By Meara Isenberg
Staff Writer
@mearaannee
On the evening of September 22nd, a dog in a coat, tiny Boy Scouts and rows of policemen filled the first floor room of Coppell City Hall. The small audience at this month’s City Council meeting would soon find out what brought all of these people into the same room.
The evening began with the pledge of allegiance, then Coppell Mayor Karen Hunt proceeded with the first item on the night’s agenda- Fire Prevention Week.
Hunt first proclaimed October 4-10, 2015 as Fire Prevention Week, a week observed nationwide since 1922, throughout Coppell.
“I… urge all the people of Coppell to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home to support the many safety activities and efforts of Fire and Emergency Services during that week, Fire Prevention Week, 2015,” Hunt said.
Deputy Fire Chief Tim Oats made his way up to the podium to add his thoughts to the proclamation.
“We need everyone to get that done, it’s very important,” Oats said. “We don’t want any fire fatalities in the city of Coppell. We need you to heed the proclamation that the mayor read. Hear the beep, where you sleep.”
Next up to the podium were two Coppell policemen and their costumed companions, National Night Out Knight and Mcgruff the crime dog.
Hunt next declared Tuesday Oct 6, 2015 as the 24th anniversary of National Night Out in the city of Coppell.
“The annual National Night Out Provides a unique opportunity for Coppell to join forces with thousands of other communities throughout the country in promoting cooperative police and community drug prevention efforts,” Hunt said.
She then turned the mic over to Officer Peter Dirks, who spoke on behalf of his furry friend, Mcgruff.
“We look forward to seeing y’all out there,” Dirks said. “I guarantee we have a block party in your neighborhood, so check with your [Homeowners Association]. They’re all over the city.”
Following Dirks was Chair of Coppell Farmers Market Committee Karen Pearsall, who had an update on the status of the market and announced big things coming in 2015.
“A project that we are working with the city on is a TV show for the city’s cable channel,” Pearsall said. “This is going to feature the market and the community gardens. We finally have it in the works. We’ve got the first pilots almost finished so be on the lookout for that.”
After these announcements, the Council moved on to the consent agenda.
“The second time to speak is when there is an item on the agenda,” Director of Planning for the City of Coppell Gary Sieb said. “Anything on the agenda, you are speaking to them in favor of it, opposed to it, if you have a question.”
Sieb was hoping to get the support of the Council for a new subdivision relation.
“The council has to approve everything before it becomes a petition ordinance,” Sieb said. “So if they pass it on the agenda this evening, then we have a new set of regulations which really help developers getting through that whole process of development in the city.”
City manager reports, Council Committee Reports, and Public Service Announcements then wrapped up the rest of the meeting, and then the council was adjourned.