Weatherford City Council Regular Session - July 28, 2026
Weatherford City Council Regular Session - July 28, 2026
The Weatherford City Council held its regular session on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Paul Paschall presided with a quorum present. The meeting included recognitions, presentations, public hearings on zoning and signage, consent agenda approvals, and updates on short-term rental compliance. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.
Recognitions & Proclamations
- Officer Devin Jones of the Weatherford Police Department was recognized for being named the 2026 American Legion Department of Texas Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, a statewide honor.
- Sally Sexton, editor of the Weatherford Democrat, received the first Texas Award for Unbiased Reporting from the Center for Integrity and News Reporting.
- Weatherford High School FFA team was recognized for placing 13 of 14 projects in the top three at state competition, with six state champions advancing to national judging.
Presentation: Parker County Public Utility Agency (PUA) Formation
Commissioner Larry Walden and Andrew Franco of Freese and Nichols presented on the formation of a PUA to address countywide water supply issues. Key points:
- Parker County has over 15,000 registered groundwater wells, more than double any other Texas county, with decreasing well capacity.
- The state water plan projects severe water shortages in Parker County within 30-50 years.
- The PUA would be formed at the local level, with annual cost shares based on population tiers (Weatherford's share: $50,000/year, capped at 25% voting weight).
- Weatherford's own water supply is currently adequate, but participation could benefit economic development and reduce future infrastructure costs through regional cost sharing.
- No action was taken; the item will return in August or September for council consideration.
Consent Calendar (Items 7a-7e)
All consent items were approved unanimously as a single motion:
- 7a: Increase concrete services contract with Garcia Welding from $700,000 to $900,000.
- 7b: Increase asphalt materials contract with Texas Materials from $500,000 to $625,000.
- 7c: Renew miscellaneous trucking bid with Lions Gate Logistics for $130,000.
- 7d: Accept FY26 3rd Quarter Investment Report.
- 7e: Adopt Ordinance O2026-25 amending the FY26 Adopted Budget.
Public Hearings and Regular Agenda Items
8a - Zoning Map Amendment (725 Red Oak Lane): Applicant Lacy Kimball requested change from R1 to C1. Staff and Planning & Zoning recommended approval. No public testimony. Council approved (motion by Ticzkus, second by White).
8b - Zoning Map Amendment (313 South Elm Street): Applicant Matt Martin requested change from R2 to CN. No public testimony. Council approved (motion by Williams, second by White).
8c - General Plan & Zoning Map Amendment with CUP (1798 NW Rick Williamson): Applicant Shane Kuehler requested change from AG to C1 with conditional use permit for contractor office/outside storage. The property previously had a church building. No public testimony. Council approved (motion by Smith, second by Ticzkus).
8d - Conditional Use Permit for Electronic Message Center (122 Fort Worth Highway): Applicant Tony Aaron requested a CUP for an EMC monument sign in the Central Business District. Two public speakers: Lynn Baber (concerned about appropriateness in historic downtown) and Kerry Davis (supported, noting existing EMCs and regulations on brightness and hold time). Council discussion focused on brightness regulation and design. Council approved (motion by Smith, second by White). Mayor noted the property owner's investment in downtown revitalization.
8e - Ordinance O2026-29 Amending Title IX (Rights-of-Way): Staff proposed expanding the Downtown Design District boundaries to require underground utility installations for new overhead lines, protecting recent downtown improvements. No implications for property owners. Council approved (motion by Williams, second by Ticzkus).
Staff Reports
9a - Short-Term Rental Compliance Update: Director Scott McDonald reported 24 active rentals, 15 permits issued, 6 pending inspections, and 3 new applications. Tax revenue (hotel occupancy tax) is being collected. Mayor and council noted reduced citizen complaints since ordinance adoption.
Citizen Comments on Non-Agenda Items
Deborah Betoncourt (1129 South Rust Street) described being a victim of a recent "TikTok attack" where youths damaged her garage door. She expressed frustration that police did not respond promptly and requested the city hire more police officers. Mayor assured follow-up by staff.
Key Outcomes
- All consent and regular agenda items were approved as presented.
- Council accepted the PUA presentation for informational purposes; future action expected in September/October.
- The short-term rental compliance update was received.
- Citizen comment will be investigated by city staff.
- Meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for being here tonight. Before I call the meeting to order, I'm going to invite David Slider to come up. David is the pastor of Grace First Presbyterian Church. He's going to lead us in our invitation. Take it away, David. Thank you, sir. Let us pray. Gracious guy, we thank you for this day. We thank you for this night in which we will uh honor not only FFA members but an officer, Dave Jones. And so, God, we just pray uh that you would just bless this time. God, we ask that you would continue to guide this council as they lead this city and this community of Weatherford. May we continue to grow. May we continue to be example community for the surrounding areas. God, we thank you for this day. We do pray for all uh first responders and that we keep them safe during this time of heat. And for those who are less fortunate to have a house, God, we just pray that for safety for them. And we ask all these things in Christ's name. Amen. Amen. David, thank you again, sir, for being here willing to serve your community. It is 6.02 p.m. I'm gonna call the meeting to order and now that we do have a quorum present. Please let the record reflect that Councilmember Tiscus is uh running behind. Well, he'll be here shortly. We'll note that in the minutes when he begins to participate in the meeting. Item three on the agenda is pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags be led by Mayor Pro Tim Zach Smith. Please join me. Honor Squad. One righty. Item four on the agenda is items of community interest. Aaron Spicer is going to lead us in some general items, and then council, we're gonna join her at the podium for three special recognition following her presentation. Do let the uh record reflect Councilmember Tiscus is in attendance. Thank you, sir, for being here. Aaron, welcome. Greetings, Mayor and Council. We've got a full card of items of community interest tonight. The list contains grocery bags, library books, backpacks, and one last splash before summer's out. Here's what we got. Weatherford Point is officially sprouting to life this Friday, July 31st. Sprouts Farmers Market will hold its ribbon cutting at 6 45 a.m. with doors opening to the public at seven. Early birds can check out the new store and save 20% on purchases during opening weekend by downloading the Sprouts app. Apparently, the early b early bird gets the organic produce. And the library's summer reading challenge wraps up Friday, July 31st. So this is your last chance to log those minutes and earn your prizes. Before the final page turns, join us on Wednesday, July 29th for the summer reading final party featuring water slides, an inflatable obstacle course, funky monkey, and much more. And W and Weatherford PD is helping local students start the school year ready to learn. The annual back to school backpack and school supply giveaway is Wednesday, August 5th from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cypress View Villa's apartments.
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