Status of Itasca
We continue to make improvements to our city water and sewer systems, through the management services of Bowman H2O. Clean up, as always is an on going process. We hope to make this spring and summer our cleanest ever.
We are working with an engineer and grant writer on a grant for a new city well, water/sewer lines, fire hydrants, etc. It is looking pretty good, but even if we get it, it will be approximately another full year before the work can get underway. The grant would enable us to redirect our funds back to our streets and other needs.
City Hall cannot tell you enough how much they appreciate everyone's efforts to make Itasca beautiful. You are making a difference in your community.
Itasca Police Department
The Itasca Police Department has undergone recent changes that have included an expansion of duties.
Some citizens are calling city hall when they need a police officer and important time is lost, because city employees must then call the police department and relay the message. Be sure to dial 911 for all emergencies. The non-emergency phone number is still the same, 687-2020; citizens must call that number if the need assistance.
Police Chief John P. Griscavage, Itasca Police Chief, states his priorities, "I plan, to actively combat the drug activity and handle the complaints of traffic violations by encouraging more aggressive traffic stops. With the assistance of six other full-time officers the department has addressed each of these issues in an aggressive manner.
The department started patrolling the Interstate-35 corridor adjacent to the city limits, with very positive results, as they are responsible for an increase in drug arrests and a decrease in illegal activity in our town.
The Police Department continues to vigilantly keep watch to ensure the safety of each and every Itascan.
Municipal Court
Mrs. Cindee Garret and Mrs. Lisa Chavez stay hard at work answering phone calls, filing tickets, and keeping records of cases. "I enjoy working as a court clerk," Chavez said. "I learn something new everyday."
The monthly case load is approximately 584 cases filed with the court clerk. The revenue that comes from these cases, in the form of fines, is deposited into the general fund and used for city administration. The majority of the cases that go before Judge Gropp have received a judgment of guilty or innocent. Very few cases are dismissed.
Itasca Fire Department - EMS - 911
The Itasca Fire Department was founded in 1876 and has been serving the citizens of Itasce proudly ever since. The fire department started out with 01 Hose Company and a few members. In November of 2005, the City of Itasca purchased a new engine to continue serving its citizens effectively and to respond adaquately to all calls. The fire engine is always a big hit with the children at annual Homecoming, Christmas, and Cinco de Mayo parades.
Currently there are approximately 22 members. The department is always looking for new volunteers to serve in whatever capacity they can. If you are interested in learning more about the department, or have questions about the service provided or would like to become a member, please feel free to contact, Fire Chief, Chris Shuffield, at 254-687-2588. Citizens should call this number if they need assistance.
The Department thanks its supporters and encourages everyone to continue to support this vital service. Contributions and/or donations may be made at anytime to Itasca Fire Department, 126 North Hill Street, Itasca, Texas 76055.
Streets
During the summer of 2003 the City repaired most of the streets in Itasca and the city crew is working hard to keep the roads in good repair. All of the "Mill Block" streets were repaired and most of the other Itasca streets were graded, packed and a topcoat or seal-coat was added to the surface. The majority of these repaired streets are holding up well with just occasional minor repairs.
When heavy vehicles run off the side of a street and then pull back onto the street, they cause the side to crumble. This crumbling then expands and causes pot-holes. If there are areas in your neighborhood that are starting to deteriorate, call City Hall at 687-2201 and report the problem before it becomes a huge hole.
Water and Sewer Department
The City of Itasca is working hard to improve the water and sewer service to its citizens. After September 1, 2003, the City Council hired David Bowman's H2O to watch over the water and sewer-operations.
The breaks in the water lines and sewer problems have been held to minimum under the watchful eye of Maintenance Supervisor Albert Arellano. Arellano and his team are in charge of water repairs, changing road signs, minor pot-holes, and keeping wild animals off the streets. The city maintenance crew of Ben Patrick, Carlos Brito, and Grady Rodriquez stay busy keeping Itasca's infrastructure operating as efficient as possible.
Community Welcomes New Construction
Driving down the smooth, newly paved roads, any Itascan can see that the face of Itasca is getting a change, a change for the better.
The Spurgeon, Milford and Heather Heights areas are seeing an increase in activity. As two brick homes are under construction at the corner of Spurgeon and Milford Streets and four more have been surveyed and staked out in the S. King and Spurgeon area. These homes will be a big boost for the town as well as the area. Six new homes added to the tax roll is a plus for the community as a whole and the new homes will also enhance that area.
Itasca needs businesses and they are coming gradually. In the last five years the downtown area has welcomed numerous businesses including: a Dollar General store, donut shop, a storage facility, beauty shop, candle shop; antique shop, insurance and realty company, and a much needed health clinic.
The outskirts of Itasca continue to grow and develop. A large storage rental facility was built on FM 66 and the latest business addition, SmartStop located on 1-35 and FM 934. These businesses added to Itasca's tax base but also to the appeal when potential companies and people investigate the opportunities of locating in Itasca.
Besides the construction of new homes and, businesses the owners of existing structures have been working to spruce up their property and tear down dangerous and uninhabited buildings.
Sincerely,
Mark Gropp, City Administrator, City of Itasca
