Weatherford City Council Regular Meeting – December 2, 2025

The Weatherford City Council held its regular session on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith presided in the absence of Mayor Paul Paschall and Councilmember Matt Ticzkus. The council considered five facade improvement grants, a Chapter 380 economic development agreement, and an executive session personnel matter, all of which were approved with one amendment. Public comment was also heard on non-agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the November 18, 2025, City Council meeting were approved unanimously. (Motion by Heidi Wilder, second by Luke Williams)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amy Fennell (address not stated) spoke during Citizen Comments on Non-Agenda Items. She identified herself as a candidate for Texas State House of Representatives representing Parker, Palo Pinto, and Stephens Counties. She expressed support for local government and criticized state bills SB 15 (prohibiting minimum lot size requirements) and SB 840 (removing city authority over zoning changes from office to multi-family use), stating these measures erode local control. She encouraged citizen participation in local governance.

Discussion Items

• 6.a – Facade Improvement Grant for 203 North Main Street (requested $13,392.50 for front facade; applicant also sought additional $88,431 for rear facade on York Avenue). Ashley Seiler, Director of Economic Development, explained the property had been vacant for years and is being transformed into the Weatherford Marketplace, offering flexible office space, podcast room, and rentable conference rooms. The initial application combined both facades under one address. Council debated whether to approve the full $101,823.50 or only the $13,392.50 recommended by the Weatherford Economic Development Board (WEDB). Councilwoman Wilder favored the full amount, arguing both facades serve different public uses (office space vs. entertainment venue). Councilman Williams supported only the WEDB-approved amount due to budget constraints and the need for separate review. A motion to approve $101,823.50 failed for lack of a second. A subsequent motion to approve $13,392.50 (as presented) passed unanimously.

• 6.b – Facade Improvement Grant for 209 North Main Street ($22,227). For H & Co Design House, a full-service interior design firm. Planned improvements include replacing deteriorated wood trim, repainting, and replacing the canopy. Approved unanimously.

• 6.c – Facade Improvement Grant for 311 North Main Street ($84,217). For conversion of former antique marketplace to professional office space for Baird Hampton and Brown, a civil engineering firm. The applicant, Main Street Partners, committed to $900,000+ in total improvements. Councilwoman Wilder expressed concern that the use (office) does not directly benefit the general public like retail, but other council members noted the economic impact of 25+ daily employees and the seven-year lease with renewal options. The applicant stated the facade improvements would not occur without the grant. Approved unanimously.

• 6.d – Facade Improvement Grant for 118 College Avenue ($13,477.16). For Grass Stains Boutique, a women's fashion retailer. The building has been abandoned since the 1970s and will undergo extensive renovation. Approved unanimously.

• 6.e – Facade Improvement Grant for 122 York Avenue (originally listed as $31,525; updated to $33,525). For Yesterday's Sandwich Shop, a local eatery. The corrected amount reflected an updated construction budget for FY2026. Approved unanimously for $33,525.

• 6.f – Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreement with Mike Barakat (approximately $100,000). To extend utilities to 2538 South Main Street for a buttermilk sky pie location. Design and construction to be handled in-house. Approved unanimously.

Executive Session & Action

• The council entered executive session under Section 551.074 to discuss the appointment of an Associate Municipal Court Judge. Upon reconvening, a motion was made and seconded to reappoint Maria Ornales for a term from December 31, 2025, through December 31, 2027, and to approve her employment agreement. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Five facade improvement grants were approved, with amounts: $13,392.50 (203 N. Main, front only), $22,227 (209 N. Main), $84,217 (311 N. Main), $13,477.16 (118 College Ave.), and $33,525 (122 York Ave.). Total facade grants awarded: $166,838.66.
• Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreement approved for utility extension at 2538 S. Main Street.
• Associate Municipal Court Judge Maria Ornales reappointed for two-year term.
• Next regular meeting rescheduled to December 16, 2025, due to the Christmas holiday.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned at 7:12 PM.