Shenandoah City Council had its regular meeting Wednesday with all council members present. Here are a few highlights from the agenda.

1. Shenandoah City Council approved a full time position for a communications specialist.
In a 4-1 vote, the council approved a new full time position for a communications specialist, who will work with all departments, assist the Civic Club with communications and support the Shenandoah Business Association with business promotions.

This new position will serve as the face of Shenandoah in all matters of communication by coordinating the dissemination of information on the city’s behalf by creating and delivering emails, direct mails, brochures, social media, website content and newsletters.

“Our residents have been demanding more communication and I think this is a way we can get more communication out on a regular basis to our residents,” Council Member Jean Teague said.

Through research among other Texas cities, including Conroe, The Woodlands Township, League City and Galveston, the council listed the possible salary range for this position at $48,695.83-$71,908.94, which would cost the city $96,675-$99,160 with benefits. Council Member Ron Raymaker voted against the position and stated he felt the expenditure was not realistic.

“By the time we fully burden this, I think we’re looking at $85,000-$115,000 and I think we have other needs, and some of the other cities cited in here are much larger than us,” Raymaker said.

Mayor Ritch Wheeler, however, said in today’s world of social media and expedited communication, the position is vital for any city regardless of size.

2. Council adopted a new ordinance regarding open house signs.
In a unanimous vote, the council adopted a new ordinance regarding open house signs, stating that only one open house sign, no larger than two square feet in area or 24 inches in height, can be displayed in the front yard of the open house.

The sign can only be displayed during the open house and the amendment does not allow for balloons or any other signs or arrows to be displayed elsewhere.

3. Council discussed and amended the 2017 budget calendar.
Council discussed the 2017 budget calendar, specifically the budget workshop dates in August, and opted to change the workshop from Aug. 4-5 to Aug. 3-4.

This change did not affect any of the other budget calendar dates and complete schedule can be found at www.shenandoahtx.us.