Morgan appointed to Rusk city council
Council hears complaint about potholes that damaged vehicle
BY GLORIA JENNINGS STAFF WRITER

Rusk Mayor Suzann McCarty administers the oath of office to Councilman Kris Morgan. Mr. Morgan was appointed Thursday evening to a vacancy on the Rusk council created by the Dec. 12, 2006, death of District 1 Councilmember Ruth Ross.

Kris Morgan is the new District 1 Rusk City Councilmember. He was appointed Thursday evening by the city council to fill the position formerly held by the late Ruth Ross. Following his appointment Mayor Suzann McCarty administered the oath of office to Mr. Morgan and he was seated for the remainder of the meeting.

Mr. Morgan will fill the position until the next city election in May.

In other matters coming before the council, members heard a complaint from Karen Bolton concerning damages to her vehicle due to road conditions on Abraham Street.

Ms. Bolton explained to the council that she had suffered $688.10 in damages to her automobile because of the rough street.

City Attorney Forrest Phifer said the council is not considered legally liable for the street conditions.

"The street is rough and I think we need to do something about the potholes. Ms. Bolton is not the first person to complain," Councilman Walter Session said.

Several members of the council expressed sympathy to Ms. Bolton for her expense. However, members failed to take action on payment of the damages after Mr. Phifer said the council would make a precedent concerning the matter.

The council approved a resolution establishing the necessity for acquisition of property in connection with the Texas Community Development Program.

The action was taken in connection with the laying of sewer lines on Crockett Street. The city will ask that the land owners donate the property to the city. If not, then purchase of the property will be sought.

Mr. Phifer said he had reviewed the proposed resolution and saw no problem.

Purchase of a new Ford Crown Victoria police car was approved for $21,842.90. The council was told that the Ford price might have a discount of $900.

A racial profile was adopted for the city.

Residential garbage collection was increased from $9.96 to $10 monthly. Allied Garbage Co. increased city rates 4.2 percent, which would have been 22 cents for residential users.

However, the council elected to only increase residential users the 4 cents. Commercial users were increased the 4.2 percent.

Attending the meeting were Mayor McCarty; Councilmembers Morgan, Session, Don Jones, Donald Woodard and Sam Florian; City Manager Mike Murray and City Secretary Fran Wendeborn.

The next regular council meeting will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at city hall.