City taking action to save Linden clinic

By Angela Guillory
aguillory@casscountynow.com

Linden City Council voiced concerns about the hospital’s recent announcement that it will soon be closing. In an effort to keep the clinic open, council agreed to allow the city administrator to offer tax abatements / incentives to potential buyers of the healthcare facilities.
Alderman Pat Roberson agreed the city needs to do whatever it takes to keep the clinic open in Linden.
The City Administrator Robbie Hood has been in negotiations with three interested parties to keep the clinic and rehab facility open. The hospital and clinic are to close  on April 30.
“It is such a blow to our community to lose that facility,” Roberson said. “I think we need to do whatever it takes to keep the clinic, at the very least, and hope that rehab and 24-hour call emergency services.”
Alderman Kenny Hamilton agreed.
The mayor signed two proclamations; one declaring the month of April as Fair Housing month and the other declaring the month of May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.
 Aldermen not present were Holly Wall and Chuck Evans.
Council took action on three resolutions. A resolution authorizing designated signators for contractual documents for requesting funds pertaining to the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program Contract 713094.
The mayor and the city administrator are authorized to execute contractual documents between the Texas Department of Agriculture
and the city Texas Community Development Block Grant program to provide Comprehensive Planning Studies.
A resolution Adopting Section 3 Local Opportunity Plan for the Texas Community Development Block Grant was signed.
The city’s participation in the TXCDBG Program requires that it strive to attain goals for compliance to Section 3 regulations by increasing opportunities for employment and by contracting with Section 3 residents and businesses within its jurisdictional boundaries in accordance with an adopted Section 3 Local Opportunity Plan.
A resolution was signed stating it is the city’s policy to prohibit the use of excessive force by the law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction against any individual engaged in nonviolent civil rights demonstrations.
The county also prohibits the physical barring of any entrance to, or exit from, such a facility within its jurisdiction.
In items of interest, Linden Chamber of Commerce Vice President Glenn Lanier updated council on chamber events. They will cosponsor the annual community wide Easter egg hunt in the Linden City Park with other organizations. The annual chamber banquet will be held in October and the circus will come to down on Oct. 24.
Their next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 1 at the Mary Daughety Senior Citizen Center. The community and area businesses are encouraged to attend.
Lucky Boyd with the Academy of Texas Music announced the awards show will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at The Texas Music Barn.
Several shows are planned throughout the year by Texas musicians.
David Hulme with Music City Texas Theater announced upcoming performances at the theater including Hal Ketchum, youth talent show, Stoney LaRue and the gospel show in May.
Burns said the city is looking at making improvements to Crow-Heath Park.
The old playground equipment was removed the city is looking at getting new equipment.
City Administrator Robbie Hood reported Linden Ole Trade Days will return on April 5 at the Linden City Park.
 He is working on getting a girls softball clinic to encourage interest in the sport.