Plainview council orders special election, approves easement, downtown improvements and service‑center repairs; votes 6‑4 on measures

At a City Council meeting, members approved several resolutions and a construction contract related to city property and projects, and set dates for a special election to fill an unexpired council term.

City Secretary Mrs. Hinoza presented Resolution R25‑660, saying the city charter requires a special election to fill an unexpired term within 120 days following the passing of Council Member McDonough. According to Hinoza, the filing period opens the day after the meeting and will run through April 21 at 5 p.m.; the last day to register to vote for the election is May 1. Early voting will be held at City Hall from May 14 through May 27, and Election Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 31 at Plainview Collegiate High School. Hinoza also said the resolution sets worker pay for election staff at $10 per hour to match the county rate. Council member Rascon moved the resolution; the motion passed 6‑4.

Public Works Director Tim Weems presented a resolution to accept a 10‑foot underground utility easement from RJ Ventures along the west side of a property paralleling Kermit Street; staff recommended accepting the easement and council approved the resolution by the same 6‑4 vote.

City staff then presented a revised downtown Phase 2 resolution tied to an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant originally applied for at $500,000. City presenter Crosswhite said the council added the intersection area to better tie the work together, and provided project measurements including 645 linear feet of sidewalk, 865 linear feet of curb and gutter, 346 linear feet of drainage flume, seven drainage inlets, seven ADA ramps and six light poles. Crosswhite gave a project total of roughly $11.11 million and said the city’s share after grant and county contributions is $732,041. Staff recommended approval and the council approved Resolution R25‑662 by a 6‑4 vote.

On a separate item, Crosswhite described needed repairs at the city service center, including replacement of collapsed sewer plumbing that serves restrooms, showers and training areas, and HVAC adjustments to improve air quality. Bids opened March 17 produced one local bidder, Concrete Connection, with a low bid of $98,005.85 against staff’s opinion of probable cost of $125,000. Crosswhite said the bid came in well under the estimate and that sufficient budgeted funds exist; the council approved the work 6‑4.

All four measures carried with the same 6‑4 tally as recorded by the mayor pro tem. Council comments on the downtown item included a question from a council member who said no residents attended the project’s public hearing; Crosswhite said the city had advertised and conducted the hearing but no one attended.

Votes at a glance:

• Resolution R25‑660 (order special election, District 3) — Mover: Council Member Rascon; Second: Council Member House; Vote: 6‑4; Outcome: approved. Filing period: opens next day; closes April 21 at 5 p.m.; last day to register May 1; early voting May 14‑27; Election Day May 31 at Plainview Collegiate High School.

• Resolution R25‑661 (accept 10‑foot underground utility easement from RJ Ventures along Kermit Street) — Mover: Council Member House; Second: Council Member Rodriguez; Vote: 6‑4; Outcome: approved.

• Resolution R25‑662 (downtown Phase 2 EDA project addition) — Mover: Council Member Rascon; Second: Council Member Martinez; Vote: 6‑4; Outcome: approved. Project elements: 645 ft sidewalk; 865 ft curb/gutter; 346 ft drainage flume; 7 drain inlets; 7 ADA ramps; 6 lights. Project total ~ $11.11 million; city share $732,041.

• Service center sewer and plumbing repairs (local bid award to Concrete Connection) — Mover: Council Member House; Second: Council Member Dickerson; Vote: 6‑4; Outcome: approved. Low bid: $98,005.85; opinion of probable cost: $125,000.

The council took no executive‑session action during these items.