Mansfield City Council Regular Meeting - December 8, 2025

The Mansfield City Council met on December 8, 2025, at 5:58 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included a sponsorship presentation, citizen comments, council and staff reports, three public hearings, and several resolutions. Key actions included first reading approval of a mixed-use planned development, approval of specific use permits for Goodwill and Mansfield Mission Center, amendments to the Mansfield Sports District agreement, a contract with The Beck Group for convention center design, casting votes for the Tarrant Appraisal Board, requesting a commercial property reappraisal in Johnson County, and awarding a $49.8 million water treatment plant expansion contract. The council adjourned at 7:31 PM.

Presentation

• Baylor Orthopedic Spine Hospital Arlington Sponsorship: Executive Director of Community Engagement Theresa Cohagen introduced hospital CEO Allen Beck, who highlighted their sponsorship of Hometown Holidays events. The partnership supports community events and aligns with the hospital’s Christian ministry mission.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Wendy Burgess (confidential address): Spoke on her candidacy for the Tarrant Appraisal District Board. She apologized for a clerical error in prior ballots, noted an independent investigation found no wrongdoing, and advocated for annual reappraisals. She asked for the council’s full vote.
• Austin Sanders (433 Hillstone Drive, Midlothian) and Michael Jennings (805 Derbyshire Lane, Mansfield): Reported on the formation of a new Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter in Mansfield. They stated the chapter already has about 50 members and helped over 20 veterans file claims in November, resulting in two 100% ratings and one 80% rating, and saved a widow’s home from foreclosure.

Council & Staff Comments

• Council Member Bounds: Commented on the awesome Hometown Holidays event.
• Council Member Simmons: Mentioned Walnut Ridge Baptist Church started a new Veterans Ministry with an Army/Navy watch party.
• Council Member Newsom: Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
• Police Chief Aaron: Announced Mansfield placed 14th nationally and 4th in Texas in the National Night Out awards for the 50,000-100,000 population category. He credited Officer Santana for the award submission.

Public Hearings & First Reading

1. Zoning Change – 2445 FM 157 (ZC25-002):

• Proposal: Rezone 5.866 acres from C-2 Community Business to Planned Development (PD) for a mixed-use development called Falcon Crossing, with 21,200 sq ft of retail and 62 townhomes (starting at $425,000). Applicant David McClelland of Open Studio Architecture presented. Council discussion focused on green space, tree preservation, building elevations (requesting more traditional masonry vs modern), and a pocket park. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 4-2-1 with conditions. Council passed first reading unanimously (7-0).

2. Goodwill Specific Use Permit – 989 N. Walnut Creek Drive (SUP#25-003):

• Proposal: Relocate existing Goodwill store to a vacant Big Lots space. Applicant Jeffrey Marquis (Goodwill North Central Texas) described security measures including virtual guard monitoring. Property owner representative Nick Ibarra answered questions about the building’s depth (98 ft) and a 10-year lease. Council approved the SUP 6-1 (Council Member Newsom dissenting).

3. Mansfield Mission Center Specific Use Permit – 901 W. Broad St (SUP#25-005):

• Proposal: Build a multi-purpose building next to their medical clinic to consolidate thrift store, food market, training center, and admin offices. Applicant Brian McFadden explained that the city chose not to renew their current lease. The thrift store has been voted best for six years. Council approved the SUP 5-0-2 (Mayor Evans and Council Member Fresquez recused themselves and abstained).

New Business (Resolutions)

4. Third Amendment to Master Development Agreement with Mansfield Sports District (RE-4480-25):

• Reduced the city’s reimbursement to the developer from $2.4 million to $1.1 million, redirecting $1.3 million to a professional services contract with The Beck Group for design of the convention center/hotel project. Approved 7-0.

5. Professional Services Contract with The Beck Group – $1.3 million (RE-4481-25):

• Uses developer land proceeds to advance schematic/construction drawings for convention center, hotel, parking garage, and other Phase I developments (total over $300 million). Matt Leyman, Mansfield High School graduate and former Marine, is regional director for The Beck Group. Approved 7-0.

6. Appraisal Board Voting:

• Ellis Appraisal Board: No action taken.
• Central Appraisal Board of Johnson County: No action taken.
• Tarrant Appraisal Board: Cast 21 votes for Wendy Burgess and 3 votes for Eric Crile (RE-4482-25). Approved 7-0.

7. Request for Reappraisal of Commercial Property – Johnson County (RE-4483-25):

• Formally requested the Central Appraisal District of Johnson County conduct a reappraisal, citing state law requiring annual appraisals. City Attorney Victor Flores confirmed this is the council’s full remedy. Approved 6-0-1 (Council Member Broseh abstained).

8. Bud Ervin Water Treatment Plant Phase V Expansion – $49,796,382.31 (RE-4484-25):

• Work Authorization 3 and Guaranteed Maximum Price with Archer Western Construction LLC. Increases water production from 45 MGD to 62.5 MGD, enough for 10 years of retail growth. Executive Director Jeff Price noted cost per gallon ($2.80) is far below a greenfield plant ($10–$11). Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• All actions passed unanimously except:
  • Goodwill SUP: 6-1 (Newsom dissenting).
  • Mansfield Mission Center SUP: 5-0-2 (Evans and Fresquez abstained).
  • Reappraisal request: 6-0-1 (Broseh abstained).
• The council did not recess into executive session.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:31 PM.