Henderson City Council approves annexation, multiple grants and personnel changes; votes at a glance

Henderson City Council on Feb. 12 unanimously approved a package of ordinances, resolutions and grant actions that included annexation of a parcel on Ruin Creek Road, applications for public-safety and infrastructure grants, and changes to employee and sanitation policies.

The council approved Ordinance 24-03 to annex a parcel on Ruin Creek Road and assign the newly annexed area to Ward 2. City Manager Edward T. Blackmon introduced the item as a required step following a public hearing; no members of the public spoke for or against the annexation. Councilmember Garry D. Daeke moved the ordinance; Councilmember Geraldine Champion seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously (eight in favor; Sara M. Coffey absent).

Council also ratified grant submissions and acceptances intended to bolster public safety and infrastructure. The council authorized submission of a FEMA grant application in the amount of $2,500,000 to purchase a new ladder truck; Fire Chief Tim Twisdale told council the grant requires a 5 percent match of $119,047.62 and that estimated grant-writing costs are approximately $2,500. The council approved Resolution 24-09 authorizing the application (moved by Garry D. Daeke; seconded by Tami Walker) and voted unanimously to proceed.

Separately, the council ratified submission of an application to the…