On March 17, Louis Booth with Texas Rural Water Association presented the results of a water/wastewater survey that had been conducted for the City of Collinsville. The study, which was provided at no cost, assessed fixed and variable expenses of managing water use throughout the city.
The study revealed that, with current water/wastewater rates it is charging its citizens, the city is not making enough to cover the cost of its bills. Booth proposed the idea of an increase (more specifically, a greater increase for wastewater), explaining, “This is not money in your pocket – it’s to pay the bills.”
He pointed out that the city should be charging for every drop of water that goes through a meter. The city has been honoring a “free minimum” to its residents. This means that a small amount of everyone’s annual water rate was covered by a fixed fee, and anything beyond that was charged the standard rate. This essentially meant that citizens weren’t paying for all of their water use, and, unfortunately, it’s no longer feasible for the city to cover this cost.
While Booth made it clear he was there only to provide numbers and not to provide recommendations, he pointed out that if the city got rid of the free minimum alone, it would be able to meet its financial goals.
After some discussion, the council is considering the idea of eliminating the free minimum and adjusting the wastewater rates at budget time.
Also during this discussion arose the need to start planning for a location for a new sewer plant. Because of a required sanitary easement in which the plant cannot be located within 500 feet of any other properties, the city is rather landlocked. As more people begin moving into town and new developments begin to take up space, the council agreed it needs to be thinking to the future and planning for a new location sooner rather than later.
Next on the agenda was a public hearing regarding the rezoning of a single-family district to a multi-family district on about 1.170 acres of land at 801 N Main Street. According to the current regulations, the owner can develop per standards that include things like a minimum of three stories, 45 feet high; 300 square feet minimum; two parking spaces; etc.
The Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Board reviewed the proposal and did not recommend this rezoning. As a result, the proposal needs 2/3 council vote to pass. P&Z received four letters in opposition from community members and one resident spoke against it in person.
Russ Child, a developer and property manager from Sanger, addressed the council on behalf of Carlos Hernandez, owner of the property. Child presented several conceptual drawings of the kinds of structures they would like to build on the property, essentially creating low-cost multi-family rentals “due to the lack of housing.” The building is currently a vacant steel building that Hernandez would like to see become 12-24 units of multi-family living space on the front end.
Child proposed an 8-foot fence if desired and explained they were open and wanted to be accommodating to the city and its citizens.
Alderman Chase Guidera supported the concept, but said he didn’t like the location. Child explained that they were limited due to the location of sewer lines. Another concern was emergency access, but the council was assured that Child would work with the fire department.
After some discussion, the council seemed more open to the idea of creating four duplexes that look like townhomes. As a result, this no longer became a rezoning issue but an entirely different project. Child and Hernandez were advised to withdraw their application and return with a Planned Development District application for duplexes.
The council also heard updates from department heads. Keep Collinsville Beautiful (KCB) was disappointed to report that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is no longer funding grants. Therefore, the sidewalk project KCB had planned on using their grant money on has been put on hold. Looking ahead, the organization’s city-wide clean-up is scheduled for April 5. Dumpsters have been ordered and lunch for all volunteers will be served at the Annex Building. After conducting a survey of the town, it was determined that there is no need to bring in the county woodchipper. While there are 16 sites that need attention with downed limbs and branches, Republic will pick those up. Lastly, the Collinsville Education Foundation has been able to provide two $2,500 scholarships and one $500 scholarship (from its Tour of Homes) in memory of Roger McDaniel for graduating high school seniors.
The Chamber of Commerce was hard at work planning its annual banquet, a casino night held at Ranch 82 in Whitesboro. Its annual Community Easter Egg Hunt will take place April 12 at 10 a.m. (There will be photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny.) Also, the organization was able to provide $3,000 for graduating high school seniors ($500 of which is specifically for a trade school).
The Collinsville Community Library held a stuffed animal clinic, where kids could bring their sick stuffed animals for some tender loving care. The day before Valentine’s Day, the library held a truffle-making class for adults. A planned master gardener event is perfect for spring. A greeting card event will teach people to make their own handmade cards, and the Daughters of the American Revolution held a history presentation at 6:30 p.m. on March 27. Library staff is preparing for the summer reading program (serving infants through 5th-graders) which is by reservation only. Regarding the library expansion, all quotes have been received and the Economic Development Corporation will spend the next few weeks reviewing all of the information before bringing their recommendation to the City Council in April.
Additionally, the council approved:
• Canceling the May 3 election (council candidates are running unopposed)
• Installation of a stop sign at Cobb Road and West Hughes Street (to increase safety near the daycare)
• Continuation of the Farmers Market in downtown the third Thursday of the month (at no cost to the city)
• A contract between Bo Mows and the city to maintain downtown area, entry points to the city and cemetery entrance
• An amendment to the use of storage containers during construction projects (can be used as long as the construction permit is active and must be removed 180 days after)
• Budget amendment for Economic Development/Industrial Development in the amount of $9,000 for pavilion project completion