The First Week of 2020 in the City of Waxahachie!

Hello Neighbors!

I'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year!  There were many things, mostly good but some not-so-great, that happened this past year and I'm excited about what 2020 will bring.  I think it's going to be the best year yet!

As far as meetings for this week, we only have one scheduled so far, but as always, please check back on the city's website, to see if any new ones are added.  http://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

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Thursday, January 2, 2020
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12:00 PM - Civil Service Commission - Regular Meeting
Mayor's Office, City Hall

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/38707/1-2-20_Agenda_Packet.pdf

The main item of this meeting is to certify the promotional eligibility lists for police lieutenant, corporal, and sergeant positions.

This meeting is open to the public, if you wish to attend.  It will not be live-streamed by the city.

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As a reminder, residential trash pickup will NOT run on New Year's Day. 

Also, the packets are available in the City Secretary's office if you would like to run for City Council.  The notice of deadline to file applications for place on the ballot states applications may be turned in from 1/15/20 - 02/14/20.  Here is a copy of that order: http://www.waxahachie.com/Notice%20of%20Deadline%20to%20File%20Applications%202020.pdf  Each candidate must have a petition signed by at least 25 registered voters who live in the City of Waxahachie and the Place for which you'd like to run must be on your petition.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and has a SAFE and Happy New Year!  Have a wonderful week ahead Waxahachie!

Your Friendly Councilmember,
Melissa Olson
molson@waxahachie.com
817.507.5162 (text)

Christmas Week 2019 in the City of Waxahachie

Merry Christmas, Neighbors!

There are no city meetings scheduled for the upcoming week.  As always, you can check the city's calendar throughout the week to see if any meetings have been posted, but none are planned as of now.  Here is the link to do that: http://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

If you have a Facebook account, I highly encourage you to follow the City's official page where we have lots of good notices such as holiday trash pickup schedules and more.  The link to that page is: https://www.facebook.com/City-of-Waxahachie-Official-Municipal-Page-159533114724/ 

I'm posting pictures here for those who do not have access to Facebook, so you can get the same information.

If you are interested in Christmas service times, all are welcome at the Avenue Church. 

Waxahachie Campus
Monday, December 23 | 4:00pm & 6:00pm
Tuesday, December 24 | 2:00pm, 4:00pm & 6:00pm


Ennis Campus
Monday, December 23 | 6:00pm
Tuesday, December 24 | 4:00pm & 6:00pm

If you have any questions or need to look up the location, you can find that information on their website: http://www.theavenuechurch.com/

I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas!  Please have a wonderful week ahead and keep in mind the true reason for the season.

Your Friendly Councilmember,

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

 


  

The Week of December 16th - 20th, 2019 in the City of Waxahachie

Hello Neighbors!


Here's an announcement from the City regarding trash service during the holidays. If you are on Facebook, please consider liking and following the City's page, where they post announcements such as this.  Here is a link to the page: https://www.facebook.com/City-of-Waxahachie-Official-Municipal-Page-159533114724/

Also, even though we are only week and a half away from Christmas, your City Council, staff and P&Z board members are still hard at work!  We have both City Council and Planning & Zoning meetings this week.

Here is a link to the DRAFT minutes from various recent board meetings that was in my packet for Monday's Council meeting.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MzjymJbYJSBcUzZEIVFwEMyy8dbZPYTI/view?usp=sharing Reading the minutes is a fantastic way to know what is going on in the city.  

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Monday, December 16, 2019
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6:00 PM - City Council Briefing
Council Conference Room, City Hall

Agenda:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/38587/12-16-19_City_Council_Briefing_Agenda.pdf

This meeting is to conduct a briefing to discuss agenda items for the 7:00 PM regular Council meeting.

It will not be live-streamed, but residents are welcome and encouraged to come.

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

Agenda Packet:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/38588/12-16-19_City_Council_Agenda_Packet.pdf

This seems to be a fairly routine Council meeting with the exception of items 23 - 36 and the Executive Session.  I don't know what the Executive Session will be regarding except the purpose which is to deliberate regarding real property as permitted under Section 551.072.

Items 23 - 36 are regarding the demolition/repair of substandard structures.  I don't recollect ever seeing this before on an agenda since I have been on the Council.  Staff is recommending that Council make the following motion regarding the below addresses: "I make a motion for the property located at [ADDRESS] to be repaired or or demolished within [XX] days.  If after the [XX] days, and Council's order has not been carried out, staff is authorized to demolish the property."

• 10 Yinger Street
• 608 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
• 214 Dunlap St.
• 712 Givens St.
• 218 Wyatt St.
• 400 Wyatt St.
• 908 Wyatt St.

I plan to visit these locations personally before rendering a decision.  It is a major decision, in my mind, to take such a drastic step, especially if these properties are occupied -which they may not be.

This meeting will be live-streamed and can be viewed via this link, once the meeting has started.  http://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php  After the meeting is over, there will be a link under the City Council tab from the link above.

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Tuesday, December 17, 2019
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6:15 PM - Planning & Zoning Commission Briefing
Council Conference Room, City Hall

Agenda:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/38585/12-17-19_P_Z_Briefing_Agenda.pdf

This meeting is to conduct a briefing to discuss items for the 7:00 PM regular P&Z meeting.

It will not be live-streamed; however, the public is welcome to attend.

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7:00 PM - Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
Council Chamber, City Hall

Agenda Packet:   https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/38586/12-17-19_P_Z_Agenda_Packet.pdf

Items of interest on this agenda might include:

#10 - Request to build a 49 unit apartment complex on the corner of Northgate Dr. and Stadium Dr.  This property is already zoned PD-11-Multiple Family-1 and the applicant is requesting the same zoning and meeting all requirements of that zoning.  I state this because due to these conditions, I'm not sure that a denial can be done for this site plan (since most folks want apartments denied).  I don't think this is a good location for this use necessarily, for many reasons, so it will be interesting to see how this item goes during the P&Z meeting. Staff is recommending approval per comments.

#  11 & 12 - Request for a zoning change from Commercial to Central Area in order to get rid of the parking requirements that were unable to be attained at 106 S. Monroe. This is a great example of someone knowing the zoning ordinances in order for the Waxahachie Architectural Salvage store a Certificate of Occupancy for this location. Staff is recommending approval as presented.

# 13 & 14 - Request for a zoning change from PD- 30-office to PD- Single Family-3 on the undeveloped part of the former First Baptist Church at 315 N Rogers. Staff is recommending approval as presented.

#15 & 16 - Request for SUP (Special Use Permit) for Outside Storage at 100 W Sterrett.  This has been an ongoing case for a while.  See agenda packet (link above) for details. Staff is recommending denial.

# 17, 18 & 19 - Request to revise the existing PD (Planned Development) to construct an approximately 20,000 sq ft addition to an existing 485,000 sq ft movie theater.  Showbiz is implementing its plan for expansion!

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Those are all the meetings that are posted at this time.  Please check the city's website to see if more are added during the week:   http://www.waxahachie.com/calendar.php

Also, packets for those who would like to run for City Council are now available (during regular business hours) in the City Secretary's office at City Hall.  Every candidate must, among the rest of their paperwork, submit a petition containing a minimum of 25 signatures from registered voters who live in the City of Waxahachie. Here is some election information on the City's website:  http://www.waxahachie.com/departments/city_secretary/elections.php

I would love to have your signature on my petition if you'd like to have my name on the ballot for City Council, Place 3! Please feel free to text me at the cell number below and I will come to you.  It takes about one minute to sign.

For those who would like to run, I'm happy to answer any questions I can about the process and/or city questions in general.  Don't hesitate to ask!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a wonderful week ahead, Waxahachie!

Your Friendly Councilmember,

Melissa Olson
817-507-5162 (cell)




























  

Now Hiring: Waxahachie City Council

Just kidding... mostly!  There's no hiring because it's a volunteer position; however, it's that time of year when residents who are registered voters inside the city limits of Waxahachie can get the paperwork in order to be on the ballot for the May 2020 election. 

Let me make it clear that you will go to countless meetings and do it all for zero pay - but I wouldn't trade it for the world!  Being able to represent the residents of Waxahachie has been an incredibly rewarding experience.  I literally get to help people every day.


If you would like to run for Place 1, 2 or 3, in the City of Waxahachie, the City Secretary's office has put together a wonderful packet for all candidates and it lays out the requirements, procedures and important dates for the May 2, 2020 general election.




I have always stood for transparency and helping others learn more about the city, so if you have any questions, you can ask me (or the City Secretary's office) and I'll do my best to answer them - even if we are running against each other.  The most important thing is that we have the best people elected for the City of Waxahachie.

Because you have to get a petition signed by at least 25 registered voters who live in the City, I find that it's good to take care of that as soon as possible since it's near the holidays and all that.  I will be filing for Waxahachie City Council, Place 3.  I wish you the best of luck, if you decide to run!  It's a great way to be involved.

Sincerely,

Melissa Olson

The Week of December 9th - 13th, 2019 in the City of Waxahachie!

Hello Neighbors!

We have a few meetings this coming week, so let's get started!

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Monday, December 9, 2019
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8:30 AM - Firemen's Relief & Retirement Fund Meeting
Waxahachie Fire Station #1, 407 Water Street

Agenda Packet:  https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/38456/12-9-19_FR_R_Agenda_Packet.pdf

Items include:

5. Consider Texas Local Fire Fighters' Retirement Act Annual Report for fiscal year end September 30, 2019

6. Discuss Pension Review Board Funding Policy and take any necessary action

This meeting will not be live-streamed, but the public are welcome to attend.

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Tuesday, December 10, 2019
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6:30 PM - Planning and Zoning Commission Briefing
Council Conference Room, City Hall (by City Secretary's Office)

Agenda: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/38471/12-10-19_P_Z_Briefing_Agenda.pdf

This meeting is being held to conduct a briefing to discuss items for the 7:00 PM regular meeting.

It will not be live-streamed, but is open to the public.

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7:00 PM - Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
Council Chamber, City Hall

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/38472/12-10-19_P_Z_Agenda_Packet.pdf

This is a pretty standard meeting, with multiple solar panel cases.  Both of the planned development public hearings have been continued to the December 17th, P&Z meetings.

One item that many may find interesting/exciting is agenda numbers 20 & 21.  It is a public hearing for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to open a Daiquiriville in the North Grove shopping center between SMD Boutique and Branded Burger.

I think that there has been a great job done so far to get businesses which compliment each other in this business park.  Facing 77, you currently have Three Rivers Coffee, Upscale Nails & Spa, Salon 180, Daiquiriville (if approved) and Branded Burger.  Just a few hundred feet away, is the new Cancun's location and we also have Atwoods there and a couple of fast food places as well.  This area is really coming along.

This meeting will probably be rather short, but will also be live-streamed, if you are unable to make it in person.  The link to view the live meeting will be: http://www.waxahachie.com/government/city_council/city_council_meeting_live_stream.php 

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Wednesday, December 11, 2019
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12:00 PM / Noon - Animal Care Advisory Committee
Waxahachie Police Department Training Room
630 Farley Street, Waxahachie, TX

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/38458/12-11-19_Animal_Care_Advisory_Committee_Agenda_Packet.pdf

Based upon the agenda, this looks to be a very short meeting.

The only real order of business is to hear an update on Ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 6 (Animal and Fowl) of the Code of Ordinances - which Council has already done.  They will then set the next meeting date and time.

This meeting is not live-streamed, but residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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Thursday, December 12, 2019
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4:00 PM - Mid-Way Regional Airport Board Meeting
Rex Odom Conference Room, Mid-Way Regional Airport
131 Airport Drive, Midlothian

Agenda: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/38476/AA20191212.pdf

3. Board Announcements

4. Discuss and Consider the redesign of the Airport website.

5. Discuss and Consider an Airport Parking Policy.

This meeting is not live-streamed, but folks are welcome to attend.

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5:30 PM - Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting
Council Chambers / Conference Room, City Hall

Agenda Packet: https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/38461/12-12-19_HPC_Agenda_Packet.pdf

Among other items on the agenda will be considering plans for 421 S. College St.  (I'm not sure what those are going to be.)

This meeting will not be live-streamed, but residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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Many of us in Waxahachie have so much and there are others who are in need.  Friday, December 13, 2019 is the deadline to turn in items to help Senior Citizens in our community. Please consider helping those in our city who may need a little help this Christmas.

Here is a link to the December 2019 Senior Activity Center newsletter:  http://www.waxahachie.com/WSAC_December_2019_Final.pdf


We also have a lot going on this time of year and here's a link to some of those activities!  http://www.waxahachiecvb.com/p/events/waxahachie-holiday-event-listings-2019


I hope that everyone enjoys their weekend and that you have a wonderful week ahead!

Your Friendly Councilmember,

Melissa Olson
molson@waxahachie.com
817.507.5162 (text)