Shenandoah City Council’s latest meeting recognizes officers, employees

SHENANDOAH, TX – Shenandoah recently held its city council meeting. In attendance were Mayor John Escoto, Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Bradt (Position 4), Mike McLeod (Position 5), Jim Pollard (Position 3), Ted Fletcher (Position 2), and Ron Raymaker (Position 1). The meeting included the following:

Introduction of New Employees – Two new employees were introduced to Council. Jennifer Hess joined the Community Development department as a Development Coordinator. Fernando Castaneda was sworn in as a Shenandoah Police Department patrol officer.

Promotion of Police Department Employees – Detective Sergeant Joel Gordon was promoted to Lieutenant and pinned by Chief Troye Dunlap. In addition, Maui was sworn in as the department’s first K9 officer.

David Memorial Streetlight Project – Public Works Director Joseph Peart updated Council on the status of lighting David Memorial Drive. Due to rising costs with Entergy, the number of streetlights has been reduced and will be posted in the darkest area along the drive between the stadium and the roundabout. Peart explained that the rest of the areas did have residual lighting from adjacent parking lots but that the noted area did not.

Municipal Development District Board Reappointments – Joanna Gonzalez and Byron Bevers were reappointed to the MDD Board. Both indicated that they wanted to continue serving. Council voted 5-0 to reappoint both directors to another term.

Equipment Replacement Fund Purchases and Budget Amendments – Councilmember Michael McLeod requested a discussion about the equipment replacement and budget amendments. Staff provided information and best practices during the discussion about the processes going forward.

Montgomery County Appraisal District Board of Directors Nomination – In accordance with the provisions of Section 6.03 of the Texas Property Tax Code, each jurisdiction entitled to vote in the election of the MCAD Board of Directors may nominate a candidate for each of the five positions to be filled. Council voted 5-0 to nominate Councilmember Ron Raymaker.

Investment Committee Appointment – The decision of M. Ritchey Wheeler to not run for re-election in May resulted in a vacancy on the Investment Policy Committee, composed of the City Administrator, the Finance Director and two council members. Councilmember Raymaker is currently a council representative on the committee. Council voted 5-0 to appoint Mayor Escoto to fill the vacancy.

The meeting, which took place on Sept. 28, was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.