February 11, 2008

FEBRUARY 12th CITY COUNCIL MEETING

• During a 9:00 a.m. briefing session, the City Council will listen to a presentation regarding the 2007 Crime Statistics.  Interim Police Chief Price Robinson will inform the Council Members of the City’s Part One crime numbers.  Part One crimes are defined as Murder/Manslaughter, Forcible Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Theft, and Auto Theft.  These specific offenses are tracked by the department and reported to the FBI on a monthly basis. 
• Also during the briefing session, the City Council will discuss demolition and disposal of downtown buildings.  With several buildings in the downtown area being demolished or scheduled for demolition, the Council will discuss establishing a policy for disposal of the demolition materials at the City landfill and what fees, if any, will be waived.  Information will be provided regarding the scheduled buildings, estimated tonnage/cubic yards of demolition material anticipated, and how that translates to cost and space at the landfill. 
• During the regular meeting, the City Council will consider approval of an Airline Retention and Recruitment Project and South Aviation Development Master Plan.  During a briefing session at the January 22nd City Council meeting, the Council Members listened to a presentation regarding airline service and how to retain what flights and options passengers currently have at Midland International.  To step up efforts, Council Members will further consider contracting with a consulting group and putting together a plan to allow the City to meet with Air Carriers prior to their summer planning.  In addition, the Council will further consider updating the Master Plan to ensure the best utilization of land and to maximize current space availability. 
• The southwest corner of the Scarborough/Linebery House may soon have a new look.  The Council will consider appropriating funds for a landscape project.  The property bordered by Florida Avenue and Loraine Street has remained undeveloped since the City’s ownership of the land in 1996.  Contributions from citizens and the Heritage Midland Board totaled $11,277, an additional $4,155 would be appropriated from the 1999 Parks & Heritage District improvement bonds.  If approved, the work will be performed in-house and landscape nurseries will be solicited for contributions to the development of the West Texas Heritage Garden.

HIGH WINDS INCREASE FIRE DANGER
High winds predicted for the Midland area this week will increase the chance of wildfires.  The Midland Fire Department reminds everyone that a burn ban is still in effect for Midland County and any type of outdoor burning is discouraged this time of year because of high winds common to the area.

The Midland Fire Department would like to inform citizens how they can help eliminate the danger of grass fires.   By taking some extra precautions, citizens can help protect their property from being involved in a fire.

Help prevent grass fires around by:

• Keeping grass and weeds mowed
• Keeping areas clear of vegetation around buildings and other combustible materials
• Avoiding any outdoor activities that may pose a fire threat such as welding or grilling outside should be monitored closely.

Safety tips:

• Monitor television and radio stations if a wildfire is nearing your area.  It is important to keep informed of any wildfire around the city or county that could affect your neighborhood.
• Be prepared to evacuate in case of fire.  Grass fires in our area move very rapidly and you may be asked to leave your homes quickly.  Cooperate with local fire and law enforcement agencies in evacuation areas.  Evacuations are ordered to protect and provide for the safety of citizens.  Do not re-enter evacuation areas until it is safe to do so.

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