Public Meetings - North Richland Hills, Texas

The City Council of North Richland Hills held a work session at 5:30 PM and a regular meeting at 7:00 PM on April 27, 2026. The work session focused on board and commission term limit research, and the regular meeting approved two operational efficiency audits, appointed a legislative task force, and adopted revised council rules of procedure. All votes were unanimous (7-0). Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the April 13, 2026 City Council meeting. - Authorized the City Manager to execute an interlocal agreement with the City of Terrell for the purchase of goods and services through competitive bidding. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period or the citizens presentation period. Discussion Items - Board and Commission Term Limit Research (Work Session): City Secretary Alicia Richardson presented research on 26 surveyed cities. Key findings: 31% have term limits for board/commission members; 58% have term limits for elected officials; 96% of cities have the city council directly appoint board/commission members; 69% interview applicants. Council discussed term limits, interview processes, and attendance. Council directed staff to draft an ordinance to phase in three-year terms for board/commission appointments (matching elected officials) and to bring back options for improving the appointment process, including potential attendance policies. - Future Agenda Item: Councilmember Delaney proposed creating a "Citizen of the Year" recognition. Council agreed to discuss this during upcoming budget conversations, with staff asked to explore options such as leveraging an existing committee or merging with an annual volunteer/state-of-the-city event. - Executive Session: Council met in closed session from 5:57 PM to 6:44 PM to discuss litigation (four cases) and economic development negotiations (four properties). No action was taken afterward. Key Outcomes - Awarded RFP 26-009 to Matrix Consulting Group for a Facilities & Construction Operational Efficiency Audit, not to exceed $77,000. Motion carried 7-0. - Awarded RFP 26-008 to Baker Tilly Advisory Group for a Utility Billing Operational Efficiency Audit, not to exceed $82,875. Motion carried 7-0. - Approved Resolution 2026-026 appointing nine members (Linda Burt, Kyle Morris, Kyle Pekurney, Tito Rodriguez, Charlie Ruiz, Greg Stamps, Randy Tolleson, Mark Vaughn, Greg Vick) to the Legislative Task Force for a term of May 2026 to April 2028. Motion carried 7-0. - Adopted Ordinance No. 3955 amending Chapter 2, Article II, Division 2 of the Code of Ordinances (Rules of Procedure). The amendments simplify language, clarify procedural rules for council governance, and define a quorum as five members. Motion carried 7-0.

The North Richland Hills Planning and Zoning Commission met on Thursday, April 16, 2026, for a work session at 6:30 PM and a regular meeting at 7:00 PM. Commissioners Greg Stamps (Chair), Aaron Carpenter (Vice Chair), Justin Welborn, and Amy McMahon were present. Alternates Mike Kerby and Jacob Whittaker were seated as voting members due to the absence of Commissioners Paul Epperley, Jayashree Narayana, and Kyle Pekurney. The commission handled a consent agenda featuring a final plat for the Golden Grove development and held a public hearing for a barber school special use permit. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the minutes of the March 19, 2026, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. - PLAT26-0105 (Golden Grove Final Plat): Approved a request from G&H Group LLC for a final plat of the Golden Grove development, a 12.424-acre, 57-lot single-family residential subdivision located at 8250 Main Street. Staff noted the approval was administrative, as the plat met all applicable zoning and subdivision requirements. The vote to approve the consent agenda was 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Gomez (7714 Sable Lane): Speaking during public comments, Mr. Gomez expressed concerns regarding the Golden Grove final plat (Item B.2). While stating his support for responsible transit-oriented development, he argued the plat was inconsistent with the city's adopted plans. He specifically noted that the plan requires Creek Lane as a through street connecting to Cardinal Lane but the plat shows a cul-de-sac. He also contended that several single-family detached lots did not comply with the required 100-foot buffer adjacent to existing single-family structures. Mr. Gomez requested the commission consider tabling the item and recommended the installation of a pedestrian signal at the Main Street and Davis Boulevard intersection for the Cotton Belt trail. - No Testimony on ZC26-0155: No members of the public came forward to speak for or against the barber school public hearing item. Discussion Items - Work Session Overview: Principal Planner Clayton Husband provided an overview of the agenda items during the work session. Staff reviewed the Golden Grove plat, noting its design features (40-foot-wide lots, alley access, centralized open space, one-way loop) and its compliance with Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) standards. The commission discussed the administrative nature of plat approvals under Texas law and confirmed pedestrian connectivity was being addressed through a concurrent Main Street reconstruction project. Staff confirmed that all required drainage and engineering studies for the Golden Grove site have been completed. - Barber School (ZC26-0155): The applicant, Maryuri Narvaez, along with Harrison Swanigo, presented a request for a revision to Planned Development 13 to allow a trade school (barber school) at 8703 Bedford Euless Road within the Warren Plaza shopping center. The barber school would operate within the existing 3,600-square-foot barbershop space, expanding its use to train barbers. The applicant stated the business has been operating as a barber shop for approximately two and a half years and expects to enroll up to 10 students in the first two months. The proposed layout includes office, classroom, and storage areas. Staff reported no public correspondence had been received regarding the application. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved (6-0): The commission voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda, including the Golden Grove final plat, without removing it for separate discussion. - Barber School Special Use Permit Approved (6-0): A motion by Commissioner Justin Welborn, seconded by Alternate Mike Kerby, to approve ZC26-0155 carried unanimously. The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action at their meeting on May 26, 2026. - No Future Agenda Items: Commissioners did not propose any items for discussion at a future work session.

The North Richland Hills City Council convened for a work session at 5:00 PM and a regular meeting at 7:30 PM on April 13, 2026. The work session included staff introductions, a presentation on a proposed ethics ordinance and council rules of procedure, updates on term limits and the charter amendment election, the Restaurant Rewards program, efficiency study recommendations, regulations on short-term rentals, and city manager announcements. The regular meeting featured a presentation from Alliance for Children, consent agenda approval, public hearings and approvals of special use permits for an EV charging station and an accessory building, adoption of text amendments to accessory building regulations, a contract award for a pavement improvement project, a grant application for a youth summer camp, and the adoption of an ethics ordinance. All votes were unanimous (7-0). Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0). Specific items were not detailed in the transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak at either the work session or the regular meeting. Discussion Items - Staff Introductions: New Finance Director Stephen Barnes (over 20 years of municipal finance experience) and new Chief Building Official Zachary Louisau (over 20 years of building inspections experience) were introduced. Cody Payne was promoted to Assistant Building Official. - Ethics Ordinance and Council Rules of Procedure (Ad Hoc Committee): Councilmembers Delaney, Roberts, and Mitchell presented proposed changes to the ethics ordinance and rules of procedure based on prior council feedback. Key changes include clarified definitions, standards of conduct, complaint procedures, acknowledgement requirements, and enforcement options (up to $500 fine for false complaints). City Attorney Bradley clarified that a quorum for council meetings is five members of the eight-member governing body (mayor and council). The committee recommended adoption of the ordinance. - Charter Amendment and Term Limits Update: City Attorney Bradley reviewed the November 2025 charter amendment election, in which all six propositions were approved. The new provisions include three-year terms for the mayor and city council, term limits (maximum three terms per office, total possible 18 years), and a transition schedule. Terms starting in May 2026 and May 2027 will count toward term limits; prior service is not counted. - Restaurant Rewards Program Update: Craig Holtz reported on year two of the program. Results through March: over 5,320 users (93% increase), 34,000 transactions (51% increase), over three quarters of a million dollars spent at local restaurants (85% increase), and $65,340 in rewards redeemed. In year one, the program had 2,800 users, 23,000 transactions, and $560,000 spent. The program runs until April 30, 2026. Video testimonials from users and a restaurant owner highlighted increased business. - Efficiency Study Recommendations Update: Caroline, Stephanie, and Corey presented the status of 60 recommendations from the Matrix efficiency study. The recommendations are categorized into customer engagement (27), management/administration (22), process improvements (10), and technology (1). Twenty-eight of the 60 recommendations are shared across departments. Many are in progress, some deferred, and some already existing. Building inspections: cross-training with code enforcement, creating new positions, implementing Tyler dashboard. Development services: refined development review committee, centralized application portal, updated website with online scheduling, QR code for public notices, code amendments to reduce special use permits. Green belt training is being utilized. Council asked about metrics for measuring progress. - Short-Term Rental Ordinance Update: Stephanie reported on the short-term rental (STR) ordinance adopted October 2025. Key metrics: 66 applications submitted, 63 licensed, covering 163 active listings. $69,000 in back taxes collected. 90 unlicensed properties identified (55 believed active). Non-compliance letters sent; enforcement will follow standard code violation process (14-day notices, potential penalties). Council discussed complaints (excessive parties, trash) and noted other cities (Keller, Colleyville, Richland Hills) are considering similar regulations. - City Manager Announcements: Upcoming agenda items include facility and utility billing audit awards. The mayor has submitted names for the legislative and intergovernmental affairs task force, to be appointed April 27. The Capital Programs Advisory Committee is expected to recommend bond propositions in late May/early June. The city qualified for six Cultural Excellence Awards and is in consideration as a Top Workplace in DFW, based on an employee engagement survey with 55% response rate. - Alliance for Children Presentation: A representative from Alliance for Children, Tarrant County's children's advocacy center, presented the organization's mission and services. Since 1992, the center has served over 74,000 child abuse victims, with over 2,000 new cases annually. The city's partnership was acknowledged. No action was taken. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved (7-0). - Public Hearing C1 – Special Use Permit for Electrify America EV Charging Station: Approved with a condition for a painted crosswalk (7-0). The station will have 24 parking stalls with charging equipment, lighting, and landscaping. The applicant noted support from adjacent businesses. - Public Hearing C2 – Special Use Permit for Permanent Accessory Building: Approved (7-0). The permit allows a 1,232 sq ft building with higher walls and lower roof pitch than code allows. - Public Hearing C3 – Text Amendments to Accessory Building Regulations: Approved (7-0). Changes include: allowing up to 5% of lot area for structures on lots over 40,000 sq ft, increasing floor area minimums, removing maximum wall height, reducing roof pitch from 4:12 to 2:12, and allowing two permanent structures per lot. The SUP threshold is lowered from 40,000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft. - Resolution 2026-024 – David Court Pavement Improvement Project: Approved (7-0). Awarded contract to XIT Paving & Construction Inc. for $339,060. The project is funded by $241,071 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and a $97,989 city pledge. Construction is expected to take 70 days. - Resolution 2026-025 – Walmart Spark Good Local Grant Application: Approved (7-0). Authorizes submission and acceptance of up to $5,000 for the Police and Fire Summer Camp for middle school students. - Ordinance 3954 – Ethics Ordinance: Approved (7-0). Establishes a city code of ethics covering council and board members, including standards of conduct, complaint and investigation procedures, enforcement actions (letters of notification, admonition, reprimand, censure, removal, fines up to $500 for false complaints), and annual training requirements. - Council Rules of Procedure (G3): Proposed amendments were introduced. No action was taken; the item will be considered at a subsequent meeting.

The North Richland Hills City Council held a work session at 5:30 PM and a regular meeting at 7:05 PM on March 23, 2026, at City Hall. The work session included a presentation of the Information Technology Operational Efficiency Audit final report by Matrix Consulting Group, discussion of future agenda items, and the city manager's report. The regular meeting saw unanimous approval of the consent agenda and Resolution No. 2026-020 establishing an Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs Subcommittee and Legislative Task Force. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - B.1: Approved minutes of the March 9, 2026 City Council meeting. - B.2: Approved minutes of the February 18, 2026 City Council meeting. - B.3: Authorized purchase agreements with multiple vendors for NRH2O food service products for resale not to exceed $300,000. - B.4: Approved an agreement with Clearent, LLC dba Xplor Pay for a one-year term with annual renewals for credit card processing services as part of the NRH2O Gatemaster Point of Sale System. - B.5: Authorized a three-year agreement with LinkedIn Corporation for job posting services not to exceed $113,318.50 through December 31, 2028. (During work session, it was clarified that an annual $100,000 allotment from United Healthcare will offset the cost.) Discussion Items - IT Operational Efficiency Audit Presentation: Alan Pennington and Bill Haight of Matrix Consulting Group presented the final report. Key findings included: the IT department (12.5 positions supporting 800 employees and over 1,900 software applications) receives high marks for responsiveness but struggles with timely service due to resource constraints. Recommendations included: establishing an IT steering committee, developing an IT master plan and continuity/disaster recovery plans (noting a COOP plan was already completed), formalizing project management, increasing cross-training to reduce single points of failure, and adding a network engineer, business analyst, IT project manager, and an additional systems analyst over multiple years. Staff will review and bring forward implementation recommendations. - Future Agenda Items: Mayor McCarty requested an item to explain recently approved charter amendments on term limits; the council agreed to place it on a future agenda. - City Manager Report: Paulette Hartman updated that the Facilities and Utility Billing efficiency audits will be awarded in April, and the Planning and Inspections audit recommendations will be presented in April or May. Staff changes include two vacancies in Purchasing and a new finance director to be introduced at the April 13, 2026 meeting. - Executive Session: The council convened in closed session from 6:36 PM to 7:00 PM to discuss pending litigation (Jessie Goodfellow v. City; Travis Scott Gray v. City; CGC General Contractors, Inc.) and economic development opportunities (Northeast Corner of Boulevard 26 & Harwood Road; EZ Streets Empowerment Zone). No action was taken as a result. - Resolution G.1: Approval of Resolution No. 2026-020 establishing an Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs Subcommittee (composed of Mayor McCarty, Councilmember Roberts, and Councilmember Parks for a two-year term May 2026 to May 2028) and a nine-member Legislative Task Force (appointments to be brought forward in April). The resolution passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved: Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Deupree, seconded by Councilmember Goetz, approved 7-0. - Resolution 2026-020 Approved: Motion by Councilmember Blake, seconded by Councilmember Delaney, approved 7-0. - Future Agenda Item Scheduled: Staff to prepare a presentation on charter amendment term limits for a future meeting. - IT Audit Next Steps: Staff will review recommendations and incorporate priorities into the budget; some implementation has already begun (e.g., project management training, involving NRH Links and Green Belts for business analysis).

The North Richland Hills Planning and Zoning Commission held a work session at 6:00 PM followed by a regular meeting at 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The commission considered three public hearing items: a special use permit (SUP) for an electric vehicle charging lot, an SUP for a permanent accessory building, and city-initiated text amendments to accessory building regulations. All items were approved with votes reflecting member attendance. Consent Calendar - Approved 4-0: Minutes from the February 19, 2026 and March 5, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission meetings were approved via consent agenda. Motion by Alternate Kerby, seconded by Commissioner McMahon. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing C.1 (EV Charging Lot): Three residents spoke in opposition. Thomas Riddle (6962 Crabtree) expressed concerns about the viability of electric vehicles, grid impact, and wastefulness. Squeeboo (address near the site) voiced concerns about low-frequency noise from equipment at night. Steve Tiger (adjacent neighbor) opposed the idea due to privacy, traffic, and noise, noting the property directly abuts his backyard. No support was voiced by the public. - Public Hearing C.2 (Accessory Building): One speaker, Thomas Riddle, expressed support, saying "let them build." No other public comments. - Public Hearing C.3 (Text Amendments): No one spoke. Discussion Items - C.1 ZC25-0149 – Special Use Permit for EV Charging Lot at 6421 Precinct Line Road - Applicant: Nathan Nickerson of Common Ground, representing Electrify America LLC. Proposed 24 EV charging stalls on a 0.975-acre vacant lot zoned C-1 (retail commercial). The lot is accessed via easements from Martin Drive and Precinct Line Road, located behind restaurants and adjacent to Home Depot. Staff noted the existing six-foot screen wall requirement adjacent to residential properties; the applicant placed transformers away from residences. A 15-foot landscape buffer is proposed. No planning objections were received after public notice. Staff confirmed Oncor has approved power capacity. Commissioner questions addressed tree preservation, signage (the applicant noted EVs navigate using GPS), and noise (fans on chargers, minimal). The commission discussed the lot's history and suitability: no serious proposals in 10 years; this is considered an interim use. - C.2 ZC26-0157 – Special Use Permit for Permanent Accessory Building at 7228 Bursey Road - Applicant: Christian Hernandez (Hernandez and Son’s LLC), representing property owner Mr. Robson. Proposed a 28x30 ft (840 sq ft footprint, 1,232 sq ft with loft) detached garage with a 2:12 roof pitch, 15-20 ft wall heights, to be used for storage and a pool house. Existing 2.07-acre lot zoned RE-1 (residential estate) contains a 2,600 sq ft home, a small garage, and three temporary sheds. The SUP would allow a second permanent accessory building (current code allows one). The combined floor area (both permanent buildings) would be 2,254 sq ft, exceeding the 2.5% lot area standard. The proposed amendments (C.3) would make this request comply by right. The applicant confirmed no plans for a third building in the near term. No public opposition; one speaker supported. - C.3 TR26-01 – City-Initiated Text Amendments to Section 118-718 (Accessory Building Regulations) - Staff (Corey and Clayton) presented a summary of case history from 2021: 13 SUP cases, most requesting deviations in floor area (average 2,136 sq ft, recent 2,751 sq ft), wall height (7 of 13 requested 16 ft), and roof pitch (4 requests). Proposed changes: - Floor area: For lots <40,000 sq ft, maximum of 500 sq ft or 3% of lot area (whichever greater). For lots ≥40,000 sq ft, maximum of 5% of lot area. Current maximum is 500 sq ft for lots ≤20,000 sq ft and 2.5% for larger. - SUP threshold: Reduced from 40,000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft for pursuing deviations. - Wall height requirement: Removed entirely; only maximum building height (15 ft for ≤500 sq ft buildings, 25 ft for larger) remains. - Roof pitch: Reduced from 4:12 to 2:12. - Number of permanent accessory buildings: Increased from one to two. Cumulative floor area of all permanent buildings cannot exceed the size of the primary residence. The commission discussed whether to allow unlimited buildings if within floor area limits, but decided to keep a maximum of two to prevent proliferation. The third building would still require an SUP. Key Outcomes - ZC25-0149 (EV Charging Lot): Motion by Commissioner McMahon, seconded by Alternate Kerby to approve. Approved 4-0. City Council consideration scheduled for April 13, 2026. - ZC26-0157 (Accessory Building): Motion by Commissioner McMahon, seconded by Commissioner Narayana to approve. Approved 4-0. City Council consideration April 13,2026. - TR26-01 (Text Amendments): Motion by Commissioner McMahon, seconded by Alternate Kerby to approve. Approved 7-0 (all members present voted). City Council consideration on April 13, 2026. The meeting adjourned following the vote.

The North Richland Hills City Council, sitting as the Sign Review Board, met on March 9, 2026 at 7:39 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. The board considered approval of previous meeting minutes and a public hearing for a sign variance request from Elements of Architecture Inc. on behalf of Tarrant County College. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM. Approval of August 11, 2025 Minutes - Councilmember Blake moved to approve the minutes of the August 11, 2025 Sign Review Board meeting, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell. The motion passed 8-0. Public Hearing: SRB26-0021 – Variance for Monument Signs at 828 Harwood Road - Request: A variance from Chapter 106 (Signs) of the Code of Ordinances to allow two monument signs without masonry surround and exceeding the maximum height of 7 feet. The northern sign (across from NRH2O) was proposed at 17.23 feet, and the southern sign (across from Peppa Pig theme park) at 7.27 feet. - Applicant Presentation: Scott Fisher of Elements of Architecture stated the signs are part of a district-wide branding initiative for Tarrant County College to improve wayfinding. He noted the signs would replace existing signs (approximately 7.5 feet tall) one-for-one. - Board Discussion: Several board members expressed concerns about the significant height variance (over 150% above code) and the lack of masonry, which is a required component. Councilmember Marks noted that the application cited cost as a hardship, but the applicant later indicated it was a design decision. Councilmember Blake argued the entrances are easy to find and that a 17-foot sign is unnecessary; the real problem is internal building wayfinding. He also referenced TCC's recent decision to pass on a $13 million financial opportunity. Councilmember Dupree questioned pre-application coordination with the city. Staff noted that the application was submitted after a permit was denied in late 2025. - Outcome: Councilmember Blake moved to deny the variance request, seconded by Councilmember Parks. The motion passed 8-0. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the August 11, 2025 Sign Review Board meeting (8-0). - Denied SRB26-0021 for a variance on monument signs at 828 Harwood Road (8-0).

The North Richland Hills City Council convened for a work session at 5:30 p.m. followed by a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. on March 9, 2026. The work session focused on potential term limits for board and commission members and updates on efficiency audits. The regular meeting included the approval of a special use permit for a cable assembly manufacturer, a contract for playground replacement at JB Sandlin Park, and a substantial authorization for Motorola public safety radios. The meeting concluded at 7:36 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Harris (6800 Richfield Drive, Vice President of the NRH Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association) invited the council to the association's second annual St. Patrick's Day Party on March 14 at B&B Theatres, which benefits the Fire Department Pipes & Drums Honor Guard. - Dana Hammack (9373 Granger Lane, Fort Worth) informed the council of a new weekly farmers market in North Richland Hills, starting with a preview event on March 21 and officially weekly from April 11. - Mary Michaels (8401 Revenue Way) expressed concerns about dangerous speeding and frequently changing speed limits on Davis Boulevard, noting a past fatality and requesting the city evaluate speed limits in conjunction with the planned median project. Consent Calendar The council approved the consent agenda (7-0, motion by Blake, second by Delaney), which included: - Approval of the minutes from the February 23, 2026 city council meeting. - Resolution No. 2026-019 authorizing the city manager to execute an asset transfer ($4,122.05) to the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office for the North Texas Anti-Gang Center Grant. - Approval of the purchase of a Jail Control System from Sydaptic Inc. for an amount not to exceed $550,000. Public Hearing and Development - ZC25-0154 / Ordinance 3949: The council held a public hearing for a special use permit requested by MJ Commercial Holdings LLC (operating as MavTel USA) for a cable and wire harness assembly operation at 5113 Commercial Drive (0.616 acres). Applicant representative Jeff Peterson and Vice President of Engineering Howard Wiles described the low-volume, high-mix manufacturing process involving no customer foot traffic, toxic waste, or significant noise. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously recommended approval (7-0). The council discussed shipping (primarily FedEx/UPS), estimated employees (approximately 20), and operating hours. The motion to approve the ordinance carried 7-0 (motion by Goetz, second by Deupree). Discussion Items - Board and Commission Term Limits: During the work session, City Secretary Alicia Richardson facilitated a discussion on implementing term limits for board and commission members. Councilmembers expressed varied views. Councilmember Mitchell and Blake noted the natural turnover with new council appointments and the challenge of finding volunteers. Councilmember Deupree suggested a "soft" term limit (e.g., requiring a one-term break before reappointment to the same board). Councilmember Parks requested the item for robust discussion. The consensus was for staff to survey benchmark cities in the Metroplex and similarly-sized Texas cities and report back. - City Manager Report: Paulette Hartman reported the city received 3 proposals for the Facilities efficiency audit and 7 for the Utility Billing audit, with an expected award in April. The Information Technology efficiency audit is complete, with recommendations to be presented in April. Staff changes were announced: Danene Grahada started as Utility Billing Manager on March 2, and Casey Valdez was hired as Utility Billing Supervisor. Key Outcomes - Board Term Limits: Staff directed to compile a report comparing term limit practices from benchmark cities. No policy adoption was made. - Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0. - Special Use Permit (ZC25-0154): Approved 7-0. - JB Sandlin Park Playground (G.1): Council approved the award of bid RFP No. 26-004 to Whirlix, Inc. for $275,000 for the replacement of playground equipment, which includes shade structures (motion by Roberts, second by Parks). Approved 7-0. - Motorola Solutions Public Safety Radios (G.2): Council authorized payment to Motorola Solutions, Inc. of up to $1,028,734 for radios, equipment, maintenance, and accessories for public safety departments (motion by Deupree, second by Blake). Approved 7-0. Executive Session The council met in executive session from 5:50 p.m. to 6:46 p.m. to discuss pending litigation (Jessie Goodfellow v. City of North Richland Hills; Travis Scott Gray v. City of North Richland Hills), economic development negotiations (Northeast Corner of Boulevard 26 & Harwood Road; EZ Streets Empowerment Zone), and personnel matters (City Manager). No action was taken as a result of the executive session.

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a work session on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Work Room. The primary discussion focused on proposed revisions to accessory structure regulations, including maximum floor area, wall height, roof pitch, number of buildings, and the use of Special Use Permits (SUPs). The meeting adjourned at 7:13 PM. Discussion Items - Accessory Structure Regulation Revisions: Director of Planning Cori Reaume presented current regulations and discussed possible modifications. Key topics included: - Maximum Floor Area: Currently, lots under 20,000 sq ft are limited to 500 sq ft; lots 20,000–40,000 sq ft are limited to 2.5% of lot area; lots 40,000+ sq ft may apply for an SUP to exceed 2.5%. Staff presented data on recent SUP approvals (average 2,136 sq ft overall, 751 sq ft in the last two years). Proposed changes included a flat percentage or tiered percentages. - Wall Height: Current maximum wall height is 10 ft for buildings ≤500 sq ft and 12 ft for larger buildings. Discussion centered on removing the wall height restriction entirely, as it limits RV parking and other uses. - Roof Pitch: Current minimum roof pitch of 4:12 was debated. Staff suggested reducing it to 2:12 or removing it entirely, noting that pre-fabricated buildings often have lower pitches. - Number of Buildings: Currently, only one permanent accessory building over 200 sq ft is allowed per lot. Commissioners considered allowing up to two such buildings, provided they stay within the total square footage limit. - SUP Eligibility: The commission discussed expanding SUP eligibility to lots 20,000 sq ft and above (currently only 40,000+ sq ft), allowing more flexibility while gathering data on demand. - Commissioner Feedback: Several commissioners expressed support for: - A 3% or 4% lot area cap for mid-size lots (20,000–40,000 sq ft) by right. - Retaining a 5% cap for lots 40,000+ sq ft by right. - Allowing SUPs for lots 20,000+ sq ft to address unique situations. - Removing the wall height requirement entirely, relying on overall building height limits. - Lowering roof pitch to 2:12 by right, with SUPs for flatter roofs. - Increasing the number of permanent accessory buildings from one to two. Key Outcomes - The commission reached consensus on a draft proposal for the upcoming public hearing (scheduled for March 19, 2026): - By-right maximum floor area: 500 sq ft or 3% of lot area, whichever is greater, for all lots under 40,000 sq ft. - By-right maximum for lots 40,000+ sq ft: 5% of lot area. - SUP availability: Lots 20,000 sq ft and larger may apply for an SUP to exceed the by-right limits. - Wall height requirement: Eliminated entirely. - Minimum roof pitch: Reduced from 4:12 to 2:12 by right; pitches below 2:12 require an SUP. - Number of permanent accessory buildings: Allowed up to two per lot, provided the total floor area does not exceed the maximum for the lot size. - Staff will prepare a draft ordinance reflecting these changes for the March 19 public hearing, with City Council consideration anticipated on April 13, 2026. The commission may table the item on March 19 to allow further discussion at the April 2 work session if needed.

The North Richland Hills City Council held a Work Session at 5:30 PM and a Regular Meeting at 7:46 PM on Monday, February 23, 2026. The Work Session featured a detailed review of a proposed ethics ordinance and a presentation on establishing an Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs Program. The Regular Meeting included the acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2025 Audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the creation of a new Advisory Committee on Senior Affairs, and other routine appointments and approvals. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the minutes of the February 9, 2026 City Council meeting. - Lighting Control Network (B.2): Authorized an agreement with Groves Electrical Service, Inc. for replacement of the OSRAM Encelium lighting control network and software at the NRH Centre for an amount not to exceed $251,950. - Roofing (B.3): Authorized an agreement with Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing for the City Hall Warranty and Waterproofing System for an amount not to exceed $178,682. The consent agenda was approved by a 7-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak during Public Comments or Citizens Presentation. Discussion Items - Proposed Ethics Ordinance Update: The Ad-Hoc Council Committee, comprised of Council Members Delaney, Roberts, and Mitchell, presented a draft ethics ordinance and updated rules of procedure. Key discussion points included: - Pending Issues: Council Member Parks raised concerns that the definition of "pending issues" was too broad and could restrict legitimate public dialogue on social media. The committee agreed to tighten the language to focus on restricting council members from debating issues with each other on informal platforms. - Gifts & Hospitality: City Attorney Bradley Anderle clarified that attendance at open-invitation conference hospitality events does not constitute a gift under the ordinance, distinguishing it from personal, direct gifts to individual council members. - Complaint Process: Council Member Parks also requested the addition of a preliminary review stage for complaints to prevent excessive legal costs and abuse of the process. The committee noted the complaint form itself would provide a filter. - Rules of Procedure: Council Member Roberts presented a simplified parliamentary procedure, notably the "Call for the Question" rule requiring a second and two-thirds vote to end debate. City Attorney Anderle recommended revising language on agenda creation and meeting decorum for accuracy. - Consistency: Discussion was held on ensuring consistent language regarding the Mayor and City Council throughout the document, in line with the City Charter. - Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs Program: City Manager Paulette Hartman presented a proposal to create a program to coordinate advocacy on local legislative issues. The structure would include a Council Subcommittee, a 9-member Legislative Task Force, and a larger group of Legislative Ambassadors from the community. Focus areas include utilities, legislative relations, and citizen engagement. The program is modeled on a similar initiative by the City of Georgetown. - Fiscal Year 2025 Audited ACFR and Single Audit: Assistant City Manager Trudy Lewis introduced auditor Rachel Ormsby of Forviz Mazars. Ormsby reported: - Timeline: The audit was completed 60 days earlier than in previous years. - Opinion: The city received a "clean, unmodified opinion"—the highest level of assurance. - Financial Health: The city's unassigned General Fund balance stood at 44% against a policy of 33%. The Utility Fund had a net position of $80 million. The city's TMRS pension is 93% funded. - Single Audit: One minor, non-material reporting issue was identified and already corrected with the grant agency. No material weaknesses in internal controls were found. - Achievement: The city has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 41 consecutive years. Council Member Roberts, noting he is one of two CPAs on the council, praised the audit's timeliness and the city's strong fund balance. - Appointments: - Animal Advisory and Park & Rec Corp (G.2): Dr. Sarah Quigley-Buckley was appointed to the Animal Adoption and Rescue Center Advisory Committee, Place 1. Council Member Danny Roberts was appointed to the Park and Recreation Facilities Development Corporation, Place 3, to fill the vacancy. - Advisory Committee on Senior Affairs (G.3): The council approved the creation of this new committee. Appointed members included Kathryn Rotter, Carole Cross, Jo Ann Johnson, Suzy Compton, David Wissore, Charles Scoma, and Valencia Alexander. Mayor Pro Tem Kelvin Deupree will serve as the council liaison. Four ex-officio positions from local non-profits are pending appointment. Key Outcomes - Ethics Ordinance: The Ad-Hoc Committee was directed to update the ethics ordinance and rules of procedure based on council discussion and bring it back to a future meeting. - Legislative Affairs Program: The City Council reached consensus to move forward with the program. Staff will present creation documents at the last City Council meeting in March. - Future Agenda Item: Council Member Parks requested an item be placed on a future work session to discuss term limits for board, commission, and committee members. Council agreed. - Town Hall Meeting: City Manager Hartman announced the first town hall meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Community Room. The topic will be economic development and FIFA World Cup preparations. - Votes (Regular Meeting): - Approval of Consent Agenda Items (7-0). - Acceptance of the FY2025 ACFR and Single Audit (7-0). - Approval of Resolution 2026-017 regarding appointments (7-0). - Approval of Resolution 2026-018 for the Senior Affairs Committee (7-0). - Executive Session: The council convened in executive session to discuss economic development proposals (Section 551.087) and pending litigation (Section 551.071). No action was taken as a result of the executive session.