As the City of Magnolia looks to annex more land for potential commercial growth, the Public Works Department (PWD) is trying to get ahead by making sure utility pipelines in the area are ready for businesses and fire protection.

At the Planning Commission’s meeting Feb. 15 City Administrator Paul Mendes said that the comprehensive plan and utilities plan go “hand in hand.”

Mendes said that in order for the city to grow, it has to be able to support the potential new areas.

Within the extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ), which extends about one half mile outside the city limits, there are not sufficient pipes for fire protection, according to Mendes.

Mendes said that if the city were to annex an area or new business the question would be “How quickly can we support them?”

According to Mendes, within the city and area to which the City of Magnolia provides water service there is plenty of water and the pipes can support fire hydrants for fire protections, but outside of the city or in areas for potential growth there will need to be larger pipes.

Mendes said the city will need to make sure that residents and businesses receive equal service when the city makes arrangements to annex a new area.

“(When cities annex) they need to be very careful and make sure they can live up to the services,” he said.

He added that if city council were to decide which direction they hope to proceed with in annexation for future businesses then the PWD could get a head start on the piping to have the property ready.

Also, the city has contracted with an engineer to research options for the pipelines along FM 1774 from FM 1488 to Friendship Drive. Texas Department of Transportation is scheduled to begin widening that section of FM 1774 and in order for them to precede the lines will need to be adjusted.

Mendes previously suggested that a cost-efficient option is to move the lines as the road is being widened.

The engineer will be at the next 4B Community Development Corporation meeting in March to discuss options for the pipes, Mendes said.

The PWD has also experienced issues with damaged or makeshift piping within the city limits, according to Mendes.

He stated that as leaks and broken pipes are reported the PWD ensures that they are fixed properly.

“This is not uncommon. We are working it as it comes,” Mendes said.

He added that the issue is mostly resolved.

In addition, the PWD has recently implemented a dewatering soil plant, where sludge or waste is recycled into mulch. Mendes said this will be “much cheaper” for the city.

As the PWD grows and receives more equipment Mendes has predicted it will save the city a considerable amount of money as opposed to contracting public works officers as the city has in previous years.

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