Watauga City Council Regular Meeting - November 10, 2025

The Watauga City Council met on Monday, November 10, 2025, in City Hall Council Chambers. The agenda listed a 6:30 p.m. start; the transcript records the call to order at 6:50 p.m. After an invocation by Pastor Dennis Surratt and the Pledge of Allegiance, all present council members answered roll call. The meeting included a bond outcome announcement, community resource announcements, two presentations, a consent agenda, four action items, an executive session, and a future-agenda request. All votes taken in open session were unanimous.

Announcements

• Mayor Art Miner thanked city staff for bond election outreach and noted that 2,600 Watauga voters participated but the bond received 40% support; he said the city would continue working toward a future election.
• Council members discussed community help during the federal government shutdown, including a free Thanksgiving dinner at Joe's Cafe, a senior Friendsgiving at the Watauga Recreation Center, food and pet supply pantries, and assistance resources. They also encouraged animal adoptions and noted the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.
• Upcoming events mentioned included Hometown Christmas on December 6 and Watauga Fest in 185 days.

Presentations

• Rachel Slusser, representing Academy 4, presented on the nonprofit's mentoring programs in Birdville ISD, including Watauga and Hardeman Elementary. She said 16% of children in DFW live in poverty and about 80% of students at the Title I schools served are from low-income households. Academy 4 currently serves about 4,700 fourth graders across 60 schools with approximately 5,900 volunteers, and Hardeman Elementary is short about 20 mentors. Other statistics cited: 92% of mentored students are more likely to volunteer regularly and 75% are more likely to hold leadership positions. The next Academy 4 session is November 21. No action was taken.
• City staff presented Ridley Campbell, City Marshal, as Employee of the Month for November, recognizing his 34 years of service.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eric Cryl, a resident, thanked the Council for nominating him and said he would continue seeking a seat on the appraisal district (TAD) board. He stated he does not support firing the chief appraiser during the ongoing software conversion, and he voiced support for returning to annual property reappraisals.
• No public testimony speakers addressed the Council on action items.

Consent Calendar

• All 12 consent items were approved unanimously by one motion: award of a contract to Burgess & Niple for a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan; approval of meeting minutes from May 12, August 11, September 8 (workshop and regular), and October 13; the Monthly Financial Report and Quarterly Investment Report for the period ending September 30, 2025; Dell and CDWG equipment purchases under state contracts; a gym floor replacement at Hector F. Garcia Community Center with a total cost not to exceed $145,000; a Professional Services Agreement with Burgess & Niple; and purchase of a new Type I MICU ambulance with declaration of the 2018 Dodge Ram 5500 ambulance as surplus.

Discussion Items

• Boarding homes ordinance: The Council unanimously adopted an ordinance requiring boarding/group homes to register and comply with building, fire, and safety codes. Fire Chief Randy Barkley said it was a collaborative effort among fire, police, code, and building departments. Council members raised concerns about the broad definition and the impact on senior-care and hospice homes, about emergency relocation costs for displaced residents, and about coordination with state agencies. Staff and the City Attorney clarified that qualifying facilities cannot be excluded from residential areas under state law and that inspections would be subject to constitutional limits. The motion was made by Councilwoman Downey and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Blackburn.
• 2024 International Fire Code: The Council unanimously adopted the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments. Chief Barkley explained the update from the 2021 code, alignment with the 2024 building code, and a move to annual fire permits. Councilman Neal thanked staff for the summary of code changes. Motion by Councilman Shelburne, second by Councilwoman Downey.
• Chapter 12 rate and fee amendments: The Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending several sections of Chapter 12 to update rates and fees. No discussion was held. Motion by Councilman Neal, second by Councilman Shelburne.
• AMI project purchase: The Council unanimously approved the purchase of Badger M25 encoders, connectors, cellular endpoints, and miscellaneous parts from Atlas Utility Supply Company for approximately $1.9 million. Finance Director Jennifer Calvert said the equipment is sole-sourced through Atlas in North Texas and that the project retrofits the existing system rather than replacing all meters. Councilwoman Hill thanked staff for reducing costs. Motion by Councilman Shelburne, second by Councilwoman Downey.

Executive Session

• The Council recessed into executive session at 8:02 p.m. under Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to discuss the annual performance evaluation of the City Secretary. The meeting reconvened at 8:41 p.m., and the Council took no action on the item.

Items for Future Agendas

• Council Member Blackburn requested a review of the animal control ordinance, specifically regarding the dumping of animals.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the entire consent agenda unanimously.
• Adopted the boarding homes ordinance unanimously (6-0-0).
• Adopted the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments unanimously (6-0-0).
• Approved Chapter 12 fee amendments unanimously (6-0-0).
• Approved the AMI project equipment purchase unanimously (6-0-0).
• Took no action on the City Secretary's annual performance evaluation.
• Agreed to consider future review of animal control regulations concerning animal dumping.
• Adjourned at 8:42 p.m.