New city facility bears special name

Posted August 29, 2010

On August 26, the city of Garland officially dedicated the Goldie Locke Community Meeting Room inside the Duckworth Utility Services Building.

The new meeting space is named in honor of a long-time community leader, Goldie Irene Locke (1937-2008) who devoted almost three decades to building community in Garland with her contribution of wisdom, knowledge and countless volunteer hours. She served the city of Garland, the Garland Independent School District, Parkland Hospital, and numerous community and civic organizations. In 1984, she organized and became the founding president of the Garland Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Because Ms. Locke's sense of community fostered opportunity and justice for all citizens, the Garland City Council in partnership with the Executive Members of the Garland NAACP named the room in her honor.

During the dedication ceremony, Garland Mayor Ronald E. Jones referred to Ms. Locke as a courageous community activist. “Scripture says that some men’s works go before them and some men’s works come after them. Goldie’s good works and reputation went before and will linger on well into the future,” said Jones.

Garland NAACP President B.J. Williams turned to the lyrics of the song “The Impossible Dream” to describe Ms. Locke and her impact on the community. “This was her quest,” said Mr. Williams, “to fight for the right without question or pause…And the world and the city of Garland will be better for this.”

Ms. Locke’s niece, Denise Richards, spoke of how her aunt loved her family, friends, community and church.  Ms. Richards said of Ms Locke, “She didn’t take on any task in a small way. Her commitment was strong and she instilled that in her family as well.”

The Goldie Locke Community Meeting Room is located on the lower level of the Duckworth Building at 217 N. Fifth Street. The room has a capacity of up to 100 people and includes kitchen facilities, tables, chairs and audio/video capabilities. To find out more about reservations and room usage rules, contact Rene Dowl at 972-205-2670 or Carol Bentzlin at 972-205-2653.

City Council work session, regular meeting:  August 16-17

Kim Everett | August 19, 2010

Appointment of board member for Texas Municipal Power Agency

Jamie Ratliff was elected to the Board of Directors of the Texas Municipal Power Agency.

Residents speak out about the use of wireless devices in school zones

One resident expressed that these devices should be banned in school zones, and one questioned whether the problem may be distractions in general – not specifically cell phones. 

Another resident wondered if any conclusive studies have been done to warrant action.  He thinks that perhaps banning wireless devices in the entire city rather than in school zones only would be easier to enforce.

Appointments to outside boards procedure

The Administrative Services Committee recommended that all openings should be posted to give ample opportunity to anyone interested in the positions.

Banner and window sign restrictions

Mayor Pro Tem Larry Jeffus asked council to discuss the current ordinance on banner and window sign restrictions.  Several council members said that the ordinance is not the problem.  The problem could be that the building inspectors are busy, and it will take time for them to get to this issue.

“I am sick to death of talking about signs.  We were supposed to have resolved all of this last year,” Councilwoman Barbara Chick said. 

2010-2011 departmental budget presentations

Proposed changes in the employee compensation and benefits packages include a recommendation that the 1.15 percent pay reduction from last year be restored to employees, along with the restoration of step adjustments that were discontinued last year.

There will be no change in the dental and vision or group life insurance plans.

The retiree health plan will only change for those that are younger than 65 and not on Medicare.  Under this budget, their health insurance plan will now be through Blue Cross Blue Shield.  Retirees over 65 will remain on Cigna.

Employees will be covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield under the proposed budget as well.  Blue Cross Blue Shield, when compared to Aetna, United, and Cigna, had the best score.

The city will also become compliant in national health care reforms including:  removing pre-existing condition clauses, removing the annual/lifetime caps, removing co-pay on preventive care; and continuing benefits to age 24 for eligible dependent children.

The average monthly increase in cost for employees will be 4.75 percent; for retirees on Medicare, the increase will be 7%; and retirees under age 65 will see a 15% increase.

Parks Department budget proposals

The proposed budget for the Parks Department includes:

• $251,800 -- Hollabaugh Recreation Center
• $109,300 -- renovation of Bradfield Recreation Center
• $25,000 -- update on sanitation requirements at Surf & Swim splash pool
• $100,500 -- equipment replacement
• $35,000 -- resurfacing Jack Coleman Tennis Center courts
• $30,700 -- arts center equipment
• $15,300 -- central library renovation for a technology center
• $75,000 -- future technology fund for library system

Solid waste collection fee proposed for second containers

The program that allowed residents to have a second garbage container was introduced when twice a week collection was discontinued.  Problems with the program are that the city is not recovering the costs, and some residents are not paying for the additional containers.

A change was proposed to have customers that have a second container be charged $6.10 per month for the extra service.  This charge will allow for a 75 cent decrease for other residents.  Without the second container program, a 65 cent increase would be required for all customers.

Councilman Doug Athas said that this is fair in his opinion, since the majority of the population only has one container.

Wastewater rate increase

The proposed water utility fund budget is $44.5 million, which is an increase of $3 million over last year.  The reason for the increase is the higher cost of water.

Under the proposal, non-residential customers would see an annual backflow prevention fee, which would be assessed on monthly bills.

The proposed increase for residential customers is $3.77 per month for those who use the average amount of 8,000 gallons of water.

The proposed wastewater budget is $40.8 million.

Future challenges identified include aging infrastructure, increase in regulatory compliance requirements, and escalating costs.

Next budget work session and public hearing is scheduled for August 30.