Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
City Manager John Sheedy recently gave city council members an update on a slate of ongoing city projects.
Sheedy gave the update during the council’s Nov. 14 meeting.
“We want to talk about our Neighborhood Services. I think at the last meeting, we mentioned we’re very proud that our Neighborhood Services director has implemented our first food handlers’ course, and it was a huge success. As we mentioned, we’re going to start taking these services out to the restaurants to make it so much more efficient and easier for them to keep all of their certifications up, and of course we’re going to offer this course to the community at no cost other than the certificate,” Sheedy told the council.
He said city crews are also busy putting up Christmas decorations around town.
“We also have a scoreboard that’s being donated by Hutchinson Plumbing/Del Rio Little League. We have received that scoreboard and we’ll be scheduling the installation very soon,” Sheedy said.
He also told the council he and other city administrators would be meeting with residents of the Jap Lowe Estates to discuss ongoing concerns those residents have voiced about issues in their area.
“At 801 S. Main St., we’ve been working on our new City Hall. The make-ready is almost complete. As a matter of fact, we’ll be talking to the contractor, and he’s ready for us to make a visit. There’s temporary lighting all through the building. All the floors are safe. It’s completely accessible, so we’re very excited, and I’m going to schedule a chance for our council and some of our staff to tour that,” Sheedy said.
“At Hernandez Street, we’ve got the RFQ (request for quotations) out for our architectural design, construction documents and project management for the future gym and rec center to be placed at the Hernandez Street property, and that will be going out this week. This will be the first step in bringing another gym and rec center to the city of Del Rio. We’re very excited about getting started on this,” he added.
Sheedy also provided an update on work scheduled for the Paul Poag Theatre for the Performing Arts downtown.
“On the Paul Poag, we have received an inquiry from an engineering firm requesting assistance in providing access to conduct some additional investigations. This is the second engineering firm to express interest in further evaluations for the renovation of the theater, so we feel confident that we’re very soon going to get going on that,” he said.
Sheedy said work is also set to begin on the installation of a new splash pad at American G.I. Forum Park.
“The meter loop was installed for the restrooms and the splash pad at G.I. Forum Park. We’re anticipating that we’ll be adding power to those later on this week. Once we receive the construction documents, water, electrical and sewer will be installed to the location of the splash pad. City crews will begin site prep work early next week, and the anticipated start of construction is January 2024, and of course we’re very excited about the upgrades we’re making at Pop Word, G.I. Forum Park,” the city manager said.
Sheedy finished his update by wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday.
The writer can be reached at DelRioMagnoliaFan@gmail.com .
