Council interviews GHFC board candidates – Interviews were conducted for a spot left vacant on the GHFC Board by the resignation of Ed Jackson. The candidates interviewed were Morrison Dale Adams and J. Christopher Luna. Adams was selected for the board seat. The term is six years.
Dean International Update – Russell Schaffner of Dean International updated Mayor Douglas Athas and the City Council members on the status of the IH-635 East project which consists of eleven miles of IH-635 between US 75 and IH-30. It is a $2.3 billion project and the biggest issue is how to fund it.
The project is a reconstruction of the existing roadway with enhancements including: Continuous frontage roads; enhanced access; aesthetic enhancements; continuous concurrent 2+2 managed lanes; reconfiguration of main lanes; construction of noise walls; TIFIA loan; federal control of access issues; no higher, no wider; and comprehensive development agreement authorization in 84th legislative session.
The project has the support of Congressman Pete Sessions, Congressman Jeb Hensarling, Senator Bob Hall, Senator Don Huffines, Senator Van Taylor and State Representatives Linda Koop, Jason Villalba, Angie Chen Button, Kenneth Sheets, Cindy Burkett.
Council receives thoroughfare plan update – Garland’s Director of Transportation Paul Luedtke presented a thoroughfare plan update. The plan addresses improved roadway capacity, improved network connectivity, new roadways and roadway extensions. The plan also includes a citywide bike route.
Potential changes for Holford Road, Glenbrook Drive, Highway 78, Naaman School Road, Leon Road & Marketplace Road extension and LaPrada Road are part of the plan. In addition, it also addresses converting Avenues B and D to two-way streets.
Council approves city manager contract for Bryan Bradford – Council voted unanimously to enter into a contract with Bryan Bradford to take over the position as city manager effective May 1. Bill Dollar will continue his employment until May 31 which will provide a transition period.
Bradford expressed his appreciation for their confidence in his ability.
“I’m truly honored and I’m humbled that you’ve given me this opportunity,” Bradford said. “And I look very, very forward to working here with you very close in the future for the betterment of Garland. I could not have asked for a better council to work with – one that has a clear vision of where they want to go and what they want to do for this community.”