From left, Clint McClaren, Tom Coale, James Kuykendall, Frances Planchard, Christian Walsh and Jim Simon.[/caption]

Big decisions made in 2015

Robinson Road: The city started 2015 with the possibility of expanding Robinson Road, as suggested by the Mobility Study undergone in 2014. If the May 2015 bond had passed there was a possibility that Robinson Road would be expanded to go through a local church and possibly some residential property.

Through the course of the May bond election, a group of residents voiced their opposition to the road going through the church and any residents’ homes. The City Council listened. By listening to the residents, the city was able to search for alternatives to help resolve some traffic issues.

The city was determined to find a mutual resolution and did this by getting resident input, holding a town hall meeting and selecting the best ideas to move forward and resolve issues. Communication was the key to this as city officials were able to meet with many residents in person and communicate through email, letters, and by phone.

Top issues for 2016

Tax incremental reinvestment zone
In 2012, City Council and staff started looking at the area to the city’s east that is part of its extraterritorial jurisdiction. This area is adjacent to the city’s business park, fire station and a number of businesses.

The city established a tax incremental reinvestment zone, which is a funding mechanism to pay for infrastructure—water, sewer, roads, drainage and bridges—in its ETJ without impact on the taxpayers. To accomplish this the city sought the participation of Montgomery County as a partner.

In last months of 2015 the city and county have been working toward an interlocal agreement to create this partnership.

The agreement is being finalized by the city and county attorney and is expected to come back to City Council in January. It will then go before the Commissioners Court for its approval.

The Oak Ridge North City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at 27427 Robinson Road. 281-291-4648.

Meeting agendas can be found on the city’s website, www.oakridgenorth.com.

City Council members and the mayor serve two-year terms with no limits. Council members earn $250 per month, and the mayor earns $500 per month.