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Keene board approves siren funding, park improvements and waives fee for community music festival
Summary
At its meeting, the Keene board authorized up to $100,000 to add two outdoor warning sirens, approved up to $50,000 for sidewalks and fencing at La Zaza Park, approved a $5,000 memorial bench, waived a community-center rental fee for a proposed Verde Music Festival, and appointed Phil Jackson to the 4B board.
The Keene board on Feb. 13 approved a set of public-safety and park improvements, waived a community-center rental fee for a proposed music festival and filled vacancies on the 4B board.
Board members voted to authorize up to $100,000 to install two additional outdoor warning sirens to expand coverage north–south across the city. City staff presented supplier and installation estimates: American Signal Corporation equipment was listed at about $42,804 per unit for a steel pole (the vendor's preferred option) and $37,848 per unit for a wooden pole; electrical-installation quotes and site differences produced a total-installation estimate the staff summarized for the board. "They strongly, strongly, strongly recommend" a steel pole, a staff presenter said during the discussion. The motion to authorize funding for up to two units carried on a board vote (the transcript records approval; no roll-call tally was recorded).
The board also approved capital work at a neighborhood park. After discussing priorities, members voted unanimously to authorize up to $50,000 to install sidewalks and a perimeter fence at La Zaza Park (packet materials also refer to "Luzerrazzo Park Improvements"). The motion was read to start with sidewalks and fencing and to leave remaining funds for additional amenities if the work comes in under budget.
Separately, the board approved a memorial bench purchase not to exceed $5,000. Staff noted that TxDOT requires the bench face to be at least 15 feet from the back of the curb; the board directed staff to confirm exact placement and permitting requirements before installation.
In public comment, Keene resident and event organizer Keith Jenkins proposed a community music event he called the Verde Music Festival and asked the board to waive the community-center rental fee. Jenkins told the board the event would be free to the public and could grow over time; when asked, he confirmed the center rental fee is $1,200. Board members and staff discussed the refundable cleaning deposit (staff said $600 is the typical cleaning- deposit amount) and the need to avoid setting an open precedent for fee waivers. A motion to waive the rental fee and to waive the cleaning fee if the facility is left clean passed.
The meeting also addressed the board's process for discussing appointments. Staff read aloud a packet citation (transcribed as "Section 5 5 1.074 personnel matters") when members discussed whether applicant interviews or resume reviews should occur in executive session. The board briefly recessed for an executive session and then took nominations to fill 4B vacancies. Alma was nominated and approved by voice vote (no roll-call tally recorded). Phil Jackson was nominated and then approved 4–0; the board welcomed him to the 4B board.
The board approved the minutes from its previous meeting and heard a public thank-you and parade recap from parade organizers, who reported 71 floats and detailed revenues and expenses from the event. The board recessed for executive session on personnel matters before returning to complete appointments and adjourn.
