By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

Orange Mayor Jimmy Sims urged residents to get out an vote for the current election while giving his report during the Tuesday evening City Council meeting.

“It always amazes me at the low turnout at elections,” Sims said. “Get out and vote.”

Council member Larry Spears Jr. thanked the staff and employees who participated in setting up the recent Easter Egg hunt on Good Friday.

Council member Bill Mello thanked Curtis Jeanis for volunteering to serve on the Historic Preservation Commission.

“I appreciate Curtis volunteering and all those who volunteer,” Mello said. “It takes all of you to make this stuff work.”

The Historic Preservation Commission, prior to Jeanis appointment, had two vacancies according to Director of Planning and Community Development Kelvin Knauf.

“They are right at a quorum left,” Knauf said.

Council member asked if Jeanis was the only one to apply for the position. Knauf confirmed there was only one application submitted.

The council also approved a motion to allow current City of Orange Board or Commission members to be re-appointed without having to submit a new application.

The City of Orange is currently taking applications for the following Board openings, according to the website:

Citizen’s Action Committee – 5 Vacancies
Historic Preservation Commission – 1 Vacancy
Planning and Zoning Commission – 1 Vacancy
Board of Adjustment – Alternate Members

If you are interested in applying for a position on a Board or Commission, please download an application from our website, or please contact the Office of the City Secretary at 409-883-1042 or download an application at http://www.orangetexas.net/city-government/city-boards/

The council also approved the acceptance of Community Development Block Grant Funds from Christian Women’s Job Corp and reallocating the funds to Orange Christian Services for emergency services.

“The organization lost the site coordinator a couple of years ago and has basically disbanded,” Grants Planner Sandra Wilson said.

Wilson also said she approached Orange Christian Services after deciding the organization was the best fit.

“I found two organizations and Orange Christian Services was the best fit as a non-profit and able to provide the documentation needed for where the funds were used,” Wilson said.

Council also agreed with the Planning and Zoning Board to deny the preliminary plat submitted by David Hinds for the Oak Allie Subdivision.

“We believe it will add value to the community,” Knauf said. “There are some requirements to be addressed.”

Orange City Council will meet again at 9 a.m. on Friday to accept the official resignation of Council Member Wayne Guidry. Guidry has been selected as Superintendent of Hubbard ISD.