BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS BOEKER MEDIATION SETTLEMENT
The Brenham City Council will take up talks on potential mediation with former Brenham Fire Chief Ricky Boeker at its meeting today (Thursday).
During an executive session, councilmembers will visit with the city attorney to discuss the claims and legal issues related to Boeker’s abrupt termination as fire chief on April 7, 2021. They will reconvene in regular session to possibly authorize the city manager to approve a mediation settlement.
A settlement offer from Boeker was rejected by the council on April 21, 2021.
Originally, the city offered to pay Boeker through June 23, 2021 and cover 100 percent of his medical insurance through the year, 50 percent in 2022 and 25 percent in 2023 and 2024 if he retired April 15, 2021. Boeker rejected the offer, saying the city should pay him a year’s salary plus retirement in addition to the medical insurance.
A counter offer from the city would have paid Boeker through August 18, 2021 if he retired April 15th. Boeker never responded to the proposal, and it expired on April 6, 2021. He was fired the next day.
Also at today’s meeting, the council will consider adoption of the 2022 Thoroughfare Plan after a public hearing on the item. The Thoroughfare Plan supplements the city’s Comprehensive Plan, acting as a wish list of major public improvements and development over the next 20 years based on city research and public feedback. Brenham Planning and Zoning Commissioners unanimously recommended adoption of the plan when they met on January 24th.
In other items, the council will:
- Hold a work session to discuss applications received from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for possible funding through the Competitive Housing Tax Credit program.
- Consider authorizing the issuance and sale of the City of Brenham’s 2022 certificates of obligation. The proceeds from the sale, not to exceed $10 million, will be used for construction and upgrades to city facilities and infrastructure.
- Consider an amendment to the professional services agreement with Hodde & Hodde Land Surveying, Inc. related to the construction of a 6-inch gas main loop along the west side of FM 577 from East Alamo Street to Brown Street.
- Take up an amendment to the professional services agreement with Hodde & Hodde Land Surveying, Inc. related to the city’s raw water intake system.
- Consider a bid for the Ralston Creek lift station pumps.
- Consult with the city attorney in executive session regarding City of Brenham v. WTG Gas Marketing, Inc.; Cause No. 37573; 335th Judicial District Court, Washington County.
The council will meet at 1 p.m. at Brenham City Hall.