Amy Whitmer

The City Council approved claims and accounts and authorized various contracts, including agreements with the Department of State Health Services for mobile food inspection services and a tuberculosis treatment and prevention grant. A new three-year Meet and Confer Agreement was approved with the local firefighters association. The Council also authorized an engineering contract amendment for utility projects, a letter of intent for airport capital improvements, and the solicitation of bids for the Bennie Houston Recreation Center renovation. Additionally, a financial resolution was adopted to apply for a water supply and infrastructure grant, and a report was provided regarding a grant award from the Texas General Land Office for comprehensive planning and regulatory updates.

The City Council conducted a pre-budget workshop session to review financial projections, including revenue estimates and expenditure factors for the upcoming fiscal year. Key topics included the impact of HB 9 on property tax valuations, potential adjustments to the property tax rate, and the funding of proposed Civil Service and cost-of-living pay increases. The Council also evaluated Public Works, Capital, and Downtown projects in the context of budget constraints, discussed grant applications, analyzed reserve fund utilization for various construction and property acquisition projects, and reviewed future infrastructure funding requirements for airport rehabilitation.

The council reviewed and approved the payment of claims and accounts. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the first reading of an ordinance granting an electric power franchise to Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC to utilize city infrastructure for electricity distribution. Following an executive session regarding economic development, the council approved an incentive package for a multi-use development project by XForge, which includes a hotel and retail space. The approved incentives consist of a hotel occupancy tax rebate, financial assistance for site development, and the provision of land for construction purposes.

The board discussed multiple variance requests for carport installations, including a request for a 15 ft. variance into the front yard setback at 4314 Woodland Park Drive, a request for variances into front and side yard setbacks at 3604 Surrey Lane, and a request for a 15 ft. variance into the side street setback requirement at 1726 Tulane Drive.

The council received a proclamation honoring Dallas Huston Day and oversaw the administration of the Oath of Office for the Mayor and specific council members. The meeting included the nomination of a Mayor Pro Tern, a first reading for an electric power franchise agreement with Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, and the approval of a resolution to extend the ambulance service contract with Lifeguard Ambulance Service. Furthermore, the meeting featured an update on the Bennie Houston Recreation Center project, a presentation of the Budgetary Control Report for the fiscal year, and a review of the quarterly investment report. An executive session was held to discuss legal issues concerning the Meet and Confer agreement with the Professional Fire Fighters Association.