City Council to continue property talks at workshop Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 10 2009 05:08 AM From staff reports

After last week's debate and eventual consensus on three concepts for the First Baptist Church redevelopment project, Killeen City Council members will again visit the topic during tonight's workshop.

Last week, council members agreed to allow city staff members to create concept plans for two new potential uses for the building: a children's homeless shelter and a currently unspecified museum. The council also left the city's original plan to house city, county and Head Start offices in the running.

The city bought the property in 2006 for $2 million and after several months of debate, and a failed attempt to sell the building, the council began looking for alternate uses. No consensus on one project has been reached and discussion regarding its use will continue.

Also during the workshop, council members will review the city's panhandling ordinance. Currently, those selling goods or raising money for organizations are required to obtain a permit to do so through the city. However, Councilwoman JoAnn Purser said that in response to constituent concerns for their own safety in parking lots where such activity occurs, the city will consider strengthening the ordinance. Though she said outlawing panhandling is not a reasonable option, there may be some "tweaking" if the council deems it necessary.

During its 6 p.m. meeting, the council is slated to vote on several land use cases, appoint members to various committees and boards and "consider an ordinance to amend the number of authorized and over hire fire rescue" officers.

The council will also open the floor to one Killeen resident with concerns regarding what the agenda lists as "poor enforcement" of the city's loud noise ordinance.

Both the 4 p.m. workshop and 6 p.m. meeting will take place at Killeen City Hall at 101 N. College St.