Livingston public meetings in 2021

City Council

The City Council will discuss transferring ownership of the Livingston and Ogletree substations from SRMPA to the City. The meeting also includes discussions on new Community Development permit fees and appointments for the Main Street Advisory Board.

• Approval of new Community Development Department Permit Fees effective January 1, 2022
• Resolution regarding transfer of Livingston and Ogletree Substations from SRMPA to the City
• Appointment of Main Street Advisory Board Directors for 2022-2023 terms
• Final Plat approval for Panda Express Subdivision Tract 1
• Public hearing on unsafe buildings at 510 N. First Street and 322 W. Church St.

The Livingston City Council approved a new fee schedule for commercial building permits, signs, swimming pools, and fire alarms, effective January 1, 2022. They also authorized the mayor to sign a resolution transferring ownership of two substations from SRMPA to the city, reappointed Main Street Advisory Board members, and approved two plats. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved new commercial building, sign, pool, and fire alarm permit fees (unanimous)
• Authorized mayor to sign resolution transferring Livingston and Ogletree substations from SRMPA to city (unanimous)
• Appointed Main Street Advisory Board Places 1-4 for 2022-2023 (unanimous)
• Approved final plat of Panda Express Subdivision Tract 1 (unanimous)
• Approved amended plat of Livingston Town Center Lot 1 (unanimous)
• Approved accounts over $500 for payment (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will meet to approve minutes from the October 12, 2021, meeting and review holiday compensation for 2021. The agenda also includes setting the 2022 holiday calendar and approving accounts exceeding $500.

• Approval of October 12, 2021, meeting minutes
• Approval of 2021 holiday compensation
• Setting of 2022 holiday observances
• Approval of accounts over $500
• City Manager's report on projects and events

The Livingston City Council approved the 2021 holiday compensation package, including turkeys or hams for all employees and a week's salary for those with over a year of service, plus $50 for newer employees. They also approved the 2022 holiday observances and the payment of accounts over $500. The meeting included reports on COVID-19 cases, upcoming events, and project updates, but no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of October 12, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 holiday compensation package (unanimous)
• Approved 2022 holiday observances as presented (unanimous)
• Approved payment of accounts over $500 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will review the minutes from the September 14, 2021 meeting and consider an annual firefighting agreement with Polk County. The council will also review bids for the S. Washington Feeder Rehab Phase I Project.

• Annual Firefighting Agreement between City of Livingston and Polk County
• Bid review and award for S. Washington Feeder Rehab Phase I Project
• Appointment of Director to Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency Board

The Livingston City Council approved a $232,015.47 contract with Bright Star Solutions, LLC for the S. Washington Feeder Rehab Phase I Project, and renewed the annual firefighting agreement with Polk County for $49,296.62. The council also appointed Alderman Clarke Evans to the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency Board for 2021-2023, approved accounts over $500, and recognized the Livingston 10-U All Star Baseball team for their state championship.

• Approved $232,015.47 contract with Bright Star Solutions, LLC for S. Washington Feeder Rehab Phase I (unanimous)
• Approved annual firefighting agreement with Polk County, including $49,296.62 contribution (unanimous)
• Appointed Alderman Clarke Evans to Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency Board for 2021-2023 (unanimous)
• Approved accounts over $500 for payment (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 14, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Livingston City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting the budget for fiscal year 2021-22, along with budget adjustments for the prior year. They will also hold a public hearing on unsafe/dilapidated buildings at 154 Banks Drive and consider a final order for cleanup. Other items include discussing repairs to a building at 1958 S. Washington Avenue, designating the official newspaper, approving dues for Brazos Transit, and approving accounts over $500. The meeting includes an executive session for legal and personnel matters.

• Public hearing and ordinance to adopt FY 2021-22 budget
• Public hearing on unsafe/dilapidated buildings at 154 Banks Drive
• Discussion and possible action on repairs to building at 1958 S. Washington Avenue
• Resolution designating official newspaper for FY 2021-22
• Approval of city's pro-rata share of 2021 Brazos Transit dues

The City Council held public hearings and adopted the FY 2021-2022 budget, approved budget adjustments for the current fiscal year, and designated the Polk County Enterprise as the official newspaper. The Council also ordered the owners of the property at 154 Banks Drive to inspect for asbestos and demolish the buildings within 45 days, with the City to place a lien if they fail to comply. Additionally, the Council discontinued demolition proceedings for the structure at 1958 S. Washington, approved a $4,200 payment to Brazos Transit District, and approved the proposed salary schedule for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Adopted Ordinance No. A-828, the budget for fiscal year October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, by a record vote of 5-0.
• Approved budget adjustments for the fiscal year October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.
• Ordered the owners of the property at 154 Banks Drive to complete an asbestos inspection and demolish the buildings within 45 days, with a lien to be placed on the property if they fail to comply.
• Discontinued demolition proceedings for the structure at 1958 S. Washington, as it no longer meets the definition of a dilapidated building.
• Adopted Resolution No. 593, designating the Polk County Enterprise as the official newspaper for the City for fiscal year 2021-2022.
• Approved the payment of $4,200.00 as the City's pro-rata share of annual funding for the Brazos Transit District service.
• Approved the accounts over $500.00 for payment.
• Approved the City of Livingston Proposed Salary Schedule for the Fiscal Year 10/1/2021 - 9/30/2022.

City Council

The City Council will review the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 and discuss potential repairs for the building at 1958 S. Washington Avenue. The meeting also includes a report from the City Manager and approval of accounts over $500.

• Presentation of preliminary budget for fiscal year 10/1/2021-9/30/2022
• Discussion on repairs to building at 1958 S. Washington Avenue
• Setting a public hearing for the budget on September 14, 2021
• Approval of accounts over $500

The council approved a 30-day extension for Ricardo Perez to complete repairs at 1958 S. Washington, with an inspection scheduled for August 13, 2021. It also approved accounts over $500, discussed the preliminary 2021-2022 budget, and authorized joint legal representation with Liberty and Jasper in a lawsuit.

• Approved 30-day extension for repairs at 1958 S. Washington (unanimous)
• Approved accounts over $500 (3-0, Cook abstained)
• Authorized joint legal representation with Liberty and Jasper in Vinton Public Power Authority lawsuit (unanimous)
• Set public hearing on 2021-2022 budget for September 14, 2021

City Council

The City Council will review the June 8, 2021 minutes and receive a presentation from TxDOT regarding area projects. The council will also consider reappointing the Health Officer and authorizing an engagement letter for the fiscal year auditor.

• TxDOT update on area projects by Delmy Reyes
• Reappointment of Health Officer for 2021-2023 term
• Authorization to execute engagement letter for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 auditor
• Annual review of City Investment Policy and Report
• Public hearing set for September 14, 2021, regarding unsafe building at 154 Banks Drive

The council approved a 5.0% salary increase for the city manager, effective October 1, 2021. It also reappointed Dr. Elias Kanaan as the local health authority for a two-year term, approved the audit engagement with Harper and Pearson for $27,000–$29,000, and adopted the investment policy as previously set. A public hearing was scheduled for September 14, 2021, to consider declaring buildings at 154 Banks Drive as unsafe or dilapidated.

• Approved the minutes of the June 8, 2021 regular meeting.
• Reappointed Dr. Elias Kanaan as Local Health Authority for July 1, 2021–July 1, 2023.
• Authorized Mayor Cochran to execute the audit engagement letter with Harper and Pearson for FY ending September 30, 2021, at an expected fee of $27,000–$29,000.
• Approved the City of Livingston Investment Policy as adopted on July 10, 2018.
• Approved payment of accounts over $500 as submitted.
• Scheduled a public hearing for September 14, 2021, on possible unsafe/dilapidated buildings at 154 Banks Drive.
• Approved a 5.0% salary increase for the City Manager effective October 1, 2021.

City Council

The Livingston City Council will hold a public hearing and consider action on enforcing a February 2021 order to abate a nuisance property at 1958 S. Washington Avenue, including possible demolition. The council will also set public hearings for July 13, 2021, on two other properties deemed unsafe or dilapidated, and will appoint a DETCOG director. Other business includes approving minutes, accounts over $500, and receiving a cybersecurity training presentation.

• Public hearing on abatement order for 1958 S. Washington Ave., possible demolition
• Set public hearing for July 13 on 1013 Preston Ave. (manufactured home cleanup)
• Set public hearing for July 13 on 1206 Sprott St. (abandoned building cleanup)
• Appointment of DETCOG director for term July 1, 2021–June 30, 2022
• Approval of accounts over $500

The City Council held a public hearing on a dilapidated building at 1958 S. Washington Avenue and voted unanimously to give owner Ricardo Perez 60 days (starting June 9, 2021) to complete specified repairs, including electrical and plumbing code upgrades, soffit/fascia/wood repairs, and bricking up the second-floor balcony door, with proper permits and inspections. If the work is not completed within 60 days, the city will demolish the house. The council also appointed Alderman Davis to the DETCOG Board, approved accounts over $500, and scheduled public hearings for July 13 on two other properties.

• Approved minutes of May 11, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
• Granted Ricardo Perez 60 days to complete repairs at 1958 S. Washington or face demolition (unanimous)
• Appointed Alderman Davis to DETCOG Board for term July 1, 2021–June 30, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved accounts over $500 as submitted (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for July 13 on 1013 Preston Ave. property
• Scheduled public hearing for July 13 on 1206 Sprott St. property

Main Street Advisory Board

The Livingston Main Street Advisory Board is holding a regular meeting to review and possibly approve the minutes from its April 20, 2021 meeting and the April financial reports. The board will also receive reports from the Main Street Director and the Promotions, Organization, and Design committees. The meeting is largely routine administrative business.

• Review and possible approval of April 20, 2021 meeting minutes
• Review and possible approval of April financial reports
• Reports from Main Street Director and Promotions, Organization, and Design committees
• Next meeting scheduled for June 15, 2021

City Council

The Livingston City Council will hold a public hearing and consider action on an abatement order for an abandoned building at 1958 S. Washington Avenue, set a June 8 public hearing on declaring it a nuisance, discuss a cost-of-living salary adjustment effective October 1, 2021, and consider approval of a preliminary plat for the Panda Express Subdivision Tract 1. The meeting also includes election certifications, appointment of a municipal court judge, and approval of accounts over $500.

• Show cause hearing and possible action on February 9, 2021 abatement order for building at 1958 S. Washington Avenue
• Set public hearing for June 8, 2021 on declaring the building dilapidated, substandard, unsafe, and a public nuisance
• Proposed cost of living adjustment for employee salary schedule effective October 1, 2021
• Preliminary plat approval for Panda Express Subdivision Tract 1
• Reappointment of Municipal Court Judge for May 2021 through May 2023; acceptance of resignation of Associate Judge Gene Bush

The City Council held a show cause hearing and found Ricardo Perez in default of the February 9, 2021 Order of Abatement for failing to submit repair plans for the building at 1958 S. Washington Avenue. The Council voted to move forward with enforcement actions consistent with its prior finding that the building is dilapidated and a public nuisance, and scheduled a public hearing for June 8, 2021. The Council also approved a 2.6% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees effective October 1, 2021, and approved the preliminary plat for Panda Express Subdivision Tract 1.

• Found Ricardo Perez in default of the February 9, 2021 Order of Abatement for 1958 S. Washington Ave. (unanimous)
• Scheduled a public hearing for June 8, 2021 to enforce the abatement order
• Approved a 2.6% cost-of-living adjustment for employee salaries effective October 1, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved the preliminary plat of Panda Express Subdivision Tract 1 (unanimous)
• Approved accounts over $500 for payment (unanimous)
• Appointed Shelly Bush Sitton as Municipal Court Judge for a 2-year term ending May 31, 2023 (unanimous)
• Accepted the resignation of Municipal Court Associate Judge Gene Bush (unanimous)
• Elected Alan Cook as Mayor Pro-tem for 2021-2022 (unanimous)

Main Street Advisory Board

The Livingston Main Street Advisory Board is holding a regular meeting to review and possibly approve the minutes from the March 16, 2021 meeting and the March financial reports. They will also receive reports from the Main Street Director and the Promotions, Organization, and Design committees. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings on the agenda.

• Review and possible approval of March 16, 2021 meeting minutes
• Review and possible approval of March financial reports
• Reports from Main Street Director and Promotions, Organization, and Design committees
• Next meeting scheduled for May 18, 2021

City Council

The Livingston City Council will hold public hearings and consider final orders on two unsafe/dilapidated properties, appoint a new municipal court judge, and discuss several other items including a speed ordinance and a gas rate adjustment. The meeting also includes approval of minutes and accounts over $500.

• Appointment of Shelly Bush Sitton as Municipal Court Judge for unexpired term through May 31, 2021
• Public hearing and final order on unsafe building at 1009 W. Church St. owned by James Jay Carrell Jr.
• Public hearing and final order on unsafe manufactured home at 1002 Colita Ave. owned by Gregory C. Thompson
• Proposed ordinance establishing maximum speeds on FM 350 South and school zone
• CenterPoint Energy 2021 GRIP interim rate adjustment effective 05/03/2021

The City Council held public hearings and issued final orders to demolish two unsafe structures: a building at 1009 W. Church St. owned by James Jay Carrell Jr. (60 days) and a manufactured home at 1002 Colita Ave. owned by Gregory C. Thompson (30 days). The council also appointed a new municipal court judge, adopted a speed ordinance, suspended a gas rate increase, and approved a revised plat.

• Ordered demolition of building at 1009 W. Church St. within 60 days (unanimous)
• Ordered demolition of manufactured home at 1002 Colita Ave. within 30 days (unanimous)
• Appointed Shelly Bush Sitton as Municipal Court Judge through May 31, 2021 (unanimous)
• Appointed Gaffney Phillips as Associate Municipal Court Judge through April 30, 2021 (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. A-827 establishing speed limits on FM 350 South (unanimous)
• Suspended 2021 GRIP gas rate adjustment for 45 days (unanimous)
• Approved revised final plat of Vaquero Livingston Addition Lot 1 Block A (unanimous)
• Approved accounts over $500 for payment (unanimous)

Main Street Advisory Board

The Livingston Main Street Advisory Board is holding a regular meeting to review and possibly approve the February 23, 2021 meeting minutes and February financial reports. The board will also receive updates from the Main Street Director on committees and grants, and hear reports from the Promotions, Organization, and Design Committees, including a possible sign grant. The next meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2021.

• Review and possible approval of February 2021 financial reports
• Main Street Director update on committees and grants
• Design Committee report on possible sign grant
• Citizen/visitor comments period
• Next meeting date set for April 20, 2021

City Council

The Livingston City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a final order on a structure at 924 W. Church St. deemed unsafe or dilapidated. They will also discuss membership in the Alliance for Interstate 69 Texas, a preliminary plat for Towne South Subdivision Phase Two, and possibly cancel the May 1 general election due to unopposed candidates. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and accounts over $500.

• Public hearing and final order on unsafe building at 924 W. Church St. (Jimmy G. Defee and Erma Defee)
• Membership in Alliance for Interstate 69 Texas with $1,150 fee
• Preliminary plat for Towne South Subdivision Phase Two (3.26 acres, C&M Baskin Investments LLC)
• Proposed ordinance to cancel May 1, 2021 general election and declare unopposed candidates elected
• Set public hearings for April 13, 2021 on unsafe structures at 1009 W. Church St. and 1002 Colita Ave.

The City Council held a public hearing and issued a final order declaring the structure at 924 W. Church St. dilapidated and unsafe, ordering owners Jimmy G. and Erma Defee to demolish it and remove debris within 30 days. The Council also approved $1,150 in dues for the Alliance for I-69 Texas, approved a preliminary plat and variances for Phase 2 of the Towne South Duplex Subdivision, and cancelled the May 1, 2021 election after certifying three unopposed council candidates.

• Approved minutes of the February 9, 2021 regular meeting.
• Issued a final order of abatement for 924 W. Church St., requiring demolition and debris removal within 30 days, with a lien if not done.
• Approved payment of $1,150 annual dues to the Alliance for I-69 Texas.
• Approved the preliminary plat and variances for Phase 2 of the Towne South Duplex Subdivision, subject to conditions.
• Adopted Ordinance No. A-826 cancelling the May 1, 2021 general election and declaring unopposed candidates elected.
• Approved payment of accounts over $500.
• Scheduled public hearings for April 13, 2021 on unsafe structures at 1009 W. Church St. and 1002 Colita Ave.
• Adjourned the meeting at 5:52 P.M.

Main Street Advisory Board

The Livingston Main Street Advisory Board is holding a regular meeting to review and possibly approve the January meeting minutes and financial reports, and to appoint board officers for the coming term. The board will also receive reports from the Main Street Director and its committees. No major policy decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Appoint board officers (Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary & Treasurer)
• Review and possible approval of January financial reports
• Review and possible action on January 19, 2021 meeting minutes
• Reports from Main Street Director and committees (Promotions, Design, Economic Vitality)

Main Street Advisory Board

The Livingston Main Street Advisory Board is holding a regular meeting to review and potentially approve the minutes from the January 19, 2021 meeting and the January financial reports. The board will also appoint officers (Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary & Treasurer) and receive reports from the Main Street Director and committees. The meeting is largely routine administrative business.

• Review and possible approval of January 19, 2021 meeting minutes
• Review and possible approval of January financial reports
• Appointment of board officers (Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary & Treasurer)
• Reports from Main Street Director and Promotions/Organization, Design, and Economic Vitality Committees

City Council

The Livingston City Council will hold public hearings on two dilapidated properties, consider a final order for one, and discuss resolutions supporting housing tax credit applications and a Trinity River Authority bond refunding. They will also set an election for May 1, 2021, and approve final payment for water storage tanks.

• Show cause hearing on unsafe structure at 1200 N. Washington (2.901 acres, owned by Indira Patel)
• Public hearing and possible final order on abandoned building at 1958 S. Washington Avenue
• Resolution supporting Ridgecrest Inn Apartments and Livingston Plaza Apartments TDHCA housing tax credit applications
• Final payment of $129,108.00 to Maguire Iron, Inc. for two elevated water storage tanks
• Order of election for three councilmembers on May 1, 2021

The City Council held a public hearing and issued a Final Order of Abatement for the property at 1958 S. Washington Avenue, owned by Ramon and Maria Perez, declaring the building dilapidated and unsafe. The Council allowed Ricardo Perez to repair and rehabilitate the building, requiring submission of plans and a timeline within 30 days. The Council also approved the annual financial report, several resolutions supporting housing tax credit applications, an ordinance removing the mechanic exception from junked vehicle enforcement, and election-related items.

• Approved minutes of January 12, 2021 (unanimous)
• Accepted Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY ended 09/30/2020 (unanimous)
• Issued Final Order of Abatement for 1958 S. Washington Ave, allowing repairs with 30-day plan submission (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 588 supporting Trinity River Authority refunding bonds (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 589 supporting Ridgecrest Inn Apartments housing tax credit application (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 590 supporting Livingston Plaza Apartments housing tax credit application (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. A-825 removing mechanic exception from junked vehicle enforcement (unanimous)
• Approved election procedures, interlocal agreement with Polk County, and final payment of $129,108 to Maguire Iron, Inc. (unanimous)

Main Street Advisory Board

The Livingston Main Street Advisory Board will hold a regular meeting to review and possibly approve the minutes from the November 17, 2020 meeting, as well as the November and December financial reports. The board will also discuss a mural and receive reports from the Main Street Director and various committees. The meeting is largely routine, with no major decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Review and possible approval of November 2020 meeting minutes
• Review and possible approval of November and December financial reports
• Discussion on mural
• Reports from Main Street Director and committees (Promotions/Organization, Design, Economic Vitality)

City Council

The Livingston City Council will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, accounts over $500, and a final TDA drawdown for a sewer SCADA project. They will discuss calling a show cause hearing for a property at 1200 N. Washington and a public hearing on an abandoned building at 1958 S. Washington Ave. The meeting also includes a city manager's report and possible executive session.

• TDA Drawdown No. 9 & Final for TxCDBG Contract No. 7218290 Sewer Improvements SCADA Project - $3,010.00
• Show cause hearing on enforcement or modification of abatement order for 2.901 acres at 1200 N. Washington, owned by Indira Patel
• Public hearing on unsafe/dilapidated building at 1958 S. Washington Ave, owned by Ramon and Maria G. Perez
• Accounts over $500 for approval
• Minutes of December 8, 2020 meeting