Written by Amanda Coers – The Brownwood City Council met at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12th, in the Council Chambers inside City Hall to discuss items posted on the agenda. 

 

 

During the introductions portion of the meeting, the council recognized a local softball team, Flash, for their second place finish in a state tournament. Mayor Stephen Haynes presented certificates to each team member, congratulating them on their hard work and excellence. 

photo by Marshal McIntosh

Brownwood USA Softball of Texas Girls 8 & Under State Runner Ups from the 2018 State Tournament Players: Kaydence Allen, Brenda Allen, Kendra Allen, Lillie Lara, Trinity Roberts, Lila Mares, Neveah Perez, Amari Roberts, Amarrea Thomas, Aleeyah Mccombs, Ameriah Balleza

Head coach: Robert Perez, Asst. Coach: Ruby Rivera, 1st Base Coach: Jose Mares, 3rd base Coach: Bridney Allen, Hype Man/Team Cheerleader: Cody Allen

After the presentation, the council discussed a proposed traffic plan for Vincent Street in front of East Elementary. Brownwood Independent School District had requested the City assist them in evaluating the traffic around the school to develop better traffic flow. The council was presented a traffic plan developed with input from BISD, the Brownwood Police Department, City Street and Engineering Departments, as well as a TxDOT Traffic Engineer. 

The plan includes:

  • Northbound one-way on Vincent between Roanoke and Idlewild to allow for students to be dropped-off and picked-up from the passenger side of vehicles.
  • Through-lane for travelers driving on Vincent who are not dropping off students.
  • 4-Way stop at the intersection of Idlewild and Vincent to prevent excessive lines of vehicles on Vincent and allow drivers to exit the school area efficiently.
  • Nine additional parking spaces will be gained on Vincent Street with restriping.

The City and BISD invites input from the residents who live near the school, or who have children who attend East Elementary. There will be a public informational session on Tuesday, June 26th, from 4 to 6 p.m. at East Elementary. The session is come-and-go to accommodate different schedules, and will allow residents to review the plan, discuss ideas, and offer input for the City. 

“One main difference will be turning Vincent Street into a one-way street for one block,” said Assistant City Manager of Public Works Tim Airheart. The plan to correct the traffic flow will help establish a directional drop-off lane so children can safely exit on the passenger side.

The traffic plan is posted on both the City and BISD websites for review. If approved, the work is expected to be completed prior to school starting in August. 

During the meeting the council was presented a petition from Micam Development, LLC to annex approximately 109.67 acres into the city limits. The petition was accepted and the council will host two public hearings on the annexation petition. 

If annexed, the city may need to extend water and sewage services to accommodate a potential independent senior living complex as well as apartment complexes, and other residential properties.

The City of Brownwood has met with Jim Martin and his partners regarding a proposed development north of Market Place Boulevard. Micam Development, LLC and MD2 Acquisitions own approximately 120 acres in the area where the 109 acres are currently located outside the city limits. The company wishes to be annexed into the city in order to receive city services. 

Also listed on the agenda: 

  • The council authorized the purchase of a vibratory tamper, a cement mixer and repairs to sand filter controls totaling approximately $48,000 from the Utility Fund. The equipment is needed for the Waste Water Treatment Plant. 
  • The council authorized the City Manager to sign an amendment to accept additional funds on behalf of the Brown County Health Department to continue providing Health Emergency Preparedness Services to the community. 
  • The council authorized the City Manager to sign an extension of a contract between the City of Brownwood and James Blair Hays, M.D. to serve as the City’s Public Health Authority.
  • The council awarded a bid for curb and gutter work on Gordon Wood Stadium Drive to Ribble Concrete and Land Construction. The company’s bid of $59,450 for 2,300 linear feet of curb and gutter was the only bid received. The City’s engineers had estimated the cost for the curb and gutter work to be around $63,000. The Street Department is in the process of rebuilding the entrance into Gordon Wood Stadium off of Calvert Road. The money for the project is from the 2016 Bond Funds.