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EAGLE LAKE — The Eagle Lake City Council approved the GOGov citizen notification software during its July 14 meeting following a lengthy discussion over the program’s cost and data security.
The software allows the city to send emergency alerts, service updates, and other notifications directly to residents.
Alderman Amy Maxwell said the system was both “robust” and affordable, costing the city about $4,300 annually for approximately 800 notifications.
Mayor Anthony Johnson questioned whether the software was necessary, expressing concerns about protecting sensitive city and resident information.
“I don’t think it’s necessary,” Johnson said. “Technology grows, but I feel like it could be dangerous.”
Johnson also pointed to the city’s existing Beacon program, which residents and businesses use to monitor water usage at no cost to the city.
“We can use that money for something else,” Johnson said.
It was unknown if Beacon could be used for more than water usage information.
Following the discussion, the council unanimously approved the purchase. Johnson voiced his opposition, but under Eagle Lake’s council-manager form of government, the mayor is not a regular voting member and does not cast a vote on council business.
Quikrete expansion
Following a public hearing, the Eagle Lake City Council approved Quikrete’s request to rezone a residential property to industrial, allowing the company to expand its local operation.
City Manager Tink Jackson said the expansion will allow Quikrete to mix concrete in Eagle Lake rather than relying on its Rosenberg facility.
Alderman Billy Sosa asked how the city would benefit from the project.
Jackson said the expansion could create additional jobs, lower concrete prices locally and increase the city’s property tax revenue.
In other council action
Eagle Lake resident Gil James expressed concern to the council about dilapidated buildings in the downtown district. James said issues including rodents, broken window glass and water damage from other buildings have been problematic for him at his property. Mayor Anthony Johnson apologized to James on behalf of the city.
Isley Edwards was named to the Board of Adjustments by Mayor Johnson. The board still has a vacancy to fill.
Mayor Anthony Johnson praised city employees for their work to get the pool open for the summer season.
