Council okays long-range plan

By Melinda L. Lucas

City council members reviewed and approved a long-range capital improvements budget during their regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 15, which had been delayed one week from the usual second Monday time.

City manager Billy Holson went through the five-year plan, which must be submitted along with the 2018-2019 audit to the Texas Attorney General’s office.

Holson explained that the previous seven-year plan, which had been presented in 2011 by former city manager Dave Ramon, had expired, and the state requires that a new blueprint be adopted.

The document covers the water plant, water distribution, wastewater, parks, sewer system, police department, streets, administration, cemetery, and airport.

The council approved the five-year plan, which is a fluid document and can be changed from one year to the next.

Revised Restrictions

A revision was approved in the restrictions governing the 42.09 acres of the Clarke Estate purchased by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

The new version allows single-family homes of standard construction with at least 1,250 square feet under roof set on lots of 1/4 acre or larger, if specifically approved by the EDC.

The meeting adjourned after a 45-minute closed session discussion about an “employee retirement issue.” There was no action.