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EAGLE LAKE — Eagle Lake City Council disfavored splitting the bank building after reviewing bid proposals, discussed 24-hour fast food business recruitment and honored recently passed community member Paul Supak, Tuesday, Oct. 13.
BANK BUILDING
City Council discussed pursuing the original plans for the future of the old First National Bank of Eagle Lake building after reviewing three bids to split the building and sell one half. According to councilmembers’ comments, the original plans entailed utilizing half the building for office space, city council chambers and municipal court and renting out the other half. Eagle Lake Mayor Anthony Johnson suggested that the city keep the entire space.
“We would be able to build revenue…We have about eight to 10 extra spaces back there, suites. As you see the styles of business moving, we make that available. Now, we have an asset,” Johnson said. “If we give it away, we have nothing. If we sell it, we have nothing. We have one lump sum of money rather than making money over the next 20 or 40 years.”
The project scope sent to bid included six major changes: building a new concrete wall across a hallway, a doorway to be blocked off, the installation of French doors between the council chambers and executive session room, the addition of a public family restroom where the drive-through teller area currently is, the construction of a new exterior door and walling off a break room.
City Manager Tink Jackson added that the bids did not factor in the costs of splitting the electrical and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and moving information technology. Councilmember Ann Jones also voiced concerns over potential extensive repairs to the building not included in the scope. According to FNB of Eagle Lake, the current structure replaced the original in 1958 and was later expanded in 1982.
Jackson suggested the second lowest bid at $232,174 but told the council his opinion is to not split the building.
“Looking at making the necessary repairs to make it safe and usable versus splitting the building and keeping part and trying to sell a part then trying to do more construction in the future, I think if council wants to keep the building, I think we keep the whole building,” he said.
Council discussion turned to whether to utilize the building’s large upstairs space for council chambers separate from the courtroom or another purpose. Jackson ruled out a previous idea to move the Eagle Lake Police Department there, citing difficulty due to criminal justice information security. He suggested utilizing the space for a dual purpose: council chambers and a large meeting room.
“Any other organizations that are wanting to meet, now you got a space for meetings that’s downtown, that’s centrally located, that’s a little bit easier to get to,” Jackson said.
Councilmembers also briefly considered the potential future demolition of the two current city office buildings next to the post office. Johnson suggested placing a community event space or a welcome center on the land.
“I know that’s a down-theline vision, of course, but one step at a time,” he said.
City Council took no action, deciding to take time to review the proposed bids and consider the alternatives discussed. Councilmember Billy Sosa also proposed asking residents and taxpayers for their input, and Jackson said the city could do a town hall on the topic in the future.
FAST FOOD
At the request of Johnson, Jackson briefed the council on strategies to recruit a 24-hour fast food restaurant. He said that those companies prioritize population—which Eagle Lake does not have enough of—and traffic, which could be enough to generate interest.
“The biggest challenge you have in trying to do this…Just because you want them, doesn’t mean they want you…but you can put the toolchest together to put out there in front of them,” Jackson said.
For the “toolchest” Jackson identified an updated list of available properties in the city and a traffic report backed by the Texas Department of Transportation as a starting point. Johnson called the amount of truck traffic the city receives as the “moneymaker.”
“There are some guys who are gassing up to leave like in the next three hours (around 10:30 p.m.), but then after everything closes, they have nowhere to eat, but they got to go to a different county seat to get their food,” he said.
The council took no action, and Jackson said he would work on collecting information and communicating with TxDOT.
PAUL ADOLPH SUPAK DAY
Johnson proclaimed Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, as Paul Adolph Supak Day in honor of the distinguished community member who died on Aug. 28.
“Throughout his life, he devoted himself to helping others, including families in need and anyone who could benefit from a helping hand,” Johnson read from the proclamation. “…Paul earned the admiration and highest regard of all he came into contact with, and the gratitude of his fellow public servants and our community.”
Supak was a founding member of Grace Point Community Church in El Campo and enjoyed woodworking and restoring old cars. He worked for the city for around a decade before starting a 32-year career at CenterPoint Energy and served on the city’s Zoning Committee.
Supak was born in East Bernard but graduated from Rice High School in 1973. He went on to earn an associate degree from Wharton County Junior College in 1975.
In 1976 Supak married Oralia Rodriguez in the home he built for her. The couple welcomed their only son, John Paul Supak, in 1988.
“Paul was an active and cherished member of our community, known for his commitment, dedication and love for his family,” the city later posted online. “He treasured time with his family, whether playing dominoes, working on puzzles or simply enjoying one another’s company.”
