Last month at the regular city council meeting on January 23 several citizens spoke the during the Visitor/Citizens Forum. {{more:Read more …}}
Jan Joplin, 204 Hilltop Drive, stated that she believed the water rate increase was mainly due to the master and comprehensive plans, specifically non-utility costs being covered by the rates. She called for a Capital Improvements Plan with cost analysis on every project, and closed by saying that just because residents don?t attend meetings doesn?t mean they don?t care.
Debbie Camp, 503 W 3rd Street, I?ve owned the home at 912 Shady Oaks Drive since 1976, and Harvey De Larosa, who spoke last month, asking for an extension on a BOA decision, has lived nearby at 904 Shady Oaks for 20-something years. He has never maintained his property. His pool is in disrepair and unsanitary. His house burned in 2006, and he has not done anything about it. He does not mow his grass and I have to rent the home I own next door because I can?t sell it.
Cathy Brown, 808 Shady Bend Drive, spoke in opposition of Hammack Creek Development because it is high-density. Asked that Council vote against it.
Sandy Mata, 1209 Vera Lane, asked that the gun and cannon at the Sonora Park splash pad be removed, as they normalize violence. Once budget allows, she suggested they be replaced with a fire hydrant or something similar.
Pat Turner, 1013 Kennedale Sublett Road, stated that he recently saw a posting on social media regarding the city?s bond ratings being little better than ?junk? bonds. He said he appreciates the recent story by the city with information about their receiving a bond rating increase from S&P. He pointed out that the city had received three such increases during City Manager Bob Hart?s tenure.
Jonathan Mark Babina, 1056 Falcon Nest Drive, stated that he has never seen a better Council. He went on to point out how many of the Council members held advanced degrees, and pointed out that he feels as if they do this work because of their passion for Kennedale. He concluded by saying that you can?t make everyone happy, and they would always have his support.
Lamar Saxon, 1022 Chandler Street, stated that he is the current President of the Kennedale Chapter of the Rotary Club, and that City Manager Bob Hart was not only a member, but was the driving force behind the establishment of the chapter in 2009. He summarized some of the many ways Rotary benefits the community, including providing coats and school uniforms through the Kennedale Professional Firefighters Angel Tree Program. He wished Bob well, and said he has always embodied the Rotary Club slogan: ?Service above self.? Bob was then presented with an award.
Ronnie Nowell, 317 Bowles Court, stated that he?s been a resident since 1965, and that he understands people do not like their bills to go up, but he knows that efforts have been made to mitigate the cost to residents, concerning the water rates. He pointed out that repairing and replacing old infrastructure costs considerably more than putting in new lines. He also encouraged people who had questioned the integrity of Council, staff, or the Mayor, to be reassured that there?s never been a question in his mind about any of them being above board.
John Clark, 100 Meadowlake Court stated that ten years ago when Bob Hart came to Kennedale, one of the first ideas he brought was this new form of governance. Dreams of residents from years ago have started to come to fruition in your tenure. I?m not sure everyone knows that you encouraged volunteerism, civic pride, opportunity for community engagement ? even negative. Additionally, you gave us Art in the Park, and encouraged us to have a Texas Independence Day Celebration. I?m proud every time I drive through town and see the rotary flags displayed. Previously, our small city didn?t have much of a voice, but your positive approach has been recognized by neighboring cities. We have people on key committees in the region, sitting next to Mansfield and Arlington. We were one of the four founding cities on SETTP (w/Arlington, Mansfield, and Grand Prairie). I thank you for your service to this city.
Linda Pavlik, 6115 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas stated that she was here tonight as a community advocate and public engagement specialist. Over the past 10 years, while Mr. Hart and I don?t always agree, but he?s never discouraged discussion.
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