BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL APPROVES AUDIO SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS AT BLUE BELL AQUATIC CENTER

  

Brenham’s Blue Bell Aquatic Center will soon get a sound system overhaul.

The Brenham City Council today (Thursday) approved purchasing new audio equipment and services from Avinext for $69,031, using sales tax dollars budgeted through the Brenham Community Development Corporation (BCDC). 

Public Works Director Dane Rau said the new audio system will greatly improve sound quality, describing the current one as barely functional. 

The new system will cover all three pool areas and will be used during training, special events like Kids Gone Fishin’ and Floats ‘N Flicks, daily programming and exercise classes.  It will also bring back streaming of music during the day throughout the facility.

Rau said this purchase comes in approximately $6,000 under budget, but is more than what the city was initially considering a year ago.  However, he explained that the decision was made to hold off on purchasing a system last year because the one being looked at, while pricing at roughly $50,000 compared to $69,000, was not designed for a facility like the Aquatic Center and would likely need maintenance sooner.

Rau feels city staff “got it right” with this vendor, speaking favorably about their experience with municipalities and their customer service.  Councilmember Albert Wright said the change in dollar signs may look menacing, but when considering the quality of the product, “there’s a big difference.” 

In other items, the council:

• Approved a resolution to adopt an increase in the city’s monthly contribution to the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System, from $140 to $160.  The pension system is offered for local volunteer firefighters.
• Heard a presentation from Dr. Robert Bubb of Auburn University about the Camptown Cemetery.
• Approved the second reading of a specific use permit granted to Calvary Baptist Church for the construction of an open-air pavilion behind the existing church building at 1100 Niebuhr Street.  The item was originally listed on the consent agenda but had to be moved to the regular agenda due to Councilmember Dr. Paul LaRoche voting against approval during the December 7^th council meeting.  The vote on the second reading was identical to the first.   
• Repealed an ordinance relating to a non-exclusive franchise for Skoot-N-Hauler to operate a roll-off container service inside city limits.  The owner is no longer doing business in the Washington County area and has moved his business back to Dallas.
• Received the 2022-23 fourth quarter financial report.  
• Heard a presentation reviewing 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 (TDA).  The presentation was only needed to meet the documentation needed for TDA grant funding. 
• Met in executive session 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.  No action was scheduled to be taken. 

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