The Italy City Council named Brad Chambers public works director at the council’s regular meeting Monday evening.

Chambers has served as interim director the past several months. Mayor Frank Jackson said he gave Chambers his first job when he was 16 years old. He added that he hoped Chambers would continue in this position for many years.

Following a 25-minute executive session, the council reconvened and made the announcement. They authorized the mayor to check the budget and adjust Chambers’ salary accordingly.

In other business, Elmerine Bell asked the council how the police department was going to handle the fireworks on Independence Day. She explained that last year she stayed outdoors and watered down her roof and property as sparks flew her way.

She said a field behind her home is overgrown with weeds and fears how quickly sparks could ignite the field. The mayor said he would get with the chief of police and address the issue.

The council approved swapping land with Javiar Gonzales.

Gonzales approached the council several months ago regarding the street easement at Upchurch Ball Field on Dilworth Street. In order to connect two pieces of property, he wanted to swap property. Rodney Guthrie said he inspected the property and indicated the swap would be beneficial to the city as long as they attorney agreed and Gonzales paid the necessary filing fees.

In other business, Teri Murdock, city secretary/administrator, presented Certification of Election to Jackson, Guthrie, Mark Souder Sr. and John Droll. The council named Guthrie Mayor Pro Tem.

The council approved the bylaws for the Economic Development Corporation. Murdock said there were no changes but said the council must approve the bylaws annually.

They also approved an Interlocal Agreement with Seagoville and the Italy Police Department for access to Ominxx by duly authorized police officers.

The purpose of the agreement is to permit the local police department to access Ominxx for investigation purposes, including inquiring on theft case, stolen files and outstanding warrants. The annual cost for this service is $65 per 10 users.

The council also permitted the hauling and spreading of reclaimed asphalt to Upchurch Field.

Chambers said Bill Pierce, with the Texas Department of Transportation, donated 300 yards of recycled material. The city would be responsible for the hauling and spreading of the material. These costs would come from the Park Board line item.

The council also approved an Interlocal Agreement with the school district for the maintenance and landscaping of the park property on College Street.

The mayor said the grand opening for the park is set for July 6.

Department report from the police department indicated there were 96 calls for service in May. Officers worked 1,131 hours.

The animal control officer received 10 calls last month and issued three warnings and one citation.

The code enforcement officer received two reports and initiated 14 warnings.

Chambers said the public works department repaired three large leaks.

The municipal court clerk said the police department issued 420 citations in May.

Murdock said contracts are ready for signatures to resurface Poplar and Park streets. A pre-construction conference is set for June 11. The project should be complete within 30 days once construction begins.

She said trash DCI trash collection officially starts on June 9. Containers have been distributed and recycling bins are available from city hall.