Bonham, Texas -- It isn't often that the City of Bonham Employee of the Quarter gets upstaged -- after all, only four outstanding city employees are honored each year -- but then again it isn't often that a former mayor of Bonham gets a letter of commendation from the President of the United States. At Monday night's Bonham City Council meeting, the spotlight was on Roy Floyd, a man who devoted 40 years of public service to Bonham, including 22 years as mayor, and a caring public servant who continues to make countless contributions to Fannin County and the City of Bonham.
"I don't think there is anyone in Bonham or Fannin County who has done more for the City of Bonham than Roy Floyd," remarked former Fannin County Judge Spanky Carter. On behalf of Bonham Industrial Foundation, Mr. Carter presented Mr. Floyd with a letter from President Biden.
The crowd reacted with a standing ovation.
The letter from the White House stated:
Congratulations on your retirement. As you reflect on your career, it is my sincerest hope that you celebrate the significant advancements you have contributed to your field. Your legacy provides a blueprint for future generations.
As you enter this next chapter of your life, I hope that you have the opportunity to spend more time with your loved ones and enjoy some well-deserved respite. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and encourage you to continue to seek out opportunities to serve your community and our great Nation.
Sincerely,
Joe Biden
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Bonham Mayor H. Compton presided over the regular meeting with a full contingent of six councilmembers present. The meeting opened with an invocation by Mark Posey, pastor of Congregational Methodist Church in Bonham.
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Fannin County Judge Randy Moore administered the oath of office to Bonham City Councilmember Bill Chapman.
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Bonham City Council approved minutes from a regular meeting May 9, 2022, and a special meeting May 16, 2022.
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Dave Struchtemeyer, CPA, Director of Finance for the City of Bonham, presented the May 2022 financial report to Bonham City Council.
"Sales tax continues to outperform the fiscal year budget," Mr. Struchtemeyer reported. "Through May we are up 11% on sales tax receipts; last month through April we were up 9%. Building and permit fees are more than $239,000 year-to-date with an amended budget for the full year of $300,000. The budget amendment that was passed last month was primarily based on both the amended sales tax and building permit fees and these revenues continue to track accordingly."
Struchtemeyer noted that water/sewer revenues continue to struggle and are currently tracking 11% below budget.
"We expect this to recover some as the higher demand season is just now getting started," Struchtemeyer said in closing.
Bonham City Council approved the May 2022 financial report.
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In the segment of the meeting reserved for citizens to speak, David Keene presented councilmembers with writing pens fashioned from local bois d'arc wood and he also gave them a copy of Forever Wood, a definitive book on the history of bois d'arc written by the late Dr. Fred Tarpley.
Mary-k Wilson remarked that she was happy to see John Burnett back on city council.
Rusty Deets said that was happy to see all the residential trash receptacles returned to their proper places on Monday.
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Every year, the City of Bonham recognizes four outstanding employees for their dedication and service to our community. The most recent example of an exemplary member of the workforce is Debbie Green.
Green is the Assistant Librarian at Bonham Public Library where she will have been employed 28 years in September. Green is a conscientious worker who takes great pride in her work. She cares about her coworkers and library patrons and her personal connection has been one of the reasons for the success of Bonham Public Library.
Most recently, Green served as interim director at the library. Her ability and experience has led to a healthy transition and seamless interruption of the services provided during the interim. Her willingness to serve and leadership during the interim is why Debbie Green was selected as the 2022 second quarter Employee of the Quarter for the City of Bonham.
During the year, each Employee of the Quarter receives four hours of paid time off and a $50 gift certificate. At the end of the year, the Employee of the Year receives eight hours of paid time off and a $250 gift certificate.
The City of Bonham initiated this employee recognition program three years ago to highlight the dedication of outstanding employees. Private, anonymous donors have underwritten the program since its inception. Individuals or businesses that would like to contribute should contact Brad Nichols, City of Bonham Director of Human Relations at (903) 583-7555 x 101 or by email.
Bonham City Manager Sean Pate took the opportunity to introduce Jennifer Reeves, the new Library Director at Bonham Public Library.
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John Burnett was tapped to represent Bonham City Council on Texoma Council of Governments.
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Bonham City Council appointed Jake Shockley, Lance Davis, Josh Walker, Gary Smith and Austin Ashlock to the Airport Advisory Board, with Jerry Etheridge named as alternate.
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Bonham City Council approved a resolution of commitment and endorsement of Texoma Area Para-transit System, Inc. (TAPS) new administrative /operations facility and further transit terminal.
The new facility, funded by grants at no cost to the counties it serves, will be constructed adjacent to the maintenance facility on property owned by TAPS. Construction is planned to begin April 2023, with estimated completion December 2023.
"With the growth our region is seeing, public transportation certainly plays an important role," remarked Bonham City Manager Sean Pate.
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Bonham City Council approved an ordinance amending Exhibit A, Section (2)(A)(2) of Article 10.02 “Subdivision Ordinance” (Ordinance 579) requiring the installation of concrete streets.
Mr. Pate explained that concrete streets last longer and require less maintenance.
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Bonham City Council passed a resolution suspending the June 17, 2022 effective date of Oncor Electric Delivery Company's requested rate change to permit the Steering Committee time to study the request and establish reasonable rates.
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Bonham City Council approved a resolution approving the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Bonham Economic Development Corporation authorizing a project, the issuance of a promissory note to finance the costs of the project, and other matters incident and related thereto; a sales tax remittance agreement between the City and the Corporation; resolving other matters incident and relating to the loan; and the authority of the Mayor to execute, on behalf of the City, a General Certificate of the City and the sales tax remittance agreement.
This is another example of the teamwork between Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCo) and Bonham City Council. BEDCo will acquire a seven-year, low-interest loan, with the City of Bonham assuming responsibility for making annual payments of approximately $168,000. The money will be used to improve streets.
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Bonham City Council approved a Specific Use Permit / Zoning Change located on the South Side of Silo Rd across from Cardinal Lane and Robin Lane (ID# 132121) from Local Business to Multi-Family Residential High Density.
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Bonham City Council approved a Specific Use Permit / Zoning Change located at the NW corner of Hwy 78 and Hwy 82 (ID# 125587 and 83951) from Residential – General Business (B) to Planned Development (PD).
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Bonham City Council approved a plat located at White Street and Franklin Street, where a 51-lot subdivision is planned. (ID# 83928)