Public Meetings - North Richland Hills, Texas

The North Richland Hills City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 4301 City Point Drive. Mayor Jack McCarty presided. The meeting included canvassing the May 3, 2025 general election, swearing in newly elected council members, approving a portable sign ordinance amendment, and an executive session regarding threatened litigation. Council Member Blake Vaughn (Place 5) was absent; all other council members were present. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda, consisting of the approval of the minutes of the April 28, 2025 City Council meeting, was approved by a motion from Associate Mayor Pro Tem Ricky Rodriguez, seconded by Council Member Matt Blake. The motion carried 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - There were no requests to speak during the public comments period or during the citizens presentation portion of the meeting. Discussion Items - Canvass of May 3, 2025 General Election – Resolution No. 2025-027: City Secretary Alicia Richardson presented the official Tarrant County results. Vote totals were: Place 1 – Cecille Delaney 2,331; Place 3 – Sean Nutt 725, Danny Roberts 2,298; Place 5 – William 'Bill' Finstad 300, Tracy Bennett 659, Billy Parks 2,082; Place 7 – Kelvin Deupree 2,424. The resolution declared Cecille Delaney, Danny Roberts, Billy Parks, and Kelvin Deupree elected to two-year terms for Places 1, 3, 5, and 7, respectively. The motion to approve was made by Council Member Suzy Compton, seconded by Council Member Tito Rodriguez, and carried 6-0. - Oaths of Office and Swearing-In Ceremony: Newly elected council members Cecille Delaney, Danny Roberts, Billy Parks, and Kelvin Deupree were administered the oath of office. Outgoing council members Tito Rodriguez and Suzy Compton offered farewell remarks; Rodriguez noted he had served about 14 years on the council. Mayor McCarty recessed the meeting at 7:22 p.m. for a reception and reconvened at 7:48 p.m. - Ordinance No. 3903 – Portable Signs: Managing Director of Community Services Stefanie Martinez presented a proposed amendment to Section 106-13(c)(3) of the Code of Ordinances. Current rules allow portable signs to be placed for a maximum of 10 days and require at least 100 feet of separation between portable signs on the same property. The amendment would allow the city manager or designee to approve extensions of time for up to 30 days and to grant exceptions to the 100-foot spacing requirement, with a 30-day waiting period between applications remaining in place. Council discussion addressed the absence of a maximum number of signs per property in the draft, the discretionary authority of the city manager, and that the ordinance does not cover flag signs, yard signs, or open house signs; signs must remain out of the right-of-way and cannot be placed on city property or medians. The motion to approve was made by Council Member Danny Roberts, seconded by Council Member Cecille Delaney, and carried 7-0. Future Agenda Items - Mayor Pro Tem Kelvin Deupree requested that a future work session agenda include consideration of establishing a North Richland Hills Aging Citizens Advisory Board. The stated goal would be to enhance the well-being and quality of life for the city's senior population by coordinating resources, identifying grants, and ensuring seniors' voices are included in municipal decision-making. There was no opposition, and City Manager Paulette Hartman confirmed the item would be placed on a future work session agenda. Announcements & Reports - Council Member Danny Roberts announced: Library in the Park returns on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. from May 20 through June 10, with story time and songs at a different park each week; the NRH Senior Center will host a health fair from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28 in the Grand Hall at the NRH Centre. He also recognized Parks Department employees John Celis and Francisco Mercado in the Kudos Corner for positive feedback from a resident at Adventure World Playground. Executive Session - The City Council entered executive session under Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to consult with the City Attorney about threatened litigation by Blake Vaughn. According to the minutes, the session was announced at 8:03 p.m., began at 8:06 p.m., and concluded at 8:29 p.m. The raw transcript contains a slightly earlier reference to convening the executive session around 8:01–8:02 p.m.; this minor timing discrepancy does not affect the actions taken. Mayor McCarty announced that no action was required as a result of the executive session. Key Outcomes - Resolution No. 2025-027 canvassing the May 3, 2025 general election was approved 6-0, and newly elected council members were seated. - Ordinance No. 3903 amending portable sign regulations was approved 7-0. - A future agenda item to establish an Aging Citizens Advisory Board was referred to a future work session. - The executive session regarding threatened litigation by Blake Vaughn resulted in no action. - Mayor McCarty adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m.

The North Richland Hills City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 4301 City Point Drive, North Richland Hills, Texas. Mayor Jack McCarty presided; all seven council members were present. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, an IT efficiency audit award, the FY 2024 audit report, a USTA grant authorization, a contested minutes approval, executive session, and a vote to release attorney-client privileged documents. There were no public hearing, planning and development, or public works items. At Council Member Vaughn's request, item F.5 was considered after executive session. The meeting adjourned at 9:43 p.m. Consent Calendar - No items were removed from the consent agenda. - Approved the minutes of the April 14, 2025 City Council meeting. - Authorized Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative Purchase Customer Agreement with World Wide Technology for technology solutions, products and services, including KnowBe4 cybersecurity training required by Texas House Bill 3834, and ratified previous purchases totaling $35,665 under the OMNIA Partners Cooperative Agreement, for a cumulative amount not to exceed $73,000 through fiscal year 2025/2026. - Authorized purchase agreements with multiple vendors for NRH2O food service products for resale in an amount not to exceed $275,000. - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak during Public Comments or Citizens Presentation. Discussion Items - F.1 - IT Operational Efficiency Audit (RFP 25-014): City Manager Paulette Hartman presented the recommendation to award the contract to Cogent Infotech Corporation for an information technology operational efficiency audit in an amount not to exceed $90,000. The city received 12 proposals for this IT audit after the RFP outreach reached 2,350 interested parties across the three efficiency audits. The project is expected to start in May 2025 and be completed in September 2025, with a one-year contract structure. Council members asked about project management processes and whether AI implementation advice could be included. The motion to award the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the related professional services agreement carried 7-0. - F.2 - FY 2024 Audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit: Director of Finance Jay Patel and Rachel Ormsby of Forvis Mazars presented the scope and results of the audit. The city received a clean, unmodified opinion, with no reportable findings on state or federal grants. There was one internal control recommendation related to improving year-end close processes. Key metrics reported included approximately $25.9 million in general fund unassigned fund balance, representing roughly 40.7% of fiscal year 2025 budgeted general fund expenditures, exceeding the city's 15% minimum fund balance policy and the GFOA's 17% best practice. The parks and recreation fund balance was $13.4 million, the utility fund total net position was approximately $80.1 million, and the TMRS pension funded status was 89.9% as of December 31, 2023. The city has received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 40 consecutive years. Council discussion noted that the city had adopted a higher fund balance standard of 33% for the general fund. The motion to receive the reports as presented carried 7-0. - F.3 - USTA 2025 Tennis Venue Services Grant: Director of Parks and Recreation Adrien Pekurney presented Resolution No. 2025-026 to authorize applying for and accepting allocated funds, if awarded, from the United States Tennis Association for the Richland Tennis Center. The grant would partially fund upgrading court lighting from metal halide fixtures to LED fixtures. Council members commended staff for their grant-seeking efforts. The motion to approve the resolution carried 7-0. - F.4 - March 24, 2025 City Council Minutes: The minutes had been tabled at the previous meeting. Council voted 7-0 to remove them from the table. Council Member Mitchell moved to approve the minutes as originally presented; Council Member Vaughn offered amendments to add factual events, procedural actions, and a notation that he left the work session in protest. Council Members Blake and Mitchell defended the city's historical minutes practice, noting that video of work sessions is available online. Council Member Blake moved to suspend debate; Council Member Vaughn appealed the chair's decision, and the appeal failed 6-1. The motion to approve the original minutes carried 6-1, with Council Member Vaughn voting against. - Executive Session: At 7:51 p.m., the Council entered executive session under Section 551.071 to consult with the City Attorney regarding two lawsuits and the waiver of attorney-client privilege related to Resolution No. 2025-021. Council Member Vaughn was excluded from the third executive session item by a 6-1 vote because of his threatened litigation against the city and adverse interest. A motion to table the item and F.5 was withdrawn. Executive session began at 8:10 p.m., concluded at 9:14 p.m., and the Council reconvened at 9:16 p.m. with no action taken as a result of executive session. - F.5 - Release of Information and Waiver of Attorney-Client Privilege: City Attorney Bradley Anderle presented the item. Council Member Blake moved to release information related to the April 9, 2025 special meeting and Resolution 2025-021 and to waive attorney-client privilege for documents numbered 1-22 on the table discussed in executive session, with the waiver limited to those items. Council Member Vaughn expressed concern about selective disclosure; the City Secretary stated that the documents represented all relevant information gathered in response to his request. The release process is through the Texas Public Information Act, and the City Secretary outlined four ways to submit a request. Council Member Vaughn's amendment to waive charges for open records requests for these items carried 4-3, with Mayor Pro Tem Deupree, Associate Mayor Pro Tem Ricky Rodriguez, Council Member Compton, and Council Member Vaughn in favor, and Council Members Tito Rodriguez, Blake, and Mitchell against. The original motion to release the documents and waive attorney-client privilege only for those items carried 7-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0. - Award of RFP 25-014 to Cogent Infotech Corporation for an IT operational efficiency audit, not to exceed $90,000, approved 7-0. - FY 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit received as presented 7-0. - Resolution No. 2025-026 for the USTA Tennis Venue Services Grant application and acceptance of funds, if awarded, approved 7-0. - March 24, 2025 City Council minutes approved as originally presented 6-1. - Council Member Vaughn excluded from executive session item 3 by a 6-1 vote. - Motion to waive charges for open records requests related to the released documents carried 4-3. - Motion to release documents numbered 1-22 and waive attorney-client privilege only for those items carried 7-0. - No action was taken as a result of executive session. Announcements - Associate Mayor Pro Tem Ricky Rodriguez announced that Tuesday, April 29 was the last day of early voting and election day was Saturday, May 3; polling locations would be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. - The Sounds of Spring Concert Series continues Friday nights through May 16, with seating at 6:00 p.m. and concerts at 7:00 p.m. on the plaza in front of City Hall. - The NRH Library will host Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. - Kudos recognized Public Works staff Todd Ryals, David Nichols, and Chris Turner for their work on the Lakeside Circle reconstruction.

The North Richland Hills City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, in the City Hall Council Chambers at 4301 City Point Drive. Mayor Jack McCarty presided; all seven council members were present (Tito Rodriguez, Ricky Rodriguez, Suzy Compton, Matt Blake, Blake Vaughn, Russ Mitchell, Kelvin Deupree). Staff included City Manager Paulette Hartman, City Attorney Bradley Anderle, and Assistant City Secretary Traci Henderson; City Secretary Alicia Richardson was absent. The agenda included a contested consent-agenda exchange, two public hearings, eight routine approvals, several program and grant actions, a citizens presentation, and an executive session on litigation. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - No speakers signed up for the general public comments period (Agenda Item A.4) at the start of the meeting. - Public testimony was heard during the two public hearings (detailed under Public Hearings below), and one citizen addressed the council during the Citizens Presentation period. Consent Calendar - Council Member Blake Vaughn removed item B.1 (approval of the March 24, 2025 minutes) from the consent agenda; the minutes were taken up later in the meeting and tabled to April 28, 2025 (see below). - Consent items B.2–B.9 were approved unanimously (7–0), including: - Resolution No. 2025-022 – authorizing the City Manager to execute Regional Asset Transfer Addendum B14 with Fort Worth for the subscription renewal of 10 ACOEM acoustic gunshot detection devices purchased with TAG Grant 2848910 funds. - Award of RFB 24-024 to Pavecon Public Works, LP for the Residential Asphalt Overlay Program in the amount of $1,452,510. - Resolution No. 2025-023 – submission of the FY25 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Homeland Security grant application for $44,248.98 for hazardous material gas detection equipment. - Resolution No. 2025-024 – submission of the 2025 Q3 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant application for $22,952.88. - Purchase of a mobile command post vehicle from LDV Custom Specialty Vehicles for $699,985, using the FY23 Assistance to Firefighters Grant award and Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Agreement No. AM10-23. - Increased tire purchases and roadside tire repair expenditures from Southern Tire Mart LLC, not to exceed $100,000, under BuyBoard Contract 729-24. - Purchase of three 2025 F-150 4x4 Crew Cab trucks from Chastang Enterprises Houston LLC dba Chastang Ford for a combined $148,845, under BuyBoard Contract 724-23. - Award of RFB 25-016 to Cole Construction for supply and installation of drainage pipe at Green Valley Park in the amount of $100,041.09. Parliamentary Exchange and Future Agenda Item - Council Member Vaughn questioned the Mayor's decision to move the removed minutes to later in the meeting, noted that no work session was on the agenda, and asked how he could place an item on a future agenda. After a parliamentary inquiry and an appeal of the chair's ruling, Council Member Vaughn moved, with a second by Associate Mayor Pro Tem Ricky Rodriguez, to suspend the rules to place an item on a future regular agenda. The motion carried 6–1, with Council Member Tito Rodriguez voting against. - Council then approved 7–0 placing an item on the April 28, 2025 regular agenda to consider releasing all correspondence, drafts, emails, and related documentation connected to Resolution No. 2025-021 – the resolution from the April 9, 2025 special meeting that publicly reprimanded Council Member Vaughn – including communications with the city manager, city attorney, and other staff or officials. Vaughn said he is gathering signatures for a referendum related to the resolution and wants full transparency rather than a selective release of information. Public Hearings C.1 – Special Use Permit, 8033 Valley Drive (Ordinance No. 3901) - Applicants Susan and Kevin Holden requested a special use permit for a 2,480-square-foot permanent accessory barn/workshop on their 1.89-acre RE-1 residential estate property. The building would replace three existing structures and include horse stalls, hay storage, a feed room, and a workshop. Because the building exceeds the maximum accessory size allowed by the zoning ordinance by approximately 432 square feet (making it larger than the 2,047-square-foot primary residence), exceeds the 12-foot maximum wall height (16 feet proposed, with a 19-foot-11-inch peak), and would use a modified roof pitch and no concrete driveway (which the Holdens said is safer for livestock, citing two veterinarians and a farrier), modified standards were requested through the SUP process. - The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 7–0 on April 3, 2025. - Speakers in favor: James Orton (8041 Valley Drive), Doug Mann (8025 Valley Drive), and Marc Trevino (8017 Valley Drive), who said the project is a visual upgrade and had full family support. Speaker in opposition: Shawna Stiles (3908 Lochridge Court), who said on principle an accessory structure should not be larger than the primary residence. - Council discussion included whether accessory building standards should be reviewed in the future, with Council Member Vaughn noting he does not favor an 'HOA city' approach and that most residents could not build such a structure on their properties. Motion by Council Member Tito Rodriguez, seconded by Council Member Compton; approved 7–0. C.2 – Zoning Change, 8851 Bud Jensen Drive (Ordinance No. 3902) - Bill Gietema of the Arcadia Group (TBG Partners listed as applicant) requested a zoning change from O-1 (Office) to Residential Planned Development (R-PD), based on the town center district, for the 13.82-acre site. The proposal includes approximately 199–210 for-sale dwelling units – single-family detached homes (starting around $650,000) and townhomes (starting around $500,000) – with rear-loaded garages, green streets, on-street parking, about three parking spaces per home, and no multifamily units. Gietema said the project would add roughly $115 million in new home value compared with the existing office park appraised at about $15 million, generate recurring household income of just under $26 million, and relieve key intersections by up to 25% at build-out through new access easements. - The developer described noise insulation using railroad-adjacent building standards for homes near Birdville High School, a decorative fence to prevent NRH Centre and library parking poaching, more than 60 reserved visitation parking spaces, an HOA managing maintenance, art programs, short-term rentals, street trees, and an antenna monopole fall-zone disclosure. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 5–2 on April 3, 2025. - Speaker in opposition: Jan Lane (7909 Mimosa Drive), who cited concerns about traffic on Hawk, parking, noise from school playing fields, small homes on small lots, and potential spillover into fitness center parking. - Council discussion covered HOA restrictiveness, short-term rental management, street/porch/alley lighting, rental restrictions, and homeownership. Council Member Mitchell raised a possible two-year rental restriction; the developer said he would include it in the CC&Rs if legal under state law, while staff clarified the city cannot require rental restrictions through zoning. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Deupree, seconded by Council Member Blake; approved 7–0. Council Member Tito Rodriguez briefly left the chamber at 8:23 p.m. and returned at 8:24 p.m. Public Works - E.1 – Bursey Road Rehabilitation: Public Works Operations Manager Kenneth Garvin presented the interlocal agreement with Tarrant County to rehabilitate Bursey Road from Bursey Road South to Hunter Lane. The 2,021-foot stretch will receive full-depth rehabilitation (curb and gutter repairs, subgrade stabilization, and new asphalt). Tarrant County Precinct 3 will perform most of the work; the city will pay for materials, trucking charges, and half of the fuel. The project is expected to take place in summer 2025 over four to five weeks. Approved 7–0. General Items - F.1 – Open Rewards Shop Local Program: Economic Development Director Craig Hulse reported the restaurant rewards program had 2,600 users. The program ran January 1 – April 30 at 5% reward until February 13, then 10% from February 14 onward; transactions doubled after the increase while new user signups declined to about 8 per day. Hulse projected over $500,000 in customer spend and roughly $44,000–45,000 in rewards by April 30 against the $100,000 budget; continuing until funds were exhausted would extend the program to late July/early August. He noted 20 Texas cities use the same software, most at 5% reward. Council Member Tito Rodriguez expressed concern that budget pressures might prevent funding a year-two program, supporting ending on April 30 and carrying remaining funds over. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Deupree, seconded by Council Member Tito Rodriguez, to end the program April 30; carried 6–1 with Council Member Mitchell voting against. Staff will debrief council in June/July using sales tax data. - F.2/F.3 – Operational Efficiency Audits: City Manager Paulette Hartman presented awards to Matrix Consulting Group, LTD for a Permitting Process Operational Efficiency Audit (RFP 25-012, not to exceed $59,970) and a Fleet Services Operational Efficiency Audit (RFP 25-013, not to exceed $61,530). The RFQ reached 2,350 vendors; Matrix has completed over 200 permitting studies and over 350 fleet studies in its 20-year history. Each project will take about six months (tentatively May 1 – October) with one-year contracts. Matrix representatives confirmed the reports will include detailed, quantifiable recommendations and implementation plans, and that staff and community concerns about job cuts are addressed through an engagement process. Both awards approved 7–0 separately. - F.4 – STEP Grant (Resolution No. 2025-025): Assistant Police Chief Ed Wright presented the FY 2026 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grant application. The maximum grant is $43,572.12, with TxDOT reimbursing up to $33,284.69 and the city matching $10,287.43 (20% of wages plus 100% of administrative costs). Funds cover 425 projected overtime hours for speed compliance, impaired driving, and intersection control from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The application deadline is April 18, 2025. Approved 7–0. - F.5 – Polling Location Sign Policy: City Attorney Bradley Anderle presented a policy for placing signs at city facilities used as polling locations, specifically City Hall (4301 City Point Drive) for the first time in the May 2025 election. Under Texas Election Code 61.003(a)(1), electioneering cannot be prohibited outside the 100-foot marker but reasonable time, place, and manner regulations are allowed. Existing city code already limits signs on city polling properties to 3 feet in height and 6 square feet of sign face. The proposed policy would limit signs to green areas, require stakes that will not damage irrigation or electrical lines (no T-posts or wooden stakes; wind stakes/yard signs recommended), designate tent and seating areas, and require temporary removal of signs during Sounds of Spring concerts (e.g., April 25) with storage available for pickup the next business day. Council Member Mitchell expressed concern about enforcing the 3-foot rule against four-by-four signs already purchased; Council Member Tito Rodriguez supported the policy citing safety concerns. Motion by Council Member Blake, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Deupree; approved 6–1 with Council Member Mitchell voting against. Citizens Presentation - Charlie Ruiz (4109 Vance Road) asked the council to release emails related to the April 9, 2025 special meeting and raised concerns about the accuracy of the January 27 and February 10, 2025 meeting minutes, asserting the minutes did not reflect decisions made regarding a carport survey and questioning how those minutes were approved. Minutes of March 24, 2025 Meeting (Item B.1) - Council Member Vaughn requested amendments to the March 24, 2025 minutes to reflect: (1) his request for follow-up on how carport survey questions were formed, (2) correction of survey-result language to specify residents opposed carports in their own front yards rather than broadly opposing carports, (3) the Mayor's accusation that he was lying and the cutting off of his microphone, and (4) his departure from the meeting in protest at 5:49 p.m. Vaughn also stated he had been fired as a substitute teacher by Birdville ISD due to his actions and speech in council sessions. The City Attorney recommended amendments be submitted in writing. A motion to table the minutes to the April 28, 2025 meeting carried 7–0. Executive Session and Litigation - The council entered executive session at 10:10 p.m. under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 to consult with the City Attorney about pending litigation – Hale v. Walterbach, Civil Action No. 4:24-cv-455 (U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division). The session ran from 10:15 to 10:24 p.m.; Council Member Vaughn was not present. After reconvening at 10:25 p.m., a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Deupree, seconded by Council Member Blake, approved the mediated settlement agreement as presented and authorized the City Manager to take all actions necessary to carry out its terms. The motion carried 6–0. Announcements - Council Member Tito Rodriguez announced pop-up Easter egg hunts at six NRH Parks & Recreation locations, a free Backyard Chicken Care Class at the NRH Library (registration not required), the Sounds of Spring Concert Series launching Friday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. on the City Hall plaza, and a Kudos Corner recognizing Police Officer Dylan Davis for assisting a citizen who locked her keys in her car in the City Hall parking lot. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda items B.2–B.9 unanimously (7–0). - Approved Ordinance No. 3901 (special use permit at 8033 Valley Drive) 7–0. - Approved Ordinance No. 3902 (R-PD zoning at 8851 Bud Jensen Drive) 7–0. - Authorized the Bursey Road interlocal agreement with Tarrant County 7–0. - Ended the Open Rewards Shop Local Program on April 30, 2025 (6–1; Mitchell dissenting). - Awarded RFP 25-012 (permitting audit, $59,970) and RFP 25-013 (fleet audit, $61,530) to Matrix Consulting Group, each 7–0. - Approved the STEP grant application (Resolution No. 2025-025) 7–0. - Adopted the polling location sign policy (6–1; Mitchell dissenting). - Placed a future agenda item on the April 28, 2025 meeting regarding release of privileged communications related to Resolution No. 2025-021 (7–0). - Tabled the March 24, 2025 minutes to the April 28, 2025 meeting (7–0). - Approved the mediated settlement agreement in Hale v. Walterbach (6–0) and authorized the City Manager to implement it. - Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

The North Richland Hills City Council held a special meeting on April 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting focused on an executive session and subsequent public discussion regarding a resolution to publicly reprimand Councilmember Place 5 Blake Vaughn for violations of rules of procedure and house rules. The meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM. Public Comments - John Schleeder, a lifetime area resident, expressed frustration that the special meeting was called to address what he perceived as a personal matter rather than pressing city issues such as road funding. He questioned the urgency and suggested the meeting was a waste of time. Executive Session The City Council entered executive session under Texas Government Code sections 551.071 (consultation with city attorney regarding pending litigation, investigations, and legal opinions) and 551.074 (personnel matters concerning Councilmember Place 5 and the City Manager). No specific outcomes were announced for the executive session itself. Discussion Items - Resolution 2025-021: City Attorney Bradley Anderley read a lengthy resolution that detailed findings against Councilmember Blake Vaughn for actions during the March 24, 2025 City Council meeting, including: violating Robert's Rules (germaneness, personal attacks, playing a recording after objection, abrupt departure), violating House Rules (lack of respect, discussing personnel matters publicly), and conducting an unauthorized investigation of the City Manager. The resolution proposed a public reprimand, removal of Vaughn as Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore, a declaration that he does not speak on behalf of the council, and a finding that the City Manager acted properly. - Debate: Councilmember Vaughn argued he had not received the resolution beforehand, questioned the legal basis for each violation, and asserted that his remarks were germane and his actions protected by the First Amendment. He requested more time to prepare but was denied. Other councilmembers (Kelvin, Matt Blake, Ricky Rodriguez, Tito Rodriguez, Susie Compton, and the Mayor) expressed support for the resolution, recounting their interpretations of the March 24 meeting and criticizing Vaughn's conduct. After extended debate, a motion to call the question passed. Key Outcomes - Motion to suspend debate and call the question: Passed. - Vote on Resolution 2025-021: Approved by a vote of 6-1 (only Councilmember Blake Vaughn opposed). The resolution thus: - Publicly reprimanded Councilmember Blake Vaughn for violating rules of procedure and house rules. - Removed him from the position of Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore. - Affirmed that he does not act or speak with agency on behalf of the city or council regarding investigations or the flash vote survey. - Found that the City Manager acted in accordance with council direction and no investigation of her is warranted. - Directed the City Attorney to only accept legal service requests from the City Manager or Mayor unless directed by the full council.

The North Richland Hills Planning and Zoning Commission met for a work session at 6:30 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7:01 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at City Hall, 4301 City Point Drive. All seven voting positions were filled; Vice Chair Greg Stamps was absent and Alternate Mike Kerby voted in his place. The Commission approved the prior meeting minutes, recommended approval of a special use permit (7-0), and recommended approval of a zoning change to Residential Planned Development (5-2). Both public hearing items will be considered by City Council on April 14, 2025. Work Session and Staff Updates - Director of Planning Cori Reaume provided city updates, including the new NRHTX app, the 2024 development report (90+ new businesses and a net gain of 45, plus 226 new single-family starts), the April 22 town hall meeting, and city facilities closing for annual training. She also reported that City Council discussed carports and special use permits on March 24 but has not directed staff to change ordinances; instead, the city will update its strategic plan and then review zoning districts and use tables. - Principal Planner Clayton Husband previewed the two public hearings. For ZC25-0127, he compared densities: about 14 units per acre proposed, versus roughly 5 to 8.4 units per acre in nearby Hometown phases and about 32 units per acre in the Dolce properties. - Commissioner Paul Epperley requested a future legislative update on Texas Legislature planning and development bills, including accessory dwelling unit legislation. Staff agreed to schedule it. Consent Calendar - Approved the March 20, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes 7-0 (motion by Commissioner Goetz, second by Commissioner McMahon). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made under agenda item A.2. - For ZC25-0130, four neighbors spoke in favor: John Albury (8024 Valley Drive), Doug Mann (8025 Valley Drive), James Orton (8041 Valley Drive), and Knox Martin (8040 Valley Drive). They expressed support for the accessory building and said it would improve the property and neighborhood. - For ZC25-0127, Laura Kay Hyde (8316 Bridge Street) spoke in opposition. She cited concerns about traffic, increased density, rec center and senior center parking shortages (67 parking spaces, more than 800 senior center members, and about 1,200 daily users), three-story houses, unknown lot dimensions, and what she described as the developer's profit motive. - Public emails for ZC25-0127 were distributed; the transcript is inconsistent on the total count, with staff mentioning three generally favorable emails and Commissioner Ross later describing two HOA-associated supporters, another supporter, and one opponent. Public Hearing: ZC25-0130 – Special Use Permit for Permanent Accessory Building - Applicants Kevin and Susan Holden requested a special use permit for a permanent accessory building at 8033 Valley Drive, a 1.89-acre property in the Holden Valley Ranch Addition. They proposed a 30-foot by 40-foot, 16-foot-wall I-beam building with two 16-foot by 40-foot lean-tos, totaling 2,480 square feet, with a 19-foot-11-inch peak roof height and a 3:12 roof pitch. - The applicant stated the building would replace existing barn, workshop, and temporary structures and would not be used for business, dwelling, or motor-vehicle parking. They requested modifications to the maximum accessory floor area, 12-foot wall height limit, 4:12 roof pitch requirement, and concrete driveway standard, citing hay deliveries and livestock safety. - The applicant calculated the permitted accessory floor area as 2,047 square feet based on 2.5% of the 81,892-square-foot lot, while staff cited about 2,060 square feet; the proposed 2,480 square feet exceeded either figure. Staff noted the concrete driveway requirement could be triggered in the future if the building's use changes to a garage. - Commission discussion covered the gate and gravel driveway, horse trailers, tree preservation, paving standards, concrete under the lean-tos, and visibility of the structure from the street. - Motion by Commissioner McMahon, seconded by Commissioner Ross, to approve ZC25-0130 carried 7-0. Public Hearing: ZC25-0127 – Zoning Change at 8851 Bud Jensen Drive - This was a continued public hearing from March 20, 2025. TBG Partners requested a zoning change from O-1 (Office) to Residential Planned Development (R-PD) for 13.82 acres at 8851 Bud Jensen Drive, Lot 1R, Block 1, U.I.C.I. Addition. - Bill Gietema, representing Arcadia, presented the proposal: approximately 199 to 210 single-family detached and townhome units at about 14 units per acre, using Hometown/town center design standards. The plan includes green streets, rear-loaded garages accessed from mews and alleys, three parking spaces per home, a permanent off-site visitation parking easement of about 60 spaces along the east edge, access easements through the adjacent office park for future connectivity, resized detention, noise attenuation and disclosure notices for homes near Birdville High School, fire sprinklers in all homes, and a separate sub-HOA. - The applicant estimated townhome prices at about $500,000, detached homes at about $650,000, a tax base of roughly $115 million, about $1.66 million more in annual property tax than the existing office park, about $26 million in recurring household income, and roughly $51,000 to $103,000 in potential annual sales tax capture depending on the capture rate. - Staff reported that the R-PD would use town center-based standards, include about 11% open space, and have single-family lots roughly 26 to 33 feet wide, townhome lots roughly 22 to 32 feet wide, a 50-foot right-of-way for Bud Jensen Drive, a 60-foot right-of-way for the new north-south street, and 30-foot face-to-face green streets. Noise attenuation standards would be similar to existing railroad/TOD requirements. - Commission discussion covered HOA structure, drainage easement and parking layout, price points and tax comparisons, speed tables and green streets, parking supply, mews versus alleys, side elevations and 'gift to the street' design features, home builders, sound attenuation, public input emails, density and economics, emergency vehicle access on dead-end mews, and fire sprinklers. - Commissioners Goetz, Chair Welborn, and Commissioner Narayana spoke in support. Commissioner Narayana said the proposal was the best option for the property. Commissioner Ross opposed due to the location, and Commissioner McMahon also opposed, citing concerns about the site being surrounded by institutional, office, and hotel uses plus parking impacts. - Motion by Commissioner Goetz, seconded by Commissioner Narayana, to approve ZC25-0127 carried 5-2, with Commissioners Ross and McMahon opposing. Key Outcomes - Approved the March 20, 2025 minutes 7-0. - Recommended approval of ZC25-0130 (special use permit) 7-0. - Recommended approval of ZC25-0127 (zoning change to R-PD) 5-2, with Ross and McMahon dissenting. - Both recommendations will be forwarded to City Council on April 14, 2025. - Staff will place a legislative update on a future work session agenda. - The regular meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.

The North Richland Hills City Council convened for a Work Session at 5:30 PM and a Regular Meeting at 7:15 PM on Monday, March 24, 2025 (captured data timestamp: 2025-03-24 11:30:00+00:00). The Work Session featured reviews of results from a FlashVote survey on carport regulations, discussions on allowing digital media during citizens presentations, and an analysis of the Special Use Permit (SUP) process. The Regular Meeting included a public hearing on a capital budget amendment, citizen comments, and a recap of the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the February 24 and March 3, 2025 City Council meetings. - Authorized the purchase of two police-equipped motorcycles from Longhorn Harley-Davidson for a combined total of $105,432.94 through the cooperative BuyBoard Contract 724-23. Councilmember Tito Rodriguez confirmed the purchase is a direct city expenditure, not grant-funded. Public Comments & Testimony - Sean Nutt (6448 Ironhorse Blvd, Apt 5L) spoke during Public Comments, critiquing the council's consensus system and advocating for formalized rules allowing digital media during citizens presentations. - Olivia Bryant (6889 Hightower Dr, Apt 1622) spoke during Citizens Presentation about noise and nuisance issues at 7120 Rufe Snow. Mayor McCarty directed her to discuss the matter with the Chief of Police after the meeting. - Bill Finstad (7701 Terry Dr) spoke during Citizens Presentation requesting a traffic volume study for North College Circle, citing a doubling of traffic since 2017 and public safety concerns. Discussion Items - Carport Regulations (Work Session): City Manager Paulette Hartman presented a FlashVote survey (March 3-5, 2025; 556 respondents; ±5% margin of error). Results indicated 59% of respondents would not want a front-yard carport if allowed. Councilmember Blake Vaughn argued the survey questions were biased against property rights and omitted perspectives on limited government. A procedural dispute arose when Vaughn was ruled out of order by Mayor McCarty. The minutes record Vaughn left the meeting at 5:49 PM. There is a discrepancy between the minutes and transcript: the minutes list 13 approved, 14 withdrawn, and 7 denied carport applications since 2022 (summing to 34), while the transcript states 13 approved, 4 withdrawn, and 7 denied (summing to 24 applications). Council reached a consensus to maintain current regulations and improve communication about the variance process. - Citizens Presentations: Digital Media (Work Session): Assistant City Manager Trudy Lewis detailed cybersecurity risks, legal liability involving content moderation and copyright, and resource costs of allowing electronic presentations. Councilmembers Mitchell, Deupree, and Blake expressed strong opposition, citing litigation and security risks. The council reached consensus to maintain the policy prohibiting digital media. - Special Use Permits (Work Session): City Manager Hartman explained the SUP process, noting 208 uses currently requiring SUP approval in commercial districts. She advised against modifying SUP designations without a preceding comprehensive plan update. The council agreed to maintain the current process, prioritizing future work on the bond committee and strategic plan update. - National League of Cities Conference Recap (Regular Meeting): Councilmembers shared feedback on the NLC conference. Councilmember Matt Blake questioned the value and cost of continued NLC membership, suggesting the city has outgrown it. Others noted benefits of federal advocacy. No formal action was taken. Public Hearings - C.1 Capital Budget Amendment (Ordinance 3900): A public hearing was held regarding an amendment to the FY 2024-2025 Capital Budget. Director Chase Fosse presented the amendment to address a $696,175 funding shortfall identified by TxDOT for the HSIP Intersection Improvements Project (Rufe Snow/Starns and Smithfield/Starns). The budget was increased by $196,175. No members of the public spoke. The ordinance was approved by a vote of 6-0. Key Outcomes - Carport Regulations: The council terminated the discussion on changing regulations. Staff will improve website communication regarding the application and variance process. - Budget Amendment: Ordinance No. 3900 was approved 6-0, adding $196,175 to the Capital Budget for intersection safety improvements. - SUP Process: The council maintained the current Special Use Permit process, deferring any comprehensive changes until the future update of the strategic land use plan. - Digital Media: The policy prohibiting videos and slide decks during Citizens Presentations was confirmed by council consensus.

The Charter Review Commission of North Richland Hills met on March 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the City Hall Council Workroom. The meeting focused on discussing and recommending proposed amendments to the City Charter, including changes to term lengths, term limits, resignation-to-run provisions, and related adjustments for various appointed boards. The Commission voted on several motions, with all recommendations to be forwarded for ballot language consideration at a future meeting. Consent Calendar - APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the March 3, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously (8-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak. Discussion Items - Presentation of Proposed Amendments (C.2): City Attorney Bradley Anderle presented sample language for a three-year term option for the Mayor and City Council, specifying staggered election cycles. No questions were raised by the Commission. - Term Limits (C.3): Five options for term limits were presented by the City Attorney. Extensive discussion centered on strict vs. consecutive limits, clarity for voters, and cumulative year caps. After debate, a motion was made and carried (6-2) to allow a person to serve three three-year terms on the City Council and three three-year terms as Mayor, with a maximum of 18 total years, barring partial-term appointments. Commissioners Vaughn and Mitchell voted against. - Resignation to Run (C.4): The City Attorney presented language requiring automatic resignation when a Council member or Mayor becomes a candidate for another office (other than re-election). The Commission voted 8-0 to include this provision in the charter. - Unexpired Terms (C.4): Two options were presented for counting partial terms. The Commission voted 8-0 to adopt language stating that any length of service within a three-year term exceeding 730 days counts as a term served, and that "Council member" excludes the Mayor. - Leaving Office Early (C.4): After discussion, the Commission voted 7-1 to adopt language that any length of service within a three-year term exceeding 360 days is considered a term served. Commissioner Vaughn voted against. - Vacancies (C.4): The Commission voted 7-1 to amend the vacancy provision to require a special election within 120 days after a vacancy occurs, and to allow appointment if 364 days or less remain in the term. Commissioner Vaughn voted against. - Municipal Court Judge Term (C.4): The Commission voted 8-0 to keep the Municipal Court Judge term at two years and strike the language requiring it to coincide with the Mayor's term. - Planning and Zoning Commission Term (C.4): The Commission voted 8-0 to change the term of Planning and Zoning Commission members to three years, aligning with the new Council terms. - Future Meeting Dates (C.5): The next meeting was scheduled for April 14, 2025, prior to the City Council meeting, where ballot language will be discussed. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the March 3, 2025 meeting (8-0). - Adopted a term limits model allowing three three-year terms on Council and three three-year terms as Mayor, with an 18-year cumulative cap (6-2). - Approved a charter amendment for automatic resignation upon becoming a candidate for another office (8-0). - Defined an unexpired term as exceeding 730 days of service within a three-year term (8-0). - Defined leaving office early as any service exceeding 360 days within a three-year term (7-1). - Adjusted vacancy procedures: special election within 120 days, with appointment allowed if 364 days or less remain (7-1). - Retained a two-year term for Municipal Court Judges and removed the requirement to coincide with the Mayor's term (8-0). - Extended Planning and Zoning Commission terms to three years (8-0). - Next meeting set for April 14, 2025, to review ballot language.

The North Richland Hills Planning and Zoning Commission met in work session at 6:30 p.m. and regular session at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at City Hall, 4301 City Point Drive. The commission approved prior meeting minutes, heard a public comment opposing a proposed zoning change, and voted to continue the public hearing for that request to April 3, 2025. Alternates Mike Kerby and Aaron Carpenter voted as regular members due to absences. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the February 6, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting by a 5-0 vote (motion by Commissioner Goetz, second by Commissioner Narayana). - Approved the minutes of the February 20, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting by a 5-0 vote (motion by Alternate Carpenter, second by Commissioner Narayana). Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens spoke during the public comments portion for non-hearing agenda items. - During the public hearing for ZC25-0127, Kay Hyde of 8316 Bridge Street, North Richland Hills, spoke in opposition to the proposed zoning change. She expressed concerns about parking at the recreation center and senior center, traffic, and lack of green space, and said the area already feels congested. She also stated that the developer, Bill Gademar, had said at an HOA meeting that the alternative would be storage huts, and she noted that each new Home Town section has more houses per acre. She asked about the number of zoning meetings scheduled before City Council consideration. Discussion Items - Staff reported on upcoming city events and announcements, including a March 25 town hall, a March 29 household hazardous waste collection, the new NRHTX app, and the 2024 Development Report. The report highlighted 90+ new businesses, 77 new development applications, 226 single-family starts, and $52 million+ in commercial capital investment. - Staff introduced Cori Reaume as the new planning director and summarized recent City Council actions on items previously reviewed by the commission, including approval of the Regal office building special plan, a special use permit for Lifetime Commercial Roofing, a three-year extension for Wing aviation drone sites at two Walmart locations, denial of a thrift store use at Diamond Lock Shopping Center, and approval of the Stonybrook Park preliminary plat (31 residential lots on the former BISD property). - ZC25-0127: TBG Partners requested a zoning change from O-1 (Office) to Residential Planned Development (R-PD) for 13.82 acres at 8851 Bud Jensen Drive (Lot 1R, Block 1, U.I.C.I. Addition). The applicant requested postponement to the April 3, 2025, meeting while the project design is revised. The commission opened the advertised public hearing but took no action on the request itself. Staff noted the design is in flux and no project exhibits were included in the packet to avoid confusion. Key Outcomes - Approved both sets of minutes (February 6 and February 20, 2025) unanimously. - Voted 5-0 to continue the public hearing for ZC25-0127 to the April 3, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The motion was made by Commissioner Goetz and seconded by Alternate Carpenter. - No decision was made on the requested zoning change; the applicant is expected to present a revised proposal on April 3.

The North Richland Hills City Council, convened as the Sign Review Board, met on March 3, 2025, at 8:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Chair Jack McCarty called the meeting to order, and it adjourned at 8:09 PM. The board approved the previous meeting's minutes and unanimously voted to approve a permit for nonconformity for a digital billboard conversion. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval (C.1): The board approved the minutes from the January 27, 2025 Sign Review Board meeting. A motion was made by Board Member Ricky Rodriguez, seconded by Board Member Russ Mitchell, and the motion carried 8-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak during the public comment period. Discussion Items - SRB25-0016 Outfront Media Digital Billboard Conversion: Principal Planner Clayton Husband presented the request from Outfront Media for a permit of nonconformity to Chapter 106 (Signs) of the city code to convert the east face of an existing billboard to a digital display at 6200 NE Loop 820. He explained that the billboard is located on the south side of Loop 820 near the TexRail right-of-way and the Community Enrichment Center. The structure is 50 feet tall with a 672-square-foot display area and has been constructed to conforming standards with a decorative stone base. Mr. Husband noted that the permit approval does not run with the property and that compliance with standards would be evaluated if future improvements were proposed on the site. - Applicant Eric Arbesu of Outfront Media presented the request, stating that a previous permit approved in November 2024 allowed for a digital screen on the west face, and they were now seeking permission to add a digital screen to the east face. He provided site photos, engineering drawings, and a light study demonstrating compliance with the industry standard of 0.3 foot-candles at 250 feet. - Staff reported that the city is a TxDOT certified city, allowing it to issue the permit directly. Staff recommended approval. - Board Discussion: Board Member Kelvin Deupree inquired about opportunities for the city to use the billboard for civic engagement, including emergency notifications, Amber Alerts, and other public interest announcements. Staff and the applicant indicated a willingness to work with the city on these features, noting existing code provisions for emergency notifications. Key Outcomes - Item C.1 Approved (8-0): The minutes of the January 27, 2025 meeting were approved. - Item SRB25-0016 Approved (8-0): The board approved the request from Outfront Media for the digital billboard conversion. The motion was made by Board Member Kelvin Deupree, seconded by Board Member Matt Blake, and carried 8-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:09 PM.