Minutes of March 17, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting at Heritage Hall, 7:00 PM. The Merkel City Council met for a Regular City Council Meeting on March 17, 2025, at Heritage Hall, 7:00 PM. Mayor Schrampfer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced a quorum present. Council members present were Elaine Chaney, Collin Jacobs, and Matthew Riggan. Brady Rutiedge and Rode McEireath were absent. Prayer led by Collin Jacobs. Mayor Schrampfer led the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge. Citizens were given an opportunity to comment. Elaine Chaney motioned to approve the minutes of February 24, 2025, and February 25, 2025, Called City Council Meetings. Collin Jacobs seconded the motion. Approved 3-0. The council discussed the staff reports. Kris Hester reported on the grants the Fire Department will be receiving to help pay for the bunker gear. The council discussed the EDC report on the progress of the locker plant lot purchase by the TFS, the status of the Motel/Restaurant lot demolition, and the Façade Grant program. Public Works Director Russell discussed infrastructure updates to be made and possible projects with the local RV parks. Chief Conklin gave the results of the CJIS audit with the corrections needed to be made for compliance. Chief Conklin presented the 2024 City of Merkel Crime Statistics and Racial Profiling Report. Motion was made by Collin Jacobs to approve the request to waive the accrued payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) in the amount of $14,971.94 from the Housing Authority of the City of Merkel. Elaine Chaney seconded the motion. Approved 3-0. Mayor Schrampfer opened a Public Hearing on Ordinance 03-17-2025 to solicit input on a petition changing the zoning use designation of the property described as a 3.18 acre tract out of Lots 26 and 30 ofthe Subdivision of Grimes County School Land, Town of Merkel, Taylor County, Texas be rezoned from Agricultural Open Space District (AO) to Commercial (C-2) at 8:16 PM. Mr. Soto spoke about the property location, flood corrections and possible retail options. The public hearing closed at 8:21 PM. Motion to approve Ordinance 03-17-2025 an Ordinance of the City of Merkel, Texas changing the zoning use designation of the property described as a 3.18 acre tract out of lots 26 and 30 oft the Subdivision of Grimes County School Land, Town of Merkel, Taylor county, Texas be rezoned from Agricultural Open Space District (AO) to Commercial (C-2); amending the zoning district map for the city to reflect such change; and adopting the zoning district map SO amended was made by Elaine Chaney and seconded by Matthew Riggan. Approved 3-0. Collin Jacobs motioned to adjourn and was seconded by Matthew Riggan. Approved 3-0. Meeting Adjourned at 8:23 PM. - - Belyme Man 5 Evelyn / ehonpke Morsé, City Secretary Maly Scprampfer, Mayor