Public Meetings - North Richland Hills, Texas

The City of North Richland Hills City Council met on Monday, December 9, 2024, for a Work Session at 5:00 PM followed by a Regular Meeting at 7:35 PM at City Hall. The Work Session included discussions on the 2025 meeting schedule, the city's legislative program, facility naming policies, and a TxDOT proposal to install raised medians on Boulevard 26. The Regular Meeting featured public hearings on several zoning cases and unanimously approved a consent agenda, routine contracts, and resolutions related to technology, infrastructure, and finance. Consent Calendar - Approved Unanimously (7-0): The Council approved the consent agenda containing 16 routine items (B.1 – B.16). Key items included the approval of minutes, right-of-way abandonments (Guy Street, Stardust Drive), a channel rehabilitation contract ($189,661), a GIS services contract ($200,000 using ARPA), technology contracts with Visionality ($188,000) and FreeIT Data Solutions ($500,000), the purchase of a Frazer ambulance ($460,460), a Case backhoe ($189,150), books ($160,000), a change order for the NRH2O Water Park Nitro Blast construction ($209,178.50), a mountain bike pump track at Fossil Creek Park ($185,665.50 using ARPA), treadmills for the NRH Centre ($90,711.32), and an ordinance clarifying the spelling of Denney Drive. Public Comments & Testimony - Shauna Stiles (3908 Lochridge Court) opposed the proposed raised medians on Boulevard 26, arguing that medians would increase driver frustration and worsen accidents rather than reduce them. She urged the Council to prioritize fixing the "vortex" intersection of Davis Boulevard and Glenview. - Mary Michaels (8401 Revenue Way), representing her Liberty Village HOA, thanked the city for the public meeting on the Davis Boulevard median project. She raised concerns about speed variations (40 to 50 mph) on Davis Boulevard and expressed worry that the median might increase U-turns through her neighborhood entrance. - Sayeda Syed (6705 Sapphire Circle North, Colleyville), a candidate for the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) Board of Directors, urged the Council to vote for her with their 37 allocated votes. Ms. Syed emphasized her previous experience working at TAD and her role as a whistleblower, contrasting her background with other candidates. - L.C. Tubb (8333 Davis Boulevard) spoke during the UHaul public hearing, arguing against the staff recommendation for 3,000K lighting. He stated that TxDOT specifications do not currently require 3,000K lights, noting that 3,000K provides roughly 20% less light than 5,000K. Discussion Items - Work Session – 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule: City Secretary Alicia Richardson presented the draft 2025 schedule. Council directed staff to reschedule the March 10 meeting to March 3 (due to the National League of Cities Conference), the May 12 meeting to May 14 (for election canvassing), and the May 26 meeting to May 27 (Memorial Day holiday). Council also canceled meetings on July 14, July 28, November 24, and December 22. - Work Session – Legislative Program: Assistant City Manager Trudy Lewis presented the city's State Legislative Program for the 89th Texas Legislative Session, emphasizing four guiding principles and priorities such as preserving local control and revenue sources. Councilmember Blake expressed concerns regarding language opposing "further restrictions" on debt issuance, preferring to avoid advocating for a blanket policy. Consensus was reached on the strategy of using relationship management and joint letters rather than an outside firm. - Work Session – Naming of Facilities: Councilmember Mitchell requested a discussion on adding language to the city's Naming Board ordinance to allow renaming facilities if the honoree falls out of good standing, and to require a 90-day waiting period after retirement or death before naming. City Manager Hartman recommended using language from the recently approved charter amendment regarding removal from office. - Work Session – TxDOT Raised Medians on Boulevard 26: Assistant City Manager Caroline Waggoner detailed TxDOT's proposed safety improvement project for 1.5 miles of Boulevard 26 from Rodger Line Road to Rufe Snow Drive. Council discussed traffic conflict data, the potential impact on businesses, and the need for adequate U-turn radiuses. The consensus was to support TxDOT's project conceptually while stipulating continued input on design, particularly regarding the problematic "vortex" intersection of 26 and Davis. - City Manager Report: City Manager Paulette Hartman provided an update on the search for a new Police Chief (goal to name a finalist by end of February and a new chief by end of February). She introduced Jennipher Castellanos as the new Manager of Strategic Initiatives and outlined the new NRH LiNKS (Linking Innovation, Knowledge, and Strategy) Unit, a team focused on operational excellence, efficiency audits, and data-driven decision making. Hartman also noted the upcoming work on the charter review committee and a capital improvements advisory committee for a potential May 2026 bond election. - Regular Meeting – C.5 Zoning (Hoberer): The Council discussed a zoning change from AG to R-2 for 0.73 acres at 8900 Amundson Drive. Staff recommended immediate approval despite the applicant's preference to wait, arguing the property is non-conforming under AG. The applicant requested a postponement to seek a waiver on platting costs. Council and staff urged moving forward to resolve the non-conforming status and enable the carport construction. Approved 7-0. - Regular Meeting – C.6 UHaul Self-Storage Facility: A public hearing was held on a request from DCG Engineering Inc. and UHaul for a revision to an existing special use permit (SUP) and a new SUP for a 4-story, 936-unit climate-controlled storage facility at 8225 Boulevard 26. Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended converting the request to a Nonresidential Planned Development (NR-PD). The major point of discussion was lighting; staff recommended 3,000 Kelvin lights to align with dark sky standards and city code, while the applicant requested 5,000 Kelvin. Council approved the ordinance with an allowance for 5,000K lights. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0 (Items B.1 – B.16). - Public Hearings (Zoning) Approved (all 7-0): - C.1 Compton ADU (Ordinance 3879): Approved 7-0. - C.2 Holden AG to RE-1 (Ordinance 3880): Approved 7-0. - C.3 Figueroa RE-1 to R-2 (Ordinance 3881): Approved 7-0. - C.4 Figueroa R-2 to RE-1 (Ordinance 3882): Approved 7-0. - C.5 Hoberer AG to R-2 (Ordinance 3874): Approved 7-0. - C.6 UHaul Storage/SUP (Ordinance 3883): Approved 7-0. The motion included an amendment to allow 5,000 Kelvin lighting over the staff recommendation of 3,000K. - Contracts & Resolutions Approved (all 7-0): - F.1 Tyler Technologies Technology Contract ($4,000,000): Approved 7-0. - F.2 Kroger Opioid Settlement Resolution: Approved 7-0. Estimated award of $11,027.67. - F.3 TAD Board Election: Approved Resolution No. 2024-051 casting 37 votes for candidate Mike Alfred. Approved 7-0. - F.4 Youth Advisory Committee Appointments: Approved 7-0. - F.5 Official Newspaper Designation (Commercial Recorder): Approved 7-0. - F.6 Certificates of Obligation Bond Issuance (Series 2025): Approved 7-0. The bond issue totaling $5,105,000 was awarded to Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. at a true interest cost of 3.599%. - Executive Session Actions (both 7-0): - Authorized the City Manager to enter into a termination agreement with PG Investco LLC for the property at 6701 Davis Boulevard, including the payment of $1,020,000 in exchange for other consideration, and accepted the assignment of a purchase agreement with Terry N. Snyder. - Authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute a purchase and sale agreement with El Trust Investments, LLC, for the property at 7913 Main Street in the amount of $300,000.

The North Richland Hills Planning and Zoning Commission held a special meeting on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Commissioners heard five public hearings and one plat exception request, approving all items with unanimous 7-0 votes. Key discussions included accessory dwelling unit standards, a land swap to facilitate public sewer connection, and a major self-storage facility expansion requiring a conversion to a Planned Development district. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the November 7, 2024, meeting (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided general comments or spoke during the public hearings for the scheduled items. Discussion Items ZC24-0114 – Accessory Dwelling Unit at 7421 Hightower Drive Applicant Justin and Michelle Compton requested a special use permit (SUP) to convert an existing 1,447-square-foot structure into a 750-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for family members, such as an elderly mother-in-law. Principal Planner Clayton Husband presented the staff report. Commissioner Ross inquired about mechanisms to prevent short-term rental use (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO), and Planning Director Clayton Comstock detailed a new city-funded monitoring program. Commissioner Goetz discussed water/sewer tap requirements, while Commissioner McMahon discussed the defined livable area. No public testimony was offered. The Commission approved the request 7-0. ZC24-0119 – Zoning Change from AG to RE-1 at 8033 Valley Drive Applicants Kevin and Susan Holden requested a zoning change from Agricultural (AG) to Residential Estate (RE-1) to allow a new 30x40 permanent accessory building to replace aging structures on their 1.89-acre property. Commissioner Ross discussed the number and use of accessory buildings and potential driveway improvements. Commissioner Stamps confirmed the plat could be approved by staff if the zoning change was approved. No public testimony was offered. The Commission approved the request 7-0. ZC24-0117 & ZC24-0118 – Reciprocal Zoning Swaps on Kirk Lane and Kirk Road Applicant Rick Figueroa requested a zoning change from RE-1 to R-2 for a 720 sq ft portion of 8800 Kirk Lane (ZC24-0117) and a corresponding change from R-2 to RE-1 for a 1,140 sq ft portion of 7536 Kirk Road (ZC24-0118). The goal was to facilitate a land swap to allow a private sewer connection to public sewer. Commissioner Narayana and staff discussed alternative options, such as a public utility easement (estimated at over $30,000) via a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The applicant stated the goal was to achieve the sewer connection and noted no immediate plans to build on the smaller corner lot. The unusual lot configuration was discussed. No public testimony was offered. The Commission approved both requests 7-0. ZC24-0115 – Self-Storage Facility Revision and Expansion on Boulevard 26 The commission considered a request from DCG Engineering Inc. on behalf of U-Haul/SAC Holdings to revise the existing SUP for the facility at 8213 Boulevard 26 and obtain a new SUP for an adjacent property at 8225 Boulevard 26. The U-Haul representative stated this would add a new four-story, approximately 100,000-square-foot building with about 700 storage units, representing a $10 million investment. Given high occupancy (over 95%) and the need to address parking, landscaping, and building articulation, staff recommended converting the request from an SUP to a Non-Residential Planned Development (NR-PD) to allow for flexible standards. Commissioner Stamps discussed the aesthetic integration of the two properties and landscaping requirements. Commissioner Narayana discussed conforming uses, sidewalk standards per the Vision 2030 plan, and the types of zoning districts allowing storage. Commissioner Ross discussed the desire for landscape screening. The commission discussed trade-offs: removing a landscaping requirement on the west side to enhance landscaping along Harwood and Boulevard 26, and signage allowances. The Commission recommended the property be developed in line with the presented site plan and elevations, with the condition that staff work through the Development Review Committee (DRC) on final details. Commissioner Narayana requested that the final elevations come back to PNZ for approval, but later withdrew the request based on staff's ability to enforce consistency through the DRC. No public testimony was offered. The Commission approved the NR-PD request 7-0. D.1 PLAT24-0078 – Utility Exception for Wayfarer Addition The commission considered a request from Somerik Realty LLC for an exception to Section 110-367(f) of the Subdivision Ordinance to allow underground utility service lines and transformers to be located at the front of the lots. Applicant Todd Bowers stated that the shallow lot depth (approx. 80 feet) and a drainage easement made rear-lot placement impractical. Scott Bombach of Encore noted the ease of access from the street for maintenance. Staff reviewed the specific guidelines for front-lot placement. Commissioner Stamps made a motion to approve the exception. The Commission approved the exception 7-0. Key Outcomes - ZC24-0114 (ADU): Approved 7-0. (Scheduled for City Council Dec 9) - ZC24-0119 (Zoning Change): Approved 7-0. (Scheduled for City Council Dec 9) - ZC24-0117 (Zoning Change): Approved 7-0. (Scheduled for City Council Dec 9) - ZC24-0118 (Zoning Change): Approved 7-0. (Scheduled for City Council Dec 9) - ZC24-0115 (Self-Storage NR-PD): Approved 7-0. (Scheduled for City Council Dec 9) - PLAT24-0078 (Utility Exception): Approved 7-0. Announcements Planning Director Clayton Comstock provided updates on recent City Council actions (including approvals of the Community Enrichment Center PD and the Roach accessory building). He also provided an overview of upcoming holiday community events. A tribute was paid to Don Tipps, a longtime community volunteer, educator, and former Parks Board member, who had recently passed away. The next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 16, 2025, with the December 19 and January 2 meetings likely canceled. Chair Welborn adjourned the meeting at 9:26 PM.

The North Richland Hills City Council met on November 11, 2024, for a work session at 5:30 PM and a regular meeting at 7:42 PM. The council discussed the charter review process, legislative program, mosquito surveillance, and North College Circle traffic calming. The regular meeting included approvals of consent agenda items, several zoning cases, technology contracts, investment policy updates, and an executive session action on a property purchase. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of October 28, 2024 meeting (7-0). - Resolution No. 2024-048 appointing Authorized Investment Officers (7-0). - Agreement with International Code Council for pool safety training ($72,000) (7-0). - Purchase of seven Lifepak 35 defibrillators ($478,908.95 using ARPA funds) (7-0). - Dedication of a 530-square-foot permanent drainage easement at NRH2O (7-0). - Purchase of audio-visual hardware/services from BIS Digital ($79,800) (7-0). - Item B.7 (Oncor license agreement) was removed from consent to correct the address; approved separately (7-0) with corrected address 8701 Boulevard 26. Public Comments & Testimony - Anna Peters (7700 Terry Drive) expressed concern about speeding on North College Circle and supported installation of speed bumps to slow traffic and reduce cut-through traffic. She noted difficulty pulling out of her driveway due to fast-moving vehicles. - Bill Finstad (7301 Terry Drive) stated that cut-through traffic on North College Circle is a relatively recent phenomenon. He supported expanding the school zone on Holiday Lane and installing road humps. He opposed parking restrictions that might shift apartment parking onto side streets and noted that the apartment complex has adequate parking. Discussion Items - Charter Review Process: City Manager Paulette Hartman explained the timeline for a charter amendment election in November 2025. Council consensus was for the City Council to serve as the Charter Review Commission, focusing on term limits. Public input will be solicited through town hall meetings at City Hall to allow broadcast. Staff will bring an item in January 2025 to formally appoint the commission. - Legislative Program: Assistant City Manager Trudy Lewis reviewed the city's past legislative engagement and presented two vendor options: Vicki Truitt Consulting (current, boutique) and Focused Advocacy (larger, strategic, and more proactive). Council discussed the level of involvement desired, costs, and alignment with Texas Municipal League. Direction given to bring a detailed proposal on Focused Advocacy services to the December 9, 2024 meeting. - Mosquito Surveillance and Response Program: Director of Neighborhood Services Stefanie Martinez presented the 2024 program details. The total cost for ground spraying was $21,086 annually. Pros included reducing disease risk; cons included cost and potential impact on non-target insects. Council consensus was to continue surveillance and public education but discontinue ground spraying. Staff will reflect this change in the next budget cycle. - North College Circle Vehicular Traffic: Public Works Director Boe Blankenship presented results of a survey mailed to 80 properties (17 responses). 64.7% supported road humps; 70.5% were unwilling to contribute to costs. Council directed staff to implement the following measures: school zone expansion along Holiday Lane, installation of three road humps, and a formal pedestrian crossing on North College Circle with no parking on the north curb line. The speed limit reduction and additional unwarranted stop signs were not pursued. Future sidewalk improvements will be considered as part of the city's regular sidewalk program, not a separate accelerated project. - Future Agenda Items: Councilmember Mitchell requested a discussion on the rules and responsibilities of the Naming Board. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Vaughn proposed exploring a community fund where residents could donate on water bills to support grants for families. Both items were accepted for future work session agendas. Public Hearings - ZC24-0110 (Community Enrichment Center): Public hearing on a revision to Planned Development 7 at 6250 NE Loop 820 to allow outdoor storage with existing chain-link fencing. Councilmember Rodriguez abstained due to his service on the CEC Board. Motion to approve Ordinance No. 3871 carried 6-0-1. - ZC24-0111 (Matthew Roach): Public hearing on a special use permit for a permanent accessory building (up to 3,600 sq ft) at 8611 Timber Drive. The applicant requested waivers for floor area, height, and wall height; the ordinance included a 3:12 roof pitch per Planning and Zoning recommendation. Motion to approve Ordinance No. 3872 carried 7-0. - ZC24-0112 (Justin Munoz): Public hearing on a zoning change from AG to R-1 at 6832 Walter Street (2.10 acres) for future residential subdivision. Motion to approve Ordinance No. 3873 carried 7-0. - ZC24-0113 (Scott Hoberer): Public hearing on a zoning change from AG to R-2 at 8900 Amundson Drive. The applicant requested a continuance to the December 9, 2024 meeting. Motion to continue carried 7-0. Key Outcomes - Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute a purchase and sale agreement for 7917 Main Street for $325,000 (including all closing costs), as discussed in executive session. Motion carried 7-0. - Approved amendment to DataVox contract for technology solutions (access control and camera systems) for a cumulative total not to exceed $709,850. Motion carried 7-0. - Adopted Resolution No. 2024-049, adopting the City's Investment Policy and Investment Strategy with updated diversification limits, including a 5% cap on single investments and reduced maximums for commercial paper (40% to 10%), repurchase agreements (50% to 30%), certificates of deposit (50% to 30%), and mutual funds (15% to 5%). Motion carried 7-0. - Direction to cease ground spraying for mosquitoes starting in 2025, while continuing surveillance, public education, and larvicide use. - Direction to implement traffic calming on North College Circle: expand school zone on Holiday Lane, install three road humps, and create a pedestrian crossing with no parking on the north curb line. - Staff to bring back a legislative engagement plan and charter review commission appointment for future meetings.

The North Richland Hills Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3 (TIRZ No. 3) Board met on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the Council Workroom at 4301 City Point Drive. A quorum was present and the meeting was posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. The board unanimously approved the previous meeting minutes and accepted the 2024 annual report. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes of the November 13, 2023 TIRZ No. 3 Board meeting. A motion by Ms. Compton was seconded by Mr. Mitchell, and the vote was unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens signed up to speak; public comments were closed. Discussion Items - Jay Patel presented the required 2024 annual report, noting that TIRZ No. 3 must file an annual financial report with the board and the state. Staff recommended the board accept the report. - Project history: The former regional mall site, about 90 acres, was demolished in 2007; City Hall relocated to the area in 2016; a master developer was sought in 2018; Centurion American signed on in 2019. In 2020, a $187 million redevelopment plan was created, including 367 single-family homes, 300 multifamily units, 60,000 square feet of commercial space, and a 110-room hotel. A board member later referred to 364 single-family homes. - Current status: 50% of single-family homes have been developed, 100% of multifamily is complete, commercial is under construction, and the hotel is scheduled to start in 2025. - FY24 finances: TIRZ revenue collected was $44,811.48; total contributions to date were $100,993.67; contributions remaining under the 20-year maximum were $5,779,188.33; FY24 expenditures were $19,856. - Taxable value: The FY24 taxable value was $29,872,943, based on tax year 2023 values. The taxable value increment was stated as $23,524,647. Staff said upcoming FY25 values in City Point are just over $100 million, an increase of about $71 million over the prior fiscal year. - Craig provided a project update. The original plan anticipated single-family homes appraising at $299,000, but current appraisals are $399,000 or above; townhomes are about $375,000 and single-family homes about $450,000. The project is now expected to total $225-$250 million instead of $187 million. - COVID-19 delayed the schedule from about six years to about seven and a half years. The 2021 goal of 50 homes permitted and on the tax rolls was not met; the project was described as 100% behind pace in 2021 but expected to catch up by 2027. TIRZ revenue is projected to exceed original projections beginning in tax year 2025 or 2026. - Board discussion clarified that the developer issued debt repaid over time with TIRZ and PID revenues, rather than receiving a lump sum. Debt payments are currently on time. - If TIRZ revenues exceed the amount needed for the adopted project plan, the TIRZ board and City Council could decide later whether to amend the plan, fund other eligible infrastructure projects, or close the TIRZ early. Homeowners within the PID would vote on PID-related changes, not TIRZ plan changes. - The TIRZ helps buy down single-family PID assessments to no more than about $125 per month; without it, costs could be about $200 per month. It does not benefit multifamily and is designed to fully buy down commercial PID assessments. - In response to a question about stalled commercial construction, staff said funding remains in place but the lender wants letters of intent from end users; staff mentioned a recent promising prospect that was not yet ready to announce. Key Outcomes - Approved the November 13, 2023 TIRZ No. 3 Board minutes unanimously. - Accepted the TIRZ No. 3 Annual Report for 2024 unanimously; the report will be filed with the state. - The meeting adjourned at 5:23 PM.