Public hearing on street fee set for Monday

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Although details are still vague, the Snyder City Council will take the next step toward implementing a street maintenance fee when it meets Monday. 
With several rate options still under consideration, the council will hold the second and final public hearing on the proposed fee.
According to a memo from Public Works Director Eli Torres, the city will “first address streets that are subject to seal coat and surface seal before incurring additional costs on having a rebuild. The process is only a short-term solution (2 to 3 years).”
Torres suggests allocating $650,000 each year for street maintenance. The council approved a budget for 2019-20 that includes $300,000 for seal coating, he wrote in the memo.
During previous meetings and a public hearing on the fee, citizens have expressed a range of opinions on why the fee is a good idea, not a good idea and how the city could re-direct funds from other areas to the street department.
The council is not scheduled to vote on the fee Monday. 
Three property-related matters will be up for votes during Monday’s meeting. The council will take the second and final reading of an ordinance that would change the zoning of 1801 and 1803 19th Street from manufacturing to residential. The property owner plans to demolish the existing structures and bring in a pre-manufactured home.
The council will also vote on Michael Ulm’s property tax abatement request for 1603 Preston Trail and whether to approve the $151 high bid from a tax deed auction.
The Development Corporation of Snyder’s budget and annual report will both be presented for approval. 
Because it’s the first meeting of the city’s fiscal year, the council will vote on the city’s investment policy and naming the Snyder Daily News as the official newspaper as well as appoint officers to the Building Standards Commission. The commission is made up of city council members.
The council will also vote on several line-item transfers and transferring $362,681 from unrestricted funds to committed funds to purchase a new fire truck. The city is expected to receive insurance proceeds to reimburse that money.
Former council member Ron Shaw will discuss the importance of creating a historical district in the downtown area.
The council will also vote on a resolution related to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) matter that involves the late paperwork the Texas Municipal League filed with the IRS, a resolution approving the West Texas Council of Governments Hazard Mitigation Plan update and the July financial statement.
A closed session to discuss the municipal judge position is scheduled as well. Any action resulting from that discussion will take place in open session.
The meeting and public hearing are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at Snyder City Hall and are open to the public. A time has been set aside for public comment on non-agenda items.