The Dublin City Council presented several proclamations and revisited several items during a short meeting Monday, May 13, 2024.
Mayor Pro-Tem Sammy Moore read four proclamations announcing June as National Men’s Health Month to encourage men to be proactive in monitoring and working on their health; May 18 as Community Reading Day to foster a love of literacy in all ages and promote the Dublin Public Library and its summer reading program; May 12-18 as National Police Week honoring the 800,000 officers across the nation and the local honors serving the community as well as the many who gave their lives in the line of service; and May 19-25 as National EMS Week to recognize the valuable service that EMS provides in the care of its community.
Dublin volunteer firefighter John Johnson was present at the meeting to request an additional $5,855.10 towards the purchase of a Skeeter brush truck. The Council approved the purchase last year, but Johnson said there were some changes required in getting the new vehicle fully ready for department use. It was announced there was money in the County Capital Fund earmarked for the department which could cover the additional cost. Council members unanimously approved the expense.
The council also voted to amend the Dec. 12, 2022 minutes to separate a vote on ARPA funding and the EMS building into two separate votes at the request of an auditor.
Two public hearings were also held with no comments: a maximum height variance request by Broadus Services for a cell phone tower at 604 N. Norton and a setback variance at 615 Highland Avenue to install a conex in line with a shop on the property which was grandfathered outside of the current ordinance.
Council had previously discussed and voted on the cell phone tower but Brodus noted some wording needed to be addressed for installation. Keegan abstained from the tower vote as it was carried by the other council members. The setback request was unanimously approved.
Council members also voted to table a purchase order for the Fitness Court being sought under a Blue Cross Blue Shield grant to promote adult health. City Manager Bobby Mendez noted that fundraising is still under way as the city would be responsible for $145,000 for the court. The item was table for the next meeting to see how much will be pledged in donations.
Council members also canvassed the results of the May 4 city election, approved the transfer of 1.02 acres of land to Erath County on Liberty to help the county yard with driveway/parking needs, and approved covering a grass strip on the corner of West Blackjack and North Patrick at the request of Keep Dublin Beautiful.