The Huntsville City Council met on Tuesday, February 7th, 2023. The meeting was held in the Huntsville Public Library. In attendance were the Mayor, Andy Brauninger, as well as Mayor Pro Tem Russell Humphrey. The City Council members in attendance were: Bert Lyle, Karen Denman, Vicki McKenzie, Pat Graham, Daiquiri Beebe, Deloris Massey and Jon Strong.
The meeting began with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and then the Texas Flag. There was a public hearing for the proposed annexation of approximately 55.0075 acres of property located at 2054 I-45 South, approximately 2,257 feet north of the intersection of Lonestar Road and Interstate 45 South Service Road, by the City of Huntsville, Texas. Spencer Cody was in attendance and spoke as the representative of the new owners of the land. He was asked by the Mayor what the land was going to be used for. Cody explained the new owners plan to utilize all 55 acres of the land and not divide it into smaller pieces of land. They plan to build an attraction that is similar to Santa’s Wonderland in College Station, Texas. There will be a winter village in the center of it all that will hold concession stands. They plan to have a ride that will go through the woods in order to see all of the Christmas lights. A few years out, they also plan to use this property to put in an outdoor amphitheater. By doing this, they plan to host concerts there as well. There was no one in the public seating that was either for or against the application.
In the Consent Agenda these are the items that were approved: consider authorizing the City Manager to award a purchasing agreement to Delta Fire and Safety Incorporated for the purchase and service of structural and wildland firefighting protective clothing. Consider Resolution 2023-2 authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept, if awarded, funding under the General Victim Assistance Direct Services Program to support the Victim Services Coordinator. Consider Resolution 2023-3 authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept, if awarded, funding under the FY24 Criminal Justice Program to continue digital evidence management. Consider Resolution 2023-4 authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept, if awarded, funding under the FY23 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) – LETPA Projects to update SWAT gear. Consider authorizing the City Manager to award the construction contract for NB-06 Sanitary Sewer Basin Rehabilitation Project, Project ID 20-10-06. Lastly, consider adoption of Ordinance 2023-2 to amend the budget for FY 22-23 and/or CIP Project budgets. Ashley Brown the Grants Manager was in attendance and was asked if items B,C and D would bring about a stronger opportunity. She explained to them that she hated to be too optimistic, but based on their previous applications and some of the feedback they have received from HGAC, she felt like they have a decent opportunity of receiving all three awards.
They then moved on to the Statutory Agenda which can be read on the City Council Website. There were no media inquiries related to matters on the agenda. One of the events that came up during Items of Community Interest was the Annual Texas Independence Day and Sam Houston Birthday Celebration. This event will be held Thursday, March 2nd, 2023.
At 6:30 PM the City Council went into executive session.
