11 Semifinalists Selected As La Grange Tries Again To Find New City Manager
Published: Fri, 11/17/23
11 Semifinalists Selected As La Grange Tries Again To Find New City Manager
The Fayette County RecordBy ANDY BEHLEN, The Fayette County Record
November 17, 2023
The La Grange City Council selected 11 semifinalists for the vacant City Manager position at their meeting on Monday, Nov. 13.
The Council met in an executive session Monday to review the applications. Interim City Manager Frank Menefee said 33 people applied for the job. Council narrowed the field to 11. The Council will conduct virtual interviews with those 11 before selecting a smaller group of finalists.
Menefee said the selection process may last until March or April before the Council picks the new City Manager.
In other business, Council granted final approval for a subdivide request from Matt and Jennifer Harper at 293 S. College St. The Harpers wish to divide the 0.92 acre lot into three tracts. An existing home will occupy one of the tracts. The two new tracts will be created for residential development. All of the new lots meet City requirements.
The City sent out 16 letters to property owners within 200 feet of the address asking the owners if they are in favor or opposed to the subdivision. Three letters were returned in favor of the request and four letters were against. Nine letters were not returned.
Council approved the request with a 7-1 vote. Councilwoman Kim Newton, who lives across the street, cast the dissenting vote. Council also granted final approval for a subdivide request from Richard Dunk for 4.5 acres of property located on Old Plum Highway. A small portion of the property lies within the city limits, and the remainder lies within the City’s extra-territorial jurisdiction. The land will be divided into four 1.1 acre tracts for residential development. The City sent out seven letters to property owners within 200 feet of the address. One letter was returned in favor of the request and six letters were not returned. Council approved the request unanimously.
The Council also voted unanimously to cancel the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
Also at the meeting, Menefee reported that the City recently hired Emily Hudson as the Director of the La Grange Economic Development Corporation. He said the City is also looking to fill an open position in the Water Department. In addition, he reported that the City has applied for $4.5 million in hazard mitigation grant funding from the Texas General Land Office. These grant funds are part of the State’s Hurricane Harvey mitigation efforts. He said the City has identified five drainage projects that could be completed with the funding.