Mansfield City Council Regular Meeting - April 13, 2026

The Mansfield City Council convened at 2:00 PM on April 13, 2026, recessed into executive session at 2:53 PM (reconvening at 5:47 PM), and held the regular business session from 6:20 PM to 7:25 PM. The meeting included work sessions on commercial drone delivery and water/wastewater rate making, staff presentations, citizen comments, and unanimous approval of consent agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• 26-2063: Resolution awarding a construction contract to Coronado Roadway Construction, LLC for BRINSAP bridge repairs at ten locations, with funding not to exceed $302,170.70. (Motion by Bounds, second by Fresquez; passed 7-0.)
• 26-2064: Resolution authorizing a 20% penalty for delinquent tax collection costs and a contingent-fee contract with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP. (Motion by Bounds, second by Fresquez; passed 7-0.)
• 26-2076: Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute documents for the National Opioid Litigation Six Remnant Defendants Settlement Agreement (RDSA). (Motion by Bounds, second by Fresquez; passed 7-0.)
• 26-2080: Resolution awarding contracts for Country Club Sewer Line Repair to GRod Construction, LLC and Raba Kistner, Inc., with funding not to exceed $326,615.36. (Motion by Bounds, second by Fresquez; passed 7-0.)
• 26-2081: Resolution awarding contracts for US 287 Crossing Sanitary Sewer Replacement to Willco Underground, LLC and Raba Kistner, Inc., with funding not to exceed $656,120.75. (Motion by Bounds, second by Fresquez; passed 7-0.)
• 26-2091: Resolution authorizing a temporary moratorium on enforcement of certain sign regulations (Chapter 155) for local businesses and venues to promote internationally recognized sporting events between June 11 and July 19, 2026. Signs must relate specifically to the FIFA World Cup. (Motion by Bounds, second by Fresquez; passed 7-0.)
• 26-2066: Minutes of the March 23, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting approved as presented. (Motion by Bounds, second by Fresquez; passed 7-0.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Houston Mitchell (605 St. Eric Drive) raised concerns about code enforcement for trailer and semi parking in neighborhoods, water and electricity consumption by data centers, road infrastructure on Broad Street and Debbie, and opposed the proposed car wash at 1561 E Broad Street due to noise near an elementary school. He also thanked Deputy City Manager Troy Lestina for his responsiveness at a Council Chat event.

Work Session: Commercial Drone Delivery

Clayton Comstock, Executive Director of Planning and Development, presented an overview of the commercial drone delivery market (Wing, Zipline, Flytrex) and the regulatory framework. He explained that the FAA regulates airspace, flight paths, altitude, and drone certification, while the city can regulate zoning, land use, infrastructure location, structure height, setbacks, screening, noise, and lighting. Staff recommended a hybrid approach: by-right accessory use for large-format big-box retailers (e.g., Walmart, Target, HEB) and a special use permit for standalone drone hubs. Council discussed location sensitivity, residential adjacency, grandfathering of existing operations (Wing at Walmart), and coordination with neighboring cities (Grand Prairie, Arlington). The council expressed support for the proposed direction and asked staff to proceed with drafting an ordinance, incorporating feedback on SUP triggers and design standards.

Work Session: Water and Wastewater Cost of Service Rate Making

Jeff Price, Executive Director of Public Works, introduced Chris Eckert of NewGen Strategies and Solutions. Mr. Eckert provided a detailed overview of the cost-of-service rate-making process, including revenue requirements, cost allocation, and rate design. Key data points: approximately 37% of water revenue and 40% of sewer revenue are generated from fixed charges; annual debt obligations are about $7.3 million. The current two-tier water rate structure places 56% of consumption in the 2,000–32,000 gallon tier, but less than 5% of residential customers reach the highest tier. Mansfield’s rates are competitive regionally. No rate decisions were requested; the next steps include a cost-of-service analysis in May and recommended rates in June, with continued council discussion through the summer.

Staff Presentations

Summer of Soccer Update

Bernadette McCranie, Director of Communications and Outreach, updated the council on FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations. Mansfield Stadium has been selected as the base camp for Czechia (Czech Republic). Approximately 1.2 million international visitors are expected in the United States, with 100,000 daily visitors in North Texas. The economic impact for the region is projected at $1.5–$2.1 billion. Hotel rates are up 128% over the same period last year, with 40–50% occupancy already projected for June. Public safety will involve an active Emergency Operations Center during Arlington match days. The city has launched MansfieldFanZone.com and will host a business briefing on April 30 and a “Kickoff to Commerce” event. National publicity from recent coverage was valued at $7.5 million, with 49 million in viewership.

GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

Troy Lestina announced that the city has received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 40th consecutive year. This year, the city earned special recognition in three categories—long-range operating financial plans, strategic goals and strategies, and capital improvement plan—the first time achieving this level of recognition. The budget was prepared by Jennifer Goldwaite and Lassandra Keller.

Monthly Financial Reports

Reports for January and February 2026 were available for council review; staff was present for questions.

Council Comments

• Council Member Todd Simmons thanked staff for their responsiveness to his inquiries.
• Mayor Michael Evans congratulated Council Member Tamera Bounds on her appointment to the National League of Cities’ Community and Economic Development Advocacy Committee and City Manager Joe Smolinski on his 25th anniversary with the city.

Public Hearing: Specific Use Permit (SUP) for Car Wash (SUP25-004)

Staff recommended denial of the SUP for a car wash at 1561 E Broad Street, citing incompatibility with surrounding land uses, vehicular traffic safety concerns, and potential noise impacts on nearby residential uses. The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously recommended denial (5-0). The applicant’s team (attorney Tyler Wallach, developer Mike Booth, engineer Kevin Patel, and architect Greg Garrin) presented in favor, arguing the use would be compatible, providing a conservation easement and screening, and that traffic concerns could be managed with a right-turn-only exit sign. Following council questions about traffic circulation, the council voted unanimously (7-0) to deny the permit.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items approved 7-0.
• No action was taken pursuant to executive session.
• The request for a Specific Use Permit for a car wash was denied 7-0.
• Council provided direction to staff to draft a commercial drone delivery ordinance based on the hybrid approach discussed.
• A timeline for the water and wastewater rate study was established: cost-of-service analysis in May, recommended rates in June, with further council consideration before the next budget cycle.
• Upcoming community events: Business briefing on April 30 and “Kickoff to Commerce” regarding the FIFA World Cup; also, the city will promote MansfieldFanZone.com and offer unofficial watch party listings.