Public Meetings - Watauga, Texas

The Watauga City Council held a workshop meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 5:36 PM. The sole agenda item was a presentation by Chief of Police James Lewis covering electric mobility devices, including e-bikes, e-motorcycles, e-scooters, and e-dirt bikes, along with applicable laws and safety concerns. The meeting adjourned at 6:09 PM. Presentations - Chief Lewis presented a detailed overview of electric mobility devices, their legal classifications, and usage rules under Texas law. - E-bikes: Must have fully operational pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, and a top speed of 28 mph. Allowed on sidewalks and roadways, following standard bicycle laws. No helmet requirement in Texas, but neighboring cities (Keller: under 16; Fort Worth: under 18) require helmets. Three classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle or pedal up to 20 mph), Class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle). - E-motorcycles: Must be registered, insured, have turn signals and lights, require a Class M license, and cannot be operated on sidewalks. They are considered road-legal vehicles. - E-dirt bikes and pocket bikes: No pedals, foot pegs. Not legal on sidewalks, roadways, parks, or any public space—only on private land. Parents can be cited for children’s violations. - E-scooters: Must be kickable (foot-powered or motor-assisted). Children under 16 may not ride on sidewalks or public roadways; only in bicycle-specific lanes. Adults may ride on roadways with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. All e-scooters must obey bicycle laws. Chief Lewis noted that the written slide incorrectly stated “under 17”; the correct age is under 16. - Chief Lewis emphasized the speed differential hazard: pedestrians walk 2–3 mph, cyclists 8–10 mph, while e-devices can reach 20–28 mph, making them nearly silent and dangerous on shared paths. He referenced a fatal 2010 incident on Dallas’ Katy Trail where a jogger was struck by a fast-moving bicycle. - He described enforcement challenges: officers have only seconds to identify the device type, wattage, and classification, especially at speed. The department currently has one e-dirt bike in the property room after a child fled from police. - The department’s goal is education over citations, but citations will be issued if necessary. A four-part educational series was posted on the police department’s Facebook page in the prior two weeks. Discussion Items - Councilman Mark Taylor expressed concern about the speed of e-devices on sidewalks (20 mph) and noted that current city ordinances only address e-scooters, not other micro-mobility devices. He asked for coordinated recommendations from the police and parks departments on potential ordinance updates, emphasizing consistency with neighboring cities (Fort Worth, Keller, North Richland Hills) to avoid confusion for users crossing jurisdictions. - Councilwoman Jan Hill recalled voluntary bicycle registration programs from other cities and suggested Watauga consider a voluntary safety program with a unique Watauga license plate, along with serial number documentation and driver’s license engraving to aid theft recovery and education. - Councilwoman Wagner supported revisiting ordinances, noting that her 70-year-old mother owns an e-bike and rides at high speed, illustrating that the issue is not limited to children. - Councilman Andrew Neely remarked on the need for a unified “micro-mobility” ordinance to cover devices like one-wheelers (which can reach 9,000 watts and 50 mph), and seconded the advice to wear helmets, sharing a personal anecdote about motorcycle helmet arguments. - Mayor Art Minor urged parents to teach children safety, citing a recent near-miss where a nine-year-old on a scooter crossed a street without stopping, and recalled a past fatal skateboard accident on Watauga Road. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The council reached consensus to direct the Police Department, in coordination with the Parks Department, to develop recommendations for revised ordinances addressing micro-mobility devices, including potential speed limits on park trails (e.g., Cap Smith Trail) and a unified regulatory framework. - The council emphasized education as the primary approach but acknowledged the need for clear, enforceable rules to improve safety and accountability. - The public is encouraged to call the police non-emergency number (817-514-5897) with questions about device legality.

The Watauga City Council held a regular meeting on June 22, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers, 7105 Whitley Road. Roll call showed all members present except Place 6 (absent with notice). The meeting opened with an invocation from Pastor Lynn Nichols of Northside Nazarene Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Fire Kids Camp attendees. The meeting adjourned at 6:58 PM. Announcements - Councilwoman Downey warned dog owners about hot concrete burning pets' paws. - Councilman Neal announced the July 1st Fourth of July celebration at BISD Plaza (5–10 PM), featuring a fireworks and drone show with 2,500 drones to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. He also noted other library events including a Mad Science show, coloring, dinosaur exploration, and a Three Musketeers class. - Councilwoman Hill reminded residents that the splash pad is open. Presentations - Watauga Fire Department Kids Fire Camp 2026 – Fire Chief recognized 29 camp graduates. The weeklong camp focused on the theme "Impact," teaching leadership and service. Special thanks were given to Derek, Natalie Catherine, and Chief Lewis (Police Department) for collaboration. IT Director Brad Fraley and specialist Mirabel produced a video of the camp. The campers posed with the council. The Chief also promoted the upcoming Fall Public Safety Academy (starting early September) and the first annual open house on October 3rd. - American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Progress Report – Police Chief James Lewis presented the status of approximately $6 million in ARPA funds awarded to Watauga. Key projects and expenditures (as of the report) included: - Water/wastewater improvements on Summertime Lane: original budget $1.4 million, expended $1.9 million. - Park business stormwater rehabilitation culvert extension: original budget $87,000; reported as completed under budget at $623,000 (note: the agenda states an $87,000 budget, but the transcript states the project was completed under budget at $623,000; this discrepancy is unresolved in source materials). - Lead pipe identification: budget $800,000; completed, involving inspection of over 8,000 water meters, 1,700 water valves, and 653 fire hydrants. - Employee position restoration, leave bank liability reduction (vacation/sick buyback in 2022/2023), and appreciation pay: budget $375,000. - Creation of a Grant Manager and HR Generalist position (50% funded by ARPA through September 2024): budget $60,000. - Police lateral hire incentives: budget $32,000; only $30,000 expended for one officer who received an incentive, with remaining funds used for recruitment advertising. - Court efficiency software (defense attorney portal, electronic signatures, chatbot, online record service): budget $15,000; $10,000 expended. - Purchase of 10 citywide hand sanitizer stations in January 2023: budget $2,700. The Chief stated that the ARPA spending deadline had passed. Consent Calendar - Approved purchase of Watauga Police Department vehicles with bullet-resistant components, not to exceed $74,116.56, funded by Texas Office of the Governor grant 5639901 and City Resolution 2025-033. - Approved the May 11, 2026 Regular City Council meeting minutes. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0-0) via motion by Councilwoman Downey and second by Councilman Neal. - No items were pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion. - No public comments or testimony were offered. - No items were placed on a future agenda.

The Watauga City Council convened for its regular meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026. The meeting was scheduled for 6:30 PM per the agenda and was called to order at 6:45 PM by Mayor Arthur Miner with six council members present (Place 6, Councilmember Taylor, was absent with notice). Key discussions included an annual report from Frontier Waste Solutions, a public hearing for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for a tire shop, awarding a park construction contract, and accepting the CCPD budget. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0). Items included the First Amendment to the Frontier Waste Solutions franchise agreement (extending the term while waiving the annual price increase), the purchase of traffic signal pre-emption equipment upgrades, approval of previous meeting minutes, council liaisons, reappointment to a commission, and the monthly financial report. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Comment (Non-Agenda): Barbara Bridgeford invited council members to a Father's Day lunch for seniors at the Active Adult Center on June 18. - Public Testimony on SUP 26-01: Six residents of the adjacent Durham Farms subdivision spoke in opposition to the proposed specific use permit for a tire sales and light auto repair facility at 6600 Bursey Road. - Aaron Welch cited noise and safety risks for his three young children. - A resident with PTSD stated the noise from the shop would trigger her psychological condition and disrupt her home as a place of peace. - Benjamin Bisbee, a husband of the previous speaker, stated his wife is a disabled combat veteran with severe PTSD and the noise would trigger her. He also raised concerns about the safety of his children playing in the backyard. - Christina Arponte stated she represented a unified front of 13 out of the 14 immediately impacted families. She argued the use constitutes a catastrophic encroachment, citing fire hazards from tires, the building setback being only 15 feet from the fence, property devaluation, and violations of city code chapter 115. - Becky Wood requested denial, noting the neighborhood sits on a hill above the shop which would amplify noise. - Alpesh Bokta cited concerns over traffic, noise pollution, environmental health, and decreased property values. Discussion Items - Frontier Waste Solutions Annual Report: Cory Madar presented the annual review. She announced the company's acquisition by GFL Environmental but assured the council no operational changes are planned. To demonstrate partnership, Frontier offered to waive the annual price increase (3.7%) for a one-year extension of the franchise agreement. The company reported a missed pickup rate of 0.03% for bulk waste against 428,000 annual touches per service. Councilman Neal pressed on the absolute number of residents affected by misses despite the low percentage, while Councilwoman Downey expressed strong overall satisfaction with the company's responsive service. - SUP 26-01 – Tire Store & Service: The applicant (Bright Bay 2 Investments) presented an extensive rebuttal to the Planning and Zoning Commission's prior recommendation for denial. They presented a detailed list of 30 specific commitments to mitigate noise and visual impacts, which were compiled into an exhibit (Exhibit B) not available at the P&Z meeting. Commitments included a five-year SUP term, replacing a fence with an 8-foot masonry wall on the western boundary, installing insulated automatic bay doors, keeping compressors inside an interior sound-proofed room, restricting all operations to indoors, and implementing dark-sky compliant lighting. The owner pledged to be an on-site manager and offered exclusive discounts for neighbors, city staff, and first responders. Council questioned the feasibility of noise containment and operating constraints. The item was tabled to formally incorporate these commitments. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 6-0. - SUP 26-01 Tabled (5-1): The council voted 5-1 to table a decision on the Specific Use Permit for the tire shop at 6600 Bursey Road to the July 13, 2026 city council meeting. The motion was made by Councilman Neal and seconded by Councilwoman Downey. The purpose of the tabling was to give staff time to draft and incorporate the extensive operational commitments from Exhibit B into the proposed ordinance. - Park Vista Park Construction Contract: Approved 6-0. The council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with Warren Development & Construction LLC for trail and landscape improvements. - Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD) Budget: The council voted 6-0 to accept the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget for review, with public hearings to follow. - Future Agenda Item: Councilman Neal requested that the city staff look into adding dark sky compliance standards to the city's development codes or ordinances for a future meeting.

The Watauga City Council held a workshop meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, at City Hall to discuss the proposed five-year Capital Outlay Plan (COP) and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2027-2031. Finance Director Jennifer Calvert, Parks and Community Services Director Timothy Fun, and Public Works Director Paul Hackman delivered presentations. No public comments were made, and no formal votes were taken. The meeting began at 5:46 PM and adjourned at 6:31 PM. Presentation of Proposed 5-Year Capital Outlay Plan (COP) - Finance Director Jennifer Calvert presented the COP for FY2027, which includes 70 items totaling $1,348,000. General fund items account for $988,000, water and sewer $280,000, and storm drain $80,000. Items include IT equipment, recreation gym equipment, a mower, and CCPD vehicles. Six CCPD items total $280,000. No debt is planned for FY2027; equipment replacement fund balances are still being finalized. For FY2028, funding requests increase by $1.7 million, with some items likely to be deferred. - Councilman Hill asked about an "emergency car for the courts" (the Marshal's Crown Vic), noting it is a keeper and may be pushed a year. Councilman Neil questioned the purchase of IT servers versus leasing; Director Calvert explained that purchases are funded through the Equipment Replacement Fund, but leasing could spread costs over the amortized life of the hardware. Councilman Neil acknowledged that the fund functions like an internal lease. Presentation of Proposed 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) - Finance Director Calvert introduced the CIP for FY2027-2031, comprising 150.5 million dollars in combined projects. Street projects are 72%, water/sewer 13%, and other projects 15%. Funding sources include future debt issuance (41%), debt proceeds (23%), to-be-determined (19%), and other sources (17%). No new upgrades are included for the animal shelter, police department, or library (except for a circulation desk within building improvements). For FY2027 specifically, drainage is 47%, water/sewer 24%, streets 26%, and other projects 4%; funding comes from storm drain revenue (45%), debt proceeds (24%), fund revenues (20%), and grants (11%). - Parks Director Timothy Fun detailed parks projects: - Park Vista Park (Phase 1): Redesigned to meet vision and budget. Trails and landscaping bids received; playground equipment ordered. Construction expected July–November 2026. Irrigation will be temporary; gazebo and basketball court are not funded. Funding from 2018 CO and revenues. - Parks Master Plan Update: A shift of revenue funds to update the 10-year-old master plan, including Foster Village Park, at an estimated $120,000–$125,000. The floodplain study for Foster Village will inform future options. - Economic Development Comfort Station and Food Truck Park: 50% plans under review; target operational for May 2027 (Watauga Fest). Funded by the EDC. - Public Works Director Paul Hackman presented infrastructure projects: - Fire Department upgrades: Multiple ongoing items to be completed by end of budget year. - Public Works Parking Lot CIP: Design near completion; construction set for October 2026, pending electrical conduit sizing. - Bunker Hill Storm System: A sinkhole on Constitution has been temporarily mitigated. Three options were evaluated; staff recommends option C (best value, $1.5 million) to address the conflict with sanitary sewer and focus on Bennington and Yorkston. A future wastewater/drainage project is considered. - Quail Meadow Drive: Partnering with the developer of Chapman Road property (horse farm) to extend drainage easement and refine floodplain mapping. Engineering awarded at $825,000 plus $400,000 TBD. Floodplain redefinition may affect property designations and insurance rates. - Whitley Road 5: Under construction; delayed by Atmos Energy conflicts. Completion now expected April 2027. Received a $3.197 million Tarrant County grant. - High Tower Drive: Split into two phases. Phase 1 (Whitley to Glendale) is 90% designed; construction in October 2026. Phase 2 requires right-of-way acquisition and Atmos Energy coordination; cost and date TBD. - Watauga Road: Coordination with North Richland Hills on a 24-inch water main; decisions needed on whether to construct road now or wait for water main replacement to avoid cutting new pavement. - Watauga Road Bridge Rehabilitation: TxDOT-required minor maintenance; in-house estimate $65,000, contracted $140,000. Must be done before Phase 1 roadway improvements. - CDBG Water Project on Jackie Terrace: Awarded $166,000 grant; total project $366,000. Engineering selection pending; construction likely late spring 2027. - Water and Wastewater Group 2 CIP: Work on Echo Hill, Quail Run, Oak Hill, and Hickory Hill ongoing. Roads will be repaired after Atmos Energy completes conflicting work. Oak Hill/Hickory Hill construction scheduled to finish before school starts in August 2026, as coordinated with the school district. - Water Meter Program: Near completion. - New Water and Wastewater Projects (High Tower Drive, Mooring, Barry, MacNeil): Aimed at addressing repeated main breaks; High Tower water line replacement must precede street overlay and striping. Council safety concerns on High Tower (raised February–May 2025) will be addressed after water line work. - Street Overlay Program: Emily Drive, Leslie Drive, and Alig (Saramac to Ship) are scheduled; curbs, gutters, and sidewalks are mostly done. One street was cut to stay within budget. - Green Ribbon Project (Phase 4): Grant for beautification of Denton Highway; $486,000 grant with city paying $49,000 design. Construction expected September 2026. TxDOT is not accepting grant applications next year. - Union Pacific Quiet Zone Upgrade: TxDOT requires median curtain replacement to meet quiet zone standards; cost $488,000 (FY27). TxDOT will administer and fund the project. Agreements will be brought to council for approval. - Council Discussion and Questions: - Councilwoman Blackburn asked whether quiet zone horns would reoccur if median curbs are not raised; Director Hackman confirmed compliance with federal regulations is necessary and that overlays have reduced curb height, exempting the work from city control. - Councilwoman Downey inquired about sinkhole remediation engineering, specifically aggregate base injection. Director Hackman responded that investigations are ongoing and will be included in the project contract. She requested a follow-up email. - Councilman Neil complimented the improved presentation style. Councilman Hill asked a clarifying question about Park Vista Park renderings; Director Fun confirmed the rendering matches the bid but does not show trees. Key Outcomes - No formal action or vote was taken; the workshop was for information and discussion only. - Staff will proceed with projects as presented, subject to future council approval and budget prioritization. - Coordination with Tarrant County, TxDOT, Atmos Energy, and North Richland Hills will continue. - Specific project actions (e.g., Park Vista Park bid award, Union Pacific quiet zone agreements, engineering contracts) will be brought to upcoming regular council meetings.

The Watauga Crime Control and Prevention District (CCD) Board, acting as the City Council, convened on Monday, June 8, 2026, at approximately 5:34 PM at City Hall. The meeting focused on the fiscal oversight of the district, including a public hearing, acceptance of the annual audit, and adoption of the FY 2026-2027 budget. No public comments or testimony were offered. Public Comments & Testimony - The floor was opened for public comment on non-agenda items and a public hearing on the CCD budget. No members of the public approached the podium to speak. Discussion Items - Annual Financial Audit for FY 2024-2025: Finance Director Jennifer Calvert presented the audit results from Weaver and Tidwell, LLC, which received an unmodified opinion. As of September 30, 2025, the CCD Sales Tax Fund balance was $1,249,651, a decrease of $311,171 from the prior year. Total revenues (including transfers in) were $2,058,731, missing the budget by $51,269 (2.4%). Total expenditures (including transfers out) were $2,369,902, coming in $318,598 (13.4%) under budget. - Proposed Budget for FY 2026-2027: Director Calvert reviewed the budget proposal, which projected revenues of $2,130,300 and expenditures of $2,379,350. The anticipated ending fund balance is $520,848, a decrease of $249,050. Notable changes included moving three positions (two funded) out of the CCD budget to the General Fund, reducing personnel costs by $166,300. Councilman Andrew Neal expressed reservations about funding for Flock camera systems due to data privacy concerns, while acknowledging their benefits. Key Outcomes - Audit Acceptance: The Board unanimously voted to accept the Annual Financial Audit for the period ending September 30, 2025. The motion was made by Councilman Andrew Neal and seconded by Councilwoman Lovey Down. - Budget Adoption: The Board voted to adopt the CCD's FY 2026-2027 Proposed Budget. The motion by Councilman Pat Shelburne was approved with 6 votes in favor and 1 vote against. Councilman Neal was the dissenting vote. - The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 PM.

The Watauga City Council held a workshop meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6:36 PM in City Hall Council Chambers to discuss the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget. Staff presented an overview of the budget calendar, revenue and expenditure challenges, facility repair needs, and long-term financial strategies. No public comments were made. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 PM. Discussion Items - Budget Calendar and Priorities: Staff highlighted the compressed timeline due to pursuing the de minimis tax rate, targeting budget adoption by August 24, 2026. Key challenges included recruitment and retention, inflation, insufficient revenue growth to meet rising expenditures, facility and infrastructure obligations, and legislative uncertainty (e.g., possible changes to development fees and property taxes). - Revenue Projections: May estimates showed a 0.8% increase in appraised values and $16 million in new construction growth (down from $20 million the prior year). The new business personal property tax exemption (increased from $2,500 to $125,000 per business) is expected to cost the city approximately $125,000 in revenue annually. - Expense Pressures: Health insurance premium increases were initially estimated at 25% by the broker, but staff budgeted 15% (estimated $117,000 impact on the general fund). Shared services costs increased by $93,000 due to higher call volume and usage. Electricity and utility inflation included a 28% increase in street light fees (negotiated down from a 53% request) and a 3% increase on non-street light usage. Property and liability insurance figures were not yet available. - Compensation Study: A compensation study found that civil service positions are behind the market, with a few general government positions also lagging. Further discussion and recommendations will be presented at the June 22, 2025 meeting. - Facility Repair Needs: Staff presented prioritized immediate repairs for three city facilities, all to be funded from fund balance: - Police facility: $166,000 (concrete bollards $6,000, LED conversion $3,700, parking lot security fencing $55,000, parking gate system $65,000, and connex ammo storage for humidity issues). - Animal shelter: Staff initially detailed $412,000 in repairs (perimeter fencing $3,300, security cameras, parking lot lighting $8,500, generator $48,000, HVAC/ventilation upgrade $250,000, synthetic turf $98,000) but later summarized the animal shelter as approximately $111,000. The discrepancy was not resolved during the meeting. - Library: Up to $280,000 depending on choices (entryway doors $55,000 or front door access repair $6,700; ADA accessible restrooms $120,000 or door repair $700; space utilization study $19,000; west window covering $11,000; power source updates $30,000; sidewalk and parking lot repairs $45,000 plus 5-10% contingency, plus asphalt repair estimate pending). - Fund Balance and Debt Strategy: The estimated October 1, 2026 fund balance is $8.9 million (45% of operating expenditures, well above the 20% policy minimum). To avoid issuing debt in 2026, staff proposed a cash defeasance of callable debt to save $111,000 over five years and free up debt capacity. A possible 2027 bond election could fund the animal shelter for $10 million, with police and library bonds potentially coming in 2029 or 2031. If voters approve, fund balance could be used to pay down debt early and keep tax rates lower. - Five-Year Capital Plans: The five-year capital outlay plan for fiscal year 2026-2027 totals $1.35 million across general fund, water/sewer, and storm drain funds. The capital improvement plan for FY 2027 totals $5.7 million, mostly water and sewer projects. Staff noted that projects were shifted to allow forgoing debt this year. - Personnel and Supplemental Requests: Departments requested new positions (library upgrades, PD intelligence data analyst, public works position) and supplemental budget items, but staff indicated these are unlikely to fit within current pressures. Total one-time general fund requests are $1.6 million, plus ongoing costs. - Cost Recovery and Efficiencies: Staff is analyzing merchant service fees (currently $120,000/year), considering a 3.5% pass-through to credit card users, evaluating facility fees, and leveraging technology (e.g., AMI eliminated one utility billing position). All positions are justified, and cost-saving measures are monitored. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the workshop was informational. - The council received the budget presentation and discussed facility repairs, debt strategy, and operational challenges. - The next budget work session, including compensation study details by Julie, is scheduled for June 22, 2026. - Staff will continue to refine the budget and will present the crime control district budget for council acceptance on June 8, 2026. - The council acknowledged the need to monitor legislative impacts and consider a potential 2027 bond election for the animal shelter.

The Watauga City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:41 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Art Miner presided. The meeting included the swearing-in of new and returning council members, a proclamation, service awards, and a detailed presentation on the Capp Smith Food Truck Park. The council approved a 30% delinquent account collection fee, updated the rules of procedure, appointed a new Mayor Pro Tem, and renewed participation in the Tarrant County HOME program. No public comments or testimony were offered. Oaths of Office - Judge Stewart Bass administered oaths to newly elected Place 5 Council Member Stephen Welch and reelected Place 1 Pat Shelbourne, Place 2 Cris Blackburn, Place 6 Mark Taylor, and Place 7 Jan Hill. Presentations & Reports - Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes Awareness Month: A speaker with EDS provided a personal testimony on the challenges of the condition and its management, expressing gratitude for the city's recognition and proclamation. - Service Awards: Clint James, Utility Supervisor, was recognized for five years of service. Employee of the Month Madeline Ford (Animal Control Center) was recognized for her work improving shelter adoption rates. - Capp Smith Food Truck Park Schematic Design Update: Timothy Hamilton presented updated designs. The project budget is $1.5 million from EDC funds. Construction is anticipated from August 2026 through May 2027, with a target opening for Watauga Fest. Designs include a comfort station with concession stand, artificial turf near the splash pad, permeable food truck driveways, an approximately 1,200 sq ft shade pavilion for live music, and power/water hookups to eliminate generator noise. Council members discussed the potential for a memorial/sponsorship tree program (Taylor, Blackburn), the stability of decomposed granite pathways (Downey), inclusion of bicycle racks (Neal), protection of existing trees during construction (Neal), and the elimination of generator noise as a major improvement (Neal). Consent Calendar - The council approved items 1–6, 8, and 9 with one motion. Item 7 was pulled for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - None were offered. Discussion Items - Delinquent Account Collection Fee: Finance Director Calvert proposed an ordinance to add a 30% collection fee on delinquent utility and EMS accounts sent to a collection agency. Discussion clarified the fee is added on top of the original debt as a cost recovery measure, not a revenue generator, and aligns with existing practices for court costs and property tax collections. Council members discussed customer payment plans and relief mechanisms. - Council Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct: Mayor Miner presented amendments, including a new travel training section and a clarified agenda structure. Council member Hill confirmed the rules apply to boards and commissions. Council member Taylor verified announcements were removed from workshop agendas. - Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem: Council member Hill nominated Mark Taylor. Council member Downey noted the informal tradition of rotating the position annually to provide experience for newer members. - Tarrant County HOME Program: Pulled from the consent agenda by Council member Taylor, Planner Jeannette Garcia detailed the program which provides home repair assistance for income-qualifying homeowners. Eligibility criteria include owning and living in the home for at least one year, being current on taxes, and having a household income below limits (e.g., $59,750 for one person, $68,300 for two, $85,350 for four). The city has unspent funds allocated to the program. Garcia encouraged citizens to apply through the county's community development department. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Items (1-6, 8, 9): Approved unanimously (7-0). - Delinquent Account Fee (Action Item 1): Ordinance approved unanimously (7-0). - Council Rules of Procedure (Action Item 2): Amended manual approved unanimously (7-0). - Mayor Pro Tem (Action Item 3): Mark Taylor appointed Mayor Pro Tem unanimously (7-0). - HOME Program Resolution (Action Item 4): Renewed participation in the Tarrant County HOME Program approved unanimously (7-0). - Executive Session (US Department of Labor): Council met in executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding correspondence from the US Department of Labor. Upon reconvening, council took no action on the item. - Items for Future Agendas: None were raised by council members. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:38 PM.

The Watauga City Council held a workshop on May 11, 2026, to discuss a post-bond facility action plan for the Police Department, Animal Control, and Library following the failure of a bond election. Staff presented prioritized short-term fixes and long-term funding strategies to address critical facility needs with minimal tax impact. Council members provided feedback on prioritization and next steps. Discussion Items - Post-Bond Action Plan Overview: City staff (Ms. Gibson) presented the facility needs assessment, noting the bond failed with roughly 60% opposing. Community concerns centered on tax impact. Replacement costs are estimated to escalate by 7-9% annually. Updated pricing estimates a police facility at $32 million, an animal shelter at $11 million, and a library at $32 million. Staff recommended a hybrid approach of immediate critical fixes combined with a future bond package. - Police Department Needs: Chief Lewis outlined priority projects. Functional upgrades include fire bay conversion for office space, Connex ammo storage to address mold and floor sagging, power upgrades, and Sally Port expansion for property storage. Health and safety needs include parking lot security fencing, lighting, concrete bollards, gate systems, and dehumidification. When asked about the building's substructure, Chief Lewis stated it is not fixable and that proposed fixes are only short-term "band-aids," with a full facility replacement being the only long-term solution. - Library Needs: Library Director Lana detailed facility deficiencies, including ADA compliance issues with entry doors and restrooms, lack of security cameras (following an incident where staff was assaulted), climate control problems, inadequate power, and severe space constraints that prevent age group separation and cause customer frustration. Staff are exploring partnerships with Parks and Recreation for programming space. - Animal Control Needs: Chief Lewis also presented animal shelter needs, including perimeter fencing replacement, security camera system upgrades, lighting upgrades, synthetic turf, a 65 kW generator (no backup exists), and a $250,000 industrial dehumidification system. Councilman Neal inquired about the limited camera system and downtime during power outages. - Funding Options & Debt Strategy: Jennifer (Finance) presented two main debt options for a future police or library facility. Option 1: Issue $37 million in 2029. Option 2: Issue $37 million in 2031. Both options would require a successful bond election for the animal shelter in 2026 or 2027, a cash defeasance, no debt in 2026, and a 3.5% annual increase in assessed value. Alternative funding for smaller projects could come from tax notes (5-7 year amortization) and reprioritizing the 5-year CIP. Key Outcomes - Council Direction on Prioritization: Councilman Taylor and Councilman Neal expressed support for prioritizing the Police Department for long-term replacement due to structural safety concerns, while Councilman Neal emphasized the Library's role as a vital community "third place." A councilmember spoke strongly in favor of upgrading the Animal Control facility. Councilwoman Hill stressed prioritizing items related to legal ADA compliance deadlines. - No Formal Action Taken: As a workshop meeting, no votes were taken. Councilmember Downey requested that staff gather further questions and bring the item back for a repeat discussion to achieve clearer consensus, expressing personal concerns about debt vehicles and pending state legislative impacts. - Future Bond Path: Council broadly agreed that a future bond election is necessary within two-plus years, likely paired with a bond committee to improve public engagement and education on facility needs and tax implications.

The Watauga City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers from 6:30 PM to 8:29 PM. The meeting featured life-saving awards, the unanimous approval of a zoning change and plat for the 26.8-acre 'Saddlecrest' development on Chapman Road, and the adoption of several administrative and utility-related ordinances. (Note: The agenda lists the Mayor as Arthur Miner, while the spoken transcript refers to him as Art Minor). Consent Calendar - Items passed unanimously included resolutions for the Green Ribbon Program (TxDot landscape agreement and Advance Funding Agreement), appointment of Municipal Court Judge J. Stewart Bass and Alternate Judge Lorraine Irby, a contract with Overhead Door Company of Fort Worth for fire station security doors, approval of Strategic Planning Workshop Minutes (February 21, 2026), and the Monthly Financial Report (February 2026). Awards & Recognitions - Service Awards: Mary Hewitt (Library) was recognized for her five-year milestone anniversary. - Employee of the Month: Brian Pierce (Parks and Recreation) was recognized for dependability and mentoring. - HERO Award: Awarded to Alex Schneider, a private contractor who performed CPR on Scott Kennedy after a cardiac arrest led to a vehicle crash on September 19, 2025. Mr. Kennedy and his wife Janet attended to thank everyone involved. - Life Saving Award: Presented to Firefighter Paramedics Mason Doyle, Caden Wallace, Derek Plunkett, Tyler Smith, and Lieutenant James V Oak (Medic 311 and Engine 311). Officials stressed that fewer than 10% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests result in survival, highlighting the significance of bystander intervention and the crew's advanced care. Jacob White (Medical City North Hills) and Dr. Johnson (Medical Director) also spoke, urging citizens to learn hands-only CPR. Public Comments & Testimony (Public Hearing Z.26-01) - Merle Waite (6900 Quail Meadow Drive): Opposed the Saddlecrest development. Presented a petition, expressed frustration with the process stating it is 'dysfunctional,' and cited traffic congestion, floodplain concerns, and a preference for commercial development to lower property taxes. - Unnamed resident (since 1978): Opposed the project, raising concerns about increased flooding downstream due to impervious cover, displacement of wildlife (skunks, raccoons), and difficulty exiting onto Chapman Road due to added traffic. He urged the council to 'vote for the citizens of Watauga.' - The public hearing opened at 7:19 PM and closed at 7:26 PM. Discussion Items - Z.26-01 (Zoning Change) & P.26-01 (Preliminary Plat): Staff (Jeannette Garcia, Paul Hackleman) presented the request to rezone 6401 Chapman Road from SF-6 to Planned Development (PD) and approve the preliminary plat for 'Saddlecrest,' a 96-lot subdivision by Sandlin Homes. Key features include 35.53% open space (largely floodplain managed by an HOA), 5,500 sq ft minimum lots, and 100% masonry requirement. A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) covering 12 intersections was underway. Staff argued the PD provides the city with superior control over design and maintenance compared to standard SF-6 zoning. - Council discussion centered on the benefits of the PD, property rights, and fiscal impact. Councilman Mark Taylor (who lives in the adjacent neighborhood) supported it as following the comprehensive plan and respecting the property owner's rights. Councilwoman Lovey Downey (a third-generation Watauga resident) supported it for its contribution to the tax base (projected $44 million in taxable value and $255,000 in annual property tax revenue to the city) and the enhanced regulatory leverage a PD provides over residential construction. - Water Conservation Ordinance (Art. III, Ch. 42): Taylor Alvarez (Utility Superintendent) presented an amendment to align with Fort Worth's wholesale water agreement and strengthen enforcement. The amendment adds fines up to $2,000 for violations related to public health and safety, utilizing smart meter data and code enforcement for compliance. - Hometown Heroes: Council nominated three entities for the Northeast Tarrant Chamber award: Alex Snyder, the Animal Control officers who handled a major dog hoarding case, and City Manager Sandra Gibson. - Training & Travel Budget Procedures: Council approved directing staff to revise the Rules of Procedure so that individual council members can request additional funds from the full council once their individual budget allocation is exhausted. Key Outcomes - Zoning Change (Z.26-01): Approved unanimously (6-0). Property rezoned from SF-6 to PD for residential development (Saddlecrest). - Preliminary Plat (P.26-01): Approved unanimously (6-0). Plat for the Saddlecrest subdivision accepted. - Water Ordinance: Approved unanimously (6-0). Amended to include $2,000 fines and enhanced enforcement tools for irrigation violations. - Hometown Heroes Nominees: Approved unanimously (6-0). Nominees submitted to the Chamber. - Training & Travel Rules: Approved unanimously (6-0). Staff directed to formalize the amendment to the Council Rules of Procedure.