‘No Trespassing’ at city lakes update

Austin Street work / street closure underway on downtown square

• ‘No Trespassing’ at city lakes update

The Center city council approved updates to no trespassing ordinances at Lake Center and Lake Pinkston during Monday’s regular meeting. The updates clarify access to specific areas. Existing laws prohibit all or most access, but according to the city, state officials have declined to recognize restrictions that prohibit hunting access. The revision is aimed at eliminating and enforcing trespassing in designated areas at the two public water supply dams.

Use Permit Also approved was a specific use permit for 1017 Southview Circle. The permit was recommended by the city Planning & Zoning Commission, and no questions or objections were heard at a public hearing preceding the council meeting.

According to the permit filed by “Down Home Storage” / Grant McDonald, the property is owned by Gary McDonald.

Software Replacement An appropriation to improve operational capabilities for EForce, the public safety software system, was approved. The Center police and fire departments, city staff and internet technology departments have reviewed the current system and alternatives to improve operations, reporting, integration and capabilities.

Anticipating the enhanced need, the technology fund in budgeting was expanded to provide reserves for anticipated software replacement. The recommended software system and necessary hardware enhancements are currently included in the tech fund forecast and sufficient amounts are available to initiate the recommended transition.

Annual costs for system changes will increase future police department Tech Fund allocations by an estimated $3,000 for increased depreciation, but not advance funds for future software upgrades.

Roof Replacement A major roof rehab including full replacement of many roof structures was approved. According to Nehring, age plus numerous roof issues including multiple repairs and a couple of winter storm clean ups has left city hall in need of a new roof.

Primary issues are undersized gutters, deterioration of parapet walls and roof metal. Estimates for full replacement have been reviewed with all requiring formal bid requirements to comply with state law and city purchasing policy.

The approved formal design project approach is within the General Fund special projects account with budgeted amounts for facility upgrades. Actual construction will come from fund reserves or other available sources of funds currently undesignated or unreserved.

Professional Services “Professional Services Agreement - MHS Planning - Facilities Evaluation for Sports Tourism” was approved. The council delayed action on this agreement at a prior meeting to allow for review of Hotel Tax/Tourism Fund obligations, financials and expectations. lnterlocal Contract Approved was “lnterlocal Contract -TX Department of Public Safety OMNIBASE,” a state requirement for municipal courts to rely on the state to review license renewals with outstanding warrant lists. The contract is similar to prior agreements.

Racial Profiling Report The Center Police Department’s Annual Racial Profiling Report was acknowledged by the council. State law requires law enforcement agencies to compile an annual report. No action is required to approve the report, but historically, the council has acknowledged its receipt.

Items of Interest (no action required)

• Financial reports, February Sales Tax report, and the January Financial dashboard.

• Board/committee minutes/reports board/ committee appointments.

• Staff report and information.

• Annual Street EDC Program: Removal of asphalt and replacement with concrete of the two separate segments of Austin St downtown beginning Feb 12th. Traffic plan for each in separate 2-week construction periods. Parking inside the square, intersection, midblock crossings and all storefront sidewalks will remain open.

• Water System: Drought Management Plan - Stage 1 discontinued. Rains have nearly filled Lake Pinkston. Usage remains high but drought management and use restrictions are no longer required.

• Aiken Rehab & Water Reuse Projects: Both continuing with preliminary design and required sampling for permitting. Recent meeting with new industry leadership was productive in developing toward meeting long-term industrial needs with these projects.

• Youth Sports Summer Tournaments: Youth tournaments for summer obtained through Dixie Youth baseball/softball focuses on hosting all six age groups for softball and the traditionally well-attended coach-pitch weekend.

• Resilient Community Grant: Work continues on details for application of special funds available for drainage planning, comprehensive plans and development review training.

• Airport: The city has reviewed CIP - Airport Layout Plan engineering RFP’s and TXDoT should be initiating contract for services. The city continues to explore options for IIJA Special Funding for use of special allocations solely for additional airport facilities under the federal spending programs from last year that are just now available for use, but expire if unused by end of 2026.

• Recreation Programs: Basketball league is nearing conclusion; baseball and softball signups have started.

• ETEX Broadband: Project continues with continued fiber installation.