City aldermen give okay to street paving contract

A divided Board of Aldermen gave the final green light to Clarendon’s 2005 paving project when they met June 28.

Clarendon Economic Development Corporation Board President Jerry Woodard addressed the aldermen and sought the city’s approval to amend the CEDC budget to allow $100,000 in economic development funds to be spent on the streets.

Woodard’s request was approved 3-2 with Aldermen Tommy Hill and Michael Tibbets opposed to the measure.

The board then voted 3-2 to approve the paving contract with B&B Solvent with work to be completed within 180 days. Aldermen Tommy Hill and Michael Tibbets were again opposed.

Board members asked Hill and Tibbets about their opposition. They cited the cost of the project and expressed a desire to wait a year and bid again. Other board members noted the price of paving has continued to increase and would again next year.

Woodard urged the board to act for the betterment of the city and noted that there will never be a time when everything is perfect in everybody’s opinion.

“If we don’t do anything, we’ll be left behind,” he said. “We’re already 20 years behind. I want to see the town go forward. We cannot let the town continue to go backward.”

Construction on the streets is expected to begin early this month after engineers hold a pre-construction meeting with the contractor.

In other city business, Dee Dee Autry addressed the board concerning her interest in the city annexing rural lodging establishments under the city’s motel bed tax. The city cannot do this, but Autry said that the Bar H Dude Ranch and her Ace No. 8 Bed & Breakfast would be willing to voluntarily collect the tax in order to help promote tourism in Donley County.

Autry also represented the Texas Plains Trail which is preparing a regional tourism promotion. The board approved $500 from the motel bed tax fund for this project.

Donna Hicks presented her annual report for the Local Housing Authority to the board. The aldermen commended her and her staff for the work they do.

City Administrator Sean Pate discussed problems with one of the city’s trash trucks, which needs a new engine. He also updated the board on the activities getting ready for the Fourth of July.