Correction: In the original version of this article, I wrote that Daniel Weeks questioned the legality of the city's exclusive contract with one company to provide solid waste collections. Mr. Weeks's contention is actually more specific. His stance is that state statutes preclude any city from entering into an exclusive contract with any one company to provide temporary construction dumpsters. 

Bonham, Texas -- The first step to transition the old golf course into Asher Oaks Subdivision came Monday, December 13, 2021 when Bonham City Council unanimously voted to issue a Special Use Permit for 501 West Russell Avenue in order to change zoning from Single Family Residential to Planned Development. Planning & Zoning previously approved the request.

The application for a zoning change lists Gaylon Hammett of Dodd City as the owner of the 34.517 acres. Initial paperwork indicates that a church will be built on 5-6 acres on the northern part of the tract along West Russell Avenue; 78 residences are planned for the development, as well as a small number of offices and commercial property facing Lee Street on the southern portion of the tract. A representative of the owner told councilmembers that developers will leave as many of the large oak trees as possible, sidewalks will be built on the perimeter of the property and in the development, and the subdivision will have a walking path. 

The formal announcement regarding Asher Oaks Subdivision came during a regular meeting of Bonham City Council held Monday, December 13, 2021, with councilmembers Timothy La Vergne, Michael Evans, Kevin Hayes and Wayne Moore present, along with Bonham Mayor H. Compton and Bonham City Manager Sean Pate. The meeting opened with an invocation by Rev. Henry Shelton of Trinity Baptist Church.

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Bonham City Council approved minutes from a regular meeting held November 8, 2021.

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Dave Struchtemeyer, CPA, Director of Finance for the City of Bonham, was unable to attend but he submitted the financial report for month ending November 30, 2021.

"As was stated last month, during the first few months of the Fiscal Year the General Fund always runs in a deficit position because the majority of our revenues are generated during the months of December through March," Mr. Struchtemeyer wrote. "Water/Sewer starts slow as well because the higher revenue months are during the spring and summer.   However, Water/Sewer revenues are 2% greater than last year through November."

Struchtemeyer added, "Since water bills are billed one month in arears, November is the first month that we recognize the financial impact of the Drainage Fee.  The month of November we billed just under $9,000 of drainage fees and currently have over $5,600 collected and in the drainage fund."

Bonham City Council approved the financial report for November 2021.

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In the segment of the meeting reserved for citizens to speak, Daniel Weeks questioned the legality of the city's exclusive contract with one company to provide temporary construction dumpsters.

A city resident suggested the city should study municipal codes regarding cameras and listening devices that, when used to extreme by an irate neighbor, can result in a blatant invasion of privacy.

Rick Massey offered to donate approximately $2,000 worth of acoustic material that could be used inside the Roy Floyd Community Center. Mr. Massey estimates that it would cost $400-$500 to hang the acoustic material. 

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Bonham City Council voted to accept the resignation of David Odom, Councilman Ward 1.

Mr. Odom begrudgingly resigned after accepting employment in another region.

This resignation will trigger a special election in May 2022 to complete the unexpired term of one year.

Candidates may file from January 19, 2022 until February 18, 2022.  

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Bonham City Council voted to approve a Specific Use Permit for 501 W Russell (old golf course) to change zoning from Single Family Residential to Planned Development. 

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Bonham City Council voted to issue requests for proposals (RFP) for Solid Waste Collections services.

 The current contract expires in 90 days.

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Councilmembers approved a resolution to select Jason Walker and Jason Royse as the city's representatives on the 2022-2023 Board of Directors of the Fannin Central Appraisal District.

Mr. Walker and Mr. Royse will each cast 125 votes.

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Bonham City Council approved the city’s participation in the Opioid Settlement as set forth in the State of Texas and Texas Political Subdivisions’ Opioid Abatement Fund Council and Settlement Allocation Term Sheet.

Bonham will likely receive $100,000 from the settlement, although it may be paid out over several years. Bonham Police Chief Mike Bankston said the funds can be used for drug intervention and interdiction and he credited Bonham City Manager Sean Pate for creating awareness of the settlement.

The City of Leonard is eligible for up to $8,000 and the City of Honey Grove is eligible for $6,000.

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Bonham City Council approved a resolution stating the City of Bonham elects to become eligible to participate in tax abatement agreements.

Although abatements are corporate perks used as part of an incentive package to attract new businesses or retain old businesses, the company's investment in a community and jobs created can more than offset the abatement.

Bonham Mayor H. Compton credited Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCo) and city staff with efforts to offer competitive incentive packages in order to retain businesses and bring more jobs to the area.