STATE OF THE CITY … Mayor Carrie Schlade, delivers her State of the City of Bryan address. (PHOTO NY ANNA WOZNIAK, STAFF)
By: Anna Wozniak
The Bryan City Council started their March 6, 2023 meeting at 5:30 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance and approval of the minutes from the February 20, 2023 meeting.
Gerken Paving Inc, was awarded the bid on the “2023 Asphalt Program” that will be conducted on the Northern part of town. This will be one of the first jobs of the year and should begin in May.
Griffin Pavement Striping, LLC was awarded the contract for the “2023 Pavement Marking Program.”
Council also approved selling a strip of land to Sandra K. Hay.
This parcel was thought to have been within the owner’s property line and had been maintained by them, with their garage being partially on it.
The city, having no particular interest in this small parcel of land, agreed it would cause no difference to sell the land.
Funds were approved to be transferred from the income tax fund and into the general spending fund, and donations were accepted.
A resolution allowing the police chief to apply for grants for the Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative for the City of Bryan was unanimously carried, and donations for two K-9 first aid medical kits were accepted.
City owned personal property, old equipment in the property rooms, was approved to be put up for auction online at govedeals.com.
A donation from the Blizzard Auction for the Lincoln Park Playground Project was also accepted.
Nihart Enterprises and Spangler Candy Company were both approved for a tax abatement that they qualified for based off of investment funds spent.
A liquor permit hearing was waived, and council moved to cancel the March 20th council meeting due to spring break conflicts.
Chief of Police Ruskey gave the Police Department’s report, announcing that they have 18 full-time officers. Officers investigated 261 vehicle crashes, issued 1,118 traffic citations, and took 8,797 calls.
The Bryan Parks and Recreation Department maintained over 187 acres of parks this year and was happy to announce that they have had great support from the corporate community for the amphitheater. There has also been great community support with donations for the parks.
Mayor Schlade then gave her State of the City Address via powerpoint, stressing that current staff have been integral to Bryan’s success.
The mayor also highlighted the importance of the industrial park on Wilson Street and Brunicardi Way, putting emphasis on how the city has gotten great feedback on it from corporations.
The “Safe Routes to School” project will begin in a few months and some congestion should be expected by the community.
Council thanked everyone for their efforts this year, noting especially the clear organization of the reports.
Councilman Hupe took the time to remind the community that what you see during these meetings is not the extent to which councilors work on the information presented to them.
Questions are asked behind the scenes and clear understanding and transparency are promoted. Nihart and Spangler were thanked for their continued investment in the community.
Council and staff then congratulated the Lady Bears on making history by making it to state this year.
Council then went into executive session at 7:13 p.m.
Anna can be reached at anna@thevillagereporter.com