City of Abernathy

The City Council conducted public hearings regarding variance requests for property setbacks, amendments to the building codes, and revisions to the city fee schedule. Key actions included the approval of the fiscal year employee calendar, adoption of resolutions for street closures for a community event, and a zoning variance request for property on Avenue K. The Council also voted to approve participation in tax abatement guidelines, accepted farm lease bids, authorized an interlocal agreement for grant administration, and approved a resolution for financial participation from the Texas Water Development Board. Furthermore, new ordinances were adopted regarding smoking prohibitions in city buildings, building code adoptions, and permit application requirements.

The agenda includes the election and installation of officials, the selection of a Mayor Pro-Tem, and a resolution of appreciation. Public hearings are scheduled for variance requests regarding building coverage and setbacks. Discussion and action items involve amendments to building and construction codes, permit fees, mobile food service vendor regulations, and the adoption of a hotel occupancy tax. Additionally, the Council will address an updated lease proposal, a service agreement for software management, a six-month budget review, and various administrative reports.

The council held several public hearings regarding a variance request for a fence, the condition of a structure, and tax abatement guidelines. Key actions included approving a variance request at 1201 Ave D, authorizing the demolition of unsafe structures at 1401 East Street and 1304 Ave G, adopting tax abatement guidelines, approving a settlement application for a rate case, and passing Ordinance 656 regarding an annual Rate Review Mechanism. Additionally, the council denied a cost-sharing proposal for a water line extension, discussed bulk water sales, directed the city administrator to solicit bids for a city-owned building, approved a new part-time position, provided direction on a hotel occupancy tax, and rescinded/reopened the bidding process for a farm lease.

The council held a public hearing regarding a side yard setback variance request. Key actions included approving financial support for baseball field backstop improvements, granting a variance for an accessory building, receiving the 2025 Racial Profiling Report, and adopting a governance policy. Furthermore, the council accepted bids for farm leases, authorized the solicitation of bids for the sale of municipal property, and approved engineering services contracts with Birkhoff, Hendricks & Carter, LLP and Parkhill Engineering. The meeting also addressed administrative reports on staff training, facility upgrades, and upcoming city council retreat planning.

The council held a workshop to discuss building regulations and inspections. The discussion focused on the history and purpose of existing codes, aiming to balance public safety, municipal liability, and economic development. The council reached a consensus to adopt the 2024 ICC standards, supplemented by local amendments tailored to the specific needs and economic environment of the city, to ensure regulations remain current through 2030.