Ann Byers addressed the Italy City Council Monday evening requesting permission to install a plaque in memory of fallen firefighter Greg Pickard at the new pavilion located across from city hall.

Byers said Pickard, an Italy High School graduate, was a wonderful young man. She said he was a good father, good grandfather and great firefighter for the City of Bryan.

She said her son, Brentley, is beginning this drive to raise the funds to remember the fallen hero. She said the cost for the plaque would be about $1,000.

Council members could not take any action on the request since it was not on the agenda.

Council members tabled a request from the Ellis County Emergency Services District #3 requesting an increase in contract for services from $1,500 to $1,750 per month. There was no representation from the ESD to answer questions about the request.

Rodney Guthrie made the motion to table the item until a representative from the ESD could provide further explanation to the request. The motion was seconded by Bruce Utley and unanimously approved by council members.

In other business, there was no representation from DCI Sanitation to answer questions from Joan Grabowski regarding recycling.

During department reports, Teri Murdock, city administrator/secretary, said the City of Italy is taking candy donations for the Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for Saturday, March 30, at Upchurch Field. The hunt begins at 10 a.m.

She said the city election is scheduled for May 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Boze Community Center. Those on the ballot are James Hobbs and Frank Jackson, mayoral candidates; Rodney Guthrie, Steven Farmer and Greg Richards, council candidates. Two seats are open in that race.

Murdock also said the court offices have moved to the police department and security glass has been installed.

She also reported that sales tax is up 38.99% from the same time last year and is up 22.84% for the year.

Dean Carrell, public works director, said the construction phase of the Family Dollar Store should be completed by Friday. Set up should take about three weeks. The Taco Bell restaurant is close to opening as well. He said they have completed sheet rock on the inside and have begun installing the vinyl on the walls. He also updated the council on the progress of the water project.

The Italy Police Department was called to service 199 times in February. Officers made one arrest and worked a total of 959 hours. The code enforcement officer was called to service 13 times and issued two citations. The animal control officer was called to service 42 times, picked up six animals and issued three citations.

The Italy Municipal Court filed 305 citations from the city police department, two from the animal control officer and one from the code enforcement officer. They cleared 10 warrants and issued 175 warrants.

The council also approved minutes from the February meeting, approved bills and earned compensatory time.