City Council Wrap-up: May 6, 2021

City recognizes National Police Week 

The Temple City Council recognized National Police Week by reading a proclamation honoring the occasion. 
 
National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. 

Council celebrates Temple Fire & Rescue founding 

Temple City Council recognized May 9 as Temple Fire & Rescue's Founders Day. 
 
The department was organized in 1883 and consisted of two companies initially -- Black's Ladder & Hose Company (H.C. Black was the foreman) and The Watchful Hose Company No. 1. 
 
The department relied solely on volunteers, but over the years added horse-drawn equipment, motorized trucks and paid firefighters. Today, Temple Fire & Rescue has 122 sworn firefighters. 

Council extends outdoor dining program 

The council also extended a pilot program allowing outdoor dining and seating in downtown. 
 
The outdoor dining program was established to help business owners cope with and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. At the direction of the City Manager, City Staff drafted an ordinance extending the pilot program for another six months, as well as amending the pilot program ordinance’s terms to make the ordinance simpler to read and understand and to make it easier for downtown business owners and mobile food unit operators to take advantage of this program.  
 
For details on this item, see item 9 in the council packet.  

Council approves vehicle upgrades after Winter Storm Uri 

The council approved the purchase of eight 4x4 vehicles that will have the ability to serve community needs in inclement weather situations. The vehicles will replace eight older 4x2 vehicles within the City’s fleet that were scheduled for replacement. 
 
On March 4, 2021, Council authorized the rejection of the original bids for purchase of these eight vehicles to allow staff to re-bid these vehicles to include all-weather capabilities due to the lack of 4x4 City vehicles available during Winter Storm Uri. In the case of inclement weather, these vehicles may be assigned to various departments to best fulfill the needs of our community. 
 
For more details on this item, see item 5(B) in the council packet.