Shenandoah City Council had a packed agenda March 22, covering a variety of topics related to a water project, park reservations, MetroPark Square and the spring town hall meeting.

To view the full March 22 agenda packet, visit www.shenandoahtx.us.

1. The council unanimously adopted a resolution related to payment options for the new water plant and water projects.
The council had previously only discussed the new water plant and future water projects as debt service projects. During the March 8 workshop, the council showed favor toward a $3 million expenditure for the construction of a third water plant and the repair of two loop lines, at a 15-year debt schedule.

However, during the March 22 meeting, an alternative to the debt service option was introduced which would allow the city to proceed with the projects and not incur debt until the funds are started. This option would allow the council to look at reserve funds as a possible funding mechanism instead of incurring debt.

The resolution was unanimously adopted after much discussion and will give council ample time to evaluate its options to pay for the water plant and related projects.

2. The council unanimously approved a resolution formally creating the MetroPark Public Improvement District.
The developer of MetroPark Square, Sam Moon Group, presented a petition to the Shenandoah City Council to create a MetroPark Public Improvement District and call for a public hearing on the matter.

The district will be able to design, acquire and construct public improvement projects that are necessary for development of the property. Some of these improvements could include roadway improvements, sidewalks, drainage, traffic signals and streetlights.

During the March 22 meeting the council held a public hearing, during which no residents spoke, and the council unanimously adopted the resolution to create the PID with a $29 million assessment value.

As discussed during the March 8 workshop meeting, the PID could potentially expedite the construction timeline for MetroPark Square and enhance the quality of construction, which in turn could bring in higher-end tenants to the mixed-use development.

3. The council unanimously approved a park reservations system.
The parks committee made a recommendation to council regarding a parks reservation system following concerns brought to the council’s attention several months ago.

According to the recommendation, park reservations can be made for two-hour increments at a cost of $25 for residents and $35 for non-residents. One reservation can be made per address per month, and reservations do not guarantee the use of kitchen, fans, electricity or restrooms.

Applicants must be at least 18-years-old and reservations can be made no earlier than 12 months in advance. All money accrued from park reservations will be deposited into the city's park improvement fund.

The council unanimously approved the resolution and reservations can be made beginning April 1.

4. Council finalized the items to be discussed at the spring town hall meeting.
The spring town hall will be held April 5 at 6 p.m. and will discuss police department enhancements, tax revenue, residential permits and water projects.