At Last Night’s Meeting, The Celina City Council Heard From Councilman Matt Gray Who Discussed A Recent Meeting He Had Concerning Staffing At The Celina Fire Department.
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In Response, Celina Safety-service Director Tom Hitchcock Indicated The City Would Ask Clemmons And Nelson To Give An Idea Of What Can Legally Be Done With The Nepotism Law.

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The following is an AI Generated summary of the Council Meeting:

Meeting Notes

1. City Council Meeting on Budget and Infrastructure Projects

• Public Works and School System Collaboration

  The school system is building a new bus garage and paying the city $500,000. The project cost came in lower than expected, and the city aims to award the contract to Miller Contracting for 2025.

• Old Building Signage Issue

  There is still signage on an old building sold by the city, indicating it belongs to the Electric Department. The transfer process is ongoing.

• Ordinance 73-24-0: Appropriations and Budget Adjustments

  The ordinance addresses budget insufficiencies and appropriates additional funds for various accounts, including payroll increases and park maintenance.

• Ordinance 74-24-0: Agreement with Local Government Services

  The ordinance authorizes an agreement with the Local Government Services Section for financial auditing services, with an estimated cost of $36,000.

• Third Reading of Ordinances

  The council discussed amendments and appropriations for the 2024 budget, including separating cemetery operations into its own section.

Conclusion

1. The project cost was lower than expected, and the city plans to award the contract to Miller Contracting.

2. The transfer process is ongoing, and the signage issue will be resolved.

3. The ordinance was passed with a 6-0 vote.

4. The ordinance was passed with a 6-0 vote.

5. The amendments were discussed and clarified.

2. City Council Meeting Discussions and Community Updates

• Ordinance 66-24-0

  The ordinance authorizes the Safety Service Director to advertise for bids and enter into contracts for materials, services, supplies, and equipment needed during 2025. The motion for passage was made and seconded, resulting in a 6-0 approval.

• Community Updates

  The Mayor provided updates on community activities, including holiday decorations, the success of Midnight Gladness, and the transition of the Watson House lease. The community is actively engaging in festive activities, and local businesses are thriving.

• Fire Department Feasibility Study

  The feasibility study for the fire department is delayed due to medical issues with the architect. A new milestone schedule has been set, with the final review meeting expected on March 7th.

• Vacant Lots and Housing

  Discussion on the potential sale or auction of vacant lots to address the housing crisis. It was noted that the city has limited vacant lots, with most being unsuitable for housing development.

• Property Maintenance and Development

  The city maintains a list of properties that are not being attended to, working with owners to either fix them up or demolish them. The process involves legal considerations and cooperation with property owners.

• Fire Department Staffing and Nepotism

  Discussion on addressing staffing issues in the fire department, including exploring legal avenues to navigate nepotism laws. The possibility of consulting Clemens Nelson for legal guidance was suggested.

• Training Hours Report

  There was a discrepancy in the reported training hours for the fire department, with a need to verify the correct figures.

• Miss America's Teen Competition

  A council member shared personal news about their daughter competing in the Miss America's Teen competition, seeking support and well-wishes.

Conclusion

1. The ordinance passed with a 6-0 vote.

2. Community activities are progressing well, with strong participation and support.

3. The final review meeting is scheduled for March 7th.

4. The city has limited options for selling vacant lots.

5. The city continues to manage property maintenance and development proactively.

6. The council expressed support and congratulations.

• Final review meeting for the fire department feasibility study scheduled for March 7th.

• Verification of training hours report for the fire department.