James R Cook

The meeting included an expected Orientation and Training Workshop covering open meetings statutes, rules of order, application processing, and basic ordinance regulations, which was postponed as the City Attorney was unavoidably detained. The Commission welcomed Cody Nolen as the new Interim Director of Community Development. Key concerns raised by the Commission to Mr. Nolen included addressing dilapidated historic homes without consequence and instances where applicants modify approved projects in violation of Historic Guidelines. Mr. Nolen outlined a new enforcement process involving initial contact via letter from Ms. Durant, followed by Code Enforcement if issues are not resolved. Discussions also covered enforcement capabilities for TxDot controlled areas on the Square.

The meeting included two public hearings requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness. The first involved a request to change the color of three door awnings from Brick to Black at 201 E. Pearl St. (Granbury Square Plaza) due to deterioration and hail damage; this request was approved. The second hearing concerned a request for a new wall sign for the Pho Vietnamese Cuisine business at 407 W. Pearl St., which was also approved, adhering to Design Guideline 8 regarding signs.

During the meeting, city staff were recognized for their efforts, including repairing water leaks and clearing streets during an ice storm, and for achieving the 'Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community' designation. The Council approved a loan for utility relocations tied to the TxDOT Hwy 377 project and acknowledged a major grant deposit. The consent agenda included approving infrastructure agreements for Jesse James Addition, authorizing participation in the 791 Purchasing Cooperative, and approving financing and purchases for a Bucket Truck and a Crane Truck. In the deliberation agenda, the Council adopted an ordinance approving the zoning amendment request for VEN-KEN, INC. to develop a convenience store with gas pumps. Action on funding assistance for the new Fire Station/EMS Station on Ruth Smith Drive was postponed to March 3, 2026. Approvals were granted for engineering services with Enprotec/Hibbs & Todd, Inc. (eHT) for the Lift Station 9 Relocation Improvement Project and for the Knox 1 Ground Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project, necessitating budget amendments for both. Citizen comments focused on field usage by youth baseball, opposition to proposed data centers due to concerns over identity change, noise, and water availability, and requests for research on crypto mining facilities. The Council held an executive session to discuss pending litigation, real property, and economic development negotiations.

The meeting included a public hearing to consider the request by VEN-KEN, INC. to amend the Planned Development/Light Commercial Zoning for a 3.758-acre site located at 5260 E US Hwy 377. The proposed use is for a convenience store with gas pumps, which complies with the new Comprehensive Plan, and the request was unanimously approved subject to existing Planned Development standards. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding updates to the Subdivision and Zoning Ordinances, specifically addressing recent legislative changes concerning public notification, agenda posting timelines, and signage requirements, as well as potential modifications to permitting processes for Food Trucks, Manufactured Homes, and Retail/Shopping Mall Zoning.

The meeting began with opening formalities, including an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussion points included proclamations and encouraging statements recognizing city staff for their tireless efforts during a recent ice storm, detailing repairs to water lines in freezing conditions, debris removal from roads, and maintaining utility services. The council also recognized the tourism department for Granbury being declared a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. Administrative updates highlighted the city receiving a $16.8 million loan from the Tex Commission for utility relocation and aesthetic improvements tied to the TxDOT 377 project, and securing a $57.8 million grant from the Texas Water Development Board for a new water treatment plant. A public hearing addressed an ordinance to amend the planned development light commercial zoning for a property at 5260 East US Highway 377 to accommodate a QT gas station, which was recommended for approval. Further discussion covered funding assistance for the new Texas Emergency Medical Service (EMS) fire safety station located on Ruth Smith Drive, including a presentation by the EMS director on their expansion plans for three stations based on future growth projections.