BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO VOTE ON RESOLUTION OPPOSING LEE CO. COMPOST FACILITY

  

The Brenham City Council is preparing to formally oppose a commercial compost facility that is seeking to operate in Lee County.

On Thursday, the council will hold executive session discussion on the facility before reopening regular session to vote on a resolution opposing its operation and take related action, including potentially retaining environmental legal counsel.

The facility is planned by Austin-based company Break It Down LLC on land located near Lincoln at Private Road 3264, off of County Road 326.  Lee County residents and officials have expressed concerns about the strong odors that could affect those living in the area, an increase in pests and vermin, negative impacts to property values, heavy truck traffic on county roads, and contaminants that would hurt nearby ponds and creeks, particularly Yegua Creek feeding into Lake Somerville.

Last week, Lee County Commissioners passed a resolution against the facility, asking the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to reject it.  The Brenham City Council’s proposed resolution states that the council has “serious and significant concerns” for the health and safety of residents and “strongly opposes” the operation of the facility in Lee County.

In other items, the council will consider a new fee schedule for the Parks and Recreation Department.  According to the agenda packet for Thursday’s meeting, the only new rate added is a $20 fee for an “Adult Extended League Soccer Fee Per Player”.  The fee is being established due to the creation of an adult soccer league and was recommended for approval by the Parks and Recreation Board. 

A public hearing will be held leading into a vote on the re-adoption of guidelines and criteria for granting tax phase-in in a city reinvestment zone. 

Also on Thursday, the council will:

• Consider a utility extension for water, wastewater and gas services between the city and TxDOT for the extension of utility services to TxDOT’s proposed new area office at 4350 Highway 36 South, outside of city limits.
• Potentially purchase six Chevrolet Tahoes for the Brenham Police Department through The Interlocal Purchasing System.
• Consider accepting a bid for the lease of approximately 301.50 acres of land for hay production at the old landfill property located at 2080 Old Navasota Road, the Brenham Business Center and Southwest Industrial Park. 
• Act on a contract for participation in the city’s rotation log for non-consent tows.
• Hold executive session discussion to consult with an attorney on matters concerning the Brenham Municipal Airport, its operations and services.

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

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