City Council Roundup for 9-28-2021

City Council Roundup for 9-28-2021

The Belton City Council approved an amendment to a Bell County master site plan Tuesday that shows the growth planned for the Loop 121 property where the Bell County Justice Center is located.

Right now, in addition to the Justice Center and Jail, the 74-acre site contains a warehouse, animal control facility and a Department of Public Safety building. The amended plan shows six future buildings or additions, including a new four-story Sheriff’s Department building. Most of the planned growth would support Bell County Jail.

The timing of when these new additions would be built is still undetermined. Amending the zoning site plan allows Bell County to move forward with construction when it is ready.

In a separate decision, the Council adopted the Sidewalk, Trails and Shared Use Paths Master Plan. The plan identifies future locations for sidewalks and trials and is a planning tool that guides decision making for areas of new development as well as potential infill opportunities to improve mobility in existing neighborhoods.

The Council also approved several zoning requests and an amendment to a final plat for a new subdivision east of Loop 121.

On its Consent Agenda, with a single vote the Council approved five items which are considered routine:

  • Minutes of Sept. 14, 2021, City Council meeting
  • Agreement for Visitor Center Support with the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Declare two lots at 504 E. Avenue R as surplus property and sell to highest bidder ($35,000)
  • Resolution supporting a grant application to the Economic Development Administration
    • If approved, the grant would help fund water and sewer improvements to the Rockwool Superfund site.
  • Revised agreement with Bell County for subdivision platting

The meeting also included a public comment from Mayor Wayne Carpenter about Belton’s Bacon, Blues & Brews event last weekend.

“If you weren’t there, you really missed a great time,” Carpenter said, as he mentioned the crowds, music and food that were part of the event.

Belton Police Communications Manager Candice Griffin and Officer Wayne Cooley also spoke in public comments and issued a formal invitation to the City Council to attend National Night Out celebrations on Tuesday, Oct. 5.

Additional background on any of the agenda items is available online.