Things have been slow going into the summer (as you can tell from the dearth of posts here).  With Cub Scouts winding down hopefully I'll have a bit more time.  Here are the high points up for discussion tomorrow.

1-   Update of the DCTA Rail project.  I've been hearing that the board of DCTA is reviewing the opening of the rail line; scheduled for this November/December, and might postpone the opening until the Med Park station is opened in early 2011.  Med Park is anticipated to generate a large amount of ridership, and with it revenues.  Opening before Med Park is online could be an inefficient use of tax dollars.  As much as I'd like the rail to be open tomorrow, I expect to see it delayed a bit in the interest of maximizing ridership and revenues.

2-   Election of Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem.  While these titles are primarily so there is a 'chain of command' should the mayor not be available, occasionally you see these positions used as ways to bolster the resumes of the council members who are up for re-election.  That has not seemed to be the case for Lewisville historically.  I'd imagine we'd see Councilman Durham elevated to Mayor Pro Tem, Tierney to Deputy, with Watts rolling out of the current cycle.  Tierney has the longest time since he was last in the 'pro tem' with Thornhill after.  Gorena would be unlikely due to his tenure.

3-   Zoning change from Agricultural Open Space and Light Industrial space to Public Use for a 78 acre space West of Railroad and North of Bennett Ln.  This is for the new DCTA maintenance facility for the rail line.  They are also requesting several variances including a screening burm with trees instead of a wall, reduce the number of required parking spaces, pave over a water line, reduce the amount of brick veneer required, and to have a temporary building.

4-   Zoning change from Agricultural Open Space to Light Industrial on 2.5 acres at Holfords Prairie and Midway to expand a current auto auction facility.  The buyer is an organization called the Van Tuyl Group who are one of the largest automotive retail management companies in the country.  The author has even trained about 30 of their service department execs.  Solid company, good growth, and hopefully a strong civic partner with Lewisville.

5-  Approval of a Tax Abatement for Jafra Cosmetics International for a distribution center in the Majestic Airport Center.  The abatement will provide for a 75% abatement of taxes for 5 years on building improvements and business personal property owned by Jafra.  This should be interesting with Councilman Gorena's stance on abatements as well as his history with business personal property.  We'll see if he votes against it or if he continues to vote with the majority on abatements.

6-   Sludge handling contract.  'Nuf said.

7-   Clarification of a contract with the Denton County Fresh Water Supply District to ensure the City will pay no costs associated with collection and enforcement of fees.

8-  Approval of acceptance of a $25,000 donation for an upright piano for the new arts center.  This is a grant from the M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation.

9-  Renewal of a contract for delinquent tax collection with the law firm of Sawko & Burroughs.   All attorney fees for collection are paid 100% by the delinquent taxpayer.

10-  Acceptance of a Homeland Security Grant of $193,708.15.   This will go to enhance security at the Lewisville Lake Dam against terrorist use of a WMD.

11-   Hebron 121 Station mixed use development is asking for variances (this is the Huffines development).  They would like palm trees as approved landscaping trees (which aren't in the current city list).  There will be a replacement escrow for when these trees die.  Use of brick pavers instead of concrete for medians and sidewalks, and a bond for public improvement funds instead of a cash set aside.

12-  Review of board appointments as several terms will be expiring. Setting up the appointment committee and presenting a list of interested citizens.

I'll be liveblogging.  If you have any questions let me know and I'll see that they're asked.