Sherman City Council Regular Meeting - November 2, 2026

The Sherman City Council met on Monday, November 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting was called to order, quorum was determined, and Council Member Juston Dobbs led the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. Minutes from the October 19, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. The meeting included a proclamation for Arbor Day, three public hearings and adoptions of ordinances, two resolutions, an update on the Main Street Reimbursement Program, and council comments before entering executive session at 6:38 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda included Resolutions G.3 through G.8 (G.3: purchase of a steel wheel roller for Street Maintenance; G.4: purchase of an excavator for Utilities; G.5: Chapter 380 Grant Agreement with 903 Brewers; G.6: purchase of a Frazer Ambulance for Fire Department; G.7: contract with Axene Continuing Education for EMS medical control; G.8: Memorandum of Understanding with Texoma Council of Governments for homeland security grant), H.1 (payment authorization for Motorola Solutions for body cameras and in-car video), I.2 (approval of investment report for quarter ended September 30, 2026), and I.3 (request to temporarily close streets for "Fades and Furious X" event). All items were approved by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• William Sharp submitted a comment card regarding Resolution G.1 (Sherman Lakes MUD creation). He was recognized to answer questions from council but did not provide formal public testimony.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation: Council Member Joshua Stevenson read a proclamation declaring November 7, 2026 as Arbor Day in Sherman. Parks and Recreation staff noted that Sherman is the only Tree City USA-designated community in the Texoma region and highlighted an Arbor Day event at the Sherman Library on November 7 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
• Public Hearing E.1 (Ordinance 6973): City staff presented a request from Sherman ISD for a Specific Use Permit to allow an elementary school on a 16.962-acre tract zoned C-1 at 2601 block West Travis Street. The school is expected to open in fall 2028 and serve approximately 700 students. Planning and Zoning had recommended approval 6-0. The ordinance was adopted unanimously.
• Public Hearing E.2 (Ordinance 6974): Staff presented an amendment to building regulations modifying storm shelter requirements for Group E occupancies (schools). The current code required shelters for 2,200 occupants; the school district requested reduction to 1,700, which still exceeds the proposed elementary school's maximum occupancy of 1,100. Sherman ISD Director of Capital Projects Brandon Kidd explained that nighttime events never involve full capacity and that inclement weather would lead to cancellations. The ordinance was adopted unanimously after council questions.
• Public Hearing E.3 (Ordinance 6975): Staff presented an amendment to the comprehensive fee schedule to allow the city to pass through credit card processing fees to users, with a carve-out for utility billing where the city will continue to pay the fees. The ordinance was adopted unanimously.
• Resolution G.1 (Resolution 7690): Staff presented a resolution acknowledging a petition from Sherman Lakes JV, LLC to create a Municipal Utility District (MUD) over approximately 183.681 acres within city limits. The MUD will help finance public infrastructure for a development already approved by council. All infrastructure will be built to city standards and eventually maintained by the city. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Resolution G.2 (Resolution 7691): Staff presented award of a bid to Lynn Vessels Construction, LLC for Heritage Ranch Public Improvements Phase 2, extending Heritage Ranch Trail from Parker Elementary School to Highway 1417 as a four-lane divided collector. The project had 12 bidders; Lynn Vessels Construction had the highest score, lowest bid ($3,499,000), and fastest completion time (190 days). The resolution was approved unanimously.
• I.1 – Main Street Reimbursement Program Update: Nate Stroud presented an update on the program launched in August 2023. Key statistics: 38 businesses enrolled, 31 still in business, $268,000 reimbursed over three years, less than 1% of funds went to businesses that closed, average rebate $3,900, highest in 2025 was about $15,000, lowest $38. The program’s five-year eligibility window ends for most enrollees January 1, 2027. Council discussed continuation. Council members expressed support for continuing the program with a five-year window and extending the program for another five years, including for current applicants. Direction was given to staff to bring back reauthorization in January 2027.

Key Outcomes

• Approved unanimously: Minutes of October 19, 2026; Consent Agenda items; Proclamation for Arbor Day; Ordinances 6973, 6974, 6975; Resolutions 7690 and 7691.
• Direction given: Staff will prepare reauthorization of the Main Street Reimbursement Program for another five-year window, to be considered in January 2027.
• Announcements: Upcoming events: Sherman Public Library "Get Lit" event (Nov 14, 11 AM), City of Sherman Christmas Parade (Dec 5, theme: "Star, Stripes and Christmas Lights"), Sherman Symphony Orchestra Christmas Pops (Dec 6, 3 PM at Austin College).
• The meeting adjourned into executive session at 6:38 PM to discuss appointments to Sherman Housing Authority, Sherman Economic Development Corporation, and the City Manager.