[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6636179,"mediaKeyId","2615923-4ea760a5bb79e91890e3e30a4db986ca","parentId",2615923,"title","Council action roundup: consent items, special events rules, zoning, annexations and appointments","audioSeconds",7517,"startMs",733000,"endMs",8250000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615923-4ea760a5bb79e91890e3e30a4db986ca&start=733&end=8250","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615923-4ea760a5bb79e91890e3e30a4db986ca/thumbnail_733000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6636179/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Council-action-roundup-consent-items-special-events-rules-zoning-annexations-and-appointments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636179-b5c901e37e5db98c0cf2b1ba69dca890/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437951&Signature=DwXlyp9QeiYiG0krEIOQQ5UHIJdlWAsCCS9yApO96eG~VOv7F3AnC7JUGoXxdUVdkygnpQgDRAu8GfTT0xgpZAtbSk2-p4PcALyHIjVSVkZ-qs0QCvQGnbmuwJdb4ClOP0Ntky1lPOIrmejsUyp7~CIFLkiYUPDJTIq1yKrm45Klb9TzJ6VQbQJnuwyd5~7jERPt5BaI9QZT~Nd-qLbFa5-xR7SaofNqEiCJf8-6JchdCa3raqKAMfHYdneJ13GRonycGVn83Fnu76oPNI8P-xGyRQ~hdA~F4gj3-PW3wOuUqKSoveDS97oC7eZWosl4s0NB0aFRRBjQvMcLtUY9tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Abilene","date","2025-03-13T00:00:00Z","article","The Abilene City Council took a series of votes on routine and individual items across the agenda.

- Consent agenda (items 4–25 excluding pulled items): Approved in a single motion after items 9 and 10 were pulled for separate discussion.
- Item 26: Council approved updates to the Special Events Policy (creation of a special events office, parade staging adjustments, separate categories for fireworks and drones) and directed staff on parade routing tied to future Cypress Street reconstruction.
- Item 27: Ordinance to codify the Special Events Policy definitions and parade routing was adopted on final reading.
- Item 28: Fees related to special events were adopted, including a $300 permit fee for drone shows and an increase in street sweeper fees from $120 to $125 for after‑hours parade cleanup.
- Items 30–33: Council approved conditional use permits for contractor services and freight‑container screening and approved an RV park CUP and a zoning change to multi‑family for approximately 22.14 acres as presented.
- Items 34–35: Council approved annexation requests (approximately 31 acres and 28.58 acres) into the city limits; zoning and future PD changes were discussed by staff and will follow the normal P&Z process.
- Item 36: Discussed homelessness—see separate article; council provided direction to staff but took no vote.
- Item 38: Appointments/reappointments to boards and commissions were approved (Landmarks Commission, Street Maintenance Advisory and Appeals Board, among others).
- Appointment of City Manager: Council appointed Mindy Patterson as city manager, effective late March; vote unanimous. The council noted a continuing city search for a long‑term city manager and that Patterson will serve in the interim/acting capacity pending that process.

Ending: Staff will proceed with administrative steps required for each approved item (permits, annexation implementation with P&Z follow‑up, fees implementation and board appointments).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Abilene - City Council - Mar 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved consent items, adopted special events policy/ordinance and fees, approved several conditional use permits and annexations, and confirmed board appointments; the council also appointed Mindy Patterson as city manager effective March 29.","taxTitle","Abilene, Taylor County, Texas","taxId",2817,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6636184,"Council directs staff to work with West Texas Homeless Network on coordinator role after presentation on encampments and costs",3009,5271000,8280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615923-4ea760a5bb79e91890e3e30a4db986ca&start=5271&end=8280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615923-4ea760a5bb79e91890e3e30a4db986ca/thumbnail_5271000.jpg","/articles/6636184/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Council-directs-staff-to-work-with-West-Texas-Homeless-Network-on-coordinator-role-after-presentation-on-encampments-and-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636184-65eccc774527a1ee74256915c2aa77c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437951&Signature=ird8i04wqKiRTltrpiUEFGWBNLwYDaTNj-fK3xCicJPN6EEJRONUtIHGIKrTVgS4K6-x~6sba3GA290FrqWTYoI5EZ4EW3U5p7f54r8m9AqaUFzenY3XHZskigQq~Gf~zkln5InZ2EmTX49TbqrAi~qe3tGTEUcVIiXAo-0BSmUmhwzm2xWfX-FjPFULfvcWju~KvUne9VGUdwDOAP41NmPYEVBHJZWx9iDydLuGwlFYbS0ZhpAydXZXdoCyR0~pEXkhYJDcM~sSGdjQ4HOwy6JmVHIpVkPP0m7Cok-bfLJz-ZHluWPk7bBqInYnPAymHfbFB5xdbh0VdpfX5MnQMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and nonprofit partners briefed the Abilene City Council on homelessness, encampment cleanups and existing coordinated‑entry programs. The presentation described cleanup costs, calls for service, and options for a city‑partnered coordinator or director role to improve system‑level coordination.

Public Works Director Max Johnson and Abilene Police Department representatives described recurring encampment cleanups and public‑property impacts. Staff presented estimated 2024 cleanup costs of roughly $96,500 for several sites and noted APD received more than 4,000 calls for service related to issues connected to the homeless population.

Nonprofit leaders from the West Texas Homeless Network (WTHN), Betty Hardwick Center and Hope Haven described the existing coordinated entry system, recent HUD‑funded expansions, and results: partners reported hundreds of households moved into housing during the most recent 12‑month period and emphasized that coordinated outreach prior to encampment closures increases housing placements.

Council members asked whether the city should fund a dedicated director/coordinator role to centralize data, align nonprofit actions, manage grant opportunities, and ensure follow‑through. Participants said such a role could help mine HMIS (HUD’s Homeless Management Information System) data, arrange housing navigation and landlord outreach, and coordinate city/nonprofit actions. A proposed annual budget figure of about $200,000 was discussed as an illustrative number that could be offset by private grants and partner contributions.

The council did not vote; instead it gave staff direction. Council asked staff to work with WTHN and APD to develop a proposed job description, proposed performance metrics and funding options (including grant opportunities and partial funding scenarios), then return to council with recommendations.

Ending: Staff and coalition partners will draft a detailed proposal including metrics to define success, funding scenarios and a recommended implementation timeline, then report back to council for a future funding decision.","After staff and nonprofit leaders outlined cleanup costs, service demands and existing programs, the council directed staff to meet with the West Texas Homeless Network and APD to draft a job description, funding options and success metrics for a proposed coordinator/director position.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6636189,"Council adopts revisions to Abilene animal ordinance including new 'aggressive dog' category and breeder rules",4496,3218000,7714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615923-4ea760a5bb79e91890e3e30a4db986ca&start=3218&end=7714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615923-4ea760a5bb79e91890e3e30a4db986ca/thumbnail_3218000.jpg","/articles/6636189/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Council-adopts-revisions-to-Abilene-animal-ordinance-including-new-aggressive-dog-category-and-breeder-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636189-b5e74ea268ec3e25802937d2e5915d15/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437952&Signature=RLrTrXsGSb7hRG4UPKQibyqbjmT72bMkvyVZQYzYLuqNgykNRerUMa-UMC~GLN55TnmqzD6T21XWsdWC3d8wrw~f0jDnW6xdOGD8CzxOZCegFFk13v0rXpy~xrxqksdlPJz8k3fhM8ndUe-PIOGKSHjM6i2yFtjo7fJPrc5uBDkHB5p6mnQlKsJ-X9ll-APSrrSfESMbIUT27NfB9DR82UvWkYazmpnmgfbo4fIJPJrHPGF3xejdRM0A7pbLF3L~x14UE5P9x~5sJprtfk-YKfpNL0vzIOPt0yZd~Rl-YNxAMOcxP2EucaL0~qz8dNdQjkm~vWLvQAndHaJX0MaDog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Abilene City Council adopted changes to the animal and fowl ordinance after an extended public hearing and council discussion. The ordinance amendments cover multiple areas: commercial breeder permitting, restraint and tethering rules, sale of animals in public places, quarantine requirements, and a new local “aggressive dog” category that addresses unprovoked attacks on domestic animals.

City Attorney Stanley Smith presented the ordinance changes. Major provisions discussed and included in the adopted ordinance were:

- A commercial breeder permit requirement for persons who keep more than 12 dogs or cats or who produce more than two litters in a 12‑month period; permits are two years in duration and must register each breeding female (the packet stated no fee to register).
- Creation of an “aggressive dog” classification to address unprovoked attacks on domestic animals (distinct from state law’s dangerous‑dog definition for attacks on people); the process mirrors dangerous‑dog proceedings and allows seizure, appeal, and disposition steps.
- Removal of a previously proposed blanket mandatory spay/neuter requirement; however, a new requirement remains that an owner reclaiming an unsterilized dog or cat older than six months must provide proof the animal was sterilized within 30 days or face a potential class C misdemeanor. If an animal is impounded a second time and still unsterilized, the city may sterilize it and charge the owner. Exceptions were preserved for licensed breeders under Texas Occupations Code 802.005, government/police dogs, and show/trial/hunting animals; council directed staff to explicitly add service animals into the breeder‑exemption language.
- Prohibition on selling domestic animals in public spaces unless the seller has the written permission of the private property owner; nonprofit animal welfare and rescue groups are exempt for public adoption events.

Several breeders, trainers and local kennel club representatives spoke in public comment and thanked the city for clarifications and the removal of mandatory, city‑wide spay/neuter language. Other members of the public raised concerns about sterilization timing for large breeds and about enforcement of veterinary confidentiality tied to sterilization records; the city attorney noted those concerns and staff clarified that veterinary exemptions already included in the draft were intended to cover medical exceptions.

Council Member Price moved the ordinance with technical corrections requested in the meeting (including adding service animals to breeder exemptions and ensuring the sterilization exceptions apply consistently); Council Member Beard seconded. The ordinance passed on final reading by unanimous vote.

Ending: The amended ordinance will be codified and staff will update enforcement guidance and forms to reflect the new breeder permit process, aggressive‑dog procedures, and sterilization reporting/exemption protocols.","The council passed a comprehensive set of amendments to the city animal ordinance that create an 'aggressive dog' classification for attacks on domestic animals, add a commercial breeder permit, and impose new requirements and exceptions for sterilization of impounded animals.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6636193,"Council approves $15.9 million for backup generators at Abilene water plants, staff to pursue grants",2292,2341000,4633000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615923-4ea760a5bb79e91890e3e30a4db986ca&start=2341&end=4633","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615923-4ea760a5bb79e91890e3e30a4db986ca/thumbnail_2341000.jpg","/articles/6636193/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Council-approves-159-million-for-backup-generators-at-Abilene-water-plants-staff-to-pursue-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636193-6768049c5afef4da2b234966208e5f2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437952&Signature=MdPp2YzdN4dQ82VAB6KExAiuYkywwo81XjOyZWGcoDVhxaxyIRNQzFeUlqzRxAD7z2bXNoVTmoAItNfUBnAFTkFZaHFuLa7pgdWksIFirs-SJd7AMCkz9i-G5jtZSzdgWmRe95MD7ZvalHO-PLafYBv2AaCLAWeUMg2rZAfb--zLCMFk-FYGc4Begjev7~ksJpab8NtkY5Ym~fiStQzJS-mHkXH9R8mVt5k8sqhajP-Hd58Cv75~7ChPo9MVXMYQnnyxsBuLd9UsqFfnxA~YddA~561xB9A1iZxOdTmEojbkhLyfuHTamaQUJx~jPToBWCiJdbFf-6~Krx2YcKWd8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Abilene City Council approved Item 10 to add backup electric generators and other resiliency improvements to the city’s water treatment plants, authorizing work estimated in packet materials at approximately $15,860,719.

Council members discussed whether portions of the project could be funded by state or federal resiliency grants before issuing utility debt. Staff said roughly $13 million of the request is for generators and that the work will be repaid through water utility rates and not property taxes. The city will pursue available state and federal grants; staff said awards could reduce the amount of debt ultimately issued and that grant timelines vary.

Leslie Andrews and other staff answered council questions about timing and eligibility. Staff indicated federal grants can take longer to award and that state funding rounds may prioritize larger jurisdictions; they advised the council that the earliest debt issuance for the project would likely be about 90 days after approval to accommodate required notices and comment periods.

The council approved the item by voice vote (all yeses). Staff will continue seeking grants and will return with final financing amounts and timing before issuing certificates of obligation.

Ending: Staff will apply for grant funds and return with updated estimated debt obligations and timelines before issuing any debt.","Council approved funding for generators and resiliency upgrades at water treatment facilities, with staff to pursue state and federal grants to reduce the debt the utility must carry.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6636198,"Abilene council approves Schneider Energy Services contract after debate over savings and financing",2751,1183000,3934000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615923-4ea760a5bb79e91890e3e30a4db986ca&start=1183&end=3934","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615923-4ea760a5bb79e91890e3e30a4db986ca/thumbnail_1183000.jpg","/articles/6636198/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Abilene-council-approves-Schneider-Energy-Services-contract-after-debate-over-savings-and-financing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6636198-1dd3dd55395c07554c9d7d35ff0dc4d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437952&Signature=jpfzucAZus-woz4ulfpsRzVOXfWeXKXoPTFJKbdAzzTOE0W5hiBYxz7qbO4lHsq5I7oz72YHqp9D01TP3yim7XhApRlh9tUh9~gjGZB5vc2IeS6attnItVdREI8OgsagMYhLqhBcxe7NH9zmPRN4xAsIbRRToq9bl2d~IXrMwm4hqEFf-lym96cZ-BM5I9rGkTRJJ5XbQyS3BgU8YctRdM0fN-1ZOMTG41O9BDR~FOvJnLLbUfc7gOcxG4RaBusv9BemtCg-SHr-Qg0RuKFtboKop0WzHhPyBNci4aBqlWuBB9sRkYANnSsuePgHYwYLXTFjTETUuCDv-K14yPO0fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Abilene City Council voted to approve a performance contract with Schneider Electric to replace aging HVAC and building systems across city facilities, approving the measure despite a divided discussion on whether to take on debt for a citywide, single‑vendor project.

The measure authorizes Phase 5 work costing $10,627,520 and contemplates issuing certificates of obligation. Council Member Reagan recorded the lone “no” vote; the motion carried with other members voting yes.

Council critics focused on how Schneider’s projected savings were calculated, and on the financing choice. Schneider representatives and city staff told the council that the contract’s biggest financial benefit is avoiding a string of emergency replacements and consolidating many deferred maintenance projects into a single program, not immediate line‑item utility bill savings. Matt Lombardo of Schneider Electric told the council the contract bundles measured energy savings with “capital cost avoidance” and operational‑maintenance savings, and that some large measured savings shown in the packet came from earlier phases of the program.

Reagan pressed the company and staff on a spreadsheet that attributed roughly two‑thirds of projected savings to park lighting and asked whether those figures were part of Phase 5. Schneider and staff explained the table combined Phase 4 and Phase 5 performance measures and that the park lighting savings were largely the result of work already completed in Phase 4, not new work in the Phase 5 scope. Schneider also noted a one‑year warranty on parts and labor for installed HVAC equipment; ongoing maintenance would remain the city’s responsibility after that period under separate maintenance agreements.

Council members discussed tradeoffs between replacing many near‑end‑of‑life systems at once and doing staggered replacements over time. Council Member Reagan said he favored avoiding new debt where practical; other council members and staff argued that single‑contract management reduces construction management overhead and leverages a longstanding relationship with Schneider, which has been a city partner for years.

Council also learned the project includes a onetime credit (discussed during the meeting as being provided by a local school district partnership) that reduces the city’s net cost if the city proceeds. Schneider and staff said they will document prior Phase 4 savings so Phase 5 performance accounting does not double‑count prior measured results.

The council approved the contract after the discussion. Staff will proceed with the procurement and financing steps outlined in the packet.

Ending: Council and staff signaled they will continue to monitor performance, require documented measurement protocols, and ensure prior phase savings are separated from Phase 5 savings in the implementation and guarantee language.","Council approved a Phase 5 energy and equipment replacement contract with Schneider Electric despite questions about how projected savings were calculated and whether the city should finance $10.6 million now or replace equipment more slowly to avoid added debt.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council action roundup: consent items, special events rules, zoning, annexations and appointments

Council directs staff to work with West Texas Homeless Network on coordinator role after presentation on encampments and costs

Council adopts revisions to Abilene animal ordinance including new 'aggressive dog' category and breeder rules

Council approves $15.9 million for backup generators at Abilene water plants, staff to pursue grants

Abilene council approves Schneider Energy Services contract after debate over savings and financing