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Weimar City Council appointed Rex Kloesel as the Place 4 Council position, received an update on the dirty water and heard citizens’ concerns about the development of the Texas Film Corridor during its meeting, Thursday, Aug. 14.
New council member
The council received numerous suggestions for its newest councilmember to replace Mayor Carlton Tucker’s former seat. Kloesel nominated himself for the position, and Councilman Kyle Christen motioned for his appointment.
“I feel that during this time of change and uncertainty, it would be helpful to have someone with council experience to fill the open seat until the next election,” Kloesel said. “I served on this council for 10 years and have a decent understanding of how the city operates and the challenges it faces. I would be interested in filling that spot to bring some stability to the council, and [I] feel I can be a reliable resource as the city navigates some of the problems that are currently on its plate.”
Kloesel’s last tenure on the council ended in May 2019. Kloesel, a Weimar native, currently serves as the president of M-G, which runs a feed mill and farm service center, and as a board director at Columbus State Bank.
The motion passed with three in favor and one abstaining. Kloesel will take his oath of office at the next council meeting, Thursday, Aug. 21, at 5:30 p.m.
Dirty water update
Dixson reported that since Aug. 1, the city has only received one complaint regarding dirty water. He said that the water looping of the dead end looks to be working. Dixson then showcased dirty and filtered water samples from Columbus to demonstrate the effects of a filter for the water system. Dixson said that Columbus’ filter costs around $1.5 million.
“That sounds like a lot of money, but look at the water quality you’ll be getting. It’s a huge difference. It may be worth the cost. We are trying to find the funds to pay for this right now,” Dixson said.
Dixson said the city received a statement from BEFCO Engineering that itemizes the replacement of all of the metal water pipes with PVC. BEFCO partner and Weimar native Chad Emmel explained numerous factors, like phasing and locations, that would affect the progress and cost of both the water line replacement and the installation of filters. He said that biggest obstacle for the city will be funding.
“It’s largely dependent on the size. If we are talking about trying to tackle the entire multi-million-dollar project, between survey, design, construction, bidding and contracts, realistically, you’re not putting a shovel in the ground until the first quarter of 2027,” Emmel said.
The agenda for the next council meeting on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 5:30 p.m. includes discussion on BEFCO’s proposal to survey all non-PVC water lines and a distribution system for a cost up to $20,000.
Film development
Dixson addressed public comments from citizens Angela Weed and April McLinica about the Texas Film Corridor. Dixson clarified that the city does not have a contract nor agreement with the Texas Film Corridor for the company’s development. He said that the developers have not decided on a location yet and that their funding is still six to eight weeks out for signing a contract for the funding.
“No contracts have been signed. I would have been the one to sign them,” Dixson said. “The city has not made any offers to the developer. The developer will need to provide the desired infrastructure for the site.”
Weed said she heard about the company’s plans for development in neighboring newspapers. A previous article in the Colorado County Citizen reported on Texas Film Corridor’s press release that announced a partnership with Weimar. Former Mayor Milton Koller declined to comment or provide further details at the time, leaving the legitimacy and legality of a partnership unclear. Weed voiced numerous concerns about the development and business’ effects on Weimar and its citizens, including possible strain on the city’s resources, the origin of funding and the possible closures of businesses and streets for construction and filming.
“I am against the Texas Film Corridor building a larger facility near Weimar. I do not see the large-scale benefits for our future. If a film company wants to come film in Weimar, I invite them to see what we have to offer, but I do not believe in a large-scale film industry,” Weed said. “…With such a large project affecting so many facets of our community, I feel the council needs to make sure that community voices are heard.”
Dixson said that the council will include updates in future agendas because the council will have to vote on relevant actions.
