Photo by David PollanBig decisions made in 2013:
Sidewalk project
The city used funds generated from the red light camera system to construct 4,000 feet of new sidewalk in Tomball's Medical Center. Sidewalks were installed along Graham Drive and Lawrence Street. The project's purpose is to tie the area together and make it more pedestrian friendly.
Baker Katz 380 agreement
The city signed a 380 agreement with Baker Katz, which would allow the city to reimburse Baker Katz for renovations it made to the Four Corners shopping center through additional sales tax revenues brought in by the bigger stores now occupying the center. The city keeps any additional sales tax revenues from the stores in the shopping center not used to reimburse Baker Katz.
Baker Hughes annexation
Council annexed the property where the Baker Hughes Western Hemisphere Education Center is being built into the city limits. The new education center, once completed, is expected to bring in millions of dollars in revenue to the city.
Top issues for 2014:
Bring railroad museum to Tomball
Council plans to finalize the purchase of property to house the museum. There are also plans on getting the documents in place and finalizing the contract with the Houston Railroad Museum.
Medical Complex Drive extension
The city is in the process of acquiring land to be able to construct Phase 3 of the Medical Complex Drive extension, which will connect the street from where it dead ends in the hospital area through to Cherry Street. It still needs to obtain two pieces of property before beginning construction.
M121 drainage channel
The city expects to begin construction on a drainage channel, which will run along Cherry Street and provide an avenue for water to drain from the downtown area into a detention pond. The city still needs to obtain two pieces of land before construction can start.
Four Corners revitalization
There is money in the 2014 budget to look at plans for a way to revitalize the Four Corners area in Tomball. The city will hire help to determine the best way to improve the outdated area.
Terms
The mayor and council serve three-year terms with no term limits
Compensation
The mayor is compensated $750 per month an $100 per meeting. Council members are paid $100 per meeting.
Meetings
Council meets at 6 p.m.
the first and third Monday of the month
Tomball City Hall
401 Market St., Tomball
281-351-5484
