BY LYNETTE GEORGE

HERALD DEMOCRAT

Denison City Council meeting started Monday on a high note with $1.1 million gift for the city's emergency medical services.

Representing the Texoma Health Foundation was board chairman Herman Ringler, who announced the unexpected gift to the city from the foundation.

"This one-time gift of $1.1 million is in memory of the late Ray and Mary E. Morrison, and the funds are to be used to support emergency medical services at the Denison Fire Station," said Ringler. "I know the city will use it on a good cause."

The Morrisons were long-time supporters of health care in Denison and the Texoma area.

Ringler noted that the city is to report annually to the Foundation on how the grant is being spent.

In accepting the grant, Denison Mayor Robert Brady replied, "We're very fortunate to have a lot of foundations to support our community and the Texoma Health Foundation is one of the newest ... I guarantee the council will use the money in the way it was intended."

Accompanying Ringler to the meeting were Texoma Health Foundation members and supporters Michelle Lemming, Kent Black and Kelly Sexton.

In other business, council members approved a zone change request for 208 S. Houston. The vacant building's seller, Joni Beamish, and buyer, Greg Guymon, had requested a zone change from commercial and light industrial to central area. The proposed plan will include using the building and lots for wedding reception and party rentals. Also approved was incentive pay for police and fire dispatchers who continue their training and for police and fire department personnel who attain a specified proficiency level in Spanish.

Council members agreed to the installation of downtown Denison business directional signage as presented to them by Amy Lay of Denison's Main Street program. Lay noted that the Main Street Special Event fund could cover the cost of poles and headers and that businesses would have to pay for listings on the signs. The council also agreed to Lay's request to use the old high school lot at the corner of Main Street and Armstrong Avenue for a Downtown Market Day on April 18. For a $15 per vendor fee, individuals can bring their yard sale items and sell them to the public.

Tabled until the council's next work session was a request for a resolution from the City of Pottsboro to rename State Highway 289, calling it the Preston Trail Highway.