City council members covered a lot of ground last week, naming a new public works director, refunding some water payments, and settling a property issue.

The council met in regular session last Tuesday evening, and immediately went into executive session to consider candidates for the public works director position, vacant since the February retirement of Billy Chancellor.

In fairly short order, the council named Clyde Woods, a city employee since 2005, to the post. Woods takes over the job at a starting annual salary of $60,000.

A city water issue, first brought before the court about two years ago, was finally put to rest last week as council members voted to refund more than $20,000 to 45 city residents.

Several years ago, the residents were told that installing a second water meter at their homes, solely for irrigation, would reduce their bills and no garbage collection fees would be charged.

After installing the second meters, however, the rates increased.

"They changed the rules," Carolyn Williams said.

City officials decided to refund the over-charges in full by issuing water department credit to the residents.

Fairfield business owners Dan and Amy Ralstin told council members Tuesday that a request to build a privacy fence behind their property on Keechi Street has been met with continued resistance.

The Ralstins own Kennedy's Korner and Kennedy's Klubhouse, and applied for a permit to construct a privacy fence behind the business, but a question arose regarding blocking the space between the businesses and Rob's Laundramat.

Ralstin told council members that the area is not declared as any type of throughway, and is actually part of his property. However, he says, he has had a "back and forth dialog with the city administration for more than six weeks."

"I do not understand all the attention in what I believe to be a very simple matter."

After a long discussion, council member Leldon Childs agreed with Ralstin saying, "I don't see what the big issue is. We've wasted an hour," he said. After his motion, the city approved the permit.

The City of Fairfield will chip in $16,000 to help pay for the 13th annual Show of Wheels, set Sept. 11.

The event will include Friday music and meal, and cash prizes for top winners.

Approval of a plat and building permit for a Love's Travel Stop addi- tion was tabled until a few changes can be made.

The city wants Love's to detail the way they will handle water runoff that occurs behind the station now. A Love's representative said the water runoff will be controlled, and will adjust the plans for presentation next month.

New community development director Liz Thornton will maintain an office at the Marberry building at a cost to the city of $400 per month. No space is available for the office at city hall.

A workshop to discuss possible economic incentives for businesses hoping to locate in Fairfield has been set June 1 at 6 p.m., and approval was granted to the Fairfield Police Department to sell a retired police car at auction in Waco.

Finally, council members canvassed votes from the May 8 election. Next meeting is set May 25.