PAYNE SPRINGS–Payne Springs City Council heard a June 21 presentation about development plans in the vicinity of the State Highway 198 intersection with County Road 2531 (Clear Creek Road).
Council learned that Logan Graff and Kelley Meeker are in partnership to build boat, RV, covered, self and open storage on the back portion of the 14-acre tract, with future plans to build retail space at the front two acres along the highway. Graff said that part could feature a gas station, car wash or a retail store.
“I agree there’s a lot of storage units around here,” Graff said. “Our goal is to be one that stands out from the rest.”
Graff said the storage facilities should be “fully open and fully built out” by late 2023 or spring 2024. About half of the tract is in Henderson County, while the other half is in Payne Springs, City Manager Tawnya Austin said.
Austin said the property is zoned residential but Graff said closing documents indicate the land is zoned commercial. Council approved a motion for the project to move forward, with Mayor Andrea Miller saying a business permit is contingent on construction plans complying with building codes and that the property zoning “is straightened out.”
Council also approved Oct. 29 as the date for the city’s 50th anniversary celebration, which could include a fall festival and chili cookoff. Austin said all plans haven’t been finalized.
In addition, council approved adding $5 to all court citation fines except those that are already at the state-allowed maximum. Austin said it’s the city’s first such fine increase in five years.
In other business, council:
• Approved a business permit for Bahama Joe’s Palms.
• Approved buying a new computer for the city clerk not to exceed $1,000 and following further research.
• Approved a Mayor Pro Tem Ron Spahlinger motion to find a contractor to do “some of the more urgent mowing” along city streets.
• Approved hiring Total Administrative Services Corp. for $500 annually for compliance with federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) reports.
• Heard from Austin that she is satisfied with the city’s 2021 audit report, which she called “thorough” and “consistent.”