The City of Brownwood Water Department recently received an award from the Texas Municipal Utilities Association (TMUA).

The 2013 Outstanding Municipal Utility Award was presented to Assistant Division Director of Public Works David Harris and accepted by Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes at Tuesday morning’s city council meeting.

The plaque states that the City of Brownwood received the award “In recognition of the city’s innovation and leadership to its customers and the entire water industry.”

Mayor Haynes explained that many employees go to work and punch a clock, doing their only what is required of their job, but that this was not the case with Harris.

“David is certainly the exception to that rule.  He is always looking for ways to improve our city,” said Haynes.  “In 2007, he brought pipe bursting technology, which the city has shared over and over with other cities.  The SCADA system was implemented, allowing the identification of water leaks, helping to repair them more quickly.  Most recently, David has worked on the design of the water reuse plant.  He is always pushing for innovation and helping our city to become a great city and for that we thank you and are proud to receive this award on behalf of the entire city.”

The Texas Municipal Utilities Association (TMUA) was organized in 1925 to promote the proficiency of the utility management profession and utility operations.

In other matters on Tuesday’s agenda:

*A public hearing was held and approval was granted on first reading to change the zoning classification for 14.834 acres out of Outlot 353, located at 1223 Neumann Street, from R3 Multi Family Residential District to M1 Restricted Industrial District.  Also approved on first reading changing the zoning classification for 0.31 acres of the William H. Irions, Survey 52, Abstract 537; 6.52 acres of Outlot 368; and 0.92 acres of Block 3, Lot 104 & 13-16, of the Porter Addition, located at Dublin and Hackberry Street from R3 Multi Family Residential District and MH Manufactured/Mobile Home District to A1 Agricultural District.

* Council approved on first reading changing the zoning classifications of the following properties:

• 9.57 acres of Block 6 of the Morningside Addition, known as 1111 Willis Street, from R1 Single Family Residential District to RR Residential Rural District.
• 12.91 acres of David J Jones, Survey 50, Abstract 549, known as 1707 Shaw Drive, from R1 Single Family Residential District and C1 Local Business District to RR Residential Rural District.
• 1.243  and 7.66 acres, out of Outlots 361, 364, and 366, known as 110 Walnut Street, from R2 Two Family Residential District to A1 Agricultural District.
• 1600 Avenue E, being Lot 1, Block 24, or the Ford Addition, from R2 Two Family Residential District to CO Commercial Office District (a very restrictive commercial zoning for offices for professionals such as lawyers, doctors, dentists).

These cases of rezoning will be addressed again on second, third and final readings at the next regular meeting of the council.

*Council approved an ordinance on second, third/final readings approving a negotiated renewal between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division regarding the company’s rate review mechanism filing.

* Council ratified mayoral appointments to the Tow Truck Committee of John Harper, Harper Automotive; Rick Newton; and Larry Mullins.  All three new members’ terms will expire 6/30/2015.

*Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Manager Sunni Modawell presented the Convention and Visitors Bureau report to the council.  In her report, Modawell outlined that the chamber held 7 events, gave 12 event consultations, fielded over 1300 calls, had 300 visitors and gave out 800 goodie bags.  Modawell reported that she had attended 10 meetings and events.  The Chamber staff was featured on KTAB 4U television program.  A very successful event held by the Chamber was the 2013 Bridal Fair.  Modawell reports that the 2014 Bridal Fair is already sold out .  Another success for the quarter was the Banner project, installation of highway banners across Hwy 377S/84W/67W, near the traffic T between Chili’s and Taco Bueno.  Overall, for the quarter, tourism was slightly down but expected to be on an upward trend in June, with many upcoming sports tournaments.  Modawell gave a reminder of upcoming events such as the Brown County Rodeo, Heartland Rod Run and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Tournament, Relay for Life, Texas State Guard & National Guard trainings.

*Walter Middleton, City of Brownwood Finance Director gave the quarterly budgetary report.  According to Middleton, the city is in “pretty good shape.”  Revenue for the quarter was up $318,000 and expenses remained approximately the same as that of the same quarter in 2012.  Cash for the quarter was up over that of 2012, being 53 days of operating funds rather than 51 as in the previous year.  The report is for the period ending April 30, 2013 and represents 7 months (or 58.33%) of the fiscal year.