By Larry Briscoe
Correspondent
East Tawakoni Mayor Johnnie LaPrade opened Tuesday night’s council meeting with an announcement that a new business was soon to begin construction.
Mayor LaPrade said construction is anticipated to begin by the end of February on a new Family Dollar store there.
“It’s the first business in quite a few years,” she said. “I hope we can grow and get a few more. We are excited about it.”
The mayor expected to announce a groundbreaking near the first of January.
Economic Development Corporation President and Councilman Gary Reeves said the EDC had worked to secure the new business.
In other business, the council adopted a resolution for a 2013 solid waste grant from East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG).
LaPrade said the city had secured grants from ETCOG the pat couple of years and would have to wait for a period before applying after the third one.
Approval was given to give the mayor approval for a line item transfer in the 2013 budget. Councilman James Lee asked that department heads in the future be in control of their departments’ budgets.
Mayor LaPrade reminded the city’s Thanksgiving dinner would be held at the fire station since it had outgrown the civic center. The dinner will be Wednesday, Nov. 27, at noon. The Christmas party will be Monday, Dec. 23. Those participating in the Chinese gift exchange should take a gift of $10 value.
Councilman Reeves reported the EDC had something over $32,000 in the bank and said the group was “ecstatic” over the Family Dollar project.
He said the process of getting city codes on the city’s website was going to be a slower process than had originally been thought.
Reeves said recycling had been discussed but members had discovered it was expensive.
LaPrade reminded that property owners were responsible for the easements in front of their property and for keeping the trees trimmed.
After a short closed executive session, the council approved a salary increase for City Secretary Sue Florey, effective Jan. 1.
All members of the council were present.