Well, both were defeated. The most recent was defeated for some pretty bizarre reasons, one of which was an inquiry from some phantom credit card service company that nobody could remember anything about. The other reasons seemed to be collectively assembled and identified as anti-Rowlett 2020, or I just don't want to. With such facts, how could anyone go wrong?
Well, it looks like the Rowlett Zoning Department is double dipping. The developer wants to try P&Z again. Of course, the Staff is dutifully recommending denial of the request again to P&Z. They cite pretty much the same reason(s). Once again, the consultants are going into Executive Session to discuss the request for zoning change. Be assured, the consultants will resist the zoning request. Once again, the taxpayers and citizens are frozen out of the picture. You will be told what is wanted that you be told. Below is copied from the tonight's agenda. Citizens, you will have no say in the future of your tax base. The tax rate is a little less arbitrary and must be set to pay the city's bills, but the tax base is something that every citizen should have a say, or at least be informed about. Tonight, they are talking about tax base.
"AGENDA DATE: 03/27/14 AGENDA ITEM: 2ATITLE The City Council shall convene into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code, §551.087 (Economic Development) and §551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) to receive legal advice from the City Attorney and to discuss the North Shore Master Plan in relation to a proposed rezoning request generally located at 7400 and 7600 Liberty Grove Road. (30 minutes) "
This same procedure was utilized in the other, more recent (Nov. 19, 2013) City Council meeting whereby zoning was denied. The consultants showed up for the Executive Session then, also. Citizens didn't. Wasn't invited. Then, the dog and pony show began.
The city council reconvened for the public session. Three of the seven voters had something to say. Four on council never made a peep. Nada. The vote was taken and the request failed.
It took a few weeks for the light bulb to come on. I believe the dog and pony show held for the public was scripted. It was an orchestration. The mayor made some neutral comments, Chris Kilgore made some comments "for" the rezoning, and Carl Pankratz made some comments "against" the rezoning.......very "balanced"..........then, the vote was taken. Request failed.
The citizens were fed what was wanted. You were aced out. You will be again tonight. A marketing consultant from Denver will tell you tonight what it is thought you need to know about your city.
You people HAVE to get involved. It doesn't matter that you agree with me. It only matters that you know WHY you do or don't.