For the second time in just a few weeks, the resignation of a Lometa city official has left a position vacant.

During last week's meeting of the Lometa City Council, a letter of resignation from Chief of Police Gary Farley was accepted and his position declared vacant.

Mayor David Ivey stepped down Aug. 15 to pursue employment with the Lometa Housing Authority. The post is being filled by Mayor Pro Tem Doug Brister.

In other business, the council established guidelines for 18-wheelers.

The new rules, which stipulate that 18-wheelers not be allowed to park on city property including along ditches, has sparked local controversy.

Citing maintenance and destruction of city streets and ditches as the reasoning behind the ordinance, the council is looking to prevent future damage.

"If we can't park in front of our house, where can we park?" asked Lometa resident Johnny Towerton. "I hauled in base and fixed the road. I've maintained it, the ditch and the trees in the alley. Why would you take it out on anyone?"

After much discussion, the item was tabled for further review.

"This needs to be discussed more in council in order for us to get the problem solved," said Brister. "In order to establish guidelines, we must start somewhere."

A public hearing on the issue is set Nov. 3 at 6:45 p.m. at City Hall.

After hearing a proposal by Lometa Independent School District trustee Stephen Stone, the council approved the dismissal of taxes on what is referred to as the "Biggs House" in the 400 block of East Main.

Stone said the abandoned home has accrued a large sum in tax penalties, and for its acquisition by the school district to be finalized both city and county taxes must be forgiven. County and city taxes due on the property are estimated between $6,000 and $7,000. The school district, once awarded title, plans to demolish the dilapidated home.

Travis Herring of the Lometa Lions Club presented a proposal regarding lighted signs for the city's RV park at the Lometa Regional Park. Currently no lighted signs are installed at the facility.

"The RV park is being used very little and is in need of a lighted sign," Herring said. "We thought a sign south of town, one north of town and a lighted one at the park would help the city.

"We thought we would present the idea, and let you think about it. We'll handle most of the work and most of the finances," he said.

The city agreed to the Lions Club proposal. "In the past, the finances have stopped us. If you're willing to help, we're willing to take the ball and run with it," Councilman Chuck Lymber said.

In other sign matters, the Lions Club also offered the city a proposal for replacing the city limits sign located on the corner of U.S. Highway 183 and Main Street. The Lions Club will replace the sign with a neon unit and handle installation, while the city would be responsible for the electric bill.

The council OK'd the replacement.

Council members also accepted the donation of a time clock by Lometa resident Ben Leggett and Brister.

"I think it would probably be a good idea if it is of no expense to the city," commented Councilwoman Cynthia Kirby.

In open forum, the council responded to questions from Rigo Reyes. Reyes, who at one time removed tires from the Lometa Re- gional Park, was concerned about dismissal from the job.

"I was cleaning up tires at the park, and now I am told not to," he said. "I was wondering why. I played by the rules. I put in a bid by Aug. 31."

Reyes added that he had cleaned up the area, organizing and stacking tires for removal. "I didn't expect to get paid to clean up, but I did expect to be paid to haul off the tires."

In response, Brister said: "There is no contract, and the agreement is not binding." He added that Reyes charged $12 per tire, whereas the new company removes them at a cost of $1-$2 per tire.

After Reyes' questions regarding the disposal of tires, he was informed that the new company was required to sign an agreement stating the tires would be properly disposed of, and Lometa officials understand they are being shipped overseas.