Devine council tables action on code enforcement contract, citing DVF&R controversy

By Anton Riecher
Action on continuing a contract with Devine Volunteer Fire & Rescue to handle code enforcement for the city of Devine was tabled by the city council at its March 18 meeting after questions from council members about recent DVF&R legal controversies.
The council voted 3-2 on a motion by District 1 Alderman Ray Gonzales to table action on the continuation, with District 3 Alderman Jeff Miller and District 5 Alderwoman Debbie Randall opposing.
Mayor Butch Cook said he had hoped for a vote of confidence for the DVF&R in support of the code enforcement contract.
“My position on it is we are not doing business with an individual, we’re doing business with an organization,” he said.
Presenting the measure for consideration, City Administrator David Jordan explained that the city has a special services agreement with DVF&R to handle local code enforcement.
“Most of you are aware there has been a transition in fire department personnel,” Jordan said. “I met with the new interim leadership, interim chief Jessica Martinez, and the president of the fire department board as well as the president of the ESD (emergency services district) board.
“The fire department desires to continue with the code enforcement contract,” he said…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinewsmembers.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!