City Council approves zoning change

Sunday, 05 August 2012 by Matthew Girard

Belton Police Department Chief Gene Ellis congratulates officers Patrick Mullins and Darrin Boyer during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.The Belton City Council adopted an ordinance for a zoning change from Single Family-2 and Single Family-3 to Two Family for lots located in the Wright Addition in the Miller Heights area, despite protest from a few citizens.

During the public hearing three residents of the area spoke in opposition of the zoning change, addressing concerns about increased traffic flow through the neighborhood.

"The traffic is already horrendous," one citizen stated. "There have been several times that I have been hit almost head on."

Majestic Homes had originally proposed their homes wouldn't have garages, but the Planning and Zoning board asked for the homes to include garages. The newly proposed duplexes, which were approved unanimously, include a one-car garage and driveway space for two vehicles.

In other business, Belton Police Department Chief presented the Officer of the Quarter Award for the second quarter of 2012 to officers Patrick Mullins and Darrin Boyer. The recommendation was based on the performance of Mullins and Boyer on May 25, during an incident involving a suicidal subject. Prior to trained negotiator Sgt. Larry Berg arrived at the scene, Mullins and Boyer built a rapport with the subject and was able to talk the subject down.

Berg said the officers made his job easy because of the steps they took to prevent a tragedy prior to his arrival.

The Council also approved a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Texas Music Office for a Live Music Grant.

TMO is accepting applications for the grant, which funds free, live music concerts to the general public, including Texans who purchased one or more compact discs at retail stores from Jan. 1, 1995 to Dec. 22, 2000.

The Council concluded its Tuesday night meeting with budget workshops, which included a Belton Economic Development Corporation report for FY 2012 presented by BEDC Executive Director Cynthia Hernandez, a general funds presenation from Assistant City Manager Cristy Daniell and a workshop to continue to update the FY 2013-18 Strategic Plan.

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