The Lometa City Council is looking to improve the service afforded city residents by a municipal cable provider, however the means to achieve this goal are not forthcoming.

Meeting in regular session recently, the council reviewed its options regarding the city's cable franchise holder, Almega Cable. A letter of concern has been sent from the city, but Almega Cable failed to respond within the 30 days set forth by the municipality.

Despite the company's inaction, no other options seem available for Lometa to pursue.

After speaking to Suddenlink and Central Texas Communications, with no interest expressed by other cable entities, no alternative to the current franchise agreement is available, officials reported.

"I haven't gotten anything encouraging from anyone," said Lometa City Secretary Michelle Schueneman.

The council agreed to table the item and continue to research its cable options while gathering information on the desires of local residents.

In new business, Lometa resident Ben Leggett requested the city abandon a portion of Brooks Street south of Lampasas Street in accordance with Ordinance 100509. This unimproved street, Leggett said, has become a dumping area.

The request was approved after a motion by Councilman Donny Bell and a second from member Betty Poe. Leggett said he intends to fence across the thoroughfare to prevent further littering.

Lampasas County Commissioner Lowell Ivey requested the council consider a transfer of city property so the county could fence an area of the county yard. "We have a portion of Block 28 where we store our gravel and vehicles," Ivey explained. "We assumed we [the county] owned it all until we had it surveyed. We own lots three and four, and the city has lots one and two that join that.

"We want to build a six-foot fence around it to prevent children from playing in that so we are not liable for any injuries," he said.

Ivey requested Lometa officials allow the county to purchase the lots to get them in the county's name. "My request is for the council to come up with a fair price so I can bring it before the commissioners," he said. Ivey said a recent incident of fireworks being set off in the vicinity of county vehicles has increased concern for safety in the area.

The council agreed that all concerned believed the lots to be county owned and offered to sell the two lots to the county at a cost of $100 per lot. Ivey will present the proposal to county officials and notify the city of any decision made by the Commissioners Court.

In open forum, Walter Ruzicka expressed concern about dilapidated awnings of abandoned buildings downtown. He would like to remove the awnings, however Mayor Cynthia Kirby indicated that ownership of the buildings is in question.

Ruzicka also voiced concerns about the number of dogs at a local residence and asked about the removal of an abandoned car.

Although no action could be taken in open forum, Mrs. Kirby addressed his concerns. "We're really trying to do some things here as far as junk, junk vehicles and getting things cleaned up. It's not a fast process. We have to take it one step at a time."

Also in open forum Margaret Cavness thanked the city for the cleanup at her mother-in-law's home. Mrs. Cavness previously requested the cleanup after construction of a nearby home as part of a local grant project resulted in the lingering debris.

Finally, the council discussed installation of cameras at the Lometa Regional Park, and it was agreed a legal answer would be obtained about the need for signage to announce the presence of cameras at the site. The city hopes to have the cameras in place within the month.