May 2010 City Council Meeting

The Joshua City Council met last night for our regular monthly session.  On the agenda was recognition of outgoing council members and the swearing in of new ones.  More on that below.

Earlier in the agenda the council discussed a new cell tower lease on city property.  The site has been in use for several years and a tower is already in place, but in previous agreements payments were made monthly for the easement allowed for tower access.  The new agreement is a long-term lease (30 years) that brings in just over $67,000 to the city.  After input from the council the agreement will be amended to include an obsolescence clause to sever the agreement should the tower no longer be used for a period of time.  30 years is a long time when you're talking technology.

The council awarded the architectural design contract for our new fire station to Randall Scott Architects.  Mr. Scott was in attendance at last night's meeting and his firm had the most experience in fire station design from the applicants considered.  The design process will take 6-9 months.  After that the city will go out for bid for a construction manager at risk to contract the build.

The council approved a $25,000 expenditure from our Type B economic development fund for a feasibility study to potentially locate a YMCA in the city.  I'm hopeful the results will be favorable and that the city will be able to partner with The Y to create a facility that will enhance the quality of life and convenience for our citizens.  I have fond memories of participating in YMCA Indian Guides with my dad when I was little so I hope to have the opportunity to get involved in what is now called Adventure Guides locally with my boys.

We concluded our session with plaques awarded to Mayor Merle Breitenstein, Councilman Cameron Smallwood and Councilman Tom Tallent for their service to the city and then new Mayor Joe Hollarn, Councilman Jesse Davis and Councilman Jerry Moore were sworn in.  Councilman Butch Isom was also sworn in for his second term on the council.  I've enjoyed working with the outgoing council over the past year and I'm looking forward to getting to know our new council members better and participating in discussions with them.

A.J.