EDC staff used the board’s Aug. 12 workshop to update members on several prospective downtown projects and to request further direction. Steven Aubrey, representing parks and EDC staff, led the discussion and outlined progress on lighting and other infrastructure work and next steps on utilities, sidewalks and public safety equipment.

Sidewalks: Aubrey said staff had assigned the city engineering department to inventory sidewalks and identify gaps or repair needs on side streets off FM 518 to improve pedestrian mobility. He described the work as a priority but noted the engineering department is “swamped” and that the task may be completed by an EIT or intern over the next year.

Overhead utilities: Aubrey reported conversations with utilities and said consultants are being sought for a single, coordinated project to relocate overhead wires. He told the board two consultant firms were being contacted and that consultant fact‑finding — including coordination with TxDOT, TNMP, Comcast and AT&T — would be necessary to produce a firm estimate.

Lighting: Staff reported substantial completion is imminent for recently installed downtown lights; a walkthrough was scheduled for the coming Thursday. Pfeiffer and Sons has three lights staged for installation but will not mobilize for fewer than four fixtures; staff said they were seeking an additional location to meet mobilization minimums. Board members asked staff to continue pursuing removal of obsolete poles and wiring to achieve uniform lighting.

Public safety cameras: Staff summarized input from Chief Rogers that two camera types are the most useful downtown: “flock” (plate‑capture) cameras and intersection monitoring cameras. Aubrey gave rough cost ranges from the meeting: flock cameras approximately $3,000–$4,000 to install; intersection monitoring systems roughly $10,000–$15,000 per intersection, with potential recurring costs for monitoring or maintenance. Board members noted the community may have privacy concerns and that public backlash, if any, would fall to the board to manage; others supported moving forward and requested Chief Rogers or a department representative present recommended counts and a deployment plan at a future meeting.

Seasonal decorations and art boxes: Aubrey said the Parks Department solicited donations for Christmas‑tree decorations and had secured some packages to avoid returning costs to the EDC. Staff said art box installations funded earlier are complete pending final sealant coats and a final walkthrough; project closeout is imminent and an $18,000 invoice related to electrical box work remains outstanding in the staff financial summary.

Next steps: Staff asked board members for additional project items to add to future agendas. The board directed staff to continue consultant outreach for overhead utility relocation, to return with sidewalk inventory options, to work with parks on median landscaping options tied to signage placement, and to invite Chief Rogers to provide a camera deployment recommendation at a future workshop.