Van City Council Regular Meeting – November 12, 2026

The Van City Council convened for a regular meeting at 7:00 PM on November 12, 2026, at Van City Hall. All council members were present. The meeting covered routine approvals, a detailed city manager report, and discussion on several action items including property identification, vaping regulations, and a major overhaul of the subdivision ordinance. No public comments were made during the open forum.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes: Approved the minutes from the October 8, 2026, regular meeting.
• Financial Report: Approved without separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the open forum.

City Manager Monthly Report

City Manager Jeff Hudgens provided a comprehensive report covering several topics:

• Sales Tax: November sales tax disbursement had not yet been received; last November's figure was $11,304.
• Fishing Day: The recent fishing day was a success with good turnout. Texas Parks and Wildlife is interested in designating the city lake as a community fishing lake, which would ease restrictions and help maintain stocking. Several families have been seen fishing at the lake since the event.
• Water Well: A test pump was lowered but could not pump enough water because the well output exceeded the test pump's capacity. A higher-capacity test pump will be installed. Bids for site work and electrical are scheduled to open November 19. The project remains on schedule for a February 2027 completion. The city borrowed $3 million (voter-approved $3.5 million bond) and expects to finish under budget, potentially returning funds to the bond and saving interest. Interest earned (over $100,000) from the TexPool account provides a buffer.
• Fire Department Automatic Aid Agreement: The county fire association is pushing a five-year automatic aid agreement that would dispatch the three closest fire departments to every reported structure fire. The city manager expressed concern that this could double or triple the cost of fuel, maintenance, and vehicle replacement. He noted a funding disparity: the city provides significantly more funding for fire protection than the county, even though county calls outnumber city calls (illustrated with orange and blue circles on a chart). He also stated that the city and fire department cannot campaign for an Emergency Services District (ESD) election because it would be using taxpayer resources to influence an election. The agreement is on the next agenda for council decision.
• Police Equipment: Police Chief Squat requested funding for helmets for officers (approximately $200 each) due to safety concerns inside armored vehicles. Council expressed support.
• Tragedy Response: The city manager noted that the city stands with the families affected by recent events in the county and emphasized learning from tragedies to prevent recurrence.

Discussion Items

• Identification of City Property (Action Item A): The council discussed a request to name a structure on city property in honor of a family that was instrumental in the city's development. The property originally came with an oil company's involvement. The motion to approve the naming passed unanimously without naming the family or structure publicly, as it is intended to be a surprise.
• Regulations of Smoking and Vape Shops (Action Item B): The item was presented by the county juvenile diversion coordinator. The city manager noted that other cities have complex solutions (zoning, distance requirements, etc.), but Van is small and moving a vape shop a block away may not be effective. Only three citations for underage vaping have been issued. No complaints from parents have been received. Council agreed to take no action at this time, but will revisit if needed after the next legislative session.
• Streamlining the City Subdivision Ordinance (Action Item C): City Manager Hudgens presented a major rewrite of the existing 102-page, 50,000-word ordinance. The new version retains all substantive requirements but cuts redundant and contradictory language (reducing to 28,000 words and 60 pages). Key discussion points:
  • Aerobic Sewer Systems: Currently allowed under state rules (minimum 1 acre). The council considered whether to prohibit them within city limits or require 2 acres. No decision was made; the city manager will leave it in the draft and council can decide before final approval.
  • Lot Mergers: The proposed ordinance includes an automatic lot merger when a building is constructed across lot lines owned by the same owner. This would prevent future subdivision of lots that become too small after a structure is destroyed. Council members agreed this should apply only to future construction, not existing buildings. The city manager will include the provision in the draft.
  • Parkland Dedication: The existing requirement (for developments with more than 50 dwelling units to dedicate parkland or pay a fee) will be retained.
  • Next Steps: The revised ordinance will be presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission for review and public hearings, likely starting in January 2027. Two public hearings are required before final council adoption.
• Approval of Kim Tunnell to Library Advisory Board (Action Item D): Moved forward on the agenda. Council approved her appointment unanimously. Additionally, council discussed whether the library board's meeting requirements (Open Meetings Act) could be relaxed; the city attorney indicated it might be possible given the advisory nature of the board. The matter will be explored.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved.
• City Property Naming: Approved unanimously.
• Vape Shop Regulations: No action taken; item tabled for potential future reconsideration.
• Subdivision Ordinance: Discussion only; no vote. Staff will refine draft based on council input and present to P&Z in coming weeks.
• Kim Tunnell Appointment: Approved unanimously.
• Fire Automatic Aid Agreement: Will be placed on the next meeting agenda for council decision.
• Police Helmets: Heads of agreement to fund helmets; staff to proceed with procurement.
• Next Meeting: Items requested for the next agenda include the fire aid agreement and ongoing subdivision ordinance work.