Concerned citizens approached the Brownwood City Council on Tuesday to request a street name change in honor of a friend/mentor and another to propose consideration of utility fee reductions.
A former citizen of Brownwood, Brownwood High School Graduate, and Gordon Wood Hall of Fame Inductee, Mr. Cecil H. Houston, approached the Council at Tuesday morning’s City Council meeting to request a name change of Chestnut Street to Ella B. Jones Way, to honor his friend and mentor.
Houston, born and raised in Brownwood, had grown up with the positive influence of Jones as his role model. As Houston put it, “She has been a role model for the community…she fed the multitudes for years… she is a fine Christian woman.” He spoke of his morning visit with friends this week, speaking of the possible name change of the street, they said, “You know…that is a one way street, and that is just the kind of woman she is.”
Although a vote could not be made today, the Council did agree to put the possibility of the street name change on a future council agenda.
Local business owner Jerry Shepherd also addressed the City Council and told them that he believed high city fees create hardships on start-up small businesses. Shepherd told the council that he is currently trying to start a new business at the old Chicken Express location on Indian Creek. He stated that when he visited the water department to set up his water account, he thought the clerk was joking when she told him it would cost $710 deposit. Shepherd said that he thought that was a bit “ludicrous” stating, “I don’t understand why it would be so high.”
Shepherd told the council that he did some research and called other surrounding towns to compare these deposits, noting that the average deposits were much less. Shepherd quoted rates of other cities including Early $125, Goldthwaite 1 ½ the cost of 2 month service history of the certain property; Abilene $0 (a connect fee of $25), and Stephenville less than $500. He said of the current fee system, “I feel it is out of line. I think it needs to be looked at and wish you would consider that.”
Mayor Bert Massey said, “I’d be glad to research this, if that is the Council’s desire.” The council indicated they were open to this discussion regarding possible revision of the current fee schedules.
In other matters before the council:
- A Proclamation of May 1 through June 14th as National Military Appreciation Month was read by Mayor Massey. This proclamation was presented to Commander James Master of the VFW and representatives of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Joyce Leidig presented the Mayor with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Military and Family Support Group.
- Ordinances regarding closure and abandonment of Garvin Street, between Neumann Street and Belvin Street; prohibiting parking along either side of Whaley Street between Booker Street and Melwood Street; and adding two members to the Buildings and Standards Commission were all unanimously approved.
- Council considered an Ordinance on first reading setting charges for the fees, rentals, licenses and permits for the City of Brownwood. Some mentioned were Aquatic center fees: locker fee 50 cents, admission $2 (12 & under) and $3 for 13 & over, daycare admission $17.50, season passes (12 swims) at a $20 for 12 & under and $30 for 13 & over, Rental of the pavilion $35/2 hrs (includes 3 tables and free admission for 1 chaperon),and rental of pool after hours $250 (6:30-8:30 with a $100 deposit and $125/each extra hour with 8 lifeguards required).
- Approval of joint election agreement & contract for election.
- Ratification of Mayoral appointments to the Planning and Zoning commission, Library Board, and alternate positions to the Building and Standards Commission, which were all approved unanimously. These appointments included Gary Twiford and Charles Bullion, alternate members for Buildings and Standards Commission (terms expire 12/31/12); Donna Swanger, Library Board replacing Bobbie Jo Sims (term expires 12/31/13); and Minessa Mesic, Planning & Zoning replacing Gary Larremore (term expires 12/31/13).
