Martin's Musings

This is the day after “Tax Day”  and I hope all is well.  Rain looks promising this weekend and that is a good thing.  We are falling behind in our rain inches and it is becoming very dry. We could have another “long, dry, hot summer” in our forecast.

We are making progress with our new city hall location.  Landscaping has been done and plans are being made for other changes.  The parking lot will be restriped to city code,  additional parking in the back, handicapped ramp raised and a monument sign is being considered.  There is a possibility that we may be able to relocate by the end of May.  I do thank our city council for their foresight in choosing this location.  They put in much thought and considered all possibilities before making their decision.
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At the Monday Council Meeting, Council voted to participate in the TIRZ#3 with Brazoria County and Seven Oaks Development.  Phyllis Herbst, our CPA, did a fantastic job of presenting a synopsis of all the financial information and the possible effect it would have on our city. The vote was 3 to 2 in favor.  The two dissenting votes were:  Melody Hanson and Tommy Pollard.
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There was much discussion on our present flood plaid ordinance and the need to revisit some of the issues and the effects it was having on our citizens.  There will be a workshop on Monday, April 19th at 6pm to address these issues.
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There will be a Candidates Forum on Tuesday, April 20th, at Manvel High School at 6pm.  There a three candidates for each position:

• Council Position #1
  • William (Ed) Armstrong
  •  Bob Long
  • K. Kamel
• Council Position #2
  • Tommy Pollard
  • Harry Opliger
  • Mack Ivy
• Council Position #4
  • John Stephen Cox
  • Melody Hanson
  • Andre Gafford

Please come out and support your candidate.Â
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First Baptist Church is having a SPRING FLING on Saturday, April 24th from 3 to 5 pm.  They are located at 6900 Masters.  There will be free games and activities, free door prizes, free balloons, silent auction, a baking contest and a riding lawnmower race.  A concession stand will be open with items available for purchase.  ALL PROCEEDS WILL HELP SEND THEIR YOUTH TO SUMMER CAMP.
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Metro is considering to locate a BRAZORIA COUNTY PARK AND RIDE on the South side of CR59 and SH288 to accommodate over 500 cars on a 12 acre site.  This would be in Manvel’s ETJ.  This has been long requested by citizens who commute to the medical center. Metro is planning to hold a Public Hearing on this project in the very near future.  I will keep you informed as to when this will take place.
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At the request of the Manvel City Council and Chief Ralph Garcia of the MPD, a letter has been sent to Tex-Dot to close the Southeast merge lane to SH6.  This  one lane merge that has been misused as two lanes on to SH6.  This has become a safety issue exiting into traffic on Sh6.
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Thank you for your continued input and support.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

God Bless!
Delores M. Martin, Mayor