BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO FURTHER DISCUSS PURCHASE OF DOWNTOWN PROPERTY

  

The Brenham City Council will potentially move forward with the purchase of property near downtown at its meeting tomorrow (Thursday).

At the council’s meeting on December 20th, members authorized the mayor and city manager to identify available property downtown, and to negotiate with the property owners.

The property could be used for economic development, as part of the city’s recently approved Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ).

The TIRZ will allow the City of Brenham to use new development taxes, generated within a zone around city limits, for investment opportunities. Those funds would be earmarked for expenses in the city’s project plan.  The TIRZ area involves 2,200 acres along U.S. Highway 290, West Main Street and South Market Street.

The city’s list of prospective projects, which can be amended, includes plans for parking enhancements, health and safety improvements, creation of a family park, and a downtown hotel.

Also on the agenda, the council looks to make adjustments to fees for City of Brenham parks and fields, as well as first reading of an ordinance amending rates at the Recycling Center and Citizen’s Collection Station.

The new fees for the parks were discussed at the last Parks and Recreation meeting, and will help cover costs of rising services and improvements to city facilities. At the council’s last meeting, it was decided that all bagged garbage would be transitioned to the Collection Station, and the drop-off rate would increase from $1 a bag to $2.

The city will also look to give notice of intent to issue certificates of obligation for general government and water utility projects. The general government and water utility projects, each around $1.5 million, include covering costs of street and drainage improvements, and replacement of pipe in the water distribution system.

The council will also call a general election for the position of mayor, as well as council seats 2 and 3. In addition, it will look at an election services contract with Washington County, and an agreement with Brenham ISD and Blinn College for the election, on May 4th.

Also in session, councilmembers will:

  • Discuss the city manager’s employment agreement and related issues in executive session.
  • Hold work session on the city’s sign ordinance, along with possible changes to the city’s human resources policy manual.
  • Look at an agreement with United Healthcare Optum Health Care Solutions for a fitness program and facility partnership at the Blue Bell Aquatic Center.
  • Consider purchase of a bucket truck and brush chipper for the city electric department.

The council will meet tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m., at Brenham City Hall.

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