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Council approves first reading to create capital impact advisory committee and end 'in‑lieu' sidewalk payments; vote 6‑0
Summary
On first reading the council amended Friendswood City Code to create a Capital Improvements Advisory Committee (required by recent state law changes governing impact fees) and revised sidewalk rules to end new 'money in lieu' payments; council voted 6‑0 on first reading.
Friendswood City Council approved, on first reading, an ordinance creating a Capital Improvements Advisory Committee and amending the city code to refine planning and sidewalk responsibilities. The ordinance passed on first reading by a 6‑0 vote.
The ordinance establishes a new division titled Capital Improvements Advisory Committee to carry out duties required by state law related to impact fees (Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 395), and removes the Planning & Zoning Commission from serving in that role. City staff explained that a recent legislative change prohibits planning and zoning commission members from serving as the impact‑fee advisory committee and requires the new committee to include a majority of members who are developers or real‑estate professionals.
The ordinance also addressed the sidewalk installation fund. Staff reported the city had collected payments in lieu of sidewalks from some commercial properties in prior years but had only accumulated a small balance (approximately $6,500 remaining). The council was told that the city supplemented the fund from general balances to complete sidewalk projects and that the proposed code change would require developers to install required sidewalks rather than pay into an in‑lieu fund going forward.
Why it matters: The change complies with state law, creates a separate advisory committee focused on impact‑fee review and transparency, and reduces the city’s acceptance of in‑lieu sidewalk payments for new commercial development. Councilors noted the committee will meet at least annually to receive reports on impact fees and that staff will propose committee membership as required.
Council action: On first reading the ordinance was approved unanimously, 6‑0. Staff will present a slate of nominees for the new Capital Improvements Advisory Committee at a future date and will continue annual reporting on impact‑fee collections.
Ending: Council directed staff to begin recruiting qualified committee members and to prepare an annual report on impact fees and sidewalk obligations; the ordinance will return for a second reading and final adoption at a later meeting.
