Dickinson City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve the terms and conditions of a contract with HRWK, Inc. for legislative representation services for the city.
“Based on events involving the enabling legislation for Dickinson Management District No. 1, and the implementation of certain legislation that was passed during the 2011 Legislative Session, it is anticipated that there may be an attempt to modify the Dickinson Management District No. 1 enabling legislation and/or modify the state sales tax provisions in such a way that the city would be negatively impacted,” City Administrator Julie Johnston said.
HRWK, Inc. will monitor any legislation that may impact the management district and will assist the city in addressing any proposed legislation or sales tax provisions. The firm assisted the city in the development of the legislation enabling the management district.
The contract includes a retainer fee of $1,500 per month.
The city council voted to uphold the city administrator’s decision in a grievance filed by the Dickinson Police Officers Association Grievance Committee.
Dan Krieger, attorney with the Krieger Law Firm, spoke regarding the item, which was discussed during an executive session.
The city council voted to adopt an “Anti-NIMBYism” Action Plan.
The plan is a requirement for the receipt of funds through the Round 2.2 Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Grant Program.
“NIMBY is the acronym for the ‘not-in-my-backyard’ sentiment that is often expressed by residents of communities when presented with affordable housing or undesirable infrastructure projects,” Management Assistant Jessica A. Rogers said.
The action plan addresses “NIMBYism” through four major action areas, education, training, planning and enforcement, Rogers said.
“Through the action plan presented with this resolution, city staff will extend their knowledge and outreach efforts when considering projects that could lead to NIMBY sentiments in the community, as well as encourage openness and communication during the consideration and development of possible affordable housing and/or undesirable infrastructure projects,” Rogers said.
The city council voted to approve a request to temporarily close the northbound lane of Maple Drive for the Festival of Lights.
The closures will be from 5:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 24 through December 16 and from 5:45 p.m. until 10 p.m. every day from December 17 through December 23.
Council Member Charles Suderman said that those affected by the road closure will be notified.
The city council received updates, without taking action, on various items, including:
- An update on public works projects
- An update on Hurricane Ike Community Development Block Grant Projects
- An update on the activities of the Galveston County Transit District
All other items were approved. All votes were unanimous with all members present. Agenda