Bertram shows appreciation, gratitude to Charles Shell

BERTRAM — Mayor JoAnn Stephens and the City Council gave many thanks to Utilities Superintendent Charles Shell for his three decades of service during their meeting this week. 

Shell observed his 30th year as a Bertram employee last month. 

As the Bertram water, sewer, solid-waste systems administrator and building and street inspector, many long-time residents believe he has helped the city steadily improve since he rolled up his sleeves and began work as a no-frills laborer in 1978. 

“I appreciate you as much as anybody,” Stephens told Shell during the Tuesday meeting at City Hall. 

“We are blessed to have an employee with such loyalty,” Stephens added. “We are looking forward to 30 more years.” 

“I am, too,” Shell quipped. 

To celebrate his long service, Shell received a large cake and a deer rifle from admirers. 

“Don’t shoot me,” Shell joked as Stephens presented the rifle to him. 

As the session continued, Shell introduced Melodie Bradbury to the council as the new Water Department clerk. 

“I think Melodie will do a good job,” Shell said. 

Turning to other matters, the council authorized Shell to request from the U.S. Department of Agriculture a low-interest, long-term loan to the city for the purchase and installation of emergency generators at the water plant, the main sewer lift station and City Hall. 

The loan may cost around $10,000, not counting the cost of transfer switches, propane tanks and other gear, Shell estimated. 

“If we can’t pay for it, maybe they will bail us out,” Shell quipped. 

In other business, the council authorized Shell to purchase a 60-month extended warranty for $3,532 for the new backhoe the city recently procured from the New Holland Construction dealership in Pflugerville. 

A backhoe is a vehicle used for excavation that includes a digging bucket at the end of an extended arm. 

In response to a question from Mayor Pro-tem L.O. Pogue, Shell said he would ask the dealership if they accept monthly payments on the warranty. 

Also during the meeting, the council authorized Shell to “research the possibility” of payment from the city Capital Recovery Fee Fund to connect 500 feet of 6-inch pipe between the Roach well field to the Campo Colinas subdivision. 

Labor for the project may cost about $10,000 and may take about 30 days to complete, Shell said. 

Before the meeting ended, the council:

n Agreed to sell a 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck owned by the city for $2,500. 

n Agreed to sponsor the “Old Time Christmas Festival” Nov. 29.

n Authorized Shell to “secure the lights” to the city baseball fields with more sufficient locks.

Total bank balances for the city totaled more than $755,900 through October, according to the treasurer’s report submitted by City Secretary Polly Krenek. 

The council voted to cancel the Nov. 25 meeting because of Thanksgiving on Nov. 27.

raymond@thepicayune.com

Photo by Raymond V. Whelan