On November 16, city council voted 4-0 to annex three vacant tracts of land in Tamina that were purchased by Shenandoah in 2010. The parcels vary in size from about one to two acres, are not contiguous and are within Shenandoah’s extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Prior to the vote, a public hearing in was held.
Janeu Houston was the only resident who spoke during the hearing and questioned the reason for annexation. Staff and council said the city could control zoning and development of the land, once the property was within city limits. She also expressed a concern that Shenandoah’s recent decision to spend over $700,000 in federal covid relief funds to extend water and sewer lines into Tamina will invite developers to the area. She suggested the city obtain citizen input through town hall meetings which include the Tamina community.
Recommendations regarding future development of the city are made by Planning and Zoning. Meetings are open to the public and are held at 6 pm on the third Tuesday every month at city hall. Terms for three P&Z positions will expire on December 31, 2022. Interested persons may obtain an application on the city’s website. Chairman Wes Stephens recommends candidates to council for approval. P&Z meetings typically start with citizen’s forum, a time when residents may speak and ask questions. Due to holidays, the next P&Z meeting will be held on December 13.
