Smiley City Council suggests beautification, swears in new alderman

In the city management report during Smiley’s City Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 19, suggestions were brought up on “cleaning up” the City of Smiley. Issues regarding beautification included cracked roads and a lack of decorative scenery within the area.

The decision comes after Mayor Lisa Benavidez attended Texas Municipal League classes and spoke with other mayors within Smiley’s subdivision about how to run the city.

“It’s very educational, we all went for a reason to serve the City of Smiley,” Benavidez said. “There was a picture on one of the boards that (showed) photos of how Smiley used to be, lots of cars and traffic. I need your help so we can make Smiley that beautiful, bring people in — so that when people pass by, they won’t say Smiley is dead. When you drive into Smiley, what do you see? You see nothing.”

After speaking with contractors for the City of Smiley, Benavidez said in the management report that much of the cracked terrain, located primarily on Lee and Commerce street, primarily had to do with the pathway of water. Benavidez also suggested sending out letters to Smiley citizens informing those who drive big semi-trucks to refrain from parking on the road for extended periods of time.

“If you have a bigger truck, park somewhere like the fire station,” Benavidez said.

The Council did suggest to citizens to feel free to get decorative with their city, with a big focus on local businesses and the promotion of it.

“We need to bring back out local businesses,” Benavidez said. “I’m also asking local businesses to consider decorating for Christmas.”

During the utilities report, Wellborn No. 1 pump did stop working for a period of time and was pulled and found to be clogged with rag and burned wires; the pump is now back in service.

Newly appointed Alderman Lori Price was also sworn in by Municipal Court Judge Gary Schroeder. Schroeder did say a few words thanking the Council for his 40 years of service.

Smiley’s next City Council meeting will be livestreamed on Gonzales Inquirer’s Facebook page and Mayor Benavidez does expect a bigger turnout. The council meets every third Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m.