BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL APPROVES TERMINATION OF CONVENTION VISITORS BUREAU CONTRACT
Brenham City Councilmembers unanimously approved action to terminate the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) contract at Thursday's meeting.
The city began considering cancellation at a Tourism and Promotions Council Subcommittee in May, as one of three available choices to the council. The city could continue current funding and amend the contract with the CVB, reduce funding for CVB and add a new position with the city, or terminate the contract and give 90 days’ written notice.
City Manager James Fisher informed the council in June of the city’s intent to cancel the contract, which will be terminated September 30. Fisher says the city will keep current CVB staff, and plans to have Brenham Main Street Manager Jennifer Eckermann take over the role of Director of Marketing and Tourism.
Eckermann had been recognized earlier in the meeting, after completing a three-year program at Travel and Tourism College, sponsored by the Texas Travel Industry Association. Eckermann has earned the designation of Certified Tourism Executive.
Fisher also says the city will put together a strategic plan for marketing and tourism, and consult with the city council and county commissioners before drafting a final copy.
Upon a motion being made, Joel Romo, of the Chappell Hill Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce, reminded the council of the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenue Chappell Hill events bring to the city of Brenham. HOT dollars make up a substantial portion of Washington County Chamber funds.
In other items, councilmembers maintained a tax rate of roughly 52 cents per $100 valuation. However, according to Chief Financial Officer Carolyn Miller, since property values have increased in the area, this will effectively mean a 3 percent increase in property tax rates. These rates are scheduled to be discussed in a public hearing at August 16th’s city council meeting.
Changes to the city’s code of ordinances were approved, after a short public hearing. The code of ordinances now includes definitions for “brewery”, “brewpub”, “distillery”, and “microdistillery or craft distillery.” According to City Engineer Lori Lakatos, these new definitions could allow a craft brewery or distillery in the downtown B-2 Commercial District.
Brenham Municipal Airport’s T-Hangar lease agreement was also amended, with changes now allowing for the assembly of hobby airplanes at the airport. Ground-space lease agreements with Hat Creek Aviation LLC, for hangar space at the airport, were also granted by the council.
The council also approved the appointment of Marcus Wamble to fill Gerald Calvert’s unexpired term on the board of Brenham Housing Authority Commissioners. Calvert resigned from the board in July, due to health reasons. The term expires December 31.
The council also recognized the Citizens on Patrol Program and several city workers and officials. The Citizens on Patrol Program logged over 11,000 service hours over the previous year.
Councilmembers also approved a noise variance request for Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, for a Christian Youth Rally on September 5th.
The council closed with administrative reports, before adjourning into executive session to discuss the positions of late Councilmember Weldon Williams, and At-Large Councilmember Charlie Pyle. Executive session included updates and options regarding the seats, as per the agenda.
Williams, longtime Ward Two Councilman, died June 27. Pyle, who holds At-Large Position Five on the council, has been unable to attend meetings ever since suffering a heart attack in March.
