White House council welcomes new patrol officer, gets City Center renovation and community updates

The White House City Council on Aug. 5 introduced a new patrol officer and heard updates on City Center renovations, the farmers market and other community items. Chief Robeson introduced the new patrol officer, identified in the agenda as Bob Frakes. Council members welcomed the officer to the department; the mayor called the city’s first responders and staff “the heart and soul of our community.” During community-interest reports staff provided a status update on City Center renovations: HVAC systems are running, interior painting is complete with one finish coat remaining, millwork and cabinetry are installed, the elevator is in place and permanent light fixtures have begun to be energized. Staff said furniture delivery is scheduled in a couple of weeks and landscape work will likely be among the last tasks; final exterior concrete pours are waiting on stonework to finish so crews do not damage new concrete. On setting and curing concrete, staff said it would need roughly three days before it can be driven on. Staff also reported outreach to the farmers market organizer, who is “super excited” about returning to City Center and the additional space for vendors and community gatherings. The council discussed that the City Center should expand opportunities for weddings and other events and that the interagency council and farmers market organizers are eager to use the facility once finished. Staff reminded residents that filing for a place on the municipal ballot remains open through Aug. 18. The council briefly noted upcoming budget- and tax-rate public hearings on Aug. 19 and Sept. 23. Ending: The council’s community items covered operations and near-term scheduling for City Center and outreach to event organizers; staff will continue to provide construction and scheduling updates as the finish work is completed.