Karen Avery

The meeting commenced with public comments, followed by the approval of minutes from the November Main Street Board meeting. Key discussions included project reports for Music Friendly, where planning for the Rhythm and Rails concert is underway, including outreach to participating entities, and research into healthcare options for musicians. The D3 project update detailed ongoing streetscape construction, sidewalk closures, and the scheduling of a business owners meeting for January 6th to address concerns, noting that the street at Fannon and Maine will close after Christmas on December 29th. Discussions also covered the Main Street America annual self-assessment, Eisenhower's birthday celebration plans, and updates from Downtown Denison, Inc. regarding upcoming events like the Hot Chocolate Frolic, Coffee Fest, and the Shamrock Stroll. Tourism updates highlighted the Sister City application process, the filming of an Expedition Texas episode covering local attractions, and the progress on a tourism app and planning for a Progressive Dinner now scheduled for March 28th. Finally, the Promotion Committee reviewed policies for Heritage Park facility use, focusing on determining appropriate guidelines for public use versus private events like weddings, especially concerning new amenities like the sound system.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge, followed by the public comments section, which had no speakers. The consent agenda was unanimously approved. Discussions for individual consideration focused on fiscal year-end budget amendments and fund appropriations for the 2025 fiscal year into the 2026 budget. This involved reviewing revenue amendments, where general fund revenues exceeded budget by $528,000, and utility fund revenues were under budget by $593,000, with specific focus on TASWA fund transfers and delinquent taxes. Expense amendments showed the general fund expenses netted under budget by $1.8 million, despite several divisions exceeding their budgets, partly due to appropriations for unexpended items like Police Department vehicle outfitting. For the utility fund expenses, the net result was under budget by $114,000, largely because of creative transfers of interest earnings to cover debt payments instead of transferring from operating funds. The discussion also addressed reserve projections, anticipating 66 days of reserve for the general fund (a positive surprise) and 46 days for the utility fund. Finally, an update was provided on securing $16.95 million in funding from the Texas Water Development Board for water loss reduction improvements, structured as a 70% grant and 30% low-interest loan.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key actions included honoring Jadarian Price, a local athlete who graduated early from Denison High School and went on to Notre Dame before declaring for the NFL draft, with a proclamation declaring January 20, 2026, as Jadarian Price Day. The council addressed multiple public hearing items, including the approval of a motion to adopt an ordinance for the voluntary annexation and initial zoning (Agriculture) for approximately 0.194 acres of city-owned property (Item A and B). Subsequently, the council approved a second voluntary annexation and initial zoning (Agriculture) for approximately 14.753 acres of city-owned property south of FM 1310 (Item C and D). Finally, the council reviewed and approved a request for a conditional use permit for a bar and a mobile food unit at 221 North Austin Avenue, ensuring compliance with fire marshal requirements regarding the mobile unit placement.

The meeting commenced with the invocation and pledge of allegiance, noting it as the first meeting of 2026. Key discussions involved housekeeping rules, emphasizing that the Planning Commission acts as a recommending body to the City Council. Agenda items included public hearings and recommendations on several zoning and platting cases. For Case 4A and 4B, the commission recommended initial zoning of approximately 14 and 14.753 acres, respectively, to the Agriculture district, noting both properties were subject to voluntary annexation petitions. Case 4C involved a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a bar and a mobile food unit at 221 North Austin Avenue; staff recommended approval as the proposed location satisfied fire marshal requirements. Case 4D concerned replatting lots to facilitate development by combining acreage for a lot adjacent to Simmons Bank. Case 4E involved replatting two existing structures on one lot in the Miller's First Edition to create two separate lots, requiring exceptions to minimum building setbacks and lot dimension standards due to existing, long-standing structures. Finally, Case 4F involved reviewing amendments to the zoning ordinance to add architectural design standards for new residential development, addressing builder concerns regarding cost impact and incorporating suggested changes, such as eliminating the grass strip between certain duplex driveways.

The meeting began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. The commission clarified that it is a recommending body, except for site plans and plats, with most decisions going to city council. Key discussions involved two public hearings: the first concerning a request to rezone approximately 5 acres from Local Retail District to Commercial District to permit hotel/motel and extended stay hotel uses (Case 2025-12Z). The commission recommended approval for this rezoning request. The second public hearing covered a request for a Conditional Use Permit (Case 2025-17CUP) to convert an existing accessory structure into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on a property zoned for two-family duplex residential use. Staff noted required mitigation steps for non-conforming height and setbacks, such as installing a firewall. The commission recommended approval of the CUP. Other discussions included updates on proposed language recommendations for ADUs and volunteer interest for the sign ordinance committee.