BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO HEAR FUNDING REQUEST FOR MUSEUM ON MAIN STREET PROJECT

  

The Brenham City Council will meet on Thursday to consider a funding request from the Visit Brenham Destination Marketing Organization (DMO).

Visit Brenham is preparing for Brenham to host the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street traveling exhibit program.  The exhibit, called “Crossroads: Change in Rural America”, is set to come to town from December 7 to January 19, 2025. 

The DMO is asking for $50,000 from Hotel Occupancy Tax reserves to assist in covering expenses of the three local exhibits being developed, and the additional cultural activities and programs associated with the event. 

The request was presented in March to Washington County Commissioners, who agreed to fund half of the amount at the time and look at it again in the summer to see how the money was used.

In other business, councilmembers will act on two professional services agreements between the city and Strand Associates for engineering services, one for chlorine room upgrades at the surface water treatment plant, and the other for the Industrial Boulevard pumping station replacement project.  The cost for the engineering agreements is not to exceed $22,600 for the surface water treatment plant and no more than $70,000 for the pumping station. 

There will be a work session for the council to continue discussion on updates to the city’s charter document in preparation for a possible charter amendment election next May. 

Also on Thursday, the council will:

• Consult with the city attorney in executive session concerning a demand letter and notice of contemplated litigation received by the city.  Councilmembers will also discuss the Brenham Municipal Airport.  No action is expected to be taken on either discussion item. 
• Consider a resolution between the city and TxDOT for the temporary closure of state right-of-way in connection with the Hot Nights, Cool Tunes summer concert series in downtown Brenham, to be held on July 6, 13, 20 and 27. 
• Act on a municipal maintenance agreement between the city and TxDOT for the maintenance, control, supervision and regulation of state highways within city limits.  Public Works Director Dane Rau said some language has changed from the previous document in 2009, but the duties and responsibilities remain the same.
• Act on accepting a bid for mowing, maintenance and clean-up services for various city buildings, public properties and parking lot areas.
• Potentially accept a bid for a gas main line pressure test.
• Appoint members to serve on the Brenham Community Projects Fund Board of Directors.

The council will meet Thursday at 1 p.m. at Brenham City Hall.

Click here to view the agenda packet for Thursday's meeting.