New city leadership moving forward in Poteet


The Atascosa County Emergency Manager David Prasifka addressed the council requesting their participation in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. This will cost the city nothing at the outset, but will provide some financial assistance in the event of a Declaration of Disaster by the state. For instance, the city currently has two of these grants in the works: one is to replace a generator and another is for drainage on Horton Road. Prasifka explained that this would cover things that can be repaired, such as low water crossings and equipment, and the city’s portion would be from 25-75 percent of the cost, depending on how many entities in the county participate. Normally, they would have to pay 25 percent of the replacement cost and FEMA would pay the remaining amount. Council members Nicholas Sanchez moved to participate and Susanna Perez seconded with the motion passing unanimously.

A resolution was passed unanimously to authorize a submission of a Texas Home Investment Partnership application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. This is to participate in the Home Program Reservation System. They have to do this to get Poteet’s “name in the pot,” and if a local homeowner is chosen for property renovation, the city will have to provide $40,000 up front. However, the city will be reimbursed in full.

Online payments coming soon

City Secretary Abigayle Frautschi described the online payment site “TrafficPayment.” If the city is contracted with them, Poteet residents will be able to make court payments online. It is a free service to the city and the site will charge the users directly. Once collected, the fees are sent either by check or direct deposit to the city’s account and the bill is cleared. The council unanimously approved signing up for this service. Additionally, an amendment was passed to allow for one emergency adjustment per year. The current ordinance does not allow for any rate adjustments on water bills.

Frautschi also said that they are also able to accept utility payments, as well, with the same conditions. However, the city has a prior contract with another vendor for one more year. The council will also have to decide a fee for patrons’ use. Financial Director Richard Middleton said they currently charge 3 percent to pay with credit cards. The company automatically charges $1. A motion for the city to charge $1 also was voted down. The final decision was for the city to have no additional charge for those who wanted to pay online.

The council retired into closed executive session at 7:21 p.m. Upon returning at 7:39 p.m., a committee made up of the Mayor Albert Treviño, council members Rey Anzaldua and Nicholas Sanchez and Frautschi was formed to meet with and interview applicants for the position of city administrator on June 23.

Since meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month and it falls on a holiday, the next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 5.

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