Janice Benge

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several agenda items requiring discussion and action. Key discussions included granting special use conditions for Intentional Actions ABA to operate a special education business at 106 Circle Way, contingent on a recent zoning amendment. The commission also provided administrative review and approval for a site plan amendment for the new TDECU (Space City Financial) Banking Facility at 80 Oak Drive, which included expanding parking by 26 spaces and redesigning stall angles, necessitating a corresponding landscape plan amendment review. Furthermore, a lengthy discussion occurred regarding a request to install a drive-thru ATM at the Four Corners Shopping Center site at 120 Circle Way. The commission focused heavily on the resultant loss of parking spaces, the site's existing nonconforming status regarding parking and landscaping codes, and the applicant's commitment to investigate power sources for alternative ATM locations. Updates were also provided on the Shivam Subdivision/Gas Station project and the near completion of Hurricane Grill and Wings at Plantation Village Shopping Center.

The key discussions included a public hearing regarding amending Chapter 110 (Zoning) to permit education as a conditional use permit in the B-2 (Central Business) zone, specifically concerning a therapy practice seeking to expand into a small transitional private school model. The Commission also addressed final reviews and actions for several development items: the Brazos Mall Subdivision Block A, Replat No. 1 (formerly Red Lobster Tract), involving the subdivision for commercial sites including a Chipotle restaurant; the Lake Jackson Town Center Plat Amendment for TDECU (Space City) tract to expand parking; and the site plan and landscape plan amendments for Chapelwood United Methodist Church, which involved expanding parking, adding fire hydrants, and detailing stormwater detention. Additionally, the Commission reviewed and discussed the specifications for stacking lanes as outlined in Section 110.62 (i) of the Zoning Code, particularly concerning daycare and church requirements.

The meeting commenced with presentations, including a proclamation for Brazosport Christian Eagles Football Day and recognition of the city receiving the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Distinguished Budget Award for multiple consecutive years. The consent agenda approved several items, including two ordinances (one allowing education as a conditional use permit in the B-2 Zone and another amending utility code regarding meter testing costs) and the award of multiple mowing contracts for city parks. Resolutions to close out the Shy Pond Drainage Pipe Repair project and the Water System Services project were also approved. The Council discussed and ultimately approved hosting the November 11, 2026, Veterans Day Parade. A resolution was approved to order an election on May 2, 2026, for Mayor and Councilmember positions Two and Four, and to submit proposed amendments to the Home Rule Charter. Extensive discussion occurred regarding downtown noise complaints; the Council directed staff to draft an ordinance complying with state parameters regulating outdoor amplified music hours and decibel levels, leveraging the existing nuisance ordinance in the interim. The Council followed the traffic engineer's recommendation to maintain a four-way stop with enhanced visibility features at Plantation Drive and Sycamore Street, opting against installing a new traffic signal due to cost and traffic volume. The selection of three Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR) firms—Teal Construction, Broaddus Construction, and Crain Group—was approved for Step I of the police and fire station renovation project. A closing change order of $27,774.00 to fund extra work on the spot repairs project was also approved. The Financial Director provided a quarterly financial update highlighting stable investment balances, property tax collection timing, and sales tax revenue status. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss economic development negotiations concerning the Industrial District Agreement.

The meeting included a Workshop Session focused on potential water and wastewater alternative rate designs presented by NewGen Strategies & Solutions. Key topics discussed were implementing a gradual meter equivalency charging system for larger meters, basing wastewater charges on winter water usage (winter averaging), and changing apartment billing from commercial accounts to a per-unit basis. During the Regular Session, the Council recognized a Volunteer Fire Department member for 50 years of service and declared a day in honor of a local real estate broker. The Consent Agenda included approvals for the second reading of a speed limit reduction ordinance in the Sleepy Hollow Subdivision and ratifications for contracts related to neighborhood rehabilitation paving and parks mowing. A public hearing and subsequent first reading of an ordinance were held regarding allowing education as a Conditional Use Permit in the B-2 (Central Business) Zone. The Council discussed, but took no action on, adding charitable bingo halls as a permitted use in the B-1 zone, suggesting commercial zones might be more appropriate. The Council also discussed limiting drive-thrus in B-1 zones, agreeing to await legal counsel review before proceeding. Further discussions included approving the first reading of an ordinance to change customer-requested meter testing fees to actual cost if no error is found, discussing amendments for the May 2, 2026, election ballot, and approving Verizon's request to add communication equipment to the Oak Drive water tower with a lease modification. Authorization was granted to execute an agreement to replace the reserve EMS unit, Medic 6. An update was provided on the delayed donation of TDECU property and negotiations concerning drive-through ATMs. Staff provided construction and community interest updates.

The commission meeting addressed several items. There was no update provided on landscaping projects. Discussions regarding fall events included positive feedback on the Festival of Lights Parade and plans for Light Up Lake Jackson, noting the recycling of 216 lbs of string lights. Potential event ideas for Spring/Summer included the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway, a lecture series with the Master Gardeners, and Spring Shredding Days. The commission discussed light box/traffic control box wraps, tabling Spring Work Days until the next meeting. Action was taken to approve a donation not to exceed $250 to the Friends of the Lake Jackson Library for early childhood literacy initiatives. Responsibility reports covered trash in a ditch and political signs in city spaces. Program updates mentioned GCAA and KBCB changes.