A general election, appointments to the parks and recreation committee, and a $7.3 million decision on the underground utility project are just a few items up for consideration on tomorrow’s Shenandoah City Council agenda.

Here are a few things Shenandoah residents should know before the council convenes at 7 p.m. Jan. 28:

1. An ordinance to hold a city general election on May 6 is up for consideration.

Council members will vote on an ordinance outlining the parameters to hold a general election May 6.  Three council positions are up for re-election in May including Position 2, held by Council Member John Houston, Position 3, held by Council Member and Mayor Pro-Tem Darrell Frazier, and Position 4, held by Council Member Jean Teague.

To have their name appear on the ballot, a candidate must file a sworn application with the city secretary between by 5 p.m. Feb. 17. Write-in candidates must declare candidacy by 5 p.m. Feb. 21, and the last day for a candidate to withdrawal from the election is 5 p.m. Feb. 24.

 

2. Appointments to Shenandoah’s Parks and Recreation Committee will be made.

Following several issues related to Shenandoah public parks in recent months, such as implementing a pavilion reservation system, toddler park safety and allowing organized sports to use park facilities, council members will consider appointing additional residents to the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Proposed members, recommended by council members, include residents Karly Woods, Liane Strigin, Steven Holly, Ally Seay, Dink Dean and Mark Hendon. Existing committee members include Council Member Michael McLeod, Council Member Jean Teague, City Administrator Greg Smith, City Staff member Joseph Peart, and residents Jenny Shamburger, Wally Westbrook and Kyle Tidwell.

3. City Council will vote on the proposed underground utilities project.  

Council members will decide whether to use public funds to convert overhead power transmission lines to underground power transmission lines. The project would cost approximately $7.3 million and would require residents to agree to a 10-foot easement in their front yards.

Prior to the decision, an Entergy representative will give a presentation on cycle trimming—the removal of vegetation near power lines that may interfere with power delivery.

If council decides to move forward with the hotly contested proposed underground utility project, they will make a second decision regarding whether to include the item on the ballot for the city’s general election May 6.

Citizens will have two opportunities to speak on matters relating to the city government before and after items are up for individual consideration, during the citizen’s forums. Visit the city of Shenandoah’s website at www.shenandoahtx.us to view a complete version of the Jan. 28 city council agenda.