[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",6050151,"mediaKeyId","3492787-606333759d16913cdbacd831b86c6168","parentId",3492787,"title","Council hears report of vandalism on downtown square; cameras and arrests noted","audioSeconds",133,"startMs",3846000,"endMs",3979000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492787-606333759d16913cdbacd831b86c6168&start=3846&end=3979","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492787-606333759d16913cdbacd831b86c6168/thumbnail_3846000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6050151/Blue-Ridge/Collin-County/Texas/Council-hears-report-of-vandalism-on-downtown-square-cameras-and-arrests-noted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050151-f593d8dd9f3aa8ba7228ed42fac4a0b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770516269&Signature=WvWBrRaaprqjyt7lsBWbj1U3B9nShD3hseIrk4HY7SdJIk6MEVSehEQ3wAoda~8TKLxnBk39nSaNWQQLwGl2gNBn9V775sp6ncI-HlvQZCqDWGb5qVJRMaVpiFIqfj1MTasf~jkd14B4SSQW6TnWA7Uye91S-9dReYXnTWh96W0e5FbQwryLOV7r-RvPMpJIQlaTUbSvRNWwy0SfgWu8FzBYviLoZc~Zn7nSFK8Yb2MJ0WYV~KcSclmg~ij-Fp1XvQ0000SbuQ964DAulhIgEZ9Ys6ganUyFrtHcf~Iurbxbrzv2mguT~UOjFpxxYEpYxZI~NHzw5PMySE~wDgMASg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Blue Ridge","date","2025-02-04T00:00:00Z","article","The council received a report of vandalism on the downtown square occurring Jan. 17, 2025. The mayor described damage to flower pots, a stairway and a little pantry and said the behavior illustrates why \"we can't have nice things.\" A staff speaker said cameras in the square captured the person responsible and that police arrested an individual for criminal trespass.

A member of the public and council members discussed the desire for a local police department; one council speaker estimated a local police department would cost about \"$3,000,000,\" a figure offered during the discussion without a formal budget item attached.

Nut graf: Staff urged caution about spending and noted the city currently relies on regional law enforcement; cameras helped identify a suspect in the Jan. 17 incident and an arrest was reported.

Ending: Council accepted the report and reiterated interest in crime prevention measures; there were no motions or votes attached to this item.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 4, 2025, City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council received a report that vandals damaged planters, stairway and a pantry on the downtown square on Jan. 17, 2025; staff said cameras recorded the suspect and an arrest for criminal trespass was made.","taxTitle","Blue Ridge, Collin County, Texas","taxId",61493,"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},6050156,"Votes at a glance: Blue Ridge council actions on consent agenda, election resolution, county election contract, rezoning and engineering award",2373,1107000,3480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492787-606333759d16913cdbacd831b86c6168&start=1107&end=3480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492787-606333759d16913cdbacd831b86c6168/thumbnail_1107000.jpg","/articles/6050156/Blue-Ridge/Collin-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Blue-Ridge-council-actions-on-consent-agenda-election-resolution-county-election-contract-rezoning-and-engineering-award","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050156-8b638e82d2319b041348bea5ce8ba118/orig.mp4?Expires=1770516269&Signature=WwTJtY6KsYFiu1bvVapPP4pMk7ZW8Fnb8i86HSbOFG3nFDXp~4uDTRCWNkKIaJlCXrx26TABcMZ1ihfugTKz0LBwKxGDvqQsXqm9SCykksfBxMBM9kec9hzRjn6mDQHQKYpZlZGmbHIBNDb4eiR6c55R34z8yHYpdD77qmdw6Xf6qo~4kC7NvzCwmhzGrauKb~OCZmrBAWaowLYI9-gi3YRKwmfQoiJxK113vRxFQ3bE3W-5JUsFkcKZoLZ0YEqPK0ULKS380QaGykFSqD1NFOmE6jhejvDBGILGGK74IlT6eQOfPV85BlwE4E-Ltlvwa7-IL4ZoqWD76-Ysyg8yVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Summary of formal actions taken by the Blue Ridge City Council at the Jan. 20, 2025 meeting (motions, seconds and outcomes as recorded in the meeting transcript):

- Consent agenda (Item 5): Motion made and seconded to approve the consent agenda (minutes, department reports and utility billing write-offs). Mayor called for \"all in favor\" and the motion carried by voice vote.

- Resolution calling general election (Item 7, resolution 2025-0204-001): Motion and second recorded to approve the resolution calling a general election for May 3, 2025 to elect three city council seats; council approved by voice vote.

- Contract with Collin County Elections Administrator (Item 8): Council considered and acted to contract with the Collin County Elections Administrator to conduct the May election; discussion noted it was related to item 7 and the contract was approved by motion and second.

- Rezoning to R-2 multifamily (Item 9): Motion and second recorded to approve rezoning approximately 0.92198 acres (Morris Addition lots) to R-2 multifamily; mayor called for \"all in favor\" and motion carried.

- Award engineering professional services for TWDB application (Item 11, resolution 2025-0204-002): Motion and second recorded to award the engineering services agreement to SPI to prepare a TWDB application; council approved by voice vote.

Notes: The transcript records motions, seconds and voice votes for these items; individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript. Where the transcript did not name a motion maker or seconder, the items are marked \"mover/second not specified.\" Subsequent administrative steps (plan submissions, contract signatures, TWDB application submissions) were discussed as follow-up actions.

Ending: These votes set a calendar for the municipal election, moved a contested rezoning into permitting review, and assigned engineering resources to pursue substantial TWDB funding. Council and staff noted residents will be notified through standard agenda postings and the city's subscription system for future agenda items.

","The council voted on several routine and substantive items: approved the consent agenda, set the May 3, 2025 general election, authorized contracting with Collin County elections, approved a rezoning on South Morrow/Main and awarded engineering services to SPI for a TWDB application.",{"_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},6050160,"Residents press council on development transparency after concrete plant and removed 'boycott' clause questions",229,208000,437000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492787-606333759d16913cdbacd831b86c6168&start=208&end=437","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492787-606333759d16913cdbacd831b86c6168/thumbnail_208000.jpg","/articles/6050160/Blue-Ridge/Collin-County/Texas/Residents-press-council-on-development-transparency-after-concrete-plant-and-removed-boycott-clause-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050160-5ea715c250d1537ec60e2477087d5b3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770516269&Signature=k5Dv7biBPOQ22CLypDh9dwKtb7Ieugvltj~QL9JX8qKfSG9ePAvPTuNKy5nY~xvr20kRzD4JBIkJQv1ieEeBRBxO-~zZZRPVWTIVxXmZaAaf-kpuN0OUK1qF0b9cinIONFM0iLH~K7ayVHYh3qPfgfIqWd4EFv6XVIn~5CsdfmrUVHvfCPVEy35pYtRxHoY2p5cXz8t6ZBik7ZkwVLRVlSHCmQ1k8z3HYhPZdP9-NWNW8fez7MmGDhM7C4wLHLhaKjXmaNtyvvsdr2f~tXzNFvBISYaCdqH5VtyNOldu9CRZDIfwWeM8kg~3CPxDiS9dmfUSlCCxydRh0Yr516nGFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents addressed the council during public comment about development transparency and land-use decisions, asking why a recently proposed development agreement omits a clause banning contractor participation in a government-designated boycott of Israel and asking how a concrete batch plant and other industrial frontage were approved near existing homes.

Wendy Mattingly asked specifically why \"section 4.22 boycott of Israel per government code 22 71 has been requested to be removed\" from the development agreement and whether the city has authority to remove such clauses when prior agreements included them. A city speaker replied the city attorney reviewed the issue and advised that because the developer's project is privately funded rather than publicly funded, the clause can be removed under the state statute they discussed. The attorney was referenced but not named in the transcript.

Jack Westin, a resident of 15155 State Highway 160, said a temporary concrete batch plant and a planned second, larger batch plant had appeared south of his property and would be \"about a hundred feet from my house.\" He said he received no direct notice from permitting authorities and raised worries about noise, backup alarms and truck traffic. City staff and council said the concrete operation was outside the city's ETJ in that instance and that applications in the ETJ follow county processes. Staff encouraged residents to subscribe to the city notification system for agenda and annexation notices.

Nut graf: Public commenters pressed the council for clearer notification and for explanation of legal authority to add or remove contractual clauses in development agreements; staff said attorney advice and jurisdictional limits shaped the current positions and encouraged residents to use the city's subscription system for future agenda alerts.

Council and staff responses: A city speaker said the attorney advised removal of the anti-boycott clause is permissible in this situation because the project is \"privately funded, not publicly funded\" and met the relevant state-statutory criteria. On the concrete batch plant, staff said the city had no permitting authority for a site outside its ETJ and that other approvals may have been handled by county or TCEQ processes; staff advised the resident to subscribe to municipal agenda notifications.

Ending: Residents asked the council to increase outreach and notification for annexations and zoning changes; staff reiterated standard notice procedures and the distinction between city jurisdiction, ETJ oversight and county-controlled permitting.

","Multiple residents used the public-comment period to ask why a 'boycott of Israel' clause was removed from a proposed development agreement and to raise alarm about a temporary concrete batch plant and future industrial uses near private homes in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).",{"_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},6050164,"Blue Ridge taps SPI to lead $18 million Texas Water Development Board funding push",269,3571000,3840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492787-606333759d16913cdbacd831b86c6168&start=3571&end=3840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492787-606333759d16913cdbacd831b86c6168/thumbnail_3571000.jpg","/articles/6050164/Blue-Ridge/Collin-County/Texas/Blue-Ridge-taps-SPI-to-lead-18-million-Texas-Water-Development-Board-funding-push","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050164-00ebcb4d899715bd938a0c175c200a72/orig.mp4?Expires=1770516269&Signature=b9r9dMfZM5W03Yfo6wxi6RAq3q4H3l95PsR8Uihe-tr5ZTSZq46l~OVkBcIaSOIJYa2h5G3xOxFCxeKOqzusKqlVNPOX6NGP5IUl7GkF7ur3AhbG47tBowh7zOfeklspxDlZIieSr7jAndG9pyVlYm2BMjHRAK8n8kFONGdzxri4EUwQ1IwAfUi2MWLd~TXgra1DCOFa3niXEnVIJT27ovv3Vqxs6n4~smSDsBvsnfpbkTdaEQqLsoyFAgAMd-SLfBGYl5P81jxbMF6uYKqZTVw8djHdQiLTvfUJ-R81my3ztWaWjOVDnMPSVi5GQ5LW97Inj0eJy1oKjg1rugFlfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Blue Ridge City Council voted to award a professional services agreement to SPI (engineering firm) to prepare and pursue an application to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) that staff estimates could be as large as $18,000,000 for streets, water and sewer infrastructure.

Council members said the city needs multiple engineering capacities for the competitive TWDB process. A council speaker noted, \"I'm asking for $18,000,000,\" and urged that the town stay active in TWDB's system even if an initial application is not funded, saying repeated presence and correct phrasing in applications increases future chances of award.

The nut graf: The award assigns SPI to lead a TWDB funding application and directs cooperation between SPI and the city's standing engineer WSB; the selected team will prepare application materials on an accelerated schedule because TWDB deadlines are approaching.

Council discussed SPI's experience with TWDB and the advantages of combining SPI's TWDB experience with WSB's local knowledge. A citizen in the audience asked for clarification about scope; staff said the award covers professional engineering services for the TWDB application only and does not by itself authorize construction or bond spending. Council approved the award by motion and second; the mayor called for a voice vote and the motion carried.

Ending: SPI will begin preparing the TWDB application and coordinate with WSB and city staff. The council emphasized that TWDB grants are competitive and that preparation and repeated presence in the application system are part of a long-term strategy.

","Council awarded an engineering professional services agreement to SPI to pursue funding from the Texas Water Development Board; council emphasized persistence in the TWDB process and asked WSB and SPI to cooperate on the application.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":80,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6050167,"Blue Ridge council approves rezoning for small multifamily duplex development after residents raise street, water concerns",2043,1437000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492787-606333759d16913cdbacd831b86c6168&start=1437&end=3480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492787-606333759d16913cdbacd831b86c6168/thumbnail_1437000.jpg","/articles/6050167/Blue-Ridge/Collin-County/Texas/Blue-Ridge-council-approves-rezoning-for-small-multifamily-duplex-development-after-residents-raise-street-water-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050167-f67e3ea6c1d81e2808e4a419d59d2405/orig.mp4?Expires=1770516269&Signature=Hor~Nfql7IaruPqzK-PlIFwRlcT2XzMRs0UrvnDUJxEb4~tzMbkJ~rWFl7zZTrU06kt58kuIRNvj9nUOitXgl2i~8p4oNKi8m0NL0UUkGYk7txw-eMl~7oJOQN9wxeeGQfd-qrnwXPq7dJBBrijle7-sN6Yf4fD9OCEs-KDdDYK9l~7VJZgX3BPg3AdLt9t6yaxTjjQyWJ~doKeWDpIeKb5wiRQlfA4zRSiu8xVneRsu-SvTtWKKjijK-NZ1zvzAuqfrQY~vf7FOFvTa5vnFpc4eTQnhJha7cEU3KfWQZMBdsIfGY8Tz0W2l8YIgJTKa-cO0myRz-8gTV8qj8xFVtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Blue Ridge City Council approved rezoning a 0.92198-acre tract on South Morrow and South Main Street to an R-2 multifamily district, clearing the way for four duplex buildings (eight units) proposed by Entoro Properties.

Supporters and opponents packed the public comment portion of the meeting to voice concerns about narrow roads, deteriorated pavement and aging water and sewer lines. Developer representative Miss Mondragon described the planned buildings as \"single story duplexes, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, individual driveways, 2 car garage,\" and said lease terms would cap occupancy and vehicles: \"maximum of 2 vehicles, maximum family of 4, maximum of 2 pets allowed, minimum of 12 month lease.\"

The nut graf: The council approved the zoning change even as nearby residents urged limits on density and asked the city to address street, sewer and water infrastructure before more construction. The decision rezones the parcel but does not finalize building plans or permits; those will require subsequent plan reviews and inspections.

In public comment, Camille Shen, who lives at 320 South Morrow Street, said, \"That's just overcrowding that little street that we live on already,\" arguing the road could not handle added traffic. Jacqueeta Morris, also of 320 South Main Street, warned of failing underground infrastructure and said, \"the water lines, the whole infrastructure needs to be improved before you start putting a lot of this building going on in this town because it just won't handle it.\" Tom Williams asked whether the city has or will update a comprehensive plan; a staff member replied the city plans to update its comprehensive development plan this year.

Council members discussed lot dimensions and setbacks and repeated that site-specific plans must meet subdivision and setback requirements and will go through the city's inspection and planning process (Bureau Veritas is the city's inspection contractor). A staff speaker explained the property is elongated between the two streets and amounts to less than one acre; dividing by four yields \"less than a quarter of an acre for each building.\" Council members noted that zoning approval establishes permitted use but that detailed engineering, setbacks and inspections will be required before construction.

Action and next steps: Councilmember motioned and seconded the rezoning; the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The developer will return later with building plans and code compliance checks. Residents were told they will receive standard public notices on the agenda process and were encouraged to subscribe to the city's notification system for future agendas.

Ending: The rezoning clears a regulatory hurdle but leaves open infrastructure and site-plan questions raised by residents; subsequent permitting and plan-review steps will determine whether the proposed duplexes are built as presented.

","The council approved rezoning 0.92198 acres near South Morrow and South Main Street from its existing classification to R-2 (multifamily) for an eight-unit duplex proposal after more than 30 minutes of public comment about street condition, sewer and water infrastructure and traffic.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears report of vandalism on downtown square; cameras and arrests noted

Votes at a glance: Blue Ridge council actions on consent agenda, election resolution, county election contract, rezoning and engineering award

Residents press council on development transparency after concrete plant and removed 'boycott' clause questions

Blue Ridge taps SPI to lead $18 million Texas Water Development Board funding push

Blue Ridge council approves rezoning for small multifamily duplex development after residents raise street, water concerns