Dianna Buchanan

The document outlines community interest items and updates regarding upcoming elections, including the ballot drawing date scheduled for February 23rd to determine candidate order for the May 2nd, 2026 election. Other noted dates include the next Planning and Zoning meeting on March 3rd, Westlake Academy spring break, and the next Town Council meeting on March 24th. A significant portion was dedicated to the Westlake Fire EMS 2025 annual report presentation, highlighting core values, a successful transition to a five-person minimum daily staffing model, and significant achievements such as preserving $39 million in property value during a structure fire at Deote University. Personnel challenges, including a high attrition rate of nearly 18% annually over six years, were discussed, alongside initiatives for mental health resilience and increased training hours. Fire prevention efforts noted 440 inspections amid extraordinary residential and commercial construction growth. Community engagement activities, such as the Run to Remember 911 event, and strategic partnerships, including participation in Texas Task Force 1/2 and the regional SWAT team, were also reviewed. The department anticipates modernizing its fleet with a new engine and ambulance, though delivery is delayed.

The proceedings commenced with an invocation and recognition of members from the junior high's girls and boys basketball teams who achieved top honors at the TIO regional tournaments. The agenda was subsequently rerouted to include an executive session to discuss a legal matter concerning pending litigation, specifically 'vertical bridge versus town of Westlake,' under consultation with the town attorney.

The document excerpts reflect public comments made during a board meeting, followed by administrative and athletic recognitions, and subsequent board business. Public commentary focused heavily on growing concerns regarding changes in academy administration, perceived targeting of parents, and issues surrounding substitute teacher employment status. Specific agenda items included public recognition of Tyo State Champion athletes for Fall 2025 and athletic director updates detailing successes across football, volleyball, and the inaugural high school swimming season. Board actions involved approving consent agenda items J1 and J3. Item J2, adopting the amended Westlake Academy personnel manual, was approved conditionally pending clarification on recording device use by employees to ensure it is limited to school property or school business. The session concluded with preparations to enter an executive session to seek confidential legal advice regarding pending litigation (Vertical Bridge versus Town of Westlake) and deliberation regarding personnel matters, including the annual update/review for the Head of School and Town Manager.

The meeting primarily involved procedural actions regarding zoning and development items. A motion was passed to remove discussion and action related to Ordinance 1038, which concerned the rezoning of approximately 25 acres located at 4110 and 4120 Aspen Lane from R5 (Country Residence District) to TC (Town Center Form-Based Development). This item was tabled for discussion at the next council meeting. Additionally, item K2 was also tabled until the next meeting. The Mayor noted his absence for the subsequent January meeting due to travel.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of a text amendment related to performance standards, which requires new building permits to align with design guidelines and architectural standards. The council also approved an ordinance to amend town utility rates, specifically modifying water volumetric rate tiers, effective January 1st of the following year. Furthermore, a contract extension with Allied Waste (Republic Services) for trash and recycling services was approved, which includes changes based on resident feedback, such as a shift in trash collection day, the addition of hazardous materials cleanup, document shredding, and electronics disposal, resulting in a 5.5% price increase from the previous rate. Finally, a resolution to approve contracts with Driven Security for access control and camera systems at fire/EMS and public works facilities was passed, ensuring investigative quality monitoring and establishing consistency across different town locations. Public comments included discussions regarding teacher support, school culture, and communication within Westlake Academy.