Van public meetings in 2024

City Council

The Van City Council will hold a regular meeting with routine consent items, informational presentations, and several action items. Key actions include considering opioid settlement participation forms for Kroger, amending the city personnel policy, and a zoning ordinance amendment. The council will also discuss House Bill 31.86 on juvenile diversion and may enter executive session to discuss the City Manager's employment.

• Opioid settlement Subdivision Participation Forms for Kroger
• Amendment to City of Van personnel policy
• Zoning Ordinance amendment 11-14-2024-1 from Planning & Zoning Board
• House Bill 31.86 Juvenile Diversion law change effective January 21, 2025
• Executive session on City Manager position/contract

City Council

The Van City Council is holding a called meeting on December 4, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Van City Hall. The primary item is an executive session to deliberate personnel matters regarding the City Manager, followed by possible action on that discussion. The agenda contains no other substantive items.

• Executive session under Texas Gov't Code 551.074 to deliberate appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of the City Manager
• Possible action on the City Manager position after reconvening into regular session

Planning & Zoning

The Van Planning & Zoning Commission will meet to discuss and potentially amend the zoning ordinance, including a proposal to require signs on properties requesting zoning changes. The meeting will also include a status update on the implementation of a new zoning ordinance.

• Discussion and possible action on amending zoning ordinance 11-14-2024 to require property signs for zoning change requests
• Update on implementation of new zoning ordinance

Economic Development Corporation

The Van Economic Development Corporation will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly act on several items, including a "Welcome to Van" sign, a facade grant application for 391 W Main, the Movie House parking lot, and changing the January board meeting date. The agenda also includes routine consent items, director's reports, and an executive session.

• Action on "Welcome to Van" sign
• Facade Grant application for 391 W Main
• Action on Movie House parking lot
• Possible change of January EDC Board Meeting date
• Executive session under Texas Open Meetings Act

City Council

The Van City Council is holding a called meeting with a single substantive item: an executive session to discuss the City Manager position under personnel matters. No action is listed on the agenda after the session, and the meeting is expected to adjourn afterward.

• Executive session on City Manager position (Texas Gov't Code 551.074)
• Meeting held at Van City Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Van, TX

City Council

The Van City Council will hold a regular meeting with several action items, including a major proposal to repeal and replace the city's zoning chapter and map. Other items include funding for a sign restoration, a stop sign, a sign ordinance amendment, and a newspaper selection. The council will also enter executive session to discuss the City Manager position.

• Repeal Chapter 36 (Zoning) and replace with revised chapter and map
• Use Hotel/Motel money for Van Inn sign restoration
• Stop sign at Magnolia and Pennsylvania
• Ordinance 11-14-2024 amending Chapter 25 (signs)
• Resolution 11-14-2024 selecting official newspaper

The Van City Council approved repealing Chapter 36 (Zoning) and existing zoning maps, replacing them with revised versions. They also approved using hotel/motel funds for the Van Inn sign restoration, removing stop signs at Pennsylvania and Magnolia, amending the sign ordinance, selecting the Van Zandt Newspaper as official, authorizing record destruction, adopting a prohibited technology policy, and permitting the Christmas parade. After executive session, they voted to proceed with City Manager interviews.

• Repealed and replaced Chapter 36 (Zoning) and zoning map (5-0)
• Approved using hotel/motel money for Van Inn sign restoration (4-1)
• Removed stop signs on Pennsylvania at Magnolia (5-0)
• Amended sign ordinance to let City Administrator approve park signs (5-0)
• Selected Van Zandt Newspaper as official city newspaper (5-0)
• Authorized destruction of outdated records per state retention standards (5-0)
• Adopted policy preventing use of prohibited technology and covered applications (5-0)
• Approved activity permit for annual Christmas parade (5-0)

City Council

The Van City Council is holding a called meeting with a public hearing to consider repealing Chapter 36 (Zoning) and the existing zoning maps, replacing them with revised versions. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Public hearing to repeal and replace Chapter 36 (Zoning) and zoning maps

Planning & Zoning

The Van Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a called meeting to discuss and possibly act on a proposal to repeal Chapter 36 (Zoning) and the existing zoning maps, replacing them with a revised Chapter 36 and a revised zoning map. A public hearing is scheduled for this item. The agenda also includes approval of the September 24, 2024 minutes.

• Public hearing on proposal to repeal and replace Chapter 36 (Zoning) and zoning maps
• Action item on the same zoning repeal/replacement proposal
• Consent agenda: minutes from September 24, 2024

Economic Development Corporation

The Van Economic Development Corporation will hold a regular meeting to discuss partnering with the city on the 'Welcome to Van' sign project, a facade grant application for 391 W Main, and repairs to the Movie House parking lot and upstairs restroom. The board will also consider online sales tax training and routine consent items. No action items are listed for this meeting.

• Discussion of partnering with EDC to complete 'Welcome to Van' sign project
• Facade Grant application for property 391 W Main
• Discussion of Movie House parking lot and upstairs restroom
• Online Sales Tax Training for Board in December
• Consent agenda: meeting minutes and financial report

City Council

The Van City Council will hold a regular meeting with public hearings on a replat and a setback variance for property on FM 16 West, followed by action items including the replat, variance, adding a signer to a bank account, EMS response times, and approving the 2024 tax levy. The council will also enter executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding the City Manager.

• Public hearing and action on replat of property ID R000023391, FM 16 West, 15.530 acres, McPhail Survey, Abstract No. 533
• Public hearing and action on B & G Solutions variance request for 7 ft side yard setback on FM 16 West property
• Action on adding Public Works Director Kevin Johnson as signer on Austin Bank parks account
• Action on EMS response times
• Action on approving calculated 2024 Tax Levy of $1,399,338.27

Library Advisory Board

The Van Library Advisory Board is holding a called meeting to discuss and possibly act on several items, including electing new officers, reviewing the Texas Open Meetings Act, updating board by-laws, and discussing future growth, budgeting, grants, and donations. The board will also hear a Library Director's report and consider a parade and events coordinator. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person.

• Election of new officers
• Discussion of Texas Open Meetings Act
• Review of Library Advisory Board By-Laws
• Future growth ideas and budgeting
• General budget discussion

Planning & Zoning

The Van Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider the proposed Zoning Ordinance and maps. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from previous meetings. No other substantive items are listed.

• Discussion and possible action on proposed Zoning Ordinance and maps
• Approval of minutes from May 21, June 25, and August 27, 2024 meetings

Economic Development Corporation

The Van Economic Development Corporation will hold a regular meeting with routine items like minutes and financial reports, plus a director's report. The main action item is discussion and possible action on the VEDC Investment Policy. The board may also enter executive session for matters allowed under Texas law.

• Discussion and possible action on VEDC Investment Policy
• Consent agenda: meeting minutes and financial report
• Director's report from EDC Executive Director and President
• Open forum for public comments (3-minute limit)
• Possible executive session under Texas Government Code sections

General

The Van City Council will meet in a called session to conduct a public hearing on the fiscal year 2025 budget. The meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Van City Hall, 310 Chestnut St. The council may adjourn to executive session for specific legal or personnel matters.

• Public hearing on FY25 Budget

City Council

The Van City Council is holding a called meeting to consider and possibly adopt the FY2025 budget, set the property tax rate, and ratify the resulting tax revenue increase. These are the only action items on the agenda, and the meeting is otherwise procedural.

• Appropriations ordinance 09-16-2024-1 adopting FY2025 budget
• Ordinance 09-16-2024-2 adopting FY2025 tax rate
• Ordinance 09-16-2024-3 ratifying tax rate revenue increase for FY2025

City Council

The Van City Council will meet on September 12, 2024, at Van City Hall to discuss routine reports, a public hearing on property annexation, and potential actions including sign restoration, board vacancies, and parade permits. The meeting includes a closed session for personnel matters regarding the City Manager.

• Public hearing on annexation of property ID R000023391 on FM 16 West
• Possible action on replat of parcel 23391 on FM 16 West
• Discussion on using hotel/motel funds to restore the Van Inn sign
• Selection of a member to fill the Planning and Zoning Board vacancy
• Consideration of FY 2024-2025 VEDC budget

Planning & Zoning

The Van Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly act on a replat of parcel 23391 on FM 16 West, and to select a member to fill a vacancy on the board, with a recommendation to the City Council. The agenda also includes routine items such as roll call, invocation, and pledge of allegiance.

• Replat of parcel 23391 on FM 16 West, McPhail Survey, Abstract No. 533, Van Zandt County
• Selection of a member to fill vacancy on Planning and Zoning Board, recommendation to City Council

Economic Development Corporation

The Van Economic Development Corporation and City Council will hold a budget workshop to discuss the proposed EDC budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. The agenda includes only this discussion item, plus a possible executive session and potential action afterward. No specific budget figures or other business items are listed.

• Discussion of proposed EDC Budget for FY2024-2025
• Possible executive session under Texas Government Code sections 551.071-551.087
• Meeting at Van City Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Van, TX 75790

Economic Development Corporation

The Van Economic Development Corporation will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly act on its proposed FY2024-2025 budget and a revised Facade Grant Overview. The board will also receive a business assistance application from Bill Hullum and hear reports from the executive director and president. The agenda includes routine consent items and an executive session.

• Proposed EDC Budget FY2024-2025
• Revised Facade Grant Overview
• Business Assistance application by Bill Hullum
• MOU between EDC and City of Van update
• Consent agenda: meeting minutes and financial report

City Council

The Van City Council is holding a called meeting on August 8, 2024, primarily to discuss the FY25 budget in a workshop format. The agenda includes roll call, public comments, and the budget discussion, with no other substantive items listed.

• Discuss FY25 budget

The City Council met in a called session and discussed the FY25 budget during a workshop. No formal decisions or votes were taken on the budget or any other substantive matter. The meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The Van City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting the 2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan, along with amendments to the Personnel Policy. They will also discuss items affecting the FY 2024-2025 budget, propose a tax rate for FY 25, and set a public hearing date. Other actions include removing a person from a bank account, applying for a Texas Water Development Board lead service line replacement program, and a CDBG manhole replacement project. The agenda also includes routine consent items and executive sessions for real property and city manager personnel matters.

• Public hearing and adoption of 2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan (Ordinance 08-08-2024)
• Amendment to Personnel Policy Chapter 2, Section 1 and Chapter 3, Section 12 (Ordinance 08-08-2024-2)
• Discussion on FY 2024-2025 budget and proposing a tax rate for FY 25
• Resolution to apply for Texas Water Development Board Lead Service Line Replacement program (TWDB-0201A/B)
• CDBG 21-011A manhole replacement on S. Bois D'Arc

The Van City Council approved a tax rate of .66 for fiscal year 2025 and set a public hearing for September 16, 2024. It also appointed Jeff Hudges as interim city manager and authorized him to negotiate real property. The council adopted the 2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan, amended the personnel policy, and approved several other items. No action was taken on budget items after a motion was withdrawn.

• Adopted 2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan (Ordinance 08-08-2024) (5-0)
• Amended Personnel Policy Chapter 2, Section 1 and Chapter 3, Section 12 (Ordinance 08-08-2024-2) (5-0)
• Proposed FY25 tax rate of .66 and set public hearing for September 16, 2024 (5-0)
• Removed Tammy Huff from Austin Bank account (5-0)
• Approved resolutions for Texas Water Development Board Lead Service Line Replacement program (5-0)
• Approved CDBG 21-011A manhole replacement on S. Bois D Arc (4-0, Burns abstained)
• Authorized interim city manager to negotiate real property (5-0)
• Appointed Jeff Hudges as interim city manager and hired East Texas Council of Government as hiring firm (5-0)

Economic Development Corporation

The Van Economic Development Corporation will hold its regular meeting at City Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Van, TX 75790 on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 5:30 PM. The board may discuss and possibly act on updating the Facade Grant Overview and/or Facade Grant Application. No official business of the City of Van will be conducted by the City Council at this meeting.

• Possible action on updating Facade Grant Overview and/or Facade Grant Application

City Council

The Van City Council is holding a called meeting to address the resignations of Council Member Neal and Mayor Huff, and to make necessary appointments to fill the vacancies. The council will also discuss appointing a Mayor Pro-Tem and will meet in executive session to discuss legal advice, council appointments, and the City Manager position.

• Appointment of a Mayor Pro-Tem
• Acceptance of resignations of Council Member Neal and Mayor Huff
• Appointments to fill council vacancies
• Executive session on City Manager personnel matters

City Council

The City Council will consider potential amendments to personnel policies and discuss emergency inspections. The meeting also includes an executive session to deliberate on various city leadership positions.

• Possible action on emergency inspections
• Possible action on personnel policy amendments
• Executive session regarding City Manager, City Secretary, Public Works Director, Fire Marshal/K-9 Officer, Fire Chief, and Police Chief

The Van City Council voted 3-2 to terminate City Manager John Desha after an executive session. The council also approved personnel policy amendments requiring council approval to terminate department heads and establishing an appeal process for other employees. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included routine consent agenda items and reports.

• Terminated City Manager (3-2)
• Approved personnel policy amendments (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes and financial report (5-0)
• Convened executive session for personnel matters (5-0)

City Council

The Van City Council is holding a called meeting on July 5, 2024, primarily to enter executive session to deliberate personnel matters regarding the Police Chief position. After the closed session, they may reconvene to take possible action on the matter. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Executive session under Texas Gov't Code 551.074 to discuss appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of the Police Chief
• Possible action on the Police Chief position after reconvening

Library Advisory Board

The Van Library Advisory Board will meet to discuss and possibly act on several items, including its bylaws, the Summer Reading Program, donations, grants, and training on the Texas Open Meetings Act. The board will also hear a report from the Library Director and engage in future planning. The meeting is open to the public.

• Discussion and possible action on Library Advisory Board By-Laws
• Discussion and possible action on Summer Reading Program
• Discussion and possible action on donations
• Discussion and possible action on grants
• Discussion and possible action on training for Texas Open Meetings Act

Planning & Zoning

The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet to discuss, consider, and potentially take action on the city's zoning ordinance and maps. No official business will be conducted by the Van City Council if a quorum is present.

• Discussion, consideration, and possible action on zoning ordinance and maps

Economic Development Corporation

The Van Economic Development Corporation will meet to elect board officers and update bank account access at Texas Bank & Trust. The board will also consider facade grant requests and a potential increase to the Movie House rental deposit fee.

• Election of EDC Board of Officers
• Updates to Texas Bank & Trust account access
• Facade Grant request: East Texas Seals
• Facade Grant request: FR Girls
• Facade Grant request: Clean Brew

City Council

The Van City Council will hold a called meeting on June 13, 2024, at Van City Hall to discuss the fiscal year 2024/2025 budget. The agenda includes a budget workshop and other procedural items. No specific decisions are listed for this meeting.

Library Advisory Board

The Van Library Advisory Board will meet to discuss and possibly act on several routine items, including its by-laws, the Summer Reading Program, donations, grants, and training on the Texas Open Meetings Act. The agenda also includes an open forum for public comments and a report from the Library Director. No major policy decisions or budget items are listed.

• Discussion and possible action on Library Advisory Board By-Laws
• Discussion and possible action on Summer Reading Program
• Discussion and possible action on donations
• Discussion and possible action on grants
• Discussion and possible action on training for the Texas Open Meetings Act

Planning & Zoning

The Van Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a request to rezone 3.13 acres at 582 North Maple from R-1 Residential to Commercial. They will also discuss a variance to the sign ordinance for a building at 130 Cherry Ln. The meeting includes routine consent agenda items and procedural matters.

• Public hearing and action on rezoning application #160 (Sajid Muhammad) for 582 North Maple, 3.13 acres, from R-1 Residential to Commercial
• Discussion and possible action on a sign ordinance variance for 130 Cherry Ln
• Approval of minutes from April 23, 2024

Economic Development Corporation

The Van Economic Development Corporation will hold a regular meeting to discuss facade grant applications, elect four board nominees for City Council approval, and finalize plans and funding for the June Jamboree and summer 'shop local' event. The agenda also includes routine consent items and an executive session.

• Discussion of Facade Grant Applications
• Election of four EDC Board nominees for City Council approval in June
• Finalization of June Jamboree plans and funding for summer 'shop local' event
• Consent agenda: meeting minutes and financial report

City Council

The Van City Council will meet to discuss and possibly act on certifying the results of the May 4, 2024 General Election and accepting the FY22-23 audit report. The council may also adjourn into executive session to consult with the City Attorney about pending litigation.

• Certify results of May 4, 2024 General Election
• Accept FY22-23 audit report
• Consult with City Attorney on pending litigation (closed session)

Planning & Zoning

The Van Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly act on a replat for property at 3064 I-20 (David Rose Survey, Abstract No. 714) and receive an update on the proposed zoning ordinance and map. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from February 27, 2024. No other substantive items are listed.

• Replat at 3064 I-20, David Rose Survey, Abstract No. 714
• Update on proposed zoning ordinance and map
• Approval of minutes from February 27, 2024

City Council

The Van City Council will convene a regular meeting on April 11, 2024, at Van City Hall. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items, reports, and potential future discussions, with no major decisions scheduled. The meeting includes a consent agenda for routine approvals and monthly reports from city departments.

Economic Development Corporation

The Van Economic Development Corporation will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly act on a facade grant program. The agenda also includes routine consent items (minutes, financial report), a director's report, and an executive session. No other major action items are listed.

• Discussion and possible action on Facade Grant program
• Consent agenda: meeting minutes and financial report
• Director's report and EDC President's update on board goals
• Open forum for citizen comments (3-minute limit)
• Executive session under Texas Open Meetings Act

Planning & Zoning

The Van Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly act on a replat at 359 Cedar St and receive an update on a proposed zoning ordinance. No official business will be conducted by the Van City Council at this meeting.

• Replat discussion and possible action for 0.86-acre tract at 359 Cedar St
• Update on proposed zoning ordinance

City Council

The Van City Council will meet to consider routine items such as approval of meeting minutes and financial reports, as well as action items including a minor plat discussion, a hotel/motel fund budget amendment, and purchases for police and fire radios. The council may also discuss personnel matters and the upcoming Van Eclipse Event.

• Discussion on minor plat for Lots 1-4 on VZ CR 4518 in J. Stephenson Survey
• Possible budget amendment for the Hotel/Motel fund
• Consideration of purchasing radios for police and fire departments for the new VZCO radio system
• Discussion on approving a credit card for the City Manager
• Discussion on proposed zoning ordinance

Planning & Zoning

The Van Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly act on minor plats for four lots on VZ CR 4518 and proposed zoning ordinance and map changes. No official business will be conducted by the Van City Council at this meeting.

• Discussion and possible action on minor plats for Lots 1-4 on VZ CR 4518 in the J. Stephenson Survey
• Discussion on proposed zoning ordinance and map

City Council

The Van City Council is holding a regular meeting with several action items, including resolutions to designate an officer for tax rate calculations, call a May 4, 2024 election for mayor and two council seats, and purchase radios for police and fire departments. The council will also consider personnel action regarding the Parks Director/Event Coordinator in executive session. The agenda includes routine consent items and monthly reports.

• Resolution 01-11-2024 designating Emily Reeves as officer to calculate No-New Revenue Tax Rate and Voter Approval Rate
• Resolution 01-11-2024-2 calling May 4, 2024 election for one mayor and two council members (two-year terms)
• Purchase of radios for police and fire departments to operate with new VZCO radio system
• Executive session to discuss appointment/employment of Parks Director/Event Coordinator
• Consent agenda: minutes from Dec 14, 2023 and Dec 26, 2023 meetings, financial report