James Hicks

Key discussions and potential actions for this meeting included a progress update from Hyde Kelley LLP regarding the modernization and professionalization of the Troy Police Department. The agenda covered routine reports for Police, City Administrator, Water and Wastewater, Permit, and Court activities for February 2026. Under the Regular Agenda, the Council was set to consider adopting a resolution to update multiple Troy Police Department policies. A public hearing was scheduled for considering an ordinance to approve a zoning change for a 11.645-acre tract. Further items included the adoption of an ordinance to declare candidates for the May 2, 2026 General Election unopposed and cancel the election, and discussion/action regarding the formal acceptance of an offsite water line constructed in the River Oaks subdivision. Finally, the Council planned to consider adopting a resolution authorizing participation in the Texas Water Development Board Flood Management Evaluation Program for the City of Troy Drainage Master Plan.

The agenda for this City Council meeting included several key discussions and reports. Topics involved receiving and discussing the Independent Auditor's Report for the Fiscal Year ending September 30th, 2025, and receiving the 2025 Racial Profiling Report from the Troy Police Department. Operational reports included updates from the Police Department, City Administrator, Water and Wastewater Department, and Permit Report. The Consent Agenda covered budget vs. actual reviews, accounts payable, and the Bell County Health Report. The primary regular agenda item was the consideration and adoption of an Ordinance ordering a General Election for May 2nd, 2026, to elect three Councilmembers.

The primary discussion item concerned the consideration and potential adoption of Resolution No. 2026-01-02 to formally reject the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) submitted by Blais & Associates, LLC in response to RFQ No. 26-02 for grant administration services. City staff determined that procurement for Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) grants requires a Request for Proposals (RFP) process, not an RFQ. The rejection is procedural, the submitted SOQ remains sealed and will be returned to the firm, and staff will proceed with re-procurement using the appropriate RFP method. There is no immediate financial impact associated with the rejection.

The meeting agenda included review of the Police Report, City Administrator Report, Water and Wastewater Report, Permit Report, and Court Report. Consent agenda items covered reviewing profit & loss budget vs. actual, accounts payable, and receiving reports from Bell County Health and Senior Trojans, while excluding the approval of previous minutes. Key regular agenda items involved discussion and potential action regarding modifying the scope of engagement with Hyde Kelley LLP to include consulting and legal advice for professionalizing the Troy Police Department operations, including leadership mentoring. The Council planned to enter an Executive Session to seek legal advice on this matter. Furthermore, the Council considered receiving a presentation from a Blue Santa Representative. Decisions were anticipated regarding adopting a resolution to award the Church Street Rehabilitation Project RFP to Lone Star Grading & Materials, LLC, and another resolution concerning the rejection of Statement of Qualifications for grant administrative services (RFQ No. 26-02). Finally, the Council considered adopting a resolution to authorize a contract with Bell County Elections for the May 2, 2026, election.

The City Council approved an ordinance adopting a revised solid waste and recycling rate schedule. This revision incorporates a 10% increase in all Frontier Waste Solutions service rates, as per the Exclusive Franchise Agreement. The rate adjustment is based on CPI-U changes, increased operating costs, disposal fee increases, and increased recycling processing costs. The new rates are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.