[{"_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",6086915,"mediaKeyId","2893523-6eceafff759816767f534a43a8db028f","parentId",2893523,"title","Council awards contract for new point-of-sale system at Ellen Trout Zoo","audioSeconds",107,"startMs",1747000,"endMs",1854000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893523-6eceafff759816767f534a43a8db028f&start=1747&end=1854","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893523-6eceafff759816767f534a43a8db028f/thumbnail_1747000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6086915/Lufkin-City/Angelina-County/Texas/Council-awards-contract-for-new-point-of-sale-system-at-Ellen-Trout-Zoo","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086915-30b6bc95c7718c0c4b8f5fd67d54d94c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196730&Signature=Zv4wcgw9D~buWroWC1PLPDaFIec8S7iOnuFqosOYGoxP4UYrDqbevW0PLZ6jlmqHndhAZcJZE37~EaGOJhl6IqoM3dsCKIhq21~EHzZMunEUD2SVEVxkvHBcukjk23~r4D6f8yyGKRpADSaS4BAQAiyVwXntSUdwAbZAe7N66hVDdUu7aD-YQzk6BiHEik7K~ix1nFgK58EaV99nHVotSZ6j5xpST7D46LKEK~FrPew5xSr-F55lCuc1rru9QZ5nJLznMaZuQXkXuqZL7uBoQjMm-MeAyDPNpWcyuY3oAQTe4VtQvf-9967DVeUmtYRmRhwBfInjfSAB0bxecppSrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lufkin City, TX","date","2025-04-08T05:54:54.573Z","article","The Lufkin City Council approved a contract to purchase a new point-of-sale (POS) system for Ellen Trout Zoo to replace an outdated system and introduce online ticketing and consolidated analytics.

City staff said the current POS is obsolete and unsupported by the vendor; the new system will decrease wait times, allow online ticket purchases and provide analytic data on visitor origin by ZIP code. Staff proposed a three‑year agreement; the initial first-year cost was presented as $30,790 as the city’s share (the total first-year cost presented was approximately $60,000 with the Friends of the Zoo paying half of the initial upfront cost). Staff listed estimated subscription costs for year two at about $12,680 and year three at about $13,450. The city would contract with the vendor and the Friends of the Zoo would pay half of the upfront first-year costs and share subscription payments thereafter as described.

Council discussion was positive. An unidentified council member said the change would make visitor operations easier and another council member described the plan as a \"really cool thing.\" Staff recommended awarding the contract and the council approved the purchase after a motion and second.

The contract will be administered by the city; staff said the funds for the initial year would come from existing budget items by reprioritizing anticipated expenditures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lufkin City Council: April 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a contract to purchase a new point-of-sale and online-ticketing system for Ellen Trout Zoo. The Friends of the Zoo will share 50% of the upfront cost; the contract runs three years with recurring subscription costs in years two and three.","taxTitle","Lufkin City, Angelina County, Texas","taxId",51867,"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},6086919,"Council approves sale of 20-by-60-foot alley to adjacent property owner",147,1271000,1418000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893523-6eceafff759816767f534a43a8db028f&start=1271&end=1418","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893523-6eceafff759816767f534a43a8db028f/thumbnail_1271000.jpg","/articles/6086919/Lufkin-City/Angelina-County/Texas/Council-approves-sale-of-20-by-60-foot-alley-to-adjacent-property-owner","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086919-58f2a34d03fa2d67a040034c27d347e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196730&Signature=b07rgZEC9HjiMyBvj7BVcHt0pnjSdDoeSKfEn~XzqALJDM~rREOkeZXxsVQ0~NR5~wLl0KA6srSiNmKA~8p~tl33aebPeUadOZzx7VXDA~MMfEO-R7bJaMGcD3bFnGh0L8JKk-ro489825jspOQ~OxCHQmQ4jcFJvTuEimT6bOSFl98Mpn22UIXCQnXAKhMgKoMvWq0mfZUp5qFb3QKjU5ccXTMAODZgQf5a3y4jbt0LEx2Guh8W4FDMm5DuLrA58dfyoCvexgd2Ivhx-oXOOSVgbI5095JL1Y-eN9NkmD6-0PpF-qc5z2NdtHebSGyJOz0hmSUVgsTn3e-UxEtoMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lufkin City Council approved on first reading an ordinance to abandon (vacate) and sell a paved alley near Bledsoe Street to an adjacent property owner, Isaac Lowe of KTTK Properties.

City staff said the alley is approximately 20 by 60 feet, contains no city utilities in the ground but does have existing overhead electric lines that must be preserved by an easement shown on the plat. Staff described the price as $4,350, which includes the appraised value, the appraisal cost and the filing fee. The sale requires the alley be platted with the adjacent tracks commonly owned and that an easement be shown on the plat for the existing utilities; upon payment the city would issue a deed without warranty to the buyer.

Council members discussed the broader pattern of piecemeal alley sales and the potential for complications where alleys are split into small pieces. A council member urged staff to review other similar alley situations in North Lufkin. After discussion the council moved, seconded and approved the ordinance on first reading.","The council approved on first reading the abandonment, vacation and sale of a paved alley near Bledsoe Street to a neighboring property owner, subject to platting and an easement for existing overhead utilities. The alley was appraised at $4,350 including appraisal and filing fees.",{"_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},6086924,"Council postpones decision on Old Union Road rezoning after public opposition",226,294000,520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893523-6eceafff759816767f534a43a8db028f&start=294&end=520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893523-6eceafff759816767f534a43a8db028f/thumbnail_294000.jpg","/articles/6086924/Lufkin-City/Angelina-County/Texas/Council-postpones-decision-on-Old-Union-Road-rezoning-after-public-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086924-c083ea85b078ac1aba78d496c79ab6ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196730&Signature=BpJEo1eLQzLmrqc-m8DyMHQKLgFKcnE5oXbe7Ls8dDq9xBfOQAQxRePglQ9eeAk619Bri2JyFfJLxuFQIz7lv8op5JK6E2hxBPSqTyWUoRIkja8LVrSaqcGnzSATYmmw~SnvtoSGubtAzXZrqkCroRtRpZWqNrJ2BhLnROPwhzWHr6i9SzxuqiMzDXYyxOvqKjLruQVG8uqHiKtjh6s2N41n766XvZp0bPtd79nYhKmb1K0KSRnhpra4z3f2iC9ZLebnUEZpVLHqJ6PdY6vUB~Laumpg2mUQFWIMXVpZm~HYLkhVZ16ZTe1-niji-PNaEZuAvDRru9tZT0yL911vpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lufkin City Council voted to postpone a decision on a proposed rezoning and future land use map changes affecting properties at 2905 and 2911 Old Union Road after a public hearing that drew multiple residents opposed to the proposal.

City staff said the request would reclassify portions of the properties to allow a proposed 60-unit multifamily development, change future land use designations from agricultural/rural to high-density residential for portions totaling 6.5 acres and make other parcel-level changes (the staff presentation listed 3.752 acres, 6.5 acres, and 2.184 acres for different portions of the project). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 5–2 vote. Staff told the council it received nine letters opposing the request from residents inside the statutory notification area and an additional 19 emails and letters from outside that area; because signed opposition exceeded 20 percent of the required notification area a supermajority of three-fourths of council is required per what staff referenced as \"chapter 2 11 of the local government code.\" Staff recommended approval.

Multiple neighbors testified in opposition during the public hearing. Jane Ainsworth, whose property borders the eastern tract, said the development could \"landlock a significant portion of land at the back end of the property\" and characterized the proposed units as low-income housing rather than market-rate apartments. Jared White, a property owner in the center of the tract, said he and his wife were opposed and worried about property‑value impacts and traffic. Megan White and Forrest Griffin also told the council they opposed the change, citing pedestrian safety on Old Union Road, lack of sidewalks and an abundance of nearby apartments.

Scott Rayburn, identified in the hearing as the city planner, confirmed that Planning and Zoning placed no conditions limiting unit count or requiring fences or buffers. Rayburn also said the initial concept had called for 84 units before being reduced to 60 during the review process. During council discussion, Councilmember Kim recused herself from the matter and left the dais for the discussion and vote. A motion to postpone the item was made to allow staff to present additional information and to pick a date when the full council could be present; the motion passed. Council and staff discussed returning the item after May 6, with May 20 discussed as a likely date for a full‑council hearing.

The council did not take a final zoning vote at the meeting; the item was postponed to a future meeting for further information and to ensure a full council could vote if a supermajority were required.","The council postponed action on rezoning and future land use changes affecting properties at 2905 and 2911 Old Union Road after public comments raised opposition and staff said a supermajority vote would be required due to signed opposition within the notification area.",{"_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},6086929,"Council approves first reading to rezone 1809 Atkinson Drive to commercial",26,186000,212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893523-6eceafff759816767f534a43a8db028f&start=186&end=212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893523-6eceafff759816767f534a43a8db028f/thumbnail_186000.jpg","/articles/6086929/Lufkin-City/Angelina-County/Texas/Council-approves-first-reading-to-rezone-1809-Atkinson-Drive-to-commercial","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086929-23e4708878effdd649cc3c08f96f014f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196730&Signature=YclURfc4i94LHvsIVMpPxxxd07Fjj7xEehB371ZUrrKjqapwA7E~VYBVehsrVRBGt26EOPT~Bi-VjOCsTST8Hq4SiolvRfNVYLC0Qfe2FupNubRVEFYMrqjNRWyaJq4O5N0mrzroZk6wjp6faDFjLkYWaXXgxt0fA2wWKmO9QOu-h4ZPAlZnoZRUhbBtHuUwZoNoubJkgYogPIS-TfRw9nHD~Q49aUcn9SyzAhRM8C45FMw9M~hsuQcxrXNQm0pEdmF1y68-gXGsswOfMFT1IQ2juItxzOAFAwdAlh4-8NwHkGwvbL92Fm5vzmR8sdjrgsBUq6jISnIXC0St5ZAxhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lufkin City Council approved on first reading an ordinance to change the zoning of the property at 1809 Atkinson Drive from residential large to commercial.

City staff said the request was submitted to allow commercial development on the site. Kevin told the council the property sits adjacent to existing neighborhood retail and near commercial uses including Ritter Lumber, an auto repair and sales business and Elliott Electric Supply. The city’s future land use plan classifies Atkinson Drive as neighborhood commercial, and the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval.

Staff recommended approval of the ordinance. The public hearing on the item produced no commenters; the council moved to approve the ordinance on first reading after a motion and second and the motion carried.","The council voted to approve -- on first reading -- a zoning map change to commercial for property at 1809 Atkinson Drive. Planning and Zoning recommended unanimous approval and staff recommended approval at the meeting.",{"_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},6086934,"Lufkin City Council approves ordinance narrowing rules on firearm discharges",59,95000,154000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893523-6eceafff759816767f534a43a8db028f&start=95&end=154","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893523-6eceafff759816767f534a43a8db028f/thumbnail_95000.jpg","/articles/6086934/Lufkin-City/Angelina-County/Texas/Lufkin-City-Council-approves-ordinance-narrowing-rules-on-firearm-discharges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086934-4327300d18151791f6037ec3d6a65359/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196730&Signature=Uw3WXV~E~7We4DjW2rQ5k2XXnZyU-Ans1doLgTRBskwb12ziOwH9VdKusrGRKJU5eiWHdh8JOeDNR~z-4GojkwJtwPiODd6dfFcC2~zz5LJ5QZHByKBYyXRiV8GXBSxT6SGVTDCzqq3d~4YZpGFL8FJXorOtJHPvR3ViA3Lq-1Vl0F1NJyMzVioIeGhihfa5oiSVE6zveX9AuktN2x5PORCxYcXeoMEqo-PLekX-ISvw2Rl9057uPZicwUR27syF2JZCO0unK1DoLKUBFCX1Ch6xRymgrV3Hp8fN9VXK~dd8IaPbrxL1FBS89Nb22cIxIqEE4OdscliKTMv57sSlhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lufkin City Council approved on second reading an ordinance prohibiting unlawful discharge of weapons within the city limits.

City staff told the council the ordinance is intended to give Lufkin Police Department a clearer enforcement tool for firearm discharges that occur on private property instead of relying on the disorderly-conduct statute that applies to public right of way. Kevin, a city staff presenter, said the measure is written to “aid in the protecting the public while allowing reasonable exceptions, including protection of yourself and others and on tracts of land greater than 10 acres.”

Staff recommended approval of the ordinance. There was no public comment at the hearing, and the motion to approve passed after a motion and second.

The ordinance language as presented keeps exceptions for self-defense and for discharges occurring on tracts larger than 10 acres, but otherwise tightens the city’s enforcement options for firearms discharged in or around private property. The council did not record detailed roll-call vote counts in the public discussion recorded in the transcript; the meeting record shows the motion carried.","The Lufkin City Council approved a second-reading ordinance that creates a more specific prohibition on unlawful discharge of weapons within city limits while preserving stated exceptions including self‑defense and uses on tracts larger than 10 acres.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council awards contract for new point-of-sale system at Ellen Trout Zoo

Council approves sale of 20-by-60-foot alley to adjacent property owner

Council postpones decision on Old Union Road rezoning after public opposition

Council approves first reading to rezone 1809 Atkinson Drive to commercial

Lufkin City Council approves ordinance narrowing rules on firearm discharges