By RUSSELL HUFFMAN
TheFlashToday.com
STEPHENVILLE (February 4, 2016) – Alora Wachholz is the new executive director of the Stephenville Economic Development Authority after a unanimous vote to approve her hiring by the Stephenville City Council during its regular monthly business meeting Tuesday.
Wachholz will begin her job February 22 and will be moving from a highly successful term with the city of Flower Mound where she worked as an economic development specialist.
“We are ready to hit the ground running,” Mayor Kenny Weldon said as he expressed how the council is looking forward to Stephenville’s new economic journey.
“There’s a workforce waiting to be tapped here,” Wachholz said as she explained the need to find out why people are leaving, getting the word about Stephenville and looking and bridging the gaps.
The council also got a glowing report from Stephenville Police Chief Jason King, who informed the council there had been “zero complaints” regarding racial profiling. Chief King is required by law to deliver the report.
Chief King also got approval for pursuing a grant application for the preservation and destruction of evidence. He explained longer times are now needed for the preservation of toxicology evidence and traveling for the destruction of evidence such as prescription drugs was time consuming and costly. An additional approval was also given for a body camera grant program.
City Administrator Pat Bridges expressed his pride in the report and said it confirms the Stephenville Police Department does not engage in unprofessional or illegal behavior. It is well worth noting since the law went into effect; Stephenville has not had a racial profiling complaint filed.
Director of Community Service Jeremy Allen requested a new position of aquatics and athletics coordinator be created. The move comes after the current pool manager decided not to return this year and Allen wants to “update” the spot.
Included in the job description is a greater social media presence with incentives tied into increased bookings and attendance at pool and sporting events. While the position is a “new” one, it won’t require additional funding from the city budget and was approved by a unanimous vote.
Stephenville Chamber of Commerce President July Danley presented the chamber’s annual report and the presentation and consideration of the tourism budget. Danley was able to present yet another glowing report that showed the chamber’s ever growing role in helping promote and sponsor local events.
Some of the events the Chamber has recruited and sponsored include 40+ Team Roping Finals, Cowboy Capital Mounted Shooting, Texas Sheep Dog Trials and more.
In planning and zoning business, the council approved a request by Dr. Kevin Vanden Berge for s special use permit for a medical clinic at 351 N. Virginia Street. The move will allow Vanden Berge to refurbish a former feed retail store at the location for his medical practice.
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