Manvel approves vending license with Texas Hometown Heroes to provide work opportunities for a resident with autism

Manvel City Council on Monday unanimously approved a vending license and indemnity agreement with Texas Hometown Heroes (THH Vending), a small vending operator that said the enterprise provides tailored work opportunities for people with disabilities.

At the meeting, Erin Fleisher and Rob (THH representatives) introduced Colin, a non‑verbal young man who uses an augmentative communication device and whose apprenticeship with vending machines the group said had given him meaningful employment skills. The proposed arrangement will allow THH Vending to place vending machines in City Hall and for Colin to participate in stocking and service under a supervised model.

Why it matters: Council and staff framed the decision as both a convenience for employees and residents (vending on site) and a local effort to create supported employment opportunities. Staff said the vendor will add the city as an additional insured on the vendor’s insurance policy and coordinate machine placement with the city manager.

Discussion details: Council members praised the idea as adaptive and supportive of an employee population that often has limited options; several council members asked practical questions about machine size and product mix. Staff recommended approval, noting the vendor would work with the city to finalize machine placement and insurance.

Next steps: The manager’s office will finalize placement and insurance details and coordinate vendor access for stocking and maintenance.

Ending: Council approved the vending license 6–0; staff will contact the vendor about next steps.