By C.J. Vetter

Buda – The Buda City Council recently authorized numerous spending packages at its last meeting on Tuesday. New projects included numerous surveys, improvements to city infrastructure, and a permit for a new restaurant in the I-35 business district.

Council first issued a specific use permit to Dutch Brothers Coffee to construct and operate a new coffee shop off Interstate 35 in a business zoned district.

Cobb, Fendley and Associates inc., a previous partner for municipal projects, was also authorized to conduct a study covering the broadband and internet throughout the city. The goal of the study is to investigate the use of broadband services and find out what the city will need moving  forward. The total expenditures of the project are capped at $99,9430 and will be funded in part with the American Rescue Plan act with a goal to be finished by July.

“We hear you all in terms of your view as a small city with a lot to offer, and that innovation and investment in your community is key and so we will take that into deep consideration as we look at different ownership options or public-private partnerships, or how we can incentivize growth and development in your city,” said Cobb, Fendley Project Manager Melissa Beaudry.

Two other projects were funded that night. Up to $45,778 is going toward the construction contract with Archer Western Construction LLC to finish phase three of the city of Buda Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion, and then up to $93,430 for the Buda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC). to improve the safety of the playgrounds of Buda and the  purchase of temporary fencing. The temporary fencing would be available for rental  by event organizers for those using the park and could cover up to three-quarters of the park’s perimeter. Events that might use it would include the Buda Wiener Dog Races or future Buda festivals, while also encouraging other events to come into town.

“So the fencing was more appealing to the board because it actually provided something to bring people to the community. It was more event-based. The safety surfacing was something we supported before for replacing materials that needed to be replaced,” said Jennifer Storm, BEDC President.  “The fences rose to the top, while the surfacing was something we could still afford to do in that budget.”

Not all agenda items were passed; the city decided to table an  agreement with Pape-Dawson Engineers to conduct a Boundary and Improvement Survey of city-owned property as part of the Downtown Build Out Assessment. The BEDC asked for $39,000 to fund the survey, but the city council cited that they would like to take more time to consider before approving it.

The Buda City Council will convene for their next meeting on May 3.