BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL GIVES NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION FOR WATER/WASTEWATER PROJECTS

  

The Brenham City Council kicked off 2025 with the swearing-in of a new municipal court judge and taking the first step in issuing certificates of obligation (COs) for water and wastewater system improvements.

Today’s (Tuesday) meeting, moved up from Thursday due to the potential for inclement winter weather, began with Jonas Lacina receiving the oath of office to serve as presiding municipal court judge.  Lacina was appointed to the role on December 5^th, filling the vacancy left by John Winkelmann upon his election as 335^th District Court Judge. 

The council then authorized the publication of notice of intent to issue no more than $29,860,000 in COs for water and wastewater projects and for general government capital purchases.  

The water and wastewater projects total $26,760,000 and include $22,511,000 for expansion of the water plant, $3,089,000 for wastewater collection and lift stations, and $1,160,000 for main replacements in the water distribution system.  The general government capital purchases are not to exceed $3,100,000.

The council will look to officially award the COs at its meeting on March 6^th.

Also today, councilmembers approved a memorandum of understanding with Nextlink Internet related to the installation of conduit and fiber along city right-of-way.  The city will work with Nextlink to locate existing utilities for Nextlink to make its installations for the next 18 to 36 months. 

Nextlink will provide the city $5,000 per month for a staff member to assist the Water/Wastewater Department with existing workload while working with the company during the project.  It will also provide the city with a $50,000 deposit to help cover any costs for damages.  The company will follow the same work hours as the city’s utility departments and will not be allowed to bore, dig or trench on weekends. 

Later, the council approved an agreement to extend city water, sewer and natural gas utilities to 4350 Highway 36 South, where TxDOT seeks to put in a new area office.

The total cost for the project, which includes a proposed sewer lift station, is listed at $744,241.  According to the agreement, TxDOT will reimburse the city for all costs associated with the design, installation and construction of the project.

In other business, the council:

• Accepted a grant for $56,613 through the Office of the Governor for body-worn cameras for the Brenham Police Department.
• Approved an interlocal agreement with Brenham ISD and Blinn College for the May 3^rd general election, as well as an election services contract with Washington County and County Elections Administrator Carol Jackson.
• Approved a five-year software renewal with Carahsoft Technology Corporation for online planning and permitting software.  The total cost over the five-year term is $265,933.
• Held an executive session to discuss the possible purchase, exchange or acquisition of real property for city sanitary sewer improvements and facilities.  

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