Last Update: 06/09/2008

Rick Williams District 7 City Council representative

E-mail address: rickwilli@gmail.com

Tidbits from City Hall

One of the things the City Council does is try to pass ordinances which will have positive effects on Garland.  Currently, we are working on two.  The first is one I introduced a while back which deals with so-called payday loan businesses.  Not only do these businesses have a well-deserved reputation of preying on those who can least afford to pay, but also there some studies which have shown that they can adversely lower property values.  What caught my attention about this problem were newspaper articles explaining that both Richardson and Mesquite had passed ordinances regulating these businesses, and since Garland is between these two cities, my concern was they might be chased into Garland.  Anyhow, more to come on this, but I don’t want Garland to be known as a haven for payday loan businesses!

The other ordinance we are currently working on deals with scrap metal.  As everyone knows, thieves often steal metal such as copper from air conditioners, and then sell it to those who buy scrap metal.  In Garland, there are four such businesses.  This initiative was started by the member cities in the 16-county North Central Texas Council of Governments, and NTCOG is encouraging all member cities to pass a similar law to one adopted in Dallas about 2 years ago and in Mesquite recently.  The ordinance would require the seller to provide identification, to be driving a vehicle, etc.  Additionally, money for the metal would be mailed to the individual in the form of a check.  For such a law to work will require all the cities in this area to pass a similar law, otherwise the thief will just go to the City where selling stolen metal is accomplished without any questions asked.  We want to do our part to discourage thieves from stealing metal.

The City Council is looking for individuals who might be interested in serving on the newly created Utility Advisory Board (UAB) which will deal with the City’s electric utility (GP&L) and not other utilities.  Unlike most boards with 9 members, this one will have 7 and the members will be selected by the Council as a whole rather than each Council member making one appointment.  Each position on the UAB must have specific qualifications:

• One member shall be a residential customer of GP&L (Position 1)
• One member shall be a commercial customer of GP&L or employed by a commercial customer of GP&L (Position 2)
• Three members shall be or shall have been employed within a professional field such as accounting, finance, marketing, law, engineering, or commercial development (Positions 3, 4, 5)
• Two members shall be or shall have been employed within the energy industry (Positions 6, 7).

The UAB generally meets once each month although it can be more frequently when special purpose meetings are needed.  If you have the background and are willing to serve, I encourage you to complete the UAB application form which is available on the City’s web site www.ci.garland.tx.us or by contacting the City Secretary’s Office at 972-205-2000.   Anyone interested should submit the application before July 1, as the screening and selection process must be completed before formal selection is made on the August 19 City Council meeting.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please email me at rickwilli@gmail.com.