The Livingston City Council is in the process of updating the city’s Code of Ordinances and held a public on a proposed ordinance regulating fences during its Jan. 13 regular meeting. The proposed ordinance would add Section 10-30 to Article II of Chapter 10 (buildings and structures).
Byron Black and Toni Wood addressed Council during the public hearing. Black expressed his support for the proposed ordinance, adding that he would strongly encourage fences around dumpsters. Wood expressed concern regarding a sign at the corner of West Street and North Washington Avenue that that blocks drivers’ views of the highway.
Following the public hearing, Council approved the proposed ordinance that addresses location, composition, height, sight impairment on corners, required screening separating uses, landscape screening adjacent to residential development, required screening of refuse facilities and specific ordinances control.
Community Development Coordinator Scott Rayburn presented and reviewed a proposed ordinance amending multiple sections of Chapter 28 (manufactured homes and parks) of the Code of Ordinances.
Currently under the Code of Ordinances, newly placed manufactured homes are restricted only to manufactured home parks. Individual lots do not currently allow placement of manufactured homes. The city has not uniformly enforced those provisions relating to placement of manufactured homes on individual residential lots. The proposed ordinance revision will allow such a placement, subject to permit requirements. Current sections within the Code of Ordinances pertaining to manufactured home parks will be modified to better control enforcement of maintenance within existing parks and reemphasize requirements related to an annual manufactured home park license.
Following Rayburn’s presentation, Council set a public hearing for Feb. 10 to receive public comment on the proposed ordinance.
The city’s pro-rata share of the 2025 dues for Brazos Transit District – in the amount of $4,200 – was approved.
Council approved resolutions approving the selection of Langford Community Management Services for grant administration services and the Brannon Corporation as consulting engineers in conjunction with the Texas General Land Office Community Development Block Grant Program-DR grant for infrastructure improvement projects.
Main Street Manager Lynn Riley presented a report on the Livingston Main Street Program. Under the umbrella of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), the Texas Main Street Program was established to address the challenges facing historic downtown commercial districts. Livingston was named a Main Street city in 2005. Livingston Main Street is a 10-block area downtown that was designated by the THC. It is overseen by a nine-member board that meets monthly on the third Tuesday. In addition to the board are three committees – design, promotions and organization.
“We try to have at least three stakeholder meetings a year. We have Sip & Shops throughout the year that have really been a success for our business owners. We partner twice a year with the Livingston Specialty Merchants Guild for shop local events,” Riley said.
“We also offer three types of grants – façade, sign and infrastructure – for businesses in the Main Street District. Since 2019, we have given $80,000 in grants,” she said.
Funding for the grants comes from the vendor space fees at Hometown Christmas in addition to fundraisers. “Everything that we take in goes back into the community,” Riley said. The next Sip & Shop is slated for 3-6 p.m. Feb. 6 and the theme is “Local is our Love Language.”
City Manager Billy S. Wiggins presented his monthly update on projects and events. He reported on two new businesses that are coming to town. The Oyster Mar Y Tierra is a new Mexican/seafood restaurant that will be located at 930 US 59 Loop North in the location formerly held by Long Branch Restaurant. The other is 7 Brew Coffee Shop which will be constructed at 1700 W. Church St. in the location where the former The Bank of Livingston was located.
Wiggins reported that the roof repairs have been completed at the old Fain Theater and that the city is waiting on plans for additional work at the location. He added that work has begun at McAllister’s Deli which will be located at 2001 US 190 West in the location formerly held by Taco Bueno. In addition to the 17 commercial projects that are presently underway, Wiggins reported that work is ongoing on eight residential home permits.
Sergeant Ronnie Bogany was recognized for his 29 years of service to the Livingston Police Department. Bogany is retiring effective Jan. 30 and was presented a certificate of appreciation.
Other business included approval of the minutes of the Dec. 9 meeting and accounts over $2,500.
