The Lufkin City Council on its regular meeting approved two second-reading ordinances to reclassify residential land and completed a series of appointments to city boards and commissions while recognizing two promotions in the Lufkin Fire Department.

Staff presented a second-reading ordinance to rezone roughly 3 acres at 1905 Broussard Avenue from "residential large" to "residential medium" to accommodate new single-family homes and to align with the city's comprehensive plan. Staff told the council that 17 property owners within 200 feet were mailed notices and that no written responses in favor or opposition were received. After closing the public hearing with no speakers, the council moved, seconded and voted in favor to approve the ordinance on second reading.

The council also approved a second-reading ordinance to reclassify about 4.8 acres at 1510–1514 Atkinson Drive from residential medium to commercial and to amend the future land use map to corridor commercial. Staff said 15 notices were mailed and six letters in favor were received; Planning and Zoning recommended approval subject to a condition that limits access from Trenton Street to passenger vehicles only. The council voted to adopt the ordinance on second reading.

Votes at a glance:
• Ordinance — zone change, 1905 Broussard Avenue (second reading): Approved (motion carried; roll-call not recorded in the transcript).
• Ordinance — zone change and future land use amendment, 1510–1514 Atkinson Drive (second reading): Approved (motion carried; roll-call not recorded in the transcript).

The council filled vacancies on multiple city boards and commissions. Motions carried to appoint Terry Faubel, Hall Henderson, Mark Hicks and Jeff Todd to the Lufkin Economic Development Corporation board; Axel Perez to the Civil Service Committee; Danny Hayes, Bridal Masias and Ryan Moore to the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals; Angela Spencer to the hotel occupancy tax board seat vacated by Brett Watkins; Audubon Connor, Jim Don Smith and Sydney Bedham to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; Jack Ellis, Kevin Koda and Monica Peters Clark to the Planning and Zoning Commission; and Andrew Moore, Eddie Aguilar and Kennedy Boyd as regular members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with Kimberly Williams Rogers and others named as alternates. All of those motions were seconded and carried on voice votes recorded in the meeting transcript.

Chief Goody addressed the council to recognize two department promotions. "Tonight, we proudly recognize the promotion of two of Lufkin's bravest," Chief Goody said, introducing Jordan Walker, promoted to driver operator and assigned to Station 5 after about three years of service as a firefighter and paramedic, and Kevin Crawford, promoted to captain with roughly 25 years of service and now assigned to fire administration as EMS coordinator. The council offered thanks and applause.

The meeting also included the Kurth Memorial Library annual report; Director Julie Massey was available to answer questions. Council members noted strong circulation figures (one council member referenced "220,000") and discussed the library's "library of things" collection (STEM kits, games and plans to add a solar telescope as budget allows). One member asked about Saturday hours.

Before adjourning, the council recessed into an executive session under Texas Government Code sections 551.071, 551.072 and 551.087 to consult with the city attorney on pending or contemplated litigation, the value of real property and economic development negotiations. The council reconvened and Unidentified Speaker 2 stated that no reportable decisions were made in executive session.

The meeting adjourned after the scheduled items.