February 12, 2003

Dickinson City Council
by Jinelle Boyd

Dickinson City Council approved the second and final reading of an ordinance declaring junked vehicles within 5000 feet of city limits a public nuisance, and providing a penalty of no less than $2,000.

The city council approved $6,000 for professional services from Michael Pietsch, PE in conjunction with the municipal facilities master-planning project.  City Administrator Ivan Langford said Pietsch will be of help in selecting sites for new fire stations.

"The unique 'thing' about locating fire stations, as opposed to other municipal facilities, is their impact on fire insurance rates for the entire community," Langford said.  "Selecting the wrong location could have an adverse impact on ISO (Insurance Services Office) fire insurance rates throughout the community for years to come.  Pietsch is a recognized expert in this field."

All other agenda items were approved.

Former mayor Keith Hufstetler approached the council regarding a grant for a park on Park Avenue.  Hufstetler reviewed previous comments made by councilman Louis Decker and provided possible solutions.  

"I am a member of the park board, but my comments reflect my own personal opinion.  I do not speak for the park board," he confirmed.  "The dividends of our legacy will be paid out of the decisions we make today…will our legacy be only that we fought crime and repaired streets?"

Mayor Veta Winick proclaimed the week of March 3-7, 2003, as Texas Public School Week, and March 11, 2003 as Jack Silbernagel Elementary Day.