Life in the fast lane...

Things are changing.

Part of me acknowledges the fact that people don't like change. Well, most normal people don't like change. It is upsetting to see things that were one way morph to become something new. Some changes are more welcome than others - the Park will be a very nice addition to the City's landscape, and the Sonic seems to be pretty popular. Others, conversely, are not as welcome - the addition of the apartment complex south of the Thrif-Tee seems to be unpopular. I have written about my personal feelings on that, so I won't beat that proverbial dead horse.

Some changes people would like to see. A major grocery store out our way would be nice, and some nice restaurants would be welcome also. Ironically, while these things may be popular they will never happen unless the local population reaches a sufficient level to justify them. So the apartments may actually help in our reach for some of the other amenities.

The sign ordinance was changed last night. We have a pretty strict sign ordinance in the City, one that is robust while being fair. People have a right to put up signs to promote their businesses, and the City's ability to restrict what the signs actually say is limited under the first amendment rights of free speech guaranteed by the Constitution. That's fine - the City doesn't want to get involved with that kind of regulation anyway. But the size of the signs, the number of signs on a property, etc - yes, we are interested in seeing that things are kept clean and orderly, with little distraction to drivers while still allowing businesses to conduct their business...

One of the things that we have seen more of is a desire to incorporate LED technology into signs via electronic reader boards. Early reader boards that were seen around the City, and the only ones legal under the previous ordinance, were the old-fashioned hard plastic style movable letter type of signs. These are cumbersome to maintain, difficult to change the copy, and susceptible to weather damage and vandalism. The City has granted several variances for reader panels in the past, so the time seemed ripe to change the ordinance to allow them.

I have a copy of the new changes to the ordinance if you would like to see them.

The point is that this is the democratic process at work. It was not a slam-dunk deal: there was a pretty good debate for some time last night. But in the end, the majority voted for the revisions to the ordinance. It proves that the process works as it is supposed to.

Nothing is static. Everything is in constant motion and flux. As the ancient Greek philosopher said - you cannot step into the same stream twice.

Variance Update

The meeting went well last night - much more quickly that I anticipated. After listening patiently to my presentation and the comments of the public, the Board of Adjustment deliberated long enough to realize that they were all in favor of the proposal and voted accordingly.

So that's it. The applicants will be able to use their slab and build their building. The building will still be a noncomplying structure, but now they will be legally allowed to finish it up.

All in all, a good exercise. This is the way the process is supposed to work. It may be frustrating for the applicants, but it is good for the community and the rule of law is ultimately stronger because of it. I hope that all such decisions are as easily reached as the one was last night.

Thank you to everyone involved. It's great to be able to meet and work with fine people like you.

Another beautiful day!

I realize I haven't posted much recently. I have been working on several things that have taken a lot of my time.

Tonight at 6:30 PM there will be a hearing by the Board of Adjustment regarding a variance request. There is a couple here in town who would like to have a variance to the setback requirement and place an accessory building five feet from their property line - both rear and side. I know that most people won't care about this kind of thing, but the law is clear and requires a 25' rear and 10' side setback. Hence the variance request.

The Board of Adjustment is an interesting thing - it is a quasi-judicial body, interpreting the law and how strictly it should be adhered to. It is interesting that we haven't convened a Board of Adjustment here in the City in my time here - two weeks shy of two years - and that several of the Board members had forgotten they were even on the Board. One even moved! So we had to get in touch with everyone and make sure they were going to be here. We had to appoint two new members, but we are going to be able to have a full quorum.

Some communities have a regularly scheduled Board of Adjustment. They meet once or twice a month and hear items for discussion. Since we are a relatively small community, we don't run into this kind of thing very often. That speaks not only to the size of our community but also to the strength of our laws. Our laws are good - flexible enough to provide for real development to take place, but strong enough to ensure the quality of life that we desire. It's also a sign of the relationship we have built with developers over the course of these ordinance modifications is strong and workable. All of these things are very positive for the community and City staff. It makes our jobs very easy when we have this kind of relationship.

I hope some of you will be able to make it.

Pencils - check; paper - check; school busses - check; teachers - check...

I love this time of year.

I have always loved school. Now with two young children in school I get to appreciate from a different vantage point. I don't have the overwhelming feeling of anxiety and nervousness that comes from having to go through a new school year. But there's something in the air that is almost palpable.... It's exciting and fresh and new, like freshly mowed grass or sharpened pencils or dusty chalk boards (they don't use chalkboards anymore, do they?) or that school bus smell - you know what I mean: sweaty vinyl and diesel...

I have written before about what our school district does for our community. We are justifiably proud of our schools. Our students excel in everything from academics to athletics to fine arts. It is astounding that a small rural community in south east Texas can create such an environment.

Much credit goes to the school administration. They do a lot to make sure that the community has a chance to stay involved. They also distribute information via the school kids that otherwise would not get around. All in all, the positive environment is one in which professionals and students can achieve their full potential.

Credit is also due, of course, to the teachers. Without the teachers there would be no school. The teachers I have met are second to none in their professionalism, integrity, and passion for teaching. They genuinely love the work they do and the students they teach. This is manifest in so many ways, from a kind word to recognition of hard work to concern for those who are not measuring up... Countless acts of unsung heroism takes place each and everyday. We have all been touched by this kind of teacher - and our lives are truly blessed because of their efforts.

In addition to those whom we regularly consider when thinking about schools, there is an entire army of people who work behind the scenes to make sure everything happens without a hitch. From the guy mowing the lawn to the custodian shining the floor to the bus driver who gets up before dawn to make sure the students are delivered on time, these dedicated individuals make our schools function smoothly, efficiently, and foster an environment where great things can happen.

Because happen they do. And were it not for the diligent efforts of all of these folks working in concert they would not happen the way they do.

So my hat's off you you all today - and every day - for the work you all do. Thank you!