Oak Ridge North swears in council, OKs city improvements

Elizabeth Harrell, Oak Ridge North’s city secretary, administered the oath of office to re-elected Council Members Clint McClaren and Frances Planchard along with newly elected Council Member Heather Smoot at the May 22 Oak Ridge North City Council meeting.

Also on the agenda

According to Director of Economic Development Jordan Buras, the new website is nearing completion. Final edits are underway, such as including a calendar and improving functionality.

The city is looking into a “promising endeavor” with Sam Houston State University regarding a design for a master sidewalk plan around the city. While the partnership may not cover the implementation of a design, it will give the city a clearer vision for potential future projects, City Manager Heather Neeley said.

In other news

The city also approved a pay module from Tyler Technologies that will allow residents to pay bills online, by phone and by text. The upgrade will add a $1.25 transaction fee per online transaction; however, residents can still pay in the office with check or cash to avoid the transaction fee.

The fee schedule will not go into effect until the module is installed, and Neeley said there will be a 30-day notice for residents before the fee is in place.