04/13/2024
We're targeting the key issues to develop our city.......
It is crucial for any growing city to have dedicated council members who understand the implications of growth and are committed to overseeing it effectively. As rural areas expand, they face various challenges such as infrastructure development, housing affordability, transportation, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
The key responsibilities and qualities that dedicated council members should possess are: Understanding of Growth Dynamics, Long-Term Planning, Community Engagement, Fiscal Responsibility, Equity and Inclusion, Environmental Stewardship, Transportation Planning, Collaboration and Advocacy, Adaptability, Innovation and Ethical Leadership.
By embodying these qualities and fulfilling their responsibilities, dedicated council members can effectively oversee the growth of the city and ensure its wellbeing.
• There are 278 acres within Simonton city limits with street front access available to develop. Here are some important steps needed prior to development to effectively utilize the available land:
o Comprehensive Planning
o Infrastructure Assessment
o Zoning and Regulations
o Market Analysis
o Environmental Considerations and Stewardship
o Public Engagement
o Partnerships and Financing
o Design Guidelines
o Phased Implementation
o Monitoring and Evaluation
By carefully considering these factors and engaging in a collaborative planning process, Simonton can maximize the potential of the available 278 acres for sustainable and vibrant growth benefiting Simonton as a whole.
• The condition of roads within Simonton’s city limits presents a significant infrastructure challenge. There are a total of 16 miles of roads within the city limits. To address this issue, the city will need to consider various factors, including available funding, priorities, and long-term maintenance requirements. Here’s how they might approach the situation:
o Assessment and Prioritization: the first step is to assess the condition of each road segment and prioritize repair or reconstruction based on factors such as traffic volume, safety concerns, and economic impact.
o Cost Analysis: the cost estimates provided by outside contractors and Road and Bridge provide valuable information for budgeting and decision-making. The city should carefully evaluate these estimates and consider factors such as construction quality, durability, and long-term maintenance requirements when comparing options.
Outside Contractor Pricing:
• $500,000 per mile for complete rebuild
• $250,000 per mile for overlay
Road & Bridge Pricing (on their schedule)
• $275,000 per mile for complete rebuild
• $175,000 per mile for overlay
o Budgeting and Funding: Once the repair priorities are established, the city will need to develop a budget and secure funding for the necessary work. This may involve a combination of sources, including local taxes, grants, bonds, and partnerships with other government agencies or private entities.
o Contracting and Procurement: The city can solicit bids from both outside contractors and Road and Bridge to determine the most cost-effective approach for each road segment. Competitive bidding ensures transparency and helps the city obtain the best value for taxpayers’ dollars.
o Construction Management: Effective project management is essential to ensure that road repairs are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The city may choose to hire a project manager or work with an engineering firm to oversee construction activities and address any unforeseen issues that arise.
o Community Engagement: Keeping residents informed and engaged throughout the repair process is critical. The city should communicate project timelines, traffic impacts, and other relevant information to minimize disruptions and address concerns from the community.
o Long-Term Maintenance Planning: In addition to immediate repairs, the city should develop a long-term maintenance plan to preserve the integrity of repaired roads and extent their lifespan. Regular maintenance activities such as crack sealing, pavement patching, and resurfacing can help prevent costly repairs in the future.
o Performance Monitoring: After completing road repairs, the city should monitor the performance of the repaired segments to ensure that they meet expectations for durability and safety. Regular inspections and maintenance assessments can identify any issues early on and facilitate timely corrective action.
By taking a systematic and proactive approach to road repair and maintenance, Simonton can improve the safety and quality of its transportation infrastructure, enhance the overall livability of the community, and ensure a sustainable foundation for future growth and development.
• The development of Allen’s Creek Reservoir will spur economic growth in Simonton attracting businesses and residents alike. With increased development comes the need for expanded infrastructure, including water supply, wastewater management, roads, and utilities.
https://brazos.org/AllensCreek
• Simonton entered into a significant agreement with Twinwood in 2015 which will have lasting financial implications. Here’s a breakdown of the key points and considerations:
o 45-Year Agreement: the length of the agreement indicates a long-term commitment between Simonton and Twinwood, likely aimed at fostering economic development and partnership over several decades.
o Revenue Sharing: Twinwood’s entitlement to 50% of all tax revenue generated by businesses within the specified area indicates a substantial financial obligation on the part of the city.
o Property Tax Cap: the property tax cap of $0.15 for the duration of the agreement provides predictability and stability for businesses and property owners within the designated area. It also ensures Twinwood’s potential revenue share is capped at a certain level, mitigating risk for the city.
o Accruals and Financial Implications: the provision allowing Twinwood to claim tax revenue 48 months in arrears means that they can retroactively request payments based on past tax revenue generated by businesses within the specified area. Simonton will need to account for these payments and ensure that they do not adversely affect essential city services or infrastructure investment, today that number exceeds $200,000.
Overall, the agreement with Twinwood represents a complex and substantial commitment for Simonton, requiring careful management, financial planning, and ongoing communication with all stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation and long-term viability.
https://www.simontontexas.gov/upload/page/0102/docs/Twinwood%20DA.pdf
https://www.simontontexas.gov/upload/page/0102/docs/Twinwood%20DA-2.pdf
https://www.simontontexas.gov/upload/page/0102/docs/Twinwood%20DA-3.pdf
• The grants Simonton has received represent significant opportunities for improving infrastructure and emergency preparedness within the city. However, the departure of staff members who secured the grants underscores the importance of having appropriate staffing and strong collaboration with council members. Here are the grants that Simonton has been awarded most recently:
o Drainage Project: this project enhanced flood resilience by improving drainage infrastructure. This grant secured funding for digging out ditches, replacing small culverts with larger culverts that will allow flood waters to recede quickly. It also provided a new access road, as well as the acquisition and installation of additional flood control gates.
o ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funds: The expansion of City Hall for emergency operations equipment and council chambers is a critical investment in public safety and governance.
o Retaining Wall along the Brazos River: will help with flood control and erosion. The grant is for $25,825,000. For more information, please read the press release below.
https://glo.texas.gov/the-glo/news/press-releases/2024/april/commissioner-dawn-buckingham-announces-more-than-72.5-million-in-newly-approved-regional-mitigation-program-projects.html?fbclid=IwAR3xMCWC1yl3oSdmWCOXh3XZhkkzgljjmrprnb1Lk72q9kJInyJtHloWS6o_aem_AeojQkZ1D7qDo9UeqJTz_RxrIE3qBlbQKKdaJjJk4_PqMpT924nVtG0vQ_F2Zd6zTJg
• Creating and sustaining community engagement and fostering commerce growth through events like Simonton Round Up requires ongoing support and involvement from the city council. Here’s how council contributes to the development and success of such initiatives:
o Event Planning and Promotion
o Allocating Resources
o Regulatory Support
o Community Engagement
o Business Development
o Infrastructure and Logistics
o Evaluation and Feedback
o Long-Term Planning
o Collaboration and Partnerships
o Adaptability and Innovation
By actively supporting community engagement and commerce growth through Simonton Round Up events, council members contribute to the vibrancy, cohesion, and prosperity of the city. Their leadership and commitment are essential for creating an environment where residents feel connected, businesses thrive, and the community flourishes.
• The mobility project for FM 1093 at FM 1489 represents a crucial initiative to address transportation challenges and enhance mobility in the Simonton area. This mobility project can contribute to the overall quality of life, economic vitality, and sustainability of the Simonton community.
• Having council support for efficiency, automation, and growth-ready software is essential for modernizing city operations, enhancing transparency, and improving service delivery.
o Granicus: for required public agendas, minutes, and proper record retention.
o Fundview: for required municipal fund accounting and record retention and audit preparation
o Nixle: for emergency public notification
o E-Code: for public searchable codes of ordinances
The successful implementation and utilization of these software tools ultimately enhances the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of our city government.
• Developing and executing a State-mandated Comprehensive Plan is a crucial step in guiding the future growth and development of Simonton. The City Council can demonstrate commitment to long-term planning and protection, particularly in the context of planning and zoning through:
o Council Commitment to Long-Term Planning
o Protection of Homes, Property Values, and Quality of Life
o Attracting Commercial Development
o Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) Activation
o Economic Development Committee (EDC) Activation
o Collaboration and Coordination
o Adaptive Management and Flexibility
By demonstrating a strong commitment to long-term planning, protection of residential neighborhoods, and strategic economic development initiatives, the City Council can help shape the future of Simonton in a manner that preserves its unique character, enhances livability, and fosters economic prosperity for current and future generations.
