Category: Devine City Council Meetings

By Anton Riecher
Taking emergency action, the Devine City Council authorized the possible replacement of the wellhead and pipe for the city’s number two Edwards Aquifer water well after damage from a major break in a 12-inch water main reported April 27.

City Administrator David Jordan asked for an emergency authorization during the council’s regular session May 20, stating that if the city’s sole remaining Edward Aquifer well goes down “we’re in trouble.”

A preliminary inspection of the 2,000 feet of pipe beneath the wellhead revealed major corrosion at the 300 foot level, City Public Works Director Pete Sanchez told the council. The pipe and wellhead have been in place since 1990.
“We’re thinking that if it’s like that upstairs it’s going to be like that downstairs,” Sanchez said.

On a motion by District 3 Alderman Jeff Miller, seconded by District 1 Alderman Ray Gonzales, the council voted 4-0 to approved pulling the well to inspect the pipe and, if necessary, replacing the pipe and wellhead at a cost of $127,000.
District 2 Alderman Michael Hernandez was absent for the council meeting.
Sanchez told the council that he suspects an air pocket in the water main damaged the pipe at the bottom of the well.

“The whole column lifted and broke the wellhead,” he said.
In answer to a question by Mayor Butch Cook, Sanchez said he thought the price quoted for the entire project, including replacement of the wellhead, was reasonable given the age of the well. Pulling the entire length of pipe for inspection will cost $13,000 alone, Sanchez said.

“It’s been a while since we pulled it,” he said.
Miller asked if the expense would come from the water utility since it is not included in the city budget. Jordan replied that would come from the water fund since “in preparation to rehabilitate the groundwater storage tank (near Warhorse Stadium) we have found many situations like this.”
When Miller offered his motion, City Attorney Thomas Cate interjected that unless the council declared the situation an emergency any such project costing more than $50,000 would need to go out for bids.

“If we are going with these people tonight we need to have the finding of an emergency,” Cate said.
Miller amended his motion to include an emergency declaration.

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The City of Devine has three positions open and is hiring a firm to handle the application process called Clear Career Professionals after learning of three position retirements or resignations.
Police Chief Kandy Benavidez announced her retirement a few weeks ago after 40 years of service. She will continue until the end of June 2025.
In the finance department Denise Duffy turned in her resignation, she has worked in the Treasurer/Accounting department in Devine for 13 years and 20 overall. Her husband recently retired as well.
Court Administrator/ Utility Clerk Supervisor Alma has been working at the City of Devine for the past 16 years, she recently announced her resignation.

Public response to a 48.2 percent hike in water and sewer rates partially implemented beginning in January ranged from challenging the Devine City Council for past management errors to congratulating it for its current transparency.
Without appropriate water/sewer rate increases the city could find itself struggling with growing debt, said City Administrator David Jordan during an April 15 public hearing. He presented an in-depth analysis of service rates over the last two decades cited as the foundation for the proposed rate increases.
“Without appropriate water/sewer rate increases, the city of Devine could find itself nearly…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING AT www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get INSTANT online access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!