The Rockdale City Council combined two of its most controversial issues in recent years—annexation and a tract originally purchased for use as a police station site but never used—Monday in a tame, two minute public hearing.
Nobody spoke. One year ago, when a large-scale annexation procedure was proposed, crowds approaching 200 packed the Patterson Center, to protest and the project was shelved.
This one is totally different. Nobody lives on the six-acre tract at 1166 West US 79 and the annexation is a step toward selling the land and recouping money from the purchase. It’s currently in both the city and county.
Meeting in regular session at City Hall, the council also discussed what action could be taken to assist a church whose only street access was damaged by a contractor, and a Rockdale Girls Softball League request for city assistance in paying for its water and electricity.
ANNEXATION—The 6-acre tract at the western city limits was purchased by the city for $250,000 on March 21, 2016.
Opposition, citing both the location and price, developed immediately, the city abandoned plans to use the site and eventually selected another location at the East Cameron (US 79) corner.
A second public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 22.
TEXAS STREET—The council expressed its desire to rectify a situation on Texas Street which, according to City Manager Chris Whittaker, was damaged by a contractor laying a water line to the industrial park.
The street serves Rising Star Baptist Church.
A price tag of $35,000 was placed on repairs. The council discussed with the Municipal Development District whose responsibility the project would be, but indicated its goal will be to fix the problem.
“If you know you owe somebody something, do it,” Councilman Nathan Bland said.
GSL—Pete Rubio, Rock-dale Girls Softball League president asked the city for help with water and electricity bills at the Bush-dale Road complex, which is owned by the city.
Whittaker said that could be possible if the facility could be turned into a public use park.
The council directed Whittaker and Rubio to work out details of an agreement and report back to the council.
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