During Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Brownwood City Council authorized the installation of a new perimeter fence at the Service Center by Martin Earthworks at a cost of $35,600.

Staff solicited quotes for the installation of 1,050 feet of 6-foot chain-link fencing that will extend from the east property corner to the north property corner replacing an old 4-foot fence. Staff received two quotes for the project and the low bid was from Martin Earthworks.

City Council also approved a resolution declaring old vehicles, parts, and equipment as surplus property and authorizing staff to sell and scrap, while recycling old IT equipment and donating old fire equipment.

Proceeds from the sale of the surplus property shall be combined into a special purpose fund designated for the improvements to the Service Center and for personnel protective equipment.

The City has accumulated numerous old vehicles and equipment that are beyond repair, which have been replaced or are no longer needed. Staff requested that council allow these vehicles, parts, and equipment to either be sold, recycled or scrapped.

The Fire Department would like to donate some old equipment to Brown County FD, namely some SCBAs and some gear. Staff is recommending that the proceeds be combined into a special purpose fund that will be designated for improvements to the Service Center.

Some examples of use are:

• Paving the yard

• Replacing windows & doors

• Updating workspaces

• Updating bathrooms

• Creating new workspaces

• Install fencing

• Improvements to landscape

The Service Center supports all City departments and is one of the last city facilities that has not had any significant repairs or improvements. Expenditures over $10,000 will be brought to the Council for approval.

Council also ratified the Brownwood Municipal Development District Board for a Building Improvement Initiative Program grant in the amount of $3,525 to Stewart Gordon, LLC for property located at 311 N. Center.

Ray Tipton, BMDD Executive Director, noted Pecan Square Place – located across from the Brown County Courthouse – rents office space to various types of businesses and sought the grant for renovations such as painting, outdoor upgrades, new light fixtures and interior painting.

George Williford with Hilltop Securities, Inc. discussed Public Improvement Districts (PID) and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) with City Council, while the Budgetary Control Report and BMDD Annual Report were presented as well.