On Tuesday, July 8 Whitesboro Public Safety Director Jeff Patterson, Fire Chief Steve Pinkston and EMS Division Chief Stephen Wilcox presented staff with a Life Saving Award. This was to recognize several individuals who were a part of a neonatal resuscitation for a premature infant born at home.
This is the second neonatal resuscitation the department has successfully performed in a year.
On February 20, the Whitesboro Fire Department and EMS responded to a 9-1-1 call for a 24-year-old female who was in active labor at her residence located just outside the Whitesboro city limits. Medic 252 and Squad 251 were dispatched to the residence and arrived on-scene seven minutes later.
Upon Medic 252’s arrival, EMS immediately assessed both mother and infant (who, it was determined, was born at a 26-week gestation). EMS implemented life-saving measures for the infant and both patients were rushed to the hospital, where the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) team awaited them.
The infant was discharged after being in the Neonatal ICU at Texoma Medical Center (TMC) for 54 days. Baby Beau and mother are both in good health and were in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting.
The staff recognized were from WFD Medic 252: Paramedic Karsten Whyte, Paramedic Isabell Moran and EMT Brett Ferguson; Squad 251: Paramedic James Cowger, Paramedic John
Thompson and EMT Jerimiah Hendry; and Whitesboro Dispatcher Louise Mabry.
Later, the Whitesboro Fire Department recognized Josh Velten for completing the NFA (National Fire Academy) Managing Officer Program. According to Patterson, Velten is one of 118 people that completed the program in Texas (and out of 344 people in the entire country).
According to fema.gov, this program is a multi-year curriculum that introduces emerging emergency services leaders to personal and professional skills in change management, risk reduction and adaptive leadership. Patterson said this is a huge accomplishment and something the department is very proud of for Velten.
Moving forward with the city council meeting agenda, expenditures exceeding the City Administrator’s authority in the amount of $57,353.98 were approved. The expenditures were $27,343.09 to CCS Water Specialist for water well repair; $11,364.80 to Dobbs A/C & Heating for a five-ton system for the library; $10,000.00 to Hankins, Eastup, Deaton for audit services and $8,646.09 to Bureau Veritas for commercial plan review.
Next, there was a discussion only regarding the extension of 4th Street in Whitesboro. The purpose of the discussion was for the city to consider hiring Huitt-Zollars for the expansion project. The plan for the project is to extend 4th Street from Union Street, connecting Center Street and going to U.S. Highway 377. This project includes renovating sewer lines as well. The plan is to have asphalt with concrete curb and gutters for the road extension. Huitt-Zollars are not encouraging sidewalks to be placed. That would be left to any builders along that road. A proposal was included in this discussion that included changes to Center Street re-pavement. No action was taken.
Then, the President of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board of Whitesboro spoke to the council about budgets done in October and seeking approval from council to move forward on a budget amendment for Whitesboro Industrial and Whitesboro Economic Development. The funds budgeted $1.2 million combined. Alderman John Moore motioned, Alderman Su Welch seconded and the motion carried.
Items 12 and 13 to add a planned development zoning district to the City of Whitesboro and discuss approving a planned development zoning for 29.1 acres of real property was tabled until it goes through the planning and zoning board.
City Administrator Phil Harris said an audit for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 was performed on the city and the paperwork was received. Now, the City of Whitesboro is waiting to set a date for council to go over the results together. The audit discussion and approval was tabled until the council meets on July 22 at 6 p.m.
Pay requests #2 and #3 to Landmark Structures in the amount of $812,867.50 and $121,837.50 were approved.
An Interlocal Agreement with Texoma Council of Governments for 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Services Point Services was approved. This is an agreement that is signed every two years. The company provides equipment to Whitesboro’s Dispatch Department so the department is able to better assist the community.
An Interlocal Agreement with Grayson County was approved for chip and seal for road improvements. Bradley Williams, Public Works Director, said they will work on the roads near the schools before school starts. Williams said they will work on 4th Street from Union Street all the way to U.S. Highway 82.
Lastly, regarding ongoing city projects, another layover was added to the Water Tower on July 8. Regarding Texoma Drive, Williams said an apron was designed to have the thickness of a quarter. They are working on the apron before paving it. Updates on the Comprehensive Plan should be available during the August council meeting.
