More sidewalk work approved

Cleburne Times-Review
By Matt Smith msmith@trcle.com
​​​​​​​Sept 30, 2022

Two years ago, Cleburne council members allocated more than $1 million toward replacement of crumbling sidewalks throughout most of downtown. Sidewalks that in many cases dated more than a century back. 

The project also included installation of decorative railing, planters and other accents enhancing along the way downtown’s overall appearance and contributing to the area’s ongoing revitalization. 

Council members addressed one of the downtown’s remaining unimproved sidewalk sections during their Tuesday meeting.

Council voted to hire J.R. West Texas Concrete to tackle Anglin Street sidewalks between East Henderson and East James streets for a cost not to exceed $313,952.

“The project includes reconstruction and repair of curb and gutters, sidewalks and driveway approaches,” Cleburne Public Works Director Jeremy Hutt said. 

Texas Concrete was deemed the best of four bids submitted, Hutt said. Tax Increment Financing District 2 funds will pay for the project, which is scheduled to take about 90 days once construction begins.

Texas Concrete’s bid totalled $285,330.20. Council’s approval also authorizes Cleburne City Manager Steve Polasek to use $28,621.80 worth of contingency funds to execute change orders and provide for construction testing services that may be necessary throughout the project.

Hutt said the renovations will address areas of sidewalk height differences and other factors.

Council members approved a facade grant request for Trovato Street, a candy and treat store at 106 E. Henderson St. 

The city’s facade grant reimburses 50 percent of costs, up to $5,000, for exterior improvements to buildings in Cleburne’s downtown district.

Trovato’s owners plan to install a custom-made, double-sided neon Root Beer sign on their building’s front facade along with the necessary electrical work and permit requirements. Estimated cost for the project totals $11,476, making the owners eligible for the full $5,000 grant.

Good cop, bad cop

The Cleburne Police Department realized a savings in one area only to see it erased by an increase in another area.

Council members approved an amendment to Cleburne’s agreement with Johnson County concerning use of the radio system. Cleburne’s police and fire departments as well as Cletran use the radio system, CPD Assistant Chief Linn Goodman, which is also used by the county and other entities.

“Due to the addition of users to the Johnson County Radio System, the fees to use the system have been reduced,” Goodman said.

The city’s current rate of $19.80 per radio per month will decrease to $18.52 beginning Oct. 12.

Renewal of the city’s agreement with the Johnson County Jail for jail services, however, took a bump.

The city’s current agreement, in place since 2001, allows for incarceration of Cleburne’s Class C misdemeanor offenders at the Johnson County Jail. Other agreements and state statutes cover incarceration of the city’s other offenders.

The city’s current rate of $58.28 per inmate per day will increase to $69.94 in the new fiscal year, which begins Saturday. The city’s estimated new annual cost totals $39,000, Goodman said.

Interest waived

Council members agreed to waive $45,148.99 worth of interest charges accrued against Bethel Salter AME Church provided that church members pay the remaining fees, totalling $15,782 within 30 days. 

The Cleburne Building and Standards Commission in 2008 condemned one of the church property buildings, which was subsequently demolished at city expense. Interest on the lien against the property accumulated to $45,148.99 over the 14 years since it was filed.

Councilman John Warren, a member of the church, abstained from discussion and voting on the matter.