Manvel council approves ETJ release, fee change for pet registration, Primrose amendment and water‑plant tank replacement

At its March 26 meeting the Manvel City Council unanimously approved several non‑controversial items on the regular agenda, including a resolution confirming release of a 20‑acre tract from the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), a change to the fee schedule eliminating pet‑registration fees, an amendment to the Primrose master plan that incorporates an approved subdivision variance and escrow requirement, and emergency procurement to replace ground storage tanks at the water plant.

Staff explained the ETJ release (Resolution 26‑R‑12) was required by new state law where the applicant met statutory petition and mapping requirements; the council adopted the confirming resolution 6–0. The fee schedule change (Resolution 2026‑R‑13) zeroed pet‑registration costs effective immediately to encourage compliance; discussion about burglar and fire‑alarm permit fees was deferred until October to avoid mid‑year budget adjustments.

On the Primrose master‑plan amendment (Resolution 2026‑R‑14), staff noted the amendment reflects an earlier subdivision variance and adds a condition allowing an escrow (calculated as a cost per linear foot with 5% annual interest over 10 years) in lieu of immediate construction of certain roads and sidewalks. The council approved the amendment 6–0.

City staff also asked the council to ratify emergency procurement and approve an accompanying fiscal‑year budget amendment to demolish and replace two ground storage tanks (GST) at the city’s water plant; staff said replacement (roughly $200,000 per tank) is more cost‑effective than interior coatings (roughly $150,000) and that the work will be paid from the utility fund. The council approved the ordinance and ratification 6–0.

City Manager noted the city now lists 125 full‑time employees with six vacancies and previewed community events including an upcoming extravaganza in late March and a fall music fest penciled for October 24. Council members also accepted the donation of office furniture and equipment from a private company for use in city facilities and sister‑city programs; the transcript records an estimated value that appears to be a transcription error, and staff did not present a verified dollar value at the meeting.

All four package items carried unanimously. The council adjourned at 7:03 p.m.