City Manager Negotiations Continue in LG

The La Grange City Council voted Monday night to continue negotiations with Kevin Carruth of Rockport to fill the vacant City Manager position.

Carruth was the Council’s second pick for the job. They had selected David Harris of Schertz for the position in December, but negotiations with Harris came to an impasse over pay. The Council halted negotiations with Harris on Jan. 9 and turned their attention to Carruth, whom they interviewed in November along with Harris and two other candidates.

Grant Funds Awarded

In other business Monday night, the Council approved three grants recommended by the La Grange Tourism Committee. The grants are funded with hotel occupancy taxes collected in the City of La Grange, and those funds must be used to promote tourism in the City. Listed below are the grant awards:

• $10,000 to the Bugle Boy Foundation, to be used for general operating support at the nonprofit live music venue.The Bugle Boy Foundation estimated their concerts draw 4,000 visitors annually to La Grange.

• $3,000 to Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, to be used for advertising the Texas Blacksmith Conference and Texas Antique Gas Engine Reunion, taking place this week Jan. 24-28.

• $2,000 to the Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum, to be used for marketing the museum, which promotes polka dancing and Czech history.

Also at Monday’s meeting, Council approved a request from La Grange I.S.D. to close the 100 block of S. Vail St. at Travis St. on Feb. 2 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for the La Grange Rotary Club’s annual Pancake Supper.

The Council also approved the second and final reading of an amendment to the La Gragne Zoning Ordinance. Interim City Manager Frank Menefee said the amendment will bring the City’s Zoning Ordinance into compliance with recent changes in state law. Most of the substantial changes involve rules pertaining to the City’s board of adjustments and the number of board members who must be present at a meeting to make certain decisions.