Public Meetings - North Richland Hills, Texas

The North Richland Hills Planning and Zoning Commission convened for a work session at 6:33 PM and a regular meeting at 7:06 PM on June 18, 2026, at City Hall. The primary action was a 7–0 vote to recommend denial of a zoning change request (ZC26‑0160) from Sandlin Homes LLC for a residential infill planned development (RI‑PD) on approximately 7.5 acres between Smithfield Road and Hewitt Street. After hearing from over 20 public speakers (mostly in opposition), the Commission determined the proposal did not adequately address neighborhood concerns about density, lot sizes, traffic, drainage, and consistency with surrounding development character. The matter will go to the City Council on August 10, 2026. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the May 7, 2026, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting approved 7‑0. - Minutes of the May 21, 2026, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting approved 7‑0. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the general public comments portion (agenda item A.2). - During the public hearing on ZC26‑0160, 20 residents spoke in opposition and one in support. Opponents (including J.R. McCumber, Eric Sype, Alicia Morrison, Jeff Campbell, Bill Falls, Lewis Fausak, Lauren Fausak, Jim Morgan, James Davis, Steve Preskenis, David Crumpler, Dwayne Leslie, Natalie Gary, Rachel Willis, Thomas Falcone, Marianne Stahlhut, Tammy Wilson, Matt Wilson, Tracy Preskenis, and Jamie Stickler) raised concerns about: - Excessive density and lot sizes not meeting R‑2 or neighborhood standards. - Incompatibility with the existing low‑density character of the area. - Traffic congestion, especially from Smithfield Elementary School. - Existing drainage problems that could be worsened. - Insufficient traffic and drainage studies. - Front‑entry garages and lack of rear garages. - The need for a homeowner’s association in a neighborhood without one. - Bobby Gomez (7714 Sable Lane) spoke in support of the development but suggested further traffic‑calming measures. - Approximately 30 additional residents submitted written opposition without speaking. Discussion Items - Work Session (6:33 PM – 7:01 PM): Director of Planning Cori Reaume briefed the Commission on recent City Council actions and a planned data center informative meeting. She then presented an overview of the proposed Sandlin Homes development, highlighting changes from the May 7 version: reduction from 35 to 33 lots, increased minimum lot size (5,743 to 7,000 sq ft), wider lots at the west end, a drainage easement, enhanced building line setbacks on some lots, and a sidewalk connection to Smithfield. She also addressed existing traffic and drainage conditions in the area. - Public Hearing (during Regular Meeting): The item was removed from the table (7‑0). Applicant Scott Sandlin (Sandlin Homes) presented the revised plan, emphasizing neighborhood connectivity, underground utilities, and the developer’s long history in North Richland Hills. Staff (Cori Reaume) detailed the development standards, traffic analysis (estimated 100 vehicles per day from the subdivision), and planned city projects to improve Smithfield Road and drainage on Hewitt Street. - Commission Deliberation: Commissioners discussed the project’s fit with R‑2 standards versus RI‑PD flexibility, noting that previous RI‑PD approvals had also deviated from R‑2. Concerns centered on the density of 4.4 units per acre (low end of low‑density residential) vs. the surrounding 2.5–3.5 units/acre. Vice Chair Aaron Carpenter found the changes meaningful but insufficient. Commissioner Amy McMahon stressed safety and unresolved drainage/electricity issues. Commissioner Jayashree Narayana sought more creative amenities and developer‑community engagement. Alternate Mike Kerby questioned whether adequate amenities were provided to offset deviations from standards. Commissioner Eric Welborn (first meeting) cited density and HOA concerns. Key Outcomes - Motion to Deny: Commissioner Amy McMahon moved to deny ZC26‑0160, seconded by Alternate Mike Kerby. - Vote: The motion carried 7‑0 (Commissioner Paul Epperley absent). All voting members voted in favor of denial. - Next Steps: The Commission’s recommendation for denial will be forwarded to the City Council, which is scheduled to hear the case on August 10, 2026. - Other: The meeting adjourned at 9:51 PM.

The North Richland Hills Sign Review Board met on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 7:47 p.m. following the City Council meeting. The board approved the previous meeting's minutes and held a public hearing on a variance request from Creekstone Church for an off-premises sign. The variance was denied. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 9, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak during the public comments portion or the public hearing. Discussion Items - SRB26-0022 – Creekstone Church Variance Request: The board considered a request from Creekstone Church for a variance to Chapter 106 (Signs) of the City Code to allow an off-premises sign at 7901 Mid-Cities Boulevard. The church, which owns property at 7708 Maplewood Avenue, entered into a lease agreement with Davis Commons LP in September 2025 to place a temporary directional sign on the vacant corner lot. The sign is 8 feet tall and 64 square feet in total area. The church pays $1,100 per month for the lease. The church stated that its current location has low traffic (approximately 2,000 vehicles per day) compared to the intersection of Davis and Mid-Cities (approximately 23,000 vehicles per day), and that billboard options cost around $3,500 per month, which the church considered poor stewardship. Staff noted that off-premises signs are generally prohibited under Section 106-5(9), with limited exceptions for portable signs for community events, shared monument signs, and billboards. Board members expressed concern about setting a precedent and opening a "Pandora's box" of similar requests, noting that the city has worked to reduce visual clutter along Davis Boulevard. Several members sympathized with the church's mission but felt they could not support the variance. The applicant suggested an alternative: extending the allowable 10-day period for temporary portable signs used for community events (currently limited to 10 days per event, 5 events per year, with a 30-day spacing requirement). Key Outcomes - Variance Denied: The board voted to deny SRB26-0022. The official minutes record a 7-0 vote in favor of the motion to deny. However, the raw transcript indicates a 6-1 vote (with one member voting against denial), creating a discrepancy. The board encouraged the church to explore other compliant options, such as temporary portable signs, and expressed willingness to help find alternative methods to advertise. Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript conflict on the final vote tally. The minutes state 7-0, while the transcript indicates 6-1. This summary reflects both versions.

The North Richland Hills City Council met in a work session at 5:30 PM followed by a regular meeting at 7:03 PM on June 8, 2026. All council members were present except Place 3 Danny Roberts. The work session focused on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and capital projects strategy. The regular meeting included public hearings, approval of consent agenda, and general items. All votes were 6-0. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the May 26, 2026 City Council meeting as part of the consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Lee Quick, 5717 Southern Hills Drive, expressed concerns about the data center under construction near the Iron Horse community at the corner of Wuliger Way and Browning Drive. She raised health, water, energy, property value, and noise concerns, and asked about potential increases to energy and water bills and grid stress. Discussion Items - Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Background & Context (Work Session): Director of Budget and Research Chase Fosse presented an overview of the city's 23 operating funds and 16 capital funds, recent tax rate trends, fund balance changes, and a long-term general fund forecast. The forecast predicted a potential budget deficit of over $1.4 million for FY 2027 based on baseline assumptions. Key cost drivers include street maintenance ($4 million recommended for FY 2027), healthcare increases starting FY 2028, fleet sustainability recommendations, and contractual increases with Trinity Metro. Council discussed the impact of state legislative changes on property tax revenue and the need for proactive management. - Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Projects & Long-Term Debt Management Strategy (Work Session): Presentation by Chase Fosse and Assistant City Manager Trudy Lewis outlined $20.17 million in proposed capital investments across streets, utilities, parks, facilities, technology, and fleet. All projects except a portion of fleet replacements are funded through outside sources and reserves, with no new debt for most projects. The city's tax rate has decreased by 13% since 2020. Staff recommended issuing Certificates of Obligation for an ambulance and fire aerial truck. The city's debt strategy includes maintaining capacity by issuing small debt to preserve the I&S rate. The Capital Program Advisory Committee will present bond election recommendations at the June 22 meeting. - ZC26-0165 – Special Use Permit for Secondhand Goods Dealer (Public Hearing): Applicant Dawn Jackson requested a special use permit for Found It Electronics & Video Games at 6238 Rufe Snow Drive. The store would relocate from Watauga and expand to 6,100 sq ft. Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 6-0. Council approved Ordinance No. 3958. - TR26-03 – Text Amendments for Nonresidential Planned Development Districts (Public Hearing): Director Cori Reaume proposed removing the three-acre minimum size requirement for nonresidential planned development districts to allow greater flexibility. Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 6-0. Council approved Ordinance No. 3959. - Ordinance No. 3960 – FY 2026 Revised Operating Budget and Capital Projects Budget (Public Hearing): Chase Fosse presented the revised budget, highlighting higher property tax and sales tax collections, additional capital projects (e.g., data center refresh, traffic signal improvements, tennis center LED lighting), and corrections to the agenda packet. Council approved the ordinance. - G.1 – Tourism Advertising and Marketing Agency: Director of Economic Development Craig Hulse presented the award of RFQ 26-011 to Flat Five Marketing, LLC for up to $521,000, funded entirely by hotel occupancy taxes. Council approved. - G.2 – Fund Balance and Reserve Policy: Chase Fosse presented Resolution No. 2026-036 adopting the city's fund balance and reserve policy, with clarifications made since the prior meeting. Council approved. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda (minutes of May 26, 2026) – 6-0. - Approved ZC26-0165 (Ordinance 3958) – 6-0. - Approved TR26-03 (Ordinance 3959) – 6-0. - Approved FY 2026 Revised Budget (Ordinance 3960) – 6-0. - Approved RFQ 26-011 to Flat Five Marketing – 6-0. - Approved Resolution 2026-036 (Fund Balance and Reserve Policy) – 6-0. - Council member Parks requested a future agenda item to discuss data center regulations; no opposition. - Council member Mitchell requested a future agenda item to discuss residential driveway regulations and code enforcement; no opposition. Staff will review current regulations. - City Manager announced a neighborhood meeting on June 23 at 6:30 PM at the Grand Hall regarding Provident's proposed data center on the former Santander property at 5201 Rufe Snow Drive. - Regular meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

The Crime Control and Prevention District Board of North Richland Hills, Texas, met on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the Council Chamber. President Jack McCarty presided. Seven board members were present (Jack McCarty, Cecille Delaney, Brianne Goetz, Matt Blake, Billy Parks, Russ Mitchell, Kelvin Deupree); Danny Roberts was absent. Staff included City Manager Paulette Hartman, City Attorney Bradley Anderle, City Secretary Alicia Richardson, and Assistant City Secretary Crystal R. Dozier. The meeting lasted approximately five minutes, adjourning at 5:20 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 8, 2025): Board Member Blake motioned, seconded by Board Member Delaney, to approve the minutes of the previous regular meeting. The motion carried 7-0. Public Hearing on FY 2026 Revised Budget - Presentation: Director of Budget and Research Chase Fosse presented the proposed revised budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The revised budget totals $9,485,115, an increase from the adopted budget of $9,292,976. Revenue for the Crime Control and Prevention District Fund is forecast to come in 2.1% higher than originally adopted, driven by stronger-than-expected sales tax collections. Interest earnings are lower than budgeted, but the overall budget is in good shape, reducing the planned appropriation of fund balance from approximately $67,000 to $0. Expenditures include a planned contribution of fund balance of approximately $134,000. Mr. Fosse noted a scrivener's error in the agenda package: the header for Attachment A read "Fiscal Year 2027" instead of "Fiscal Year 2026"; all information on Attachment A is correct. - Public Testimony: No members of the public submitted forms or came forward to speak for or against the item. President McCarty closed the public hearing. - Action: Board Member Parks motioned, seconded by Board Member Blake, to adopt the revised budget and recommend City Council approval. The motion carried 7-0. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the September 8, 2025 Crime Control and Prevention District Board meeting (7-0). - Adopted the FY 2026 Revised Budget totaling $9,485,115 and recommended City Council approval (7-0).

The Park & Recreation Facilities Development Corporation (PRFDC) of North Richland Hills, Texas, held a regular meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 4301 City Point Drive. The board unanimously approved the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes and, after a public hearing, unanimously voted to adopt the FY 2026 Revised Budget and recommend City Council approval. The meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Attendance - Present: Chair Jack McCarty; Council members Cecille Delaney and Russ Mitchell; citizen members Tracye Lewis, Thomas Osen, and Sean Nutt. - Absent: Council member Danny Roberts. - Staff present: City Manager Paulette Hartman, City Attorney Bradley Anderle, City Secretary Alicia Richardson, and Assistant City Secretary Crystal R. Dozier. Action Items - Motion by Council Member Russ Mitchell, seconded by Citizen Member Sean Nutt, to approve the minutes of the September 8, 2025 PRFDC board meeting. The motion carried 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - There were no requests to speak during the public comments portion of the meeting, and no one came forward to speak for or against the revised budget during the public hearing. Public Hearing: FY 2026 Revised Budget - Director of Budget and Research Chase Fosse presented the revised FY 2026 Capital Budget. The revised budget totals $13,100,185, an increase of $157,550 from the FY 2026 adopted budget of $12,942,635. - Two capital projects were highlighted: PK 2615 Richland Tennis Center – LED Lighting Conversion (new project) and PK 2507 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan (revision to an existing project). - Tennis center lighting: existing fixtures installed in 1996 require frequent bulb replacement and generate high energy costs. The original LED conversion was contingent on a grant that was not awarded. The revised project makes clear that the lighting replacement will occur regardless; if the grant is awarded, the city can install higher-quality lighting at roughly the same cost to the city. - Parks and Recreation Master Plan: the plan includes four phases – discovery, assessment, recommendations, and implementation. Public engagement has begun with community surveys underway and an open house scheduled for Wednesday at the NRH Centre's Grand Hall from 6 to 7 p.m. An additional $23,661 is requested from the parks fund. - Revenue changes include additional sales tax based on strong performance. Expenditure changes include salary savings from vacancies and $160,000 in new capital project investments. - The fund summary for parks capital projects was split into two line items – parks versus NRH Centre – to clarify investment amounts. In the adopted budget, $120,000 for NRH Centre equipment replacement costs was miscategorized on the fund summary under tennis operations; the revised budget moves these expenditures to the NRH Centre fitness category. - Staff noted a scrivener's error in the agenda packet: the Attachment A header read "Fiscal Year 2027" instead of "Fiscal Year 2026." The attachment was corrected, and all other information on Attachment A was accurate. - A board member asked about the tennis court lighting costs; staff explained there are two plans: Plan A, if the grant is awarded, will install higher-class lighting; Plan B, if not awarded, will still replace the lighting with good but lower-class lighting at a similar city cost. - A board member asked about an allocation to the park fund reserves; staff responded that it was not for a specific project, but the reserves could be used for planned park infrastructure investments to be presented to City Council later. - A board member also asked about a one-year delay related to an extra fee for credit transactions; staff responded that the delay reflects a more comprehensive, citywide approach rather than a fund-specific change. Key Outcomes - Motion by Council Member Russ Mitchell, seconded by Council Member Cecille Delaney, to approve the PRFDC FY 2026 Revised Budget and recommend City Council approval. The motion carried 6-0. - The September 8, 2025 meeting minutes were approved 6-0. - Chair McCarty adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m.

The North Richland Hills City Council, sitting as the Landscape Review Board, met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:30 PM in the Council Workroom. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor and all board members except Kelvin Dupree were present. The board approved the previous meeting minutes and held two public hearings on variance requests related to vegetation and screening requirements. Both variances were approved by votes of 7-0. Consent Calendar - The September 9, 2024 Landscape Review Board meeting minutes were approved by a 7-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - LRB26-0010 (6321 Browning Court): Bill Whitsit, a resident at 4141 Morgan Circle, asked whether the sewage from adjacent residential properties drained to the front or back, expressing concern about live oak root systems damaging sewer lines. - LRB26-0011 (9049 Mid-Cities Boulevard): Robin Rogers Eddings, whose family owns property behind the site, expressed concerns about visibility, noise buffers, and maintenance responsibility for proposed landscaping shrubs. She asked about the distance between the water line and easement and who would maintain the Burford Hollies. Discussion Items - LRB26-0010 – Variance request for screening wall: Colin Clayton of DB Constructors Inc. requested a waiver of the masonry screening wall requirement along the north property line (approximately 740 feet) at 6321 Browning Court. He argued there is no precedent for masonry walls in the area, the building design has no rear openings, and the project already exceeds landscaping requirements with enhanced plantings. Board members discussed the deteriorated condition of existing wooden fences, the cost of a masonry wall (estimated at $100,000), and alternatives such as live oak trees. Councilmember Parks noted concerns about the fence condition and suggested a taller wooden structure. The board deliberated and moved to approve the variance with a condition requiring a minimum six-foot cedar fence with headers and footers. - LRB26-0011 – Variance request for buffer yard trees: John Fagan of RG Berry Properties LLC requested a waiver of the tree planting requirement within a 15-foot landscape buffer at 9049 Mid-Cities Boulevard because a 12-inch water line runs through the easement, preventing tree planting. They proposed installing 47 dwarf Burford Hollies shrubs instead of the required five trees. Staff confirmed the shrubs would reach at least six feet in height and provide screening. Board members asked about the purpose of the trees (visual screening) and the growth habit of the proposed shrubs. No objections were raised. The board voted to approve the variance as presented, with a casual remark that no live oak trees should be planted (not a formal condition). Key Outcomes - LRB26-0010 approved (7-0) with the condition that a minimum six-foot cedar fence with headers and footers be installed in lieu of the masonry wall. - LRB26-0011 approved (7-0) without additional conditions, allowing the planting of 47 dwarf Burford Hollies in place of the required five trees. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 PM.

The City Council of North Richland Hills met in a work session at 5:30 PM and a regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at City Hall. The work session included presentations on the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan process, the FY 2026 Q2 Financial Report and Revised Budget, and a Fund Balance and Reserve Policy Update. The regular meeting covered a consent agenda, a public hearing for a barber school, citizens' presentation on data center zoning, and multiple administrative items including appointments and a trail design contract. Council also took action following executive session to authorize property acquisition. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (6-0) the consent agenda comprising: - Minutes of the May 13, 2026 City Council meeting. - Resolutions No. 2026-029 through 2026-033 designating the Accountant Grants & Debt position as financial officer for various FY 2027 state grants (North Texas Anti-Gang Center, General Victim Assistance, Violence Against Women, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance, and Rifle-Resistant Body Armor). - Resolution No. 2026-034 approving an Advance Funding Agreement with TxDOT for the N Richland Hills Traffic Signal Standard project. - Authorization to approve FY 2026 purchases of broadcasting equipment from Enco Systems Inc. not to exceed $110,689. Public Hearings - ZC26-0155, Ordinance No. 3956 – Public hearing and approval (6-0) of a revision to Planned Development 13 to allow a trade school (barber school) at 8703 Bedford Euless Road (5.03 acres). The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval 6-0. No public speakers were present. Councilmember Goetz moved approval, seconded by Councilmember Blake. Citizens Presentation - Bobby Gomez (7714 Sable Lane) expressed concern about the zoning for data centers, noting that a 12,000 square foot data center was recently approved administratively near residential and transit-oriented development. He requested the Council evaluate zoning to ensure appropriate transitions between land uses. Discussion Items - Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan Process Overview (Work Session): Director of Parks and Recreation Adrien Pekurney presented the four-phase process (discovery, analysis, recommendation, implementation). A statistically valid survey and online survey are underway, and a public open house is scheduled for June 10, 2026 at the Grand Hall from 6:00-7:00 PM. Key factors include improving access, enhancing existing spaces, and prioritizing reinvestment. Council discussed benchmarking against similar cities, the role of the half-cent sales tax, potential turf fields at community parks, and usage analysis. - FY 2026 Q2 Financial Report and Revised Budget Overview (Work Session): Director of Budget and Research Chase Fosse reported that revenues and expenditures are tracking as expected. Highlights include $1.4 million in projected vacancy savings across four major funds, property tax collections slightly above budget (resulting in $283,000 additional revenue), and sales tax collections exceeding budget by $1.1 million (3.8%). Water consumption is trending higher, requiring adjustments. Staff proposes funding six additional capital projects as part of the revised budget, including data center refresh, tennis center lighting, turn lane on Mid-Cities Boulevard, traffic signal improvements on Precinct Line Road, a blocking gate on Colorado Boulevard, and a utility infrastructure master plan. The revised budget will be presented for adoption on June 8, 2026. - Fund Balance and Reserve Policy Update (Work Session): Chase Fosse presented proposed edits to the fund balance policy. The changes clarify that the policy applies to all funds, exclude capital transfers from reserve calculations (to prevent unnecessarily high reserves), and set a path for formal adoption on June 8, 2026. No changes to the percentage reserve requirements established in February 2025 were proposed. Council discussed the impact on various funds, particularly the drainage utility fund, and asked clarifying questions about definitions and replenishment. - General Items (Regular Meeting): - Mayor Pro Tem Selection: Council unanimously (6-0) re-elected Kelvin Deupree to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term, nominated by Councilmember Delaney and seconded by Councilmember Parks. - Ordinance No. 3957: Amended the City's Code of Ordinances to align board, commission, and committee member terms with the mayor and council (changing from two to three years) per the November 2025 charter amendment. Approved 6-0. - Resolution No. 2026-035: Appointed Eric Welborn to the Planning and Zoning Commission (Place 1) and Lindsey Eagan to the Keep NRH Beautiful Commission (Place 3) for unexpired terms ending June 30, 2027. Approved 6-0. - Professional Services Contract: Authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with Baird, Hampton & Brown, Inc. for the design of the John Barfield Trail Spring Oak Extension not to exceed $172,138. Approved 6-0. - Executive Session Action: Following closed session, Council authorized (6-0) the City Manager to negotiate and execute a purchase and sale agreement with the Terry Neil Snider Estate for property at 8021 and 8029 Main Street for $830,000 plus closing costs. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 6-0. - Public hearing for barber school approved 6-0. - Mayor Pro Tem Kelvin Deupree re-elected 6-0. - Ordinance 3957 (board term alignment) approved 6-0. - Appointments to Planning & Zoning and Keep NRH Beautiful commissions approved 6-0. - Trail design contract authorized 6-0. - Property acquisition at 8021/8029 Main Street authorized 6-0. - Fund Balance Policy update scheduled for formal adoption on June 8, 2026. - Revised FY 2026 Budget will be presented for adoption on June 8, 2026. - Capital Program Advisory Committee (CPAC) will present recommendations at the June 22, 2026 meeting. - Legislative Task Force first meeting set for June 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM. - Efficiency audits for facilities and utility billing are in data collection stage.

The North Richland Hills Planning and Zoning Commission held a work session at 6:30 PM and a regular meeting at 7:21 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at City Hall. The commission considered three public hearing items: a special use permit for U-Haul truck rental, a planned development revision to allow drone delivery operations, and a zoning change for a flex-warehouse development. The work session included a presentation on upcoming city events and staff overview of agenda items. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Gomez (7714 Sable Lane) spoke on two items: He expressed support for the drone delivery operation (ZC26-0162), noting potential to reduce vehicle traffic and lower noise impacts. He opposed the zoning change for flex-warehouse (ZC26-0163), citing concerns about one-way access for emergency vehicles, the addition of industrial uses not aligned with the city’s Vision 2030 land use plan, and the need for tree survival guarantees for the proposed living screening wall. Public Hearing: ZC26-0158 – Special Use Permit for Truck Rental (Denied) - Applicant: Paul Conover (Dent Tex) and Jordan Brazzel (U-Haul) requested a special use permit to allow two U-Haul truck rentals at 7507 Boulevard 26, an existing auto repair site. - Discussion: Commissioners questioned the number of vehicles already parked on the property, fire lane encroachment, and compatibility with surrounding residential areas. Staff recommended conditions to restrict truck parking on the Kim Michael Court and Boulevard 26 frontages. - Public Hearing: No additional public speakers came forward. - Commission Action: Commissioner Welborn made a motion to deny, citing the existing clutter and vehicles on site that conflict with recent revitalization efforts along Boulevard 26. The motion passed 7-0. The case will be forwarded to City Council on June 22, 2026. Public Hearing: ZC26-0162 – Revision to Planned Development 35 for Drone Delivery (Approved) - Conflict: Commissioner Pekurney recused himself due to a conflict of interest; Alternate Whittaker became a voting member for this item. - Applicant: Guelmarie Conde (Wing Aviation) presented plans for a drone delivery hub serving DoorDash orders at 6321 Boulevard 26. The facility would occupy approximately 3,800 square feet of parking lot with an 18‑pad drone nest, storage container, and temporary generator. - Discussion: Commissioners discussed drone weight limits, flight hours (currently not at night), noise levels (equivalent to a car), and traffic generation (estimated less than a fast‑food restaurant). Staff noted the proposed use requires a three‑year special use permit and is similar to existing Walmart drone sites. - Public Hearing: Robert Gomez spoke in favor. - Commission Action: Commissioner Welborn moved to approve with a condition that operations occur only during daylight hours. The motion passed 6‑1 (Whittaker dissenting, Pekurney abstaining). Final approval will be considered by City Council on June 22, 2026. Public Hearing: ZC26-0163 – Zoning Change from OC to NR-PD (Denied) - Applicant: Timothy Lucas, Jason Fox, and Seth Mullins (FlexPointe Ventures) requested a zoning change to allow 10 flex‑warehouse buildings (84,000 sq. ft. total) on 5.33 acres at 8613 Boulevard 26. Proposed uses included contractor offices, brewery, moving/storage, and cabinet shops, which would be permitted by right under the PD instead of requiring special use permits. - Discussion: Commissioners raised concerns about compatibility with the surrounding area, lack of connectivity with adjacent properties, single egress point, and whether the proposed uses align with the city’s Vision 2030 land use plan for retail commercial. Staff presented no recommendation. The applicant argued the project would bring jobs and tax value and that the flex‑space is in high demand. - Public Hearing: Robert Gomez opposed the project. - Commission Positions: - Commissioners Welborn, Whittaker, Pekurney, Carpenter, and Narayana expressed opposition, stating the development is incompatible with the area, does not follow the land use plan, or would hinder future higher‑quality development. - Commissioners Epperley and Kerby supported the project, noting the land has been vacant for decades and the proposed development is appropriate. - Chair Stamps also voted against the motion to deny, indicating support for the applicant. - Commission Action: Commissioner Welborn moved to deny. The motion passed 4‑3 (Welborn, Carpenter, Narayana, Pekurney voting to deny; Epperley, Stamps, Kerby voting against denial). The case will be considered by City Council on June 22, 2026. Key Outcomes | Item | Case Number | Action | Vote | |------|-------------|--------|------| | Special Use Permit for Truck Rental | ZC26-0158 | Denied (recommendation to City Council) | 7-0 | | Revision to Planned Development 35 for Drone Delivery | ZC26-0162 | Approved (recommendation to City Council) with condition of daylight operations only | 6-1 (one abstention) | | Zoning Change to Nonresidential Planned Development | ZC26-0163 | Denied (recommendation to City Council) | 4-3 | - All three items will be forwarded to the North Richland Hills City Council for final decision on June 22, 2026. - The work session included reports on Memorial Day closures, a parks needs assessment survey, and yoga in the park event. - No future agenda items were requested.

The North Richland Hills City Council held a work session at 6:00 PM followed by a regular meeting at 7:00 PM on May 13, 2026. The work session included a discussion of preliminary taxable values and future agenda items. The regular meeting featured canvassing of the May 2 general election results, swearing-in of elected officials, approval of a consent agenda, and citizen presentations. Work Session Discussion - 2026 Preliminary Taxable Values: Assistant City Manager Trudy Lewis presented an update on preliminary taxable values received from the Tarrant County Appraisal District (TAD). Preliminary values show a 1.5% increase over last year's certified values, totaling $140 million in additional assessed value, including $51.7 million in new construction. However, protests and ongoing certification (due July 24) are expected to reduce this figure, possibly to around 1% or less. Lewis noted a downward trend in new construction values as the city approaches build-out, and that business personal property exemptions (new for tax year 2026) will remove an estimated $60 million from the tax roll. The city's tax rate may need to increase to maintain the no-new-revenue rate. - Future Agenda Items: - Council Member Roberts requested a future work session discussion on the city's sex offender registry, following resident correspondence. City Manager Hartman confirmed staff will place it on a June agenda. - Mayor McCarty requested a discussion on implementing a fee for fire department lift assists at senior facilities, citing a $500,000 annual cost. Hartman indicated this will be included in the July budget work session. Executive Session The council entered executive session at 6:26 PM under Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 (consultation with city attorney on pending litigation) and 551.087 (economic development negotiations) regarding three lawsuits and five development prospects. The session concluded at 6:50 PM, and no action resulted. Regular Meeting - Invocation and Pledge: Council Member Roberts led the invocation and pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags, also recognizing National Police Week. - Canvass of Election Results: City Secretary Alicia Richardson presented official results from the May 2, 2026 General Election. Resolution No. 2026-027 was approved 7-0, declaring Jack McCarty (Mayor), Brianne Goetz (Place 2), Matt Blake (Place 4), and Russ Mitchell (Place 6) elected. Vote totals: Mayor – Literally Anybody Else 1,255, McCarty 4,474; Place 2 – Goetz 4,411, Sean Samuel Leonard 1,182; Place 4 – John Schleeter 1,586, Matt Blake 4,037; Place 6 – Laura Jenkins 1,862, Russ Mitchell 3,397, William Darden 322. - Oaths of Office: The four elected officials were sworn in. Each gave brief remarks thanking supporters and emphasizing service. - Public Comments: No speakers. Consent Calendar The consent agenda was approved 7-0 without removal. It included: - Approval of the April 27, 2026 city council meeting minutes. - Resolution No. 2026-028 authorizing renewal subscriptions for Flock Safety Raven (gunshot detection) and Falcon devices from Flock Group Inc. at a total cost of $384,000, funded by FY2026 and FY2027 North Texas Anti-Gang Center Grants. The resolution also authorizes the city manager to execute regional asset transfer addendums with the city of Arlington. Citizens Presentation - Paul Southerland (6713 Briley Drive) requested the city prohibit direct distribution of unsolicited printed advertising materials that are thrown onto driveways and lawns. He argued that the items are bulk advertising, not newsletters, and other nearby cities have banned such distribution. He asked the city to implement enforceable codes to require use of U.S. mail instead. - Luke and Kristina Carnevale (5610 Southern Hills Drive) expressed opposition to a 10,000-square-foot data center being built on Browning Drive, about 1,000 feet from their home. They cited concerns about electromagnetic fields, infrasonic noise, water usage (300,000 gallons per day for cooling), health impacts (PFAS, particulate matter), potential property value decline, and lawsuit risks. Luke requested a moratorium on construction until citizens have a voice. Kristina, a physician, highlighted additional health and environmental concerns. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2026-027 (canvassing election results): Approved 7-0. - Resolution 2026-028 (Flock Safety subscriptions): Approved as part of consent agenda, 7-0. - Future agenda items: Sex offender registry discussion placed on June work session; fire department lift assist fee discussion placed on July budget work session. - No action was taken from executive session. - Information reports: Council Member Blake announced upcoming events: Friends of the NRH Library book sale (May 16, 10 AM-3 PM) and NRH Senior Center Health Fair (May 27, 10 AM-1 PM). Kudos Corner recognized five parks department staff for maintaining soccer fields at Green Valley Park.