CITY COUNCIL HAD A FULL AGENDA THURSDAY

  

Brenham City Council approved a number of routine items on their agenda Thursday.

Council approved a bid from Kustom Clean Janitorial Services for the cleaning of 9 city owned buildings.  They have been doing the janitorial work for the city since May when the contract with the previous provider was terminated.  WCD Enterprises out of Dallas was actually the low bidder for the contract, but they said they would not offer any emergency cleaning services.  Public Works Director Dane Rau said that Kustom Clean went to work immediately after Hurricane Harvey in dealing with issues in city facilities.

Council also approved a $84,797 bid with CR Systems for the exterior cleaning and sealing of City Hall.  The same company had recently pressure-washed and sealed the Brenham Fire Department building and the Boys and Girls Club.

Council approved the purchase of a new Haul Truck for the City Sanitation Department.  The $120,000 truck will replace one that was put into service in 2006 and has made over 5000 trips to the landfill.

Council also heard a presentation on the Design Standards and Guidelines for the Main Street Incentive Grant Program.  Director of Community Services Wende Ragonis and Main Street Manager Jennifer Eckermann briefed the council on the program.  The program provides financial grants to building owners who comply with the guidelines in remolding and upkeep of downtown buildings.  It is funded by revenue generated by Main Street events.

Council approved the temporary closure of Main and Alamo Streets for the annual Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade planned for December 2nd.

Council also reauthorized the Investment Policy for the City of Brenham and awarded a contract for the support and maintenance of the Automated Weather Observation System at the Brenham Airport.

City Manager Terry Roberts stated during his report to council that an ad-hoc committee had been formed to look into issues raised about the Brenham Pet Adoption Center.  He said the committee would be compiling a list of concerns and would report to the council members their findings.  Roberts said the matter would not be brought before the council until the committees report was complete.  Roberts also announced that Eric Smith, Director of Development Services is leaving to go to work for Haltom City near Fort Worth.  In April of last year, Brenham Assistant Manager Rex Phelps also was hired by Haltom City.  Phelps had been the Brenham Police Chief from 2010 to 2015.