Karnes City Council members heard a proposal from Karnes City High School Ninth Grade Class President Kevin Matula during their meeting on November 27.

Matula asked for "help with the cost of funding an irrigation system to water the 16 trees they were able to buy through a KCISD service-learning grant."

The class took on the project under the tutelage of Jennifer Card, teacher of their freshman pre-AP biology class to get the trees to help beautify the Karnes City Park when planted.

Matula and several other members of his class assured the council that "they were ready to help look after and take care of the trees and to help install the pipes for the system."

Approximately ten of the trees will be planted in Park A and six in Park B. The estimated cost of procuring pipe for an underground irrigation system is $350.

City officials expressed admiration for the students wanting to be involved in the park.

After discussion, Councilwoman Lillian Lyssy said she would like to donate the cost of the drip irrigation system.

Other aspects of the park and its progress were reported by Melanie Johnson. The park board will soon have several of its members rotate off and Johnson stated, "They have several names of persons to be appointed to the board."

To keep the eight-member board intact, the proposed appointees are Leon Jendrzey, Sherry Sommer, Darlene Adams and Wayne Hodges.

The city council approved the nominees.

Johnson told city officials that there is a plan for Christmas trees to be in the park soon.

City Administrator Larry Pippen said Christmas trees will be in the park within the next two weeks.

Johnson announced that the park board is sponsoring a New Year’s Eve Dance in Panna Maria, with ticket sales helping to finance the flag pole and flag, the butterfly and hummingbird garden, work on the Park B bridge and other projects for the park.

Pippen said there are also plans for Park B including the large water pond, its fishing pier, repairs and final placement of the bridge, and a possible amphitheater.

Johnson said they had hoped to present to the council a list of proposed rules and regulations for the park, but the list was not ready in time for the meeting. The council will take it up at their next meeting.

Also at the next meeting, the city council will consider an appointment to fill a position on the Karnes County Economic Development Corporation. The appointment of a representative on the Region L Water Planning Group was approved. Patrick Linder was nominated.

Councilman Raymond Robinson asked, "Wouldn’t this be considered a conflict of interest since he works with water issues for the city?"

Pippen and others at the meeting said they didn’t think it would be a problem and his nomination was approved.

The purchase of two 2008 police vehicles with authorization for financing included in the purchase, along with the purchase and financing of a sewer cleaning machine and a tractor/shredder was discussed.

The purchase of the two police cars would be $43,837. The other items listed would bring the cost to about $150,000. Councilman Jimmy Loya questioned the need for two police cars.

"There had been a plan discussed in the past about purchasing replacement equipment and cars on a yearly basis as needed using budget money." Loya said.

Loya also asked about advertising for bids in order to get the best price.

Mayor Don Tymrak said that the city had tried the bidding process in the past and it had not worked out well.

Councilmen Robinson and Loya were concerned about the financing of the purchases, especially the length of time needed to pay off the cost.

"The purchase of police cars was better served going to a business that sold them on a regular basis with special equipment needed included in the overall price," Pippen said.

Pippen explained that the city was working on getting enough funds on a yearly basis in the budget to cover such large purchases, but it couldn’t be done now.

After more discussion, the council approved buying one 2008 police car and the needed maintenance equipment for a price not to exceed $120,000. Councilman Leroy Skloss made the motion to purchase the car and equipment with financing as stated above. Councilwoman Lillian Lyssy seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Pippen assured the council that future budget planning could allow the inclusion of capital equipment replacement.