BY K. MCSTAY

HERALD DEMOCRAT

DENISON -- The City Council continued discussions Wednesday on preparations for a safe schools grant during the city's work session.

The grant, said Community Development Director Tom Speakman, would support efforts to build sidewalks in areas around the schools. During the last city council meeting, the issue was discussed, and problems with the relocation of utilities, the removal of trees and the purchase of right-of-ways became evident. The council approved continuing to pursue a reduced version of the proposal, focusing just on the area around Terrell Elementary School.

"Part of the requirements for the submission of the request for the construction grant, is to conduct a public hearing to receive input from the affected area," Speakman said. Additionally, the city must approve a resolution stating that they would assume maintenance of the sidewalks, once put in place.

The roads being considered would be Rusk Avenue, from Walker to the school's campus. The changes would require drainage work and retaining walls in certain spots, Speakman said. Additionally, 17 trees would need to be removed and driveways would need to be adjusted. "This would be the most direct way," he said, with the least amount of utility relocation and other impediments. Martin Luther King Avenue, he said, would not be considered due to the volume of traffic in the area. "It's a safer environment to walk in," he said.

Denison Mayor Robert Brady, who voted against the original plan, said this was much more manageable. "I'm not against it," he said, but the original plan involved many more streets, and as the grant was particularly competitive, this scaled-back version is easier to plan for and more likely to receive funds. The issue was moved to Monday night's meeting.

Also, the council discussed the final quarterly financial report for 2009. Financial Director Susan Way reported that, for both the general fund and the water and sewer fund, the budget was 99 percent of what was predicted in the budget.

Hotel and motel tax revenues came in below what was predicted due to one business who had not caught up on taxes yet, but Way said that was being worked out.

Refuse disposal was also down from normal, she said. Interest earnings were significantly down from previous years, she said, again due to the economy.

"You need to commend all the departments in the city, as they've been controlling their expenses," she said. With the exception of a very few departments, each came in below what was budget. "Good job, guys," Brady said. Way also discussed budget carryover from last year. Both issues were moved to Monday's meeting.

The council also placed a request by Texoma Medical Center to rename Milton Drive to Texoma Medical Center Drive, and the placement of stop signs at West Acheson Street at South Maurice Street, and West Murray Street at South Fairbanks Avenue.