The Ellis County Press
WILMER – "They wanna play games, we’ll play games," said Councilman Eugene Lowe in regards to last week’s council meeting which abruptly ended before any action on the agenda took place.
Councilwoman Tiny Lange made a motion to adjourn seconded by Eugene Lowe infuriating locals.
Lange, who posted her own agenda on the front of city hall after the official copy was sent to media outlets, didn’t approve of the first agenda because two of the three items she wanted were not placed on there.
"[There was] Nothing [on the agenda that night] that couldn’t wait."
"I asked for three things to be placed on there and I only got one and that was about the permit fees," said Lange.
The agenda that evening was to include making a motion for the city to receive Dallas water since their second well has been out for several weeks now.
"All it would’ve taken was a turn of the valve [ if voted on to get water]," said Mayor of Wilmer, Jeff Steele.
Lange swears Steele is "taking over" and "doesn’t listen."
"I had it taken care of [Dallas water] before Jeff even came on,
Mike [Raider, of Dallas water] and Hutchins were all we liked," said Lange.
To date, the residents of Wilmer are still waiting for Dallas water after being promised for over eight years.
"Somebody called from the city two weeks before the well went out and told them[ Hutchins] to cut off the water because we didn’t need it," said Lowe.
City Secretary Alice Holloway did receive the three notices from Lowe, Lange and Dean Rollison to have these items placed on the agenda the when she was nearly finished and sending out their agendas "throughout the day" last Mon. Feb. 3.
" I know other cities have cut off dates a few days before at least so you can discuss and get items on the agenda," said Holloway.
" Have you looked into Alice yet? You should check and see how she ran your town there in Ferris first," said Lowe.
According to Texas Local Government code 551.05 ,
A governmental body shall give written notice of the date, hour, place, and subject of each
meeting held by the governmental body.
"Governmental body" in section 55.001. is "(C) a municipal governing body in the state.
" There is nothing in the bylaws that say anything about the authority over the agendas, but in General law A city by local code I have authority," said Steele.
Lange doesn’t see it that way,
"You’re wrong, he’s always right," said Lange.
The Texas Municipal League general law cities handbook for mayors and councilmembers states:
As signatory for the city, the mayor is required to sign a variety of documents to give them official legal effect. The mayors signature is required on all bonds, certificates of obligation, warrants, and other evidence of debt, as well as ordinances, resolutions, advertisements for bids on public works projects, contracts, and similar legal paperwork. The mayor is also responsible for signing proclamations recognizing special events and personal achievements.
Rollison couldnt be reached for comment as of press time.
