Monday night’s city council meeting proved that they do exist, that there are enough members, alive and well, to reach a quorum. Everything on the agenda was discussed and many things were approved.
The meeting opened with Mayor Pinckney reading a proclamation for National Volunteer Week. The proclamation stressed that Llano Main Street and the City of Llano have effected positive change through volunteer actions in the community.
It was then proclaimed that April 27 through May 3 will be recognized as National Volunteer Week. The mayor urged citizens to volunteer and connect with the community again.
The council held a public hearing for a bed and breakfast, to be opened on Oatman Street, requesting a Specific Use Permit.
The Council felt there was a need for another establishment, like a Bed and Breakfast, because the events held in Llano throughout the year attract many tourist and approved the ordinance and permit.
The next item of business was to discuss and consider a Resolution Directing the Publication of Notice of Intention to Issue the City of Llano Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation.
The Council approved this notice which states that City Council has issued the city certificates of obligation for paying all or a portion of constructing improvements and extensions to the city’s waterworks systems and any legal, fiscal and engineering fees in connection with such projects.
The largest and more controversial item on the agenda was a proposal for a Llano Skate Park. Four or five Llano students came to show their support for this project. Two voiced their opinions and suggestions for the park.
Eugene Long, chairman of the Llano Skate Park committee, proposed the park be built in Grenwelge Park and handed the council a rough sketch layout of the park. He told the council the committee has had several offers from people wanting to help build the park with concrete and steel and people who want to donate funds to help pay for the park. He also added that some of the students had fundraising ideas as well.
Mayor Pinckney supported the issue by explaining the city could possibly give some funds to help build the park but would have to wait until the budget workshops in May.
A couple of concerned citizens voiced their opinions on the noise level this park may create.
The issue of location was tabled by the council but Mayor Pinckney suggested the Skate Park committee hold another meeting to allow the public to suggest other locations for the park and keep options open.
The council also tabled the issue of tree trimming to prevent Oak Wilt because there was not enough information to make a decision.
The council approved amending the ordinance providing for a budget amendment. This amendment creates a deficit budget for the amount of $273,716.
The budget amendment formalizes council decisions made at earlier meetings, which include the fine payment on the contract for the economic development study, fees due to Grant Development Services upon award of the Safe Routes to School grant and for the firm administering the grant.
Also included are the sewer department’s jet machine, an additional employee hired for the sewer department, the purchase of a service truck for the water/sewer department and engineering services for the sewer plant.
The council tabled the agenda item of the Local Government Services, LLC to conduct a pole attachment audit because there was not enough information to make a decision.
The audit is an agreement between the City of Llano and Local Government Services, LLC for Cable Television Franchise Management. This means that if the City of Llano desires to provide regulation and oversight of cable television services that are being provided by the city, Local Government Services, LLC has a cable franchise management service available.
The amendment to the Animal Control and Protection Ordinance, was approved. The amendment adds the statement “Restraint, to prohibit animals within sports complex playing fields and require that owners clean up after their animals on any public property or improved private property other than that of the owner of the animal.”
Tony Griffith approached the council asking for funds to help pay for advertising for the Texas Proud Festival through the Hotel/Motel Tax Funds.
Mayor Pinckney could not grant Griffith the total asking price of $6,000 but the council decided to approve giving $1,000 for the time being. The mayor suggested Griffith discuss this issue further with city officials and city council members.
Eddie Stefan made the comment that lots of funds are given to the Crawfish Open, which in turn brings in a lot of money. He suggested next year the city give a little less to the Crawfish and spread the remaining funds between the other events.
The council approved the closing of Berry Street between Sandstone and Main for the Third Annual Texas Proud Festival.
The last thing the council discussed was the IESI rate increase. There was some question about what the actual price would be from the rate increase but it was known for a fact that both residential and commercial rates would increase three percent.
Mayor Pinckney suggested that the City “get a hold” of the garbage and recycling issue, saying that “only five percent of the City recycles.”
He emphasized that if the funds of recycling went to a good cause maybe more people would recycle.