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Livingston council adopts ordinances on manufactured homes, penalties; approves property sale and housing support
Summary
The Livingston City Council on Feb. 10 approved updates to rules for manufactured homes, modernized enforcement penalties, a small sale of city property, a tower-waiver and a resolution supporting a proposed 26208 TDHCA housing project; council also accepted investment reports and authorized insurance negotiations.
The Livingston City Council met Feb. 10 and adopted several ordinances and a resolution while accepting the city's investment report and authorizing staff to negotiate group medical insurance.
Mayor Judy B. Cochran called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and the council approved minutes of the Jan. 13 meeting after a clerical correction noted by City Secretary and Assistant City Manager Ellie Monteaux.
After a public hearing on proposed changes to Chapter 28 (Manufactured Homes and Parks), which drew opposition from resident Byron Black, the council approved Ordinance No. A-858, described in the minutes as “amending multiple sections of Chapter 28 (Manufactured Home and Parks) of the Code of Ordinances, thereby updating portions of the chapter to modern standards.” Community Development Coordinator Scott Rayburn addressed concerns raised during the hearing and Council voted to adopt the ordinance.
The council also approved a variance request for construction of a 190-foot telecommunications tower approximately 650 feet north of 701 U.S. Highway 59 Loop South. Scott Rayburn reviewed the specific waivers requested; consultant Greg Ferris presented photographs of a comparable tower and explained the proposal would allow use by multiple carriers.
Council adopted Ordinance No. A-859 to sell a 0.103-acre tract of undeveloped city property on Elm Street near Oakhurst Drive to Clayton Charles Blank and Sonja Darlyne Garcia for a total of $6,137.00. The price reflects an appraised fair market value of $5,500 plus reimbursement of a $600 appraisal fee and $37 in filing fees. Alderman Alan Cook filed a disclosure affidavit and abstained from the vote on that item; the motion prevailed with Aldermen Bobby Jackson, Marty Drake, Raymond Luna and Andy Evans voting in favor.
The council approved Ordinance No. A-860, which the City Attorney described as modernizing penalties across the code of ordinances and expanding enforcement options. Discussion leading to adoption included fines, penalties for construction without permits and the duties and training of code enforcement personnel.
Council members voted to adopt Resolution No. 647 supporting the proposed Livingston Estates housing community (TDHCA Application No. 26208) and providing an in-kind contribution for the tax-credit application. Jeremy Mears of Brown Stone described the application process and tenant standards. Alderman Andy Evans abstained from that vote.
On financial matters, the City Manager presented the annual Investment Policy for review and an investment report showing total city investments of $34,976,909.48 as of Jan. 31, 2026; council approved the policy and accepted the report, with Alderman Andy Evans recorded as abstaining on the investment items. The City Manager also reviewed year-to-date financials, water and sewer rate-study progress, and capital projects; council accepted the financial report.
The council authorized the City Manager to negotiate group medical insurance proposals prepared by Brinson Benefits and agreed the benefits RFP reviewers will include finance and human resources staff. Council also approved accounts over $2,500, covering items such as street equipment, police vehicles and pool renovations.
Before adjournment, the City Manager raised personnel concerns about retaining 911 dispatchers, noting departures to higher-paying positions at other agencies and the operational risk of staffing shortages. With no further business, Alderman Alan Cook moved to adjourn and the meeting ended at 6:41 p.m.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance A-858 (manufactured homes amendments) — approved (all present); Tower waiver (SCI Wireless/Vertical Bridge) — approved (all present); Ordinance A-859 (sale of 0.103-acre Elm Street tract) — approved (AYES: Bobby Jackson, Marty Drake, Raymond Luna, Andy Evans; ABSTAIN: Alan Cook); Ordinance A-860 (penalties modernization) — approved (all present); Resolution No. 647 (Livingston Estates, TDHCA #26208) — approved (AYES: Bobby Jackson, Marty Drake, Raymond Luna, Alan Cook; ABSTAIN: Andy Evans).
