The Week of October 7th-11th, 2019 in the City of Waxahachie

Hello Neighbors!

This is such a busy week ahead (for Council and some city staff), so let's dive on in!  There is a TML (Texas Municipal League) Annual Conference in San Antonio from Tuesday - Friday, but I can still be reached via email at molson@waxahachie.com or through text message at 817-507-5162.

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Monday, October 7, 2019
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6:30 PM - City Council Briefing Session
Council Conference Room - City Hall

Conduct a briefing to discuss agenda items for the 7:00 PM regular meeting.

This meeting will not be live-streamed; however, it IS open to the public and residents who are interested, are encouraged to come.

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7:00 PM - City Council Meeting
Council Chamber - City Hall

Agenda Packet: Agenda Packet for City Council Meeting 10/7/19

DRAFT Minutes of various Boards for the 10/7/19 Council Meeting (which used to be part of the agenda packets): Draft Minutes of Various Boards for 10/7/19 Council Meeting

This is a relatively short agenda; however, there are a few items that are worth noting.

# 9 - Consider City commitment to dedicate land for Hope Clinic

The distance between Howard Jr. High property and Showbiz Cinemas

# 10 - Consider Economic Development Commission recommendation of incentives for Showbiz Cinemas to construct an entertainment center (including an arcade and bowling alley).  I am eager to hear the pros of why we should give the incentives to Showbiz.  I believe in helping out businesses where we can, but I feel that we have been in the position where the residents in Waxahachie have had ZERO tax relief, so it seems really unfair to grant a business tax incentives.  In addition, I'm concerned that this particular entertainment center would poach customers from a brand new, LOCAL business, opening up in Downtown Waxahachie on 10/12.  Here is the FB page for The Arcade: https://www.facebook.com/thearcadetx/  

Not only that, but would the bowling at Showbiz take away from Hilltop Lanes, another locally-owned business? I'd like to think not, but these are of course, all items of consideration.  It appears that they MIGHT be doing a full bar and this location is EXTREMELY close to Howard Jr. High (pictures in post show different ways for the distance to be calculated).  I haven't decided either way because I haven't heard all the facts, but these are things that are weighing on my mind.  The renovations like reclining seats seem like they'll be really great, but again, there are lots of considerations.

Alternative view of Howard & Showbiz Cinemas distance

The Draft Minutes link above has the draft minutes from the Economic Development Commission meeting in which this Chapter 380 agreement (tax incentives) was discussed. I strongly recommend reviewing that if you're interested in this agenda item.

#11 - Consider proposed Ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 6 (Animal and Fowl) of the Code of Ordinances - I haven't had a chance to read this in its totality at this moment, but you can get to it first via the agenda packet link above.

# 14 - Executive session will be regarding economic development negotiations and to do a performance evaluation for the City Manager.



If you are unable to make it to the meeting, you may go to this link to join the meeting live, starting at 7:00 PM Monday night:City of Waxahachie Live Stream Link 

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Thursday, October 10, 2019
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5:30 PM - Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting
Council Chambers - City Hall

Agenda Packet - Agenda Packet Link for 10/10/19 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting

I don't have many details but a couple items that may be of interest to residents might be:

# 4 - Consider plans for 1001 W. Main Street

# 5 - Review packet for local landmark designation correspondence and new renewal letter

This meeting will NOT be live-streamed, but it is a public meeting and residents are welcome to attend.

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These are all the meetings that are posted at this time, but you may check back on the city's website to see if any more events have been added to the calendar:  http://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

Also, I thought I'd mention that I have decided to run for re-election.  My term expires in May 2020, but I need volunteers, funds, etc., and if you'd be willing to help in any capacity, I'd greatly appreciate it.  Please just send me a text to 817-507-5162.

Thank you so much!  Please enjoy the cooler weather we should FINALLY be getting this week!  It should make for some absolutely gorgeous weather!

Have a wonderful week ahead, Waxahachie!

Your Friendly Councilmember,

Melissa Olson
molson@waxahachie.com
c: 817-507-5162 (text preferred)