Mansfield City Council Regular Meeting - March 23, 2026

The Mansfield City Council met on March 23, 2026, beginning at 3:00 PM with a work session, followed by an executive session, and reconvening at 6:21 PM for the regular business session. Key actions included selecting a flashing pedestrian sign option for Cannon Drive, approving a cost reimbursement agreement for utility improvements up to $1,028,000.64, and approving a Specific Use Permit for apartments with a traffic coordination stipulation.

Work Session

• Speed Limit and School Zone Changes on Cannon Dr.
  James Rogge, Assistant Director of Public Works - Transportation, presented three options: (1) establishing a school zone, (2) installing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) with ADA improvements, and (3) installing flashing pedestrian signs. After discussion, Council directed staff to proceed with Option 3 (flashing pedestrian signs). Staff noted that Option 3 does not include ADA improvements; Council acknowledged that ADA needs would need to be addressed separately, with an estimated $15,000 for concrete work.

• Transportation Options
  Rick Larkin, former owner of BCB Transport and a Mansfield resident, proposed a phased shuttle system to connect historic downtown, Geyer Commons, and eventually the Staybolt area. He suggested using 15-passenger electric shuttles operating primarily on weekends (Friday 14 hours, Saturday 14 hours, Sunday 9 hours). Council expressed interest in further exploring the concept but noted funding constraints (a previous minivan service would have cost $1 million).

• Consent Agenda Items Discussion
  Raymond Coffman, Director of Engineering Services, answered questions on agenda item 26-2052 (Rockwood Lift Station cost reimbursement agreement). The item was pulled for discussion; staff clarified that the agreement is a cost-sharing arrangement with a developer for a regional lift station that will replace two existing stations.

Executive Session

The Council recessed into executive session at 3:30 PM, reconvening at 6:21 PM. Topics included legal advice, real property acquisition, personnel, and economic development negotiations (five projects).

Proclamations

• North Texas Community Cleanup Challenge 2026 – Mayor Evans proclaimed March through May 2026 as the cleanup challenge months. The city won the Mayor's Challenge in 2025. Upcoming events: Spring Chunky Junk (March 28) and a May 4th cleanup at Geyer Commons.
• National Library Week – Proclaimed for April 19–25, 2026. The library’s largest event, Mansfield Reads featuring author Paula McLean, will be held on April 10.

Citizen Comments

• Raymond Barlowe (2900 Neidman Dr.) – Complained about poor construction quality of his home and alleged inadequate city inspections and harassment by police after peaceful protests. He criticized Mayor Evans for what he perceived as a conflict of interest between his religious and political roles.
• Arfrances Johnson (1915 Birch St.) – Expressed frustration with David Weekly homes, listing over 20 complaints including cracks, appliance failures, and unfulfilled promises. She thanked the city for addressing a weed problem and suggested a “house fax” disclosure program for homebuyers.
• Mike Jennings (Commander) and Austin Sanders (Senior Vice Commander) – Reported updates for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Mansfield Chapter (founded December 2025). They have served over 60 veterans, achieving over 60% increases in VA disability ratings and numerous dollars in back pay. They are recruiting to grow from 60 to 100 members by December and are seeking office space from the city.

Council Comments

Council Members Simmons, Fresquez, and Mayor Evans praised the Pickle Parade and Palooza event and the work of the DAV.

Staff Comments

City Manager Joe Smolinski commended the DAV and staff for their work on the Pickle Parade. The Monthly Financial Report for the period ending December 31, 2025, was presented for review.

Take Action Necessary Pursuant to Executive Session

• Motion by Council Member Simmons, seconded by Council Member Fresquez, to authorize the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and finalize the easement agreement for LA#26-02 (Mountain Creek Sewer project) as discussed in executive session. Passed 6-0.

Approval of Sub-Committee Minutes

• 26-2039: Annual Audit Sub-Committee minutes (March 9, 2026) – Approved 3-0 (Evans, Tonore, Broseh).
• 26-2043: Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #2 Board minutes (March 9, 2026) – Approved 3-0 (Bounds, Newsom absent, Evans, Simmons).

Consent Agenda (all approved 6-0)

• RE-4523-26: Resolution approving amendments to the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Bylaws.
• RE-4524-26: Resolution rejecting all proposals for a Mansfield Custom Events Calendar Web Application.
• RE-4525-26: Resolution approving a Cost Reimbursement Agreement for Rockwood Lift Station and Force Main Improvements with Bisbee Ranch, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $1,028,000.64 (Utility Fund).
• 26-2038: Approval of the March 9, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting minutes.

Public Hearings

• SUP25-004 (Car Wash at 1561 E. Broad St.) – Applicant Triangle Engineering requested a continuance to the April 13, 2026 City Council meeting. Mayor Evans opened and continued the public hearing at 7:01 PM with no speakers. Motion to approve continuance passed 6-0.

• SUP25-006 (Apartments at 240 N. Mitchell Rd., Stillwater Capital LLC) – Public hearing for a Specific Use Permit for apartments in the Reserve PD Workplace Sub-District on 10.034 acres. The request is a renewal of a previous SUP approved January 23, 2023, which expired. Applicant Cole Henley stated the market has stabilized and new investors are interested. The project includes extending Reserve Way to Navi Road to divert traffic from Broad Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 7-0. Council approved with a stipulation that the developer coordinate with the city to facilitate the rebuild of the eastern portion of Broad Street. Motion passed 6-0.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.