Clark joins Red Oak City Council
The recent vacancy on the Red Oak City Council has been filled.
In February, 3rd District Councilman Larry Barnett resigned from the council, and the council chose to appoint Barnett’s successor, rather than hold a special election. T.J. Clark filed application paperwork with the city and was appointed as Barnett’s successor at the council meeting March 5.
City administrator Brad Wright reminded Clark and the council that the appointment is only in effect until 2019.
“Barney’s seat would have gone until the end of 2019, but due to the fact that the city has its local option sales tax approval on the upcoming county election ballot at the end of this year, this seat will become vacated then. If you choose to stay on the council, you’ll need to run this November,” Wright said.
Clark said this is his first experience in city government, and said he was urged to seek appointment by community members.
“I was contacted by several people who told me the seat was open. I thought it was a good chance to get in and steer the community in a positive direction,” Clark said.
Now that he’s appointed, Clark said he’ll be reviewing the city’s new budget and said he’s open to feedback.
“If members of the public have any concerns I’m open to listen to them and see what can be done,” Clark commented.
While the appointment has just begun, Clark said he’s considering continuing with the council after this year.
“I will more than likely go on the ballot. I’m a lifelong Red Oak resident, I have kids in school here, so I’m obviously concerned about their future here, as well as everybody else’s. Hopefully it will work out, and we’ll be able to do some positive things,” said Clark.
The council then had a public hearing on the adoption of the city’s budget and certification for city taxes. No oral or written comments were received. The council unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the FY 2018-19 budget.
The council also held the third and final reading of an ordinance amending city code amending provisions pertaining to fences. The third reading was unanimously approved, and the ordinance was adopted. As stated: “Fences or hedges in any district shall not exceed four feet in height in any required front yard, and fences shall not exceed six feet in height in any required side or rear yard, in any residential district, subject to further restriction of subsection 1 of this section. No fence shall be constructed or erected without first acquiring a building permit. Fences must be constructed out of commercially available products specifically designed and recommended by the manufacturer for fencing in a residential application, not to include agricultural and livestock type fencing. Fence design and materials must be approved by the zoning official before a permit can be issued and construction practices need to meet industry standards and manufacturer’s recommendations.”
In other business, the council:
• Approved the driveway placement from street to house, cutting curb, at 708 E Nuckols St., per the request of Marty and Tami Montgomery.
• Approved a resolution designating Jeanice Lester as the individual authorized to sign checks, execute contracts, and other financial instruments for the City of Red Oak. The change was made due to the resignation of Larry Barnett. Lester will also replace Barnett as Mayor Pro-Tem.
• Wright advised the council to review the fireworks ordinance for any changes to be considered. Wright said will be brought back for further discussion at a future council meeting.
Lester advised the council there were 10 applications received for Hotel/Motel tax funding, they will be reviewed March 13.