A resolution was approved at Tuesday’s city council meeting that authorizes Mayor Stephen Haynes to amend a landscape agreement with Texas Department of Transportation which will add the letters “Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza” to the decorative brick at the southeast corner of West Commerce Street at West Austin Avenue.

The property belongs to TxDOT so the landscape agreement has to be amended.   City Manager Bobby Rountree explained that the lettering would be similar to the lettering at Howard Payne University on the corner of Austin and Main Street and would cost approximately $1500.

Rountree recounted the history of King:

He devoted his life to strengthening the content of American character and called on our Nation to live up to its founding principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all of its citizens.  Dr. King died leading one of the greatest movements of equality and freedom in history before being assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, TN.  Many communities have honored his legacy by naming a street, park, building, etc. after him,” said Rountree.  I recommend the City of Brownwood honor Dr.  King’s legacy by naming the landscaped area located on the southeast corner of West Commerce Street at West Austin Avenue as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza.

Mayor Stephen Haynes pointed out that for the first time the City of Brownwood recognized Martin Luther King Day for the first time this year.

“I think that it is fitting that we have some place designated for Dr. King.  Many people, of course, realize that not only was he instrumental in the civil rights movements that led to the deliberations in that particular area, but he was really instrumental influencing and showing people how to change the law.

Carol Spratt (pictured above) and Marilyn Barron were introduced by Councilman Draco Miller who recognized them for being present for this occasion and then asked the ladies to say a few words.

Spratt stated that this was an action “long, long overdue” and recounted a previous city council turning down naming the Austin Avenue overpass after Dr. King.

“ I hope that it will be a beautiful area that is kept up very well,” stated Spratt.

“It really moves me because his accomplishments and everything he has done was not only for African Americans, but for everyone,” stated Barron. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for what you have done to honor this man.”

Rountree stated that once the lettering is in place, there will be a dedication ceremony.

In other matters on the agenda:

*Howard Payne students, Rachel Spencer and Charles Manning spoke to the council regarding the importance of breastfeeding and received a proclamation of May as Breastfeeding Awareness Month from Mayor Haynes.    Rountree stated that the City of Brownwood is working toward being a mother friendly workplace, allowing mothers to breastfeed at work in a private place.

*A resolution on second and third/final readings establishing no parking along both sides of Trapp Street from North Fisk to Riverside Drive was approved.  Trapp Street is only 33 feet wide, which makes it difficult for motorists pulling trailers to turn, having to make more than a 90 degree turn, when other vehicles are parked along Trapp Street.  Brownwood Water Improvement District employees frequently haul equipment or supplies on trailers along Trapp Street.  Fines for violating the no parking zone can be up to $500.

*Financial Director Walter Middleton presented the Budgetary Control Report for the first six months (ending March 31, 2011) of the current fiscal year and reported that financially the city has received 59% of the projected revenue for the fiscal year but it is down in across the board in other areas.  This period included collection of most of the city’s ad valorem taxes and was during the winter months that have less activity than the summer months.  Water sales are up by 112 units due to the drought and no rain.  Middleton cautioned that this increase could easily change with rain, stating the income received on water sales could be decreased significantly.  Very low interest rates on investments of the City were also discussed.

HPU students along with their instructor Vann Stewart holding proclamation.