City Hall needs roof
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

The Rusk City Council approved a change order Thursday to purchase a refurbished aerator for the new water well on FM 343.

Originally $100,000 was budgeted to purchase a new aerator, but a refurbished one was located for $75,000. The refurbished aerator includes the same warranty as a new one.

Alan Ross of Schaumburg & Polk, Inc. of Tyler, the city's engineer for the project, met with the council to give an update on the project.

Cost for installation and electricity service was budgeted at $50,000. However, the price had gone up. After negotiation with the electric provider, the cost has been lowered to just over the budgeted amount.

In another matter, the council discussed location of electronic variable message billsee boards.

Mayor Angela Raiborn said "This is something we need to look at for the future."

Councilman Sam Florian said, "These billboards are in competition to our business, but I think we ought to leave them alone."

Mr. Florian suggested that the city survey Rusk's business people to see what they think of billboard regulations.

During the city manager's report, Mike Murray showed sample plaques that might be used for the James Long Municipal Court Building. One plaque was made of bronze and the other of aluminum. Dedication of the building is anticipated the first part of June.

A new roof is needed at city hall. This expense is expected to cost approximately $15,000. The insurance company will be contacted to determine if help could be provided for roof hail damages.

Code Red expenses are expected to be approximately $5,000 instead of the $10,000 originally budgeted.

The Code Red project will call local citizens in the event of a disaster.

A person will be designated as the disaster representative to key in information for the program.

The Texas Department of Transportation project on U.S. Highway 69 through Rusk has been delayed. Workers have found springs beneath the roadway and French drains will be installed to help with the water problems and road buckling.

The city is seeking bids for cemetery and swimming pool maintenance.

Attending the meeting were Mayor Raiborn; Councilmembers Kris Morgan, Walter Session, Don Jones, Mr. Florian and Donald Woodard; City Manager Murray; and City Secretary Fran Wendeborn.