By David May
editor@mineralwellsindex.com

Mineral Wells and the North Texas area are reaping the benefits of the Barnett Shale gas play. But its impacts are raising questions in some areas and among some residents, including some living in the Western Hills subdivision.

Following a public hearing Tuesday night, City Council unanimously approved issuing a special use permit to Joe Don James for operation of an oilfield servicing business at 2500 U.S. Highway 180 West, adjacent to the Texas Department of Transportation facility.

Council’s action followed a public hearing and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 4 to approve the SUP with certain stipulations, including that no chemicals or fuels would be stored at the site; truck equipment washing would be prohibited without a city-approved facility; outdoor lighting would be hooded and directed away from the nearby residential neighborhood; hours of operation are restricted to 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and the north 300 feet of the property is designated as a greenbelt to buffer the adjacent residential area.

Council’s approval incorporated those restrictions.

Mary Alice Buckner, a Cactus Drive resident, said the conditions placed on the permit make it “much more amenable” but questioned whether the facility’s location is in the city’s best interest. Buckner said the west end of town should be encouraging more professional, medical, retail and restaurant growth to complement what is already in place. She suggested the business would be better situated at Wolters Industrial Park.

“I can accept it as a compromise,” Buckner said. “I just don’t think it’s what is best for the city.”

Michael Huff, of Holly Hill Road, questioned the ability of two-lane U.S. Highway 180 to handle the additional large rig traffic that will ensue.

“You’re going to have some big trucks going in and out of there,” said Huff.

Tipton Dilbeck, operations manager for Gambler Trucking, addressed council in favor of the application. He said the operation could relocate to the industrial park, but said it would be more costly and the city or county might not reap the tax revenue generated.

Dilbeck and James told council no drilling rigs would use the facility, as mainly 18-wheel rigs would be there and that the business is primarily a storage facility.

Councilman Tommy Blissette moved to approve the application with the restrictions and was seconded by Mike Allen. The motion passed 7-0.

Street closures

With the approval of Texas Parks and Wildlife, council unanimously approved a request by O’Neal Distributing Company to close to the public a portion of S.W. 5th Street west of U.S. Highway 281 South and a portion of S.W. 1st Street.

Scott O’Neal said the business is experiencing ongoing problems with thefts and burglaries and seeks to construct security fencing to help restrict vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Board and commissions

City council on Tuesday approved appointments to several boards and commissions.

With the resignation of Ed Martin, a requested resignation from F.A. Stahl and a vacancy created when Bill Richardson moved from Mineral Wells, the Board of Adjustment/Building and Standards Commission had some seats to fill.

Council approved a request from City Clerk Juanita Formby to make board alternates Jeff Bridgeman and Jason Nesmith full voting members and appointed Michael Burns and John McCarthy alternates. One alternate position remains vacant on the board.

Council approved the requested reappointments of Dr. David Turk and Earl Medlin to two-year terms to the Palo Pinto County Municipal Water District No. 1 Board of Directors.

Also, Eva Davis and Carl Turner were reappointed to two-year terms on the Mineral Wells Housing Authority Board of Directors. One board seat to be occupied by a resident of the housing complex remains vacant.



Other action

• Approved lease of space on elevated water towers for broadband Internet antenna facilities TMN Inc., doing business as Mesh.net. The agreement calls for TMN to pay the city 10 percent of gross revenues collected annually from broadband services provided by the antennas.

• Awarded bids for four 2006/2007/2008 model vehicles to serve the Meter and Public Works departments.

• Accepted a letter of engagement from Crawford, Carter & Thompson, LLP Certified Public Accountants to perform audit services for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2007.