Mineola City Council celebrated council member Cassandra Sampson’s win in the Meals on Wheels Mayor’s Challenge on Monday, heard suggestions for downtown improvements, approved rules that will allow a beer pub and introduced the new public works and parks director.

Sampson stood in for Mayor Jayne Lankford in distributing meals during the challenge in her colorful spring outfit. Lankford told Sampson she has the job for life.

Carter Mize suggested the council consider doing more street closings on S. Johnson St., such as those during festivals, and asked the city to work on getting crosswalk signals at Johnson and Broad St. to assist foot traffic.

The city is expanding on that idea with music nights on Thursdays during May. Getting the crosswalk signals would take assistance from the Texas Dept. of Transportation as Broad St. is a state highway.

The brew pub rules are in place under state law, but the city’s zoning ordinance had to be adjusted to accommodate that use.

Jason and Holly Herring have acquired property on W. Commerce with plans to put in a brew pub.

Kyle McCoy was introduced as the public works director to replace the retiring William Crump, effective May 2. He comes from Lindale.

The council also proclaimed May 14 as National Train Day. The Landmark Commission has several events planned that day at the downtown depot.

Retired city employee Joe Daniels asked the council to consider a cost-of-living increase for retirees. The last one was in 1988.

City Manager Mercy Rushing said the Texas Municipal Retirement System will make a presentation to the council during budget talks.