The Dublin City Council accepted the resignation of City Manager Bobby Mendez and appointed Police Chief Cameron Ray as interim manager following a closed executive session at the regular council meeting Monday, March 10.
“I want to thank Bobby Mendez, for all of his years of service,” Ray said, referencing his time as City Manager, councilman and Police Officer/Chief. “Over the next few months, the city and I will be working towards a long-term solution.”
“I have enjoyed filling the many positions I have had over the past 20 years with the city and thankful for the opportunity to serve the citizens,” said Mendez in a statement after the meeting.
Ray said that the city’s doors are always open for any resident with questions, comments or concerns.
The council also unanimously approved combining the City Secretary and finance position with Kim Seider to serve both roles. They also voted to allow for part-time administrative clerk to assist with the larger work load.
The council also selected GrantWorks to help implement a Texas Community Development Block Grant the city is seeking for downtown revitalization. Rob Barthen of GrantWorks was present for the agenda item and said the grant was for up to a million dollars with the city responsible for $50,000. The grant will cover exterior improvements like sidewalks and lighting in dedicated commercial zones designated by the city as ‘downtown.’
Barthen said the deadline for filing is April 3 and the city would likely hear by summer if it is accepted with phase 2 construction to occur in 2026.
The council also approved the submission of the grant application and to secure Jacob and Martin for engineering if it receives the grant.
Rod McNeal of Revitalize Dublin was present to request the ability to spray all the paved surfaces at the Dublin Airport as weeds were growing through the cracks. McNeal said the chemicals, equipment and work would all be provided. He was simply asking for the ability to do it. The Council unanimously approved.
McNeal also noted in public comments that a work day has been set for 8 a.m. March 29 to construct a ramp at 336 S. Camden for the homeowner after their porch recently collapsed. Volunteers are needed to help the neighbor.
A separate discussion meeting started in the middle of the meeting after Miles Gilman and Marvin Curry spoke about issues they had with Bureau Veritas regarding inspection delays in the construction process. Representatives of BV were present and in discussion, felt that there was confusion with the company’s inspection process and database access. They went to another office to talk with the business owners and said they would talk with the city so everyone is on the same page.
Public Works director Cory James also spoke about work coming up in the city saying that Atmos crews are replacing 33,000 feet of gas lines in the city, NextLnk has started installing fiber internet lines on Highway 6, and Circle J will be working on storm drains so TxDOT crews can begin the rehabilitation of Patrick Street.
The Council also approved the sale of a 2014 Tahoe at auction, a setback variance for a storage building at 510 Highland Ave. and the resignation of Paul Gaudette from the Planning and Zoning Commission.