Georgetown City Council wrap up for Feb. 23, 2010

Georgetown City Council wrap up for Feb. 23, 2010

By Matt Painter Thursday, 25 February 2010

GEORGETOWN — Following an executive session meeting earlier in the evening, Georgetown City Council members began their regular meeting Feb. 23 by unanimously approving the hiring of Wayne Nero as the new chief of police. Nero is currently the assistant police chief in DeSoto, located south of Dallas, where he has served for the past 16 years. Nero was selected from a pool of more than 180 candidates and is expected to start in mid-April.

Interim Police Chief Brent Schacherl presented the Life Saving Award to Detective Eric Wise at the meeting. Wise was honored for his actions on July 29, 2009. A robbery suspect fleeing officers from the Austin Police Department was shot by a Williamson County sheriff’s deputy near the intersection of Williams Drive and IH 35. Wise, who is a certified emergency medical technician, provided treatment which saved the suspect’s life.

The council also voted unanimously to enter into negotiations with San Gabriel Partners, LLP, for the sale of the Alberston's building located south of Williams Drive on Austin Avenue. The city initially purchased the building in 2009 with the original intent of relocating some city departments to the building. The council did not reveal what purpose the building might serve once under new ownership.

Councilman Gabe Sansing directed staff to revisit the ordinance requiring all dogs to be on a leash when not in a fenced yard. Sansing's said some dog owners utilize underground “invisible [electric] fences” to restrain their pets and therefore the ordinance is not necessary in some instances.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 6 p.m.