Brownwood City Council voted Tuesday to authorize the city manager to partner with the Chamber of Commerce, Brown County, the City of Early and the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation to enter into an agreement with Rural Issues Consultant Bob Turner for the 2013 legislative session.
According to Brownwood City Manager Bobby Rountree, Turner was employed in this manner for these agencies and in the last legislative session with great success.
“Although Brownwood and Brown County have strong relationships and influences with lawmakers, the committee feels there is a need for someone in Austin to be our ‘eyes and ears’ in case something unexpected occurs or is proposed that could adversely affect the Brownwood/Brown County area,” said Rountree in a briefing sheet.
It has been recommended that each entity contribute equally toward the cost of hiring Turner, $5,000 each for a total of $25,000. Should a special session be held, Turner would cover it at no additional cost to the group.
Rountree stated that he would like to find some grant money to put toward the water reuse plant expense and that Turner has already been looking for such funding on Brownwood’s behalf.
“I feel it’s important to have someone there in Austin to represent us daily,” said Rountree. “If you don’t have someone there listening to the issues you can find yourself behind the eight ball.”
In other matters on Tuesday’s agenda:
*Council granted final approval on a change in the zoning classification of the 81.9415 and 1.72222 acres in the 300 block of FM 45 West from C-1 Local Business District to M-1 Restricted Industrial District.
*Council approved an amendment to an agriculture lease with lessee Joe Nobles to reflect a change in the name of the lessee to name Pecan Bayou Ranch, LLC, of which Mr. Nobles is a member.
*An amendment was approved by the council to a Tower and Building Lease with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC for the property at the old Continental Grain Property. This agreement changes by modifying the rent amount to be increased $500/month to $1026.37/month, allow for the installation of three additional antennae (for a total of 12), associated equipment and expanded lease area and modify the notice section from a 12 x 20 foot area to 12 x 30 foot area for equipment. The lessee will also place a 6’ chain link fence around the lease site for security.
*Council ratified Mayoral appointments to the Airport Board, Audit Committee, Buildings and Standards Commission, Civil Service Commission, Martin & Francis Lehnis Transportation Museum Advisory Board, Library Board, Planning and Zoning, Texas Higher Education Facility Corporation Board, Unified Appeals Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
Rountree also announced that the city facilities will be closed for Christmas and New Year’s Holidays, December 24-25 and January 1.
