By Rhonda Hodge

After several presentations before the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council over the past few months, a vote was made to deny the application of Aldi, Inc. a Special Use Permit for a grocery store on property zoned PD District for Retail Uses. The proposed site was on property located on West FM 544, west of North Murphy Road, next to Sonic. Most residents refer to the property as “where the cows are”.??

Before the vote was taken, Mayor Bret Baldwin had convened the Council into Executive Session for consultation with the City Attorney.? Upon reconvening, a public hearing was held, in which there were no comments presented. Neither was there further discussion by the council. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Colleen Halbert made the motion which was seconded by Councilmember Scott Bradley .The motion passed, 7-0.

The Charter Review Commission has completed its six months review of the City’s current charter. They received high praise from City Manager James Fisher as well as Councilmember Halbert. Citing their dedication and attention to detail going line by line on each item to thoroughly discuss and consider possible changes and improvements. The Charter Review Commission consisted of Martin Brenner (Chairman), Jory Denny (Vice Chairman), Greg Alway, Nancy Bartlett, Chuck Dern, Clay Dethloff, Bernard Grant, Barbara Harless, Donald McKinney, J. T. Oden, II, Dennis Richmond, Robert Russell, Betty Spraggins, Kenneth Tatsch, and Walt Thomas. Those present were given an ovation in recognition of their service. Along with the proposed changes, Fisher also submitted drafts of a proposed ethics ordinance and Governance Policy for review and consideration by the Council. He advised that for the charter amendments to be on the November 2010 ballot, the election must be called by August 24.?

The next regular scheduled City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 6 due to the July 4 holiday. It begins at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at the City Hall Complex, 206 N. Murphy Road.

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