GEORGE WEST – The need for a drought contingency plan was discussed at a George West City Council workshop on June 14.

Council members agreed the city should inform residents on how to conserve water voluntarily.

Also, City Attorney Lucinda Garcia informed the council the city needs to adopt an annexation plan.

Garcia said once a plan is adopted, the city will have to wait three years before it can annex property although there are exceptions to the three-year requirement.

The council agreed to advertise for a Request for Qualifications from an individual or engineering firm. The individual or firm would provide a comprehensive annexation plan, which will be used to determine the direction of economic growth for the city.

The council also discussed the duties and responsibilities of the economic development council.

Duties of the EDC include business development and utility improvement.

Garcia said she would be willing to provide a training class for the EDC.

An Emergency Management Plan for George West also was discussed.

Plans are to meet with the Live Oak County Emergency Management Coordinator and the sheriff to develop the EMP.

The council asked city staff to discuss training for Police Department and Public Works.

City Manager Sandra Martinez noted that with all the 18-wheeler traffic, the risk of hazardous material or chemical spills has increased for this area.

“We not only have to be prepared for hurricanes, tornados, but also haz-mat disasters,” she said.