June 2 Meeting Agenda
City of Fredericksburg
City Council Agenda
Monday, June 2, 2008 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Law Enforcement Center ~ 1601 E. Main St
1. Call to Order.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. Receive update from architects on Market Square service building project. (Jimmy Alexander)
4. Consider approving all actions necessary in connection with the issuance of the City’s $6.2 Million Limited Tax Revenue Notes, Series 2008, including an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fredericksburg, Texas, Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of City of Fredericksburg, Texas, Limited Tax Note, Series 2008; Providing for the Security for and Payment of Said Note; Prescribing the form of Said Note; Awarding the Sale Thereof; Authorizing a Paying Agent/Registrar Agreement and an Investment and Commitment Letter; and Enacting Other Provisions Relating to the Subject. (Gary Neffendorf)
NEW BUSINESS
5. Consider request from Alabama Red Rovers re-enactment group for use of Ft. Martin Scott September 13 and 14, 2008. (Jimmy Alexander)
6. Discuss the formation of a subcommittee/task force with the objective of delivering a set of proposed recommendations, solutions (strategies and tactics) to proactively address the Affordable and Median Income Housing initiatives of the City of Fredericksburg. (David Pedregon)
7. Consider adopting an ordinance enacting a moratorium on the installation of any Changeable Electronic Variable Message Sings within the City of Fredericksburg or the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction of the City. (Tim Dooley)
8. Consider setting Special Meeting date the week of June 9. (Brian Jordan)
COMMENTS
9. Public Comment.
10. Council Comment.
I read all comments and reply directly to the authors by email for follow-up. -Tom
Re: Agenda Item 6, Affordable Housing. Any study looking toward the provision of “affordable”,i.e.,subsidized, housing in Fbg should include one looking toward a substantial improvement in intercity public transportation.
Since Fbg is about 80 miles from labor sources in San Antonio and Austin, the cost of private transportation is probably already so high as to make the recruitment and retention of employees for Fbg businesses very difficult. Without substantially improving intercity bus service. subsidized housing would not in my view solve the labor problem.
The lack of affordable housing as a significant category of our local real estate inventory will sooner or later create a major obstacle to sustained growth. The quality of various services our community has to offer will be strained and suffer. Some of these services include hospital and nursing home care, teachers, city/county services including law enforcement, restaruant and motel help, and other services necessary to give the residents and the visitors the level of service they demand. When we can no longer provide such services at a reasonable price, FBG will be less appealing for the resident and the visitor. I believe this is a topic worth focusing our energy towards resolving. I hope that you and the City Council will give this subject serious consideration.
I certainly see the need for affordable housing. I think this can be accomplished in a way that makes the quality of life here rise for everyone.
I am so thankful that this issue of affordable housing has reached the hearts of our Council. I believe that this is the single most important issue that low-middle class families face here in Fredericksburg. If we, as a community, would tackle this problem I believe the benefits would reach our entire community. I would like for our community to be known as a generous community that cares about individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds. It is hypocritical for our community to desire pizza on friday night, and not provide the cooks with a decent place to live! Many of our low-income parents work three jobs and go home to live in a rented shed behind other individuals homes. I am willing to help with this issue in any way that I can…
For the love of our children and families,
Brenda K. Russell, E.D.
Stonewall Head Start, Inc.