By Nell Sutherland
Wilson County News

LA VERNIA — The city council Thursday struggled with some decisions during a lengthy — more than two-hour — session in which Mayor Adeline Pierdolla occasionally nudged the proceeding along by remarking, "The item on the agenda is …"

Councilmen Brad Beck, Eric Friedericks, Wes Krueger, Bobby Richter, and Harold Schott attended.

They appeared to have doubts now about a proposal, approved last month, in which the San Antonio River Authority would operate the municipal sewage-treatment plant.

They approved a consultant’s comprehensive plan for the town, and authorized the amendment of a "certificate of convenience and necessity."

The council also approved a proposal for an interlocal agreement with Wilson County. The agreement has an April 1 deadline under a state law concerning subdivisions in municipal extra-territorial jurisdictions (ETJs).

The council authorized the installation of yield signs replacing stop signs at the "T" intersection at Country Gardens and Country Glen.

It approved police Chief Bobby Hyatt’s request for his department to serve warrants outside town, in the county.

Hyatt explained he plans to use a reserve officer with the regular officer to deliver the warrants. There will be no cost to the city except for gasoline, and a 35-percent collection fee now is added to the unpaid warrants.

Community development consultant Karen Kibbe, of Raymond K. Vann and Associates, presented the final version of her comprehensive plan. The long-range plan looks at streets, curbs and gutters, and other capital improvements for the future.

A planning grant of $20,000, with local matching funds of $1,400, will pay for engineering costs, design, and cost oversights for projects extending for as much as five or six years.

Costs, Kibbe explained, are subject to negotiation before contracts are signed, and may be influenced by inflation.

Kibbe also reported on other grant opportunities available to La Vernia.

Water, property

The council authorized River City Engineering to prepare an application to amend the boundaries of the water supplier’s "certificate of convenience and necessity."

The councilmen declined, however, the engineering firm’s proposal to assist with current annexational paperwork.

Pierdolla introduced a proposed interlocal agreement with the county government that would involve the county in subdivisions’ plats, street paving, and maintenance.

With the state’s April 1 deadline, a special meeting would be needed for consideration of the ETJ proposal, according to discussion.

The council members asked that the agreement specify whichever guidelines are more stringent — municipal or county — be used, expressing confidence in the municipal zoning commission’s rulings in local planning and regulations.

Georgina Ybarra, the Texas Municipal League’s representative for the Intergovernmental Risk Pool, was on hand to respond to questions about the proposed valuations on some municipal structures.

Restrooms and the concession stand in the city park were listed in the appraiser’s report at over three times what the council members considered valid.

On the other hand, they felt the City Hall was undervalued for insurance purposes. Ybarra agreed to have the appraisers reconsider the structures.

Having agreed last month that a contract with the river authority to have it operate the waste-water treatment plant was a good idea, the council members Thursday were displeased with the formal proposal they received.

"What are they going to do for us, for $35,000?" Richter asked.

According to discussion, SARA’s staff had sent a list of tasks and responsibilities that the town was expected to continue as before.

By vote, the item on the agenda was tabled, pending further study.

Resident William Wiseman asked the council to sanction a group of re-enactors who will revisit the town this fall.

He expects a public presence this time — rather than being on private property again — with the "troops" moving through downtown residential areas, across the mill property, and perhaps staging a "grand finale" at the cotton gin.

Wiseman quoted a conversation earlier this year between two German-uniformed actors: "Where is La Vernia?" asked one. "It’s five miles south of Berlin," came the reply.

The police chief expressed no concern over the downtown visit. Councilmen asked only that the re-enactment groups provide their own insurance, before agreeing to their official support.

Butch Allen, president of the Greater La Vernia Chamber of Commerce, suggested a festival atmosphere with arts and crafts and perhaps the opportunity for group fund-raisers.

During the meeting’s public forum, Cathy Crisp of the Greater La Vernia Chamber of Commerce offered the organization’s support to help the town gain businesses.

Mary Thomas reported on help that is available from the Health Alliance of Wilson County.

The alliance sponsors activities for a healthier lifestyle, a medication assistance program, food programs, and a new program with some durable medical equipment available free. (For more information, phone 830-216-2995.)