Ginger Deussen

The Town Council meeting agenda includes a pre-council session followed by a regular session. Key items for discussion and action include the approval of an amendment to the delinquent tax collections contract with Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins and Mott, LLP, to include collection services for Ponder Public Improvement District Number 1, and the consideration of electing Michelle French to the EDC Board. The council will also recess into Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal of, or to hear a complaint against the Town Administrator. A budget statement detailing property tax bill estimates for FY2025 and FY2026 is included with the notice.

The Town Council meeting agenda included staff reports covering Bulk Trash, Library, PD, and Planning and Zoning updates. A presentation was scheduled from CEO/Retired Chief Mike Wilson of Newinblue. Key agenda items for the regular session included discussing and potentially acting on calling an election for May 2, 2026, covering general council places, a special election for Place 4, and special elections concerning street maintenance tax reauthorization and a sales tax increase. The council was also set to discuss awarding a construction contract for the Anderson Farms Parkway project, appointing members to the EDC Board, and considering a request for engineering services. Further considerations involved replatting property within Ponder's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) and decisions regarding engaging new town attorney services, potentially terminating the current firm, and discussing an employment agreement for Fred Tillman. The agenda also reserved time for executive sessions regarding consultation with the attorney, personnel matters, and economic development negotiations.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several items. A drainage easement was approved. An agreement between the Town of Ponder and the Ponder EDC concerning a contribution for public parking was approved. The board decided to discuss grant fund opportunities for the EDC Park Plan at a future meeting.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. A local realtor presented a website concept to promote commercial development in Ponder. The board discussed a marketing strategy for the 10-acre commercial frontage owned by the Ponder EDC, but no action was taken after an executive session. The board also considered the EDC Master Park Plan, but no action was taken. Additionally, a significant contribution was approved for public parking in the Town of Ponder. The Mayor addressed the EDC, expressing appreciation and discussing forward planning, including the need to find new members as some positions may become vacant.

The meeting included reports on drainage, street evaluations, park updates, and fire department activities. A public hearing was held regarding a variance to the Fire Code requested by Ponder ISD, which was approved with conditions for a monitored fire alarm system and a release of liability letter. The council also approved a minor plat for Deussen Addition, terminated the contract with the City of Krum for EMS services in favor of contracting with the PVFD, approved a resolution for acquiring land for a Public Use Facility and Park, and approved an update to the Ponder PID No. 1 SAP.