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Council hears brief update on proposed Meals on Wheels partnership; no action taken
Summary
City staff reported on an informal inquiry about partnering with Meals on Wheels for emergency services, but said the nonprofit lacks a backup generator and the city cannot provide funding outside the budget; council left the item for future discussion when the mayor is present.
Council members discussed a possible partnership between the City of Palestine and the local Meals on Wheels program at the same January 2025 workshop, but took no action.
A council member reporting on the mayor's request said Emergency Manager Micah Betterton and a council representative met with Ruby of Meals on Wheels and found the organization does not have a backup generator. "They don't have a backup generator," the council member reported, noting that without a generator the site could not reliably function as an emergency warming or sheltering station that requires electrical service.
Council members said the mayor had asked staff to place the item on the agenda; because the mayor was not present to outline a partnership proposal, council members agreed to postpone action. Staff told the council Meals on Wheels requested funding while the city representatives were onsite; staff said funding questions belong in the budgeting process and suggested grant opportunities might be explored.
City staff also said City Hall has been serving informally as a warming station during recent cold periods, with lobby doors left unlocked and periodic checks by police and fire personnel. No formal agreement, funding commitment or timeline was approved during the workshop.
The council noted it would revisit the matter when the mayor is present and when a more detailed partnership proposal — including operational needs such as a generator, and potential funding sources — is available.
