Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Kim Harmon (from left), wife of Payne Springs Interim Police Chief Rick Harmon, pins a bar on her husband commemorating his Police Life Saving Medal presented by Enchanted Oaks Police Chief Anthony Katsoulas.

PAYNE SPRINGS–March 21, Payne Springs City Council held its first regular meeting after the March 9 arrest of its police chief and a reserve officer, but speakers had nothing but praise for the chief’s interim replacement, Rick Harmon.
Harmon, who was named interim chief during a March 11 emergency council session, received a Police Life Saving Medal from Enchanted Oaks Police Chief Anthony Katsoulas. The commendation notes Harmon’s March 14 actions administering medical attention to a person who showed no signs of life and who survived the incident.
“Officer Harmon is a credit to his community, to his police department and to the state of Texas,” Katsoulas said.
Four public speakers spoke to council, none of whom criticized the city for its police department. Harmon “has always been beneficial to our neighborhood,” Southwood Shores Property Owners Association President Glenn Miller said.
Added Miller, “As far as I’m concerned, I think that he should be our next chief of police for Payne Springs,” which brought applause.
Troy Bell said since he’s moved to the area, “our only constant has been Rick Harmon.” Bell added, “He never fails to respond.”
Daryl Scoggins described Harmon as going above and beyond since Scoggins moved to town. “To have an officer that pays that much attention, he’s a big part of the community,” Scoggins stated.
Council later voted to purchase a computer server for the police department, with an estimated cost of $1,200-$2,000. Mayor Andrea Miller said the server had been taken and contains police video camera footage. Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member Ron Spahlinger said the server was located in the office of Police Chief April Meadows, who was placed on unpaid administrative leave after her arrest for drug-related charges.
Council also approved a fence ordinance. Spahlinger said the ordinance is a “good first step” to control what kind of fences people put up, saying the most important thing is that it requires a permit. Council also approved another ordinance renewing franchise fees for Oncor Electric Delivery Co., which the mayor said extends a 20-year easement to bring electricity to the city.
In other business, council:
• Approved a business permit for Doggie Doos, a pet grooming service.
• Approved a variance for a culvert at 124 Magellan Loop.
• Discussed additions to a road contract with Texana Land & Asphalt addressing drainage.