Council approves sewer fencing contract, pay adjustments and authorizes Miracle Lane acquisition; tables RV ordinance

Bruceville‑Eddy City Council members on Jan. 23 approved several actions following executive session, including authorization for fence work tied to an ongoing sewer project, pay adjustments for city employees and direction to pursue acquisition of a property on Miracle Lane. The council also voted to table further work on a proposed ordinance addressing derelict recreational vehicles until the next workshop.

The council voted unanimously to authorize the city administrator to engage a fencing contractor to coordinate and manage fence removal and reconstruction associated with sewer easement work on Anna Hobbs Lane, approving a not‑to‑exceed (NTE) amount of $40,000 from the sewer fund (line 51‑00‑6682). City staff described the work as supervising removal by the sewer contractor, preserving materials for reinstallation, installing temporary fencing and gates at manholes where needed, and reinstalling fences as close as practicable to their original lines.

The council also approved pay adjustments discussed in executive session, including a retroactive pay adjustment for the city secretary effective Oct. 1, 2024. After executive session the council voted unanimously to authorize the city administrator and mayor to take all actions necessary to acquire property on Miracle Lane (identified in executive session materials) as advised by the city attorney. Council members also voted to contact a proposed outside attorney to evaluate ongoing PUC‑related water system matters and to proceed if the attorney can accept the work.

The council approved its consent agenda — including December financials, a grazing lease, nominations to a local directors slate and acceptance of grant awards for a rifle vest program and ballistics shields — by unanimous vote.

On the question of regulating derelict recreational vehicles the council decided to collect draft ordinance language and examples from comparable cities and to revisit the issue at the next workshop. Council members said they want a definition that targets ‘‘excessive’’ damage and health or safety hazards rather than minor cosmetic defects, and they asked staff to prepare model language for council and public review.

Votes at a glance - Authorize fence contractor work (Anna Hobbs sewer easement): motion by Councilman Ricky Wiggins; second by Councilwoman Joyce McLaughlin; outcome: approved; NTE $40,000; funding: Sewer Fund line 51‑00‑6682. - Pay adjustments, including city secretary retroactive to Oct. 1, 2024: mover not specified in public record; second by Councilman Richard Prater; outcome: approved; implementation: effective next pay period; city secretary retroactive to Oct. 1, 2024. - Miracle Lane acquisition authorization (post‑executive session): motion by Councilman Graham Brewer; second not specified on record; outcome: approved (unanimous); direction: authorize mayor and city administrator to proceed as advised by counsel. - Consent agenda (December financials; grazing lease; Bluebonnet directors nomination; rifle vest grant; ballistics shields grant): motion and second not specified in minutes; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Table creation of a junk/derelict RV ordinance to next workshop; motion to table by Councilman Graham Brewer; seconded; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Request to contact attorney Michael Gershon regarding PUC/water system matters: motion to contact and evaluate availability; seconded; outcome: approved (unanimous).

What the council said and next steps City administration will proceed with contracting and notify property owners along the Anna Hobbs easement about fence schedules and gate installations for manhole access. Staff will prepare draft ordinance language and sample ordinances from comparable municipalities for the council and public to review at the next workshop. The city attorney will advise on the Miracle Lane acquisition process and any follow‑up public notices required.