Council preps for 2 motels

mikeperry@alpineavalanche.com

Two new motels representing major chains appear to be in Alpine's future, according to discussions at Tuesday night's Alpine City Council meeting.

It has been general knowledge that plans for a Hampton Inn were proceeding. In fact, the council even had an agenda item to "authorize the city manager to apply for [grant money] for infrastructure improvements for Hampton Inn."

When that agenda item came up for discussion, City Manager Chuy Garcia asked that it be postponed until the next council meeting.

The postponement was needed, he said, because the city staff had just received new information that the developer of the project also wants to put in a Holiday Inn Express.

The two motels, Garcia said, would be in the general area across from the storage company on U.S. 90 just west of the city limits.

The council granted Garcia's request for postponement.

In one of their more congenial - and short - meetings, council members wasted little time in approving a $10,000 donation to the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, scheduled for its 22nd edition, Feb. 29-March 2, on the Sul Ross campus.

Bill Brooks, Poetry Gathering board member, told the board that the event relies exclusively on donations. He pointed out that the $11,000 normally donated by the local chamber and development board was no longer available. That money, the chamber has said, is mandated to be spent only on advertising events.

The only agenda item that seemed to cause a ripple of consternation concerned GIS (mapping) proposals.

Some mapping of the city's infrastructure had been done but the contract with that individual had been canceled. Now, the council is trying to decide to do with the information that was gathered - and what still needs to be done.

At the risk of oversimplication, the council's discussion seemed to come down to these basic facts:

No one seems to know exactly what was done or how to actually get to the information.

Alternatives, at least in council members' minds, are unclear.

In fact, Councilman Gerald Raun, obviously frustrated, said, "I feel like I'm walking around in thick pea soup. We seem to have no idea what we're talking about."

The entire matter, he said, was unclear to the extreme. "We need specifics and options," he said. Raun made a motion, which passed, asking the city staff to prepare a complete explanation, with recommendations and options.

No one questioned the need for precise mapping. Everyone, however, seemed unclear on what has been and what needs to be done.

The council also may also have taken the first steps in bringing to reality the long-delayed new animal shelter.

Councilman Avinash Rangra asked the council and city to consider acquiring land just west of town - near the Sul Ross animal range science facilities - from the Texas Government Land Office.

Everyone on the council seemed to agree that the land was perfect for the project.

Glen Ramsdale, with the local Humane Society, said his group was ecstatic about the proposal.

The upshot is that the new animal shelter could be a reality within 1 to 2 years.

In other action, the council:

€ Approved $7,500 for repairs at the Sunshine House

€ Authorized the city to send a letter to Paragon Construction, reminding the company of contract and deadline requirements on the Centennial restroom project.

€ Waived a fee for the Civic Center for the AHS prom.

Hello, I'll be your waitperson tonight.

Ashley Tandy, daughter of David Tandy, the Sul Ross Lady Lobos head coach, is ready with a tray of energy drinks as players take a timeout Saturday. Ashley is a regular at her dad's home games. Looking on is assistant coach Rockland Owens.

Countdown to the Poetry Gathering

In five weeks, thousands will gather for a slice of our heritage

Council preps for 2 motels

mikeperry@alpineavalanche.com