HCDC
“lighting up” park;
OK’s beautification funds
By JOHN SPARKS

Meeting in regular session Tuesday, January 2 the board of directors of the Hawkins Community Development Corporation received a progress report on the light installation project at the city park; approved funding of up to $425 to establish landscape plantings around the oil derrick at the park, and re-elected all officers for 2007.
 

Frank Rucker reported that work continues on the lighting project at city park, with expenditures of some $13,000 and an additional $12,000 to be invested to complete that portion of the project.
 

In another project related to the park, the board approved up to $425 for use by the Hawkins Beautification Committee, a joint effort of the city and the Chamber of Commerce, to buy plants and stone to beautify the area around the base of the oil derrick. Holly plants, flowers and native plants will be featured.
 

The HCDC board also elected officers for 2007. Each of the officers who served in 2006 was reelected. Dwayne Hickey will serve as president, Tom Parker as vice president, Jerry Jones as treasurer and John Moore as secretary. Also serving on the board are Mayor Sam Bradley and Frank Rucker. 
 

Finances were discussed, but in the absence of Jones, there was not a formal treasurer’s report. It was reported, however, that the balance on the pavilion loan was now down to $57,333.57 with a $4,147 payment paid in December 2006. The HCDC has a cash balance of approximately $29,000.
 

Bob Schneider complimented the board for all the work done to establish and equip the park—especially the playground equipment, which he has observed as being very busy. Schneider expressed concern about maintenance at the park. Mayor Bradley said funding was in place to hire maintenance people to for the park.
 

Gary McKinley of the Wood County Industrial Commission advised the board of a trend among communities in the county to increase the hotel/motel tax to seven percent from four percent, a move not yet adopted by the county for such facilities in the unincorporated parts of the county. He also provided board members with literature regarding the Texas “YES” program through which the state provides funds to communities for marketing and beautification efforts.
 

The next meeting of the HCDC is scheduled for Thursday, February 8 at 4 p.m. A special meeting of the board can be called with 72-hours public notice.