According to the agenda for the upcoming February 13th meeting, the Canyon City Commission will be considering a resolution to adopt the city’s legislative priorities.
According to an agenda memo, the proposed priorities would include the following:
“Enhance the City’s ability to solve problems and improve the quality of life for Canyon residents.
Enable the use of electronic notice for all required public notices.
Provide for the expansion of Palo Duro State Park.
Provide additional funding to the Texas Department of Transportation for transportation project that would support regionally appropriate highway improvements and rail as components.”
The memo also notes notes that staff will keep an eye on legislation which would:
“Erode municipal authority in any way, impose unfunded mandates, or otherwise be detrimental to cities.
Impose further revenue and/or tax caps of any type.
Erode municipal authority related to development matters, including with respect to the following issues: annexation, eminent domain, zoning, regulatory takings, building codes, and short-term rentals.
Erode the authority of a city to be adequately compensated for the use of its rights-ofway and/or erode municipal authority over the management and control of rights-ofway, including by stated or federal rules or federal legislation.
Limit or prohibit the authority of city officials to use municipal funds to communicate with legislators; or limit or prohibit the authority of TML to use any revenue, however derived, to communicate with legislators.”
While the packet includes some bullet points on the city’s priorities and a draft ordinance authorizing the City Manager and staff to work with legislators, other cities, and the Texas Municipal League to implement the city’s legislative agenda, the city’s full legislative agenda is not included in the packet. The City of Amarillo faced controversy over a similar situation last year when it attempted to adopt its legislative agenda without providing a copy to the public.
The Canyon City Commission is scheduled to meet at 4:30 pm on Monday, February 13th. Other items on the agenda include:
Annexation
Approval of plat in city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction
Economic incentive agreement with Canyon Physical Therapy
Calling the election for city commission on May 6th
Purchasing ballistic shields
Applying for a grants for purchasing rifle-resistant vests, purchasing records management system hardware and software, and hiring firefighters
Provision of an update on a utility rate study and upcoming public forum; and
Executive session regarding and taking action on economic development and board appointments.
The meeting includes a public comment where interested citizens may speak before the commission. Click here to view the full agenda packet.