Weatherford City Council Meeting - April 22, 2025

The Weatherford City Council held a regular meeting on April 22, 2025, at 6:51 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The council approved several routine items and a series of development-related permits and ordinances. Key actions included authorizing the publication of a notice of intent to issue $80 million in certificates of obligation for water and wastewater infrastructure, approving a conditional use permit for a 7-Eleven fueling station, and contracting for an Active Transportation Plan. The council also accepted the resignation of the municipal court judge and approved an amended employment agreement for the city manager.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the April 8, 2025 regular session and April 14, 2025 special session.
• Accepted the FY25 2nd Quarter Investment Report.
• Adopted Ordinance O2025-14 amending the FY25 Adopted Budget.
• Appointed Nicholas Vardas as an alternate member to the Buildings and Standards Commission.
• Ratified the Mayor's reappointments of Mary Lou Curry, Terry Hughes, April Leppla, Doug Jefferson, and Austin Haye to the Weatherford Housing Authority.
• Authorized an asbestos abatement services contract with E-Logic, Inc. for 221 North Main in the amount of $64,664.
• Authorized continued procurement of asphalt materials from Texas Materials (acquired from Vulcan Materials) with a new amount not to exceed $450,000.
• Authorized Kraftsman to construct a new playground at Miller Park through a BuyBoard interlocal agreement in the amount of $111,880.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lynn Baber (2126 Timber Cove Court, Weatherford) expressed strong disappointment with the $80 million certificates of obligation proposal. She noted that the city's current utility debt is $26.8 million and would increase to $148.2 million, a 553% increase, without a public vote. She contrasted this with the county transportation bond process which included public meetings and plain-English information, and questioned future rate increases and the lack of voter input on the total city debt reaching $210 million.

Discussion Items

• 7.a - Notice of Intent to Issue Certificates of Obligation (R2025-06): CFO Dawn Brooks presented a resolution to publish notice of intent to issue up to $80 million in certificates of obligation for water ($55 million) and wastewater ($25 million) capital projects. Financial advisor Marty Shu (Hilltop Securities) explained the process, estimated interest rates of 4.2% to 4.5%, and noted the bonds would be repaid from utility revenues. The council approved the resolution.
• 7.b - Conditional Use Permit for Auto Sales/Service (CUP-25-0002): Thomas Tettleton requested a CUP to operate a new golf cart sales facility at 2040 Fort Worth Highway. The property is zoned C1 General Commercial. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval (6-0) with three conditions: no temporary signs, limited to new golf cart sales, and neat display. The applicant confirmed no repairs or used sales would occur at this location, and that he is aware of potential expansion of Highway 730. The council approved the CUP with conditions.
• 7.c - Zoning Amendment: Contractor Office as Conditional Use in AG District (MCA-25-0004): The council adopted Ordinance O2025-11 adding "Contractor Office/Facility with Outdoor Storage, Including Vehicles" as a conditional use in the Agriculture District, allowing case-by-case review. The amendment originated from the Planning and Zoning Commission to address concerns about broad by-right uses. Approved unanimously.
• 7.d - Conditional Use Permit for Fueling Station (CUP-25-0003): Vaquero Jack Borden Partners LP requested a CUP for a 7-Eleven fueling station at the southeast corner of Jack Borden Way and Fort Worth Highway. The site plan includes a 5,000-square-foot store with 12 fueling positions, with access controls (right-in only from Fort Worth Highway). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval (6-0) with two conditions: no temporary signs (except 30 days after C of O) and a 9-month start/24-month completion timeline. Environmental cleanup is underway. Council members expressed concerns about gas station density (six within one mile), but the council approved the permit with conditions, noting the improvement to the corridor and future development potential.
• 7.e - Preliminary Plat for Vaquero Weatherford Addition (SBDP-25-0001): The council approved a preliminary plat dividing 2.923 acres into two commercial lots, one for the 7-Eleven and one for future development, subject to eight conditions including easements, right-of-way dedication, and improvement statements. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval (6-0).
• 7.f - Zoning Map Amendment to R1 Residential (ZCH-25-0002): The council approved rezoning a 1.699-acre tract at 1013 W. Spring Street from C1 General Commercial to R1 One Family Residential to allow residential use consistent with current usage. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval (6-0).
• 7.g - Global Change to Development Services Department Name (MCA-25-0005): The council adopted Ordinance O2025-15 renaming the "Development Neighborhood Services" department to "Development Services" to streamline and reduce confusion. Approved.
• 7.h - Active Transportation Plan Contract with Kimley-Horn: The council authorized a professional services contract not to exceed $1,050,000 for an Active Transportation Plan. The city will be reimbursed 80% (federal/state funds) and responsible for 20%. The plan includes a master plan for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, route study and schematic design for a major trail segment from Santa Fe Drive/Fort Worth Highway to Cartwright Park, and pedestrian safety enhancements on North Main Street corridor. The council highlighted the potential to connect schools and the Mineral Wells trail. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Resolution R2025-06 authorizing publication of notice of intent to issue $80 million in certificates of obligation (water/wastewater).
• Approved Ordinance O2025-10 (CUP for golf cart sales at 2040 Fort Worth Highway) with three conditions.
• Approved Ordinance O2025-11 (contractor office as conditional use in AG district).
• Approved Ordinance O2025-13 (CUP for fueling station/7-Eleven) with two conditions.
• Approved Preliminary plat for Vaquero Weatherford Addition (SBDP-25-0001) with eight conditions.
• Approved Ordinance O2025-12 (zoning map amendment to R1 at 1013 W. Spring Street).
• Approved Ordinance O2025-15 (department name change to Development Services).
• Approved Professional services contract with Kimley-Horn for Active Transportation Plan ($1,050,000, 80% reimbursable).
• Approved Acceptance of resignation of Municipal Court Judge Robert T. Galbraith.
• Approved Amended employment agreement with City Manager James Hotopp.
• Future Agenda Item: The council requested that the Planning and Zoning Commission's review of fueling station densities be communicated back to the council.
• The meeting adjourned at 9:02 PM.