Shannon Garcia

The commission held a public hearing regarding an ordinance to create a new R-MH Residential HUD-Code Manufactured Housing District in compliance with state law. The item was tabled to allow for further consultation with the City Attorney regarding placement requirements on individual tracts. Additionally, the commission approved changes to the zoning ordinance to remove restrictions on front-yard carports in R-1, R-1A, and R-2 zoning districts and established new development standards for such construction.

The meeting included reports from the City Manager covering updates on the Racial Profiling Report, Police Department Dispatch remodel progress, ongoing tree trimming activities, participation in a regional mobility study for Hwy 77, a MPO-funded Sign Inventory Program, and updates on the Civic Center and Brame Park remodels. The Police Chief reported that the Angel Tree Ministry assisted 50 families last year through home deliveries. Community Development Director Fred Morris presented on current development efforts, discussing resident cooperation rates, challenges in low-lying areas east of Sam's and Colin Street Bakery concerning flooding and drainage, and clarified that a planned facility is a distribution warehouse, not a medical clinic. The Council approved the minutes from the January 13, 2026 meeting, the Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, the appointment of Bruce Flachsbart to the Economic Development Corporation, and an Interlocal Agreement with McLennan County for gravel street maintenance. Two readings of Ordinance 2026-01 were approved, establishing an Identity Theft Prevention Program under the Red Flags Rule. The Council also entered and reconvened from an Executive Session to consult with legal counsel.

Key discussions and proposed actions for this meeting include a presentation regarding the Bellmead Police Department's accreditation award from the Texas Police Chiefs Association and updates on various Public Works Capital Improvement Program projects, such as the WMARRS North Interceptor phases, Brame Park Improvements, and upcoming road reconstructions for Pecan and Wheeler Streets. The agenda also features presentations on the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for FY 2026, the establishment of an Identity Theft Prevention Program, authorization for the purchase of the Axon Taser 7 package for the Police Department ($78,000.00), and an interlocal agreement for Household Hazardous Waste Collection with the City of Waco. Furthermore, the Council will consider accepting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY 2025 and nominating a member to the McLennan County 9-1-1 Emergency Assistance District Board of Managers. A public hearing is scheduled regarding an ordinance to remove restrictions on front yard carports in certain residential zoning districts.

The agenda for the City of Bellmead Planning & Zoning meeting scheduled for February 17, 2026, included several key items. The meeting planned to hold a public hearing and consider an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to create the new R-MH (Residential HUD-Code Manufactured Housing District) classification, in compliance with State Law SB 785, which involves removing references to manufactured housing from Chapter 12. Additionally, the commission was set to hold a public hearing and discuss changes to the zoning ordinance concerning the removal of restrictions on front yard carports in R-1, R-1A, and R-2 zoning districts. The agenda also noted the approval of the Planning and Zoning Minutes from the September 16, 2025, Regular Meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comments regarding a campaign representative and significant concerns raised by residents concerning property improvements and the operation of a mechanic shop at 1511 Old Dallas Road, citing issues related to traffic, noise, and zoning compliance. Council and City Manager reports covered the results of the 2026 McLennan County Appraisal District Board of Directors election, the recent achievement of accreditation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation by the Police Department, and updates on the Public Works Building project and Wheeler/Pecan road construction. A presentation recognized the ACM/Chief Financial Officer with the GFOA Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting for Fiscal Year 2024. The Council approved the City Manager's appointment of Jim Reed as the Public Works Director. During an executive session, the Council deliberated the appointment to fill the City Council Precinct 1 vacancy. Subsequently, the Council appointed Dr. Bruce Flachsbart to fill the unexpired term for Precinct 1. Additionally, the Council called and ordered a General Election for May 2, 2026, for various council positions. The Council denied the application for a zoning change from R-2 to B-2 for the property at 1511 Old Dallas Road.