ALBERT WRIGHT SWORN IN AS WARD-2 BRENHAM COUNCILMEMBER

  

The Brenham City Council has officially sworn in its newest member.

Albert Wright, the Senior Pastor at New Life Church of God in Brenham, was administered the oath of office at today’s (Thursday) council meeting. Wright fills the Ward-2 seat once held by Weldon Williams, who passed away in June.  Wright’s term will last until next May’s election.

The council also called for a special election to replace the council position of At-large Place Five Councilmember Charlie Pyle. Pyle resigned last month, due to ongoing health issues and treatments.

City Secretary Jeana Bellinger said that the special election has to be held within 120 days of the opening. She also said scheduling the election was difficult, as it cannot be held 30 days before or after the regular election in November.

The special election will be held Saturday, December 8, with early voting starting on Wednesday, November 21. Candidates can file for a place on the ballot, beginning Monday.  Bellinger said there has been “a lot of interest” in the position.

Councilmembers also held brief public hearing on their proposed property tax rate of $0.5170 per $100. No one came forward to discuss the rate, which is the same as last year’s.  The rate is above the effective tax rate of $0.5018, so it will produce higher tax revenues due to higher property values.

The first reading of the ordinance to adopt the tax rate is scheduled for a special council meeting on Monday, September 17 at 8:30 a.m. The next reading and adoption of the rate will be at the council’s next regular meeting on Thursday, September 20.

In other action, the council held public hearing on three re-investment zones for tax abatement, from two local companies planning expansions. Stanpac USA is looking to add $3.1 million in new equipment to its Brenham plant, while MIC Group intends to invest $2.5 million across its east and west Brenham plants.

If Stanpac USA is given the tax phase-in, they are projected to receive a total abatement of nearly $130,000, with MIC Group receiving just under $77,000 over its two Brenham locations. The second hearing for the phase-ins will be at the council’s next meeting.

Councilmembers also approved revisions to the city’s policies for Boards and Commissions, pertaining to city advisory boards. Councilwoman Susan Cantey stressed that advisory board members must keep regular attendance, and requested the council hold work session on the matter in the future.

The council also authorized final payments to Site Work Contractors LLC, for its repairs to Burleson Street at Higgins Branch following storm damage. Repairs for the damage totaled over $384,000.

Councilman Danny Goss added that he was “very disappointed” in some of the contractor’s work, stating there was leftover sod in multiple locations that the city paid for. He said the city could have to cover those costs, as FEMA might not reimburse them.  City Engineer Lori Lakatos stated contractors were working onsite Thursday morning.

The council also executed an election services contract with Washington County for the upcoming special election, and approved a one-year contract extension with DXI for bulk water and wastewater treatment chemicals.

The council would then adjourn into executive session to speak with the city attorney regarding a facility and land development matter.