Hugh Lewis/Jefferson Jimplecute
Tuesday night’s City Council meeting was mostly routine business with Council giving the go ahead to JEDCO to spend $15,000 for earnest money on purchasing 16.507 acres of property on the north side of town for future development.
At their regular meeting last week, JEDCO approved a letter of intent to purchase the property on US59 North across from the Pine Hill subdivision but they are required to obtain city approval for any expense over $10,000.
JEDCO president Bubba Haggard said the purchase of the property would follow a regular real estate contract process. JEDCO intends to spend $285,000 on the property purchase.
Revenue and expenses discussions continued during the meeting with Council tabling the renewal of a contract with MuniServices LLC for hot tax administration so additional information could be obtained.
In other business Council:
• “Suspended” a request from CenterPoint Energy for a GRIP Interim Rate Adjustment to recoup investment in the region of replacing main natural gas lines. The rate will go into effect June 14 if the Texas Railroad Commission approves the increase. Residential customers will see a $2.92 increase on their bills each month.
• Took “no action” on a CPI adjustment to municipal telecommunications right-of-way access line rates of 4.2883%
• Took “no action” on a request to reimburse Bill Davis for $10,500 in cement work at the end of Houston Street for drainage issues. No action was requested from Davis.
• Approved the 41st Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes event application.
• Moved $237,723.93 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Grants account>
• Received $3,514.19 from the Texas Comptroller’s Opioid Abatement Trust Fund.
• Established locations for dumpsters for Earth Day observance on April 22.
• Approved the use of the Transportation Center without any fees for a Candidate Forum on April 20.