Monitor Photo/Denise York
Mabank Mayor Jeff Norman (center, holding cake), celebrates his 10 years as mayor with council members Tyson Adams (from left) John Chappell, Derek Harrill, Norman, Randy Teague, City Administrator Bryant Morriss, Daren Day and Assistant City Administrator Michael Main.

MABANK–Mabank City Council honored outgoing Mayor Jeff Norman with a cake and punch reception at the monthly meeting May 9 at City Hall.
Norman was joined by his family as council members and city staff gave accolades and presented him with gifts to mark his 10 years as mayor. Once the votes are canvassed for the May 6 election, Norman will remain with the city as a council member and Randy Teague will take over as mayor.
Teague said, “On the wall by the door, you will find a plaque containing the names of 21 men including our present mayor (Jeff Norman) that have lived the mantra, “Great towns don’t happen by accident” Mabank is what it is today because of their vision, their dedication, their sacrifice…Mabank is lucky to have his name on that list of outstanding men and leaders and this council and others who have served alongside him are fortunate to have his guidance, his passion and his devotion.” Norman was presented with reading classes, a plaque with gavel and hand-tooled leather duffle bag engraved with the city’s logo and his name.
Council members heard a presentation from area lawyer Aaron Wiley concerning Section 8 housing and the authority of the city. Wiley told those in attendance that he was engaged by the council to determine what it would take for the Mabank Housing Authority (MHA) to expand its authority to issue vouchers for single and multi-family housing. The MHA was established in 1961.
Wiley said that with Kaufman County being the fastest growing county in the state and one of the fastest growing in the country, that growth and the strains it puts on an area are considerations other places in the county are dealing with, mainly Forney and surrounding areas. Wiley stated that because the city has a housing authority, it is not necessary to pass a resolution to expand its authority and that the authority extends to five miles outside of the municipality. 
Teague summed up Wiley’s statement by saying, “This council and the mayor has the authority to dictate and decide with developers that come in, that the council has the authority to control the amount of vouchers for Section 8 housing.” Wiley concluded, “It is basically one person (who decides) and that is the mayor as long as that person holds their position on the board (of the MHA).”
In other business, the council members:
• Moved items 4,5 and 6 relating to the election to May 17 special meeting when the results would be official
• Heard a presentation from Faith at Work Ministries outlining their growth. They will continue to meet at the Mabank Pavilion every Sunday where they are currently serving families who are food insecure. Donna and Ken Davis spoke and said thar they currently give out approximately 800 boxes of food each Sunday and also have an RV park for homeless called Lots of Faith which has nine families at present.
• Heard that the Outlaw BBQ Series held with the Mabank Jubilee normally the third weekend of September would be moved to Oct. 20 and 21 this year.
• Approved the final plat of Roger Groom’s Chapparal Landing pending final deed restrictions.
• Approved replat of 11223 Lakeside Drive from one to four lots (located in the city’s ETJ)
• Approved Brian Seibold’s request to re-zone .97 acre located at the intersection of CR 4001 and 4002 to commercial.
• Reviewed the civil plans for Quik Trip which will be located in front of Quality Suites
• Adopted resolution 2023-05 regarding the TxDOT transportation set-aside call for projects for the State Highway 198 Sidewalk Project (from the junior high to the intersection of SH 198 and Mason St.)
• Heard and update by Michael Main on Fuel Master which will replace the city’s outdated fuel software, allowing the city to track usage more efficiently at a cost of $15,876.35 with an annual fee in subsequent years of $2,988.
• Heard updates on ongoing city projects and staff reports