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COLUMBUS — The City Council met in regular session March 13 to discuss the appointment of an associate judge and conduct a second reading regarding expenditures.
The council considered action to approve the appointment of the Honorable Stan Warfield as associate judge for Columbus Municipal Court. This appointment was made after Colorado County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3 Judge Francis Truchard passed away earlier this month.
Warfield currently serves on the municipal court for Eagle Lake.
Councilman Ronny Daley motioned with a second by Paige Sciba and one abstention from Keith Cummings. Cummings said he would have liked for Warfield to be present to introduce himself.
City Manager Donald Warschak gave his report regarding sales tax. He said there was a slight decrease this month of $146,915.62 compared to March last year of $147,824.21. He noted in his report that the county and Eagle Lake experienced an increase, while Weimar experienced a decrease.
In regards to the downtown revitalization sidewalk grant, Warschak said the contractor has completed most of the work behind the Art Center and on Walnut Street between Columbus State Bank and OST Creamery. He said they are currently working on the section of Spring Street between Milam and Bowie Street.
He also said that Willie Mae Williams and a group of volunteers will have a spring-cleaning day at Midtown Park on March 25 starting at 10 a.m. for those interested in participating.
The council also conducted second readings to approve expenditures of 4B revenues. This is required based off of expenditures presented in previous meeting. After a second reading, the following were approved by council:
• Funding of a Combined Community Development and Economic Development Grant to the City of Columbus for Little League Baseball and Softball Restroom Facility Improvements.
• Funding of a Business Improvement Grant, Part of the Milam Street Improvement Project, to Magnolia Society at the Hotel Colorado, LLC for Decking and Front Yard Improvements.
• Funding of an Economic Development Grant to Magnolia Society at the Hotel Colorado, LLC for Kitchen and Patio Improvements for a New Restaurant.
The council also considered action on closing Travis Street from Walnut Street (Highway 90) to Spring Street from 7:30 a.m. to noon on the last Saturday of each month beginning March 25 through Nov. 25 as requested by the Columbus Country Market. The council approved.
The council then considered action on the following closures: Closure of Spring Street from Milam Street up to the property line at 415 Spring St. on Friday, May 19 beginning at 7 a.m. and the closure of Spring Street from Milam Street to Front Street beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 19 until midnight, Saturday, May 20; the closure of Travis Street from Walnut Street to Spring Street beginning at 7 a.m. and the closure of Travis Street from Walnut Street to Washington Street beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, May 19 until midnight, Saturday, May 20; and the closure of Milam Street from Walnut Street to the railroad tracks beginning at 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 as requested by the Chamber of Commerce for the Magnolia Days Festival. The council approved.
The council also considered action on a resolution authorizing the submission of a Texas Community Development Block Grant Program application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for the Community Development Fund. Council approved of the application.
Council then approved of a resolution authorizing city representatives in matters pertaining to the city’s application in the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program.
Council also considered action regarding the sale of real property owned by the city at 930 Travis St., pursuant to Section 272.001 local government code; the approval of the required minimum bid of $81,600, and authorizing city management to take all necessary action for the posting of the required notice. The council went over the appraised value and mineral rights reserved to the city. The council approved.
The council considered any action, if necessary, regarding the naming of the renovated alley behind Milam Street between Walnut and Crockett Streets.
“Artist Alley” is one of the proposed names because of its location. Councilman Michael Ridlen said he is not opposed to the name, but wants to open the naming of the alley to those neighboring it to get their consideration on the name. Billy Khahn, with A Better Columbus, said a naming contest could also be an option. Councilman Chuck Rankin said a contest may be considered after they first speak to property owners who are near the alley.
Council will add this item to the agenda to further discuss at the next meeting.
