Council split on city property turned into bar extension

FERRIS – The Ferris City Alley Park was back on the minds of residents in Ferris this week.

The city council voted against a motion made by councilmember Sherie Chapman Monday night to discuss and rewrite the city’s contract concerning The Ferris Bar & Grill and its use of the alley park.

That contract was written by former city manager Bill Jordan – who never brought it before council for discussion or approval.

Chapman suggested the contract should be rewritten – this time – by City Attorney Michael Halla, since Halla was not consulted or involved with the original contract either.

The vote was 3 – 2, with Chapman and Mayor Pro Tem Tommy Scott voting to rewrite the contract, and council members Clayton Hunter, Michael Martinez and Jay Walsh voting to continue with the existing contract, that by most reports has allowed the park to become an extension of the bar – with blocked entryways and alcoholic drinks being served outdoors.

Chapman reminded council members and those in attendance – while Jordan’s contract allowed the Ferris Bar & Grill free use of the alley park to compliment the bar with an outdoor element, the property – and liability – still belonged to the city.

Before the vote, Mayor Pro Tem Scott suggested council talk to owner Richard Ho about the alley and rewrite a contract that all council members and Ho could agree on in order to move forward with a favorable solution concerning any liabilities involving the City of Ferris.

Martinez mentioned during comments regarding the contract no one was in non-compliance yet, indicating he was taking a wait and see attitude.

Many questioned whether Walsh should be voting on the item because reports have indicated he actually works at the bar.

Ferris Mayor Jim Swafford reminded all council members before the vote that if anyone had ties to the bar – employment or otherwise – that person needed to recuse themselves from voting.

Walsh did not come forward to recuse himself, and voted like his two fellow council members to keep the bar and existing alley contract with the city “as is.”

Ferris Police Chief Eddie Salazar was also called to speak before council regarding the Ferris Bar & Grill’s recent outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) activity.

The Bandidos OMG have been seen and reported at the bar, as well as the Forsaken Horsemen and La Familia – motorcycle gangs affiliated or in support of the Bandidos.

Ellis County Sheriff Charles Edge made his presence known at the meeting, specifically to speak out – along with Chief Salazar – against allowing the Bandidos or other motorcycle gangs to frequent Ferris – and secure a foothold.

Edge said OMG activity in Ellis County was on the rise, and warned the ensuing behavior that always follows these gangs is “not good.”

While council also considered the ramifications of the Bandidos and affiliate gangs visiting the bar, a solution was not discussed.

Another hot topic item passing 5 – 0 was the approval of a bid for water transmission from Rockett SUD.

While the water issue in Ferris is still ongoing, this solution does several things to improve the water situation for the moment.

If the bid had not been approved the chance Ferris would be fined by TCEQ was almost certain. Fines for noncompliance with TCEQ can get expensive – up to $25,000 a day.

Approving the bid also allowed the city to use grant money for a water solution while other avenues are explored for a long-term plan. While there were questions about mixing sewer water with drinking water, these concerns were meant to be alleviated after discussion.

A Disinfection System Plan was also included in the water solution with RT&E Rural Water allowing for increased capacity of the water and lowered fluoride in the drinking water too.

Council voted to approve the bid to RT&E Rural Water in the amount of $393,003.13, which will allow for surface water to be brought to the city’s downtown water plant from Rockett SUD.