Voigt reappointed

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Gonzales Municipal Judge Deidra Voigt was reappointed to another term by the city council at its meeting Thursday, Jan. 14.

Voigt has served the City of Gonzales as a municipal judge since 2011.

The council also voted to table a set of proposed measures to amend the city charter following comment by Economic Development Committee Chair Andy Rodriguez. Measure F, which would allow for economic development funds to be spent on private subdivisions within the city limits, was not something the EDC was made aware of prior, Rodriguez said. He asked that the committee be allowed to review the measure, which the council granted in conjunction with concerns about the wording of Measure A, regarding a vacancy on city council.

During public comment, Gonzales Police Department Chief Tim Crow presented Officer Marisol Sanchez with a commendation for involvement in response to a call for a mental health concern.

Council also voted to rename the downtown square, known commonly as Jail Square or Confederate Square, to Independence Square, following several months of discussion with community members. Only one other suggestion, Freedom Square, was put forth by District 4 Councilman Rob Brown, during discussion of the resolution to change the name. Public comment was given by Gonzales County Veterans Service Officer David Tucy, who spoke in favor of the name, and a letter from Quincy Johnson to the same effect was read by Mayor Connie Kacir. Tucy and Johnson have been active on the committee responsible for the historical panels contextualizing African American history in Gonzales, along with Historical Commission Chair Glenda Gordon, which will be added to the square June 2021.

In other business:

  • The council approved its consent agenda, which included minutes from the Dec. 10 meeting, the approval of a single council absence for District 1 Councilman Gary A. Schroeder on Nov. 16, 2020, an ordinance ordering a general municipal election for May 2021, and the authorized purchase of Taser 7’s and two Chevrolet Tahoe PPVs for the Police Department.
  • A public hearing for the rezoning of property in the Lou’s Garden Subdivision was conducted. With no public comment, the council voted to approve the zoning request to establish a planned development district.
  • City Manager Tim Patek was authorized to enter into an agreement for environmental services for the CDBG Main Street grant. The bid came from Terracon.
  • Extended Sick Leave benefits, which allow for an additional 80 hours of sick leave if a city employee tests positive for COVID-19 or has to quarantine due to exposure, were extended until Mar. 31.
  • An ordinance amending Ordinance 95-12 Section B, Revising Section 24-307, Power Cost Adjustment Factor was approved. This is a change of language, which is described as “revenue neutral,” that will not change rates.
  • A resolution allowing Patek to enter into an Agreement for the purchase and installation of a Fixed Network Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System with Techline in partnership with GVEC was approved.
  • A resolution of support in removing and replacing the Guadalupe Blano River Authority (GBRA) Board Members was also approved by the council.
  • Subjects covered in closed session were:
  • Re Estate of J. B. Wells litigation.
    • Patricia Bennett and Gloria Knight v. City of Gonzales, Texas Cause No. 27,500.
  • Personnel matters regarding City Manager and Municipal Court Judge.
  • Consideration of matters related to contracts for electric service.
  • Consideration of an offer to purchase unopened streets in the Original Out Town of Gonzales, East of Water street adjacent to Lots 27 and 28, Range 13 and Lots 25- 28, Range 14.

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