Local Roundup - page 15

The Texas Municipal League has confirmed that David Rutledge, currently Mayor of Bridge City, is now also acting as the city’s interim City Manager. This development follows the recent resignation of Christopher Baker, who had held the position for just seven months.

The Bridge City City Council convened on August 20 for a meeting that included a closed-door executive session to discuss matters related to the “employment, evaluation, separation, supervision, discipline, and duties of the City Manager,” as outlined in the meeting agenda. Under the Texas Open Meetings Act, public bodies can discuss personnel issues privately; however, any formal decisions must be made publicly.

Mayor Rutledge has not responded to requests for comments regarding Baker’s resignation or the circumstances leading up to it. Baker, who began his role in January on a two-year contract, had been brought in to provide stability to the city’s administration. At the time of his hiring, Mayor Rutledge had indicated that the city council favored a longer contract term to encourage continuity.

The Texas Municipal League’s recommended contract terms for city managers allow for a “unilateral severance,” enabling either party to terminate the agreement. Standard provisions also suggest a severance package, typically negotiated to include a set period of salary continuation.

Mayor Rutledge, who has served as president of the Texas Municipal League in recent years, is well-versed in municipal governance and city management practices. His leadership role in the statewide organization underscores his deep involvement in local government affairs.

Christopher Baker’s departure marks another change in the city manager position for Bridge City. After only a year, his predecessor left to accept a higher-paying city management role in a larger city. Before these transitions, Bridge City had benefited from the long-term service of Jerry Jones, who served as city manager for 15 years after being promoted to public works director.

Baker, a native of Mobile, Alabama, holds a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. His professional background includes municipal planning and development roles in Texas, Alabama, and Arizona. His resignation comes at a critical time, as Bridge City is finalizing its budget and tax rate for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, which begins on October 1.

The Bridge City City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, 2024, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

The City of Orange has announced that construction work to improve Tulane Road is set to begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. The rehabilitation project, which aims to enhance road safety and drivability, is expected to be completed within 30 calendar days from the start date.

Construction will focus on the section of Tulane Road extending from the SRA canal bridge to the City of Orange’s city limit. The scope of work includes stabilizing the road base and adding a 1.5-inch asphalt overlay to provide a smoother, more durable surface for motorists.

Traffic Control and Updates

To ensure the safety of both construction workers and the public, appropriate traffic control measures will be implemented throughout the duration of the project. Additional information regarding traffic control and potential detours will be provided as it becomes available. Motorists are advised to plan for possible delays and to use caution when traveling in the construction area.

The City of Orange appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents and commuters during this important infrastructure improvement project. These enhancements are part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade local roadways, ensuring long-term safety and convenience for all road users.

In the coming weeks, Schaumburg & Polk, Inc. will conduct smoke testing on the sanitary sewer lines in West Orange. Residents in the areas near Newton, Stevenson, Smith, Peach, Austin, Quincy, Pearson, Lawndale, Westmore, and Greenbriar streets, as well as those on adjacent branching streets, should be aware of this testing. The purpose of the smoke test is to identify leaks within the sanitary sewer system.

Residents may observe smoke coming from the ground or from vents on the tops of houses. This is a normal part of the testing process, and there is no need for alarm. Crews will be in the area performing the tests.

To help prevent smoke from entering your home or business, please pour approximately one gallon of water down any drains that are not frequently used. This will fill the plumbing traps and reduce the chance of smoke entering the building. If smoke does enter through your inside plumbing, it may indicate a plumbing leak that needs attention, and residents should consider contacting a licensed plumber.

The smoke used in this testing is non-toxic and poses no health risk to residents. Testing will occur in your neighborhood within the next few working days after receiving this notice.

For further information or if you have any questions, please contact Russell Love at (409)-883-4003 or Schaumburg & Polk, Inc. at (409)-866-0341.

The Stark Museum of Art is excited to offer two opportunities for creativity and fun at the upcoming CREATE! Workshop: Glazed Pumpkins on Saturday, September 14, 2024. This hands-on workshop will allow participants to design and glaze their own ceramic pumpkin, perfect for adding a personal touch to fall decorations.

The Glazed Pumpkins workshop will be held at two different times to accommodate varying schedules: from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (NOTE: Registration is full for this session) and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the workshop, participants will learn how to apply glaze and create unique designs for their pumpkins. All materials are provided and included in a $10 material fee, making this a convenient and affordable way to explore your artistic side.

Please note that the glazed pumpkins created in the workshop will need to be fired in a kiln. Finished pieces will be available for pickup approximately three weeks after the workshop.

CREATE! Workshops are recommended for adults and children ages 7 and up, making this a great activity for families, friends, or individuals looking to express their creativity. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, the Glazed Pumpkins workshop offers a fun and engaging environment to learn new skills and make beautiful art.

Registration is now open! Don’t miss out on this fun-filled opportunity to create your own fall-themed artwork.

For more information and to register, please visit starkmuseum.org.

The Vidor Chamber of Commerce held a grand opening a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Frescas MX on Thursday, August 22, 2024,  The event was held at their new store, located at 105 Sargent Street in Vidor.

Frescas MX is known for offering fresh, flavorful, and festive treats inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexico. Their menu features a variety of delicious options, including fresh fruit salads, smoothies, and other authentic Mexican delights. They are thrilled to bring our passion for quality and taste to the Vidor community and look forward to serving our new neighbors.

Their business hours are as follows:

• Sunday – Monday Closed
• Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Menus are noted below.

Contact them at (409) 937-5599 or visit their Facebook page for more info.