Council Chambers: The official newsletter of the Tyler City Council
Dec. 18, 2023
 The City of Tyler Mayor and Councilmembers pose for a group photo at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center. From left to right, District 4 Councilmember James Wynne, District 2 Councilmember Broderick McGee, District 1 Councilmember Stuart Hene, Mayor Don Warren, District 3 Councilmember Shirley McKellar, District 6 Councilmember Brad Curtis, and District 5 Councilmember Lloyd Nichols.
Tyler Water Utilities to begin water meter replacement program
 Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) will soon begin a water meter replacement project for customers. The Tyler City Council approved the $3.45 million project with Core & Main on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
Water meters are used to measure the amount of water delivered to a customer’s tap. The current water metering system was installed in 2005. Over the last several years, 27 percent of the existing meters have faced issues in accurately reading water usage at the meter, not registering consumption and not communicating the information to the Water Business Office.
"Technology has advanced, and we know there’s a better solution for our customers with meters that aren't working properly," said Utilities Director Kate Dietz. "Replacing those meters will allow our customers to rest easy and know that their water bill is accurate."
Council accepts grant for Tyler Transit, no rate increases and Saturday service to continue
 On Wednesday, Dec. 13, the City Council approved accepting a $150,000 grant from the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) to assist with Tyler Transit's operating cost. The funds will allow Transit not to increase rates and to keep providing Saturday services.
To help with the higher operating cost, Tyler Transit will change how some of its underutilized fixed routes operate. These routes will move to a microtransit model, where riders will call Transit's office to schedule a pick-up from a bus stop.
Tyler City Council adopts zoning changes for Unified Development Code
On Wednesday, Dec. 13, the City Council approved changes to the Unified Development Code (UDC). Some of the updates to the UDC affect new tobacco, vape and smoke stores as well as bail bonds, auto repair, tire shops and self-storage businesses in the Downtown Business, Arts and Culture District (DBAC).
“We're committed to reviewing City ordinances regularly to ensure that they align with development practices and the changing needs of our community," said Planning Director Kyle Kingma.
Now, as part of the UDC, new tobacco, vape and smoke stores opening in the City will have to be located 300 feet from sensitive land uses such as schools, childcare centers, hospitals, churches and City parks. The proposal will also establish a 1,000-foot spacing requirement from other vape and smoke shops. These types of stores will also now be able to operate in areas of Tyler in industrial zoning.
City of Tyler employees recognized for years of service
On Wednesday, Dec. 13, Tyler City Council recognized six employees for their service and outstanding commitment to the City of Tyler. At this important milestone, the City Council and staff expressed their sincere appreciation for the dedication and for the special contribution they make to the organization. Together, these employees represent 130 years of service with the City of Tyler.
- Jimmy Toler, Police Chief, 30 years of service (Top left)
- Gary King, Police Officer XIV, 30 years of service (Top right)
- Justin Kuehn, Police Officer XIV, 30 years of service (Bottom left)
- Dorothy Sanders, Parks Clerk, 20 years of service (Bottom right)
- Nicole Johnson, Municipal Court Administrator, 20 years of service (Not pictured)
More news
Click on the links below to read the full press release.
Tyler Fire celebrates two new engines with push-in celebrations
TWU asks customers to complete survey about their water service line
Tyler Animal Services offering 'White Christmas Adoption Special' with donations
Cult classic favorite returns to Liberty Hall with shadow cast in 2024
2022-23 Annual Report is available
 Graphic art depicting the covers of the English and Spanish versions of the 2022-23 Annual Report. "2022 Annual Report, Tyler Transforming"
Liberty Hall is once again a hub of entertainment in downtown Tyler, and resonates again, now with music, theater, comedy and classic films. This 1930s building has been rebuilt to become a centerpiece for the performing arts in the heart of Tyler's new Downtown Business, Arts and Culture District.
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Learn more about your Council in action
The Tyler City Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 212 N. Bonner Ave.
Council agendas are available on our website, where residents can also find the link to submit participation forms for future Council meetings.
Tyler City Council meetings are broadcast on Suddenlink Cable Channel 3 at 2 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Council meetings are also available on Youtube, Facebook and our website.
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