City approves court fee changes
The Navasota City Council held a Regular Meeting Monday, Feb. 10, and approved the first reading of Ordinance 915-20, amending Chapter 7, Municipal Court, Article 7.02 Fees, Costs and Special Expenses and repealing Section 7.02.002 Technology Fund and Section 7.02.003 Building Security Fund.
Municipal Judge Pat Gruner told the councilmen, “There are 17 categories of criminal court costs in Texas. They’re hard to administer and harder to audit. It’s costing the cities and the state too much in time and money to assure compliance. This measure tonight is to reorganize and consolidate court costs while trying to prevent any new costs from being found unconstitutional later on, and that happens.”
Gruner went on to say that during the recent legislative session, Section 134.103 of the Local Government Code was enacted to establish a new local consolidated fee and the City is responsible for the “correct division, apportionment and legal maintenance of the fund.”
Gruner said, “The local consolidated fee is $14, and this is for everyone who gets a conviction on a ticket for anything. It includes $4.90 for Municipal Court Building Security Fund, $5 for local truancy prevention, $4 for the Municipal Court Technology Fund and 10 cents for the Municipal Court Jury Fund. I believe these changes tonight will get us conformed with state law.”
City manager to approve firetruck bid
Councilman approved delegating authority to the city manager to approve a bid amount for a sealed bid for a used firetruck. The City’s bid will be submitted to Montgomery County ESD #2. The newer truck, a 2007 Pierce Contender has a 1,000-gallon tank, 1,250 GPM pump and will replace two older reserve engines.
Navasota Fire Chief Jason Katkoski said, “It will be a great addition to our fleet and will replace two older trucks that have served their purpose here.”
The Voluntary Fire Fund and General Fund will be used for the purchased if awarded and proceeds from the sale of the two reserve engines will go back into the accounts.
Spring clean-up back
Director of Streets and Sanitation Jose Coronilla announced the Annual Spring Clean Up has been scheduled for March 12-15, Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the City of Navasota Vehicle Services Center at 520 Malcolm Street.
Tires, mattresses and furniture will be accepted but electronics and hazardous materials will not. Coronilla is still working on obtaining a paper shredder. Acceptable and prohibited items will be published in the newspaper and posted on social media.
NPD events, pet adoptions set for 2020
NPD Chief Shawn Myatt announced his department’s 2020 event schedule:
Take Back Drug Event, April 25, Holland Street parking lot at City Hall, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.;
First Responders Day, May 16, City Hall, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.;
National Night Out, Oct. 6, 5-7:30;
Treats on the Street, Oct. 29, City Hall, 5-7:30 p.m.;
Second Annual Blue Santa, Dec. 23, Navasota Center, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with wrapping day, Dec.
17.
Myatt advised that Sterling Auto Group will host free pet adoptions Feb. 22, May 9, Aug. 8, and Nov. 7.in their showroom, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
In addition, State Farm agent Neil Martensen will host a half-off adoption at the Navasota Animal Shelter April 18, 10, a.m. – 2 p.m.
NCU class proposed for
2020
Council members discussed reintroducing a session of Navasota Citizens University in the spring. The class allows citizens to learn more in depth about how city government operates, how the budget is set and how the different departments work to provide city services.
According to City Manager Brad Stafford, City Secretary Susie Homeyer volunteered to lead the classes, and together they are exploring a shortened format from 10-weeks to a three- or four-day event held over the course of three weeks. The last session was held in 2018.
Other council action:
•Approved the order of election for the May 2, 2020, election to elect three city council members to Positions 1, 2 and 3.
•Approved the appointment of Allen White Village resident Chyna Walker to the Navasota Housing Authority.
•Approved consent agenda items that included minutes and expenditures for the month of January 2020 and the second reading of Ordinance 914-20 related to Entergy Texas, Inc., and Public Utility Commission matters.
Staff report:
•The Regional Special Olympics will be hosted by Navasota ISD at Rattler Stadium, March 19, 9 a.m. – noon.
•Introduction of three new Streets and Sanitation employees: Br an Bobo, Jose Ramirez and Edwin Sandoval who transferred from the Utility Department.
•Per Stafford, rain prevented the commencement of work Monday on the downtown drainage and parking lot but when it begins, work will move southward from Cedar Creek.
•Marketing Coordinator Madison Brooks advised that a stage sponsor and all vendors have been secured for the March 6-7 Texas Birthday Bash. Brooks will also provide event information to Sam Houston State University.
•Councilman Josh Fultz advised the Board of Adjustments met and approved a variance request.
Public comments
On behalf of Betty Dunn, president of the Two Rivers Heritage Foundation, Deborah Richardson issued an invitation to city staff and council members to the Watriss-Baldwin photo presentation Feb. 18 at the Navasota Center. (See related article on page 3).