The Texas-side City Council on Monday recognized the local firefighters' union as Texarkana, Texas, Fire Department's collective bargaining representative.
During its first regular meeting of 2018, the council voted to recognize International Association of Fire Fighters Local 367 as the department's exclusive bargaining agent. State law required the council's recognition because TTFD firefighters chose the union as their labor representative in a November 2017 election.
That election confirmed a less formal vote held in March 2017, according to Chapter President Scott Robertson. The city chose not to recognize the earlier vote and insisted on another that City Secretary Jennifer Evans could monitor and confirm.
In June the council approved retaining Fort Worth, Texas, law firm Lynn, Ross and Gannaway to advise the city on relations with TTFD. The firm specializes in representing employers in labor issues.
It is illegal for Texas police or firefighters to strike or participate in work stoppages or work slowdowns.
Also on Monday, the council voted to permanently designate West Third Street between Oak and Main streets as Scott Joplin Way.
The council approved the designation on a temporary basis in 2017, as part of local celebrations marking the centennial of Joplin's death. Officially, the street will remain named West Third.
Council members also voted to approve a special use permit allowing a tattoo studio at 2729 New Boston Road.
The council's next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 22.
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