Weatherford City Council Meeting - June 9, 2026: Fidelity Month, Facade Grant, and Downtown Property RFP
Weatherford City Council Regular Session - June 9, 2026
The Weatherford City Council met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. Key actions included adopting a proclamation for Fidelity Month, approving consent items, discontinuing the Facade Improvement Grant Program, authorizing a contract amendment for drainage improvements, and directing staff to issue an RFP for the sale and redevelopment of two downtown properties.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the minutes of the May 26, 2026 City Council meeting (passed with one recusal).
- Ratified the appointment of Dale Fleeger to the Weatherford Housing Authority.
- Approved reappointments to the Weatherford Economic Board and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
- Approved Resolution R2026-10 setting utility rate transfers for FY2027.
- Approved Resolution R2026-11 authorizing city representatives for bank and investment accounts.
- Authorized a professional services contract with Kimley-Horn & Associates for Holland Lake Park Playground design ($40,000).
- Authorized a construction contract with DRI Construction for Service Center Restroom and Crew Facilities Renovation ($260,100).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jackie Fowler (100 Thompson Road, Weatherford) spoke in support of continuing the Facade Improvement Grant Program. He noted that multiple downtown buildings remain dilapidated and that the program helps property owners afford expensive facade upgrades. He requested the program be kept with adjustments to ensure fairness.
Discussion Items
- Facade Improvement Grant Program Discontinuation (Item 8a): Assistant City Manager Chad Marbut presented that since 2021, 27 grants totaling over $650,000 have been awarded, achieving the goal of stimulating private reinvestment. The FY26 budget of $200,000 had $191,000 awarded, leaving $9,000. Councilmember Rod White expressed support for termination, citing numerous complaints about the program and a preference to use funds elsewhere. Councilmember Matt Ticzkus clarified that property owners can still seek economic development incentives (e.g., 380 agreements) available citywide. The council voted to discontinue the program (motion by White, second by Williams; vote passed).
- Front Street Drainage Improvements Amendment (Item 8b): Public Works Director Matt Leppla requested an $18,600 amendment to Halff Associates' contract for additional archaeological survey work required by the Texas Historical Commission due to the proximity of a cemetery. The original contract was $231,500, bringing the total to $250,100. The project is substantially complete and on schedule for full completion by August. The amendment was approved (motion by Ticzkus, second by Williams; vote passed).
- Executive Session and Action on Downtown Properties (Items 10a, 10b, 11): After executive session, City Manager James Hotopp explained that two city-owned historic downtown buildings (119 Palo Pinto Street, former City Hall, and 221 North Main Street) are vacant. Council authorized the city manager to issue a Request for Proposals for the sale and redevelopment of these properties, with requirements to preserve historic aspects and return the properties to the tax roll. The motion passed (Smith, second Ticzkus). Mayor Pro Tem Smith noted the RFP will be publicly advertised and distributed to realtor groups.
Key Outcomes
- Proclamation: June 2026 proclaimed as Fidelity Month in Weatherford.
- Facade Grant: Program discontinued; staff will return with a recommendation on the remaining $9,000.
- Drainage Project: Amendment approved; project completion expected by August 2026.
- Downtown Properties: Council authorized RFP for sale/redevelopment of 221 N Main Street and 119 Palo Pinto Street.
- Water Line Emergency: Staff announced the boil-water notice for affected areas has been lifted after repairs and testing.
Meeting Transcript
We're glad you're here tonight. Before we call our meeting to order, I'm going to invite Mark Julian up. Mark is with Northside Baptist Church. He's going to lead us in our invocation. Mark. Let's pray. Heavenly Father God, we trust you today for your goodness, your mercy, and your grace. God, we can't thank you enough for your hand and blessing on our lives. Thank you for the city. Thank you for this council. Thank you that we're part of a country that we can still be thankful that it belongs to you. God, would you bless the decisions made today? And Lord continue, continue to show us your love, your faithfulness, your goodness. In Jesus' name, amen. Amen. Thank you again, Mr. Julian. We appreciate you. We'll wait for the clock to strike 6 p.m. and then we'll call the meeting to order. Please stand by 6 p.m. I'm going to call to order the June 9th, 2026 City Council meeting for the City of Weatherford and announce we do have a quarter present. All council members are present and accounted for. Thank you all for your service. Item three on the agenda is pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags will be led this evening by Councilmember Rod White. And to the Republicans, one nation under God. I pledge allegiance to the Texas one state under God. One individual. Thank you for that, sir. We appreciate you leading us in the pledges. Item four on the agenda is items of community interest. Aaron Spicer, welcome. Mayor and Council, Weatherford's summer calendar is officially doing the most. Between rodeo, snow cones, summer reading, and city departments teaming up like the Avengers in work boots. There's plenty to celebrate tonight. Crews are continuing to complete repairs to the water line, but the required testing has been completed, and customers in the affected area are no longer no longer need to boil water. We want to recognize the many city staff who worked long hours over the last few days to make repairs, monitor the system, answer questions, send notifications, and support the residents. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but their dedication has been felt. And Saddle Up Weatherford, the 79th annual Parker County Sheriff's Posse Frontier Days and PRCA Rodeo kicks off tonight. The rodeo starts with Extreme Bulls, Gage Gardener live on stage, and enough rodeo action to make your hat spin. The fun continues through June 13th, so you've got multiple chances to experience the tradition. And Weatherford continues its quiet rise as a supporting character in Taylor Sheridan's universe. The new series Dutton Ranch is only five episodes in, and Weatherford has already made a few familiar appearances. Viewers have spotted scenes at Lake Weatherford, Hamilton Meets, and even a character wearing a Teske's ball cap. It's always fun to see our community show up on the screen, and even more fun when residents can point to the TV and say, hey, I know that place. Congratulations goes out to Battalion Chief Steve Cox on completing his second year in the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy and graduating with his certified fire executive designation. This achievement reflects his continued commitment to professional development, leadership, and service to the Weatherford community. And Weatherford Police will be hosting their first chill with WPD event of the summer tomorrow at Cherry Park. Kids can enjoy free funky monkey snowcomb, play some games, and spend some time getting to know Weatherford police officers. One of my favorite parts of summer, shaved ice and sticky fingers.
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