Council takes steps to address water well, off-premise signage

A handful of additional issues were addressed by the Devine City Council during its Special meeting on April 6.
TxCDBG application
Council approved Resolution 4-21 authorizing the submission of an application to the Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Community Development Fund competition for $350,000 for infrastructure improvements.
If the City is awarded the money, it will go towards the repair of the Harrison Well, located on Tuttle Drive, which collapsed in 2019 (see “New well to be drilled after Harrison failure,” July 3, 2019 News).
A motion by District 5 Councilwoman Debra Randall and District 1 Councilman Rufino “Flipper” Vega to approve Resolution 4-21 passed 4-0 with support from District 2 Councilman Steve Lopez and District 4 Councilwoman Kathy Lawler. District 3 Councilman David Espinosa was absent.
Resolution 4-21 can be read in full in the Public Notice section of this week’s News.

Code of Ordinances
Council approved Resolution 4-21C to amend Chapter 78 of the Code of Ordinances in its continuing quest to become a Certified City and regulate signs within its jurisdiction.
City Attorney Tom Cate said there weren’t many changes to the body of the Ordinance.
“Under [Section 78-4], off-premise signs were prohibited, and that’s exactly what QT needs,” Cate said. “They need an off-premise sign.”
Becoming a certified City will allow QT to erect a sign advertising their business along IH-35. Other businesses inside the City will also be allowed to erect off-premise signs.
A Randall-Lawler motion to adopt Resolution 4-21C passed 4-0. TxDot and federal highway officials must still review and approve the changes to the Ordinance before it can go into effect.
Engine break signs
Council had previously approved an Ordinance banning the use of engine breaking in town, with plans to install signs indicating as much on Hwy. 173 from IH-35 and Walmart. Mayor Cory Thompson said he had received several requests from residents to add signs to the other end of town, as large trucks engine break down the hill from Devine High School to Medina Glass.
Because the Ordinance had already been approved, Council directed Interim City Administrator Dora Rodriguez to install signs in that area of town as well. No further action was taken.
Street lights
AEP returned a quote of $1,245.44 for the installation two street lights, one at 601 Rossville Rd. and one at 107 S. Washington at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
A Lopez-Vega motion to approve the cost for the street lights passed 4-0.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, April 20.
By Marly Davis
Staff Writer