Two concerned citizens complained about sewer issues with the recent storms on April 8-9 to the City of Teague Board of Aldermen at their meeting on Monday night, April 15. Mayor David Huffman and Alderman Place 1 Garlan Steed were absent.
Jackie Rasbeary spoke to the board of aldermen about the failure of the sewer/pump stations during the recent storms. She retold the story of how the sewer backed up in her bathroom during the storm. They collected approximately 65-70 gallons of raw sewage in their bathroom.
“I have concerns about our drinking water quality, about how the contaminated surfaces will be treated to kill bacteria, and how residents, such as myself that have damage in their home, will be assisted in making repairs,” Rasbeary said. “I would like to know if TCEQ was notified of this issue so that necessary steps might be taken to assure there is no health threat anywhere in our city. I am also asking that the council review the status of the sewer/pump stations in order to budget for necessary upgrades and/or repairs needed to bring the systems up to standard.”
Teague Housing Authority Executive Director Julie Dawson then reported that the sewer clean out lines were shooting three feet into the air during the storms as well. Raw sewer and toilet paper was reported on the ground and all in the alley behind the Housing Authority.
“Why is there that much water in the sewer lines? That means that there is a problem somewhere,” Dawson said. “There is raw sewage on the ground. It’s a health hazard. There are animals outside that go back into people’s houses. It’s a health hazard to breathe. Something needs to be done.” Teague EDC President also addressed the citizens about the funding that the Teague EDC receives. She reported that the Teague EDC only received 2% of sales tax from the businesses in Teague. The money goes to the city and then is distributed to the EDC.
Burns challenged citizens to be positive about the community and the businesses that are in Teague.
“Make someone want to come and open a business here. Make someone want to come and raise their children here,” Burns said. “Just imagine what kind of community we could have if we are a positive community that supports each other.”
The Teague EDC meets the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Burns encourages everyone to come and see what the EDC is doing.
The board approved allocating $10,015 from the fund reserve to fund a new server for the police department for CJIS requirements as proposed by the contracted IT services. This server is needed for the new Freestone County Dispatch Center that is expected to be running by July.
Allyse Long was approved to have online banking access with Citizens State Bank to speed up the process of monthly reports.
The board approved a new postage metering machine contract for City Hall. The board approved to pay $4,830 upfront for the machine. This will save the city over $4,000 if they chose a 60 month contract where they would pay monthly.
Amanada Harris spoke to the board about a community garden project. Harris will get Aldermen Campbell in contact with the Leon County Master Gardeners to discuss all the details. The Leon County Master Gardeners have agreed to help get one going in Freestone County.
The board approved changing the vacant public works street forman position to an entry-level employee position.
No action was taken on approving Ordinance 2024-04-15A Outdoor Burning. The board wants to compare the two ordinances in detail before approving it since it was completely rewritten.
A special called meeting for canvassing the election and appointing newly elected board members will be held on Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m.
The board went into executive session to discuss applications for the City Administrator and City Secretary positions. The board will discuss the positions at the next meeting.
The current lease agreement with the Teague Chamber of Commerce for the Scout House will stay in effect.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
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