Thad Mercer

The council discussed and took action on several key items, including the redevelopment of the former Burger King building on South Water Street as an H-Tea-O store and authorization of payment to Meritage Homes of Texas, LLC for utility infrastructure oversizing in the Creekfall Phase 3 subdivision. The council also awarded a contract to McDonald Municipal and Industrial for the Generator Grant Project to install backup power at four critical facilities, responded to a rate increase application from Atmos Energy, authorized the replastering of swimming pools at the YMCA facility, and considered amendments to city building codes. Additionally, the council reviewed the status of the City of Burnet's flood recovery efforts, including debris management and facility repairs.

The City Council meeting agenda included a Special Report/Recognition on the Engineering and Public Works Quarterly Report. The Action Items covered several significant matters, including the appointment of a Commissioner to the Housing Authority, consideration of a resolution designating a Downtown District, and repudiation of an unrecorded special warranty deed from the Burnet Foundation Industrial Company. Other action items involved an ordinance amending the purchased power cost adjustment clause, discussion regarding the July 2025 flood response, and an ordinance amending the original budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025. The meeting involved a public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to rezone property from Agriculture District "A" to Medium Commercial -- District "C-2" to allow for a convenience store with gasoline sales, despite previous denials on similar requests and opposition from residents concerning traffic, safety, and environmental impacts. The City Manager also noted that a special meeting would be needed soon to address the July 2025 flood response.

The City Council meeting agenda included several key items. Special reports featured the January Financial Report and a presentation/discussion of the Police Department's Annual Traffic Stop Data Report. The consent agenda involved the approval of the February 10, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes and the February 11, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes. A final public hearing was scheduled regarding Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Contract No. CDV23-0311. Action items included consideration of resolutions authorizing the submission of a Water Conservation Grant application to LCRA and a Texas Community Development Block Grant Program application for the Downtown Revitalization Program. Further action items addressed an ordinance amending Golf Course Rates, proposed amendments to Multi-Family Residential -- District "R-3" zoning regulations, authorizing the purchase of 16.610 acres of land, and authorizing the creation of and joining the "Burnet County Highland Lakes Sub-Regional Planning Commission." Finally, the Council planned to discuss appointing two members to the Burnet County Highland Lakes Council of Governments Sub-Regional Planning Commission and address the City of Burnet July 2025 flood response before entering executive session.

The Commission addressed several public hearings and action items involving ordinance amendments for property located at 500 N Main Street, changing its designation from Commercial to Residential in the Future Land Use Map and from Light Commercial - District "C-1" to Single-Family Residential - District "R-1" in the Zoning Map. Further actions included amending the Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map for the property at 1404 N Water Street, rezoning it from Residential to Government and from Multi-family Residential - District "R-3" to Government - District "G", respectively. The final action was the approval of the Final Plat of Burnet Airport and acceptance of rights-of-way dedication. Staff also reported on the proposed 2026 meeting calendar and new state law requirements for zoning notice signs.

The Planning and Zoning Commission convened for a regular session. The consent agenda included the approval of the minutes from the October 6, 2025 meeting. The primary action item involved a public hearing and action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-48, which proposed rezoning property located at 700 S Rhomberg Street from Single-Family Residential ("R-1") to Manufactured Home ("M-1"). Following public comment in opposition, the Commission unanimously recommended denial of the rezoning request, citing concerns that it represented a "down zone" contrary to the City Council's goal of promoting quality growth.