pay for the extension.

"I am saying if the city can annex a house into the city, why can't they
bring water up to it," Hall said.

Finance Director Steve McCormick said that the property owner did not
request the house be brought into the city limits.

City Attorney Scott Johnson said he would check into the matter and
report back to the council.

Jeannette Alligood, co-owner of Allcomm Long Distance, asked the council
to support legislation pending before the Texas Legislature that would
open up local telephone service to competition.

"The legislation would give customers a choice," Alligood said.
"Competition hs greatly enhanced the long-distance industry."

Currently only one telephone company can provide local service, and the
city has a contract with GTE.

Mayor Dot Stafford appointed Jesse Stephens, Harry Nagel, Johnson and
Reynolds to a committee to study the material provided by Alligood and
make a recommendation for council ction.

The council approved purchase of pagers from Industrial Communications
for the Pecos Volunteer Fire Department at $2,800; approved on second
reading an ordinance allowing employees prior service credit on the
Texas Municipal Retirement System; approved bills totaling $145,166;
agreed to take bids to sealcoat northside streets;

Adopted an agreement allowing the city attorney to file forfeiture
petitions on assets seized by the Pecos Police Department (previously
done only by the district attorney), approved a central counting crew,
appointed judges and clerks and set early voting times for the May 6
election.

They adopted on first an ordinance prohibiting burning of rubbish,
trash, vegetation, tires, lumber and debris except in approved
incinerators. A second reading is required before the ordinance goes
into effect.

Fire Marshall Jack Brookshire said he asked for the ordinance because
some homeowners are beginning to burn off their lawns.

Although it is a violation of state law to burn anything without a
permit, Broookshire said he would also like a city ordinance to give him
local authority to control such activity.

David Madril reported that he has contacted a company in Midland that
will purchase recycled products and help him write a grant proposal.

"They made an attractive offer. They are willing to re-wire the building
and paint it, hire two local employees and rent the building for $100 a
month," he said.
3-9-95

Parks committee appointed


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By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer

PECOS, 1995 Pecos Mayor Dot Stafford this morning appointed a committee to work with organizations requesting city water and upkeep for parks where the Pecos Tree Board has planted trees.

Councilor Danny Rodriguez suggested the committee be formed after
hearing a request from Mike Murphy of the Tree Board for a sprinkler
system at the old depot and from Frank Shorter of the East Side Civic
League for help with a drip system at the East Side Park.

Shorter said the Tree Board has agreed to plant trees around the
perimeter of the property, which abuts Bessie Haynes Elementary's school
yard where Afghan pines set out last year are thriving.

Murphy said the board would set out shade trees and pines along the
600-700 foot property line if a drip system is installed. Shorter said
that league members would install the line if the city will dig the
ditch and provide materials.

Stafford appointed Rodriguez, Saul Roquemore, Octavio Garcia, Armando
Gil and Murphy to the committee, which will work on that request and
others.

Murphy asked the city to install a sprinkler system at the old depot and
plant grass, as they agreed to do when the Tree Board obtained a grant
to set out 20 live oak trees.

An underground sprinkler system costing $1,950 would water both the
grass and trees, Murphy said.

Paul Stracener, design irrigator, made that estimate and another for the
West of the Pecos Museum, which would cost $7,400.

Museum Curator Genora Prewit said the old sprinkler system at the museum
park has deteriorated and is no longer in use. Her staff has been
hand-watering trees at the depot and hoeing weeds.

Armando Gil, parks director, said his staff waters the museum grounds
but not the depot because he thought the depot had a drip system.

"I feel the city needs to take a closer look at all the park systems,
including the museum area," Murphy said.

An underground sprinkler system is more economical and will free up
labor, increase efficiency and cut water costs, he said.

Gil said that vandals damage irrigation systems shortly after they are
installed.

But Stracener said he has installed systems with pop-up sprinklers at
schools. "If installed properly, there are no vandalism problems," he
said.

Elvia Reynolds said the council could consider putting the proposed
sprinkler systems in the 1995-96 budget, which the staff will begin
working on in April.

Gil brought up another matter concerning water, proposing the city lay a
two-inch line from Winkles Trucking Co. on Texas Highway 17 south to the
landfill so they can have city water for rest rooms and washing
equipment.

The 210-foot deep water well drilled onsite is so salty that it ruins
the submersible pump in a short time, he said. "In one year and two
months we have installed three pumps at a cost of over $8,000, and now
this other one just went out," he said.

He said the cost of a two-inch line would be $4,000 or less, and the
site would have good city water.

A local supplier would sell the PVC pipe for 35 cents per foot, he said.

Reynolds asked if a larger line could be installed so that it could
service businesses that might locate along Highway 17 in the future.

Garcia said that six-inch pipe would cost $2.50 to $4.50 per foot, and
it will take 9,000 feet of line.

Murphy said a two-inch line probably would not carry water for 9,000
feet.

"We have a 100,000 gallon storge tank right beside it to push the
water," Garcia said. But he said he did recommend a four-inch line when
the matter first came up.

"If you check the co-efficients, you will find it will take a four-inch
line," Murphy said.

"You could run an extension from Winkles down 17 to that road that cuts
off to the landfill and then tap in there (with a two-inch line)," said
Reynolds. Then if something else came along and wanted to put a business
in there..."

Randy Graham said that the land lying along the highway is in the
airport, and "there is no place for businesses."

Gil said he would get elevations and get Frank Spencer to figure out if
a two-inch line will work, because he needs to get something done right
away.
3-9-95

Council backs trade corridor


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By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer

Pecos City Council this morning endorsed a trade corridor from the west
coast of Mexico through West Texas and Midland-Odessa that will link up
western Mexican states with the metropolitan area around Dallas-Fort
Worth.

Dubbed "Entrada al Pacifico," the corridor would begin at the Pacific
port of Topolobampo and travel through Ojinaga-Presidio northward to a
point west of Fort Stockton on I-10, hopefully connecting with I-27 at
that point.

The council tabled a proposed resolution suporting extension of I-27
southward from Lubbock to the air terminal between Midland and Odessa
and southerly to a point near Fort Stockton.

Dr. Elvia Reynolds asked if the city could persuade the West Texas
Transportation Alliance and the Midland/Odessa Transportation Alliance
to back widening U.S. Highway 285 to four lanes from Fort Stockton
through Pecos to the New Mexico state line.

"To me it would be very important," Reynolds said. "We would be the only
one interested in that particular thing. If we go for this, are we
excluding some pressure if they would go for the 285 improvement?"

Pecos has nothing to gain from the I-27 extension to Fort Stockton, he
said. "But if they would widen 285, it would help us."

Mac McKinnon, who proposed the resolutions, was unable to attend the
meeting, so the council agreed to wait until he could be present to
further explain the possibilities.

The council approved on second reading an ordinance seeking a rate
reduction for Contel of Texas Inc. (GTE Operating Co.) and opposing
surgharges for extended local calling.

Those matters are to be decided by the state Public Utility Commission,
and Pecos will help pay attorneys and rate consultants who will
represent several cities in the hearing.

A mineral lease offered by Murphy Baxter of Houston was approved for
three years with a two-year option. The city will receive a $12,100
bonus the first year and again the fourth year if the bidder exercises
the option.

Clay Johnson, a Midland landman representing Murphy Baxter, said they
would pay the standard delay rent lease of $1 per acre for the second,
third and fifth years.

City attorney Scott Johnson said the lease terms are what the council
asked for in a previous meeting.

"We can't make money until we give it a shot," he said.

Approval was unanimous, as were all votes in the morning session.

Delhi Pipeline Corp. representatives John Lemons and Barney Hightower
met with the council to request a right-of-way easement through the
city's water field to connect two producing wells with a compressor
station.

The piepline would cross two feet underneath the city water line, and
crews will hand-dig around the water pipe, Hightower said. It will not
interfere with the city's pumping operations nor its pipeline, he said.

For the 30-foot right-of-way, Delhi will pay the city $25 per rod, or
$3,983.50.

It will run from the McBurney well on city property to the compressor
station, tying into the Hurd well, also on city property.

Hightower said they hope the wells will produce for 30 years, but if the
pipeline is unused for two years, the right-of-way will revert to the
city.

Lemon said that could be changed to one year if the council desires.

Johnson said he would approve the contract with the added clause that
the pipeline will not interfere with city operations, and if they do,
Delhi would be responsible for damage.

At the request of city manager Harry Nagel, the council approved an
ordinance allowing members of the Texas Municipal Retirement System to
get credit for prior service in any incorporated city or council of
governments in Texas.

Nagel said he worked three years for Jersey Village before joining the
TMRS.

"It won't cost you any money," he said.

Otherwise, he would have to work for the city of Pecos 10 years before
being fully vested in the retirement system.

"This is my birthday present," said Nagel, who turned 64 Monday.

The council approved a contract with Reeves County Hospital to provide
liability insurance and in-house repairs for a used ambulance the
hospital is purchasing.

Johnson said the hospital has been using a city-owned ambulance for
patient transfers, but is is no longer usable and they are purchasing a
replacement.

The Texas Municipal League said it is legal for the city to provide
liability insurance for the ambulance so long as the two entities have
an interlocal agreement, he said.

An election was set for May 6 to elect three councillors for two-year
terms. Terms expiring are those of Randy Graham, Elvia Reynolds and
Gerald Tellez.

Geneva Martinez, city secretary, will accept aplications for ballots by
mil through April 28. Early voting by personal apperance will be
conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the city council room from April 17
to May 2.

In discussing the Municipal Court report, Mayor Dot Stafford noted
revenues for January were $7,012.

"What are we doing about kids riding in the back of pickups?" she asked
Police Chief Troy Moore.

"We are making some impact on it. We are having a meeting this
afternoon, and that will be brought up in a very strong manner," he
said. It is illegal for a child under 12 to ride in the back of a
pickup, he said.

Stafford asked Chief Moore what has been done about enforcing the
requirement that peddlers obtain a city permit. "We are getting more and
more peddlers," she said.

"That's something we need to work a little harder on," Moore said.

Steve McCormick, finance officer, said that it would help if citizens
would ask peddlers if they have a permit.

McCormick said tax collections were good in January, and he has put
aside almost enough to pay the bond and interest payments.

Stafford noted that juvenile detentions are down, with seven reported in
January.

Moore said the curfew is working extremely well. "We are filing some
citations, but it is being honored better than I expected."

Danny Rodriguez said that the juvenile detention center is applying for
a grant that offers some money for four officers to assist.

"We are looking into it," Moore said. "I was told we might have a better
chance than some of the others, since we have never applied for a grant."

In the finance report, McCormick said that the landfill fund has a
negative balance of $17,000 because of extra expenses that over-ran the
$75,000 budget. That will have to be moved into the general fund to zero
out that budget, he said.

Bills totaling $103,028 were approved, with the notation that overtime
is high for employees at the landfill.

McCormick said they have been picking up trash on weekends that blows
out of the landfill, and he has warned sanitation officer Armando Gil to
hold down the overtime.

"We raised the fence up, so we can catch most of that," Nagel said.

Rodriguez asked how long the city waits to clean up a site after a house
burns down.

Johnson said the owner is encouraged to clean it up, but "if it becomes
a danger, we do it."

Nagel said that one house on Veterans Blvd. tht burned over a year ago
was tied up with the insurance company. "As soon as we get time we are
going in there," he said. "This one across from the new federal
building, the lady said she is going to tear it completely down."

In executive session, the council evaluated city secretary Geneva
Martinez and Municipal Court clerk Mary Bell Baeza, giving them a good
report and salary increases.

2-23-95

Vendors need permit to go door-to-door


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By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer

Pecos Police are not enforcing the city ordinance requiring a permit to
solicit from places of business, said Harry Nagel, city manager.

"The only ones we clamp down on are those who go to residences," Nagel
said today in response to a question about solicitors for city directory
advertising.

"We have a lot of salesmen that call on businesses," he said.

City Directory Inc. of Iowa has been selling advertising and directories
over the past few weeks to Pecos businesses. They published a Pecos City
directory in 1993 and a Monahans directory in 1994.

Dick Rowen, regional sales manager, told the «MDUL»Enterprise«MDNM» that
he did not know a vendor's permit was required, but that he would obtain
one if necessary.

City Secretary Geneva Martinez said that no representative of City
Directory contacted her to obtrain a permit nor to post the required
$5,000 bond for itinerant vendors and peddlers.

Section 21.2 of the city code states: "It shall be unlawful for any
person to go from house to house or from place to place in the city
soliciting, selling or taking orders for goods, wares, merchandise or
services, or newsppers, to expose plates or films to make negatives, to
make pictures or photographs for future delivery unless such peddlers
shall first have registered with the chief of police and applied for and
received from the city secretary a license to sell and otherwise
complied with the requirements of this capter."

Chief Moore said that no one with City Directory contacted him for
permission to solicit advertising or sell directories.

"I wasn't aware that the ordinance said `from place to place,'" he said.
"Maybe we need to change our procedure."

Moore said that city finance officer Steve McCormick vouched for Rowen
and salesman Joe Walker, whom he knows personally. They were formerly
employed by R.L. Polk, a directory publisher. City Directory took over
cities where Johnson Publishing had provided directories in the past.

Pecos business people were "stung" last year by a salesman claiming to
represent Roxburghe Publishing of Lubbock, city directory publishers.

Lee Sanders, Rhetta Blount of the Back Door T-Shirt Shop, real estate
agent VaLera Gatewood and the Pecos Enterprise are among those who paid
for advertising or a directory that was never published.

The city ordinance requires an itinerant vendor to pay $100 per month
licensing fees and to post a $5,000 bond with the city secretary "for
the benefit of any person or persons legally entitled to recover thereon
and conditioned that the parties thereto shall pay all damages to any
person caused by or arising from or growing out of any fraudulent or
illegal act of such applicant in the conduct of his business."

Because neither the salesman, Dale Pruett, nor Roxburghe Publishing
obtained a permit and posted the requisite bond, those who paid part or
all the price of advertising and/or a directory in 1994 have no means to
recoup their losses.

At least eight towns have reported the same company sold advertising in
their towns without publishing a directory.

2-13-95

Recycling idea given priority


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By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer

Pecos City Council this morning appointed a committee to study a
recycling proposal made by David Madril that could reduce landfill waste
by 25 percent and make a $123,917 profit.

They alo adopted an ordinance on first reading which authorizes
employment of special counsel and rate consultants to intervene in a
rate proceeding to reduce telephone rates of a GTE operating company,
Contel of Texas Inc., and to remove surcharges for extended local
calling;

Approved payment of $1,500 each to the Community Council of Reeves
County for Pecos Day Nursery and Meals on Wheels; heard the first
quarter analysis of finances; approved bills totaling $180,431; heard a
report by David Madril on recycling, received a bid to lease mineral
rights on city land near the airport and tabled the fire department's
request for new pagers.

In the telephone rate matter, the Office of Public Utility Counsel filed
a petition stating that Contel of Texas Inc. has excessive earnings for
1993 and for the first half of 1994, with a return on equity in excess
of 50 percent for 1993.

Special counsel to the city will be the law firm of Jim Boyle, and GDS
Associate Inc. will assist him as rate consultants.

A second reading of the proposed ordinance must be adopted before it can
take effect.

Madril told the council that he has worked to establish a recycling
center and found a market for paper, cardbord, metals and plastic.

"They are working on technology to recycle oil containers and
anti-freeze bottles," Madril said.

Several organizations have donated money toward a recycling center,
Madril said, but he has learned it would cost $350 to open a back
account to deposit it.

He said he has worked up a grant application for $150,000, but the
person signing it has to be in the municipal solid waste reduction
business. He petitioned the council to sign the grant request and to
hire a person to be responsible for educating the public and
coordinating volunteer work.

Other grants are available as well, he said.

The council appointed City Manager Harry Nagel, Sanitation Director
Armando Gil, and City Attorney Scott Johnson to study the matter and
recommend action to the council.

"It is quite a lot of work, and a lot of people are willing to
volunteer, but realistically, someone will have to be there every day to
show volunteers how to separate materials, operate loaders and keep
track of all the paperwork," Madril said.

"We appreciate all the effort," said Mayor Dot Stafford. "It is
certainly a needed item."

Gil said that 100 percent community involvement is required for
recycling.

Businesses are already recycling cardboard, and aluminum cans are
recycled before they get to the landfill, he said.

"We don't have that much metal. It's sold at R&R salvage plant."

The city recycles oil, filters and tree limbs, he said.


"The only thing possible would be plastic bottles, glass and
newspapers," he said.

Residents who have no way to transport grass clippings are putting them
in the dumpsters, Gil said.

"It is not supposed to go in the dumpster or landfill. A lot of cities
are enforcing grass clippings. They are just throwing them in the alley,
and the city has to hire someone to haul them to the landfill," he said.

Madril said that one city who hired a recycling coordinator had him
enforce the grass clipping rule by driving down alleys and notifying
residents they were breaking the law.

"It started to control that problem and increased use of the recycling
center," he said.

Murphy Baxter of Houston bid a $12,100 bonus and 3/16 royalty for a
five-year lease on a 1,633-acre tract the city owns near Pecos Municipal
Airport.

Randy Graham said he would prefer a three-year lease, and Baxter's
representative, landman Clay Johnson of Midland, said they would
probably consider three years with a two-year option.

He admitted the bid bonus is low, but noted the land has not been leased
for 15 years - and no one else bid.

Graham's motion to receive the bid and table action to the February 23
meeting to allow time for negotiation passed unanimously.

Mayor Stafford called the council's attention to a letter from United
Video Cablevision Inc. regarding a subscriber fee imposed by the Federal
Communications Commission.

The fee of 37 cents per year will be charged directly to cable
customers, said Robert Whitley, general manager. The 3-cent item will be
listed on monthly bills beginning in April.

2-9-95

Broken water mains harass city crews


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By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer

Even as the Pecos City Council voted this morning to increase water and
sewer rates, city crews wrestled with broken-down wells and broken water
mains.

Octavio Garcia, utilities director, said that a main near the post
office that broke last week has been patched temporarily while crews
replace a valve that wouldn't but the water off.

The valve is located under the street at Fourth and Oak Streets, and the
crew has dug up the street in that location. However, Garcia said it is
too dangerous to work with the heavy traffic at that intersection, so
they will replace the valve on Saturday.

Garcia said that two wells were down in the Worsham field, but they have
been repaired.

After city attorney Scott Johnson read the proposed ordinance raising
water rates, Randy Graham made the motion to adopt it; Saul Roquemore
seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

Danny Rodriguez made the motion to increase sewer rates, and Gerald
Tellez seconded. Again the vote was unanimous. Reconnect fees were also
increased.

The new water rates are $1.70 for each 1,000 gallons over the minimum.
Minimums are as follows:

-Single-family residence inside city limits, $6.25 minimum 2,000 gallons.
-Duplex on one meter, $12.50, minimum 4,000 gallons.
-Triplex on one meter, $18.75, minimum 6,000 gallons.
-Quadplex on one meter, $25, minimum 8,000 gallons.
-Commercial, $7.25, minimum, 2,000 gallons.
-Wellfield line taps, $14, minimum 2,000 gallons.
-City of Barstow rate set by auditor's report of cost each year.
-Commercial water with residential sewer (churches), $6.25, minimum 2000
gallons.
-Trailer parks on one meter, inside city limits, $6.25, minimum 2,000
gallons.
-All rates are double outside the city limits.

Sewer charges are 25 cents per 1,000 gallon of water used over the
minimum (up from 15 cents). Residential usage is averaged for the
low-use months of November, December and January.

Commercial water usage is figured each month.

Anyone who can demonstrate that any part of the water used is not
returned to the sewer system, a reduction of the charge may be granted.

The minimum charge for each residence is $6 per month. For multiple
units, the additional charge is $3 for each unit.

Commercial charges are $11.50 per month minimum. A charge of $125 will
be made for each sewer tap.

Should service be discontinued for non payment, or a resident moves to a
new location, the city will charge a $20 reconnect or transfer fee.

1-26-95

Republic of Texas honored


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By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer

Pecos City Council chambers were packed this morning for the regular
monthly meeting, but it wasn't because they were raising water and sewer
rates. Rather, the agenda item was a pleasant one.

Amanda Stickels, representing Zavala Seventh Graders, presented the
council with a proposed proclamation making February 28-March 3 Texas
Independence Week in Pecos.

After the council adopted the proclamation, the seventh graders opted
to stay for the meeting. They still got to class on time, because the
council adjourned after a brief 30-minute business session.

Noting that the Republic of Texas won its independence in 1836, the
proclamation calls for cit¬ izens to honor those who fought for
independence and the Constitution of 1824 and to celebrate, as early
Texans did, being free from the dic¬ tatorship of Santa Anna and foreign
rule.

"We request a celebration during the week in the form, some or all, of
displaying Texas Lone Star Flags, a carnival, Texas Hero look-alike
contest, Texas Battle Play, fireworks display, bean and corn¬ break
cookoff, fiestas, dance, tree dedication, citizens dress "Texan,"
bonfire, parade and excessive noise making.

The council awarded the bid for a tractor, front loader bucket and
mower to Cisco Ford of Odess.

Cicso Ford's bid of $19,241 was the lower of two bids. Texas Equip¬
ment Company of Pecos bid $25,730.

Armando Gil, city health and sanitation officer, said the tractor/mower
offered by Texas Equip¬ ment Company exceeds his depart¬ ment's needs,
and he recommended the council accept the low bid.

Dr. Elvia Reynolds made the motion to accept the low bid; Danny
Rodriguez seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

"I am so sorry we can't go local with some of these," said Mayor Dot
Stafford. "I know Armando talked to them and tried, but we have to take
the low bid."

George Renteria, who had asked to meet with the council, was not present.

"He wants the job as plumbing inspector," said Harry Nagel, city
manager.

Nagel said that Octavio Garcia, utilities director, and Jack Brook¬
shire, building inspector, will at¬ tend a school in May to be ap¬
proved to do inspections.

The city has been without a li¬ censed plumbing inspector since the
death of Dickie Wadley, long¬ time building inspector, Nagel said. Now
that the state has stiffened the rules, that position must be filled.

Steve McCormick, controller, said that the state plumbing board clled
him in October about the situ¬ation.

"I told them what we were doing to take care of this," he said.

In the meantime, retired plumber Jack Rogers has agreed to handle
inspections until May, Nagel said.

1-26-95

Council doubles water/sewer rates


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By PEGGY McCRACKEN
Staff Writer

Pecos City Council approved on first reading this morning an ordinance
raising water and sewer rates, renconnect fees and sewer taps.

For each 1,000 gallons of water above the minimum, each user will pay
$1.70. That is an increase of 66 cents over the current rate for
residential users.

Residential users will pay an additional $1 minimum for water and sewer.
Other increases are comparative.

City Manager Harry Nagel said the cost to deliver water to the user is
more than the current rates, and the Water Development Board has urged
an increase.

Mayor Dot Stafford said that the Texas Natural Resources Conservation
Commission would not grant the city funds for improvement because the
rates are below those of area cities.

Finance officer Steve McCormic said the cost to deliver water to the
user is $1.64 per 1,000 gallons, and the average revenue is $1.26.

New minimum rates to take effect after a second reading of the ordinance
are:
Single-family residence, $6.25 for first 2,000 gallons; duplex on one
meter, $12.50 for 4,000 gallons; triplex on one meter, $18.75 for 6,000
gallons; quadplex on one meter, $25 for 8,000 gallons; and commercial,
$7.25 per 2,000 gallons.

Wellfield line taps will pay $14 for 2,000 gallons of untreated water
and $5 per 1,000 gallons thereafter. Churches with residential sewer and
trailer parks on one meter will py $6.25 minimum for 2,000 gallons and
$1.70 each additional 1,000 gallons.

Rates for the city of Barstow are set by the auditor's report of cost
each year. Charges for other customers outside the Pecos city limits are
double the city rates for both water and sewer.

Reconnect fees will be $20 for disconnects, terminations for non-payment
and transfers to another address. No charge has been made for transfers
in the past.

Each sewer tap will cost $125 under the new ordinance.

Commercial users will pay $11.50 per month sewer charge plus 25 cents
for each 1,000 gallons of water used each month.

Residenntial sewer rates of $6 minimum and 25 cents per each additional
1,000 gallons of water used are based on an average of water used during
November, December and January, said McCormick.

The council also approved construction of a basketball court at Maxey
Park, to be located next to the one already in use. Estimated cost for
materials is $3,647.

Councilman Danny Reynolds said the current court is used regularly, and
an additional court could discourage individuals from erecting goals
near the street and using the street for a court.

Armando Gil said the sand volleyball court he constructed in the park is
popular, and he would like to add another. He will bring an estimate of
cost to the council for approval.

Nagel reported that a committee appointed to check prices with local
dealers for seven vehicles the city needs to purchase found their prices
to be about $3,000 per vehicle over state contract prices.

The council reluctantly agreed to make the purchases from the state
contractor to save tax dollars.

Four police units will cost $15,449 each; a crew cab pickup for the fire
department $19,089; a cab and chassis for the shop $14,850; and a _-ton
pickup for the water department $14,148.

Holiday Inn manager David Besser paid the last installment of $9,838 in
delinquent bed taxes and penalties. All but $492 in penalties will go to
the Pecos Chamber of Commerce, who contracts with the city to expend bed
taxes.

The council also approved an engineering contract with Frank X. Spencer
& Associates for water development; agreed to advertise for bids to
lease city property for oil and gas development; paid $235,331 in bills,
formally approved use of fire department radio frequencies by Pecos
First Responders and heard reports on finances, tax collections,
juvenile probation and ambulance service.

Tax collections for 1994 totaled $126,240, with $5,834 of that in
December.

The Pecos Ambulance Service reported 72 runs in December.

McCormick said the city has purchased three used laser printers at $15
each, and they were delivered Wednesday.

They tabled a resolution to join area cities in fighting a proposed rate
increase by GTE and seeking a reduction.

Nagel said the attorney who contacted him did not mention a charge to
Pecos, but Dr. Elvia Reynolds questioned tht.

"I had to employ anybody and not know what the bill will be," he said.

Scott Johnson said that Pecos has paid part of the legal fees for past
rate cases, and the resolution calls for hiring legal counsel.

"Let's table it and find out what (the charge) is," said Rodriguez.

Stafford encouraged council members to attend the regional Texas
Municipal League meeting Friday in Kermit.

1-11-95
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Copyright 1996 Pecos Enterprise
324 S. Cedar, Box 2057, Pecos TX 79772
Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
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