Written by Amanda Coers – The Brownwood City Council met at 9 a.m. in the Council Chambers inside City Hall on Tuesday, April 24th, to discuss items on the agenda. 

 

 

During the Citizens Presentation portion of the council meeting, Rick Phelps spoke to the councilmen regarding the upcoming National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday in May at Pat Coursey Park with local pastors offering prayers for the local community and its leaders. This year’s theme is Unity.

“I really think it’s important for as many folks as possible can be there,” Phelps said, citing the recent divisiveness felt within the community during the city election season.

Additional prayer events will be held at McDonald Park in Early from 5:30 to 6 p.m., and another on the Brown County Courthouse steps from 6 to 8 p.m. 

“Where our country is at right now, prayer is something that we do all agree on,” Phelps said.

Brownwood Police Chief Terry Nichols provided an update to the council regarding Animal Control Enforcement and Ordinance Work. 

“Spay and neuter programs could solve a number of problems this community is facing regarding animals at large and dog bites,” Chief Nichols said. He also explained the police  department has met with the city attorney and municipal court judge regarding stricter enforcement for unvaccinated animals, off-leash dogs roaming the streets, and animal cruelty. 

“We’re tying to help people understand what responsible pet ownership means,” the chief said. “If we get repeat offenders we will start fining them.” 

There will be a follow up meeting scheduled for the community in approximately 90 days regarding any changes to the city ordinances for animals, and the police department’s efforts to educate the community and enforce the ordinance. 



Items also presented to the council included:

  • The council was asked to consider authorizing Mayor Stephen Haynes to sign an agreement and accept additional funds during the 2018-19 term of agreement with the Health and Human Services Commission for the Home Delivered Meals Grant Program, often referred to as “Meals on Wheels.” The council approved the resolution, designating the mayor as the signatory for any additional grant money if awarded to fund the program for hungry residents in need. 
  • The council was asked to approve a Resolution denying the Oncor Electric Delivery Company’s application for approval of a distribution cost recovery factor to increase distribution rates with the City. “We’ve seen it multiple times throughout the years where utility companies request a rate increase,” the mayor said, encouraging the council to deny Oncor’s application in the hopes of negotiating the lowest rates possible for the citizens. The motion passed unanimously. 
  • The council was asked to declare dirt excavated from the Pecan Bayou as surplus property. The dirt would be sold for $1 per cubic yard. Purchasers will need to haul the dirt themselves. Contractors for the Pecan Bayou Shopping Center are interested in purchasing the dirt to fill an area excavated to remove a retaining wall. City staff will haul 30 cubic yards to the landfill so citizens could purchase the dirt for $5 per load.