Natalie Bettger

This document outlines the North Central Texas Council of Governments' projected goals for Fiscal Years 2026-2027, detailing planned activities and performance measures across various departments. Key strategic areas include enhancing aging and community services, bolstering emergency preparedness, promoting environmental sustainability and development, and advancing law enforcement training. Additionally, it addresses improvements in emergency communications, information and innovation services, transportation infrastructure and planning, and workforce development, all aimed at improving regional well-being, efficiency, and preparedness for the North Central Texas region.

The board meeting agenda included the introduction of new board members representing various cities, counties, and economic sectors. A guest presentation was scheduled from the Texas Association of Regional Councils regarding the Texas Regional Broadband Program. Additionally, the session covered updates on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and planning for the subsequent virtual meeting.

The Executive Board discussed various resolutions including the authorization of TXShare contracts for AI governance and healthcare benefits brokerage, the extension of the Stephenville Workforce Center lease, and a contract for the Teacher Externships Program. Other topics included interlocal agreements for the Regional Traffic Signal Program, revisions to the North Texas MOVES BUILD grant, and adjustments to information technology contract services. The board also addressed appointments to the Emergency Preparedness Planning Council and the reception of the annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year 2025.

Key discussions included the election of a Vice Chair, where Jamie Moore was selected. Updates were provided on the status of various radar sites, including Mesquite, Midlothian (which experienced construction and a lost server), Fort Worth, Denton, and Johnson County. Information was shared regarding a flooding project in Johnson County, focusing on leveraging CASA data due to insufficient flash flood gauges and utilizing a resident survey to understand flooding information dispersal. Furthermore, radar network updates noted a lack of new developments due to a federal government shutdown and ongoing efforts to seek long-term grants. The funding subcommittee update indicated a request for member assistance in scheduling meetings with congressional representatives. Next steps involved brainstorming website features for the CASA app (specifically real-time hail and windspeed), ensuring diligent communication if a radar is down, setting up direct data feeds to ARC GIS systems for EOCs, and forming a group to explore funding through higher education institutions.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the Statement of Work for CSU/Umass and updates on the radar network. All five radars are currently operational, though the Denton radar experienced a failed external hard drive due to a power outage during a March 4th storm; its backup computer and an external enclosure for heat protection have proven useful. The Midlothian radar required debugging for computing and sensitivity issues, with calibration planned for this year. The Fort Worth radar requires replacement of its aging air conditioning and computers. The Mesquite radar experienced a core part failure and a wasp infestation, both of which were resolved. The D-ROC experienced a temporary outage during the March 4th storm, leading to discussions about improving notification processes for radar outages. Performance of the QPE data was poor during a January 30th flooding event, possibly due to calibration issues. Issues with NWS Watch and Warning Polygons during the March 4th event, caused by an expired SSL certificate, also prompted review of notification needs. The NEXRAD data feed was successfully changed to a Tier 1 distributor. Updates were provided on recent training sessions and ongoing grant-related efforts, including a DOT Smart Grant. The Funding Subcommittee update indicated that while total funding was approved, clarification is needed on specific line items for budget allocation, with a strategy to involve appropriations oversight for radar replacement funds. Membership dues collection status was also reviewed.