Zooming in
Earlier this year, Community Impact reported on a new development in Kyle called Limestone Creek that will displace the residents of six homes in the Quail Ridge area. At the time, officials had not contacted the residents to let them know of the development's plans.
At Tuesday's meeting, the dais will vote on a $1.7 million expenditure for the acquisition of the six parcels of land and for relocation packages for the affected residents. The developer, Meritage Homes, will reimburse the city for the cost.
According to agenda documents, the following are included in the $1.7 million package:
- Acquisition for the six parcels of land
- Moving expenses for the residents
- Purchase or rental assistance
As accidental fentanyl overdoses continue in the area and in Hays CISD, council will discuss and vote on a contract between the Kyle Police Department and the San Marcos Police Department in an effort to "deter illicit narcotics trafficking," among other things, according to agenda documents.
The contract grants KPD and SMPD officers authority in both cities.
KPD Chief Jeff Barnett said this is something the departments have already been using and this simply formalizes it. This will offer KPD access to SMPD's slightly larger narcotics division and its resources.
Marking a milestone
City officials have been working to revamp the downtown area and are making strides with a couple agenda items, including the creation of a tax increment reinvestment zone specific to downtown.
TIRZs are used by cities, counties and other municipalities to finance projects within the area boundaries.
The downtown TIRZ will be around 244 acres and will include Hays County.
Here are some potential projects that could be achieved through the TIRZ funding:
- Parking
- Water and wastewater improvements
- The Vybe trails
- Sidewalks
- 300 W. Center St., former animal control and evidence facility
- 103 S. Front St., former police department
- 111 S. Front St., former VFW building
What else?
House Bill 1819, effective Sept. 1, prohibits cities from enacting or upholding juvenile curfew ordinances like the one in place in Kyle. The council will adopt an ordinance, repealing the curfew.
"HB 1819 seeks to ensure that all young Texans have opportunities to succeed without the burden of a criminal record early in life by eliminating the authority of political subdivisions to adopt or enforce juvenile curfews," the bill analysis reads.
Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to honor outgoing council member Yvonne Flores-Cale, followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.
