Hewitt council approves Motorola dispatch system, awards East Wall contract and OKs roof repairs; cancels special election

The Hewitt City Council on March 17 approved multiple items including a $587,983.83 purchase of Motorola SolutionsFlexSuite computer-aided dispatch and records-management software for police and fire, awarded a $1,420,333.82 contract to Holy Contractors LLC for East Wall Street and Briarfield Street improvements with a 10% contingency, authorized $28,509.50 for roof repairs at the Community Services Building, accepted the fiscal year 2023–24 annual comprehensive financial report and adopted an ordinance canceling a May special election after no candidates filed.

The actions move forward major public-safety and infrastructure projects and use city funds that staff said are available in reserve or from existing project balances. Council members voted unanimously on the recorded motions.

Mr. Thomas, a city staff member who presented several agenda items, told the council that the Community Services Building roof had reached the end of its useful life: "The TPO liner has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced on that roof," he said. The work includes replacing eight existing fiberglass skylights with steel panels. Staff solicited four proposals; bids ranged from $28,509.50 to about $46,036. Council approved awarding the work to Roof on Texas for $28,509.50. The motion passed on a voice vote.

On streets, Mr. Whitney, the city engineer, recommended awarding the East Wall Street and Briarfield Street construction contract to Holy Contractors LLC, the low bidder at $1,420,333.82. The council authorized a 10% contingency to be used at the discretion of the city manager for unforeseen conditions. Whitney explained the price difference with other bidders reflected a spread across many line items rather than a single large variance: "Some of their subgrade work was cheaper per square yard and the storm-sewer items were lower; it just added up," he said. Because Holy was more than 10% below the next bidder, staff said Holy will notify its bonding company that it stands by the bid.

The council approved the purchase of Motorola Solutions FlexSuite CAD/RMS for $587,983.83. Mr. Thomas said the purchase covers the first year of a five-year agreement that includes hardware, software, installation, training, updates and maintenance; future years will require budget authorization in subsequent fiscal years. Staff said the first-year cost will be paid from unrestricted general fund reserves. Chief McGrath, who was in the audience, was listed as available to answer technical questions during the presentation. The motion authorized the city manager to enter into the contract and passed unanimously.

The fiscal year 2023–24 annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) was presented during the workshop earlier the same evening by Chris Pruitt, partner at Patello, Brown and Hill, and the council formally accepted the audit for submission to required reporting agencies.

On elections, Mr. Thomas summarized Texas Election Code deadlines and said no candidates filed by the application deadline for the special election called to fill a Ward 2, Place 2 vacancy. The council adopted Ordinance No. 2025-07 canceling the May 3, 2025 special election; the facility will continue to be used as a vote center for other elections scheduled in May. The motion to adopt the ordinance passed unanimously.

The meeting began at 7 p.m., included routine approval of minutes and financial reporting, and adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes (03/03/2025): motion to approve carried 5-0 (mover: Mr. McNally; seconder: Mr. Turner). - Acceptance of FY 2023 ACFR: approved 5-0 (mover: Mr. Pollard; seconder: Mr. Binkali); audit presented by Chris Pruitt, Patello, Brown and Hill. - Roof repairs, Community Services Building: purchase of roof repairs from Roof on Texas for $28,509.50; approved (mover: Mr. Turner; seconder: Mr. Stevens). - East Wall Street/Briarfield improvements: award to Holy Contractors LLC for $1,420,333.82 and authorization of a 10% contingency; approved 5-0. - Motorola FlexSuite CAD/RMS: purchase of first-year services/hardware for $587,983.83 and authorization for the city manager to enter a five-year agreement (future years subject to budget approval); approved unanimously. - Ordinance No. 2025-07: cancel special election scheduled for 05/03/2025 after no candidates filed; adopted unanimously.

What the council noted next

Staff said roof and street work will proceed after contracts are executed and any required bonding or contractor confirmations are completed. For the public-safety system, staff will return to council for future-year budget approval as required. The ACFR will be forwarded to the reporting agencies listed in city policy. The council adjourned at 7:24 p.m.