In a regular meeting of the Town of Van Horn City Council, Interim City Administrator LeAnn Gallman told the three council members in attendance that the current dilemma they face with not receiving any bids to purchase and install a Dissolved Air Filtration (DAF) system for the Wastewater Treatment Plant could be resolved by them with the approval of a Declaration of Emergency. Council quickly moved to approve the Declaration addressing an enforcement order from the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and authorizing city staff to solicit proposals of which one was reviewed as presented by Gallman.
The DAF unit project and Elm Street Railroad Crossing project were set to be funded from the sale of the gas company to West Texas Gas more than one year ago, according to Chief Financial Officer, Jodi Corrales. As far as the Elm Street project goes, the city has encountered some very stringent rules when it comes to boring under the railroad tracks. Councilman Mendoza said he would contact some railroad officials for information on which contractors they use.
Gallman provided additional information on the DAF unit delivery timeline set at 120 days with commitments from city employees to prepare the cement slab and other labor to help offset some contractor costs associated with the entire project. Council approved the Purchase Order in the amount of $420,000 with Evoqua for the DAF unit including freight.
Council approved replat of Lot 2, Block 1, Summits of Van Horn as presented, with Councilman Morriss in opposition. The replat will allow back road construction to join Gramma Street at the Van Horn Housing Authority complex for access to new hotel construction next to the Holiday Inn Express on the south side of the interstate.
In other business:
Approved minutes as presented for February 13 and 22, 2023 meetings.
Approved contract for IT services with David Rivera of Zap’d IT and Communications at an increase of $500 monthly bringing the total monthly fee to $1,500.
Approved Financial Statement for month ending January 31, 2023, as presented.
Heard a brief Administrative Report from Gallman.
Scheduled a Budget Workshop for Wednesday March, 1, 2023 at 7pm.
