Cliff Cross

The council meetings covered several key business items. For the sanitary sewer rehabilitation project on San Antonio Street, the council awarded a construction contract. Additionally, the annual financial audit for the previous fiscal year was presented, confirming an unqualified opinion. Discussions took place regarding the potential annexation of the Highway 290 East area and a proposal for a residential subdivision on Smokehouse Road. In subsequent meetings, the council approved an amendment to the golf fee schedule for the municipal golf course and awarded a contract for the Friendship Lane mill and overlay project. Street closure requests for Oktoberfest and the Kraut Run were authorized, and a 2018 comprehensive communication plan was approved. City management provided updates on several infrastructure and community projects, and the council entered an executive session to discuss power purchase matters as a competitive utility issue.

The meetings covered various legislative and operational topics including the adoption of a Short Term Rental Ordinance, a decision to take no action on a firearms discharge ordinance, and approval of an agreement for a TxDOT relief route feasibility study. Discussions involved zoning amendments for grocery signage, historic landmark designations, and the review of numerous hotel occupancy tax applications for various community organizations. The City Manager’s performance goals were established and evaluated, and the City Attorney’s compensation was reviewed. A retreat was held to prioritize 2018 annexation areas, discuss storm water fees, and review strategies for a sports park development.

The City Council addressed several administrative and operational items, including the approval of an Atmos Franchise Ordinance, a resolution for housing tax credits, and the Mayor's Monarch Pledge. Discussions included the authorization of a Justice Assistance Grant for police equipment, an amendment to the sidewalk plan for Milam Street, and the allocation of hotel occupancy tax funds to various local organizations. Additionally, the Council approved a contract for consulting services regarding a conference center, accepted a grant for body-worn cameras, initiated a groundwater availability study for the Hahn Well Field, and passed an ordinance calling for a regular and special election. Further actions involved approving budget amendments, setting performance goals for the City Manager, and deliberating on real property matters in executive session.

The council addressed several items, including requests for waivers and funding from organizations such as the Nimitz Foundation and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Software contracts were awarded to Tyler Public Safety and Brazos E-Ticketing. The council held workshops regarding Hotel Occupancy Tax applications and historic district boundaries. Additionally, the council reviewed proposed amendments to the city charter, a tax collection contract, and requests for 2016 hotel occupancy tax funds. Matters regarding real estate and compensation for the city manager and attorney were discussed in executive sessions.

The council sessions covered various topics, including public hearings on voluntary annexation and zoning requests, approval of sign ordinance amendments, and proclamations for historic preservation. Key administrative actions included approving future power purchase agreements with AEP Energy, authorizing non-profit park use agreements for youth soccer, rescinding sunset clauses in sign ordinances, and adjusting pool rental fees. Budgetary reviews and amendments for fiscal year 2018 were finalized, and several board appointments were made, including a new Mayor Pro Tem and various council liaisons. Additionally, the council addressed personnel claims in executive session, discussed military training requests, established new parade rules, and held a strategic retreat to review city procedures, budget, annexation plans, and housing projects.