Public Meetings - Mansfield, Texas

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 26, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The Council approved consent items, heard a Hawaiian Falls update and utility-regulation briefing, recessed into executive session, reconvened at 6:07 p.m., and adjourned at 7:14 p.m. All votes were 7-0 except where noted. Proclamations and Recognition - Mayor Michael A. Evans Sr. proclaimed November 2-6, 2026, as Municipal Courts Week, recognizing the Mansfield Municipal Court's 2026 Municipal Traffic Safety Initiative Award and its certified clerks. - The Council proclaimed October 2026 as Community Planning Month, noting the city's APA Texas Chapter recognition and the Richard R. Lilly FAICP Planning Excellence Recognition Program. Planning technician Jordan Drumgoul received the APA Texas Chapter Student Award. - Parks and Recreation Director Matt Young announced that Mansfield Parks and Recreation was an NRPA Gold Medal finalist - one of the top four agencies in the nation for the second consecutive year. Highlights included an increase in residents within a 10-minute walk of a park from 22% to 40%, acquisition of about 180 acres, more than 1,000 free recreation and nature education programs annually, and upcoming 2027 projects including a disc golf course and Catherine Rose Memorial Park phase two. - My Mansfield Muni-Versity Class 7 was recognized; participant Riley Van Zant thanked the city for the civic academy experience. Work Session: Hawaiian Falls Update - Kurt Caffey of Ripley's Believe It or Not, managing partner of Hawaiian Falls, reported with managing director Jason Martin and location manager Justin LaFine. The park recorded 153,000 visits, about $4.2 million in revenue, approximately 18,000 season-pass members, and more than 375 seasonal employees. - Maintenance spending totaled more than $900,000 against a $350,000 budget. The park received two five-star StarGuard Elite lifeguard audits and one of only eight Golden Guard awards worldwide. About $400,000 in additional investments are planned for 2027, with replacement rides and a Hawaiian Falls Junior area being explored for 2028. Work Session: Rate-Making and Negotiation Process with Energy Companies - Utility attorney Thomas Brocato explained electric and gas utility regulation. In the deregulated ERCOT footprint, generation and retail are competitive, while distribution wires remain regulated natural monopolies; cities have original jurisdiction over distribution rates and services within their limits. - He explained that the Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program (GRIP) permits annual rate increases with limited review, but the Rate Review Mechanism (RRM) negotiated by the Atmos City Steering Committee adds substantive review and annual limits. Mansfield participates in OCSC, ACSC, the Texas Coalition of Cities for Utility Issues, and ERCOT. - Council questions addressed the large and growing share of wires charges in customer bills, data-center interconnection and regulation, municipal lobbying, and how Mansfield can raise utility issues through the coalitions. Consent Calendar - 26-2856: Resolution awarding a construction contract to AAA Time Saver Services, not to exceed $242,344, for park monument signage at 10 parks; $25,000 was included for contingency. A lower bid was deemed non-responsive because it excluded masonry work. - 26-2860: Resolution awarding contracts for water treatment chemicals for the Bud Ervin Water Treatment Plant, with an anticipated savings of $136,000. Staff noted chemical costs are about 10% of the cost of producing water. - 26-2858: Minutes of the October 12, 2026, regular City Council meeting were approved. - The consent agenda was approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Cass Callaway, presiding judge of the Mansfield Municipal Court, invited council members to visit the court during dockets on November 3, 10, or 12, 2026, saying the November 12 juvenile docket would be a good opportunity. He asked council members to stagger visits to avoid quorum issues and said the visits would boost court staff morale. Public Hearings - SUP26-002 (2101 Lone Star Road): Specific Use Permit for an eating establishment with drive-through service on 1.34 acres. Staff presented a 4,100-square-foot restaurant with 43 parking spaces; applicant representative Danielle Carter said it will be a McDonald's and noted the architectural plans show 4,300 square feet. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 7-0 with a condition to add a bicycle rack. The Council approved the SUP 7-0. - 26-2876 (Texas Enterprise Zone Program): The Council authorized nomination of Mouser Electronics, Inc. for the state Enterprise Zone Program. Assistant City Manager Matt Jones said the five-year program requires a minimum $5 million investment and retention of 500 jobs and offers a state sales and use tax rebate of up to $625,000 plus $2,500-$7,500 per job; no city funds are involved. Councilmember Juan Fresquez abstained because his son works for Mouser. The ordinance passed 6-0 with one abstention. - ZC26-006 (Heritage Ranch Baptist Church): The Council approved a rezoning of 6.592 acres at 1465 S 2nd Ave from S, South Mansfield Form-Based Development District, to PD Planned Development for a place of worship and commercial uses. The PD limits the northern parcel to C2 uses with no auto repair and no mortuary/funeral chapel uses; the southern site plan shows a 7,500-square-foot church with 49 parking spaces and a 144-seat sanctuary. The motion passed 7-0. - ZC24-016 (Stillwater Capital, 153.073 acres bounded by E Broad St, Matlock Rd, Heritage Pkwy, and Regency Pkwy) and ZC26-001 (John R. McAdams Company, 11.71 acres at 500 Seeton Road for townhomes) were tabled at the applicants' requests to the November 9, 2026 meeting. Both tabling motions passed 7-0. New Business - 26-2875 (Set Back Partners development plan amendment): The Council approved amending the development plan for 36.391 acres at FM 917 and Klein Tools Boulevard. The amendment removes 6.6 acres north of Klein Tools Boulevard, maintains the 65,000-square-foot commercial commitment, and consolidates three phases into two. Phase two residential building permits require 15,000 square feet of entertainment/district commons to receive a certificate of occupancy and 25,000 square feet of commercial construction. Approved 7-0. - 26-2870 (Legislative Priorities): The Council adopted the 2026-2027 legislative priorities resolution, amended to narrow internet-only publication of legal notices to procurement and construction contract notices and to add support for county election administrators offering election services contracts to municipalities for May elections. Approved 7-0. - Board appointments: Jordan Carter was appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Lanita Williams was appointed to the Keep Mansfield Beautiful Commission, both for terms ending September 30, 2028. Each appointment passed 7-0. Council and Staff Comments - Councilmember Todd Simmons registered support for keeping the Mansfield ISD board as it is and for the Council's prior resolution regarding MISD's proposed change to single-member districts, citing his experience with single-member districts. He also paid tribute to the late David Littlefield. - Communications Director Bernadette McCranie's Q4 departmental quarterly report was made available online on the City Manager's page. - Tourism Manager Tim Roberts reported that the USA women's rugby match hosted at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium drew more than 3,600 fans, the highest attendance for a women's rugby match in Texas history; 21 social media posts reached over 3 million viewers. - Raymond Kaufman announced a Union Pacific Railroad crossing replacement closure on Walnut Creek Drive between November 4 and November 9, 2026. The closure is expected to last three days; detours and flagging operations will be communicated once the traffic control plan is available. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0. - SUP26-002 approved 7-0 with a bicycle rack condition. - Mouser Electronics Enterprise Zone nomination approved 6-0 with one abstention. - Heritage Ranch Baptist Church PD rezoning approved 7-0. - Stillwater Capital and Seeton Road zoning cases tabled to November 9, 2026, by 7-0 votes. - Set Back Partners development plan amendment approved 7-0. - 2026-2027 Legislative Priorities resolution approved 7-0. - Two board appointments approved 7-0 each. - No action was reported following executive session; the meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

The Mansfield City Council held a work session and regular meeting on Monday, October 12, 2026. The meeting began at 1:00 PM with a work session covering updates on Fields at Station 63, a review of legislative priorities for the 90th Texas Legislative Session, and discussion of the consent agenda. The Council recessed into executive session before reconvening at 6:02 PM for the regular business session, which ran until adjournment at 8:27 PM. Major actions included a resolution supporting at-large elections for the MISD Board of Trustees, approval of a first reading for a major mixed-use zoning case ("The Canals"), and adoption of a new ordinance regulating commercial drone delivery infrastructure. Consent Calendar - Resolution approving the Supplemental Watershed Agreement No. III for Mountain Creek Watershed. - Approval of the September 28, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. - Approval of the September 28, 2026 Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 4 Board Meeting Minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident voiced concerns about overnight parking restrictions, safety on Fairfax Drive due to parked cars, and water bill calculation methods. - Desiree Thomas submitted comments in support of the Council's resolution regarding MISD school board elections. - Terry Moore (former MISD school board member) expressed strong opposition to the MISD Board's proposal to switch from at-large to single-member districts. He called the process non-transparent and divisive, and thanked the Council for their supporting resolution. He also invited the Council and community to a Veterans Foundation lunch on November 7th. - Beth Light (former MISD school board member) spoke in favor of maintaining at-large elections, emphasizing the district's history of unity and collaboration focused on student achievement. - Marissa Furman (representing Zipline) commented on the drone delivery ordinance, requesting that administrative approval pathways for drone kiosks be included to better accommodate evolving technology designs. Discussion Items - Fields at Station 63 Update: Leslie Deeson (General Manager, Kemper Sports) provided a first-year update. The facility has hosted 40 tournaments and over 3,000 community participants. Programming includes 520 youth baseball and softball players and growing adult leagues. The facility is ahead of budget by $405,000 (excluding wider economic impacts from hotel and restaurant revenue). Planned maintenance and upgrades were outlined, including HVAC and irrigation repairs. - Legislative Priorities for the 90th Texas Legislative Session: City Attorney Victor Flores presented a draft of legislative priorities. The Council reviewed a list of items to oppose (e.g., state preemption, revenue/expenditure caps, reductions in land use authority) and support (e.g., local control over development, funding flexibility, repeal of SB 1152). Councilmember Newsom raised concerns about internet-only legal notices, arguing for careful scope to maintain transparency. The city attorney will bring a finalized resolution to a future meeting. - Zoning Change: "The Canals" Mixed-Use Development (ZC24-016): Staff (Clayton Comstock) and the applicant (Stillwater Capital Inc.) presented a proposed 153-acre Planned Development for a mixed-use town center with a central water feature, commercial, office, hotel, and residential uses south of Broad Street. The Council extensively discussed changes from the August draft, including the reduction of required structured parking from 90% to 70%, the removal of mandatory commercial-ready space, and relaxed phasing requirements. - Councilmembers Bounds, Newsom, Fresquez, and the Mayor raised multiple concerns and requested modifications: requiring a mandatory POA with an architectural review board, maintaining the city's 2-inch brick standard, removing the extended-stay hotel and skilled nursing allowances, banning surface parking adjacent to water features, and requiring tighter phasing assurances (e.g., requiring foundation and drainage completion rather than just permits for residential releases). The Council stressed the need for a clear Master Development Agreement (MDA). - Commercial Drone Delivery Ordinance (OA26-002): The Council discussed the second reading of an ordinance to establish zoning regulations for commercial drone delivery hubs and kiosks. Based on previous input, the revised ordinance requires Specific Use Permits (SUP) for all such facilities. Staff noted the FAA has sole authority over airspace. Key Outcomes - MISD At-Large Election Resolution (26-2843): Passed 6-0. The Council adopted a resolution expressing support for the continued at-large election of trustees of the Mansfield ISD Board of Trustees, opposing a proposed switch to single-member districts. Councilmembers gave strong individual statements supporting district-wide accountability for every board member. The item was moved up from new business to be heard earlier in the meeting. - Heritage Ranch Baptist Church Zoning (26-2778): The public hearing and first reading were tabled to a future meeting to allow for further study of the surrounding area. - "The Canals" Zoning First Reading (26-2563): Passed 6-0. The Council approved the first reading with an explicit directive for staff and the developer to resolve the specific concerns raised by the Council and return with a mutually agreeable Master Development Agreement (MDA) for the second reading. - Drone Delivery Ordinance (26-2446): Passed 6-0. The ordinance was approved on second and final reading, establishing regulations for the ground infrastructure of commercial drone delivery. - Board Appointment (26-2805): Passed 6-0. George Bemanish was appointed to the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee (CIAC). - TML Director Vote (26-2806): The Council voted 6-0 to cast its vote for Mary Sarver for the Region 8 Director position on the Texas Municipal League Board. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:27 PM.

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on September 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:17 p.m. at Council Chambers, 1200 E. Broad St., Mansfield, TX. Mayor Michael Evans presided with Council Members Todd Tonore, Tamera Bounds, Juan Fresquez, Todd Simmons, and Jim Vaszauskas present; Brent Newsom arrived at 1:40 p.m. during the work session. The meeting included a work session on the Commercial Drone Delivery Ordinance with a live Zipline demonstration at the H-E-B drone operations site, an executive session, a consent agenda, two public hearings, citizen comments, and council and staff comments. Recognition - Bernadette McCranie, Director of Communications and Outreach, recognized the Communications team for winning four awards from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) and the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA), including the Award of Honor for best program in video for "Road Scholars," TAMIO's highest level and a national Silver Circle for the "Behind the Desk" photography campaign, and the Savvy Award—the highest national award—for "Council Chat." Work Session: Commercial Drone Delivery Ordinance - The Council relocated to the H-E-B drone operations site (1670 E. Broad Street) for a live Zipline demonstration, touring the staging area and kiosk with Zipline representative Hector Soliman-Valdez, then reconvened at City Hall at 1:54 p.m. (The meeting adjourned for the field trip at 1:11 p.m.) - Clayton Comstock, Executive Director of Planning and Development, reviewed the ordinance history: City Council direction in April, three Planning and Zoning Commission sessions, and a first reading on July 27. - Zipline's Mansfield site operates approximately 36 drones at capacity, with about one-third currently active; average delivery time is about 15 minutes, with roughly four deliveries per hour per drone, and a range of about five miles out (10 miles round trip), suggesting two to three hubs could cover Mansfield. - Zipline representatives stated operations are automated, with two air traffic control centers (North Carolina and South San Francisco) and deconfliction devices on all drones, and that drone delivery eliminates traditional delivery vehicles and associated traffic. - Council Member Bounds asked about generator noise buffering; staff noted no current ordinance language on sound buffers for ground equipment, and she suggested reviewing the city's gas well ordinance standards for temporary generators. - Council members requested volume and trip data from Zipline to estimate traffic reductions; Zipline representatives said they would provide follow-up data. - Council directed staff to require Specific Use Permit (SUP) approval for all Commercial Drone Delivery Hubs and Kiosks, including facilities otherwise considered accessory to an existing use; increase the allowable kiosk area to approximately the size of one parking space (about 160 square feet, up from 64 square feet); incorporate maximum noise standards and a sound study as part of SUP review; and further address temporary generator noise. The proposed separation distances of 300 feet for hubs and 150 feet for kiosks from noise-sensitive uses were discussed as baseline standards to be considered through the SUP process. - The City Manager summarized the direction as SUP-only for both hubs and kiosks until more operational data is available, and staff was directed to incorporate the Council's direction into the ordinance for consideration at second reading. Consent Agenda Discussion (Work Session) - Luke Goralski, Assistant Director of Engineering Services – Capital Projects, presented three utility items. The 48-inch water line condition assessment (26-2733, $86,500 with Kimley-Horn and Associates) addresses a roughly 40-year-old critical pipe that has never been inspected and is nearing its assumed 50-year lifespan. The 30-inch Transmission Main Phase 2 (26-2746, $5,322,799.69 with L.G. Spades Construction, LLC and Raba Kistner, Inc.) extends capacity for future growth and wholesale customers, including Johnson County Special Utility District (currently about 9 million gallons per day, increasing to over 20 million) and Mountain Peak Special Utility District (about 2 million gallons per day). The OSHG (On Site Hypochlorite Generation) Building and Equipment design amendment (26-2759, $315,608 with Plummer and Associates) supports a new modular system using three 2,400-pound units to meet the same production threshold previously served by four 1,500-pound units. - Troy Lestina, Deputy City Manager/Chief Financial Officer, presented the Bloomfield Homes Chapter 380 renewal (26-2750). Over the past four and a half years, the agreement generated $400,000 in sales tax, with the builder receiving 80 percent of the 1 percent general fund share (about $150,000), leaving a net of about $250,000 to the city. Bloomfield has roughly 100 remaining lots (36 Somerset, 10 Rockwell, 68 Lone Star Phase 3), and mortgage rates near 7 percent have slowed homebuilding. - Casey Lewis, Executive Project Manager, presented: - 26-2763: Second Amendment to the High Five Mansfield PropCo, LLC agreement—an administrative amendment clarifying timelines and acreage after a Small Business Administration audit took 182 days; the building is 80 percent complete; certificate of occupancy required by June 30, 2027; base tax year set at 2028; a parking agreement to be executed before the end of 2026; no financial terms changed. - 26-2770: Go ECM, Inc. incentive—a computer chip module manufacturer and remanufacturer relocating its corporate headquarters from Grand Prairie to 2401 N. Highway 287 (former Mauser headquarters); 60 full-time employees by December 2027, increasing to 70 by 2028 and 90 by 2029; average salary $70,000 with several over $120,000; a $300,000 reimbursable Mansfield Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) grant for fire suppression, fire lanes, facade, and landscaping improvements, payable only after improvements are completed (expected 2028). - 26-2774: Housing Channel Chapter 380 agreement—not a cash grant; provides up to 50 percent fee waivers for eligible impact and building fees at Hunt Street and 2nd Street, south of downtown, similar to the prior Habitat for Humanity project. Executive Session - The Council recessed into executive session at 3:35 p.m. (called to order at 3:42 p.m., recessed at 6:00 p.m.) under Texas Government Code Sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.074, and 551.087 to discuss attorney advice on zoning and land use regulations related to alcoholic beverage sales and the November 2024 special election, due-diligence and background-check standards for economic development incentives, legal issues pertaining to economic development projects, land acquisitions (including Project 26-06), City Attorney employment and duties, board appointments, and Economic Development Projects 21-33, 22-24, 26-05, and 26-07. Public Comments & Testimony - Ambika Sharma (7736 Whisterwheel Way, Fort Worth) discussed Tarrant County Appraisal District property tax calculations, stating that the August 12 chief appraiser report showed homes up to $200,000 were appraised at 106 percent while homes above $1 million were appraised at 71 percent, calling this a constitutional violation. She noted that more than 50 percent of Tarrant County taxing entities have had to increase tax rates, praised Mansfield for not increasing the rate and for adopting the maximum 20 percent homestead exemption, and announced her candidacy for Tarrant Appraisal District Place 2. - Cheryl Litke (1331 Breckenridge Road) expressed concerns about the Parkside townhome community, comparing the approved renderings to the finished product and citing a lack of articulation, minimal facade variety, single building materials, painted aluminum garage doors, and a "trash-filled detention pond" instead of the planned water feature. She urged the Council to hold developers accountable, referencing a prior lot-split approval that she said caused neighbor flooding. - Dr. Elizabeth Eb nchenge (2906 Woodleigh Drive), speaking as an individual, announced that the Czechia National Football Team donated an autographed 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer ball and an autographed team photograph to the Mansfield Historic Museum, commemorating the team's stay at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium. Council Comments - Council Member Vaszauskas expressed strong opposition to moving the Mansfield Independent School District Board of Trustees to single-member districts, citing three reasons: the division it has brought to the board, a shift in trustee accountability from the entire district to a single district, and Mansfield's status as a high-performing district (all A-rated high schools with 93 or higher rankings). He requested that the City Council create a Resolution opposing single-member districts. - Council Member Simmons requested updates from the city's public-private partnerships (Stadium 063, Field House, Star Center, Mansfield National Golf Course, and Hawaiian Falls) at an upcoming City Council meeting. - Mayor Evans expressed strong opposition to single-member districts, stating that "we are better together," and voiced support for a Resolution opposing the change. Staff Comments - Raymond Coffman, Director of Engineering Services, provided construction updates. Heritage Parkway Improvements: most new eastbound main lane pavement is complete; a traffic switch is planned in about two weeks (weather permitting) to open two eastbound lanes, with two westbound lanes expected in November, followed by sidewalks, utilities, median lighting, and final restoration. E. Broad Street Improvements: Phase 1 (one lane eastbound, two lanes westbound) is anticipated through December; Phase 2 will open two lanes in each direction beginning in early 2027, with the current traffic pattern and schedules posted on the city website. Council Member Fresquez raised driver-safety concerns about red-light running and lane blocking; Coffman said police have been assisting with speeding enforcement. Actions Pursuant to Executive Session - Motion by Council Member Vaszauskas, seconded by Council Member Simmons, to authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate, execute, and finalize a Chapter 380 Development Agreement for Economic Development Project 26-07 with Dr. Sheppard for a new medical office building at 2881 FM 157, not to exceed $25,000 for eligible reimbursable infrastructure expenses as discussed in executive session—passed 7-0. - Motion by Council Member Newsom, seconded by Council Member Bounds, to approve the extension of Victor Flores's service as City Attorney and authorize the Mayor to finalize and execute related documents—passed 7-0. Consent Agenda All consent agenda items were approved 7-0 (motion by Council Member Fresquez, seconded by Council Member Bounds): - 26-2733 (RE-4592-26): Kimley-Horn and Associates professional services contract for the 48-inch water line condition assessment, funding not to exceed $86,500 (Utility Fund). - 26-2746 (RE-4593-26): Contracts for 30-inch Transmission Main Phase 2 – Lone Star Road and Chambers Street, with L.G. Spades Construction, LLC for construction and Raba Kistner, Inc. for materials testing, funding not to exceed $5,322,799.69 (Utility Fund). - 26-2759 (RE-4594-26): Amendment Two to the Plummer and Associates professional services agreement for OSHG Building and Equipment additional design scope, funding not to exceed $315,608 (Utility Fund). - 26-2750 (RE-4595-26): Renewal of the Chapter 380 Agreement with Bloomfield Homes, L.P. (General Fund). - 26-2763 (RE-4596-26): Second Amendment to the Economic Development Agreement with High Five Mansfield PropCo, LLC (General Fund, MEDC, TIRZ 4). - 26-2770 (RE-4597-26): Economic Incentive and Performance Agreement between the Mansfield Economic Development Corporation and Go ECM, Inc. (MEDC). - 26-2774 (RE-4598-26): Economic Incentive and Developer Agreement between the City and Housing Channel (General Fund). - 26-2749: Approval of the September 14, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Public Hearing and Second Reading: ZC26-001 – Seeton Road Townhomes (Tabled) - The applicant (The John R. McAdams Company, Inc.) requested a continuance of the public hearing to the second City Council meeting in October for the 11.71-acre zoning change at 500 Seeton Road from PD to PD for single-family attached townhome uses (123 units proposed, with open space at the hard corner of National and Holland). The Council voted 7-0 to table the item. (Note: the transcript indicates Council Member Bounds made the motion, while the minutes record Council Member Vaszauskas as the mover; both show the motion passed 7-0.) Public Hearing and Second Reading: ZC26-002 – Trez Shops at Broad Package Store (Approved) - The Council considered a request by Trez Shops at Broad, LP to rezone 15.8 acres at 1741 and 1755 E. Broad Street and 101 Carlin Road from PD and C-2 Community Business District to PD for commercial uses and a package store. The applicant proposed a 22,000-square-foot package store and 53,000 square feet of additional retail across four out-parcel buildings (Building 1: 8,400 sq ft; Building 2: 8,800 sq ft along Carlin; Building 3: 8,100 sq ft along Broad; Building 4: 8,400 sq ft). - Clayton Comstock noted the October 2024 package store ordinance requires package stores to be within a PD district with a minimum floor area of 25,000 square feet, with deviations subject to City Council approval, and that voters approved Proposition A in the November 2024 special election with 65 percent support for the legal sale of all alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 6-0, and the first reading passed 5-2 on September 14. - Applicant representative John Weber stated the prospective tenant's new prototype is 22,000 square feet and that the tenant very much wants to be in Mansfield; Weber said he is "stuck in a hard place" between the tenant's requirement and the ordinance. He committed to constructing a 37-foot-wide Carlin Road segment, adding two or three speed bumps (subject to fire marshal approval), and including "no trucks" language in tenant leases. - Matt Jones, Assistant City Manager, clarified that Carlin Road is not designated as a truck route per ordinance, so truck deliveries must use Highway 287 (a truck route) or E. Broad Street (a commercial delivery route). - Council Member Newsom said his vote was based on respect for the 65 percent voter approval but expressed displeasure with reducing the square footage from 25,000 to 22,000 and suggested the Council consider aligning the ordinance with 22,000 if approved. Council Members Fresquez and Vaszauskas also supported the item while expressing reservations about the smaller store size. - Motion by Council Member Simmons, seconded by Council Member Vaszauskas, to approve the ordinance (OR-2455-26)—passed 6-1, with Mayor Evans voting no. The public hearing opened and closed at 7:16 p.m. with no speakers. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to revise the Commercial Drone Delivery Ordinance to require SUP approval for all hubs and kiosks, increase kiosk area to approximately one parking space, add maximum noise standards and sound study requirements, and address temporary generator noise, with 300-foot (hub) and 150-foot (kiosk) separations as baseline standards. - ZC26-001 (Seeton Road townhomes) was tabled 7-0 to the second City Council meeting in October (October 26, 2026, per staff). - ZC26-002 (Trez Shops at Broad) was approved 6-1 (OR-2455-26). - The Chapter 380 Development Agreement for ED Project 26-07 (Dr. Sheppard medical office building at 2881 FM 157) was authorized 7-0, not to exceed $25,000 for eligible reimbursable infrastructure expenses. - Victor Flores's City Attorney service extension was approved 7-0. - All eight consent agenda items were approved 7-0. - The Council requested a Resolution opposing MISD single-member districts and an update on public-private partnerships at a future meeting.

The Mansfield City Council held a regular meeting on September 14, 2026, starting with a work session at 2:04 PM and a regular session at 6:05 PM after an executive session. The council discussed and voted on a range of items including public works projects, zoning changes, the FY2027 budget and tax rate, and various board appointments. Key outcomes included approval of a property sale for a new restaurant, approval of a variance for alcohol sales near a school, first readings on two zoning changes, adoption of the budget and tax rate, and multiple consent agenda items. Consent Calendar - 26-2704: Ordinance adopting a new schedule of fees – passed 7-0. - 26-2667: Resolution adopting the City's Investment Policy – passed 7-0. - 26-2668: Resolution approving a contract with Neighborhood Management, Inc. for South Pointe PID management ($32,488) – passed 7-0. - 26-2702: Resolution approving design and surveying contracts for the Walnut Creek Drive Water Line Rehabilitation ($545,300) – passed 7-0. - 26-2706: Ordinance approving abandonment of a utility easement at 333 Carlin Road – passed 7-0. - 26-2707: Resolution approving Capital Improvements Advisory Committee Bylaws – passed 7-0. - 26-2698: Resolution authorizing an interlocal agreement with Tarrant County for $201,930.04 in transportation bond funds – passed 7-0. - 26-2655: Resolution approving $3,846,567.36 for furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the new City Hall – passed 7-0. - 26-2703: Resolution approving design and surveying contracts for Willowstone Pond & Downstream Drainage Improvements ($474,000) – passed 7-0. - 26-2684: Minutes approval – passed 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Gary Cardinale (5 Velvet Court) addressed the City's involvement in Mansfield ISD matters, asking council members to take a public position on the single-member district issue. - Frank Sledz (1906 Spirit Walk) spoke in strong opposition related to agenda item 26-2703 (Willowstone Pond & Downstream Drainage Improvements), stating his home flooded twice in seven years, damaged his property, and expressed frustration that the city has not yet resolved the flooding issues. He suggested the city may be liable. - Naomi Williams (404 Arlington Street) spoke about poverty, affordable housing, and food access, sharing her family's experience moving to Mansfield for a fresh start and advocating for community support. - Jana Elhashash (701 Crockett Drove) spoke about discrimination, affordability, and safety, sharing her experience as the child of Egyptian immigrants and a Muslim, calling for inclusivity and against being priced out of Mansfield. - Muhammad Abdullah (5800 End O Trail) spoke about the 9/11 tragedy, Islam, religion, and discrimination. He asked the council to counter anti-Muslim rhetoric, noting that African American Muslims are often overlooked and that Sharia law is not being pushed in schools. - Non-speaker comments in support of item 26-2703 were submitted by Edward and Janis Zimmerman and Erin Semprun. Discussion Items - Work Session – On-Site Hypochlorite Generation (OSHG) Equipment: Adam Stark, Interim Executive Director of Public Works, presented on transitioning from chlorine gas to on-site bleach generation. The new system would be safer, cheaper to maintain, and more resilient. Estimated construction cost around $8 million. The council voiced support for staff to continue pursuing the equipment replacement. - Work Session – Consent Agenda Items: Staff presented and answered questions on all consent items, including the fee schedule, investment policy, PID contract, water line rehabilitation, easement abandonment, CIAC bylaws, Tarrant County transportation funding, Atmos Energy rate settlement, City Hall furniture, and drainage design. Council Member Newsom expressed concerns about the Atmos settlement's base rate increases (23-25% across categories) and requested a future work session for deeper explanation. - Executive Session: The council recessed from 3:03 PM to 5:59 PM to discuss legal advice, land acquisition, personnel, security, and economic development projects (21-33, 22-12, 26-10). No formal action taken on most items. Key Outcomes - Action Pursuant to Executive Session (LA 25-01): A motion passed 7-0 to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and finalize the sale of city-owned property at 305 E. Broad Street to MC3 Development Group for $350,000 plus closing costs for a new restaurant space in Historic Downtown Mansfield. - 26-2713 – Atmos Energy Rate Settlement: Removed from consent. Approved 6-1 (Council Member Newsom opposed) after discussion about the high base rate increases. - 26-2659 – Blazing Hospitality LLC Alcohol Variance: Old business. Approved 4-3 with an amendment that the variance runs with the current user/tenant only; future tenants must seek a new variance. The ordinance allows alcohol sales for on-premise consumption at a restaurant within 300 feet of a school. - 26-2605 – ZC26-001 (Seeton Road Townhomes): Public hearing and first reading. Approved 5-2 with conditions: no commercial development, a Public Improvement District (PID) to maintain a park, and single-family homes on borders to buffer neighbors from townhomes. Second reading scheduled for September 28, 2026. - 26-2606 – ZC26-002 (Trez Shops at Broad, LP): Public hearing and first reading. Approved 5-2 (Mayor Evans and Council Member Bounds opposed) to allow commercial uses and a package store. The applicant sought a variance reducing the minimum package store size from 25,000 to 22,000 sq ft; discussion indicated council would not support the variance at second reading unless the tenant agrees to 25,000 sq ft. - 26-2714 – Work Zone Speed Limits: Public hearing and first and final reading. Approved 7-0 to amend the traffic code to allow altering speed limits in construction work zones. - 26-2671 – FY2027 Budget: Public hearing continuation and second reading. Approved 7-0. The budget totals $487,415,361, includes a 20% homestead exemption, and maintains a property tax rate of $0.639000 per $100 valuation. - 26-2672 – FY2027 Tax Rate: Public hearing continuation and second reading. Approved 7-0. The property tax rate of $0.639000 per $100 is the lowest in over 30 years and represents a 5.83% increase over the no-new-revenue rate, but total property tax revenue is $4.4 million less than the previous year due to lower appraisals. - 26-2669 – South Pointe PID Annual Plan: Approved 7-0. The FY2026/2027 Services and Assessment Plan for $1,108,320. (Note: a scrivener's error was later corrected to add Tarrant County to the ordinance.) - 26-2709 – Municipal Court Judge Term Restatement: Approved 7-0, ratifying February 24, 1997, as the first appointment date and authorizing gap contracts for existing judges until February 24, 2027. - Board Appointments: All appointments to Mansfield Park Facilities Development Corporation, Mansfield Economic Development Corporation, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Historic Landmark Commission, Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, Keep Mansfield Beautiful Commission, Construction Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals, Public Art Advisory Committee, and Animal Shelter Advisory Committee were approved 7-0.

The Mansfield City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, August 24, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Council Chambers, 1200 E. Broad St., Mansfield, TX. All seven council members were present, with Council Member Brent Newsom arriving at 2:09 p.m. The council held a work session on consent agenda items, recessed into executive session from 2:10 p.m. to 5:47 p.m. for legal, real property, personnel, and economic development matters, and reconvened at 6:01 p.m. for the regular business session. The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m. No action was taken pursuant to executive session. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 10, 2026 Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 4 Board meeting minutes by a 7-0 vote. - Approved the consent agenda as a whole by a 7-0 vote, including: - A resolution denying SiEnergy Gas, LLC's statement of intent to increase rates and requiring the company to reimburse the city's reasonable rate case expenses. - A construction contract with CGC General Contractors, Inc. for the James McKnight Park disc golf course in an amount not to exceed $876,449.12, funded through the MPFDC fund and a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant. Staff noted 25 bids were received. - A professional services contract with LJA Engineering, Inc. for Forest Brook Linear Trail landscape architecture and engineering design services in an amount not to exceed $406,250. - Amendment No. 2 to the Tarrant County interlocal agreement for Dick Price Road improvements in an amount not to exceed $1,584,500. - Amendment No. 2 to the Tarrant County interlocal agreement for Heritage Parkway improvements in an amount not to exceed $2,807,000. - Approval of the August 10, 2026 regular City Council meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Terrhonda Hillman of 1202 Killian Drive addressed the council during citizen comments. She described herself as a Mansfield resident, a Mansfield ISD parent and grandparent, a small business owner, a cultural arts partner, and a city contractor. She said the city canceled her stage play "The Porch, The History of Mansfield" 45 days before opening and terminated her Mansfield Commission for the Arts Incubator Partnership. She also said two separate city cleaning contracts she held for five years were terminated in the same meeting, preventing her from bidding on future city contracts. She alleged that the reasons given were "manufactured," that she has documentation, and that the actions were "unethical, irresponsible, negligent, and outright sloppy." She connected her comments to the 70th anniversary of the attempt to desegregate Mansfield High School. - No members of the public spoke at the public hearings for the budget, tax rate, or the two specific use permits. Presentations and Staff Updates - Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) partnership: Rachel Bagley, Assistant Director of Economic Development, announced that TTUHSC will establish a long-term presence at the Mansfield Innovation Community (MIC) within the Link Innovation District, occupying approximately 33,000 square feet on the third floor for the School of Nursing, simulation labs, classrooms, and collaborative spaces. Dr. Lori Rice-Spearman and Dr. Holly Wei spoke about strengthening the nursing pipeline; Dr. Rice-Spearman noted that more than 5,000 School of Nursing alumni live and work in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Mayor Evans welcomed the partnership and said health care is one of Mansfield's fastest-growing sectors. - Geyer Commons update: Ann Beck, Parks and Recreation Marketing and Communications Manager, reported on the inaugural spring cottage market season. Highlights included: 12 cottage vendors recorded combined gross sales of just over $570,000 in 22 weeks; 199 unique vendors participated through pop-ups or food trucks; about $13,000 in vendor fees was collected; the site drew 95,000 visitors, an 800% increase in activity; average stay was 49 minutes; 58% of visitors were non-residents; 49% showed loyalty by visiting more than twice; 198 events were held, 102 of which were partner events; the city received more than $91,000 in sponsorships, donations, or partnership support; 15,000 people attended events; and the summer program logged a record 57,000 hours of screen-free fun. The fall season begins September 4, 2026, with two new vendors. Budget and Tax Rate Public Hearings (First Readings) - Troy Lestina, Deputy City Manager/CFO, presented the proposed FY 2026-27 budget and the 2026 tax rate. The proposed budget raises less property tax revenue than the prior year by $4,410,936, a 6.63% decrease, while including $3,070,641 in revenue from new property added to the tax roll. The budget adds 15 new FTEs citywide and includes $7 million in capital equipment across all funds. - The proposed tax rate is $0.639000 per $100 of assessed valuation, the same rate as the prior year. The no-new-revenue tax rate is $0.603794, and the voter-approval rate was reported as approximately $0.73. The 20% homestead exemption reduced the median taxable homestead value to $296,999, with an estimated city property tax bill of $1,897.82, a savings of about $222.89 compared with the prior year's $2,120.71 on the median homestead. - The public hearings were opened and closed with no speakers. The council approved first reading of both the budget ordinance and the tax rate ordinance by 7-0 votes. The second public hearing and final adoption are scheduled for September 14, 2026. Public Hearings and Zoning Actions - Stillwater Capital zoning request (ZC24-016): This requested a change from PD to PD for commercial, residential, and institutional uses on 153.073 acres bounded by E. Broad St., Matlock Rd., Heritage Pkwy., and Regency Pkwy. The applicant had requested to table the item indefinitely. A motion to table indefinitely passed 7-0. - SUP26-003 (351 Matlock Rd.): Approved a Specific Use Permit for an eating establishment with drive-through beverage service on 0.78 acre. The planning and zoning commission had recommended approval 5-0. The approval included conditions related to revised building elevations, additional landscaping along Matlock Road and the drive-through lane, three total wall signs, and removal of the proposed mural. The public hearing had no speakers; the vote was 7-0. - SUP26-004 (2431 E. Broad St.): Approved a Specific Use Permit for an eating establishment with drive-through service on 0.97 acre. Applicant representatives described a proposed building of about 3,100 square feet. The public hearing had no speakers; the vote was 7-0. New Business - Alcohol variance request (26-2659): Blazing Hospitality, LLC requested a variance from the 300-foot minimum distance for on-premise alcohol sales for a proposed Gloria's Latin Cuisine restaurant on about 2.927 acres at 2041 and 2081 E. Broad St. Staff reported the closest property-line distance to Mansfield ISD's Willie Brown Academy is about 164.48 feet. Staff recommended conditions including a TABC food and beverage certificate, TABC-aligned hours, no bar or nightclub use, and applicability tied to the property and use. Council members asked for additional site, entrance/exit, and school-zone information. A motion to table the item passed 7-0. - Staybolt Public Improvement District (26-2660): Approved the 2026 annual update to the service and assessment plan and assessment roll, including collection of 2026 annual installments. Staff described it as routine, with no lot sales, no new assessments, and no plats filed. Vote was 7-0. - Municipal Court presiding judge (26-2662): City Attorney Victor Flores recommended no action on the ordinance to appoint a presiding judge, stating he would bring back an updated presentation at a future council meeting. No appointment was made. Key Outcomes - All votes were 7-0 with all seven council members present. - TIRZ 4 minutes and regular City Council minutes approved. - SiEnergy rate case resolution, disc golf construction contract, Forest Brook Linear Trail design contract, and two Tarrant County interlocal amendments approved as part of the consent agenda. - First readings of the FY 2026-27 budget ordinance and the 2026 ad valorem tax rate ordinance approved; second hearing and final adoption set for September 14, 2026. - Stillwater Capital zoning case tabled indefinitely. - Two specific use permits for drive-through eating establishments approved. - Alcohol sales distance variance tabled. - Staybolt PID 2026 annual update approved. - No action taken on municipal court judge appointment; no action was taken under executive session.

The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on August 10, 2026, in the Council Chambers at 1200 E. Broad St., Mansfield, TX. The posted agenda and transcript show a 1:00 p.m. call to order, while the minutes state 12:00 p.m. The Council recessed into executive session at 2:28 p.m., reconvened in open session at 6:20 p.m., and adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Council Member Brent Newsom was absent; Council Member Juan Fresquez arrived at 2:03 p.m. All votes taken during the open session were unanimous. Recognition - Adam Stark, Interim Executive Director of Public Works, and David Hinshaw, Assistant Director of Public Works - Utilities, reported that the Public Works Department received three awards at the TCEQ Public Drinking Water Conference: Outstanding Public Drinking Water System, Outstanding Cross-Connection Control Program, and Innovative or Proactive Water System. - Staff highlighted that the cross-connection and innovative/proactive awards were first-time honors, and that the innovative award recognized the department's internship program with Mansfield ISD's Ben Barber Academy and UT Arlington. The transcript is internally inconsistent about how many of the state's 7,100 public drinking water systems received the drinking water system award: the presenter first said one, then later said six. Discussion Items Work Session: The Canals at The Reserve - Clayton Comstock, Executive Director of Planning and Development, previewed the 6:00 p.m. public hearing item (ZC24-016) for The Canals at The Reserve, a zoning request by Stillwater Capital Inc. for 153.073 acres bounded by E. Broad St., Matlock Rd., Heritage Pkwy., and Regency Pkwy. - The property is currently in The Reserve Planned Development, established January 23, 2006, and revised December 10, 2012, and June 13, 2016. The proposed Canals PD would create a site-specific regulating plan with four subdistricts: canals, neighborhood, Broad Street, and employment. - Staff said Mansfield 2040 designates the site as Mixed-Use Regional and The Link Special Area Plan recommends a walkable, urban town center anchored by civic uses such as City Hall. - Existing reserve PD entitlements were described as 2,529 residential units across the central and workplace subdistricts; approximately 961 units have been built at a density of 33.8 units per acre. The proposed rezoning would remove the area west of Matlock from the central subdistrict, while roughly 1,197 remaining central-subdistrict entitlements east of Matlock would continue. - The Canals PD proposal includes a maximum of six apartment blocks (three in the canals subdistrict and three in the neighborhood subdistrict), with a 20-acre cap in the canals subdistrict and a 25-acre cap in the neighborhood subdistrict, totaling about 45 acres or 29% of the 153-acre site. Apartments would be prohibited in the Broad Street and employment subdistricts. - The proposal requires minimum four-story apartment buildings with no maximum height, structured parking (90% in the canals subdistrict; 75% for at least one neighborhood apartment block), and sequential phasing triggers before apartment permits are released. The first apartment block must be in the canals subdistrict with canal frontage. Later blocks require a hotel, a grocery store of at least 20,000 square feet, or 30,000 square feet of commercial, plus cumulative commercial milestones of 75,000, 200,000, and 300,000 square feet. - Council Member Bounds asked staff to ensure the phasing language could not be satisfied by building three hotels in place of mixed-use commercial triggers; staff acknowledged the scenario was not planned and said it could be closed. - Other standards discussed included no drive-throughs, a minimum 12% district-wide canal/bay/open-space network, 5% per-project publicly accessible open space, a master property owners association, an architectural review board/pattern book, and development review committee approvals with major deviations requiring a special development plan. - Council Member Simmons asked about the history of the canals concept, maintenance and operation, and the impact if the city declined the concept. Assistant City Manager Matt Jones said the idea grew from strategic visioning and a desire for a regional destination/town center anchored by City Hall; it was publicly launched in 2024. Staff said the canals/open spaces would be city-owned but maintained through POA and other maintenance mechanisms, and declining the plan would likely mean continued piecemeal development under the existing PD. Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Corbin, an attorney from Mansfield, spoke during citizen comments about City Charter Section 3.02(b) and Procedural Rules Section 1.02(C). He argued that Council Member Newsom's absences should be addressed publicly, asked the Council to place the matter on the next agenda, and asserted that if the absences were not validly excused, the office should be vacated and an election set. He also asked how Council Member pay is being handled. - No other citizens spoke. A second comment card was received for Alexander Stein of Dallas, but he was not present. Council and Staff Comments - Council Member Vaszauskas highlighted the Animal Care and Control ribbon cutting and the Judge L. Clifford Davis residential community groundbreaking, thanking staff and Tarrant County Commissioners Court members for their partnership. Mayor Evans echoed the comments and mentioned Council Member Newsom's continued recovery. - City Attorney Victor Flores, responding at City Manager Joe Smolinski's request to Mr. Corbin's comments, said the Charter and procedural rules do not specify an excuse-approval process, but state law permits absences for illness/medical reasons, and Council Member Newsom's absence was for a medical reason. - Darcy Lupton, Director of Financial Services, was available for questions on the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending June 30, 2026; no questions were asked. Executive Session and Action Taken - The Council recessed into executive session at 2:28 p.m. (minutes note the session began in the conference room at 2:35 p.m. and ended at 6:14 p.m.) to discuss pending litigation, real estate acquisitions, municipal court judge interviews, and economic development projects under Texas Government Code Sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.074, and 551.087. The open session resumed at 6:20 p.m. - Motion passed 6-0 to authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate, finalize, and execute a 380 Agreement for Economic Development Project 22-04 as discussed in executive session. - Motion passed 6-0 to approve Resolution RE-4576-26, authorizing a Second Amendment to the Economic Development Agreement with Nack Development, LLC, amending Section 3.4 to July 1, 2027, Section 3.5 to September 1, 2027, and Section 3.6 to September 1, 2027. The minutes list the seconder as Council Member Bounds, but the transcript indicates Council Member Vaszauskas seconded. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda, which was approval of the July 27, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting minutes (item 26-2557), was approved 6-0. - The July 27, 2026 Local Transportation Issues Sub-Committee meeting minutes (item 26-2562) were approved by sub-committee members Tonore, Bounds, and Fresquez, 3-0. Public Hearings - ZC24-016, The Canals at The Reserve: The public hearing and first reading were tabled to the August 24, 2026, City Council meeting on a motion by Council Member Vaszauskas, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tonore, to allow staff time to provide a more final and complete draft for Council and citizens. The motion passed 6-0. - OA26-002, Commercial Drone Delivery: On staff's request, the Council continued the public hearing and second/final reading to the October 12, 2026, Regular City Council meeting to allow time for an additional work session and clarifications. The ordinance would amend Chapter 155 definitions, allow commercial drone delivery by right or by specific use permit in C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, and PD districts, and add special conditions governing drone delivery and related aviation uses. The motion by Council Member Simmons, seconded by Council Member Bounds, passed 6-0. New Business: Proposed Tax Rate - Troy Lestina, Deputy City Manager/Chief Financial Officer, presented the proposed tax rate of $0.639000 per $100 valuation, unchanged from the current rate. The no-new-revenue rate was reported as just over $0.60, and the voter-approval rate as $0.73. - Lestina reported that Tarrant County's July certified value declined just over 1.26% year over year, Johnson County rose 5%, and Ellis County had a small decrease. New construction added about $481 million in value, but protest increases of about 13% year over year and a 17% loss in value due to protests absorbed that growth. - The 2026 homestead exemption of 20% was included in the calculations; the median homestead taxable value decreased, which reduced taxes for a median homestead under the proposed rate. - The truth-in-taxation worksheet (Form 50-876) was received August 7 and revised August 10; the final certified copy will be posted when available. Public hearings are scheduled for August 24, 2026, and September 14, 2026, with the budget ordinance and final tax rate vote on September 14. - A motion to approve the proposed tax rate of $0.639000 passed 6-0. This vote sets the proposal for the September 14 ordinance vote; it is not the final tax rate adoption. Key Outcomes - Tabled The Canals at The Reserve zoning request (ZC24-016) to August 24, 2026. - Continued the commercial drone delivery ordinance (OA26-002) to October 12, 2026. - Approved the proposed $0.639000 tax rate, with final adoption set for September 14, 2026. - Approved executive session actions for a 380 Agreement (Project 22-04) and Resolution RE-4576-26 with Nack Development, LLC. - Approved regular meeting minutes and Local Transportation Issues Sub-Committee minutes. - Adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

The Mansfield City Council met on July 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM for a work session followed by a regular business session at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered the FY '26-'27 budget, fee changes, consent agenda items, public comments, and a public hearing on commercial drone delivery zoning amendments. Council heard from staff and the public, approved multiple resolutions, and advanced a drone ordinance to second reading with revisions. Work Session: FY '26-'27 Budget Updates - Deputy City Manager/CFO Troy Lestina presented a balanced budget for FY 2026-2027, noting that the final certified tax roll from Johnson County had not yet been received, making the budget preliminary. Significant dates include publication of effective tax rate by August 7, public hearings on August 24 and September 14. - Trash and Recycling Fees: Howard Redfearn (Public Works) proposed a 2.39% increase (based on CPI-U for Dallas-Fort Worth) from $19.23 to $19.69 per month for standard residential service, effective October 1. Council noted the Frontier contract allows CPI-based increases after the first three years. - Parks and Recreation Fees: Matt Young (Community Services) proposed increases: race event fees from $500 to $650; room/gym rentals up by $5-$10 per hour; pavilion and amphitheater rentals up by $5-$15. Gyger Commons cottage vendor monthly lease rates proposed to rise from $250 (resident) to $400 and from $350 (non-resident) to $600 for spring 2027. Council discussed benchmarking; Young stated fees are about middle of the pack. - Library Fees: Yolanda Botello proposed increasing black-and-white printing from $0.10 to $0.20 per sheet and color from $0.25 to $0.50 per sheet. - Water and Sewer Utility Fees: Adam Stark (Public Works) reviewed a comprehensive fee restructuring following a cost-of-service study. Changes included: residential deposits made flat at $100; commercial deposits from $100 to $200; construction meter deposits from $800 to $1,600; new fees for setting damaged large meters ($3,000-$4,500); tampering fee from $115 to $300; sewer service inspection from $50 to $125; plus new irrigation fee structure combining plan review and inspection into single fees. Council member Vaszauskas praised the review. - Property and Sales Tax: Lestina reported that Tarrant County certified values decreased by about $130 million, and Ellis County decreased by over $5 million from earlier estimates, creating budget challenges. Johnson County estimated value increased due to a new reappraisal plan. New construction revenue estimated at $3.3 million. The proposed tax rate remains at 63.9 per $100 valuation. - Preliminary Budget Highlights: Total general fund budget of approximately $114 million, with public safety at 52% of expenditures. Debt service and capital plans were presented, including $650,000 for foundation repair at the downtown museum and $24,000 for hotel audits. Consent Calendar - Resolution 26-2484: Approved a professional services contract with Shield Engineering Group, PLLC for design of reconstruction and drainage improvements on Kings Way Drive and Bishop Drive (Dallas St to Fort Worth St) for $443,687.20. (Unanimous, 5-0) - Resolution 26-2485: Awarded contracts for Hillcrest Street reconstruction: Potere Construction, LLC (construction), Brittain and Crawford, LLC (surveying), and Raba Kistner, Inc. (material testing) for a total not to exceed $1,601,716.67. (Unanimous, 5-0) - Resolution 26-2487: Authorized purchase of property at 113 N. 4th Avenue for the Walnut Creek Linear Park Trail system for an undisclosed amount. (Unanimous, 5-0) - Minutes 26-2506: Approved the July 13, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting minutes. (Unanimous, 5-0) - Minutes 26-2514: Approved the July 13, 2026 Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 2 Board Meeting minutes (vote by zone board members only: 3-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Wayne Wilshire (1101 Pinehurst Court): Spoke about the condition and ownership of three properties: 301 West Oak Street (construction incomplete since 2021) and condos on the west side of Maddock between Canon Drive and Broad Street (196 units, where no individual may own more than three units; he claimed no units appear to have been sold). He asked the city to take action on these properties. Discussion Items - Commercial Drone Delivery Ordinance (First Reading, 26-2446): Clayton Comstock (Planning and Development) presented amendments to Chapter 155 (Zoning) to define and regulate commercial drone delivery hubs (accessory and primary) and kiosks. The ordinance proposed permitting accessory delivery hubs by right in C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, and PD districts for primary uses over 50,000 sq. ft., subject to standards including: staging area limited to 2.5% of gross floor area, located to side or rear, minimum 300-foot setback from noise-sensitive uses, fencing, and height limits. Primary hubs (stand-alone) would require a Specific Use Permit (SUP). Kiosks (pick-up points) would be permitted with a 64 sq. ft. max footprint and 150-foot setback from noise-sensitive uses. - Council members Bounds and Vaszauskas expressed concerns about allowing accessory hubs by right, citing lack of council oversight and aesthetic considerations. Council member Vaszauskas noted his personal positive experience with drone delivery but worried about equity based on tenant size. City Manager Joe Smolinski recommended staff return on August 10 with a revised ordinance requiring an SUP for all commercial drone delivery hubs while retaining definitions and standards as guidance. - The public hearing was opened and closed with no public testimony. - A motion to approve the first reading with instructions to incorporate council comments passed unanimously (5-0). Second reading scheduled for August 10, 2026. Staff Comments - Raymond Coffman: Announced a public pre-construction open house for the East Broad Street reconstruction project on July 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM, primarily for business owners/operators. - Police Chief Tracy Aaron: Addressed the working relationship with Mansfield ISD regarding city events on school property (e.g., fireworks). He also provided a detailed defense of Flock cameras, citing solved cases (murder, kidnapping) and explaining data privacy protections, contractual restrictions, and officer accountability. - Quarterly Report: The Mansfield Quarterly Q3 2026 report was available for questions. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda items (Resolutions RE-4573-26, RE-4574-26, RE-4575-26, and minutes) unanimously (5-0). - Approved TIRZ 2 Board meeting minutes (3-0). - Approved first reading of the commercial drone delivery ordinance with direction to staff to revise to require SUP for all commercial drone delivery hubs, returning for second reading on August 10, 2026. - No action taken pursuant to executive session. - Meeting adjourned at 7:51 PM.

The Mansfield City Council held a regular meeting on July 13, 2026, spanning a work session on the FY 2026-2027 budget and a regular business session where the council heard public comments and voted on a consent agenda, bond issuances, a fire logistics building contract, and a development agreement for the Smith & Elm downtown site. Council members Michael Evans, Todd Tonore, Tamera Bounds, Juan Fresquez, Todd Simmons, and Jim Vaszauskas were present; Brent Newsom was absent. Consent Calendar - Ordinance 26-2356: Amended multi-family dwelling complex registration, fees, and inspection procedures, adding a non-compliance status as an administrative enforcement tool. - Ordinance 26-2357: Revised mobile food vendor regulations to align with state law (HB 2844) and updated compliance standards. - Ordinance 26-2358: Amended pool and spa closure and records requirements, clarifying protocols for biological spill response. - Resolution 26-2444: Authorized $189,963 for the 51st Year Community Development Block Grant, including a $173,463 construction contract to 3D Paving & Contracting LLC for sidewalk improvements. - Resolution 26-2455: Authorized the city to apply for a $21 million Texas Water Development Board grant for the Mitchell Road Elevated Storage Tank and 30-inch Lone Star Road Water Line. - Minutes 26-2451 & 26-2452: Approved the minutes from the June 22 and June 29, 2026 council meetings. Public Comments & Testimony - Melisa Perez (111 Van Worth Street) spoke in opposition to the Smith & Elm TIRZ development agreement (Item 26-2477). She argued that the four-acre city-owned site should be used for destination retail and hospitality businesses rather than another apartment-centered development, stating the city has a unique opportunity to intentionally recruit businesses that become destinations. - Robert Morris (725 W Kimball Street) recognized the volunteer efforts of World Hope International, a Mansfield-based non-profit, for a medical mission in Tanzania where 1,921 patients registered and 1,872 were seen by doctors. - Sherry McCullouch (1725 E Broad Street), manager of The Alexander Apartments, thanked the city council for their support of the newly opened development. Discussion Items FY '26-'27 Budget and Capital Requests Deputy City Manager Troy Lestina presented the draft budget, noting an estimated $1.5 million imbalance. Property tax revenues are declining while sales tax grew roughly 5% over the prior month. Placeholders exist for a cost of living adjustment, health insurance increases, and $3 million in capital requests. Police Chief Tracy Aaron discussed requests for a $580,000 radio encryption system and a $170,000 training simulator. Fire Chief Mike Ross discussed replacement requests for a heavy rescue unit, ambulance, battalion vehicle, and covered parking at Station 5. Both chiefs noted improved supply chains. Wastewater Class Surcharge Program and Inspection Fees Adam Stark, Interim Executive Director of Public Works, presented a proposed three-tier surcharge program. The city incurs approximately $1.4 million annually in wastewater surcharges from the Trinity River Authority but recovers only $230,000 from significant industrial users. Council directed staff to proceed with a tiered program: a strength-based surcharge for industrial users, a class-based system for commercial users, and no change for residential customers. For inspection fees, council directed staff to implement a $2.50 per month backflow device fee ($30 annually), a $200 annual interceptor/waste hauler fee, and a $100 customer service inspection fee. Mansfield Fire Logistics Building (Item 26-2383) Capital Projects Manager Kristen Petree presented a revised plan after previous council feedback. The total project budget is $4 million. The council approved a $245,000 pre-construction services fee with Crossland Construction for a design-build contract, shifting storage from expensive station space to a dedicated, lower-cost logistics facility on the public safety complex. Smith & Elm TIRZ Development Agreement (Item 26-2477) Executive Project Manager Casey Lewis presented the development agreement for Reinvestment Zone Number Two. The city will sell the 4-acre site at Smith and Elm to Smith & Elm Mansfield LLC (Bridgeview) for $1.5 million. The developer will invest roughly $60 million in a project including 253 multifamily units and 13,000 square feet of new commercial space. Up to $5.5 million in reimbursements from the tax increment will be paid over an estimated 15.5 years, starting upon project completion. Construction is expected to begin in August 2027. Key Outcomes - Litigation Authorization: Council voted 6-0 to authorize the City Attorney to proceed with Cause No. 348-270155-14 as discussed in executive session. - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (6-0). - Fire Logistics Building: Approved (6-0). - General Obligation Bonds (Item 26-2430, $2,625,000): Approved for the park trail system. The bonds sold at a premium with a True Interest Cost (TIC) of 4.039%. Vote was 5-0-1 (Council Member Vaszauskas abstained). - Certificates of Obligation (Item 26-2431, $12,000,000): Approved for street infrastructure. The bonds sold at a premium with a TIC of 3.987%. Vote was 5-0-1. - Park Facilities Sales Tax Revenue Bonds (Item 26-2432, $10,000,000): Council ratified the Park Board's approval. The bonds sold at a TIC of 3.955%. Vote was 5-0-1. - TIRZ Development Agreement (Item 26-2477): Approved (6-0).

The Mansfield City Council held a special meeting on June 29, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 9:17 AM. Mayor Michael Evans presided. Council members Todd Tonore, Tamera Bounds, Juan Fresquez, and Todd Simmons were present. Council members Brent Newsom (ill) and Jim Vaszauskas were absent. The main actions were the unanimous passage of a 20% homestead exemption and a work session providing direction on a new water rate structure. Public Comments & Testimony - Gary Cardinale (5 Velvet Court): Expressed support for increasing the homestead exemption as a positive first step, but argued the city has a "spending problem, not a revenue problem." He criticized the city's rising debt ($331M increase in general obligation over five years) and questioned major capital projects. He urged spending discipline before considering tax or utility rate increases. - Mike Leyman (1202 Fairhaven Drive): Supported Mr. Cardinale's statements. He urged the council to fulfill prior commitments by increasing the homestead exemption to the full 20%. He suggested the council could achieve both a full 20% exemption and a modest property tax rate reduction. - Non-Speaker Cards: Three citizens (Tonia Jackson, Jessica Ross, Melisa Perez) submitted cards expressing support for the homestead exemption increase. Discussion Items & Key Outcomes Note: The Council altered the agenda order to address the Homestead Exemption item before the scheduled Work Session on water rates. 1. Homestead Exemption Increase to 20% (Ordinance OR-2439-26) - Presenter: Troy Lestina, Deputy City Manager/Chief Financial Officer, explained that action was required by June 30 to meet appraisal district deadlines. - Discussion: Lestina reviewed updated property tax values. Total taxable value fell by $447 million (from $11.3B to $10.8B) since the prior week. He provided a history of the city's tax rate and exemption, compared the city to other DFW cities (average exemption 12%), and detailed the financial impact: the current 16% exemption reduces taxable value by $1.2 billion and provides $7.5 million in tax relief. A 1% increase costs approximately $473,000 in revenue; a one-penny tax rate reduction costs $1.2 million. - Vote: A motion by Mayor Pro Tem Tonore, seconded by Council Member Fresquez, to adopt a 20% Residential Homestead Property Tax Exemption passed unanimously (5-0). 2. Work Session: Proposed Water Rate Study/Structure - Presenter: Adam Stark, Interim Executive Director of Public Works, presented. Joe Smolinski, City Manager, participated in discussion. - Background: The current rate ordinance was adopted in 2012. Since then, only TRWD/TRA pass-through costs were passed on to customers, while all operational cost increases were absorbed by the city. The current structure is projected to fail debt service coverage requirements and reserve minimums without a substantive change. The city faces a $272 million, 10-year capital improvement plan. - Scenarios: - Scenario 1 (Staff Preferred): New tiered rate structure with annual TRWD, TRA, and operational pass-throughs. Results in a modest $0.10 per thousand gallon increase while protecting the 66.7% of residential customers in the lowest two tiers. - Scenario 2: Maintains current structure with a one-time "catch-up" increase of $1.02 per thousand gallons, followed by only TRWD/TRA pass-throughs. - Council Direction: Council members Bounds, Fresquez, and Simmons expressed support for the gradual, tiered approach. Council Member Simmons stressed the necessity of keeping up with infrastructure maintenance. The council unanimously directed staff to move forward with Scenario 1. 3. Work Session: Sewer Surcharge Program & Inspection Fees - Proposal: Two programs to shift costs away from the general residential rate base onto the specific users generating the costs. - Class Surcharge Program: The city pays $1.4 million annually in sewer surcharges to TRA but only recovers $230,000. Analysis shows 11 Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) are responsible for 84-95% of the high-strength waste costs. The proposed three-tier program would charge industrial and commercial customers (e.g., restaurants, grocery stores) the true cost of treating their high-strength sewage, while residential rates would remain unchanged. - Debate & Outcome: There was unanimous consensus among the Council to recover these costs from the generators and relieve residential ratepayers. However, Council Member Tonore and Mayor Evans specifically requested a competitive analysis comparing Mansfield's proposed surcharges to those of neighboring cities (Grand Prairie, Midlothian, Arlington) to ensure the city remains competitive and does not drive away businesses. Final action on the surcharge program and the proposed inspection fees (grease traps, backflow devices) was deferred pending further staff analysis and data. Summary of Key Outcomes - Homestead Exemption: PASSED (5-0) increasing the residential exemption from 16% to 20%. - Water Rate Structure: Council directed staff to implement Scenario 1 (new tiered structure with gradual annual increases). - Sewer Surcharges & Fees: Council supported the principle of cost recovery but deferred a final vote on the Class Surcharge Program and Inspection Fees, requesting a competitive analysis of neighboring cities. - Meeting Adjourned: 9:17 AM.