The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to have the motto In God We Trust placed on all City of Pinehurst vehicles. Alderman T. W. Permenter brought up the suggestion for the motto to be on the Pinehurst Police cars at the last city council meeting in January. City Attorney Tommy Gunn researched the idea and gave his opinion to the council before it voted. Gunn said that based on statements from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the movement by so many entities across the nation to use the motto he believes the city council has a right to put the motto on city vehicles. The City Council members all gave a very vocal yes when the question was asked to place the motto on all city vehicles not just those of the Pinehurst Police Department.
Signs in Pinehurst will be regulated now under an ordinance approved by the City Council Tuesday. City Administrator Robbie Hood said the ordinance took three months to produce and the assistance of Code Enforcement Officer Harry Vine as well as Alderman Dan Mohon and John Zerko to refine. Hood indicated the ordinance will regulate the height and other characteristics of signs in Pinehurst. The intent is to enhance the curb appeal of the city and not distract citizens driving on the highway or street while still allowing businesses to promote their enterprises.
Pinehurst will also have a seven-member Planning Commission appointed to help with attracting new business and growth in Pinehurst. The City Council approved establishing the commission and will be accepting applications from citizens who are interested to serve on the board. Code Enforcement Officer Harry Vine will serve on the Planning Commission as a non-voting member.
Contracts were awarded by the City Council regarding work on a sewer project connected to a $275,000 block grant. Waxman & Associates will serve as the grant administrator for Pinehurst. Schaumburg & Polk was hired as the project’s engineers out of five engineering firms that applied to oversee the project. Hood said the project is to replace sewer apparatus at the waste water treatment plant on Gull Street.
In a bit of a surprise announcement Pinehurst Alderman Mike Anderson announced Tuesday that he would not run for re-election in May. Anderson had actually filed to be on the Pinehurst municipal election ballot, but he regrets his schedule now would not allow him to devote the time necessary to properly serve the city as alderman. Anderson added it would not be fair to the citizens of Pinehurst if he was to miss meetings for several months because of his busy schedule and someone else will be needed on the council.
That leaves just incumbent John Zerko and former Alderman Dan Barclay who have filed for the two aldermen seats that will be on the ballot in May. The deadline for filing to be on the May 7 ballot is Friday, February 19. Pete Runnels has also filed to be re-elected to his position as Pinehurst Mayor.
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