GUN BARREL CITY–In a meeting filled with outbursts and punctuated by sharp raps of the gavel, the Gun Barrel City (GBC) Council managed to do some business and unanimously agreed to take applications for the Park Board.
Several residents spoke passionately about what the pavilion and the park mean to them and their families at the Feb. 28 meeting of the GBC City Council. Among them were several members of a roller derby group that use the pavilion to practice. Other uses mentioned during the meeting and on social media include mothers’ groups, birthday parties and family gatherings for residents.
The controversy was due to posts on social media concerning the proposal to enclose the pavilion, creating a multi-use community center, and possibly housing the city offices. A preliminary sketch appeared and the story was picked up by another newspaper allegedly without verifying any facts. Mayor David Skains told the group that the sketch was preliminary, and no firm decisions had been reached.
More criticism came when the motion was made to advertise for vacancies on the park board before interviewing any applicants. Councilman Ken Foster said the last two positions on boards had been filled without advertising and he already had several applicants. After discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
And yet more controversy surrounded a motion made to adopt a resolution establishing a code of ethics and conduct for elected and appointed officials. Councilmen Yaws and Lerew had worked on the code which consisted of 14 items, two of which dealt with the use of social media. After several speakers and disruptions which included one person being escorted out and others asked to leave, the measure passed  3-2.
Good news came when Yaws presented that North Texas Fiber would be bringing fiber internet to the city, with businesses being hooked up first possibly this summer and then expanding service to residents. A representative from the company spoke saying the network would be fiber end-to-end with no legacy equipment.
In other business, council members:
• Authorized settlement participation forms for the Texas Opioid Settlement
• Heard racial profiling repost for 2022 by Police Chief Willliams
• Approved an interlocal agreement with Henderson County for the May 6 election
• Approved an agreement with Cedar Creek Lake Cats to hold adoption events, hearing that the animals available for adoption would be neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped
• Adopted regulations and amendments to The Texas Retail Food Rules of the Texas Dept. of Health for Mobile Food Units
• Adopted amendments to Code of Ordinances
Approved a site plan for Quick N Clean Car Wash
• Adopted a resolution approving a renovation grant and performance agreement for El Rinconsito Market
• Held public hearings for three unsafe structures, authorizing demolition of two and giving 180 day grace period for the owner of property at 161 Loon Bay Drive to abate the structure before the city takes action
• Heard that the March 16 meeting of the Gun Barrel City Chapter of the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce would contain a candidate forum
• Heard from several speakers in support of Keith Bond.