Conroe City Council is set to revisit two issues that have drawn public pushback over the last year: when residents can speak at meetings and how much it costs to close city streets for events.

What you need to know: During the May 14 meeting, Mayor Duke Coon is bringing forward an item that could change the city’s adopted 2024-26 council rules of procedure.

The proposal would allow citizen inquiries, or public comment, to include both agenda and non-agenda items and place that portion at the beginning of all publicly called meetings, immediately after the invocation, pledges and any proclamations or recognitions, according to the agenda. 

Also on the agenda: The council will also consider temporarily restoring street closure fees and related requirements to where they stood before Nov. 13 while city officials study and rework the city’s pricing and permit model, according to the agenda.

The issue has been a point of frustration for some residents and small-business owners after the council adopted updates to the city’s special event regulations Jan. 22.

To protect community members who make online site purchases or custody exchanges, the Willis Police Department has created a designated safe zone that will be monitored by the department.

Two-minute impact: Officially opened on April 28, the exchange zone area is near the Willis PD and is under 24/7 surveillance. According to an April 28 social media post, the site is for any locals to use for Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist deals, or during child custody exchanges. The department encourages any locals who feel unsafe during any exchange to contact them immediately.

• 200 N. Bell St., Willis

The luxury motor coach service Vonlane announced its departure point from the Houston metro in The Woodlands to Austin began service May 4. The route is the 12th for the company.

Vonlane launched a route between The Woodlands and Dallas last year.

What to expect: Vonlane now offers service between The Woodlands and Austin seven days a week at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, and DoubleTree by Hilton Austin-University Area, 1617 N. I-35, Austin.

Lone Star College System has been launching new and expanded mental health and wellness programs for students and employees, with the next services slated to roll out in stages over the next few months.

Major takeaways: In March, LSCS mental health services were instituted, expanded or brought in-house for a soft launch of the programming. Current mental health services offered in-person and virtually by LSCS are:

• Short-term individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Career counseling
• Consultations for students, staff, parents and families
• Resources and referrals

• Telepsychiatry services
• A crisis phone line for 24/7 help