Tim Denison

The City Council meeting involved the approval of the consent agenda. Key discussions included a public hearing regarding a request to rezone property from single-family residential to moderate density (MD) to construct a quadruplex, intended as an over-55 complex, which required a special exception for a carport. A second public hearing addressed a request for a specific use permit to construct a guest house in an SF9 single-family residential district on a challenging hillside lot. Additionally, the Council considered and accepted the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) as audited, noting the city's application for the GFOA certificate of excellence award for the first time since 1994, and reviewed general fund performance which showed a significant positive variance against budgeted loss due to lower expenditures and higher interest earnings and EMS fees.

The City Council Meeting began with an invocation and the recognition of an honorary member, first grader Ryan Cosmac. The council then acknowledged the passing of city volunteers, including Rhonda Wilkinson, a former City Charter Commission member, and Deartis Nickerson, a former Ward 4 Councilman. Staff reports included a recognition for 10 years of service by Animal Shelter Supervisor Kim Marino. The consent agenda was approved. Key discussions focused on the replat of a 2.447-acre tract of land (Item 6) and a presentation on Parks and Recreational Capital Improvement Projects (Item 7). The park projects update covered the completion of backyard pickleball courts, status of median landscaping improvements funded partially by a T-Mobile grant, and updates on West City Park improvements funded by the sale of the old post office building. The council also discussed plans to work with a nonprofit to replace a connecting bridge at West City Park. Subsequently, the council awarded the Request for Proposal for the design/build of the Boyce Ditto Library Storybook Park to Compan for an amount not to exceed $525,000, noting that funds include contributions from the library trust fund and the estate of former mayor Willie Casper, which may be used for naming elements of the park. The meeting concluded with the council recessing into an executive session to deliberate on the appointment/employment of the City Manager and the value of future municipal building locations.

The meeting included a presentation on waste management statistics, noting a decrease in residential bulk tonnage after initial cleanups and stable commercial tonnage. Discussion focused on franchise fees, revealing a $25,000 deficit related to a decrease in roll-off services due to third-party competition, which impacts city revenue. The council addressed customer service complaints, confirming a low ratio of 0.3% over 840,000 stops, and detailed procedures for addressing missed pickups, usually correcting them the next day. Furthermore, discussions covered negotiations regarding temporary roll-off container rates to maintain competitiveness and benefit the city's franchise fees, and the process for recycling cardboard and co-mingled materials, noting that materials are processed by contracted facilities like the Denton MURF or through the company's acquired facility in Fort Worth. Questions were also addressed regarding residential bulk trash pickup schedules and the necessity of calling in appointments.

The City Council meeting included the introduction of new personnel, specifically Guy Stillwell and Shannon Jeffco, who joined the city's public safety team. Key business items involved the adoption of the City of Mineral Wells Procurement Card Policy, outlining roles, limits (defaulting to $1,500 per transaction or $5,000 monthly), and restricted MCC codes. The Council also approved an interlocal agreement with the Mineral Wells Independent School District (ISD) for technology services for an initial three-year term at no cost to the city, which includes the city funding five School Resource Officers. Additionally, the Council passed a resolution to deny the rate increase proposed by the Texas Gas Service Company and authorized the city to pursue reimbursement for reasonable rate case expenses. Departmental budget discussions for the 2025-2026 fiscal year included supplemental requests from the Street Department for a new dump truck, increased funding for street materials (asphalt), and facility repairs for the street barn. The Parks Department requested updates for West City Park, including replacing outdated playground equipment and installing new surfacing.

The agenda for the meeting includes establishing a quorum, public comment period, accepting the resignation of Director Kirsch and welcoming Director Thomas, electing an EDC Board Secretary, and approving a Service Agreement with Hawes Hill & Associates. Further discussion points involve approving necessary modifications and related costs for the EDC website, approving a façade grant for Rockin' Hair Body & Soul, and approving a final ESA Phase 1 on the Devon Property (12 acres). The board will also review and approve amendments to EDC Bylaws, receive the Executive Director's Report, and address future agenda items.