Street conditions, the Front Street Parking Lot project and a full slate of September events were among the topics discussed by the Mineola City Council during its Monday, Aug. 24, meeting.
The council received an update on an ongoing street condition survey, with members asked to review a road list and identify priority streets in each ward. City Manager Cindy Karch said staff will identify roads in the worst condition before incorporating them into the draft comprehensive plan.
Karch also gave an update on the Front Street Parking Lot project. Discussions with the Texas Department of Transportation are ongoing, and Karch said the project is “95% complete” and nearing the point where it can go out for bid.
She also noted that changes to the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget will be posted on the city’s website.
Several events are planned in Mineola during September, beginning with Rock the Pines over Labor Day weekend. Karch said 4,000 tickets have already been sold for the festival, with a large turnout expected.
The Mineola Farmers Market will operate during regular hours Saturday, Sept. 5, and local first responders will host the mini train from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. City offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, for Labor Day.
City Clean-Up Day and the Iron Horse Festival are both scheduled for Sept. 19.
Karch also praised city crews for their work repairing two recent water line breaks during extreme heat. Crews began repairs at 4:30 a.m. She said shifting dry ground likely contributed to the breaks, which did not cause a major disruption to city services.
Mayor Jayne Lankford presented a proclamation designating Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week. Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution attended the presentation.
Lankford called the DAR members the “keepers of our liberty” and noted that this year marks the 239th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the July 27 regular meeting and Aug. 10 special meeting, the July financial report and monthly department head reports. Mayor Pro Tem Terry Eaton made the motion, which was seconded by Councilman Alexander.
Karch also recognized city employees Jennifer Henson and Felicia Condry for completing additional professional training. Condry earned certification as a Level 1 court clerk. Lankford commended city employees for continuing their education.
No one spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Before adjournment, Lankford thanked city staff and council members for their work as the city continues finalizing its budget. She described balancing municipal needs and completing the budget as “the hardest thing we do.”
The council’s next special meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 14, followed by the next regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21.