By Bobby Tingle

Bobbyb.tingle@orangeleader.com

 

PINEHURST — Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2, Derry Dunn, was reappointed Municipal Court Judge for the City of Pinehurst Tuesday night.

Dunn will serve a two-year term to run concurrent with the mayor’s term. Council made their decision while in a closed session during the regularly scheduled monthly meeting.

Fred R. Hanauer III, City of Pinehurst Chief of Police, reported a successful Click It Or Ticket campaign. The department took part in the program, which included grant incentives provided by TxDOT, to raise awareness and ensure compliance of the State of Texas laws requiring the use of seat belts and proper child restraints when operating and traveling in a motor vehicle.

Hanauer reported successful updating of the city’s Emergency Management Action Plan in conjunction with other county entities. Hurricane preparedness information is to be posted to the city’s website to aid citizens in preparation for the possibility of a storm in this area.

The council appointed seven individuals to serve as members of a Planning Commission for the City of Pinehurst. Liz Hogan was appointed chairperson of the committee. The committee will act in an advisory capacity to the council.

Harry Vine, Code Enforcement Officer, reported the commission will consider adopting a program to aid local citizens maintain compliance with city ordinances. The program, TLC or Tool Loan Center, is in place in Round Rock, Texas. If established, the TLC will make tools available such as lawnmowers and power washers. Area faith based groups will be recruited to provide labor. Residents in need of assistance mowing their lawn and other tasks can request the use of this service at their personal property. All tools and labor will be donated for this program.

The Lark Street sewer upgrade has been completed. Plans are moving forward to upgrade the Lark Street Park as well. The city will add an area for horseshoes and volleyball. Local Boy Scouts will add benches along the walking path and a sitting area designed for reading.

The city passed a proposal to continue Medical Insurance Benefits and COBRA with their current provider TK Health Insurance. Liz LeBlanc a representative with TK Health proposed the extension of insurance services that will cover city employees.