BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS OPPOSITION TO LAKE SOMERVILLE LEASE AUCTION

  

The Brenham City Council will discuss a resolution opposing the auction of federal property around Lake Somerville for petroleum drilling during their meeting on Thursday.

The Bureau of Land Management is planning to offer property at three Texas Lakes for oil and gas leasing, which includes approximately 1.4 acres at Lake Somerville.

In 2016, the agency planned to include that land in a lease auction but stopped the process after protests concerning contamination of the Brenham's water supply.

The resolution asks the Bureau of Land Management to pull the Lake Somerville land from the auction.

“The City Council recognizes the importance of oil and gas drilling and production activities to the economy of the State of Texas, but believes that the proposed activities must be assessed in relationship to other important Texas values such as protection of clean drinking water supplies” the resolution reads.

“Lake Somerville is the sole source of water for the City of Brenham, Texas and the loss or contamination of this fresh water supply would be catastrophic for the residents, businesses, schools, nursing homes, and the only hospital in Brenham and Washington County.”

The city council will also hold a workshop session during their meeting about updating the city's sign ordinance.

The work session is not intended to discuss the specific language of the ordinance, but to inform the council on the process of gaining feedback and input from stakeholders. The workshop session will give council members an update on possible new developments that may benefit how the sign ordinance is presented when a final draft is ready.

“We will notify all necessary stakeholders of any future meeting regarding the amendment process” said Erik Smith, the city’s Development Services Coordinator.

The council will also discuss an update on new permitting software for Development Services Department and the 2016-2017 First Quarter Financial Report during the workshop session.

The council will also:

• Discuss a 2-percent mid-year cost of living increase for city employees.

A 2-percent mid-year cost of living adjustment was included in the 2016-2017 fiscal year adopted budget, but was contingent on a positive assessment of economic conditions in Brenham.  The increase would impact the city’s general fund by $64,654 and the utility department by $30,345.

• Hold a second reading of an ordinance annexing 87 acres on the Highway 36 Loop.

Stylecraft Builders is planning a subdivision of approximately 300 homes on the land. The council will also consider rezoning the property from single-family residential to a planned development district. The city’s Planning and Zoning Committee is recommending the zoning change.

• Hold a public hearing for a special use permit for Calvary Baptist Church to allow for a church and educational facility.

The building is operating as a church today, however no special use permit has ever been granted for this site. While the church can continue with no interference from the city, they need a special use permit to expand their facility to include a garage. The Planning and Zoning Commission is recommending approval of the request.

• Consider a noise variance request from Calvary Baptist Church for a National Prayer Day event on April 4th from noon until 1 p.m.
• Consider a noise variance request from the Brenham Maifest Association for April 29th and May 5-6th.