Report shows KPD in compliance with racial profiling law
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Kilgore Police Department has once again received a clean audit for traffic contact, from Del Carmen Consulting, LLC. Information and analysis provided in the report serves as evidence that Kilgore Police Department is in compliance with Texas Racial Profiling Law.

Del Carmen's report states that the consistency of contacts for the past four years is in place, despite the fact that city demographics have changed, thus increasing the number of subjects likely to come in contact with police.

Ronnie Moore, director of public safety, said Kilgore officers attend bi-annual training to educate them on proper traffic stop procedures.

Council approved the consent agenda with one vote, being that no items were removed for discussion.

Consent items included approval of the purchase of a 2008 Ford F-550 regular-cab brush truck, in the amount of $80,124, through BuyBoard; and approval of sale of sheriff 's tax property at State Highway 31 and Tucker Road to Olga Espinoza.

No public hearing was scheduled.

Ordinances and action items included discussion and guidance in regards to the development of Remington Estates, road maintenance for Dogwood Estates and an amendment to Kilgore Code of Ordinance concerning manufacturedhome parks.

Code changes for manufactured home parks discussed included restrictions on the age of mobile homes in the parks, as well as the addition of curb and gutter, proper drainage and maintained streets.

Residents of Dogwood Estates approached council for aid in repairing their Smith County road. The city maintains a water tank on the road.

Jeff Howell, city manager, said appropriate action would be for council to consider paying annual dues, as residents do. Discussion last night indicated the city would provide residents with $600 worth of oil dirt, in lieu of back dues, then begin making annual due payments of $30 per year since the city does use the private road.

Residents of Dogwood Estates pay $30 for off-lake property dues and $60 on-lake dues.

Remington Estates is located on the southeast side of Kilgore, adjacent to Chandler Elementary School and Maude Laird Middle School. After a developer approached the city and asked the city to pay for water and sewer infrastructure as well as streets, council sought the advice of Mike Burns, financial advisor, before giving an answer.

Howell said he was surprised that Chris Dunsworth, potential developer, asked for so much up-front assistance.

Burns said one option to consider is creation of a Public Improvement District that would allow the city to finance streets and water improvements while holding a lean on the property.

Dunsworth's cost estimates have the requested work completed for approximately $272,000.

Council will address all three items again at a future meeting.

Council tabled action related to approval and authorization of publication and notice of intention to issue certificates of obligation for construction on Maverick Drive, at North Kilgore Industrial Park and on Chandler Street.

Council did approve adoption of Kilgore Engineering Design Manual, by KSA Engineers, to establish street, drainage, water and sewer standards for development.

In other agenda business council approved:

- agreement between the city and 2TURNITON which will offer prospective residents web access to utility applications, through the city web site;

and

- adoption of a resolution requesting East Texas Medical Center to contract with United- HealthCare Option PPO allowing network access through Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool.

The next meeting of Kilgore City Council is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 at Kilgore City Hall in Council Chambers.