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Dateline: May 16, 2001
New Council Members are sworn...
Linda Newton, Editor 

Mayor Donna Arp, Place 1 Councilman Joe Hocutt, and Place 2 Councilman Brad Rice were sworn in by City Secretary Cynthia Singleton and took their seats at the May 15, 2001 council meeting. The three were elected May 5. Plaques were presented to outgoing Councilman Jody Short and Councilman Mike Taylor by incumbents Dana Feldman, Dennis Marlin and Ginny Tigue.

Donna Arp, Joe Hocutt, Brad Rice

In his departing comments Jody Short thanked the citizens of Colleyville and stated that it had been an honor and a privilege to serve. He expressed a concern that the current council's perception of reality differed from his, specifically mentioning the interpretation of the two TIF agreements negotiated with the developer of the Village at Colleyville, and the legal uses of perimeter street fees. Short made the point that both TIF agreements were good agreements, and that perimeter street fees could not be used for maintenance. Short challenged the council to address the problems currently facing the city, particularly drainage, and pointed out the significant financial obligation this could represent. Stating that "real problems need meaningful discussion" relative to traffic, he noted that it takes 20 minutes for him to travel from his home in the Monticello subdivision to Highway 26 on John McCain Road. Holding in the reins on the budget for the library, continuing to improve city employees' salaries and improved roadside safety were also mentioned as challenges.

Mike Taylor spoke next and told the room full of citizens that his service on the council had been a real blessing to his family, and an honor and a privilege for him personally. In a light-hearted reference to a popular television program, Taylor turned in his keys to Mayor Donna Arp, saying the "tribal council has spoken and I've been voted off the island. Now I'll become part of the jury." He encouraged newcomers Hocutt and Rice to look at every vote on its individual merits and encouraged Arp to continue to lead, looking forward to the future. He praised the city employees for their service and professionalism, and expressed pride in his votes for the library, justice center and new city hall while on council. To the citizens he challenged "be up front with the council but realize they have a job to do". Taylor praised the high voter turnout and encouraged citizens to stay involved.

Following a brief council meeting cake and punch were served as the council visited with the standing room only crowd of citizens present.

Proclamation for National Police Week