Blake Hamilton

The City Commission held a regular meeting that commenced with a quorum followed by an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting concluded shortly thereafter without further discussion on agenda items.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key staff reports included the announcement of an awarded Flash Pad grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, totaling $430,000 for a city park project, with an RFP for engineering services to follow in March. An update on waterline improvement projects since 2012 was provided, detailing approximately 15 miles of line completed, representing about 19% of the total 80 miles of water line infrastructure, highlighting the challenges of an aging system built for a larger population. Progress updates were given on various projects including the TWWDB waterline project, lift station improvements, and wastewater treatment plant improvements, all under TWWDB review. The status of a three-phase street paving project was reviewed, noting that phase three is ongoing. An update on the CDBG grant for Panther and Ford Street improvements was also presented, including the timeline for construction culminating in March of the following year. The Public Works Director presented the Employee of the Month award. A public hearing was conducted regarding the repeal of existing zoning regulations (Chapter 22) and the adoption of new zoning districts and regulations, which followed extensive review by the Planning and Zoning commission. Finally, the 2024-2025 annual audit was discussed, presented by the auditor remotely, which resulted in an unmodified clean opinion with no internal control findings reported. The city's strong financial results, including increased fund balances, were highlighted.

The meeting included the approval of the previous month's minutes from December 15th. A public hearing was held where a resident expressed concern regarding the proposed rezoning of an area containing mobile homes to residential housing, arguing it impacts affordable housing availability. Commission staff presented three options for zoning adjustments related to manufactured housing percentages, detailing acreage changes, and showing corresponding heat density maps. Discussions centered on the implications of Option Three being the closest to the current land use, as well as clarifications on legal non-conforming status for manufactured homes, including provisions for property replacement after natural disasters.

The meeting commenced with an open forum where a resident addressed concerns regarding water utility charges for property outside city limits. The City Manager provided a detailed recap of the response to three main water leaks that occurred in December, noting quick repairs within 12 hours for the initial breaks, the declaration of a local emergency by the Mayor, and subsequent water distribution efforts. The manager also highlighted significant past and ongoing investments totaling millions in upgrading the aging water and wastewater system. Furthermore, the appointment of Taylor Hardy as the new Public Works Director, currently serving as Public Service Director, was announced. A new brush pickup protocol, organized into zones for twice-yearly curb pickup, was detailed, coordinating with county services. Finally, upcoming events including the start of the second Citizens Academy, the filing period for the May 2nd election (Mayor and Commissioner Places 1 and 2), and the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day were announced. The Chief of Police presented Christa as the employee of the month for her exceptional performance as a master communicator transitioning to a new role. The consent agenda, including the approval of December 2025 minutes and department reports, was approved. A public hearing was held regarding the replatting of property at 905 West Fifth Street to create two lots, which the Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended for approval.

The meeting commenced with an invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the proceedings involved transitioning into an executive session. The executive session was convened at approximately 5:31 p.m. to discuss matters under Texas Government Code Chapter 551, specifically consultation with the attorney regarding pending or anticipated litigation or a settlement offer, including Item 12: City of Recordage versus Acreage Investment LLC, and a matter involving the Judicial Director Court of Stevens County.