City council hires new city administrator

The Tea City Council met Aug. 21 and approved the hiring of a new city administrator.

They approved the hiring of Justin Weiland as city administrator beginning Sept. 18 at $150,000 a year.

The Tea Chamber for Development proposed a budget for 2024. The proposed budget includes an estimate for a large digital sign at Gateway Boulevard and Heritage Parkway at a cost of $75,000 that the group wants the city to help fund. The chamber also proposed a new tiered system for member dues they want to launch in December.

The chamber is planning a Christmas tree lighting and shop local campaign around Thanksgiving.

The council did not take any action on the budget requests at this meeting.

The council approved the site plan and building plan for Sundowner flex buildings at 2001 Industrial St. The plans are for retail and office spaces. One building will have about 13,000 square feet spread out among six units. The other building will have four units that are about 1,900 square feet each.

In the consent agenda, the council approved the building permit for I-29 RV showroom remodel, as well as a building permit for an addition at I-29 RV. They also approved an interior build for G&T Gaming at 108 Venture Place, Unit 400. The council approved the plat for lots 3-15, block 5 and lots 5, 6 and 13, block 6 in Serenity Park Addition.

Additionally, the council approved the audit engagement letter with Williams & Company P.C. and the Confluence construction administration agreement for professional services for the Athletic Complex.

Councilman Lynn DeYoung brought forth a resolution to repeal Resolution 21-01-01, a resolution establishing a special tax classification. DeYoung feels that the resolution that has been used as a mechanism for economic development by giving businesses a significant tax break for the first few years is no longer needed. He said they do not need help selling lots.

Developer Woody Houser, who was in attendance at the meeting, disagreed. He thought the city should expand the resolution to attract businesses and look forward to the future.

The council wanted to see more numbers and see what other communities in the area do. The council did not take any action at this meeting.

They approved the pay applications for the Tea Athletic Complex phase 4 from LT Companies for $252,270.25 and the regionalization wastewater pump station and force main from Metro Construction for $470,071.53.

During public comment, Houser noted that they will start doing blacktop this week in his development. Twinhome lots have been sold on the south side of the road. They will be bringing in more dirt to get those lots graded.

The council approved the cash transfers and closeout fund balance for 2022.The council adjourned at 7:59 p.m.