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January 11, 2023
Notes from Bandera City Council
Council members approve abating enforcement of outdoor lighting ordinance; approve digital signs in certain zones; City Marshal vetting committee to review applications.
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
In a 4-1 vote, Bandera City Council members last Tuesday approved amending Ordinance 419, regarding signs under building regulations. The action came on the heels of council’s previous meeting, during which City Attorney Dan Santee was directed to provide a draft that allows CVEM (Changing Electronic Variable Message) signs within certain zones.
“Bandera is unique. Every lot is unique and has its own circumstances that pre-exist the code,” Santee said, adding the amendment includes an administrative review.
Instead of an absolute in which you have to request a variance from council, Santee said, it empowers the city administrator to make the call.
“Life is all about balance. Life is about compromise,” Council Member Tony Battle said. “These types of signs were not a thing 10 years ago.”
Council Member Christine Morse was the lone nay vote.
Council unanimously approved abating enforcement of Ordinance 420 regarding outdoor lighting, which goes into effect next month.
“There are issues in just about every section. It all needs to be reworked,” Council Member Jerry Russe said. “There are so many sections with problems and it will create problems with the citizens.”
Pending further review of the code, the abatement will be in effect for six months.
“I’m really for repealing the whole thing,” Russe said.
In other business, council approved a street closure request from Kickback Korner Bar & Grill to close the intersection at 402 Main Street and Cedar extending to the Arkey Blues parking lot from Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7 a.m., until Sunday, Feb. 12, at 12 a.m.
Bar owners Angela and Mario Muñoz said the submitted the request in the interest of pedestrian safety during the Mardi Gras weekend. Council Member Lynn Palmer asked that they purchase an insurance endorsement to protect the city from liability.
~ Council Member Jeff Flowers said 11 people submitted applications for the City Marshal position. Flowers said the vetting committee, on which he is chair, would begin ranking the applications for council’s review.
“We are making good progress, and hope to have better results at the next regular meeting,” Flowers said.
Interim Marshal Rusty Pancoast will remain on staff until Feb. 3.
~ Council will hold a workshop to discuss several issues, including problems with the Simple City Master Plan, on Saturday, Jan. 28, beginning at 10 a.m.
~ During the public forum, Spirits of Texas owner Nancy Harvey suggested council consider forming an advisory committee comprised of local business owners. Eighty percent of businesses within the city limits are owned by people who do not live in the city, Harvey said.
“We pay our taxes, but have no voice in the day-to-day city operations,” Harvey said, adding the committee could bring and discuss concerns with council members. “At least then we would be given a voice in the city.”
~ City Secretary Jill Shelton said the playground in City Park was moving forward with installation. She said bench and picnic table sponsorships were available, and invited anyone interested to contact her.
“Bandera is unique. Every lot is unique and has its own circumstances that pre-exist the code,” Santee said, adding the amendment includes an administrative review.
Instead of an absolute in which you have to request a variance from council, Santee said, it empowers the city administrator to make the call.
“Life is all about balance. Life is about compromise,” Council Member Tony Battle said. “These types of signs were not a thing 10 years ago.”
Council Member Christine Morse was the lone nay vote.
Council unanimously approved abating enforcement of Ordinance 420 regarding outdoor lighting, which goes into effect next month.
“There are issues in just about every section. It all needs to be reworked,” Council Member Jerry Russe said. “There are so many sections with problems and it will create problems with the citizens.”
Pending further review of the code, the abatement will be in effect for six months.
“I’m really for repealing the whole thing,” Russe said.
In other business, council approved a street closure request from Kickback Korner Bar & Grill to close the intersection at 402 Main Street and Cedar extending to the Arkey Blues parking lot from Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7 a.m., until Sunday, Feb. 12, at 12 a.m.
Bar owners Angela and Mario Muñoz said the submitted the request in the interest of pedestrian safety during the Mardi Gras weekend. Council Member Lynn Palmer asked that they purchase an insurance endorsement to protect the city from liability.
~ Council Member Jeff Flowers said 11 people submitted applications for the City Marshal position. Flowers said the vetting committee, on which he is chair, would begin ranking the applications for council’s review.
“We are making good progress, and hope to have better results at the next regular meeting,” Flowers said.
Interim Marshal Rusty Pancoast will remain on staff until Feb. 3.
~ Council will hold a workshop to discuss several issues, including problems with the Simple City Master Plan, on Saturday, Jan. 28, beginning at 10 a.m.
~ During the public forum, Spirits of Texas owner Nancy Harvey suggested council consider forming an advisory committee comprised of local business owners. Eighty percent of businesses within the city limits are owned by people who do not live in the city, Harvey said.
“We pay our taxes, but have no voice in the day-to-day city operations,” Harvey said, adding the committee could bring and discuss concerns with council members. “At least then we would be given a voice in the city.”
~ City Secretary Jill Shelton said the playground in City Park was moving forward with installation. She said bench and picnic table sponsorships were available, and invited anyone interested to contact her.