The Italy City Council voted to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Leon Curtis, program specialist with the Texas Water Development Board addressed the council regarding the program.

Curtis explained that he works with cities and counties throughout north Texas. He said many insurance companies do not provide flood insurance for property owners. This program allows property owners in participating communities and counties to purchase flood insurance with rates regulated by FEMA.

The criterion for the city is to halt any further construction in flood-prone areas.

He said a contractor that owns property in a flood-prone area could agree to stricter building codes before construction could begin in such an area.

Following his explanation, the council voted to adopt a resolution and ordinance to participate in the NFIP. Curtis said an application from the city will be sent to FEMA for final approval.

In other business, the council voted to re-appointed Mark Stiles, Mark Souder Sr. and Randy Boyd to the Economic Development Corporation Board.

Following a brief executive session, the council voted to table an item regarding the cost of roof repairs on the Community Center.

The council also approved minutes of the May 10 regular meeting, two work sessions on May 11 and 17 and a work session on May 25 in Haskell; bills and earned compensatory time.

Department reports
Police Chief C.V. Johns presented the monthly police reports for May.

Officers worked and trained 1,380 hours and received 100 calls to service during the month.

The warrant officer closed two warrants.

The animal control officer worked 13 hours during the month, received six calls and issued five citations and one warning. The officer captured three dogs, two raccoons, a fox and a skunk.

The code enforcement officer received 10 complaints and took action on eight of them. The officer discovered 15 other problem areas and issued seven verbal warnings and eight written warnings.

Scott Perry, public works director, said the department has been playing catch up with complaints and has been working to get the water loss down to an acceptable level. He noted that the department has located several leaks in the last few weeks.

He said a representative from an Austin firm is set to be in town this week with a device that tracks water leaks.

Perry said he and Teri Murdock, city administrator, met with the city administrator for the City of Waxahachie recently. He said the City of Waxahachie is very receptive to supplying water to the City of Italy.

He said this scenario – receiving water from the City of Waxahachie — will more than meet the city’s needs. Perry said the water quality and water quantity are important at this point.

Murdock said the City of Waxahachie cannot install the water line all the way to Italy but said there are possible grants available to get the water line started from Italy.

Mark Souder Sr. questioned the intentions of the City of Waxahachie. He said they came to the City of Italy about two years ago to provide a water. He said the council agreed to go forward when the City of Waxahachie hit the brakes.

Murdock explained that it costs the city about $32,000 to replace one well when it goes down. One well should last 20 years but the wells in Italy are only lasting about three years because the untreated water comes out of the ground at 140 degrees.

Perry said the cooling towers are an additional cost to the city.

Tom Little asked how much water bills would increase if water was brought from Waxahachie?

Mayor Frank Jackson explained that the city must look to the future for water usage. He said the state wants cities on surface water and off ground water.

Murdock, speaking for the administration department, said work is progressing on the concession stand at Upchurch Field.

She also noted that the city has received a cost estimate for street repairs by Ellis County.

She has begun preparations for the upcoming budget and mentioned various seminars she has attended or will be attending.

Manuela Martin, municipal clerk, said the police department has filed 701 citations and cleared five warrants.

Prior to adjournment, the mayor reminded everyone of the Tour d’Italia and the IYAA tournament set for Saturday.