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Sellers In Mayor Role, New Sulphur Springs Council Sworn Into Office

John Sellers will once again have the honor of serving the City of Sulphur Springs as mayor following Tuesday night’s meeting at City Hall. He was motioned into office by Craig Johnson and seconded by Clay Walker. Mayor Emily Glass presided over the meeting.

“I am honored to be elected to a third term as a council person and, now tonight, by my peers selecting me as Mayor of this great city, Sulphur Springs, for this term. I’m looking forward to serving the Celebration City in this capacity, but I realize I am only one of seven vital members of the council. Together, I hope for the wisdom for all of us to make good decisions for our fair city,” stated John Sellers, humbly. “We’ve come a long way in the last few years. I look forward with great anticipation to what the future may hold for this City and Council.” He went on to express his thanks to the excellent service to the City given by City Manager Marc Maxwell and City Secretary Gale Roberts.

The Council unanimously selected Oscar Aguilar as Mayor Pro Tem. Place 6 Councilman Dan Froneberger was also sworn into office alongside Sellers. Froneberger received 273 votes in the runoff election against Brad Burgin’s 175.

In Mayor Sellers first act he presented former council person Kayla Price with a coin in appreciation for her work for Sulphur Springs.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you the last six years – we started about the same time and both served as mayor,” said Mayor Sellers to Price. “I appreciate your wisdom, your research and how you always make sure it is fair to all concerned.”

He gave Glass a framed gavel for her work and dedication to the position. He also gave his wife, Kim, a rose for her support throughout the years.

Manager Maxwell presented his report, noting the success of the recent planning effort.

“We had a very successful start to our comprehensive planning effort.  Ian Lockwood and his team from Toole Design group led the 4-day planning charrette.  They left with a ton of public input and some good starter ideas,” said City Manager Marc Maxwell. “The one big takeaway so far:  We have got to stop sprawling; we simply cannot afford it.”

In the highlights of the report included: welcoming of new Community Development Director, Tory Niewiadomski,  2,718 items checked out from the library, and 404 eBooks, repaired 130 potholes, repaired five water main ruptures, opened the Lake Sulphur Springs flood gates for three days, operated the raw water pumps at Cooper Lake on emergency power while repairs were made to the main breakers made nine arrests in the special crimes unit, made 64 arrests, wrote 534 citations, recorded 60 offenses and responded to 35 accidents, conducted 23 building inspections, 18 electrical inspections, 15 plumbing inspections, five mechanical inspections and issued 37 building permits, responded to 108 fire/rescue calls including two structure fires, and lots, lots of mowing.

Finance Director, Peter Karstens presented a year-to-date summary of revenues and expenditures.

In the second reading the Council authorized the rezoning of 1513 and 1527 South Broadway from Light Commercial to Heavy Commercial as requested by Tim Kelty.

The Council agreed to establish a reinvestment zone at the request of Ocean Spray Cranberries and the Economic Development Corporation.

An update on the utility work on Moore Street was given.  The Capital Construction Division has completed the sewer improvements, and water improvements are now underway. Atmos is replacing the gas main. However the Council chose to throw out the current bids and re-bid.

With no opposition, the existing Municipal Judges B. J. Teer and Brad Cummings will continue their work for the City for the next two year term.

The City announced the committee selections with a note that two alternates will be chosen at the next City Council meeting to serve on the ZBA and one person will be chosen to serve on the DRB.

2017-2018 Board And Commission Recommendations

Economic Development

  • Clay Walker
  • Tom Sellers

Zoning Board Of Adjustment

  • Carrie Nuckolls
  • Kevin Mohl
  • Brad Burgin
  • Alternates: To Be Named

Airport Advisory Board

  • Dr. Charles Jones
  • David Baucom

Sulphur River Municipal Water District

  • Sam Johnson

Library Board

  • Carol Gee
  • Liz Steinzke

Board Of Tourism And Promotion

  • Don Fausett
  • Meredith Caddell
  • Bradley Edge

Construction Board Of Adjustment And Appeals

  • John Cooper
  • Jeff Redding
  • Bobby Harris

Planning And Zoning Commission

  • Chuck Sickles
  • Ben Spraggins
  • Craig English

Ark-Tex Council Of Governments     

  • Emily Glass
  • John Sellers
  • Clay Walker

Downtown Revitalization Board

  • Mike Elliott
  • To Be Named

Revolving Loan Fund Committee

  • Jeff Fisher
  • Emily Glass
  • Craig Johnson
  • John Sellers
  • Marc Maxwell

In the announcements Emily Glass reminded the public the annual Independence Celebration on Celebration Plaza will be held on Saturday, July 1 downtown Sulphur Springs. Before ending her service as Mayor, Glass presented a Price with an autographed framed sketch of City Hall. Roberts also presented a gift to Price, as she opted not to run again for Place 6. Glass also gave a rose her husband, Garrett, for his support. She showed appreciation for the positive feedback she has received during her work as Mayor of the City of Sulphur Springs.
The Council adjourned at 7:37 p.m. The next meeting will be a special called meeting on July 11 at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers as the Council opted to cancel the July 4 regularly scheduled meeting due to the holiday.

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