A policy allowing Mineola police officers to drive their patrol vehicles home was approved by the city council Monday.

Chief Chuck Bittner said the pool of officer candidates is getting smaller. Allowing officers to take home vehicles is a tool to help with recruitment, and Bittner said the department has lost officers because it does not allow that.

He said it also has the added benefit to the city of having each officer responsible for maintenance which results in better care of the vehicles, as well as freeing the day officer normally tasked with routine maintenance.

It could also help when officers are coming in to work and receive a call, as they would not have to first go retrieve a patrol vehicle.

The policy is limited to those living within 20 miles of the station and not on probation or restricted driving.

The council approved a three percent increase in garbage rates, as called for in the city’s contract with Republic Services.

The base residential rate will rise to $20.34 per month.

Two matters were approved concerning the Mineola Nature Preserve.

A sign for the Promise of Peace Garden was approved, as was allowing the preserve to remain open late for a free concert planned by the Parks and Open Spaces Board on Friday, July 5 at the amphitheater.

A no parking zone in front of the Mineola schools on W. Patten St. was approved once the elementary campus relocates to NE Loop 564.

The change was requested by the Mineola ISD police to move all parking on campus.

The no parking zone will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

It will extend from Loop 564 to Pegues St.

After new council members Polly Jones and Jimmy Alexander and returning member Cassandra Sampson were sworn in, the council elected Ward One council member Terry Eaton as mayor pro tem.

Jones represents Ward One, Alexander Ward Two and Sampson Ward Three.

Outgoing council members Sue Jones and Eric Carrington were honored. Neither sought reelection.