Lubbock City Council to Discuss Annexation, Land Acquisition for Lubbock Police

The Lubbock City Council will hold their regular meeting on Tuesday evening.

During their closed-door executive session, the council will discuss land acquisition for the Lubbock Police Department, as well as a review of a gas utility rate increase statement of intent filed by Atmos Energy, and the city’s ongoing appeal of the increase.

Once they reconvene into the open meeting at 6:15 p.m., the Council will consider adding one flashing school zone area, change two, and remove four flashing school zones.

The new zone would be on Parkway Drive at East 2^nd Street for Alderson Elementary. The zone on MLK Jr. Boulevard south of Erskine Avenue would be changed from 30 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour, and zones would be removed from near Iles Elementary on East 26^th and East 23^rd streets due to the closing of the campus. Also, the school zone near the former Murfee elementary on Joliet Drive will be removed as well until it reopens as Jane Ann Miller Elementary.

Public hearings will also be held regarding two ordinances of annexation. One is from Ford Development Corporation for around 76 acres one half mile south of Farm-to-Market Road 1585, just east of Quaker Avenue. The second is for around 80 acres just north of Farm-to-Market Road 1585, just east of Flint Avenue.

After the public hearings, the council will vote on the annexation ordinances.

The Council will also discuss an item added by District 6 Councilwoman Latrelle Joy, regarding conducting performance evaluations for City Attorney Sam Medina and City Secretary Becky Garza, as their employment is under control of the City Council.

Also to be considered by the Council is a resolution for a commitment agreement for land from the City to be used for a performing arts center.

Under the agreement, the Lubbock Entertainment and Performing Arts Center would receive the land currently leased by the Texas DPS at 1302 Mac Davis Lane. The DPS regional headquarters will move to their new location in the Lubbock Business Park later this year.

According to the Council agenda item, prior to the property’s official transfer, LEPAA must have at least $45 million in written commitments for the center, and must begin construction by December 31^st, 2017. If LEPAA fails to use the property as an entertainment and performing arts venue, ownership will automatically revert to the City.

If these conditions are met by the group, the City will transfer the property to LEPAA in “shovel-ready” condition, and will negotiate a shared parking agreement for use of parking areas of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

The item was originally postponed from the June 27^th, 2013 meeting to allow time to determine the estimated cost to the City of demolishing the current facilities on the property. Estimates for demolition range from $250,000 to $500,000 as a worst-case scenario. This agreement would cap the City’s demolition cost at $300,000, with LEPAA responsible for any additional costs.

Following the regular agenda, the Council will hear a presentation regarding recommendations to the Council on oil and gas fracking within the City limits. That presentation will be delivered by Board of Health Chairman Brian Carr.

This will be the first meeting for interim City Manager James Loomis, who was appointed by the Council following the firing of Lee Ann Dumbauld last week. 

KFYO will be at Tuesday’s City Council meeting to bring you the latest from City Hall.