Hawkins City Council
Steps to be taken to establish Emergency Service District
By JOHN SPARKS

Meeting in regular session, Monday, June 18, the Hawkins City Council directed Mayor Sam Bradley to look into the process to establish an “Emergency Services District” to serve the Hawkins/Southeastern Wood County area. Such a move would provide an expanded tax base to support the Hawkins Volunteer Fire Department and the services provided by the department. Homeowners in the area now being served by the Hawkins Volunteer Department would be given the opportunity to vote on the issue.

Wood County Emergency Service District #1, established three years ago, serves the Holly Lake Ranch and central southeastern Wood County area through the Holly Lake Volunteer Fire Department.
 

The council reappointed Dwayne Hickey, Tom Parker and Jerry Jones to two year terms (2007-2009) to the Hawkins Community Development Commission’s board of directors.
 

Councilman Tom Parker received unanimous approval for his recommendation to repaint Hawkins City Hall and the adjoining Hawkins Police Department building and install new awnings. Parker suggested the improvements be funded in the 2008 budget.
 

Hawkins City Fire Marshall brought to council a problem of public safety with a burned-out and abandoned property on Second Street. The structure on the property was destroyed by fire last October. The city will seek counsel with the City attorney with regard to steps that need to be taken to repair the structure or remove the debris. Ownership of the property has not determined at this time. One person has been charged with arson in the matter and two other warrants have been issued in the case.
 

The council also heard from Steve Wyatt, requesting the City establish a rotation list for wrecker service calls. Hawkins Police Chief Ron Voda said the current system of calling in the appropriate and available wrecker service serves the department and city quite well. He said the department has and does used Wyatt’s. Council expressed confidence in the system currently used by the department.
 

Council member and HCDC president Dwayne Hickey reported on the letting of a $23,200 contract by the HCDC for the construction of three soccer fields at the youth athletic park.
 

Council heard a report on the progress and services of Animal Preservation of East Texas (APET) from Dr. Linda Rosene. Rosene said the process of fund raising continues for the non-profit group which now operates a thrift re-sale shop, “Dog Gone Good Stuff,” on South Highway 69 in Mineola. The shop is open on Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The phone number at the store is 903 569-1250.
 

Dr. Rosene pointed out the residents of the Hawkins area as well as anyone from Wood County can take advantage of the low cost services now being offered by APET, including saying or neutering of cats for $10 and dogs for $20. The cost also included a rabies shot for the animals.
 

APET will be conducting 21 clinics this year for the services above. Call 903 569-3006 for information regarding the full schedule of clinics.
 

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Hawkins City Council is scheduled for Monday, July 16 at 6 p.m. A special meeting of the council can be called with 72 hours public notice.