The Italy City Council authorized the use of its hotel tax revenue at its monthly meeting held Monday evening.

Teri Murdock, city secretary/administrator, said the purpose of the hotel tax is to promote tourism. Locally, this tax may be used to repair the two city museums, the Corley Bell Tower or to promote tourism by advertising upcoming festivals. Currently, Murdock said there is approximately $9,000 in that fund.

In other business, the council gave Johnny Johnson the city’s 12 votes for the Ellis County Appraisal District Board of Directors.

Murdock said city personnel have done a “walk through” with Lindsey Associates for the street overlay project on Poplar and Park streets.

Brad Chambers, public works director, said Lindsey lengthened several culverts and added base material before the final “walk through.” The council passed a resolution accepting the project and establishing a one-year warranty date.

The council also approved a request from the Nash Forreston Water Supply Corporation to lay a water line along the city’s right-of-way at the intersection of Forreston Road and U.S. Hwy. 77.

October department reports
The Italy Police Department responded to 95 calls to service. Officers worked a total of 1,438 hours and made 12 arrests.

The code enforcement department responded to 14 complaints and took action on nine. The department issued warnings for 10 self-initiated findings within the city.

The animal control department received six calls, captured four animals and worked 16 hours.

Chambers said there is still a water loss within the city but said his department has replaced 30-32 water meters that were not working. He said the department began cleaning ditches and will continue, as time allows. The council briefly discussed street construction. Murdock said a tentative street plan is being prepared.

The municipal court filed 489 citations by the police department and 35 by code enforcement. There are 300 warrants filed or pending.

Murdock said the city is working in conjunction with Ellis County regarding updating 9-1-1 addresses. She also explained the city is in the process of updating its website.

The council approved minutes from the previous meeting with one correction, bills and compensatory time.

Council member Rodney Guthrie was not present at the meeting.

Due to a scheduling conflict with the city secretary and assistant city secretary, the council rescheduled its next meeting for Monday, Jan. 4, 2010.