Development News for Killeen, Texas

City Council Approves ETJ Release for 6.5 Acres Near Salado

The City Council considered and approved a petition from James Rich requesting release from the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) for approximately 6.5 acres of land, comprised of lots 3 and 4, block 1 of the D.W. Wallace Addition. This property is located southwest of the intersection of FM 2484 and Brewer Road in Salado, Texas. The release is in accordance with Senate Bill 2038, allowing property owners to request ETJ release. Staff recommended approval, and the council had 45 days to act, with the meeting falling within that timeframe. The Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval.

City Council Appoints Members to Boards, Commissions, and Committees

The City Council appointed members to various boards, commissions, and committees. Mayor Solomon and Councilmember Kendrick's unexpired terms on the Hill County Transit District and KEDC were confirmed. Councilmember Nash King and Williams were appointed to the Senior Advisory Board, Councilmember Bass to the Youth Advisory Commission, and Councilmember Kimball and Kendrick to the Tours Board. Councilmember Brown was appointed to the Audit Committee and Hill Country Transit District, while Councilmember Nash King also took a K-Tempo slot. Councilmember Williams was appointed to the Bell County Board of Health. The Sister Cities board, a dormant committee, was also filled with Councilmembers Kimball, Nash King, and Williams. Several subcommittee positions were also filled, including Animal Advisory Committee, Bell County Health District, and Board of Adjustment. The primary regular appointment opening that remained was for the Hill County Transit District.

City Council Approves $452,113 Drainage and Landscape Project for WS Young and I-14

The City Council awarded bid number 26-16 for the WS Young and I-14 drainage and landscape project to Gage and Cade Construction LLC for $452,113.50. The project, part of the 2021 capital improvement plan, includes undergrounding an open ditch with a box culvert, adding a drainage inlet, landscaping, sidewalks, and ADA ramps. The engineer's estimate was $566,891. Concerns were raised about using drainage funds for landscaping and potential issues with signage placement. The council approved the bid 6-1, with Councilmember Brown opposing.

City Council Awards $420,000 Contract for Chaparral Road Traffic Signals

The City Council awarded bid number 26-22 for the Chaparral Road traffic signals project to Austin Traffic Signal Construction Company (ATSCC) for $420,000. This project, approved in conjunction with an interlocal agreement with Bell County, will install span wire traffic signals at the intersections of Chaparral Road with Featherline Road and near the high school. Bell County will reimburse the city for construction costs, while the city will handle monitoring and long-term maintenance. The engineer's estimate for the project was $593,850. ATSCC is the lowest qualified bidder and has prior successful experience with the city, including maintaining current span wires. The new signals will incorporate cameras and controllers, with permanent traffic cabinets to be installed in alignment with future road widening plans.