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Posted on: May 24, 2023

Shenandoah City Council May 24, 2023 Update

Supporting Documents for Agenda Items can be found HERE.

Missed the Council meeting? Check out our YouTube channel and watch at your convenience.

Attendance: Present: Mayor John Escoto, Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Bradt (Position 4), Mike McLeod (Position 5), Jim Pollard (Position 3), Ted Fletcher (Position 2) and Ron Raymaker (Position 1) Absent: Jim Pollard (Position 4)

ITEM 6: Monthly MDD Report - No Council action needed; report included in supporting document link.

ITEM 7: Preliminary Capital Projects- -This meeting is slated as a preliminary capital project review for the 2023-2024 budget year. Staff has provided updated pricing and added projects since the last approval of the Capital Project Plan last September. This will help Council navigate through the project list before the joint meeting with MDD and the Council’s budget workshop. It gives staff more time for research and to ask questions to create a well-thought-out plan to be adopted. No action needed; discussion only.

ITEM 8: Possible City-owned Property Sale - Council tabled.

ITEMS 9-10: Zoning Alcohol Permit"ZAP" and Ordinance Change - Califas Taco & Beer occupies the space previously occupied by Mary’z Mediterranean Bar & Grill. The initial SUP issued to Mary’z Mediterranean Bar & Grill was granted in May 2021. Businesses must obtain an alcohol permit from the city prior to being granted a permit by TABC. A ZAP permit is applicable if the location has received a special use permit previously and the current application and request is identical to the existing SUP. The business is located in the “NS” – Neighborhood Service District. Council voted 4-0 to approve the ZAP.

ITEMS 11-13: Final Plat Property Location - Memorial Hermann Health System The Woodlands has submitted for a final plat. The property being platted is planned for a new parking garage and medical office building. A public hearing was held with no comments. Council voted 4-0 to approve the final plat.

ITEM 14: Vision Park Pond Phase 2 - City Council funded the construction of the Vision Park Pond Expansion Phase 2 in the 2022-23 fiscal year. Staff received competitive bids and Bleyl Engineering recommends awarding the project to Solid Bridge Construction. This project will include the installation of 8' pathways, two pedestrian bridges, solar/LED pathway lighting, and installation of new landscaping. The plans call for a 5' deep wet bottom pond, featuring a tiered stone wall t visible from the pathway. Staff received separate pricing from Green Frog Systems for the pathway lighting. A veteran's memorial monument will also be constructed as a part of this improvement but as a separate project with separate funding. City Council budgeted $1,824,500 for the project. An additional $575,000 in funding was requested from the Municipal Development District (MDD)at their earlier meeting and approved. Council voted 4-0 to award the bid to Solid Bridge.

ITEM 15. Water Well #5 in Tamina - The Tamina Community Water and Sewer project is moving forward on schedule. The water distribution system and the wastewater collection system will be designed simultaneously as the PUC reviews the CCN transfer for approval. The first milestone in design is to determine the location of the new water well and plant early because it affects the overall design and sizing of waterlines based on the placement of the well. The city currently owns 3 acres of property near the intersection of Main St and Tamina Rd, which is generally central to the new distribution system and is an ideal placement for the water well. The property is also large enough to fit a sanitary sewer lift station, which will be needed to move the wastewater to the west underneath the railroad. Council voted 4-0 to approve the location for Well #5.

ITEM 16. Purchase of Commercial Meters - These high-use meters need to be replaced to avoid revenue loss. Due to the size of the meter and the work involved in replacing these larger meters, it is preferred that the labor is outsourced. The public works department worked on pricing and Accurate Meter & Backflow provided the best estimate. Staff decided to quote all three replacements at once to take advantage of cost savings. Since the price exceeds the $9,000 budgeted amount and the $15,000 City Administrator’s purchasing authority, it is required that this item be brought to Council for approval for payment. Council voted 4-0 to purchase the meters.

ITEM 1: Ratification of April Accounts Payable - Council voted 5-0 to ratify the accounts payable.

Civic Club Update:

The Scholarship awards this year will help four students as they begin their college studies. The scholarships are funded through donations. Civic Club urges all residents to consider donating to the scholarship for upcoming students. Donations may be made at City Hall to the Shenandoah Resident Scholarship Fund.
There are still five available flags for replacement of existing flags showing age and wear. the flags are free for anyone who presently has a flag that needs to be replaced properly.
The Independence Celebration will be Saturday, June 24, at the City Park from 10 a.m. to noon.

City Attorney Updates

None

City Administrator Updates

Traffic cameras were up along Wellman Road as Quest Academy is conducting a traffic analysis study for their proposed expansion.
The Pinecroft Lift Station Rehabilitation and Force Main Upsize project and the David Vetter ACP Replacement project both began on Monday.