The Visit

The Visit

by

Jeffrey J. Ortiz

Nederland City Councilman Tim Sheffield made a visit to my workplace on Monday to discuss my recent editorial titled "Nederland: We Have A Problem". Feel free to read it if you haven't done so already.

It was said that someone [no name given] is upset with what I wrote. So, after the "talk" I went back to see what exactly I wrote that was so upsetting.

What I did was state facts. State that citizens from Parkway Village area are concerned about response time by emergency responders. Let me make myself clear...we don't need one station....we need two. [I'm not sure if everyone got that.] So, I speak up and people get mad. I love it! I was contacted by a local politician (no not the uncle) and this person told me "if I'm only making one person mad I'm not doing enough". Funny how that was stated before I met with Mr. Sheffield.

During the talk I was told that their are steps that the city must take in order to be able to afford more personnel for the Police and Fire Departments.

One step that was mentioned that had to be completed before adding more personnel was to finish up the highway 69 mall project [the old sunset village area that was announced October 12, 2004], apartment project, etc. Yes, your read that right! More Apartments!

I understand before the city can add any more personnel there must be money for that. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out. What I'm concerned about is having another China, Texas situation or something worse. I would hate for the city to have a deficit but what I would hate even more would be for a situation to arise that would effect the well being of our citizens.

Another statement that was made was that the "city is not interested in bond issues" etc. I'm guessing that was in reference to my statement of "bring it to the voters".

In my last campaign, I spoke about building a Police and Fire substation and with that came a lot of researching. What people don't know is this. For years there has been talk about building another station. The talk dates back for I think about ten or more years.

The issue was brought up again in June of 2005 by County Judge Carl Griffith in a story done by KFDM - TV

After the story broke, City Council discussed this issue on two occasions:

June 13, 2005 - Andre' Wimer, City Manager, responded to a statement made on the local television stations by Jefferson County Judge Carl Griffith regarding the possibility of the City of Nederland or the City of Port Arthur annexing the airport fire station. Mr. Wimer stated that this was proposed several years ago and City staff researched the pros and cons of annexing any portion of the airport property. It was learned that FAA regulations require airport firefighters to be on the premises at all times, therefore, it would not be feasible for the City to annex it. They would not be allowed to provide fire service throughout the City. The property is not taxable, therefore, we would be assuming a $500,000 to $600,000 expense and placing that burden on the taxpayers. Mayor Pro Tem Neal stated that he feels the City should at least consider doing something at or near the airport property. Mr. Wimer replied that he will place at item on the next agenda for further discussion.

June 27, 2005 - Andre' Wimer, City Manager, explained that the item to discuss fire protection at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport was placed on the agenda at the request of the Council during the last meeting. He stated that this was a result of a comment made by Jefferson County Judge Carl Griffith regarding the possible annexation of the airport fire department by the City of Nederland or the City of Port Arthur. Mr. Wimer added that this possibility was researched by City staff several years ago and at that time it was discovered that FAA regulations require fire fighting personnel be on site at all times. Expenditures would be $500,000 to $600,000 per year and the property would be nontaxable, therefore, the burden would be placed on our citizens. He stated that he could set up a meeting between the Judge Griffith, City Council, and the NEDC Director if they would like to further discuss the issue with the County. Councilmember Neal stated that due to the expected growth in the area he would at least like to discuss the possibility with them. Mr. Wimer stated that he would try to arrange a meeting as soon as possible.

County sources tell me that the meeting was held and the last time they met with Nederland about taking the airport Hwy 69 frontage road & Fire Department they felt the fire department at the airport would be too expensive for them.

This problem in our city is a good problem to have. It means Nederland is growing. Nederland is thriving. We are no longer a small city sandwich between Port Arthur and Beaumont.

So the question is simply this.....will we wait another ten years or will we look at the big picture and do what's right for the citizens?

To Nederland City Council:
If you were offended, my apologies. However, I will continue to stand up for this issue.