Conroe seeks multiple public-safety grants and proposes ordinance to prohibit parking on Loop 336

Police leadership presented several grant applications and a proposed public-safety ordinance during the council workshop.

Chief Buckholz (Police chief) asked council to approve a resolution to apply for a roughly $58,000 grant (packet figure) to replace near end-of-life audio-visual equipment in three areas at the police station (roll call, community room and conference room). The department also requested a resolution to apply for the FY 2025 Office of the Governor Crime Victim Assistance Program grant; staff described that award as $169,648 with a 20% local match of $42,412. Chief Buckholz said these grants are intended to continue and expand victim services within the city.

The chief also presented a request to fund an upgrade of Cellebrite software used by the crime-scene unit (packet figure $25,550) and a separate crime-scene equipment enhancement grant for camera/fingerprint imaging equipment (approximately $40,360). Staff identified the funding sources as grant-dependent; the Cellebrite software renewal and equipment grant were listed as application items for council approval.

Separately, Chief Buckholz presented an ordinance to prohibit vehicles from parking on Loop 336, citing a history of complaints and safety hazards when vehicles park on the loop’s shoulder. He explained that TxDOT requires a local ordinance prohibiting parking before it will post no-parking signage; the ordinance was presented for council consideration.

No formal votes were taken at the workshop; staff put the grant resolutions and the ordinance on the action agenda for formal consideration.