Monitor Photo/Denise York
Gun Barrel City Computers owner Charles Ligon (from left), Gun Barrel City Mayor David Skains and Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce GBC Chapter President Marty Mullins visit at the end of the breakfast meeting held Jan. 19 at Chicken Express. Mayor Skains was the featured speaker and Gun Barrel City Computers was the Spotlight business.

Monitor Photo/Denise York
Gun Barrel City Computers owner Charles Ligon shares statistics on phishing attacks and ransomware in today’s computer environment.

Monitor Photo/Denise York
Gun Barrel City Mayor David Skains takes questions from the audience during the GBC Chamber Breakfast Jan. 19 at Chicken Express on Main Street.

CEDAR CREEK LAKE AREA–Gun Barrel City Mayor David Skains addressed chamber members at the monthly breakfast meeting of the GBC Chapter of the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Jan. 19 at Chicken Express.
Skains began by informing members about the current restrictions to one lane on Main Street (State Highway 334). TxDOT has a construction project underway to create a crosswalk across the highway at Memorial Dr. to aid pedestrians. Skains said his office was not informed of the project ahead of time and that he expected they may install flashing lights to create awareness for motorists.
After saying that a carwash was still expected on Main Street, the mayor went on to provide an update on the much-anticipated Pier 334 project. “The plans have been sent to the engineer and a February ground-breaking is still expected. The project includes a Hilton Tapestry Hotel as well as shops, a restaurant and new boat docks.” He added that with a $25 million price tag, the developer is working with Lowe’s locally to source materials, including those that may have to be ordered, thus benefiting the city by increased sales tax revenue. He also told the group Pier 334 will have a $20 million impact to the sales tax base, including the hotel/motel tax.
Another big project the city is working on, Skains said, is a community center to be constructed by enclosing the current pavilion, paid for by $1.5 million in funds received by the Federal government as part of the CARES Act. It will include a gymnasium, a classroom to enable continuing education and a commercial kitchen for use during events. “We are currently discussing whether to sell the city hall and move city hall to the second floor of the community center. It wouldn’t take any space away from the community center. If the Economic Development Corporation decides to move with us, they may need office space on the first floor.” Skains added that if they proceed, the community center would be fully funded, they could sell the current city hall and pay off $800,000 in debt.
Regarding the animal control situation, Skains gave a brief rundown of the issue regarding the increase from the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake from $5,000 in 2017 to $50,000 for the contract renewal due Oct. 2022. He said the city offered $30,000 and were told no.
After the council made the decision to handle the animals on their own, the situation got complicated when they weren’t able to use the current pens. Since then, the city has organized a committee, researched options with other Humane Societies to take animals not adopted out by the city, completed upgrades to the current pens and engaged a veterinarian to sign off on the repairs. 
Skains addressed what he feels is the root of the problem, namely the Humane Society accepting or bringing in animals from other counties, often much larger counties (i.e., Kaufman) and then trying to adopt them out in Henderson County with a lower population of adoptable homes.  Skains said he is also looking into adding an animal cruelty charge to anyone who “dumps” an animal, raising the stakes to an offense that carries a maximum $500 fine at present. When asked about pet registration, Skains said they simply do not have the staff to handle that workload. The city is currently looking for another entity to handle the registration.
Gun Barrel City Computers owner Charles Ligon gave some alarming statistics on the increase in ransomware and phishing attacks on computer systems with ransomware costing $20 billion worldwide in 2021. Gun Barrel City Computers is a managed service provider which contracts with municipalities and businesses as well as servicing individuals. Ligon said they fight the prevalence of attacks on data by educating consumers, keeping their computers current with updates and ensuring antivirus software is current and operating properly.
Additionally, GBC Chapter President announced nominations for the Kathy Kendrick Award are being sought from chamber members. The award will be presented at the Chamber Banquet in March.