North Richland Hills City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting - April 13, 2026

The North Richland Hills City Council convened for a work session at 5:00 PM and a regular meeting at 7:30 PM on April 13, 2026. The work session included staff introductions, a presentation on a proposed ethics ordinance and council rules of procedure, updates on term limits and the charter amendment election, the Restaurant Rewards program, efficiency study recommendations, regulations on short-term rentals, and city manager announcements. The regular meeting featured a presentation from Alliance for Children, consent agenda approval, public hearings and approvals of special use permits for an EV charging station and an accessory building, adoption of text amendments to accessory building regulations, a contract award for a pavement improvement project, a grant application for a youth summer camp, and the adoption of an ethics ordinance. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0). Specific items were not detailed in the transcript.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak at either the work session or the regular meeting.

Discussion Items

• Staff Introductions: New Finance Director Stephen Barnes (over 20 years of municipal finance experience) and new Chief Building Official Zachary Louisau (over 20 years of building inspections experience) were introduced. Cody Payne was promoted to Assistant Building Official.

• Ethics Ordinance and Council Rules of Procedure (Ad Hoc Committee): Councilmembers Delaney, Roberts, and Mitchell presented proposed changes to the ethics ordinance and rules of procedure based on prior council feedback. Key changes include clarified definitions, standards of conduct, complaint procedures, acknowledgement requirements, and enforcement options (up to $500 fine for false complaints). City Attorney Bradley clarified that a quorum for council meetings is five members of the eight-member governing body (mayor and council). The committee recommended adoption of the ordinance.

• Charter Amendment and Term Limits Update: City Attorney Bradley reviewed the November 2025 charter amendment election, in which all six propositions were approved. The new provisions include three-year terms for the mayor and city council, term limits (maximum three terms per office, total possible 18 years), and a transition schedule. Terms starting in May 2026 and May 2027 will count toward term limits; prior service is not counted.

• Restaurant Rewards Program Update: Craig Holtz reported on year two of the program. Results through March: over 5,320 users (93% increase), 34,000 transactions (51% increase), over three quarters of a million dollars spent at local restaurants (85% increase), and $65,340 in rewards redeemed. In year one, the program had 2,800 users, 23,000 transactions, and $560,000 spent. The program runs until April 30, 2026. Video testimonials from users and a restaurant owner highlighted increased business.

• Efficiency Study Recommendations Update: Caroline, Stephanie, and Corey presented the status of 60 recommendations from the Matrix efficiency study. The recommendations are categorized into customer engagement (27), management/administration (22), process improvements (10), and technology (1). Twenty-eight of the 60 recommendations are shared across departments. Many are in progress, some deferred, and some already existing. Building inspections: cross-training with code enforcement, creating new positions, implementing Tyler dashboard. Development services: refined development review committee, centralized application portal, updated website with online scheduling, QR code for public notices, code amendments to reduce special use permits. Green belt training is being utilized. Council asked about metrics for measuring progress.

• Short-Term Rental Ordinance Update: Stephanie reported on the short-term rental (STR) ordinance adopted October 2025. Key metrics: 66 applications submitted, 63 licensed, covering 163 active listings. $69,000 in back taxes collected. 90 unlicensed properties identified (55 believed active). Non-compliance letters sent; enforcement will follow standard code violation process (14-day notices, potential penalties). Council discussed complaints (excessive parties, trash) and noted other cities (Keller, Colleyville, Richland Hills) are considering similar regulations.

• City Manager Announcements: Upcoming agenda items include facility and utility billing audit awards. The mayor has submitted names for the legislative and intergovernmental affairs task force, to be appointed April 27. The Capital Programs Advisory Committee is expected to recommend bond propositions in late May/early June. The city qualified for six Cultural Excellence Awards and is in consideration as a Top Workplace in DFW, based on an employee engagement survey with 55% response rate.

• Alliance for Children Presentation: A representative from Alliance for Children, Tarrant County's children's advocacy center, presented the organization's mission and services. Since 1992, the center has served over 74,000 child abuse victims, with over 2,000 new cases annually. The city's partnership was acknowledged. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved (7-0).
• Public Hearing C1 – Special Use Permit for Electrify America EV Charging Station: Approved with a condition for a painted crosswalk (7-0). The station will have 24 parking stalls with charging equipment, lighting, and landscaping. The applicant noted support from adjacent businesses.
• Public Hearing C2 – Special Use Permit for Permanent Accessory Building: Approved (7-0). The permit allows a 1,232 sq ft building with higher walls and lower roof pitch than code allows.
• Public Hearing C3 – Text Amendments to Accessory Building Regulations: Approved (7-0). Changes include: allowing up to 5% of lot area for structures on lots over 40,000 sq ft, increasing floor area minimums, removing maximum wall height, reducing roof pitch from 4:12 to 2:12, and allowing two permanent structures per lot. The SUP threshold is lowered from 40,000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft.
• Resolution 2026-024 – David Court Pavement Improvement Project: Approved (7-0). Awarded contract to XIT Paving & Construction Inc. for $339,060. The project is funded by $241,071 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and a $97,989 city pledge. Construction is expected to take 70 days.
• Resolution 2026-025 – Walmart Spark Good Local Grant Application: Approved (7-0). Authorizes submission and acceptance of up to $5,000 for the Police and Fire Summer Camp for middle school students.
• Ordinance 3954 – Ethics Ordinance: Approved (7-0). Establishes a city code of ethics covering council and board members, including standards of conduct, complaint and investigation procedures, enforcement actions (letters of notification, admonition, reprimand, censure, removal, fines up to $500 for false complaints), and annual training requirements.
• Council Rules of Procedure (G3): Proposed amendments were introduced. No action was taken; the item will be considered at a subsequent meeting.