Dallam, Hartley Counties and City of Dalhart Join together On Rita Blanca Lake Project
Wednesday,
August 1, 2001 Article in the Dalhart Daily Texan
A large group of residents and members of the Dallam and Hartley County Commissioners, City Council members and the Dalhart Economic Development Board were on hand last night in the Dalhart High School Commons Area to discuss a renovation proposal for the Rita Blanca Lake area.
Mayor Gene Rahll called the special meeting of the City Council of Dalhart to order. About 75 were in attendance.
The mayor called on Scot Renick with the Dalhart Economic Development Board (DEDB) to speak. Renick explained where the funds originate. The money raised is from sales tax proceeds. Originally the money was used to pay off the Dalhart Prison Unit, which has been done. The surveys that the DEDB sent out earlier this year had a 12% response, which is very good, and the majorities wanted something done the Rita Blanca Lake property.
Renick said through the joint funding of the two counties, the City and DEDB that this can work.
Mayor Rahll went over the proposal with the group, which as in a pamphlet handed out to those present.
The Proposal suggests remodeling an expanding of the Coliseum, landscaping and beautification, baseball field and park area, recreational and playground facilities upgrades and improve infrastructures. One of the main the main topics was the City regaining control of the Lake Property.
The Proposal from the Economic Development Board read in part “The Dalhart Economic Development is proposing that the City of Dalhart consider taking over the ownership and control of the same land areas that were originally transferred to Dallam and Hartley Counties in 1957. Furthermore, that the City of Dalhart also assume administrative responsibility for the various activities that are currently taking place within this land area.
Additionally, that Dallam and Hartley Counties continue to fund the overall operations of the Rita Blanca Lake Area at their current levels, that the City of Dalhart also commit to undertake additional future funding requirements. The Dalhart Economic Development Corporation will provide the funding for capital improvement, along with grants etc, and additionally, provide operating funds as necessary.
The Major said the land that the Hartley County Barn is located on would remain theirs for their equipment they keep stored in the barn.
City Manager Greg Duggan said that all money taken in would go back into the Lake improvement fund. He stressed that the Lake will not be pumped with water and that the Lake will never return to its former status years ago. When the Counties shut off the wells that were feeding the Lake a study showed that the water being pumped in did not even cover 1/3 of the evaporation.
A Dallam Co. Commissioner asked about the police jurisdiction. The City will patrol the area with help form Hartley Co. that now has jurisdiction said Sheriff Franky Scott. He said that Dallam Co. also comes to assist when needed.
Mayor Rahll called on each of the Judges, all the Commissioners present, the City Council members and the DEDB members present and then opened the questions to the public. All but one Commissioner was present and all of the City Council was present.
Dallam Co. Judge David Field told the group that there is a lot of liability at the Lake in many of the areas. The liability must be watched.
Judge Field said “I’m all for it, a fantastic opportunity.”
Hartley Co. Judge Ronnie Gordon said that the fishing pond is good asset. “I am pretty much in favor of this, got a lot of questions.”
Hartley Co. Commissioner Jim Yoder said that the Lake area is slowly losing ground every year, something needs to be done and he said he was in favor to his proposal.
The Counties discussed funding. Glenn Reagan, Dallam Co. said he liked the sound of the program and for the City taking over which is good for the City and surrounding towns of the Panhandle. He said he was not for spending money to help maintain it.
Andy Michael, Hartley Co. said he was in support of the idea but wants to be sure and hold the County Barn for Hartley Co.
R. B. Reynolds, Hartley Co. said he was for the program “up to a point with the problem being the County paying their part.”
Don Bowers, Dallam Co. was in favor of the proposal with some reservations.
Oscar Przilas, Dallam Co. I’m, basically in favor of this with suggestions or two. One, review the amount of funding periodically, every five years or so. I have a great deal of respect for the City Government. Two, he said he was concerned about real estate being sold for development in the future.
Council member Lola Barrow said she thought the idea was good. She said they walk out there usually daily and would like to see improvements.
Council member Zelda Lang said she was for it 100% and thought they need to enter into this project.
Council member Paul Henderson said, “We need to go forward, we’re all in this together, we’re all a resident of one county or another, pull together as a community, make everyone happy. The questionnaires were studied carefully with this being one of the wishes of the community. Some things need to be addressed.”
New council member Mark Brown said that Henderson had said about all he had wanted to say and that he thought it was a great thing. “Once a year (XIT) people come to Dalhart and see the park area. We need to all work together and get it done.”
Jerry Sneary, also a new council member, said, “I make multiple trips to the lake and wonder why something isn’t happening. A beautiful area, always bothered by nothing was being done. I am pleased that people have some vision, and am excited about doing something.”
Danny Smallwood, City Council member said that with the Counties and City working together the area would flourish. “There is no reason why the two counties and city cannot collectively put their monies together.”
Fidel Olivarez, City Council, said with the State improving Highway 287 “We can do good and benefit everyone one way or another.”
Dean Graham, City Council, “My constituents said it all. It is a positive thing.”
Joe Ellis who is on the DED Board said that when the County talks about putting money in the project it is a very positive thing. “Your residents will appreciate it. The City has done an excellent job on maintaining the parks and I can see nothing less than that around the lake-excellent opportunity.”
George Odom, DECB, explained about the City changing from Corp. A to Corp. B about a year and a half ago so that there could be better use of the money for other projects in Corp. B than there was in Corp. A.
Patsi Lowe, also a member of the Board said she was in favor and that many did not realize the amount of wildlife at the Lake and those that enjoy it. “We need to attract people here, need to work as a group,” she said.
Chamber president P .J. Pronger said he had two words for it “tremendous opportunity.” Dalhart is a place that is progressive and that work together, come to a common ground, makes Dalhart a cut above other cities their size in the states.”
Renick said there was some confusion on the Commission that will be formed with representatives from each of the four entities. This Commission will work on a reasonable budget and then will then go back to the funding partners, the two counties, City to approve this budget. Then the DEDB will put in the most money for the project. The project will not be done in a week, month, or in a year, but will take many years to accomplish all that they want to do.
Carl Scofield asked what would happen to the XIT Rangers. They have a 99-year lease. The City Manager and the Mayor told him that there would be no change, saying “Stay right where you are!”
J. Eddie Jones said that right now at the senior center, there are two new families in Dalhart. They were traveling from the East coast to the West coast, stopped in Dalhart, liked it and have retired here.
Jim Stevenson said he wanted the park to be open to everyone, especially kids, a place where they can go.
C.L. Jones, Doyle Hanbury, Barbara Dawkins, Jerry Hunter, Dyke Rodgers, and Bill McMurray all had favorable comments, and were all in favor of the proposal.
Trees and water were a topic of discussion, along with a suggestion by the City Manager for a large covered pavilion similar to the one at the City Swimming Pool Park for Family Reunions, Church Groups, and others to use.
McMurray said that he was very disappointed with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, as they had not done what they said that they would do when they took over a portion of the area. He said that he had been in touch with them just recently.
Others spoke up on re-opening an area for motorcycles and ATVs.
The two counties’ Sheriffs and the Chief of Police all spoke, and were in favor of the proposal. Chief Sanford said that there was no concern with law enforcement in that area, “With the department heads that we have now, we will work together, and we will help each other.”
J. Eddie said he had another comment; “I am not a native, but came here in 1936, we have come a long ways but have a long ways to go. Let’s saddle up and move forward.”
The Mayor asked, “Where do we go from here Commissioners?”
Judge Field called the Bi-County Commissioners into session and made a motion seconded by Don Bowers that “Tonight we go ahead with the project”. The motion passed. Judge Field also said “It is important that we go forward and meet again to work out the details.”
Mayor Rahll asked for a motion from the City. Paul Henderson made a motion to go forward and join with the two counties. The motion was seconded by three council members and was voted unanimously to go forward with the project.
Don Bowers made a motion to give the Lake to the City of Dalhart, and budget $30,000 each, subject to final details in the contract. The motion was seconded by Judge Field and passed six to three. Voting against the motion was R.B. Reynolds, Andy Michaels, and Glen Reagan.
The meeting was then voted to adjourn following a motion and a second.