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COLUMBUS — The City Council met in regular session March 27 to discuss a proposed alley name and to consider awarding budget funds towards a library improvement project.
The council considered action on a new name proposed for the renovated alley behind Milam Street between Walnut and Crockett Streets. “Artist Alley” was the name originally proposed in the previous meeting. During that meeting, Councilman Chuck Rankin suggested that council should speak with property owners near the alley before a name change is considered. City Manager Donald Warschak said that since the last meeting, he has spoken with business owners and listened to their suggestions. The city also heard suggested names presented at the meeting.
Overall, council said “Artist Alley” appeared to be the most favored name from property owners. A motion was made by Councilman Rankin for the new name with a second by Councilman Keith Cummings. The motion passed.
Council also considered action regarding a 2023 General Fund Budget Amendment for Dumraese Grant Proceeds and Improvement Expenditures for Nesbitt Memorial Library. The budget funds are $30,000.
Library Director Susan Chandler said they would like to use the funds to put in study rooms.
A motion to approve the budget amendment was made by Councilwoman Paige Sciba with a second by Councilman Michael Ridlen. The motion passed.
Council also considered action to award a bid for the Library Improvement Project to install the study pods. Chandler said out of the two bids presented before them, they would like to go with Five-Oak Construction, which presented a lower bid in the amount of $33,250.
A motion was made by Councilman Rankin and second by Sciba. The motion passed.
Council considered action to approve Ordinance 265-23 to amend the code of ordinances by the city, by amending Chapter 8 Offense and Nuisances, Article 8.05 Noise; Section 8.05.002 Specific Noises Enumerated, and adding Section 12.01.002 Engine Braking Prohibited to existing Chapter 12 Traffic and Vehicles, Article 12.01 General Provisions.
Chief Skip Edman said they would not be able to enforce the ordinance until they are able to get signs up to alert people that engine brakes cannot be used. Edman said they would have to work with TxDOT to get this done.
A motioned was made by Cummings and second by Councilman Ronny Daley. Council approved.
A public hearing was held in regards to the proposed zoning charge for properties as listed in exhibits for Ordinance 264-23 from District B, Business or Commercial to District B-1, Neighborhood Business. After the public hearing, the council decided to consider action on approving Ordinance 264-23 which would amend the official zoning map if the city chooses to rezone certain properties listed on Exhibit A from B: Business or Commercial District to B-1: Neighborhood Business District.
The council approved with a motion from Sciba and a second by Cummings.
City Manager Warschak gave his report regarding some ongoing Tx-DOT projects. He said the city is still waiting for TxDOT to close out the sidewalk project on MLK Street. He also said that TXDOT has completed the paving on the east side of the Highway 90 East River Bridge. He said the project should be nearing its completion of being closed out.
