Diane Latham

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.

The meeting centered on discussions and necessary action regarding a recommendation to the city commission concerning the repeal of existing zoning regulations in chapter 22 of the Breckenridge code of ordinances and the adoption of new zoning districts, regulations for property use, and a new zoning map. Key discussion points involved three options for manufactured home acreage allocation, currently standing at 4.34% (236 lots), with options presenting increases to 2.45% (296 potential lots), 5.88% (710 potential lots), and 9.73% (1176 potential lots) of sum acreage. Staff clarified that federal law mandates allowing both single and double-wide manufactured homes. Commissioners debated the impact of increasing available lots on workforce housing and property values, with discussions on the sustainability of growth projections and the need for future zoning updates.

The regular meeting scheduled for February 3, 2026, was postponed due to a lack of quorum. The meeting was rescheduled to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Furthermore, the public hearing concerning the comprehensive zoning plan update was also postponed to the same rescheduled date.