Council considers Depot project

A proposed project to include a senior citizens space in the Albany Visitor Center was discussed at length during the Albany city council meeting on Monday night, Jan. 14, with Chamber of Commerce officials agreeing to bring more information to the next session.

Council members also received an update on progress of the gas line upgrades and how it will affect street repairs during 2019.

Junior Chamber Program

Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones, along with Chamber president Ramby Anderson, presented information about a scholarship opportunity for local students through a Texas Midwest Community Network program.

Albany ISD ag instructor Chris Beard was also present, because AISD trustees approved his participation in the program at their November meeting.

Jones explained that up to four local junior students would be selected to manage the project, with members of Beard’s ag classes assisting when needed.

The project being considered is converting the west end of the Visitor Center (Depot), currently just used for storage, into a senior citizens space.

After discussion, Jones and Anderson agreed to determine a “scope of work” that can be attained in the required time frame, addressing the council again at their next session on Feb. 5.

Gas Line Update

City manager Billy Holson reported that despite wet weather over the past few months, Atmos Energy still feels that the local gas line installation will be completed by the September 2019 target date.

With numerous roadways cut during the ongoing gas line upgrades, a sub-contractor has already worked on repairs in a few high traffic areas, but Holson said that no real work will get underway until temperatures are warm enough for the “asphalt to stay together.”

City workers will also start street projects when it’s warmer, probably in March, Holson said.

In other business, the council amended the budget and set a budget workshop for Feb. 5.