Bonham, Texas – The Bonham City Council held a regular meeting on November 11, 2024 at Bonham City Hall. Mayor H.L. Compton expressed a word of thanks to veterans and then called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
* * * * *
The council approved the minutes of the October 14th regular meeting.
* * * * *
The council accepted the financial report for the month ending October 31, 2024. Sarah Osburn stated that the budget is on track and noted that sales taxes are up about 6% for the new fiscal year.
* * * * *
Citizens Opportunity to Speak
Dr. Jerry Hopson made a public announcement that another Texas Mission of Mercy event will happen at the Multipurpose Complex in Bonham on April 11-12, 2025. This free dental event had 20 chairs last time in 2023 and will have 40 chairs in 2025. More than 60 dentists will come to town for the event. Community volunteers will be needed and Hopson said that volunteer registration is set to open around January 15, 2025. Hopson expressed thanks to the Fannin County Hospital Authority for their financial support of this event. There will be two pre-screening events on March 21 and April 4.
John Burnett noted that Kiwanis Club will be directing parking for this event. Anyone interested in helping with the parking can contact Burnett.
Another gentleman expressed his kudos to the utility and city departments for fixing a water leak that has been a problem for over 12 years.
* * * * *
Employee of the Quarter is Jennifer Driewer. Osburn said, “Over the last few months, the Planning & Development Department has been in the process of enhancing its permitting software, application forms, notification letters and webpage information. Jennifer has been an instrumental part in making these improvements a success. She has a positive can-do attitude that is seen daily by her peers, while her intelligence in implementing and suggesting improvements is an invaluable asset to the Planning and Development Department. Thank you to Jennifer and congratulations!”
* * * * *
The council appointed the Associate Judge in waiting as the full-time City of Bonham Municipal Court Judge. Michael Evans has been the Associate Judge and has been filling in for John Skotnik in recent months and preparing to take over, as Skotnik has been elected to be the new Fannin County District Attorney. The appointment will become effective the day Skotnik officially submits his resignation.
* * * * *
The council approved the purchase of a VAC-CON 3-yard combination machine and approved a resolution regarding a finance agreement for this purchase. This equipment will help with problem solving and maintenance of sewer lines throughout the city. The cost is about $409,000 and the city will pay it out over 5 years.
* * * * *
The council approved a bid for Elevated Ground Storage Tanks Rehabilitation Project HEI #158078. Tank East Coatings was the lowest bid of 13 bids received. The cost will be $1.1 million to do all three tanks.
* * * * *
The council approved a resolution by the City Council of the City of Bonham, Texas designating authorized signatories for contractual documents and documents for requesting funds pertaining to the Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Resilient Communities Program. Osburn explained that this grant application is for $300,000 with no matching requirement.
* * * * *
The council approved a Resolution accepting a Petition to create the Powder Creek Ranch Public Improvement District (PID) and setting a Public Hearing under Section 372.009 of the Texas Local Code for December 9, 2024. BEDCO Director Joey Grisham said this is the first petition for a PID for Bonham. This is the first step of the process. City manager Sean Pate said that he expects more petitions for PIDs in the near future. Both Grisham and Pate said that this will be good for the city.
* * * * *
The council held the First Reading and Second Readings of a Resolution approving a loan agreement between the Bonham Economic Development Corporation and Government Capital Corporation to finance land acquisition.
* * * * *
The council approved a Resolution approving a loan agreement between the Bonham Economic Development Corporation and Government Capital Corporation to finance land acquisition. Grisham explained that BEDCO board approved this at their last meeting to purchase land near the multi-purpose complex from the county. BEDCO is going through the contract process to acquire this land for $1.725 million to have it available for expanded manufacturing. Grisham said they expect to close in December.
* * * * *
The council held a public hearing and then approved an ordinance to rezone 4.3 acre located at the southeast corner of Katy Boulevard and E. 6th Street from General Business District (B) to Planned Development Duplex Residential Dwelling District (PD-D) property ID# 77232. Ross Altobelli, Director of Community Development, explained that this is a planned development to include 19 duplex lots of only 85 ft lot depth instead of 100 feet. Altobelli said the developer has agreed to name a street after Booker T Washington, as this lot is the area where that historic school was in town. P&Z recommended this be approved. One citizen said she heard that the houses were all going to be painted the same color and she thought that would not look good. The developer stood up in the council chambers and said that is not a problem to paint the houses different colors.
* * * * *
The council held a public hearing and then approved an ordinance amending Article 8.08 (Sex Offender Residency) and Article 8.09 (Loitering) of the Bonham Code of Ordinances to provide for child safety zone and amend definitions and prohibited conduct. Osburn noted that this is in response to a problem at the library. This will create child safety areas and cover library, parks, fair, Halloween on the square, or other places where children gather.
* * * * *
The council approved an engagement letter between the City of Bonham and Nichols Jackson for legal services. Osburn noted that Courtney Morris would be the lead attorney for the city. Christina Tillett has been providing legal services for the city, but she will soon begin a new position as the judge for the 336th District Court.
* * * * *
The council discussed a possible name change for the Fannin County Multipurpose Complex. John Burnett stated that he wants the name to simply be The Multipurpose Complex. Obsurn asked if she and Jenn Self Knight can come up with transition plan, to phase in the slight change of the name. Osburn noted that the current website, social media pages attract a lot of attention and the facility has name recognition that they do not want to lose. One council member commented that he would prefer they not incur expenses simply to change the name. Osburn did note that there was a sign that needed to be updated.
* * * * *
The council approved amendments to the City of Bonham personnel policy to adopt a Prohibited Technologies Policy prohibiting certain information technology as provided in Chapter 620 of the Texas Government Code. Osburn said this is a policy that is adopted from the state and includes banning the city from using TikTok.
* * * * *
Meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
