Murphy City Council Regular Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Murphy City Council held its regular meeting on October 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Mayor Scott Bradley presided, with Mayor Pratt Scott Smith, Deputy Mayor Ken Otman, and Councilmembers Elizabeth Abraham, Debbie Ison, Kevin Kelly, and Janae Butler present, establishing a quorum. The meeting included public comments, presentations on employee recognition, water loss, and lighting ordinances, approval of prior minutes, and an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of October 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes: Moved and seconded, passed unanimously with all in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mohammed Abdullah: Expressed appreciation for council service, then critically reflected on governance. He identified as a tenth-generation American descendant of Thomas Jefferson and a second-generation Muslim. He stated he wants his children to know the country was built for them too, referencing Jefferson's writings on religious freedom for Muslims. He criticized the State Board of Education's recent curriculum changes and specifically named Mrs. Little as the local representative who voted for them. He declared he will vote against those he believes are "anti-American" and oppose bigotry. He urged council to be mindful of how they vote and speak on such issues.
• Shazia Al Hassan: A Murphy resident, asked for a clear public safety plan for Halloween. She cited a 2024 tragedy in Richardson where a mother and daughter died in a highway crash. She requested the current number of registered sex offenders in Murphy and explanation of residency restrictions (within 1,000 feet of places children gather) and how they are enforced. She also suggested increased police patrols, traffic enforcement, crossing assistance, temporary signage, coordination with neighborhood associations, and a supervised location for lost children. She asked the city to share a public safety update before October 31.

Discussion Items

• Employee of the Quarter: Staff presented the award to Miss Sammy Clark, recognized for service excellence and tenacity. Assistant chief presented the award.
• Water Loss Update (Daniel Pratt): Reviewed historical water loss data (2016-2025) and presented third quarter 2026 data. July: 13% water loss (22,168,951 gallons difference), August: 3% (6,053,377 gallons), September: 13% (24,072,405 gallons). The August drop was attributed to quick repairs of six leaks. September increase was linked to rain causing ground shifting and new leaks. Current leak detection methods include proactive field crew observation and reactive citizen reports. The copper service line replacement project (5,300 lines) began August 2026 with an 18-month timeline. As of meeting, only 168 services completed (about 3 per day vs. needed 10 per day). A meeting with the contractor is scheduled for Thursday to address delays; the contract includes liquidated damages for missing the February 2028 deadline. Council asked about completion rates and financial liability. Also clarified that construction hydrant usage includes both city and private projects, all metered.
• Light Ordinance Review (Jared, staff): Reviewed current lighting regulations (Chapter 26.04) for non-residential uses: glare restrictions, shielded downlit fixtures, energy efficiency, and the 2019 prohibition on outlining buildings with lights. Noted that new LED technology allowing flashing, color-changing, or rapidly changing lights is not addressed. Staff proposed adding language to prohibit such features. Council member noted a business with orange lights around windows that may be non-compliant. Another member suggested voluntary dimming during bird migration seasons but not mandatory. Council agreed to submit any specific recommendations to the city manager for committee review rather than immediate action.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Minutes of October 6, 2026 regular council meeting (unanimous).
• No Action: Executive session (6:29 PM to 7:25 PM) held under Texas Government Code for consultation with attorney on pending litigation and employee complaint; no action taken.
• Direction to Staff: Council directed that any suggestions for changes to the lighting ordinance be emailed to the city manager for committee review. Staff may bring back a proposed ordinance amendment if council provides specific recommendations.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:26 PM.