Graham D. McGruer

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to four newly appointed Board of Directors members. Following this, the Board conducted the election of officers for a one-year term, resulting in Darrin Weaver remaining as President, Patsy Duty as Treasurer, Sonda Prater as Secretary, and C W Whorton being nominated as Vice President. Key agenda items included a discussion on economic development project priorities, where directors rated priorities via ballot, and a review of the City of Bruceville-Eddy 2011 comprehensive plan, where the board agreed to move forward with revisions, with C W Whorton taking the lead. The Board also discussed updating the BEEDC webpage, with Darrin Weaver and Sonda Prater meeting with staff and potential vendors. Individual director research and feasibility assignments were updated, covering the Comprehensive Plan review, city photography, brochures, monuments, and parks. Finally, the next meeting date was set for February 17, 2026.

The key discussion topics for this meeting included public comments on non-agenda items, a public hearing and subsequent action regarding a zoning change from Single Family Dwelling District-1 to Multiple Family Dwelling District-1 for the property at 701 W. 3rd St. Another public hearing and potential action concerned a Conditional Use Permit request for a manufactured home at 229 Hungry Hill. The Council was also scheduled to discuss the regulation of cargo/shipping containers used as permanent storage buildings. Other items included discussing and possibly taking action on the preliminary plat for the Hallman Addition, adopting resolutions related to the CDBG-MIT Resilient Communities Program (signatory and civil rights), and considering the purchase of a replacement clay valve for the Public Works Department. The consent agenda covered the approval of minutes from previous meetings in December 2025 and January 2026, November 2025 financial reports and accounts payable, and nominations for the Bluebonnet Water Supply Corporation Board of Directors election for 2026. Executive session items included consultation with the City Attorney regarding BRCT, LLC. dba Blackrock Construction and deliberations about real property concerning Cook Water Well.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks and a prayer, followed by community announcements regarding a Christmas tree lighting event scheduled for December 5th, and notification of holiday office closures in December (24th, 25th, and 26th) and Thanksgiving week (Wednesday through Friday). Further announcements included details about a community bingo event on December 5th and a Blue Stain event on December 20th. The Council discussed and unanimously approved the preliminary plan for the Eagle's Prairie subdivision, including considerations for required water main extensions to be funded by the developer and management of site runoff via detention ponds. A council member inquired about traffic impact analysis. The Council deferred action on the final plat for Noble Crest Addition. A significant portion of the meeting involved the discussion and subsequent approval of a motion to purchase a Ford F-350 public works vehicle, which was determined to be the most cost-effective option compared to similar Dodge and Chevy models. The plan involves retiring an older white F-250 truck. Finally, the Council received an update from the city sewer engineer regarding the wastewater plant completion status, noting that connections are contingent upon the plant's final completion and the installation of necessary control gates.

The meeting agenda included discussions and potential actions on several key items. Specifically, the Council addressed subdivision ordinance variance requests from FM Land Holdings, LLC regarding road design (24' gravel roadways) and cul-de-sac design (694' length). A preliminary plat for Rajan Plaza (Ascent Travel Center) was also reviewed, raising concerns about plat status, annexation plan requirements, contour provision, reserve definition, and the need for on-site wastewater treatment facilities and water main extension due to existing low pressure. A proposal for a public-private partnership with BVRT for wastewater treatment services was introduced, aiming to replace the existing USDA-planned system. Department reports included updates from the Police Chief, Public Works Director, Engineering, Community Development, and City Administrator. The consent agenda covered approval of April 2023 minutes and finances, acceptance of a police department donation, and waiver of penalty/interest for Oncor Electric property taxes. Further action items included discussing preliminary/final plat and variance requests for Owens Addition, a proposal for a rental registration program, approval for engineering services for a hydraulic model/GIS map, a lease agreement with the Youth Sports Association for Duty Park, an agreement for professional services with an inspector, casting a ballot for the McLennan County 9-1-1 Board of Managers, and considering resolutions/ordinances related to a TXDOT grant and passing through engineering/planning review costs.

The Special Called City Council Meeting agenda included organizational items such as a call to order, community announcements, and staff reports. Key discussions involved the consent agenda items: approval of minutes from November 13, 2025, and November 24, 2025 meetings; review of October 2025 finances; approval of amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Budget; and acceptance of a $1,362.50 donation for the Utility Relief Fund. The Council also entered an Executive Session to consult with the City Attorney regarding BRCT, LLC. dba Blackrock Construction. Following the executive session, the council possibly took action on the discussed matters. The December 18, 2025 agenda also included a request to discuss staff reports, including an engineering update detailing development reviews, water meter feasibility, and status updates on several major water and roadway projects such as the New Water Well, Old Bethany Water Main Improvements, Hungry Hill Roadway Rehabilitation, and the I-35 Water Main Crossing.