Residents interested in running for the Italy City Council must turn in a completed packet to city hall before 5 p.m. on Monday, March 5.

The council unanimously approved a joint election agreement with the Italy Independent School District at its regular meeting held Monday evening in council chambers. 

Teri Murdock, city secretary/administrator, said three seats — currently filled by James Hobbs, Dennis Perkins Jr. and Bruce Utley — are up for the May 12 election.

The election will be held at Italy City Hall council chambers, 105 W. Main St, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The council convened into executive session to discuss action regarding a disciplinary action appeal by Ronda Cockerham. Following a two-hour executive session, the council returned into open session and unanimously upheld the disciplinary action. Perkins, who made the motion, added that if Cockerham does not receive any further disciplinary reports within a year, the incident will be removed from her personnel file.

In other business, Albert Garcia Sr. ask that he be allowed to purchase the railroad property that cuts across his property near Chambers Creek.

Garcia said he would like to provide an additional entrance to his property and improve the property. He said he is having problems with people riding four-wheelers, dumping trash, poaching and cutting trees for firewood. Garcia agreed to pay for the survey and pay the appraised value of $4,000 for the property.

Mayor Frank Jackson said the city would still retain the easement through the property. The request was approved unanimously by council members.

The council also unanimously approved a resolution (#12-0213-01) authorizing the suspension of the proposed effective date for the Atmos Energy proposed rate schedule.

Darrell Rosemond, a resident of Italy and a representative for Atmos Energy, requested the effective date be moved from March 6 to June 4.  He explained that this was to allow all cities within the Mid-Tex Division of Atmos Energy to reach an agreement.

An ordinance (#12-0213-01) was tabled.

Department reports
Police Chief Diron Hill was unable to attend the meeting due to recent surgery.

Officers were called to service 242 times and worked 1744 hours in January. They made two felony arrests, four misdemeanor arrests and three traffic warrant arrests. The code enforcement officer worked seven hours, wrote two courtesy letters and issued five citations. The animal control officer worked 20 hours, impounded two animals, issued a citation and two warnings.

Dean Carroll, public works director, said the water department has a 2.5% water loss which is an improvement over the loss ratio in recent months.

He warned council members about his budget noting that the department repaired four water leaks in October, three in November and 13 in January.  He stressed that the department would spend more than budgeted if the leaks continued at that rate.

The Italy Fire Department was called to 26 incidents, most times assisting emergency medical services.

The municipal court said the department filed 492 citations from the police department, cleared six warrants, issued 150 collection letters and issued 10 warrants.

Murdock said she and Cockerham had recently attended an election law seminary.

She said the Economic Development Corporation received funding for the proposed city hall located at 161 W. Main. She said they are waiting on the title company to get the paperwork ready to close on the property.

She said the police department purchased two used police cars from the Department of Public Safety and one new vehicle from Waxahachie Ford.

The council also approved minutes from previous meetings, bills and earned compensatory time.