Council meets to discuss progress
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Kilgore City Council is slated to hear from Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt about the proposed Gregg County Coliseum, a multipurpose venue that will seat 7,000 people for concerts and special events.

The plans were set in motion by a Longview initiative and supported by the mayors of incorporated cities in Gregg County. Stoudt said his purpose Tuesday is not only to talk, but to listen as well.

"We need to talk about where we started and where we stand," Stoudt said. "I want input; good, bad and indifferent, so we remain clear and open."

At the same meeting Amanda Nobles, director Kilgore Economic Development Corporation, is set to unveil the corporation's Mid-Year Report.

Under the consent agenda, council is expected to approve a Sheriff 's Sale deed on property located at 1807 Walnut to a Harold Johnson in the amount of $2,000.

Under action items council is prepared to see a presentation of the downtown streetscape concept by Mike Burns, of KSA Engineers and Shelley Potter, of Shelly Potter's Designs and authorize to proceed with the streetscape project. The project will renovate sidewalks in the Mainstreet district.

Council is also asked to approve a work order for an engineering agreement with KSA for a study to determine appropriate erosion control improvements to the Crescent Street drainage channel, in the amount of $5,000.

Council will also view a presentation of final plans for the Fire Station 2 apparatus building, by Jim Hugman, of Hugman Architects and provide authorization to proceed to bid.

In other business council is expected to adopt Ordinance 1374 approving the change in zoning from "A" Apartment District to "R-3" Single-Family Residential District on Lots 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Block 2 of Meadowgreen Village Unit 1, Lots 11 and 12 of Block 1 of the Meadowgreen Village Unit 1, and Tract 11 of the Henry Wells Survey A-222 and change the zoning from "LR-4" Local Retail 4 to "R-3" Single-Family Residential District on Tract 11-01 in the Henry Wells Survey A-222 and Lot 3 of Block 1 of the Meadowgreen Village Unit 1 to allow the development of single family homes.

Council will discuss city contractual mowing, creek maintenance and possible approval of Kilgore Historic Preservation Foundation's request for additional funding in the amount of $15,000 for additional routine and recent storm damage repairs to 52 derricks under their care.

Council will also consider rescinding action taken in February, approving forgiveness of a Promissory Note from Laird Memorial Hospital to the City dated March 1, 2003 in the original principal amount of $563,106.17; reconciled and amended March 1, 2004 adding $211,221.72 for a total of $774,327.89; and possibly approve forgiveness of a portion of the Promissory Note identified above in the amount of $374,327.89.