Other than approving the minutes of the previous meeting and paying bills, no other action items were on Kempner City Council’s agenda last week. The Sylvia Tucker Memorial City Park was the main topic of discussion at the brief meeting.

What type of grass to plant around the Veteran’s Memorial was considered. Buffalo grass was suggested, as once it is established it takes very little care to maintain.

Mayor Gene Isenhour said he and Park Committee member Bob Crane recently met with City Engineer Mike Kriegel concerning the design and placement of an on-site wastewater treatment system.

“In order to meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards, the system has to be designed by a professional engineer,” Isenhour said. “Kriegel will also meet with the county septic system inspector to discuss system requirements and the estimated cost.”

Location of the septic system also will determine the placement of the city park’s restrooms.

Army engineers have suggested the use of solar lighting for the restrooms. The park will be open only during daylight hours, but Isenhour said if some special activity were being held in the evening, lighting would be needed in the restrooms.

Isenhour also said he talked with welder Fred Dillard about constructing covers over the picnic tables and erecting a shelter over the Sylvia Tucker memorial monument.

Crane said he recently met with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department representatives to show them the city park and proposed facilities. The city has applied for a $75,000 TPWD grant for park improvement.

“They liked what they saw,” Crane said. Kempner will learn later in the year if it will receive the grant.

“It will be very easy to spend the grant money if we receive it,” the mayor said.

For example, playground equipment alone is estimated to cost over $60,000, Isenhour added.

Army personnel have completed the wooden ramp over the floodprevention berm. After the wood has cured for about a month, soldiers will paint the ramp with a preservative stain.

Isenhour said park rules do not allow pets in the park except for animals such as seeing-eye dogs. At the recent Memorial Day ceremony, however, someone brought several large dogs to the event.

“I do not understand why someone would bring their large dogs to an event that honored persons who gave their lives for our freedom,” the mayor said.

The city will hold a dedication/ memorial service for the park and the late Sylvia Tucker on July 11 at 2 p.m. The public is invited, but Isenhour said, “Please do not bring your dogs.”

Kempner City Council will meet in regular session Tuesday at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.