The Livingston City Council held a public hearing to receive comments regarding the proposed ordinance amending multiple sections of Chapter 28 – manufactured homes and parks – of the Code of Ordinances during its Feb. 10 regular meeting. Byron Black addressed Council, seeking clarification of the proposed ordinance. Council approved the portion of the ordinance dealing with manufactured homes as presented and will revisit the part dealing with parks at a later date.
A request of SCI Wireless and Vertical Bridge The Tower LLC for a waiver from portions of Chapter 10, Article XIV, of the Code of Ordinances relating to construction of a 190-foot telecommunication tower approximately 650 feet north of 701 US 59 Loop South in Livingston was discussed and approved.
A proposed ordinance regarding a request of Clayton Charles Blank and Sonja Darlyne Garcia for the sale of a portion of non-developed city property for the total sum of $6,137 was approved. The property is 0.103 acres located on Elm Street near Oakhurst Drive.
Council also approved a proposed ordinance that would amend multiple sections of the Code of Ordinances modernizing the penalties for violating provisions of the code and expanding the ability of the city to take actions which discourage dilatory or otherwise detrimental practices.
A resolution supporting the proposed Livingston Estates Housing Community for the General Population, TDHCA Application Number 26208, providing for an in-kind contribution for such project and providing an effective date was discussed and approved. BAH Livingston Estates LTD is in charge of the $20M project in which 80 apartments will be constructed on a six-and-a-half-acre tract in town.
Council reviewed and approved the city’s investment policy and also reviewed the city’s investment report as provided by the city manager. The budget year-to-date financials for the first quarter of the fiscal year (October through December) were also presented.
A request for authorization for the city manager to negotiate group medical insurance for requests for proposals to be received Feb. 12 by Brinson Benefits was approved.
The Livingston Police Department’s 2025 Racial Profiling Report was presented in accordance with Article 2.134(b) of the Texas Criminal Code of Procedure.
In addition to presenting his monthly update on projects and events, City Manager Billy S. Wiggins congratulated Mayor Judy Cochran and Polk County Cares for the recent crawfish and shrimp boil fundraiser in which over $162,000 was raised for local causes.
Wiggins reported that he met with representatives of Tia Juanita’s who confirmed that they are purchasing El Burrito and will be opening in 45 days.
Wiggins also reported that Crockett Construction has begun work on East West Street and on Willis Street. The street improvement project which will include curb and gutter is being funded by a grant through the Texas General Land Office.
Other business included approval of the minutes of the Jan. 13 meeting and accounts over $2,500.
