LEPD recognized for solving crime spree; Dickerson named LE  finance director
By LAURA CHILDRES

Little Elm Police Chief Waylan Rhodes recognized several members of his department during Tuesday’s council meeting for their efforts in solving a recent juvenile crime spree.

Rhodes noted that the crimes, which included burglaries, robberies and a gang-related shooting, occurred between late June to late July.

Rhodes presented certificates of appreciation to Sgt. Brad Wilcox, Detective Oscar Hinojosa, Detective G.W. Howard, Detective Matt Lambert, Officer Jerry Walker, Officer Matt Mentemeier, Lt. Greg Wilkerson, Detective Larry Dennison and Officer John Samples for their outstanding work in solving the cases.

Rhodes noted that it was indeed a team effort, with all members, from patrol to detectives, working together. He added that he was proud of their hard work and dedication.

In other action during Monday’s meeting, the council hired Alan Dickerson as the town’s new finance director.

Dickerson comes to Little Elm from Sachse, where he was the finance director for the past 10-1/2 years, following a 6-1/2-year stint as finance director for Highland Village.

Dickerson, who received a bachelor of science degree in public administration from Louisiana College, is a certified governmental finance officer.

Dickerson replaces Ryan Adams, who has taken a position with the city of Addison.

In other business during Monday’s meeting: * Mayor Frank Kastner proclaimed Aug. 9 as National Marina Day in Little Elm.

* The council approved the consent agenda, consisting of the minutes of the July 9 emergency meeting, July 15 precouncil work session and regular council meeting and July 24 joint workshop; acceptance of access, utility, drainage, water and fire lane easements in front of Independent Bank; and a revised contract with MYGOV for web-based administration of code enforcement and building inspections.

* The council enacted a burn ban, following in the footsteps of Denton County. Fire Marshal Brian Roach noted that the Denton County Commissioner’s Court has declared a state of disaster for the county because of the potential for wildfires resulting from the drought and adverse weather conditions.

* The council approved a $5 per hour increase in legal fees by town attorneys for both litigation and non-litigation matters but rejected an increase in the monthly retainer.

* The council accepted the resignation of Melvin Mosley from the Little Elm Economic Development Board and appointed Dee Dee Lear to serve as a community member in his place since her term on the council expires in May.

* The council approved a change order for the rehabilitation of the Main Street water tower.

* The council approved an agreement with Cobb Fendley and Associates for consulting services related to engineering and surveys for future capital improvements.

* The council cast its vote for Harlan Jefferson for Dencon Area 9-1-1 Board of Managers.

* The council adopted a townwide fuel savings policy.

* The council approved a resolution authorizing continued participation in an Atmos steering committee.

* The council suspended the regular committee appointment process requiring interviews for the citizens bond committee and set Sept. 30 as the application deadline.

* The council reviewed a draft of the council’s charge to the bond committee. A final draft will be brought back to the council for approval.

* The mayor noted during a traffic update that the town has received approval for traffic signals at Wynnfield Farms and Witt Road.