by carla gray
carla@themonitor.net

MABANK‑The Mabank City Council met July 14 for their monthly session. This was the first meeting since the tragic death of Fire Chief Charlie Woodard. Dustin Connor spoke to the council on behalf of the Woodard Family.
Connor began with, “I live here on Kaufman Street, work for the City of Terrell. Charlie Woodard and I were friends for a long time, I come tonight on behalf of Amanda Woodard and her family, as I served as the family liaison role for her through the last couple of weeks.” 
Continuing, Connor said, “I just want to say from them [the Woodard family], and for me thank you to the city specifically, especially to the mayor in the time that he has put in. Kim McClaskey, the work that you put in has been unimaginable thing to have to deal with for her.
Speaking about Amanda Woodard, Connor said, “She's been amazing through it all. The support that she has received from the fire department and from the city staff, from the elected officials has been something that she did not expect. And really, frankly, I did not know what to expect from it, but it has been open arms the entire time and making sure that she has whatever she needs whenever she needs it. She is thankful and I am thankful.”
Connor stated, “One of the many reasons that I am glad that I live in a town like this is because I get to see what this town means to you guys. I get to see what Charlie put into this town and what this town and what you guys meant to him; we get to see that back and forth. So really, I am just here tonight to say thank you on behalf of her [Amanda Woodard] and just how much we appreciate you.
Mayor Randy Teague replied with, “Dustin has been phenomenal in his role as liaison and the communication that we get back and forth and watching him guide her through that process and the family through that process. So, I know that this council points to you for your role in that as well. It certainly is a tremendous tragedy. But when we have an opportunity to see people step up in the face of those tragedies, it is appreciated. So, on behalf of myself and the council we would like to say thank you.”
In other business, the council:
• Acknowledged the receipt of the fiscal year 2025 audit. 
• Approved City Manager Bryant Morris to have authority to complete and apply to the Texas Water Development board for HB 500 grants related to drinking water.