Council solves chronic alleyway issues

Eagle Lake City Council came to a solution regarding the alleyway off of Gonzales Street their regular meeting Tuesday, May13.

Back in October 2007, citizens living near the alleyway complained about the dust caused from movement along the alley as well as increased traffic.

A solution for the problem has been an ongoing issue during the past seven months.

Barbara Class, co-owner of property located along the alleyway, was in attendance at the May 13 meeting to discuss the problem with council and came to the conclusion to redirect the road and barricade the alleyway.

According to a letter written by Houston Munson of Munson & Burns, representing the Classes' defense, Barbara and Jimmie Class obtained permission from Ron Holland, Eagle Lake City Manager at the time, to open the alley at Gonzales Street for the purpose of placing three mobile homes on the property owned by the Class family to which the alley is configured.

"All required permits through the City of Eagle Lake were acquired," Munson stated.

Munson added in his letter that the alleyway is the only reasonable access in and out of the Class property.

"Although a portion of the Class property adjoins State Street, there is not sufficient width to safely install a passageway because of the improvements at that location," Munson stated. "Any closing of the alley would constitute the inverse condemnation of the Class property."

Morales informed council Tuesday night that he had met with Jimmie Class and that Class would help the City of Eagle Lake with labor, material and funds in reverting traffic off the Class property.

Barbara Class referenced the letter she had written to the city explaining where the road will be redirected.

She said the proposed road would be toward the left of Scott Avenue.

"At the present time, Scott is paved to Semprez and then stops," Class said. "Going across Semprez in the short continuance of Scott is a grassy, grown-over road, but in relatively good condition."

Barbara Class said she and Jimmie are willing to put down gravel on this specific part of the road.

"At the road's end, a culvert will need to be placed, that will be provided along with dirt and gravel, to then turn right on Martin Street," Class said. "This portion of Martin we are also willing to put gravel on takes out trees and removes an existing concrete slab. Martin will sideline the back part of our property located approximately halfway between Scott and Gonzales where we will put a second culvert, dirt and gravel to turn left onto our property."

Barbara Class said that doing this would not only improve their property along with other neighbor property that is not easily accessed at this current time.

"I do believe if we are not able to use Gonzales, then surely the addresses of trailers two and three which will have to be changed," Class said.

Council agreed that addresses would have to be changed.

After further discussion, council agreed to accept the Classes' offer for the work on the road and that the city would remove the gravel material along the alleyway which has been causing the dust complaints A barricade would also be placed along the alleyway which would comply with state regulations.

The next step is for council to review the letter of agreement between the city and the Classes and to make sure all requirements are followed. Once the council agrees, the letter will be given to the Classes for their approval.

Work will begin on the road once all agreements are made.

In other business, council acted upon an ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Eagle Lake, Texas Certificates of Obligation, Series 2008 Under this item, council also approved action to enter into a paying agreement/registrar agreement and other matters related therelated to work on the Davitt Street water well.

Council accepted a bid for a five-year payment plan from Houston Community Bank, N.A.

Morales informed citizens in attendance at the meeting that this was an emergency item because it pertained to the city's water supply and that action was required to be taken by city officials and council.

The bond issue is in the amount of $265,000.

During public comments, Colorado County Judge Al Jamison informed city officials and council that a party has expressed interest in using the boot camp located in Eagle Lake.

"The Texas Youth Commission is interested in the facility," Jamison said.

Jamison said that, under law, the building could not be leased through the city but that the county must go through the contractor through Youth Services International.

He said that at this time the interest is there and that the boot camp is in good condition.

"We've got a live one here," Jamison said. "We are working on it."

Jamison informed council that the county would provide an officer for the facility and that it would not be a responsibility of the city.

He also said the employment potential is very good with the possibility of hiring up to 150-170 clients.

Also speaking during public comments was Eagle Lake Police Lieutenant Wendy Alley who said the fourth annual Eagle Lake Police Officer's equipment fundraiser will be taking place at the Community Center Thursday evening June 5.

Alley said the fundraiser was a success last year and that the police department was able to purchase a number of items such as in-car video systems and their police dog, Lulu.

She said the Sportman's Restaurant will cater the meal which will consist of beef enchiladas as the main course. A silent auction will take place from 5-7:30 p.m. Door prizes will also be awarded.

"We want everyone who can to come and support the police department," Alley said.

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