Weatherford City Council Regular Meeting - June 10, 2025

The Weatherford City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included an invocation, pledges, community interest announcements, presentations, approval of minutes, consent agenda, regular agenda items, executive session, and citizen comments. Key actions included the approval of multiple professional services contracts and a discussion on updating building and fire codes.

Presentations & Proclamations

• New Police K-9 Introduction and Pinning Ceremony: Chief Jason Hayes introduced K9 Draco, a 19-month-old Belgian Malinois from Holland handled by Officer Devin Jones. Senior canine handler Officer Harper pinned the badge, and Councilmember Wilder presented the certificate. Chief Hayes noted that K9 Jack saved officers in 2023.
• Proclamation Recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the Quilters Guild of Parker County: Mayor Paschall read the proclamation honoring the guild for donating approximately 300 quilts annually to nursing homes, children's organizations, and Habitat for Humanity. A guild member invited the public to their quilt auction on September 20, 2025.
• Parker County Sheriff's Posse Frontier Days PRCA Rodeo Presentation: Captain Larry Walden and Treasurer Wesley Jennings highlighted the 78th annual rodeo (June 10–14) with nightly performances and concerts. Jennings noted Parker County ranks fifth in the U.S. with 12,100 horses. The event runs nightly at 7:30 PM.

Consent Calendar

• 7a: Authorized a professional services contract with Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. for the Spring Street Intersection Improvements Project (not to exceed $13,500; total aggregate $1,921,570).
• 7b: Authorized a contract with Graham Associates, Inc. for a Flood Study, Drainage Assessment and other analysis (not to exceed $123,205).
• 7c: Authorized a contract with Lee Engineering, LLC for a Traffic Impact Analysis Report (not to exceed $205,900; total aggregate $217,700).

All consent items were approved by unanimous motion.

Discussion Items

• 8a – Contract with Graham Associates for Civil Engineering and Survey Services: Assistant City Manager Chad Marbut presented a contract for $336,985 (total fiscal year $460,190) for infrastructure assessment along I-20 between Quincy Lane and Old Brock Road, including survey and preliminary plat for city-owned property. The motion passed unanimously.
• 8b – Update on Building and Fire Codes: Director of Development Services Kaleb Kentner and Fire Marshal Kevin Dozier provided an overview of proposed adoption of 2021 International Codes (from 2009/2008). Key changes include: reducing local amendments from 150+ pages to fewer than 50; removing the 7,500 sq ft fire sprinkler threshold for most occupancies (raising to 12,000 sq ft for many); adding a separate International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; and requiring main service disconnect outside buildings. Staff noted the codes would take effect immediately with a grace period to December 31, 2025, and a public hearing is scheduled for June 24, 2025. Council requested detailed information on which occupancies are affected. No action was taken; this was a discussion item.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Clint Miller (416 Soward Avenue): A registered homeowner and emergency management professional expressed concern about the lack of communication from city emergency services during the recent tornado and hailstorm. He noted misinformation spreading online and encouraged the council to address communication shortfalls during severe weather events. He stated he lives in Weatherford and wants the community to thrive.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of the May 27, 2025 regular session.
• Approved all consent agenda items (7a, 7b, 7c) and regular agenda item 8a by unanimous votes.
• No action taken following executive session (10a – consultation with attorney on Chapter 54 enforcement).
• Mayor suggested placing a review of the parks ordinance on a future agenda to address issues like noise, music, and inappropriate conduct to protect park users and neighbors.

Future Agenda Items

Mayor Paschall requested staff review and potentially update the city's parks ordinance to address growing park usage and protect surrounding neighborhoods.