V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
Using a sidewalk to get from the elementary school to the high school got one step closer this week as TxDOT approved moving the City’s two grant requests to stage 2.
The designation change means the City needs to supply TxDOT with more specific engineering details on exactly what is desired as well as community support letters.
Ward 2 Alderman Will Thomas provided Council with an update on a conference call between City officials and TxDOT on the projects and Mayor Rob Baker notified Council of the status change provided to him on March 30.
Baker went on to say that Council would need to approve approximately $18,000 per grant in engineering expenses for SPI to assist with providing TxDOT with the necessary information. He also said that, while these are matching grants, TxDOT indicated that the City would possibly be able to claim ETC credits for the matching funds.
The second grant would replace or install some sidewalks from Lion’s Club Park into the downtown area.
Council had discussed that if they had to choose one project over another, the sidewalks between the schools would be the priority.
Council also approved a building permit for Steve Winfrey to build a garage at 412 W. Austin Street.
Baker also updated Council on the need for the City to request a formal survey of the City limits as well as an updated floodplain mapping. He indicated these projects would be coming to Council for a decision soon. He said the survey would allow a clear definition of the City’s boundaries and help in planning for development or growth. The Floodplain mapping would allow insurance companies to provide more accurate risk analysis of flooding and possibly lower insurance rates.
Lastly, Council approved renewing the Consultant Services Agreement with MuniServices LLC for Sales Tax Compliance Review Services and Local Occupancy Tax Program Audit and Administration Services.
The agreement, originally established in 2017 hires MuniServices to oversee the collection of Hotel Occupancy Taxes for the City. The new agreement increases the fee the City pays for the service from $11 to $12 per lodging facility.
City Council will meet in regular session on April 18.