TBB gets BIG

The Navasota City Council held a Regular Meeting Monday, Oct. 25, and awarded event planning services for the 2022 Texas Birthday Bash (TBB) to Brand It Graphix, a BIG Company from Brenham. BIG was one of three companies vying to fill the event promotion gap left by marketing coordinator Madison Brooks who recently accepted a position with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

BIG is no stranger to TBB as the company had already committed to be the 2022 Title sponsor and has been the fencing and port-a-potty vendor for several years. BIG’s plans include a large-scale promotion of TBB’s 10th Anniversary to attract an additional 10,000 visitors and enable the City to break-even or turn a profit for the first time.

Topics discussed were the announcement party, a pre-event marketing strategy, and a possible $10 ticket price increase beginning in January based on the caliber of headliner bands already booked. It was acknowledged that the event was initially created to attract visitors to Navasota and not as a moneymaker. Concern was expressed about pricing out local residents.

City Manager Brad Stafford said, “The other piece that we have worked on as staff over the years, was to build this up so that we could start charging more because at some point it’s got to become sustainable. It’s not sustainable at the point where we’re at now. At some point, it would have to go away. If you start charging more, then you can make it more sustainable, so it’s easier to do a great event.”

Stafford reiterated that BIG would manage the marketing role previously filled by Brooks and that City staff would continue managing ticketing, vendors and security and that use of local vendors will continue.

Crime Stoppers appeal fails

With a 3-2 vote, council denied an appeal by the Grimes County Crime Stoppers (GCCS) to the City’s sign ordinance related to off premise signs. Earlier this year, the organization applied for a permit to place a 4x8-foot sign promoting their anonymous tip line number and mobile app on a vacant lot on Spur 515 at S. LaSalle Street. Navasota ISD owns the lot and since GCCS has no business structure on the lot, their signage was classified as “off premise.”

Representing GCCS were president Connie Clements and former president Richard Grimes. Clements presented a letter of support from NISD and data collected from surrounding cities and other cities the size of Navasota which allow sign placement by their local Crime Stoppers organizations.

While the majority of council members expressed support for Crime Stoppers’ mission, their concern was making an exception to an ordinance. City staff will collaborate with legal counsel to draft an amendment to bring back to city council.

Voting nay were council members Josh Fultz, Bernie Gessner and Grant Holt with Mayer Bert Miller and council member Pattie Pederson voting in favor.

Stafford approved as interim

Council members approved an agreement for Interim City Manager Services with Bleyl Engineering which allows retiring City Manager Brad Stafford to perform in that capacity beginning Nov. 1, 2021, through April 20, 2022. According to the agreement, Stafford will provide professional and transition services up to 10 hours per week at a rate of $100 per hour and the agreement may be terminated anytime.

West side annexation approved

After a public hearing with no comments against, council approved a voluntary annexation request from developer James Hassell for 63.55 acres west and adjacent to Pecan Lakes Estates Phase 3. According to Hassell, his newest venture will feature 181 lots.

Executive Session threefer

After reconvening from Executive Session per Texas Government Code 551.071, Consultation with Attorney, city council authorized Stafford to negotiate a settlement in the dispute with Symmetry Energy Solutions, LLC over the invoice received for natural gas supplied to Navasota for the month of February 2021. In a separate item regarding possible action on amending the firm transportation and storage agreement with Atmos Pipeline-Texas, no action was taken.

While no action was taken on the potential sale and/ or value of city owned property, council did approve the Competitive Sealed Proposal alternative delivery method as the best-value procurement method for construction of the Public Works Warehouse facility.

Other council action:

•Presented retiring City Manager Brad Stafford with parting gifts.

• Approved the expenditures for September, finalizing FY 2020-2021.

•Tabled action on a lease agreement with Boy Scout Troop 361 and/or their sponsor Navasota Kiwanis, related to use of the old pro shop at August Horst Park as a Scout Hut.

•Approved reappointments and new appointments to Navasota’s boards and commissions effective immediately for two-year terms. City Secretary Susie Homeyer will make notifications by mail.

Reports from City staff or City officials:

•Received an update on 2021 Airport improvements from Jennifer Reyna, Utilities Administrative Assistant.

•Artists in Residence Saskia Becker and Lisa Nelson were introduced.

•Mayor Bert Miller urged voting for the Washington Avenue Campaign in the Mainstreet Contest at www.mainstreetcontest.com, go to Nominees to find Navasota, may vote up to 25 times in 24 hours.

•Retiring City Manager Brad Stafford made comments about his time with the City and City staff. •A Municipal Court Week proclamation was presented.

View city council meetings in their entirety at www.navasotatx.gov/city-council/pages/meeting-videos.