Homeowners object to city zoning change
Ike's Feed Mill property owners withdraw request
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

A delegation of homeowners met with the Rusk City Council Thursday to oppose a zone change request from Norma and Ike Daniel. The Daniels were seeking to change the zoning of property they own that includes the old location of Ike's Feed Mill and property extending from this site to Fifth Street. However, prior to the meeting Mr. and Mrs. Daniel withdrew their request for the zone change.

A small portion of the property is zoned B-2 for general business and the major portion is zoned residential one family.

This is the second request made by the Daniels. The first request asked that the entire tract be zoned light industrial to allow for the location of an oil company.

This time they had asked that the property be zoned B-2.

City Manager Mike Murray said the zone line is under the building. Those in the delegation were asked if they would object to setting a line for the B-2 zoning and then leave the remainder zoned residential one family. Some indicated they would be willing to meet with the Daniels.

James Holcomb, home owner in the area, said, "We went through this not too long ago. Considering one lot would be spot zone. It you do this we will see people taking one lot and zoning it commercial. I don't think there would be any reason to deny anyone. That action would put Highway 69 onto the residential property on Fifth Street. If the property line came to the back of my property, it would not interfere with the back of my home. But, I am interested in keeping the line where it is."

Mary Holcomb, Mr. Holcomb's wife, said, "The Becks would be the most affected. My home would be affected if the property is rezoned."

Mike Kesler, representing Eldridge Moak attorney for the Holcombs, said a letter from Mr. Moak to the council said, "As it stands, this would constitute spot zoning."

No action was taken by the council concerning the matter.

Make Rusk Beautiful

Teresa Langley, Rusk Chamber of Commerce president, asked the council to collect a voluntary fee on the monthly water bills. The fee will be used to finance a "Keep Rusk Beautiful" program. Cards will be sent to local residents asking them to request the city to bill them.

A committee composed of Mrs. Langley, Maxine Session and Neal Holcomb will coordinate the program. The committee will serve for two years.

"We don't want this to continue under the umbrella of the chamber, but to be a separate organization. We will get the Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, garden club and others to help us," she said. "We want the entire community to be involved. In two to five years, we will look like Nacogdoches and Athens," she said.

Cemetery maintenance bids

No action was taken concerning the acceptance of a bid for cemetery maintenance. Bids were sought for maintenance of Cedar Hill Cemetery and Rusk Memorial Park.

Bidders were Randy King and Antonio's (Enriquez) Lawn Care Service, both of Rusk and Tony Rollins of Jacksonville.

Mr. Murray said, "When I got here (city employment) we had nothing but trouble. Antonio has done a fantastic job. However, there is a gap of approximately $5,000 in the bids. It looks like if we accept a bid we will have to go with the low bid."

"I am concerned about the ad, when it stated mowing three times per month or as needed," Mayor Angela Raiborn said. "The bahai grass grows so fast that it takes more than mowing three times a month."

Tommie Franks spoke on behalf of Mr. Enriquez's service. "He has worked for me for 10 years. He is gifted with a lot of talent. He always wants the cemetery to look beautiful and he will go at almost a moment's notice to correct a problem," she said.

Mr. Enriquez started with the city 12 years ago. He came on the recommendation of the late Judge J.W. Summers. Judge Summers helped him with his bid, which was $21,540. Mr. Enriquez said he had to increase his prices because of the increase of fuel.

"We always sweep the markers after we mow," he said. "And, we are mowing every week, sometimes more often."

Councilman Walter Session also praised Mr. Enriquez.

Mr. King asked why the city advertised for bids if the council wanted to keep Mr. Enriquez?

Councilman Don Jones said, "I like Antonio but we have a bid for $21,800. I think it would not be proper to refuse it."

Councilman Donald Woodard said he was not going to vote as one of the bidders works for him.

Articles of incorporation for

4-B sales tax status

The council approved articles of incorporation and by-laws for a new 4-B sales tax economic development corporation. Voters approved a change from a 4-A corporation to a 4-B corporation at a special election Nov. 6, 2007. The articles of incorporation and by-laws will be forwarded to the secretary of state. Then a meeting of the corporation board will be called and an organizational meeting held.

A bid from Marks Lanham for $24,000 to manage the swimming pool was accepted.

A contract for management services with Gary R. Traylor & Associates Inc. for a HOME program with the Texas Department of Housing and community affairs was approved.

Funds from the asset forfeiture account were allocated to purchase equipment totaling approximately $10,000.

Money from the municipal court technology fund will be spent for computer hardware and software updating.

In his report to the council City Manager Murray reported cost of reroofing the library will be $10,000.

Attending the meeting were Mayor Raiborn; councilmembers Session, Jones, Woodard and Kris Morgan.