City Council Briefs
Public Works update for September
At its Oct. 28 meeting, the Olney City Council reviewed updates on city maintenance and infrastructure initiatives led by Public Works Director Michael Jacoba.
Mr. Jacoba reported that his department patched 495 potholes, removed 25 tree limbs, and cleared Main Street trash on three separate occasions in October. Additionally, 30 loads of brush were collected from curbs, and cemetery grounds were mowed weekly.
Mr. Jacoba noted that the elevation of Lake Olney then stood at 1,137.5 feet, roughly 78 percent capacity, although he cautioned that should the lake level drop to 1,135 feet, the city may need to reimpose Phase Two water restrictions.
The water treatment plant produced 13.9 million gallons for the month, Mr. Jacoba said, though a discrepancy remains between water production and billing, likely due to the differing monthly cycles of water usage tracking and customer billing.
Mr. Jacoba said work has commenced at Tommy Perkins Park, where crews are using pressure washers to strip the pillars of old paint. The pillars are expected to be repainted white, and plans are underway to paint the park’s fence as well.
Mr. Jacoba also reported that three sewer taps had been completed for builder Lance Groves, allowing construction of two homes on West Howard Street to progress.
OPD September report
Police Chief Dan Birbeck provided council members with updates on department activity and developments at the new police station, under construction at the former Ranger College building.
Chief Birbeck reported that, while the total service calls for September—listed at 394—might be slightly overstated, Officer Clayton Moore issued a notable number of citations, including 133 warnings and 33 citations. Overall, the department recorded nine arrests, 25 opened cases, and issued 82 total citations.
Code enforcement addressed seven structural violations and issued five notices for untagged vehicles. In animal control, 36 animals were taken to the shelter, with 32 of those trapped by city staff, and one specimen tested negative for rabies. Chief Birbeck noted that Emergency Medical Services responded to 56 calls, while the Olney Volunteer Fire Department managed 11 calls for service.
Chief Birbeck said framing is complete at the new police station, with electrical and HVAC work scheduled to begin soon. While delays have occurred, he is hopeful the station will open by the beginning of next year. The facility represents a much-needed upgrade, with additional funds secured through local donations, he said.
Dwyer reports surplus as FY 2025 begins
City Administrator Simon Dwyer presented the Council with Olney’s latest financial report, indicating that the City is operating with a modest surplus at the start of the fiscal year, largely due to unfilled positions and pending bills. Mr. Dwyer said that this financial cushion is further supported by multi-year insurance payments already covered in previous budgets.
Municipal Court Clerk Cheyenne Frazier reported increased activity in the court system, as her office works to reduce a backlog of cases. Upcoming trials include three jury trials and one bench trial next month. Ms. Frazier noted that recent efforts have been productive, adding that processing has been smooth in managing the uptick in cases.
Military Training Proposal Under Review
Mr. Dwyer also shared preliminary plans to lease land at the Olney Municipal Airport for expanded aviation operations. A local businessman has proposed constructing a new 80-by-100-foot hangar to support Air Tractor aircraft sales. Council input will be required as the plan advances, and officials toured the proposed hangar site, which is adjacent to other aviation businesses.
In a separate initiative, Mr. Dwyer discussed potential collaboration with Sheppard Air Force Base, in Wichita Falls with the aim of using Olney’s airport for military training exercises. Increased military flights could bolster city funding through additional takeoffs and landings, which factor into state and federal support from the FAA and Texas Department of Transportation. This concept, Mr. Dwyer said, is still in the early stages of exploration.
Council extends Tower leases
The Olney City Council approved six-month lease extensions for two city-owned properties leased by Tower Extrusions, following a review at the Oct. 28 council meeting.
Due to a conflict of interest, Mayor Rue Rogers, an employee of Tower Extrusions, did not participate in the discussion or vote. Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Stennett presided over the matter in his absence.
The leases, initially set to expire at the end of October, were extended to allow time for a comprehensive review and potential updates to the agreements. City Attorney Bill Myers and Johnny Moore, president of the Olney Economic Development Corporation (EDC), explained that these extensions would ensure the lease terms align with city and EDC objectives. “The purpose of the extension is to give the city attorney and council time to review and redo as necessary moving forward,” said Moore. He added that no changes were made to the leases beyond extending the expiration date.
The two properties, known locally as the Cherry Dale property on Howard Street and the Knowles Building, were originally acquired by the city to meet requirements for the Texas Capital Fund program, a funding source designed to promote economic development. Under this program, the city holds nominal ownership of the properties, while the EDC manages lease payments and oversees compliance.
Moore highlighted that the EDC’s role involves ensuring that payments from Tower Extrusions are properly allocated to the capital fund, fulfilling program obligations. “The EDC handles the lease payments and ensures they’re forwarded to the capital fund and USDA,” he explained. This process helps the city comply with the Texas Capital Fund’s requirements for economic development support.
The extensions will maintain Tower Extrusions’ tenancy on the properties until the council completes its review of the lease terms early next year.
Council approves N. Avenue E lot sale
The Council approved the sale of a city-owned lot at 802 N. Avenue E to Olney Chamber of Commerce Director Kimberly Smith.
Mayor Rue Rogers confirmed that Mrs. Smith submitted the winning bid of $5,334.78— the minimum required for the property, which is zoned for manufactured homes.
Mrs. Smith said she plans to move a manufactured home from outside city limits to the new location as her primary residence until she can convert it into affordable housing.
Council members reviewed Mrs. Smith’s plan and determined that the zoning was compatible with her proposed residence. The council also rejected a bid on a second property at 709 N. Grand Avenue, submitted by another buyer interested in establishing a food truck space.
The bid was not accepted because the lot is in a residential zone and the Council cited zoning incompatibility.