Marina Armendariz
BUDA — During its Oct. 7 meeting, Buda City Council approved changes to its meeting procedures and addressed development matters involving a proposed wireless-equipment storage facility along IH-35 and the construction of Buda Championship Park.
First, council members approved 7-0 a specific use permit for Faulk & Foster to construct a wireless-equipment storage building at 16674 South IH-35. The structure will support a wireless communications tower intended to improve local wireless service.
Council also unanimously approved revisions to its meeting procedures that will move executive sessions to the beginning of future meeting agendas. The change is intended to give council members more time to discuss matters in closed session, while allowing residents to attend open meetings at a later, more accessible hour.
“One of the things that I’ve discussed with the mayor … is the potential to move up executive session and get those items out of the way,” city manager Micah Grau said. “The reason being is, we talk about really important things in executive session [and] sometimes it's difficult to have those conversations late at night.”
Grau said the change could also make it easier for community members to attend council meetings by allowing more time before the public portion begins. Under the new schedule, executive session will run from 6 to 7 p.m., with the open meeting beginning at 7 p.m.
Following executive session, council approved a settlement agreement involving the Buda Sportsplex, Hanover Insurance Group and Allbrite Construction Inc.
Council members also approved a $91,514.05 deductive change order with G. Hyatt Construction Inc. for the Buda Championship Park project. The change order reduces the contractor’s agreement amount, while extending the construction timeline by 80 days.
The next Buda City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20.
