Corsicana Council Discuss Garbage Contract; City Manager Search

The City Council’s Monday session was less than 20 minutes in length, with two speakers approaching the council, and a lengthier discussion regarding the proposed contract with Republic Services.

Michael Worthy, Corsicana Police Officers Association, requested inclusion of the Police Department and Fire Department in the upcoming continuation and expanded search to provide candidates and review them for the position of City Manager. Worthy noted the significant portion of the city budget tied to public and fire safety, giving them a voice in the effort. The second suggestion Worthy had was to consider pay raises for police officers, noting that if the county budget passes, sheriff deputies will be earning a higher salary than city police officers.

Terry Garner thanked the Council for listening to the concerns of citizens. He commented on the number of calls he received in the last two weeks, indicating an effort on the part of the Council, and he urged Council to now make their conversations and efforts public and transparent.
The request to award Grant Works the contract to assist in the preparation of a significant grant of up to $750,000 for unspecified public work projects passed. The cost of the contract, tied to the successful award of the total of $750,000, is $43,500, and it was the lowest of two bids received.
Elaborate discussion occurred over the proposed renewal of a five-year contract with Republic Services. The proposal was reflective of the last proposal with the exception of the addition of a six-month trial for brush clean up and the implementation of complimentary storm cleanup tied to the completion of the trial and determination to continue the service. Republic Services spoke about their plans for cleanup on a North/South schedule, the City Manager noted there is a penalty assessed if regular service is not provided as scheduled and is not picked up the next business day, and Republic discussed new ways to stay connected to customers, through a new app available for download, allowing customers to “track my truck” on the day of service, which will show what percentage of the route has been completed.
Various communication plans leading up to the October 1 contract start date are in the works to review what types and amounts of bulk items will be picked up, schedules and services. Republic Services noted that a recycling location at their Convenience Center on South 15th is operating four days a week, and the Council discussed that the Landfill has a dumpster location for bagged yard debris.
A resolution passed to increase the volume of water purchased by the Navarro Mills Water Supply Corporation from 40 million gallons per month to 45 million, with the agreement to place a device to control volume and pressure.

Public announcements included the ongoing activities daily at the Public Library and these noted dates:
July 26 – Battle of the Badges Blood Drive at City Government Center from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
August 3 – Clean Up Day at the Navarro County Regional Landfill from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., with August 10 as an alternate date.
August 6 – Regular Economic Development Partnership meeting, 9 a.m., Library’s Nancy Roberts room.
August 10 – The official dedication of a Texas Historical Marker placed at the G.W. Jackson Legacy Park on MLK Boulevard at 10 a.m.
(Corsicana High School sophomore debate team’s Kaison Smith has been chosen to participate in the dedication and marker details.)

The City Council recessed into Executive Session and returned with the record showing a total of 1 minute and 33 seconds.
The Council asked for a motion, led by Chris Woolsey and seconded by Shala Johnson, to authorize Mayor Fletcher to engage in a profession search firm to find a candidate to replace outgoing City Manager Connie Standridge. The motion passed.
Prior to this motion passing, City Manager Standridge asked for clarification on the termination date of her retirement, pending the search for candidates to be considered. After discussion, Council agreed the end date of her employment is September 13, 2024.

The NavCo Chronicle indicates that some of the video portion was missing from the official city feed.

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