Saturday's Internet Edition, July 31, 2010.
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| Bernie Sargeant (L) interim president of the Texas Mountain Trail board of directors is shown presenting City Council members with a plaque in recognition of their support and commitment of the Texas Mountain Trail during Tuesdays council meeting. (Photo courtesy of Beth Nobles, Texas Mountain Trail) |
- The Van Horn City Council met Tuesday evening and uppermost on their agenda was what to do with a long-term lease of the city’s water tower to a cellular service company.
Unison Site Management had approached council late last year with the idea of leasing them the water tower for cellular related items including the lease to Verizon Communications.
Unison had proposed leasing the tower for a period of 50 years and they would pay the city a lump sum payment of $342,000 plus the city would get 50% of any new revenues that they can generate.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Alex Ramirez of Unison appeared to answer any questions council might have. He explained that they would take the Verizon lease payments (which amount to $45,000 a year) until the current lease runs out in March of 2011.
After that, they don’t know what Verizon will do but they are confident that they will be able to attract new business to the tower with or without Verizon. The city will not, however, get any future Verizon revenues.
Ramirez explained that their company would negotiate down to a 40 year lease but that is the lowest term they will accept given the risks and technology changes. The 40 year lease would pay the city a lump sum of $315,000.
Because of the uncertainty of the continuation of the Verizon contract, council members unanimously approved entering into the long-term water tower lease arrangement, taking the money now. While they expect the term to be 50 years, the lower 40 year term will be considered before the contract is inked.
Interim Texas Mountain Trail board president Bernie Sargeant appeared before council to present them with a plaque commemorating the town’s commitment and support of the Texas Mountain Trail.
Sargeant, who is chairman of the El Paso County Historical Commission, told council that the Texas Mountain Trail board has “the best trail director in the state and we believe it is because you were willing to provide the support and commitment we needed.”
He concluded his remarks be saying, “You will see the results of Beth’s efforts in the weeks and months ahead.”
With regard to other agenda items which council acted on, the following are the results:
* Council approved payment of a travel voucher submitted by former City Administrator Becky Brewster in order to avoid a prolonged legal battle.
* Council, after learning that a substantial amount of diesel fuel is missing at the golf course, decided to lock a gate which provides Verlon Edwards access to his property through the golf course. Investigation continues into the missing fuel and no accusations have been made.
* Council members approved a request from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church to have a street light placed by the church for safety reasons.
* Council members approved the holiday schedule for city staffers for 2010. The first draft had staffers getting 16 days off this year. The final one approved by council has staffers only getting 13 days off in 2010.
* At the request of the city auditor, council members approved altering the payroll periods for the city. City employees will now be paid 26 times (bi-weekly) a year instead of 24 times (bi-monthly) a year. The change takes effect immediately.
* Following a behind-closed-doors executive session, council members unanimously voted to have Attorney Steve Mitchell take whatever action is necessary to collect Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax payments from the Ramada Inn. It seems that the Ramada Inn is behind by more than a quarter. The actions Mitchell was authorized to take included the filing of a law suit if his efforts go that far.
61st Annual Culberson County Livestock Show next weekend
Lainie Koch, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent here, announced this week that plans are well underway for next weekend’s 61st Annual Culberson County Livestock Show. All the events will take place at the 4-H Show Barn and the Van Horn Community Center.
Koch reported that some 23 4-H youngsters will be taking part in this year’s event. And, she noted, “We’ve added a new Breeding Goat Show which will follow the Market Goat Show. These animals are not eligible for the auction, but it will give our kids great experience in showing and caring for breeding livestock.”
According to Koch, this year’s show will feature Beef Cattle, Swine, Goats, Lambs, Rabbits, and Poultry categories.
Koch also reported that the Culberson County Livestock Association is sponsoring Craig Carter and Spur of the Moment Band at the big western dance which will follow the Livestock Auction next Saturday night. Admission to the dance will be $8 stag and $15 per couple.
Additionally, Koch reported, Efrain Hinojos and his crew will be preparing and serving up the annual Bar-B-Q dinner beginning at 5 p.m. next Saturday at the Van Horn Community Center. Price per plate has been set at $5.
Make your plans right now to attend next weekend’s 61st Annual Culberson County Livestock Show, Bar-B-Q, Auction and Dance!