Surprise resignations from three city dispatchers has left a feeling of disappointment as expressed by Police Chief Rick Guill. The primary concern for Guill about the situation is the loss of City-provided dispatching due to the initiation of the Interlocal Agreement between the City, County and E911 Board.
Three dispatchers, including the two senior dispatchers, submitted notices of intent to resign based upon the City Council’s acceptance of the Interlocal Agreement. Dispatchers who resigned are Tana Garza, Stephanie Ellis and Debra Segovia. Although all City dispatchers would have the opportunity to move to County employment, they would no longer be eligible for the City’s pension and other benefits, but could obtain County benefits. The dispatchers are the unwanted casualties in a power struggle initiated by the County. Mayor Eddie Whitworth said to the dispatchers before their abrupt resignation "As far as employees, you are all valued employees."
The Interlocal Agreement is being finalized between the three governing entities, subject to a few minor changes. Each governing entity will contribute $7,500 per month for the costs of operating full-service county wide dispatching, including E911 Service. The county would like for these payments to be submitted as services are rendered each month, but the City prefers for the payments to be submitted after services are rendered.
District Attorney John Wampler has reviewed the proposed Interlocal Agreement in regards to legality. The agreement will run until June 30, 2009.
The Frederick Police Department is leaving the Tillman County Law Enforcement Center and relocating back to the Old City Hall building on Main Street. Barry Williamson, who is an architect contracted by the city, visited on Tuesday afternoon accompanied by structural engineer Laurent Massenat. Mr. Williamson has made an agreement with the city to provide his services for a maximum fee of $11,000. Assessing the remodeling project at the Old City Hall building to insure their building improvement project for the relocation of the Frederick Police Department will not negatively effect the structural integrity of the building itself. Their primary concern is a threshold on the second floor that is an entrance to the public restrooms. Williamson shared "There are no surprises or exposed structural problems where the new restrooms will be installed."
A lease agreement has been approved with R.K. Black, Inc. for a new Kyocera 2560 Copy System. The 60 month lease is for $107 per month. It will be used at the Old City Hall building where the department is relocating.
Council members are actively assessing previously declared dilapidated structures. Property at the location of 600 South 10th may soon be removed from the list. Dennis Williams has been making improvements to the property including securing an exposed wall on the east side of the building. Mr. Williams still has money deposited in escrow with the city as an act of good faith that he will finish making mandatory updates to his property. The city plans to return the deposited escrow money after Mr. Williams makes several minor updates to complete his portion of the agreement. Demolition permits have been obtained by property owners of 223 South 5th, 213 North 3rd and 100 South 2nd. The property owner of 216 North 3rd is making progress. The owner has aggressively pursued making improvements on the interior, but the city council wants exterior updates as well and plans to reevaluate the property owner's progress in 30 days. Property at the location of 814 South 13th has been turned over to the county for back taxes. The city intends to monitor the progress of this situation closely. The owner of property at the location of 320 West Gladstone has expressed an interest in rehabilitating the property by making several minor improvements. A primary concern for this property is a hole in the roof that needs rehabilitation. This is a commercial property the city believes to be within the realm of rehabilitation. If this particular structure is demolished, then no new buildings can be constructed at this site due to the unique structural specifications the current building possesses. Property at 613 West Gladstone needs exterior improvements including roof repair and repainting.
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