The final Murphy City Council meeting of 2022 included a public works update, a public hearing on a proposed zoning change and a request to close a main thoroughfare in the city for street work.

Councilmembers Jennifer Berthiaume, Sarah Fincanon and Deputy Mayor pro tem Jené Butler were absent from the meeting.

Public Services Director Tim Rogers updated council on the progress of sidewalk projects during the Tuesday, Dec. 6 meeting, and said his department is making progress and construction will continue into the new year.

Sidewalks are being prioritized by trip hazard, according to Rogers, and funding will last until the end of 2023. The project is slated to be continued pending voter approval of additional funding during the next election. As of Dec. 6, there were 659 locations that need to be repaired across the city.

A public hearing regarding adding more retail uses to an existing planned development at 701 W. FM 544, directly west of Smiles at Murphy, drew several nearby property owners and residents out to speak against the purposed change.

By Kyle G. Horst

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