Venus public meetings in 2023
32 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Venus Community Service Development Corporation
The Venus Community Service Development Corporation is holding a special called meeting. The main item is a closed executive session to discuss the search for an EDC director, following the previous director's resignation. The board will also consider approving the November 6, 2023 meeting minutes and hear public comments.
- Executive session to discuss EDC director search (personnel matters)
- Approval of November 6, 2023 meeting minutes
- Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker)
City Council
The Venus City Council will vote on adopting new policies and procedures for council meetings, including etiquette rules. They will also discuss and vote on several resolutions, including accepting parkland donations and updating subdivision ordinances. The meeting includes a public comment period and an executive session for personnel matters.
- Adopt new Resolution No. 31-2023-11 for City Council Policies and Procedures
- Approve engagement letter with McCall Parkhurst & Horton for Public Improvement Districts
- Approve Resolution No. 30-2023-11 to accept parkland donation for Brahman Ranch 1
- Approve Ordinance No. 790-2023-11 to replace Subdivision Ordinance No. 773-2023-04
- Vote on Resolution for Ellis County Appraisal District Board of Directors election (failed 2-3-0)
City Council
The Venus City Council will decide on six substantive items, including new professional service agreements, resolutions for appraisal district votes, policy updates, and acceptance of parkland for the Brahman Ranch 1 development. Routine consent items include staff reports, meeting minutes approval, and October bill payments.
- Engagement letter with McCall Parkhurst & Horton for Public Improvement Districts
- Professional Service Agreement with Brooks Williams for City Administration services
- Resolution affirming votes for 2024-2025 Central Appraisal District boards (Johnson & Ellis Counties)
- Repeal and replacement of Council Policies and Procedures resolution
- Acceptance of parkland donation from Miskimon Management for Brahman Ranch 1
Venus Community Service Development Corporation
The Venus Community Service Development Corporation will consider approving up to $11,938 for Christmas on the Square expenses, discuss a city website rebranding and economic development page, and hold an executive session on the EDC Director's employment. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes.
- Approve Christmas on the Square expenses up to $11,938
- Discuss city website, re-branding, and economic development page
- Executive session on EDC Director personnel matters
- Approve October 23, 2023 meeting minutes
City Council
The Venus City Council is holding a workshop and special called meeting to discuss and potentially amend the city's water and/or sewer rates. The main action item is a resolution to update the master fee schedule with new rates. Public comment will be taken, but no other substantive business is listed.
- Workshop on water and wastewater rates
- Resolution to amend master fee schedule for water/sewer rates
- Public comment period (4 minutes per speaker)
Venus Community Service Development Corporation
The Venus Community Service Development Corporation is holding a special called meeting to consider appointing a Chair and Vice Chair, approve September 2023 minutes and payments, and receive a presentation on city developments and the upcoming Christmas event. The agenda includes routine consent items and officer appointments, with no major policy decisions listed.
- Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair for the Venus Community Service Development Corporation
- Approval of September 11, 2023 meeting minutes
- Ratification of September 2023 payments
- Presentation on developments in city and extraterritorial jurisdiction, including Brahman Ranch, Ridgeview, Horizons, Buffalo Hills, Stallion Ranch, Circle S Ranch, and Venus Parkway
- Upcoming Christmas event on December 9, 2023, with proposed budget of $11,938
City Council
The Venus City Council will discuss and consider several significant items, including selecting a search firm for a new city administrator, reconsidering a resolution to acquire property by eminent domain for a municipal park, authorizing up to $75,000 for a city website, and approving contracts for a fire apparatus and its financing. The council will also discuss water rates and an interlocal agreement for road maintenance with Ellis County. The agenda includes routine consent items and an executive session for legal and personnel matters.
- Reconsider Resolution No. 25-2023-10 to acquire property by eminent domain for a municipal park
- Authorize up to $75,000 for city website including economic development page
- Contract with HGACBUY for purchase of a Fire Apparatus
- Resolution with Government Capital Corporation to finance a fire truck
- Interlocal Agreement with Ellis County for city road maintenance
City Council
The Venus City Council is meeting to discuss and consider several ordinances, including a flood damage prevention ordinance and a new sign ordinance, as well as nominations to the Central Appraisal District board and the selection of a search firm for a new city administrator. The agenda also includes routine consent items like staff reports, meeting minutes, and bill payments, plus a proclamation for Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month.
- Consider Ordinance No. 788-2023-10 for flood damage prevention
- Consider Ordinance No. 789-2023-10 to replace Chapter 20 'Signs'
- Nominate and approve resolution for Central Appraisal District board
- Select search firm for city administrator hiring process
- Release maintenance bond for Bluestem Hills
City Council
The Venus City Council will consider adopting the FY 2023-24 operating budget and an ad valorem tax rate, along with a resolution ratifying the tax increase. They will also discuss a preliminary plat for a commercial development, a contract for public improvement district consulting, and a fire/EMS service contract.
- Preliminary plat for Venus Village, 7 lots on 12.655 acres north of US 67 and west of FM 157
- Contract with 30 Three Sixty Public Finance for PID consulting services
- Ordinance 786-2023-09 adopting FY 2023-24 budget
- Ordinance 787-2023-09 levying ad valorem tax rate for FY 2023-24
- Service contract with Ellis County ESD #2 for fire and EMS
City Council
The Venus City Council will hold public hearings on the proposed FY 2023-2024 budget and a proposed tax rate of 0.754842, with a vote on the budget postponed to September 18. The council will also consider a preliminary plat for Venus Village, a water asset maintenance program, a juvenile curfew repeal, a fire/EMS contract, and various appointments and resolutions.
- Public hearing on FY 2023-2024 proposed budget
- Public hearing on proposed tax rate of 0.754842
- Preliminary plat for Venus Village, 7 lots, 12.655 acres, north of US Highway 67 and west of FM 157
- Ordinance repealing juvenile curfew (Ordinance No. 783-2023-09)
- Service contract with Johnson County ESD#1 for fire and EMS services
Venus Community Service Development Corporation
The Venus Community Service Development Corporation is meeting to conduct a budget workshop for fiscal year 2023-2024. The agenda includes only the call to order, the budget workshop, and adjournment, with no other substantive items listed.
- Budget workshop for FY 2023-2024
Venus Community Service Development Corporation
The Venus Community Service Development Corporation is holding a budget workshop to discuss the FY 2023-2024 budget. This is a working session, not a final decision-making meeting.
- Conduct Budget Workshop for FY 2023-2024
City Council
The Venus City Council will hold a public hearing and consider repealing a truck route restriction for a rezoned property, then vote on a replacement ordinance. They will also discuss and potentially approve a final plat for 290 apartments in Heritage Trails Venus, an interlocal agreement with Johnson County for housing Class C prisoners, a dispatch services agreement, a lighting ordinance, and a mass notification system. The agenda includes consent items for routine reports, minutes, bill payments, and annual service plan updates for three public improvement districts.
- Public hearing on repealing truck route restriction for rezoned property (Gazaway) and replacing with Ordinance 778-2023-08
- Final plat for 290 apartments, Phase 1, Block A, Heritage Trails Venus (12.344 acres, north of Highway 67)
- Interlocal agreement with Johnson County for housing Class C prisoners
- Ordinance 779-2023-08 creating lighting regulations
- Interlocal agreement with Johnson County for dispatching services for 2023-2024
City Council
The Venus City Council is meeting to discuss and consider several items, including changing school zone hours, approving the employee benefits package for the next fiscal year, setting the property tax rate, and scheduling public hearings for the tax rate and budget. The meeting includes a public comment period and is open to the public.
- Ordinance No. 777-2023-07 to change school zone hours to 7:00-8:00 AM and 3:45-4:45 PM on school days
- Employee medical, dental, and vision benefits package for FY 2023-2024, with a 15% cost increase and switch to MetLife for dental/vision
- Proposed property tax rate not to exceed $0.72 per $100 valuation, with public hearing scheduled for September 11, 2023
- Public hearing on FY 2023/2024 Proposed Budget scheduled for September 11, 2023
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Venus Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider repealing a restriction that limits heavy trucks accessing a rezoned property to County Road 109 and VV Jones Road, which affects Rival Redi Mix. They will also discuss and consider approving a final plat for Phase 1 of Heritage Trails Venus, a 290-unit apartment complex on 12.344 acres north of Highway 67 and west of Heritage Hills Parkway. Additionally, the commission will consider appointing a vice chair.
- Public hearing and action on ordinance to repeal Section 3 of Ordinance 677-2019-05, removing truck route restriction for Rival Redi Mix
- Final plat for 290 apartments in Phase 1, Block A, Heritage Trails Venus, 12.344 acres, north of Highway 67 and west of Heritage Hills Parkway
- Appointment of a Vice Chair for the Planning and Zoning Commission
- Approval of minutes from April 20, 2023 regular meeting
Venus Community Service Development Corporation
The Venus Community Service Development Corporation is meeting for a budget workshop to discuss the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budget. The agenda contains only this single substantive item, along with call to order and adjournment, making it a procedural and planning-focused session.
- Budget workshop for Fiscal Year 2023/2024
City Council
The Venus City Council will consider a final plat for a 105-lot single-family subdivision, a police software purchase, policy changes, interlocal agreements, and a severance agreement. The agenda also includes routine consent items, staff reports, and an executive session for personnel and real property matters.
- Final Plat for Horizons at Bankston Estates, 105-lot R-1S subdivision, 24.395 acres south of FM 1807 and west of CR 213
- Contract with Vertosoft for police software via TIPS cooperative buying agreement
- Resolution for interlocal agreement with TxDOT for FM 157 repairs from US 67 to 8th Street
- Interlocal agreement with Ellis County Emergency Services District No. 1 for emergency services
- Ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 677-2019-05 (truck turn restriction on CR 109)
City Council
The Venus City Council is holding a special called meeting with a single substantive item: an executive (closed) session to discuss personnel matters regarding the City Administrator, including appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, resignation, or dismissal. The meeting also includes a citizen public comment period and standard procedural items like call to order and adjournment.
- Executive session under Texas Gov't Code 551.074 to discuss City Administrator personnel matters
- Citizen public comment period with 3-minute limit per speaker
- Special called meeting at Venus Civic Center, 210 S. Walnut Street
City Council
The Venus City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map, which guide future development city-wide and in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. The meeting will also include staff reports, consideration of ordinances, appointments, and discussions on infrastructure and equipment upgrades.
- Public hearing and vote on Comprehensive Plan update (Ordinance No. 776-2023-06)
- Consider appointment to Planning and Zoning Commission, Place 4 (pending background check)
- Discuss issuance of city cell phones and laptop upgrades for City Council (amounts not specified)
- Consider tearing down old water tower (contract estimates attached)
- Discuss MOU with Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Prison Lift Station pump replacement
City Council
The Venus City Council will review three variance requests for the Horizons at Bankston Estates subdivision, including allowing asphalt instead of concrete pavement, waiving park dedication requirements, and skipping an outdoor warning siren system. The developer seeks relief from ordinance requirements, citing prior agreements and financial hardship.
- Variance to allow asphalt pavement instead of concrete for subdivision streets (Ordinance No. 271-2003)
- Variance to waive recreational open space and park dedication requirement (Ordinance No. 243-2001)
- Variance to skip outdoor warning siren system installation (Ordinance No. 405-2015)
Venus Community Service Development Corporation
The Venus Community Service Development Corporation will meet to approve minutes from December 2022, ratify April 2023 expenses, and hear a quarterly report on past events. The main decision is whether to spend up to $10,000 re-working flower beds at the city’s east and west entrances on Highway 67 and the main bed at Fielder Park.
- Approve December 1, 2022 meeting minutes
- Ratify April 2023 expenses
- Quarterly report on July 4th event, donated refrigerator, and Shanna Park rubber mulch
- Vote on up to $10,000 for flower-bed upgrades at Venus East Entry, Venus West Entry, and Fielder Park
City Council
The Venus City Council meets to certify the May 6, 2023 general election results, swear in newly elected officials, and conduct routine business including ordinance updates and administrative appointments.
- Certify May 6, 2023 election results and swear in Mayor Galaviz, Councilmember Hoffman, and Councilmember Bovinich
- Amend authorized signatories for Pinnacle Bank (Resolution 14-2023-05)
- Consider ordinance altering speed limits on certain city streets (Ordinance 774-2023-05)
- Consider ordinance adopting 2021 International Building Code updates (Ordinance 775-2023-05)
- Discuss purchase of asphalt zipper for road repairs (amount not specified)
Board of Adjustment
The Venus Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing and consider a variance request from Chad Starks for two existing duplexes at 604 & 606 S. Main Street. The variance would allow an encroachment of up to 14 feet into the 25-foot front-yard setback, reducing it to 11 feet, because TxDOT is acquiring right-of-way at the front of the property. Staff recommends approval. The board will also approve minutes from the March 27, 2023 meeting.
- Public hearing and consideration of variance ZBOA2023-0003 for 604 & 606 S. Main Street (Lots 2 & 3, Block 8, Truelove Addition) to allow 14-ft encroachment into 25-ft front-yard setback for two duplexes
- Applicant: Chad Starks Construction LLC; property owner Chad Starks
- Staff recommends approval of the variance
- Approval of minutes from March 27, 2023 Board of Adjustment meeting
City Council
The Venus City Council will discuss and consider several items, including un-tabling a resolution to declare the mayor incompetent, addressing drainage issues in Bluestem Hills Subdivision, hiring an engineer for drainage fixes, creating a Parks and Recreation Board, developing a road repair list, appointing four members to the Community Service Development Corporation, participating in opioid settlements, approving a contract for a new water tower design, purchasing a fire truck, and repealing the subdivision ordinance. The council will also hold an executive session for personnel reviews and land acquisition.
- Discuss and consider un-tabling a resolution declaring the Mayor incompetent (Local Government Code 21.022)
- Discuss and consider hiring an engineer to assess drainage issues in Bluestem Hills Subdivision
- Discuss and consider Resolution No. 12-2023-04 to participate in opioid settlements with Allergan, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart
- Discuss and consider contract with Birkhoff, Hendricks & Carter, L.L.P. for design of new city water tower
- Discuss and consider purchase of 110' NXT Aerial Apparatus for Fire Department (amount not specified)
City Council
The Venus City Council will decide whether to approve three new Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and corresponding development agreements with Buffalo Hills Development, LLC and Miskimon Management III, LLC. The agreements cover infrastructure for residential developments on specific county roads and extraterritorial jurisdiction lands.
- Development Agreement for Brahman Ranch MUD on CR2258 between 157 and 213
- Resolution to create Brahman Ranch MUD
- Development Agreement for Hawk Ridge MUD at CR213 and CR108 (Madison Wilson Road)
- Resolution to create Hawk Ridge MUD
- Development Agreement for Buffalo Hills MUD on CR213 between CR2258 and Madison Wilson Road
City Council
The Venus City Council will meet to decide on several key items including a re-plat for lots on Oak Street, a potential $110' aerial fire truck purchase, amendments to the Venus Community Service Development Corporation Bylaws, and a rate increase from Frontier Access, LLC. The council will also discuss adopting a Home Rule Charter and appointing a Charter Commission. Procedural items such as approving meeting minutes and ratifying bills will also be addressed.
- Final Plat for re-plat of lots 1, 2 and part of lot 3, Block 24, Venus Land & Improvement Addition, located on the east side of Oak St. and south of 6th St
- Purchase of a 110' NXT Aerial apparatus for the City of Venus Fire Department (amount not specified)
- Amending the Venus Community Service Development Corporation Bylaws
- Potential rate increase from Frontier Access, LLC
- Discussion on adopting a Home Rule Charter and appointing a Charter Commission
Venus Community Service Development Corporation
The Venus Community Service Development Corporation board will hold a special called meeting to consider several action items, including hosting a 2023 Business Fair, amending its bylaws, holding an Earth Day event, and awarding a bid for fencing at Shanna Park. The board will also ratify expenses for January and February 2023 and hear an executive director's report. An executive session is scheduled to discuss possible land acquisitions for a future sports complex.
- Consider hosting an EDC Sponsored 2023 Business Fair
- Consider amending the Venus Community Service Development Corporation Bylaws
- Consider holding an Earth Day event (amount not to exceed to be determined)
- Consider awarding a bid for Shanna Park fencing (amount not to exceed to be determined)
- Ratify expenses for January and February 2023
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider a final plat to re-plat lots 1, 2 and part of lot 3 in Block 24 of the Venus Land & Improvement Addition, creating two single-family residential lots. They will also appoint a new chair following Tony Bovinich's resignation. The meeting includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.
- Final Plat for re-plat of 0.60 acres, east side of Oak St. and south of 6th St., into two lots (approx. 0.30 acres each)
- Owner: Adelina Properties, LLC; Surveyor: Rudy Rangel
- Zoning: R-1 (Single-Family Residential), setbacks: front 25 ft, rear 25 ft, side 8 ft, corner 15 ft
- Appointment of new Planning and Zoning Commission Chair (vacancy due to Tony Bovinich's resignation)
- Approval of January 26, 2023 meeting minutes
City Council
The Venus City Council will consider a new Master Fee Schedule, order the May 6, 2023 general election, and decide on reimbursing Venus Retirement Village for sewer backup damage. They will also discuss several public safety items, including bullet-resistant shields and crosswalk improvements in Patriot Estates, and will enter closed session to discuss personnel and real property matters.
- Resolution 04-2023-02 to repeal and replace the Master Fee Schedule
- Resolution 01-2023-02 ordering May 6, 2023 general election for Mayor and Council Places 1 and 2
- Reimbursement for sewer backup damage to Venus Retirement Village from 8th Street manhole
- Purchase of bullet-resistant shields through state grant with no match
- Painting crosswalks and adding speed bumps at Washington Way, Independence Ave., and Rebel Rd in Patriot Estates
City Council
The Venus City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss and possibly reconsider Ordinance No. 772-2023-01, which repealed the place system for city elections and returned to at-large elections. They will also consider approving the final plat for Patriot Estates Phase 9, a 320-lot planned development. The meeting includes a public comment period and an executive session to discuss personnel matters, including the possible removal of a Planning and Zoning Commissioner and the City Attorney contract.
- Reconsideration of Ordinance No. 772-2023-01 repealing the place system for city elections
- Final Plat for 320-lot Planned Development, 7 common area lots, Patriot Estates Phase 9 (66.118 acres)
- Executive session to discuss possible removal of Planning and Zoning Commissioner Alicia Rosales
- Executive session to discuss City Attorney and Professional Services Contract
- Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker)
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Venus Planning and Zoning Commission will consider approving a final plat for Patriot Estates Phase 9, a 320-lot planned development with 7 common area lots on 66.118 acres. The commission will also vote on the consent agenda, which includes approving minutes from a November 9, 2022 special meeting. The meeting includes a public comment period and may go into executive session.
- Final Plat for 320-lot Planned Development, 7 common area lots, Block 36-48, Patriot Estates Phase 9, 66.118 acres, south of County Road 502 and east of County Road 620
- Consent agenda: approve minutes for Special called P&Z meeting from November 9, 2022
- Public comment period
- Possible executive session per Texas Government Code
City Council
The Venus City Council will consider appointing a new member to fill the Place 2 vacancy, discuss repealing the place system for city elections, and review several policy changes including a social media policy and take-home vehicle policy. The council will also consider ratifying emergency expenditures for fire station sewer repairs and authorizing the city administrator to seek legal services.
- Appoint a qualified individual to fill the Place 2 vacancy left by Kayla Sanguinetti's resignation
- Ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 295-2004 that established the place system for city elections
- Ratify emergency expenditures for Fire Station sewer repair (invoices totaling $14.5, $15, $45, $56.5, $150)
- Amend the City of Venus Take Home Vehicle Policy
- Authorize City Administrator to solicit RFQ for attorney and legal services