Whether skill-game machines can operate inside Quitman became a topic of discussion at the Sept. 29 Quitman City Council meeting after a local business owner asked the city what he needs to do to put his machines back into operation.
Frank Hermani, owner of Star Mart on Highway 154 West, told the council his machines had been shut down by the city and asked whether he could obtain a permit or take other steps to resume operating them.
“I had my machines going there and they got shut down by the city. I was wondering if there is any way we can reopen those games. I’m sure there will be a fee and permit, I just want to be able to plug my machines back up. I know many cities around here allow it. I want to be able to give 20% of what I get from those games to the local fire department. The skill games are considered legal by the state, and yes, you can win money,” Hermani said.
Hermani has a state permit but said he needs approval from the city.
Hermani said customers come into Star Mart to shop and often spend time waiting for food orders. The store is also home to Little Caesars Pizza, Krispy Krunchy Chicken and La Luna Mexican food. A 24-hour laundromat is on the property.
The council went into executive session to discuss the matter. Upon returning, Mayor Randy Dunn told Hermani to submit an application to the city.
“What we are recommended is for an application and we will determine what we will do on our end. You aren’t the only one in town, I understand there are some sitting in the same place you are,” Dunn said.
No final decision on allowing the machines was made during the meeting.
In other business, the council adopted a property tax rate of 45.31 cents per $100 valuation, which is lower than last year’s rate. The rate includes 33.94 cents for maintenance and operations and 11.37 cents for debt service.
After months of study and public input, the council also approved a comprehensive zoning ordinance and revised zoning map for the city.
The council approved an ordinance establishing authorized police positions following a presentation by Interim Police Chief Guy McKee. The ordinance authorizes one police chief, one captain, one lieutenant, one sergeant, one corporal, two police officers and one part-time police officer. It also allows for one school resource corporal, one school resource police officer, one reserve sergeant and one reserve officer.
The council also approved an ordinance allowing metal detecting in Jim Hogg City Park on a limited basis.
“This will be done on a limited basis. We don’t want it to look like a bunch of gopher holes out there so we must regulate it,” City Administrator Alan Gilbert said.
Another ordinance approved by the council requires residents and business owners to display their physical addresses on their homes or businesses where they can be seen.
Library Director Delene Allen reported the library now has 5,551 members, including 2,240 from Quitman and 3,246 from elsewhere in the county.
The Quitman Fire Department reported responding to 26 fires and three motor vehicle accidents. Five calls were within the city and 68 were in the county. The department also provided assistance to other departments 28 times.
Gene Keenan of Republic Services presented the city with a $1,000 donation.
“We try to be able to donate 1,000 to the city, $500 to the Fire Department and $500 to the Quitman Police Department,” Keenan said.
The council meets the fourth Tuesday of every month.