Lufkin City Council approves zoning change at 1809 Atkinson Drive, alley sale, opioid-abatement funding and a $375,000 wastewater equipment contract

The Lufkin City Council approved a package of land-use, public-safety and utility measures at its regular meeting, including a second-reading ordinance to change the zoning at 1809 Atkinson Drive to commercial and a contract award for a new centrifuge at the wastewater treatment plant.

Kevin, a city staff member, told the council the rezoning request was for a change “from residential large to commercial” to allow commercial development along Atkinson Drive, a major thoroughfare. Kevin said properties nearby include Ritter Lumber, auto repair and sales businesses, an electric supply store, a church and the Forestry Museum; the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval and staff recommended the ordinance on second reading. The council voted to adopt the ordinance on second reading.

The council also approved an ordinance to abandon, vacate and sell a portion of an alley near Lehi Street and Bledsoe Street to KTTK Properties LLC. Kevin told the council the paved alley contains no city utilities, must be replatted with adjoining properties and that the alley sale complies with Local Government Code Chapter 272. He said the alley is approximately 20 feet by 60 feet and the total price, including the appraised value, appraisal cost and filing fee, would be $4,350; the city will issue a deed without warranty to the buyer.

On public-safety and personnel matters, the council conducted first reading and approved an ordinance updating the Lufkin Police Department classification plan required under Civil Service Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code. Kevin said the department requests “an increase of a patrol officer position and a reduction of 1 supervisory position” following the resignation of a special services unit corporal; staff said the change will not cause demotions because there is no active promotion list for corporal candidates.

The council approved a resolution authorizing a revised cooperative agreement with the Angelina County and City Health District. Kevin said the county made language revisions but that “it does not change our requirements or the implications on the city.” The resolution was approved with no changes to the city’s obligations.

Council members accepted and authorized use of approximately $84,000 received from nationwide opioid settlements. Kevin said the funds are distributed to states and local governments based on factors such as overdose rates and population and that the dollars support treatment, prevention, education, policing, enforcement and diversionary programs. He recommended distributing the funds among the felony drug court, the city municipal court, the youth diversion/Teen Court program, the Lufkin Police Department’s Opioid Abatement and Diversion Initiative and the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council; he said roughly 60% could be used by Lufkin Police Department diversion efforts with the remaining 40% distributed to the other listed programs.

For utilities, the council awarded a materials-only contract to GEA Mechanical Equipment USA Inc. for a centrifuge and associated equipment for the wastewater treatment plant’s sludge dewatering system. Kevin said the low bid was $375,000; the project was budgeted with $660,000 from Fund 380 (water/wastewater), and the installation contract will be bid separately because equipment has a 12-month lead time. City Engineer Chris Key said staff checked references for the low bidder and “we have utmost confidence that they will provide us a great product.” The council voted to approve the purchase from the low bidder.

During the financial status report, Kevin reported an 11% decline in April sales tax receipts compared with April 2024 while noting the city’s year-to-date sales tax is up 1.5%. He said the packet highlights funds and items of note for council review.

All motions described above carried by voice vote; where roll-call tallies were not read into the record the meeting minutes record the motions as approved. The council adjourned at approximately 5:15 p.m.