• Sonny Long •
• Originally published January 9, 2009 at 11:47 p.m., updated January 9, 2009 at 11:47 p.m.

CUERO - Residents in the county seat of DeWitt County who want to watch their city council in action but can't attend meetings will soon have the opportunity on the local government access channel.

Citing the importance of transparency in city government, Cuero Mayor Randy Saenz proposed that the twice-monthly meetings be taped and rebroadcast via the city's cable channel.

"I believe it's important for the city of Cuero to start televising council meetings so the citizens can get all the facts. Unfortunately, a lot of times people come to meetings and get bits and pieces and when they relay those pieces, they miss a lot of the important details. Citizens often get the wrong impression," Saenz said. "By televising and putting them on our Web site and archiving them, we're able to educate the citizens more and give them more power as far as what questions to ask. Basically, a more informed community. Transparency is important."

The council unanimously approved the proposal Thursday.

The city hopes to broadcast the recorded meetings at least twice a week on its local government access channel on Time Warner Cable Channel 3. Currently, the municipal channel is used to provide information to the public regarding city activities, meetings, public notices and emergency information.

Preliminary cost estimates for the project are $3,175 for the installation of a new sound system in council chambers and the recording software. The camera and personal computer needed are estimated at $1,500, said interim city manager Marie Gelles.

In addition, a projector to be used for PowerPoint presentations in council chambers is being looked into. The equipment being installed can be used for training purposes as well as recording council meetings, explained the mayor.

The city's electric department is installing additional fiber-optic cable in support of the project. The meetings could be available for viewing in about 60 days.

The council voted 6-1, with David Ruiz voting against, to authorize the mayor and city attorney James Crain to finalize the employment agreement with Gelles to become permanent city manager .

The council also approved changes to rental and cleaning fees at the city's municipal park clubhouse and Daule Park clubhouse. At Daule, the rental fee increased from $15 to $35. The cleaning fee increased from $20 to $50. At the city park clubhouse, the rental fee is now $50, up from $20, and the cleanup fee is also $50, which was unchanged. There is also an hourly charge for rental at each location. Parks superintendent David Danish presented the proposed changes, and the council voted 6-1 to approve them. Councilwoman Shirley Riemenschneider voted against, saying she thought the increases were too high.

• Cuero Christmas tree pickup

  Cuero sanitation department workers will pick up Christmas trees next week. Residents should put them out by their dumpsters or usual pick up locations.

  Residents on the west side of Esplanade Street will have ...

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Cuero Christmas tree pickup

Cuero sanitation department workers will pick up Christmas trees next week. Residents should put them out by their dumpsters or usual pick up locations.

Residents on the west side of Esplanade Street will have trees picked up on Tuesday and Wednesday and trees on the east side of Esplanade Street will be picked up on Thursday and Friday.

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