BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO ISSUE VOTE ON PARKLET MANUAL
After several months of discussion, the Brenham City Council is expected to vote today (Thursday) on the formal rules and regulations for parklets in downtown Brenham.
The council will hold a work session to discuss the parklet manual and the Main Street Board’s recommended changes to it from its meeting last week. It will then consider adoption of the document.
Both the council and the board have debated the contents of the manual at length, reviewing proposed design standards and parklet sponsor responsibilities.
Some of the Main Street Board’s recommendations to be talked through by the council include only allowing parklets for businesses that primarily sell food or beverages and not restricting the type of dinnerware used.
The board is also recommending that shade structures not hide or block the view of downtown buildings or make a parklet less temporary in nature. In addition, the board specifies that grant funding should not be used for parklets, stating the money should instead go toward permanent improvements with long-term impact.
Other revisions from the board consist of a 90-day grace period for property owners to determine if a new tenant in their building wishes to sponsor an existing parklet, and a requirement for applicants to submit detailed concept drawings that show measurements, depth and elevation.
If the manual is approved, the first 30-day period for parklet applications is planned to open on July 1st.
The council will hold a second work session to discuss noise and zoning ordinances. Deputy City Secretary Karen Stack said the goal is to clarify the noise ordinance and the methods used in noise measurements, ensure consistency with noise provisions in the zoning ordinance, and provide a process for staff-issued noise permits to eliminate the need for noise variances.
Also at today’s meeting, the council will consider:
- Renewal of the city’s group health plan with TML Health Benefits Pool and establishment of funding rates for the plan year beginning October 1st through September 30, 2023.
- A contract between the city and Texas General Land Office related to the Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation program infrastructure projects non-research and development mitigation funding.
- A vocational work contract between the city and Texas Health and Human Services Commission on behalf of the Brenham State Supported Living Center for document shredding and litter management services.
The council will meet at 1 p.m. at Brenham City Hall.
Click here to view the agenda packet for today's meeting.