Robert Featherston

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The commission recommended approval to the City Council for a zoning change request from Residential 2-4 Family to Business Commercial for the property at 511 Saunders Street. A recommendation for approval was also made to the City Council regarding the final plat for Crescent Townhomes at 1015 Old Pidcoke Road. A memorandum presented a request for approval to replat 15.393 acres on Woodhollow Drive into seven lots for residential and agricultural uses, with a staff recommendation for approval forwarded to the City Council. Another memorandum outlined a request for the commission to recommend the abandonment of an alley along S 22nd Street to the City Council. Finally, the commission reviewed proposed amendments to Article VIII of the Zoning Ordinance, including updates to ADA and handicap parking specifications, off-street parking space requirements, and off-street loading regulations, noting the current ordinance dates back to 1995.

The regular City Council meeting covered several items of business. The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the January 27, 2026 meeting. Other business included a discussion of the Police Department Annual Report, and the approval of Resolution 2026-015 disbursing up to $30,000 in Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds for the "Gatesville's USA 250 Celebration". The council also passed Ordinance 2026-02 on its third and final reading, adopting the 2021 International Existing Building Code. Actions were taken regarding zoning and plats, including the approval of a Final Plat for 1015 Old Pidcoke Road and the approval of Ordinance 2026-01 designating 209 River Rd as Residential Single-Family Zoning. A resolution was approved for the demolition of a structure at 1010 Saunders Street. The first reading of an ordinance to change the zoning of 511 Saunders Street to Business Commercial was passed to the next meeting. Subsequent memoranda detailed resolutions to designate personnel to apply for the Local Park Grant Program, approve the disposal of excess fitness center equipment and a sheepsfoot roller, commit matching funds for the TxCDBG Downtown Revitalization Program application, and a discussion regarding repealing the 1995 zoning ordinance in favor of updated articles.

The regular City Council meeting included an Executive Session for consultation with the attorney, followed by a discussion with no action taken on the matters reviewed. Key discussions involved approving the September 2025 Financial Report and a resolution to name portions of the Gatesville Library after donating patrons. The Council administered oaths to newly elected and re-elected Council Members and recognized an outgoing member. Other business included approving the purchase of a 2026 Dodge Durango police vehicle, approving amendments to water supply contracts, authorizing a contract for Fitness Center roofing repairs, disbursing Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds to the Chamber of Commerce for Shivaree 2026, and discussing the first reading of an ordinance amending the FY 2025-26 Budget. The Council also voted for candidates to the Coryell Central Appraisal District Board of Directors and approved a resolution for placing Flock Safety ALPR cameras on TxDOT right-of-way, despite some dissenting votes citing Fourth Amendment concerns. Furthermore, authorization was granted for the City Manager to sign a Municipal Maintenance Agreement with TxDOT. The Council reviewed proposed changes to Chapters 2, 3, 5, and 7 of the Comprehensive Plan without making changes to Chapters 2 and 3, and received the second reading for an ordinance regarding motorized vehicle restrictions in city parks. Additional items addressed included declaring utility department equipment as surplus property for a trade-in purchase and leasing new equipment, and setting the first reading for an ordinance adjusting solid waste fees.

The regular City Council meeting included discussions and possible actions on several items. Other Business included the final reading and approval of an ordinance adjusting solid waste fees. The Council discussed an auditorium assessment report, addressing mold, asbestos, and necessary electrical and stair replacements, with input from FNI and a community member regarding the sound system. Additionally, the Council held the second reading for an ordinance to adopt the 2021 International Existing Building Code and passed the second reading for an ordinance designating 209 River Road as Residential Single-Family zoning. Zoning Ordinance Articles I through VI were discussed, focusing on defining 'most restrictive' zoning and proposals for splitting business commercial districts. The City Manager presented the December 2025 monthly report. Subsequent memoranda addressed the disbursement of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds for the 'Gatesville's USA 250 Celebration,' the final reading for the 2021 International Existing Building Code, approval of a final plat for a 44-unit development at 1015 Old Pidcoke Road, the final reading for the 209 River Road zoning designation, approval for the demolition of a substandard structure at 1010 Saunders Street, and the first reading for a zoning change request for 511 Saunders Street to Business Commercial.

The regular Building Standards Commission meeting addressed several items. The Consent Agenda, which included discussions and possible actions on the minutes from September 8, 2025, and October 6, 2025, was unanimously approved. A key discussion involved a substandard case located at 411 S 7th Street, resulting in a recommendation for City Council approval of its demolition. Subsequent material included a memorandum regarding another substandard case at 1010 Saunders Street, detailing the property's liens and structure information, with a staff recommendation to approve demolition pending City Council review.