City of Taylor Council Meeting - August 18, 2026

The Taylor City Council held its regular meeting on August 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. The council addressed a rezoning request, approved multiple purchases and contracts, and heard public comments. The meeting concluded with unanimous votes on most agenda items, except for the rezoning which was denied 7-0.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the agenda, including an additional appointment under Mayor's Communication.
• Unanimously approved the minutes of the August 5, 2026 meeting.
• Unanimously approved the consent agenda (routine approvals and filings).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Susa (Beverly Road) expressed concern about the lack of council debate on the rezoning (Item 7.1) and asked Chairman Johnson to recuse himself due to living nearby.
• Caroline Path (6860 Jackson) asked clarifying questions about the second reading process and whether the vote would be final.
• Matt Stryker (8914 Holland Road) opposed the rezoning, citing traffic, noise, and desire to preserve Taylor's green spaces and rural feel.
• Michael McDowell Wilder (8826 Holland Road) opposed, arguing that existing traffic on Wick Road is already problematic and the proposed cold storage would generate excessive truck traffic.
• Eric Emerson (26457 Wake Road) opposed, noting that reefer trailers would run all night, creating noise disturbances, and that the road cannot handle the truck traffic.
• During open business, Caroline Path announced a Taylor Historical Society Museum sale on August 23.
• Dennis Schlemmer (9478 Hazel Street) thanked the city and council for supporting "The Wall That Heals" event at Heritage Park, which attracted an estimated 10,000 visitors.
• Charles Blackwell (political activist) made a brief comment alleging impropriety between Mayor Woolley and a towing company owner, but no further discussion followed.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Communication: The mayor moved to appoint Jason Daw to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term expiring May 31, 2027. The motion passed unanimously, and Daw was sworn in.
• Rezoning Request (Item 7.1): Second reading of a zoning ordinance amendment to rezone parcels at the northwest corner of Wick and Holland from RC1 single-family to I-1 light industrial.
  • Applicant's attorney Larry Opeleski argued that the master plan designates the area for heavy industrial, so light industrial is a more protective use. He cited the McKenna report recommending approval.
  • Councilman Johnson stated his opinion that the property was purchased as R1C, residents oppose the change, and light industrial is inconsistent with the master plan. He voted no.
  • Councilman Wallace noted that adjacent property owners have made their opposition clear and the council represents the city's residents.
  • The council did not engage in extended debate; each member stated their position during roll call.
• Approval of Purchases and Contracts (Items 7.2-7.12): The council approved several purchases and contracts with minimal discussion.
  • Purchase of six Chevy Tahoes ($335,952) and related emergency equipment ($81,849.40) and vinyl graphics ($3,132), all from federal forfeiture funds.
  • Purchase of monitors ($4,145), battery backups ($17,425), and E911 renewal ($8,001) from various grants.
  • A contract for lease services to the Taylor Community Development Corporation.
  • An amendment to increase repair costs for a fire department vehicle by $666 (total $9,023).
  • Purchase of a hydraulic hose crimper for the compost site ($44,009.95), with explanation from Councilman Thedy.
  • An amendment to increase the dog park project budget by $14,273 (total $614,848) for concrete, rock, and a fob entry system. Parks Director Guido Eulin explained the fob system links to dog licenses and shelter records.
• Early Voting Reimbursement (Item 7.12): Approved submittal for reimbursement of early voting wages for the 2026 primary and general election.
• Removal of Charter Amendments from Ballot (Item 7.13): The council voted to rescind three resolutions and remove charter amendments from the November 2026 general election ballot. Deputy Clerk Sarah explained that adding three proposals would require a second page, increasing costs for voter education and election inspector training. Councilman Patz stated the council intends to move forward with these amendments in the future.
• Mayor and Council Comments: The mayor and several council members expressed gratitude for the successful Junior League World Series and "The Wall That Heals" events, noting the community came together with no problems and positive feedback.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning denied (7-0): All seven council members voted against the proposed rezoning from RC1 to I-1. The motion failed.
• Appointment approved unanimously: Jason Daw sworn in to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• All other motions (Items 7.2-7.13) passed unanimously: Purchases, contracts, budget amendments, and ballot removal were approved with no opposition.
• Meeting adjourned following the public comment and council remarks.