Council approves emergency sewer repair funding; backs Union Grove housing tax-credit application

The Lufkin City Council approved a budget amendment on first reading to appropriate $282,850 from the city’s water/wastewater depreciation fund to cover an emergency sanitary sewer manhole repair at Loop 287 and U.S. Highway 69 South.

Kevin, a city staff member, told the council the collapse occurred Dec. 31 and that hydrogen sulfide gas had eroded the concrete manhole walls, causing the structure to collapse and block a 24‑inch sewer line. He said the sewer main is about 27 feet deep with other utilities nearby and that the work required specialized shoring; a contractor from Zavala was hired and performed four continuous days of work. “The cost for this emergency repair was $282,850. We have that money in our water wastewater depreciation fund,” Kevin said. Council members approved the budget amendment on voice vote.

On a separate item, the council considered resolutions of support for two housing tax‑credit applications submitted to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs: Cottonwood Commons, a proposed 72‑unit senior (55+) affordable rental development at 2209 East Denman; and Union Grove, an 84‑unit affordable rental development at 2911 Old Union Road covering residents of all ages. Kevin said application materials and layouts were included in the council packet and that the city’s contribution is typically a fee waiver; he also referenced a minimum contribution figure listed as "$250" in the packet materials.

During the discussion a councilmember stated they would recuse themselves from the Cottonwood Commons discussion and vote. Councilmember [name not specified in transcript] moved and the council voted to approve a single resolution supporting the Union Grove application; the motion passed by voice vote. No roll‑call vote was recorded in the transcript and council did not approve support for Cottonwood Commons at that meeting.

Public comment earlier in the meeting included Darren Smith, who identified himself as a developer from Rowlett, Texas. Smith described Union Grove as an 84‑unit, three‑story family apartment project with amenities including a dog park, pool, tot lot and a learning center intended to provide after‑school programming; he said the developer would partner with local community organizations and hoped to coordinate curricular support with Lufkin ISD.

Votes at a glance

- Budget amendment (first reading): Approve Budget Amendment No. 9, appropriate $282,850 for emergency manhole repair at Loop 287 and U.S. Highway 69 South. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

- Resolution: Support for housing tax‑credit applications. Outcome: Council approved a single resolution supporting the Union Grove application (2911 Old Union Road); Cottonwood Commons (2209 East Denman) was not approved by the council at that time; one councilmember recused from Cottonwood Commons.