Development News for Manvel, Texas

City Council Approves Sidewalk Variance for ETJ Manufactured Home Development

The city council considered a subdivision variance request for a 2.5-acre tract in the city's ETJ, located along County Road 206. The applicant plans to develop the property as a rental manufactured home concept, where the entire tract is one lot with multiple manufactured homes for rent, rather than individually subdivided lots. The variance is from the requirement to construct a sidewalk. Brazoria County, which has jurisdiction over the right-of-way, does not allow sidewalks in the public right-of-way, and the applicant indicated challenges in including a sidewalk within the private property. Staff recommended against approval based on the principle of sidewalk safety, but noted the unique circumstances of the ETJ location. The Planning and Development Zoning Commission (PDNZ) voted to approve the variance with conditions. The council ultimately approved the variance with conditions on a 5-to-2 vote.

Parks Department Budget Includes Trail Lights, Parking Expansion, and New Maintenance Staff

The city council reviewed budget requests for the parks department. Proposed improvements include trail lights at Almost Heaven ($70,000) and a new parking lot similar to the one at Cy Park ($225,000). Personnel requests include two park maintenance techs to support Heritage Park, Croy Park, and Buddy Williams Park. The total cost for personnel and park upgrades is $314,000. The department has sufficient equipment, having received a utility truck, trailer, and four zero-turn mowers last year. The first year for Heritage Park will have low maintenance costs as everything is new.

City Council Reviews Public Works Budget, Highlighting Utility Needs Amidst Growth

The city council received a budget presentation for the public works department, focusing on utilities, streets, and drainage. The utility department presented its accomplishments, including manhole repairs and tank replacements. Challenges due to rapid growth were highlighted, leading to a request for additional personnel such as chief operators, technicians, and groundskeepers. Equipment requests included a crane truck, lab equipment, safety equipment, and a bypass pump. Vehicle requests included two F-150s and two Maverick XLs. Future capital projects such as new wells, plant expansions, and manhole lining were also discussed. The estimated yearly operation and maintenance cost for the new MBR plant is over a million dollars, with total budget requests for personnel, equipment, and trucks amounting to $2.172 million.

City Council Appoints Charter Review Commission Members; Recognizes Local Leaders

The city council discussed appointing members to a Charter Review Commission. The initial plan was for each council member to recommend one person, with additional members from MEEDC, PDNZ, and the Parks Board, plus a city representative. Ten individuals have been identified, with one council member still finalizing their recommendation. The council decided to appoint the 10 listed individuals and will appoint the eleventh member at a future meeting. Councilman Harry Oaker was recognized as the new president of the Brazoria County Cities Association, and City Secretary Tammy Bell was recognized as the secretary for the same association. The council also celebrated City Manager Dan Johnson's 42nd birthday.