FERRIS – Several councilmen attempted to “pull apart” a planned development recommended to the council from Ferris Planning and Zoning on a re-zoning plan for Michael Martinez’s property at west 9th and south Main street to be developed for several proposed businesses on the ground level with living quarters on the second floor, much like those currently found in Waxahachie and Red Oak.

    Martinez, former candidate for a council seat last May, was defeated by Councilman Jay Walsh, submitted his Multi-Use Plan on his property with light retail-type use below and apartments above.

    It was approved by P&Z, but faced ridicule at the Monday council meeting this week after City Manager Bill Jordan explained Martinez had alluded toward different businesses but was leaning toward a laundromat/dry cleaning business.

    Councilman Bobby Lindsey said he didn’t think renters would appreciate living above a business open 24/7, and a discussion ensued regarding restricting the hours of operations.

    “(Martinez) has always done very well with his businesses – they look good,” said councilwoman Sherrie Chapman.

    “I don’t think you can really tell businesses what they have to do (in this manner).”

    During the discussion, one man was overheard in the audience to mutter “I can’t believe they are retaliating against Martinez like this – only because he had the audacity to run for council against their friend.”

    Finally, it was decided to post and hold a public hearing on the matter, then bring it back before council in February.

    In other action at the Jan. 7 meeting, long-time Ferris resident Kenneth Cousins pleaded with the council to review required water testings he didn’t believe were being correctly performed.

    “I’m very concerned about how our water system is being handled,” said Cousins, who oversaw Ferris’ water department for 32 years before retiring a few years ago.

    He asked if water samples were being taken monthly, and if so, what lab were they being sent to and how often was the two water tanks being cleaned and was the person in charge licensed?

    Councils are not required to address questions asked in the public comments section of the agenda, so no discussion followed regarding Cousins’ concerns.

    Another agenda item, revisited from last month, was to authorize the city manager to sign an agreement with the Velon & Weeks Engineering firm to conduct a sewer study at the initial cost of $11,000.

    “So, you’re asking the 27 hundred of us who live here to use our tax dollars to pay for the new blood (new housing developments) coming in, while the old blood are the ones with the sewer problems,” said Chapman.

    Tyler Hendrickson, from Velon & Weeks, and Jordan explained the study would be for all of Ferris, not just the new developments.

    Jordan said the study was needed to also determine what kind of grants could be applied for and to pursue getting costs negotiated to future developers.

    “It’s not going to hurt our budget,” said Jordan.

    Permission for the study was passed unanimously.

    Mayor Jim Swafford proclaimed Jan. 20-26th as National School Choice Week and in other action, the council approved former minutes, payables and a request for qualifications for engineering/architecture of a public safety building.

    The next regular meeting will be held Monday, Jan. 21.