Mayor pro tem fills Lometa seat
By CHERI JAY-WIENECKE Special Correspondent

David Ivey

As of Monday evening, the city of Lometa has a new leader at its helm. After voicing his interest in the position during the November City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem David Ivey was appointed mayor on a unanimous vote.

Ivey, who has served in the mayoral capacity since the illness and ultimately death of Mayor Mike McGarry in October, is in his second term on the Lometa City Council. He serves as chairman of the council budget committee.

In a statement to the Lampasas Dispatch Record Tuesday, Ivey said, "I'm happy to continue serving the city of Lometa, and hope to see it continue to prosper and improve socially, aesthetically and economically."

The mayoral post runs concurrently with the city's municipal judge responsibilities. Although there was some discussion about dividing the two jobs, no action was taken to designate another councilman to handle judicial duties.

With the appointment of Ivey, the position of mayor pro tem is open. To fill the position, Ivey said a vacancy must be declared at next month's meeting, and the council may move to appoint a member to serve in that capacity.

In other business, the council authorized Lometa resident Bobby Jackson to pursue the donation of a UH1 helicopter to the city for static display at the Lometa Regional Park. The helicopter will require construction of a concrete pad or runners prior to its placement at the park.

The council also agreed to amend an ordinance that would allow the city's code enforcement officer to deal directly with city code issues.

In department head reports, Don Freeze, Lometa code compliance officer, said a great deal of progress had been made, especially along major thoroughfares in the city. "If you drive from city limit sign to city limit sign, you will see a 75 to 80 percent improvement when compared to what it was," he said.

Freeze added that he has contacted a company about demolition for salvage the uninhabitable and dilapidated homes within the city limits. He is awaiting word on the progress of such a project. Freeze also is exploring the possibility of using prison inmates from Gatesville to assist in the cleanup of areas where residents either are physically or financially unable to rectify problems.

In his department report, Lometa Chief of Police Gary Farley said a radar system has arrived for Officer Misty Maldonado's police vehicle.

Prior to adjournment, City Secretary Michelle Schueneman requested assistance with donations for several local families who are in need this Christmas season.