Harrison, McClinton take council seats as Hogan, Pendleton “retire” from service

_MG_1969 — Taking the oath of office for Stephenville city council.

Newly elected Stephenville city councilman Rhett Harrison waits in the audience prior to the start of Tuesday's meeting. — Newly elected Stephenville city councilman Rhett Harrison waits in the audience prior to the start of Tuesday’s meeting.

By RUSSELL HUFFMAN
TheFlashToday.com NEWS & SPORTS – FREE & LOCAL

The Stephenville City Council welcomed its newest members, Rhett Harrison and Mark McClinton, Tuesday night while saying goodbye to leaving incumbents, Casey Hogan and Brady Pendleton.

Mayor Kenny Weldon referred to them as the “dynamic duo” for their ability to leave their emotions at the door to discuss and work through the issues at hand. Weldon then thanked both Hogan and Pendleton for their service and presented each of them with a token of appreciation for their time on the city council.

Hogan’s was instrumental in bringing about the recent Type B Sale Tax for economic development and he expressed his pleasure at seeing it voted in Saturday.

“I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve,” Hogan said. “My job and its demands have made it very hard hard for me to serve the past year.”

Hogan then congratulated both Harrison and McClinton on their election to office.

Stephenville city councilman Casey Hogan makes his final remarks.

Councilman Casey Hogan receives a token of appreciation from Mayor Kenny Weldon.

“I am proud of the work we have done on this council. When I first questioned why there was no Type A or B sales corporation I was told you don’t want to open that can of worms it will never happen,” Hogan said. “Yet here we are two years later.”

Pendleton thanked his wife, Lisa, and his family for allowing him the ability serve on the council.

Councilman Brady Pendleton expresses his thanks for the support of his wife, Lisa, and his family.

Councilman Brady Pendleton received this token of appreciation for his council service from Mayor Kenny Weldon.

“I also want to thank the directors, staff and employees in Stephenville,” Pendleton said. “We put a plan into action and they carry it out. I have enjoyed working with this council and the previous council as well.”

Mayor Weldon then called upon city secretary Cindy Stafford to administer the oath of office for McClinton, Harrison and incumbent Sherry Zachery who ran unopposed.

City secretary Cindy Stafford administers the oath of office to Rhett Harrison, Mark McClinton and Sherry Zachery. — City Secretary Cindy Stafford administers the oath of office to Rhett Harrison, Mark McClinton and Sherry Zachery.

Both newly elected council members took a moment to address the public on their recent campaigns

“As you can see by with the election results for Place One very close and to me that says every vote matters,” McClinton said. “A heartfelt thank you for those of you who supported me in this election. For those of you who did not support me I have a whole new job starting tonight proving myself. I intend to do that by being fair as I can while serving this council.”

He also apologized and semi-warned council members to prepare to hear a million questions as he learns the ropes.

“I’m just hoping to survive this without being run out of town,” Harrison joked. “Actually I am very much pro-citizen and I think as a town we have direction and we need to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I think good things are to come probably sooner than later.”

Harrison added, “I want to thank those who supported me there was an outpour of that and I certainly appreciate it.

Zachery, who ran unopposed for her first full term, reflected in the enjoyment of her council service this far and what she has observed in that time.

“I think we are on the right path for change and I want to thank those who voted for me. I also want to thank Casey and Brady for their service and the sportsmanship they have displayed in their service and graciousness in their remarks tonight,” Zachery said.

Normally, a council meeting following an election has an item on the agenda to only canvas the voting, but City Administrator Pat Bridges wished to present the council the opportunity for an antenna contract with NextLink. The company provides high-speed Internet services and potentially new opportunities for Stephenville residents with DSL speeds of up to 30 MBS.

The council approved the contract pending legal review by city attorney Randy Thomas. If all goes through NextLink will pay the city $350 per month for each installed antenna for a five-year leasing period.

Police Chief Jason King addresses the council concerning his denial of a solicitation permit for Spartan Roofing and Construction.

Police Chief Jason King spoke for the second meeting in a row concerning door-to-door solicitors. This time Chief King was addressing Spartan Construction and Roofing’s appeal of being denied a permit to operate in the city.

King based his denial upon Spartan workers being first warned of the need of a permit and then later ignoring that warning and continuing to their solicitation without being permitted. Workers were later issued citations for failing to heed warnings.

The council upheld King’s decision and no one from Spartan was there to present their case.

Prior to opening the meeting, Mayor Weldon issued a proclamation declaring May 10-16, 2015 as Police Week in Stephenville in recognition of the hard work and dedication of the city’s police force.