Businesses in the City of Pinehurst may not be able to get a new license to sell alcohol for six months. At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, City Administrator Robbie Hood indicated the city’s current Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance which was updated in 2010 needs revision to be in line with policies of the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission (TABC) and called for a six-month moratorium on any new alcohol licenses being issued.
Hood wants time to review the city’s current ordinance and has a representative with the TABC to attend the next City Council meeting in July to advise the council during a workshop of any changes to the ordinance that are needed to make it more compatible with state law. Hood said, “So that we’re making a one-time change.” The council approved Hood’s request for the moratorium.
Insurance for employees with the City of Pinehurst was discussed by City Secretary Debbie Cormier. Information showed a renewal of the current insurance with the Texas Municipal League (TML) would have only a seven percent increase despite a fairly high claims rate in recent months by Pinehurst employees. The City Council approved accepting that slightly higher rate. The council also approved renewing TML administering the COBRA coverage for workers that leave the employ of Pinehurst.
Hughie Allen has resigned from the board of directors with the Orange County Appraisal District and local taxing entities are nominating replacements to fill the position. The Pinehurst City Council Tuesday night nominated Alderman T. W. Permenter for the board.
Like other municipalities in the area the council approved an ordinance suspending the rate increase requested by Entergy Texas for 90 days. Any increase will be delayed until September.
During his city administrator report, Hood said his staff is working on receiving between $28,000 to $30,000 from FEMA. Pinehurst has submitted three notices of intent to FEMA for projects to improve the city’s infrastructure as part of hazard mitigation.
Hood informed that the new Burger King restaurant on MacArthur Drive in Pinehurst should be open for business as early as the third week in June. He added that Code Enforcement Officer Harry Vine is working to attract other businesses for the now vacant property around the restaurant which was previously occupied by the Video Paradise store.
As reported previously on KOGT, Pinehurst is making several improvements to the city’s West Park. The walking track has been improved and covers 1/5 of a mile. A beach volleyball court is ready for play. The first of two horseshoe pitching pits is done and a second will be completed shortly. Hood reminded a new handicap swing set donated by the Kiwanis Club will be installed as well.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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