01/07/2019-CC-Minutes-Work SessionCITY OF SANGER, TEXAS
MINUTES: CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
January 07, 2019– 6:00 PM
502 Elm Street, Sanger, Texas
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Thomas Muir, Mayor Pro Tem Gary Bilyeu, Councilman Bill
Boutwell, Councilman Lee Allison, Councilman Allen Chick Councilman David Clark.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
The Mayor and all Council Members were present constituting a quorum.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Alina Ciocan, City Manager; Interim Public Works Director Jim Berman; Cheryl
Price, City Secretary.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Muir called the Work Session to order at 6:00 PM on January 7, 2019.
2. Discuss and provide update on Wastewater Treatment Plant and related issues.
City Manager, Alina Ciocan was recognized and provided updates to the City Council on the Wastewater
Treatment Plant construction project. She noted that at the last work session Robert Macias and Jeff Caffey were
present they talked about options to empty tanks #3 and #4. She provided an update on emptying tanks #3 and #4
and she noted that she was pleased to report that the process emptying tank #4 has been successful to date and
should be finished by this weekend. There was no impact on Plant #1. She noted that they would now be
focusing on emptying tank #3. She also updated the Council regarding some issues with the Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). In relation to the Wastewater Treatment Plant she noted that Neal Welch has
resigned as Public Works Director and noted that Jim Berman would serve as the Interim Public Works Director
until we hire a Director of Public Works/City Engineer. Mr. Berman served as the Director of Public Works at
the City of Seagoville before he came to Sanger. She advised that there has been discussion regarding some
staffing changes at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. She summarized the current positions which we currently
have are: Plant Operator, Ryan Welborn; Lead Plant Operator, Ray Vincent; and, Jim Bolz, Water and
Wastewater Superintendent. She noted that there is a Plant Operator, entry level position which was approved in
the previous budget which has not been filled to date. She advised that she would like to change the position to a
Plant Supervisor. The target would be to have someone with a Class A license in Wastewater. This would
require a budget amendment of between $4,200-$22,000. The amount would depend on when the individual was
hired; and, with the requirement for the A license this will not be an easy position to fill. She advised that
moving forward, with all of the investment which we have made in the plant, and with the fact that we are
growing, it would benefit the City tremendously to add that type of expertise. After a few questions regarding
personnel for the Wastewater Plant, consensus of the Council was that it was a good idea. Additional discussion
ensured regarding succession as people become ready to retire and filling the positions. There were some
additional questions from Councilman Clark regarding dewatering of Tanks #3 and #4. There was discussion
regarding improvement of road access into the plant for the contractor to pick up the sludge from the plant.
3. Overview of Items on Regular Agenda.
No Items.
4. Adjourn.
There being no further business, Mayor Muir adjourned the Work Session at 6:27 PM.