Kempner City Council last week approved a resolution to support the use of monopoles for certain areas within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. The resolution was presented by Jack Clark, who said one proposed route for a new electric transmission line crosses within 300 feet of his home.

The LCRA line is proposed from the Newton Station in Kempner to Fredericksburg.

“I know that it may not be possible to get the line moved, but the monopoles are more aesthetically pleasing,” Clark said.

“Monopoles are single, self-supporting poles and require only an eight-foot base instead of the proposed lattice towers which require a 30- by 30-foot base.”

Clark added that Lampasas County and several other cities along the line have also passed a resolution supporting monopoles.

Mayor Gene Isenhour said Kempner might consider another resolution for the Oncor electric power line that is proposed from the Newton Station to Killeen. The Oncor lines also would pass through portions of the city.

“One alternate route even crosses the city park,” he added.

Also last week, the council approved the mayor’s appointment of JoAnn San Miguel for the position of prosecuting attorney for Kempner. Ms. San Miguel said she attended school in Lampasas and is a practic- ing attorney for citizens in Lampasas County.

Following the council’s approval, Isenhour administered the oath of office to Ms. San Miguel.

In other action, the council approved financial statements for the periods ending Nov. 30 presented by city auditor Jack Clark. Clark said Kempner’s cash position was very good with over $250,000 on hand. He also noted the city budgeted $2,000 for donations for the city park.

“You are way ahead of that, as over $13,000 in donations have been received.

“The city’s financial condition is excellent,” Clark said. “If you keep building parks and getting grants, despite your best efforts you are going to become a city.”

Prior to the regular meeting, a public hearing was held to take comments on proposed park projects located in the flood plain of Taylor Creek and to consider activities in the Sylvia Tucker Memorial City Park that would improve recreational opportunities for elderly citizens.

Isenhour said most people know the park is in a flood plain. “Many parks in other cities also are located in flood plains, as the land cannot be developed for other uses.”

Kempner resident Bob Crane suggested the park include a bandstand, nature trail, horseshoe facilities, a bird and wildlife viewing area, and picnic area to benefit elderly citizens. There were no other comments.

Isenhour said the public hearing was necessary as part of the application process for a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant for park facilities construction.

During the regular meeting, the council approved a resolution to TPWD authorizing the application for a local park grant, and a resolution to prevent mining and drilling on the park property funded by the TPWD. Isenhour added the application must be submitted by Jan. 31.

The mayor said the city has made a profit of $8,800 from the sale of granite stones for the local veterans’ memorial. “This profit has paid for the large granite memorial stone, and for the rock mason for the memorial and the rock entrance markers.”

The city is still taking orders from persons who want to purchase a stone to honor a family member or friend who served in the armed forces.

Kempner City Council will meet again Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. A workshop session is set at 6 p.m. to discuss updating the city’s sign ordinance and a city park rules ordinance, followed by the regular meeting.