K-2, a legal herb that users say mimics the effects of marijuana, is on the radar of the City of Brownwood. City manager Bobby Rountree told the Brownwood city council on Tuesday that a proposed ordinance to ban the sale of K-2 will be presented for a vote at the October 26th council meeting.
Researchers are concerned about the drug because its toxicity and long-term effects are not known. Many states and cities are passing legislation or ordinances prohibiting K-2 which they consider a dangerous synthetic chemical. It is currently legal and available for sale and produces a marijuana-like high. If the new ordinance passes, Brownwood will join other Big Country cities such as Eastland, Breckenridge, and Sweetwater in banning K-2 and other brands of synthetic cannabis.
In other city council matters addressed:
*Proclamations recognizing both Brownwood Hunger Awareness Day and Domestic Violence Awareness Month were read and passed.
*Brent Bush, County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, gave a brief presentation on emergency preparedness for the home.
*Council authorized a waiver for a tap fee to David Carroll for water services at 204 N. Fisk.
*A resolution was approved supporting the Texas Parks and Wildlife by requesting the 82nd Legislature support legislation that increases funding for the Texas Recreation and Parks Account Local Park Grant Program and the Texas State Park System. The TPWD administers the grant and manages 93 State Parks and Historical sites in Texas.
The City of Brownwood has benefitted the last five years from the grant, receiving the following funds:
- 2005: Trails Grant for Riverside Park $85,691
- 2008: Small Communities Grant for Coggan Park $50,000
- 2010: Indoor Recreation Grant for Annex $500,000
- 2010: Outdoor Recreation Grant for Aquatic Center & Sports Complex $500,000
*Approval was granted authorizing the Mayor to sign the 2010-2011 Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) Grant between the City of Brownwood and the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division.
This grant is divided 50/50 between TXDOT and the City for maintaining the runways, buildings and grounds of the Brownwood Regional Airport. The City’s match portion is $50,000 and is budgeted in the FY 2010-2011 budget.
*Council approved an ordinance on 2nd and 3rd readings to rescind Ordinance No. 08-18 that closed and vacated a portion of North Broadway. Property owners requested the ordinance be rescinded in order to allow ingress and egress to a warehouse located at 410 South Broadway. This will officially reopen this portion of North Broadway.
*Council passed on first reading to grant an underground easement to the Brownwood Regional Medical Center across Streckert Drive which will allow for installation of a fiber optic line to connect the hospital with the Brownwood Imaging Center.
*Approval of an agreement with the City of Bangs for Fire Marshal services and authorizing the City Manager as the designated signatory official.
This agreement outlines that the City will provide these services at the rate of $100 for the first hour and $50 for each additional hour of investigation. Bangs will provide follow up as requested by the Fire Marshall and the City of Brownwood will provide the personnel, equipment, reports, and etc. for the investigation. There are approximately 6-8 fires per year that will require these services.
*Council approved authorization for the Mayor to execute a lease agreement with Terry McDonald for the portion of the intersection of Fay St. and Rush St. that lies in the slough of the Pecan Bayou. The City will lease this property to McDonald in exchange for maintaining the vegetation. McDonald plans to fence the high bank, which is city property, requiring an agreement with the city and he has engaged a surveyor and has provided a plat and field notes of the area.
