BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER SOUND SYSTEM UPGRADES AT BLUE BELL AQUATIC CENTER
The Brenham City Council will hold what will likely be its final meeting of 2023 on Thursday.
Among the council’s items to consider are the purchase of new audio equipment for the Blue Bell Aquatic Center.
According to the agenda packet, the old audio system is no longer working or compatible with new technology. The new system would assist in bringing good sound quality to all three pool areas and be used for training, special events, daily programming and exercise classes. It will also bring back streaming of music during the day throughout the facility.
The proposed purchase of equipment and services is from Avinext for $69,031, which the city says would be approximately $6,000 under budget.
In work session, councilmembers will receive a presentation from Dr. Robert Bubb of Auburn University about the Camptown Cemetery. They will also review new rules pertaining to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 3 and information for the city’s Community Development Block Grant through the Texas Department of Agriculture. In addition, they will hear fourth quarter financial reports from the 2022-23 Fiscal Year.
An executive session will be held for an update on Aviators Plus’ lawsuit against the city (Aviators Plus, LLC v. City of Brenham; Cause No. 37896, 21st Judicial District Court, Washington County) and for continued discussion regarding the transition to a new city manager, following Carolyn Miller’s announcement of her plans to retire in March.
In other business, the council will consider:
- A resolution to adopt an increase in the city’s monthly contribution to the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System. The Brenham Fire Department Pension Board is putting forth a request to increase the contribution to the pension system offered for volunteer firefighters.
- Repealing an ordinance relating to a non-exclusive franchise for Skoot-N-Hauler to operate a roll-off container service inside city limits. According to the agenda packet, the owner is no longer doing business in the Washington County area and has moved his business back to Dallas.
The council will meet Thursday at 1 p.m. at Brenham City Hall.
Click here to view the agenda packet for Thursday's meeting.
The amount of $69,031 is a lot of money to spend on a sound system that is probably not needed or a necessity to operate that place. Seems like those funds could be used on other things in the city.