The Unified Government Board of Commissioners held a streamlined meeting Thursday evening, Jan. 8, approving changes to meeting procedures and addressing several planning and zoning matters.
The commission unanimously approved an ordinance changing the start time for future meetings from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., beginning in February. The new rules also move the deadline for agenda items from Tuesday to Friday before each meeting.
“I commend you for this action,” District 2 Commissioner Bill Burns told Mayor Christal Watson. “I think it’s only good for the commission and especially for the public, that we don’t need to be sitting here until the next day to get business done.”
The meeting moved briskly through a slate of mostly non-controversial zoning matters, and Mayor Watson noted the brevity of the evening’s business, remarking “Is this a record? This is a record,” before entertaining a motion to adjourn after approximately 40 minutes.
Used car lot proposal delayed
The commission voted 9-1 to send a proposed special use permit for a used car lot back for further review. The application from Jaime Garcia sought permission to operate an automobile sales business on North 7th Street.
Despite 7-0 approval from the Planning Commission, the application was opposed by former commissioner Gayle Townsend, who submitted a written objection to the permit, arguing it would conflict with ongoing residential development in the area. Townsend specifically cited the Tremont Project, a residential development underway just north of the proposed location.
However, UG planner Osiris Nuñez noted that the car lot is a relatively light use for the land, which is zoned as industrial.
Commissioner Jermaine Howard (District 1) requested the item be sent back for further discussion. “We want to make sure that collectively…that we’re putting businesses there that [are] cohesive with the Northeast Master Plan,” Howard said.
Planning & Zoning approvals
The commission approved the remainder of the Planning and Zoning consent agenda, which included:
- A change of zone for sheep grazing on Oak Grove Road
- Special use permits for a drinking establishment with live entertainment (La Machaea Sports Bar), a tire repair shop (Boss Juanito Tire), and renewals for two short-term rentals
- Preliminary plan review for a new Silver City/Argentine Elementary/Middle School
Buc-ee’s project moves ahead
The commission unanimously approved a redevelopment project plan conformance finding for the Buc-ee’s Family Travel Center Redevelopment District. KCK resident Scott Harding requested that the item be pulled from the consent agenda for a separate vote.
Harding raised concerns about sales tax revenue, but Commissioner Christian Ramirez (District 3) clarified the vote was “just a housekeeping matter” confirming conformance with the area plan, not approval of any new development.
Board appointments
The commission approved two Watson-submitted appointments to the Quindaro Ruins Archaeological Park Task Force. Broderick Henderson and Gordon Criswell will serve on the panel with terms through June 2026.
Executive session
The commission met in a closed session at 5:30 p.m. before the scheduled meeting. The published announcement noted it was for discussion with counsel regarding litigation, but no specifics were provided.