Controversial limits on development in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction is back on the agenda at the next City Council meeting Jan. 12.
City leaders Thursday will hear a presentation from consultant Rebecca Leonard, the CEO of Lionheart Places, who will discuss a possible update to the “restricted growth” designation of the city’s Envision Taylor Comprehensive Plan, first approved in November 2021.
For months, Leonard has engaged with members of the area community, including ETJ landowners unhappy with the designation, which discourages development there due to the high cost of putting in new infrastructure and maintaining it.
According to Texas law, cities have the authority based on population size to manage growth patterns in their ETJ, which in Taylor’s case, is one mile out from the city limits, except for some areas that petitioned to be included.
Possible amendments to the plan could come back before city leaders in late February, according to officials.
In other business, the council will consider an ordinance regulating camping in public areas and creating a warning policy for trespassers on city grounds.
Under the proposed rule, camping in public areas would be prohibited within the city limits of Taylor, though “merely falling asleep in a public area” is not and personal items may not be left unattended. Certain exceptions, including travelling through the city in a camper or motor vehicle, are allowed.
Other items for consideration at Thursday’s meeting include:
•A special use permit for a new liquor store at 3311 W. Second St.
•An amendment to the city’s Transportation Master Plan
•A Dodge Charger replacement for the pol ice department, an herbicide spray truck, as wel l as several t rucks for the publ ic works depar tment.
In addition, council will meet in executive session with the city attorney to look at a potential expansion of the Emergency Services District, to include Taylor’s ETJ. Traditionally, this area has been served by Avery-Pickett Fire Department.
The council will also be meeting in executive session with the attorney regarding an evaluation for City Manager Brian LaBorde.
The council regularly meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St. in Taylor. Agendas and live broadcasts are available at http://www. taylortx.gov.
