Bray
The Lufkin Daily News
By VALERIE REDDELL/The Lufkin Daily News
July 19, 2023
Lufkin Mayor Mark Hicks announced the hiring of Brian Bray as the new assistant city manager as he opened Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Bray’s hiring fills a position that has been vacant since city manager Kevin Gee was tapped for his current position in August 2022.
Gee joined the staff of the city of Lufkin as director of Engineering Services and assistant city manager after 15 years with Goodwin Lassiter Strong. Gee didn’t stay in the post long before Bruce Green announced his retirement, and Gee was named to Green’s post, initially as interim city manager.
Bray has worked for the city of Nacogdoches since 2003. He originally served as the historic sites manager for our neighbors north of the river.
In 2012, city leaders created the director of community services position and installed Bray. He supervised the parks and recreation, historic sites, cemetery and library departments. The community services director also is the historic preservation officer for the city that bills itself as the Oldest Town in Texas.
Bray’s first day with the city of Lufkin is July 31.
Lufkin City Council voted to award a contract for a storm sewer improvement project to Timberline Constructors Inc., the low bidder for the project.
After a public hearing that drew no comments, the council approved a zoning change of property at 1404 W. Frank Ave. at the owner’s request.
Gee said the “neighborhood business” designation limited the hours that Dr. Mark Roberts’ office could be open. Changing the zoning to “local business” removes the concerns that limited future development at the .946-acre site.
Adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code also won unanimous approval after no one voiced concerns during a public hearing.
Gee said the state of Texas would officially adopt the 2023 code Sept. 1, and the new ordinance will take effect on the same date.
Consent agenda items were approved without discussion, including:
■ Approved a budget amendment to appropriate funding for Phase 1 improvements to Morris Frank Park.
■ Accepted funding from the CenterPoint Energy Safety Program for the Lufkin Police Department. The $2,500 grant will be used to purchase forward looking infrared cameras for patrol vehicles. In a memo to Gee, police chief David Thomas said the cameras are for use in search and rescue operations.
■ Accepted grant funding for the Lufkin Fire Department from the Koch Foundation and CenterPoint Energy and approval on first reading of an ordinance authorizing an amendment to the 2022-23 operating budget.
Fire Chief Jesse Moody told the mayor, city manager and council members that the $10,000 grant would be used toward the purchase of multi-gas detectors for the fire department.
■ Accepted a $9,330.22 grant from Lockheed Martin to Kurth Memorial Animal Shelter to be used to offset expenses for veterinary care.