BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL HEARS HOUSING REPORT
During a Work Session of Thursday afternoon’s Brenham City Council Meeting, the council heard the recommendations of the City’s Housing Task Force. The 24 member Task Force was formed in July of last year and The City Director of Development Services, Stephanie Doland, presented the report. She said the recommendations are to help people between $47,000 to $62,000 in annual income. The Task Force recommended the city adopt Duplex and Twin Home standards, revise Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards, Promote Apartments Downtown by proposing a grant program supporting Fire Suppression, recognize that the city’s rating of 2 times per capita for Low Income Housing Units and not place on the agenda further LIHTC developments, smaller or varying lot sizes in future developments, the formation of Special Utility Districts and Public/Private Partnerships. The report prompted the most discussion by the council. City Manager, Carolyn Miller, said she would get with Stephanie and the Planning and Zoning Board and possibly form a sub-committee to look at bringing some of these recommendations to City Council at a future date.
In other action, the council essentially elected Dr. Paul LaRoche III to the Ward 3 City Council seat. Dr. LaRoche was unopposed for the special election for the post. The City Council action was prompted after current councilmember Atwood Kenjura’s announcement that he would run for mayor of Brenham and LaRoche did not draw any opposition. He will assume the position after the May 6th general election.
The council also:
Approved the rescinding of the purchase of a RapidView IBAK Trailer Mounted Pipeline Inspection System for the Wastewater Department. The original proposal brought to the council in March was incorrect, as the bidder had two proposals. The new proposal is for $209,000 instead of the original $181,000. The financing of the unit remains the same, a 5 year note for 4.95 percent interest.
Approved a Professional Services agreement between the City of Brenham and Strand Associates, Inc. for Engineering Services Related to the 2023 Brenham Business Center Sanitary Sewer Extension.
Approved an Airport Project participation Agreement for the Construction Phase of an Airfield Lighting Project for the Brenham Municipal Airport.
