During Tuesday afternoon’s meeting, the Brownwood City Council unanimously approved the reconstruction of the Coggin Park walking trail, with a bid of $139,325 awarded to Ribble Concrete.

The 2022-2023 budget included funds for the reconstruction of the Coggin Park walking trail as a Council priority project. City staff developed a plan and specs for the reconstruction project and accepted bids beginning June 1. Bids were opened on Thursday, June 22.

Under this proposal, a new 8-foot wide, concrete sidewalk will be constructed to replace the existing walking trail components on the approved route. City staff will demolish the existing walking trail before the contractor begins construction of the new trail. This project is part of an overall capital improvement project in Coggin Park that also includes the renovation of the tennis courts.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council approved and second and third and final reading an ordinance Consider an ordinance on the second and third/final reading for a request to change the zoning classification of Abstract 576, Survey 278, Blocks 18 and 19, Kerr County School Land, 15.08 acres, located between the boundary roads of Mustang Drive and Sam Houston Drive; Horseshoe Trail and Longhorn Lane; from R-1 Single Family Residential District to R-2 Two Family Residential District.

This action opens the door for the potential construction of more than 100 high-end rentable duplexes. At the June 13 Council meeting, The Preserve at Mustang Ridge made a presentation regarding its desire to develop and construct 108 high-end rentable duplexes in 54 units on the property.

The project had received opposition from residents in the vicinity, including they did not want two-story houses built that could look into their backyards on Duckhorn; they did not want the increased traffic; they liked the undeveloped area as it is scenic and quiet; and they felt they would no longer be able to let their children play safely in their yards. No one was present at the meeting to voice opposition prior to the vote.

Also Tuesday, the Council authorized the use of reserve funds from the Senior Citizen’s Center fund for the purchase of chairs and exterior signage for the Senior Citizen’s Center following its recent new additions. The estimated cost for both items is $9,200.

The City Council also authorized the City Manager to sign an amendment to the contract for the Health and Human Services Commission. The documents that need to be signed are certifying that past paperwork is correct and updating information on the two new council members since completing the previous paperwork in March of 2021.