During the Brady City Council meeting on Tuesday, one of the agenda items created a deep discussion when the issue of alternative locations for the new Fire/EMS facility came up. The agenda item requested authorization for the City Manager to enter into an agreement for professional services with Maker’s Design Collaborative to develop design plans and specifications for the new facility. Council Member Gabe Moreno emphasized that a previous Council had voted on a specific location for the new fire/EMS station. After further discussion, Council approved the agreement by a 3-2 vote with Council Members Raymond Ledezma, Curtis Owens and Vickie Roddie voting for and Gabe Moreno and Terry Phillips voting against.
Another item creating much discussion was the City Hall remodeling project where the bids received far exceeded what Council had budgeted. There was concern raised by Council Member Roddie about doing this project when other facilities are in more need of upgrades. Council voted 4-0 (with Owens abstaining), against authorizing the City Manager to enter into negotiations with the preferred contractor to consider value engineering in completing some aspects of the proposed City Hall renovation.
Other actions taken by Council included approval of demolition and removal of the old cart sheds by City crews at the Brady Golf Course, and an amendment to the interlocal agreement with McCulloch County for labor, materials and equipment sharing for maintaining public facilities.
Following the regular meeting, Council met in Executive Session for consultation with attorney regarding the City Hall Remodel Project, personnel matters – City Manager annual evaluation and real property. No action was taken following the executive session and the meeting was adjourned.
