Residents press Quanah council on annexation, blight and RV park rules

Several residents used the public-comment period to raise land-use and public-safety concerns. Amelia Ko, who said her family owns about 640 acres outside Quanah, asked council not to make city water contingent on annexation: “We do not wish to become part of the city through annexation,” she said, adding that her operations have relied on private well water and that property owners outside the city “should have the ability to choose whether they become part of the city.”

Elaine Brock, who lives on East Ninth Street, described persistent dumping, abandoned vehicles, drug activity and large snakes near her home and asked staff to help clean problem properties. “I have a grandchild that’s autistic. So, I am really concerned,” Brock said, and she was directed to follow up with city hall.

The public-comment period also included contrasting views on RV parks. Kristen Meeks described building an RV park at 1101 Star Street and said city planning staff and the former administrator told her no ordinances prevented the development; she said utility work and site prep were underway. By contrast, Steven Sparkman urged tolerance for lawful private RV parks and argued the town’s water problem is a missing pipeline to wells secured by Green Belt, not local allowances. “If you’re a private land owner and it’s not against the law, why not let us have RVs?” Sparkman said, while urging state officials to move pipeline funding.