Zoning is rarely interesting, but when several buildings are built directly over a city’s 12-inch water  line, it starts to “cause a few gray hairs,” as Quitman City Administrator/Secretary Allan Gilbert said at the Jan. 15 Quitman City Council meeting.

The city’s zoning map is from 2007, leading citizens, boards, and construction experts to some confusion when it comes to where buildings can and cannot be built. The map does not have updated lines showing sewer and water line locations, as well as fire hydrants, manholes, etc.

When Gilbert realized that a prominent business had been built nearly 50 years ago over a water line – rendering the line unrepairable should there be a leak – the city decided to change how things are done.

To avoid similar issues, the city will be implementing a new, interactive, in-depth permitting software, which will show a multitude of information necessary for construction and zoning. The map was designed by Streets Director Walter Lutonsky and Water Director Dee Gilbreath.

The discussion of updating the zoning map did not require any action, but council members were still grateful for the team’s work.

“Thank you. This is fantastic, I love it, you’re doing a great job,” said Alderman David Dobbs.

The city will be putting two inserter valves on either side of the building built over the water line. This means that, if there were a leak, the city can at least shut off the water flow to that section of pipe. Gilbert said that this solution changes what had been a $100,000 problem into a $17,000 fix.

During their meeting, the council also voted to create a new city position: the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. While the executive director would be working with the chamber, he or she would actually be paid by the city. The city would be reimbursed by the chamber and the Quitman Development Corp. The job, which Gilbert said he would post on the 16th, will foster communication and support between the chamber and the QCC.

“That job will do a lot to tie things together,” said Quitman Mayor Randy Dunn.

The board also voted to add a fire inspection to their list of inspections for the Quitman school bond project. According to the council, the police department is tasked with doing fire inspections.

The Quitman Pilot Club announced its intent to partner its branch of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library with the Quitman Public Library. This will qualify the Pilot Club to receive cost-offsetting grants from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.