Ferris city council approves interim city manager

FERRIS – The Ferris city council voted 5 – 0 to enter into a contract with Clovia English as the interim city manager.

English is the former city manager of both Corinth and Lockhart.

She also served as public works director in the city of Lancaster. She started her career with the city of Garland as a crime analyst and budget analyst.

While the official start date for English has not been signed off on and confirmed, both she and the city have agreed on Aug. 12 as her tentative start date.

Ferris consultant Carl Sherman, who has been at the helm of the city since the departure of former City Manager Bill Jordan said, “The city council tonight voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to enter into a contract with Clovia English as interim city manager. I am extremely proud.”

Also, after the council’s first executive session, it was voted 5 – 0 to continue contracts with Municipal Judge Scott Kurth and City Prosecutor Dana Huffman.

Greg Chapman was appointed by the city council to the zoning board of adjustment.

The vote was unanimous, with the exception of councilmember Sherie Chapman, who recused herself because she is married to Chapman.

In other business, the approval of Type A Economic Development Corporation (4A Board) revised bylaws passed 5-0, as did the disinfecting system downtown required by TCEQ. The disinfecting system approval is contingent on a second bid.

An invoice from SPI in the amount of $20,385 for work on the disinfecting system plans and specs passed 3 – 1, with councilmember Michael Martinez abstaining and Chapman voting no. It was also approved in a same 3 – 1 vote for the mayor to enter into a contract for professional services with SPI for new business.

Since no member of the Type B Economic Development Corporation (4B Board) was in attendance to discuss the spending of $450,000 for the Senior Center project, any action was postponed.

Council adjoined into a second executive session to discuss two new EEOC complaints filed by former employees, but no action was taken. There was also no action taken on a discussion regarding the court clerk and court supervisor.

Ferris Police Officer Alan Torres was given a letter of appreciation by the city for assisting a resident with the removal of a large deceased family dog. The Wilkinson family was concerned the dog would be preyed on by predators before appropriate disposal. Torres assured the family the dog was contained in such a way that it would be disposed of properly. The Wilkinson’s were in attendance, and again thanked the officer in person.