By Megan Wehring
Kyle City Council approved an ordinance to remove the name Rebel Drive from West Ranch to Market 150 during the second reading on Sept. 1.
With a 6-1 vote, a resolution was also approved to create an ad hoc committee that will rename a portion of the road. The committee will compose of seven citizens and two staff liaisons.
“I think the residents obviously care very much for the name of this road and what it will be,” council member Dex Ellison said. “I am in no objection to them being able to participate and come up with a name.”
While it was up to the city council’s discretion to rename the swimming pool at Gregg-Clarke Park, Mayor Travis Mitchell questioned forming a committee of residents for this agenda item.
Council member Tracy Scheel ensured that renaming Rebel Drive had more disapproval associated with it.
“The prior item was actually mentioned before and, I didn’t anyway, get any response or objection to it being named that by any citizen via email, social media or anything,” Scheel said. “I don’t think the public outcry for renaming the pool is quite the same as this particular item.”
Voting against the agenda item, Mitchell said he believes the timing doesn’t seem right to form a committee for renaming the road.
“If it was up to me, the decision to actually give it an affirmative name at this point with everything that has happened would be down further down the road,” Mitchell said.
Ellison said forming the committee is one step closer to creating an inclusive environment for all Kyle residents.
“It’s about living in a community where everybody can feel welcome and not feel like perhaps you’re not wanted in that community,” Ellison said. “I hope residents do apply, participate and we can move forward with something that is inclusive and the community can be proud of.”
