CEII development to be annexed

By Melinda L. Lucas

Annexation of Phase II of the Clarke Estates (CEII) development and engine problems with the volunteer fire department’s newly purchased rescue truck were the main items of discussion at Monday’s Albany city council meeting.

During the session, council members started the process of posting bid opportunities for a property exchange and also looked at proposals for pavement and purchase of property around the Albany Volunteer Fire Department building.

Clarke Estates Annexation

Clarke Estates developer Justin Trail formally requested in a letter that the city annex 245.71 acres known as “The Clarke Estates Phase II.”

The request includes 4-6-inch water lines built at the city’s expense and possible access to the airport on the east side for aircraft, “pending further hangar development.”

City manager Billy Holson stated that Trail was aware that the airport access would have to be approved by TxDOT and the FAA.

A motion was approved to start the process of annexation of Clarke Estates Phase II.

Fire Truck

Fire Chief Joel Viertel told council members that he and Travis Gardenhire had flown to Portland, Oregon a few weeks ago to finalize the $220,000 purchase of a 2022 Dodge diesel 5500, which will serve as both a “rescue truck” and a “brush/utility truck,” then drive it back to Texas.

However, less than 500 miles into the trip, the transmission overheated, and the truck was left at a Dodge dealership in La Grande, Oregon waiting for a new transmission.

The seller will then ship the truck to Albany at their expense, Viertel said.

The chief also went over VFD expenditures since the last council meeting.

VFD Paving

Holson went over a proposal from Raydon Inc. that includes three different “options” for pavement and drainage remediation around the fire station, which would ultimately help with drainage problems along Central Street and in front of the Chamber office.

Asphalt in front of the station is estimated at $15,000, with asphalt on the south side  estimated to cost $29,400.

Option 3 is blading property on the back side of the building for drainage improvement and then putting down a six-inch rock base so that the area is usable for trucks, totalling $19,400.

After discussion, the item was tabled until the next meeting.

The council did, however, approve the purchase of a pie-shaped lot next to the fire department property from Brian Holson for $8,500.

Property Exchange

Holson presented a recommendation that seven acres of city-owned property behind the water plant be “swapped” for 6.87 acres south of the airport runway.

A bidding process is required for the exchange to be legal and will start in the next few weeks, with a notice to be published in the newspaper.

The council approved the recommendation.