BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
The Brenham City Council will act Thursday on adopting a three-year economic development strategic plan.
The plan, created by Brenham | Washington County Economic Development with Marketing Alliance, Inc., identifies strategic priorities and recommends targeted industries fit for economic development in the city and Washington County. It also analyzes organizational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that shape the economic development department’s ability to succeed.
Later, the council will vote on the first batch of funding applications received through the city’s new life safety grant program, approved in December for the purpose of supporting accessibility improvements and required compliance updates for downtown properties.
Two grant applications are being considered for properties at 216 West Alamo Street and 114 East Alamo Street. A review panel consisting of officials from the City of Brenham, Brenham | Washington County Economic Development and Main Street Brenham recommends awarding grants of $47,102 and $57,500, respectively.
The grant program has a total of $120,000 to allocate during the current budget cycle, with a maximum award of $60,000 per property.
Councilmembers will also hold a work session discussion to receive an administrative services update on the city secretary’s office, purchasing services and animal services.
In other business, the council will:
- Consider revising the city’s contract with the Texas General Land Office for the Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Program, relating to drainage projects that received grant funding for Hurricane Harvey disaster relief. The revision is to prepare for final payment and reflect approximately $302,297 in cost savings throughout the seven projects.
- Act on accepting a bid for the purchase of lime for the city’s water and wastewater utility system.
- Vote on a resolution authorizing the execution of an equipment lease purchase agreement with Cadence Equipment Finance. The council approved a financing proposal with Cadence on January 22nd for the purchase of a street sweeper for $369,340.
- Hold an executive session discussion regarding the retirement of the city manager and the city’s transition to a new city manager.
The council will meet Thursday at 1 p.m. at Brenham City Hall.
Click here to view the agenda packet for Thursday's meeting.