Weatherford City Council Meeting: May 12, 2026 – Election Results, New Council Members, Office Renovation

The Weatherford City Council met in regular session on May 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM. All council members were present. The meeting began with an invocation, pledges, and community interest announcements. The council recognized two community members, honored outgoing council member Heidi Wilder, canvassed the May 2 general election, swore in new council members for Places 1 and 2, adopted a proclamation for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, approved the previous meeting minutes, appointed a new Planning and Zoning Commission member, and authorized two contracts for the administrative office renovation project. The council also held an executive session on real property but took no action. One citizen provided public comment.

Presentations & Recognitions

• Chris Hodges was recognized for completing the World Marathon Challenge (seven marathons on seven continents in seven days). He shared his experience and answered questions.
• Bill Warren was recognized as the 2025 recipient of the Texas Historical Commission's Ruth Lester Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to historic preservation.
• Outgoing Council Member Heidi Wilder was honored for nearly two decades of service. Highlights included her role in public safety improvements, quality of life projects, economic development, and financial stewardship. She received a street sign and gifts from the fire and police chiefs.

Election Matters

• The council passed Resolution R2026-07 canvassing the May 2, 2026 general election results: Place 1: Rodney V. White received 386 votes (56.35%) to Heidi Wilder's 299 votes (43.65%). Place 2: Zack Smith received 588 votes (100%, unopposed). The vote was unanimous.
• Certificates of election were presented, and oaths of office were administered. Zack Smith was sworn in by his wife, Brittany Smith (Brittany is also the 2026 Teacher of the Year at Bill Wright Elementary). Rod White was sworn in by his father, Morris White.

Proclamation

• The council adopted a proclamation recognizing the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The proclamation noted a plaque dedication ceremony on June 13, 2026, at the Veterans Memorial at Soldier Springs Park.

Consent Agenda / Routine Approvals

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the April 28, 2026 City Council meeting were approved unanimously.
• Appointment to Planning and Zoning Commission: Terry Hughes was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission by a unanimous vote.

Discussion Items and Votes

• 8B – Amendment to Professional Services Contract with Elements of Architecture, Inc.: The council authorized the city manager to execute an amendment for $29,950, bringing the total fiscal year expenditure to $225,950 for the design of the Administrative Office renovation project. The amendment includes geotechnical, structural, MEP, and expanded architectural services for a 2,500 sq ft addition. The project is funded from the building fund (cash on hand, $3 million total). The motion passed unanimously.
• 8C – Construction Contract with DRI Construction: The council authorized the city manager to execute a construction contract for $98,515 (total aggregate fiscal year expenditure $953,627) for preliminary demolition work via the TIPS purchasing cooperative. The work includes demo of plumbing, HVAC, data, deteriorated exterior walls, and non-load-bearing interior walls to prepare for redevelopment. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution R2026-07 canvassing the May 2, 2026 general election results was adopted.
• Rod White and Zack Smith were sworn in as council members for Places 1 and 2, respectively.
• The proclamation for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
• The minutes of April 28, 2026 were approved.
• Terry Hughes was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• The amendment to the architecture contract for the admin office renovation (8B) was approved (motion by Luke Williams, second by Zack Smith, unanimous).
• The construction contract with DRI Construction for demo work (8C) was approved (motion by Zack Smith, second by Matt Ticzkus, unanimous).
• No action was taken on the executive session items regarding real property at 221 N. Main St. and 119 Palo Pinto St.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Catherine Lewis (612 State Street) spoke about dangerous traffic conditions at the intersection of Park and Foster and urged the city to address low-income housing needs to prevent homelessness.

Future Agenda Items

• None were discussed.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned at 7:43 PM.