Public Meetings - Weatherford, Texas

The Weatherford City Council met for a regular session on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Weatherford City Hall. Mayor Paul Paschall was absent, and Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith presided. The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM and adjourned at 6:32 PM. Key actions included the approval of a conditional use permit for a fueling station, the annexation and rezoning of a 48-acre portion of the Heritage Park Estates development, and the rescheduling of a future council meeting. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the October 13, 2026, meeting were approved. - Items 6b through 6i were approved en bloc. These included the purchase of IT hardware and services ($424,000), a change order for Service Center Restroom renovations ($11,846.12), final plat approvals for the North Weatherford Business Park Addition and Hook'em Subdivision, a public safety radio maintenance agreement with Motorola Solutions ($400,314), a new five-year agreement with the Weatherford Mountain Bike Club, furniture purchases for the Development Services and Parks Admin Office ($277,655.91), and a sidewalk license agreement at 114 Austin Avenue. - Item 6a (FY26 4th Quarter Investment Report) was pulled by Councilmember Luke Williams. He questioned the decrease in the portfolio's weighted average maturity (from 286 to 263 days) and the benchmark lagging despite increased earnings. CFO Dawn Brooks explained the trends are seasonal as securities mature near the fiscal year end before new purchases are made in the winter, and that the fixed portfolio cannot instantly track the rapidly rising 1-year T-bill index, which increased over 100 basis points in the last six months. The report was accepted unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 7b (Annexation): Lynn Baber of Timber Cove Court addressed the council during the public hearing on the Heritage Park Estates annexation. She questioned the decision to annex only a 48-acre portion of the larger 145-acre development, arguing it would create a "donut hole" of unincorporated county land surrounded by the city. She expressed concerns over split first responder jurisdictions, disparities in library privileges, and questions about solid waste fees between city and county residents within the same development. - Items 7a, 7c, & 9: No members of the public spoke on the CUP for the fueling station, the Heritage Park Estates zoning amendment, or during the general citizen comments on non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Item 7a – Conditional Use Permit (Fueling Station): Scott McDonald (Development Services) presented a request for a CUP at 1802 Old Brock Road. The previous permit had expired due to a lack of activity within 12 months. The applicant, Tony Ragagliano, noted the delay was due to working through TxDOT permitting for a single access point on the service road. The project will include conditions to prevent the station from operating as a truck stop, including a ban on overnight semi parking and no diesel billboard or trailblazer advertising. Staff recommended approval, and the ordinance was approved unanimously. - Item 7b – Annexation (Heritage Park Estates): Scott McDonald presented the voluntary annexation of a 48-acre tract. The land is part of a larger 145-acre residential development. The annexed area will include 68 total lots (34 of approximately one acre and 34 of 9,000 to 12,000 square feet) with private streets, a gated entrance, and architectural standards. In response to public comments, staff clarified that the remainder of the overall development is already platted and partially owned by individuals, and an adjacent parcel is owned by the school district for a future elementary school. There will be no free services; all utility and solid waste rates will be paid by the users per standard rate structures. The annexation ordinance was adopted unanimously. - Item 7c – Zoning Change (Heritage Park Estates): The council considered a zoning map amendment from Agricultural (AG) to Single Family 7.5 with a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay for the newly annexed 48 acres. City Manager James Hotopp confirmed that the developer has a strong track record and has always performed as agreed on previous projects. The ordinance was approved unanimously. - Item 7d – Meeting Rescheduling: City Manager Hotopp requested the rescheduling of the regular council meeting from Tuesday, February 23, 2027, to Monday, February 22, 2027, at 6:00 PM to accommodate the Parker County Day in Austin legislative event. The council approved the change unanimously. Key Outcomes - CUP Approved: Ordinance O2026-36 (Conditional Use Permit for Fueling Station at 1802 Old Brock Road) was approved unanimously with conditions, including a 12-month construction start deadline and 30-month completion deadline. - Annexation Approved: Ordinance O2026-37 (Voluntary Annexation of 48 acres by Westoplex Development Group LLC) was adopted unanimously. - Zoning Approved: The Development Agreement for Heritage Park Estates was authorized, and Ordinance O2026-38 (Zoning Map Amendment to SF 7.5 with PUD Overlay) was adopted unanimously. - Meeting Rescheduled: The February 23, 2027, City Council meeting was officially moved to Monday, February 22, 2027, at 6:00 PM.

The Weatherford Public Library Board held its regular meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Weatherford Public Library. Director of Library Services Erin Spicer led the primary discussions, presenting a comprehensive year-end review of the library's key performance indicators for fiscal year 2025, detailing recent community programming successes, and announcing the resignation of Board Chair Debbie Browder. The board unanimously approved the previous meeting's minutes and set the date for the next regular meeting. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the regular session meeting held on July 27, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments on non-agenda items. Library Programs & Outreach - Community Helper Story Times: The library hosted story times featuring Animal Services, the Sanitation Department, the Police Department, and the Fire Department every Thursday in August. The Sanitation story time was the second most attended, which staff noted was a surprise as children are highly engaged with the garbage truck demonstrations. - Pumpkin Patch: In partnership with Shandor Gardens, the library launched a new fall pumpkin patch offering story times and a free pumpkin painting activity for families. The overwhelming positive response from the community strongly indicates the event will return in 2027. - Bluebonnet Patch: Staff and Master Gardeners have planted bluebonnet seeds behind the library to create a safe, accessible spring photo opportunity for residents, reducing the need for roadside viewing. - Baby Story Time: The monthly baby story time program has experienced rapid growth, recently attracting nearly 60 attendees. Staff are evaluating options to increase the frequency to bi-weekly, potentially utilizing volunteer readers to manage staff capacity. Director's Report: Fiscal Year 2025 Performance Metrics - Circulation & Visits: The library circulated 384,000 items in FY25, representing steady growth over previous years. Board members noted that this circulation figure is remarkably high relative to the city's population size. - Summer Reading: The annual summer reading program fell just short of its 5% growth goal for the year. However, library staff and board members noted overall participation saw positive growth across all areas. - Teen & Digital Engagement: Teen attendance declined compared to the prior year. To re-engage this demographic, staff plan to launch a Pokemon Club in January 2027, targeting teens and tweens aged 8 and up. A significant drop in Wi-Fi usage hours was investigated and traced entirely to a single daily patron who stopped visiting after a conduct warning. Excluding this outlier, Wi-Fi usage is recovering, boosted by college student patrons. - Program Strategy & Peer Comparison: The library averaged 46 attendees per program. Director Spicer presented a comparison with libraries in similarly-sized cities. Weatherford significantly outperformed peers in per-capita circulation and volunteer hours (over 3,100 hours). While some peers like Hurst hosted over 700 programs, their average attendance was only 11, compared to Weatherford's 42. Board members expressed that this data validates the library's strategic focus on high-quality, intentional programming. - Future Data Initiatives: Staff are working to provide geographic mapping of active cardholders and a breakdown of genre-based checkout trends to better inform future programming and marketing efforts. Board Administration & Friends Update - Chair Resignation: Director Spicer announced that Board Chair Debbie Browder has tendered her resignation from the Weatherford Public Library Board. The election of a new chair and a review of the meeting schedule will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. - Second Story Books: A board member provided an update on the Friends of the Library nonprofit bookstore, which opened in March 2026. The store has been well-received by the community, selling most books for $5 or less, supporting the library's summer reading program by providing free book cards to participants, and offering a venue for community groups. Key Outcomes - The board approved the minutes from the July 27, 2026 meeting. - The resignation of Chair Debbie Browder was announced; a new chair will be elected at the next meeting in January. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 25, 2027.

The Weatherford Parks & Recreation Advisory Board met in regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Mount Pleasant, 213 Raymond George Way, Weatherford, Texas. Chair Kathe McDonald presided; Kindra Lucia, Doreen Dromgoole, Calynn Mullins, Brooke Cray, Grant Mills, and Chase Rutledge were present, constituting a quorum, along with Director Jaycob Kirkpatrick and Board Secretary Sin Kroll. The board unanimously approved the July 23, 2026 minutes, received the FY26 Q4 staff report, heard a citizen's concerns about Soldier Spring Park, and discussed a proposed jet ski race series partnership. Consent Calendar - Minutes of July 23, 2026: Approved unanimously by motion and second, with no corrections or additions. Staff Report: FY26 Q4 Programming, Events, and Projects Director Jaycob Kirkpatrick presented the July–September 2026 quarterly report covering parks maintenance, capital projects, recreation, special events, and facilities: - Parks maintenance: Goats cleared vegetation and tall grass at Carl Lake, Heritage Park, and the creek channel; the amphitheater received top dressing before July 4th; the Market Park splash pad was repaired and operated for the rest of the summer; the Love Street splash park completed its first full summer with zero problems and used less water than the older splash pad. - Capital projects: Beach construction started at the Marina and is ahead of its spring break schedule; Texas Parks & Wildlife approved the McGratton Park grant this week, requiring only minor signage changes, with skate park construction expected next month; demolition began October 21 at Holland Lake for the new large playground; the new Parks & Recreation/Development Services office off Columbia is targeted for January completion; Center Point Road median improvements (from Costco) will go to City Council in two meetings, with construction expected within the next few weeks. - Recreation: Pools operated all summer with long waitlists for swim lessons; full-day summer camp served 130 participants; a dog swim event closed out the pool season. Mount Pleasant was rented 34 times in three months; 30 private pool parties were held; Camp Holland was rented 31 times; Holland Lake's three softball fields logged 190 reservations; 85 adult softball teams played the two summer league seasons; 10 tournaments were booked at Holland Lake; swim team participation was about 130. - Special events: Spark in the Park drew about 10,000 people; a Fleetwood Journey cover band concert attracted about 4,000; Monster Bash drew almost 7,000; National Night Out also drew a large crowd. First Monday Trade Days vendor rentals were lower because of summer heat. The 'Jack and I nights' seasonal event (as transcribed) ran that evening through Saturday. The 55-foot Christmas tree from Michigan arrives November 17, with the tree lighting set for the Monday of Thanksgiving week and a new drone show planned. - Facility maintenance: 176 service requests were completed; new flooring was installed at the public safety building; the restroom renovation at the service center was completed. Public Comments & Testimony - Wayne Worthy, a resident of about 30–35 years living off Mockingbird Street, expressed concerns about Soldier Spring Park. He said the roughly one-mile asphalt walkway, last top-coated 10–15 years ago, is degraded and needs replacement. He reported people of all ages riding electric bicycles, scooters, and Segways in the park, saying his wife has nearly been run over a couple of times and cannot hear the quiet battery-powered vehicles approaching from behind. He cited a city code update he said passed in August 2025 prohibiting motorized vehicles—including battery-powered bicycles—in parks, with a $500 fine for a first offense, but said most people do not know the rule and enforcement is difficult. He also raised tree maintenance and fire safety, describing the roughly 6–8 acre park as unmanaged, with dead trees still standing, storm debris left along walkways, homes nearby at risk if a fire started, and potential city liability if limbs injured walkers. Worthy praised the parks department's growth and successes elsewhere (Heritage Park, Chandler Gardens) but said Soldier Spring Park needs more attention. Director Kirkpatrick replied that the issues are maintenance items within the park department and will be addressed. Discussion Items - WSGP/WXGP jet ski race series (proposed partnership): Director Kirkpatrick and a board member met with the independent jet ski race series about holding a three-day race at the lake (referred to as 'Linkworth' in the transcript), with about 165 participants. The series is family-friendly—Yamaha donates product for kids' test courses—and the beach and volleyball court would remain open. It would be one of about 20 races in their season, and the organizers carry insurance, handle setup and teardown, and have support from other city managers. Kirkpatrick said EMS and police support would be standard and feasible. Board members were receptive; Doreen Dromgoole suggested coordinating with April Pools Day on April 9 to draw families, and the organizers indicated they do not want anything before the end of March. The item will be placed on a future agenda. Key Outcomes - Minutes of the July 23, 2026 regular session approved unanimously. - The jet ski race series proposal will be added to a future agenda, with staff continuing to verify dates and avoid conflicts. - Staff acknowledged the citizen's Soldier Spring Park maintenance and signage concerns for follow-up by the park department. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2027, at 5:30 p.m. at the Harberger Hill Community Building, 701 Narrow Street, Weatherford (rendered 'Harbor Hill' in the transcript). - Meeting adjourned at approximately 5:59 p.m.

The Weatherford Planning & Zoning Commission convened for its regular session on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 2:30 PM in the Weatherford City Hall Council Chambers. Chair Dr. Joshua Tarbay presided, with a quorum present. The commission addressed meeting rescheduling, a conditional use permit for a fueling station, a major zoning map amendment for a residential development, and several final plat approvals, all passing unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (August 12, 2026): The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. (Motion by Garrett, second by Hinton). - Final Plat: Hook'em Subdivision (Item 3C): A final plat for a single residential lot on approximately 0.336 acres at the northwest corner of East Simmons and Bois D'Arc Street was unanimously approved. (Motion by Hinton, second by Cray). - Final Plat: North Weatherford Business Park Addition (Item 3E): A final plat for a single commercial lot on approximately 9.434 acres at 1726 North Main Street was unanimously approved. Staff noted the city council had approved the related annexation and zoning the prior evening. (Motion by Cray, second by Garrett). Public Comments & Testimony Item 3B – Conditional Use Permit (No Public Comments) The public hearing was opened and closed with no members of the public requesting to speak. Item 3D – Heritage Park Estates Zoning Change Three members of the public spoke during the public hearing: - Pat Larkin expressed strong concerns regarding traffic safety on Old Airport Road and Causbie Road, stating that road improvements have not kept pace with development and questioning the lack of coordination between the city, county, and state. - Bill Sway detailed significant drainage and erosion issues on his downstream property, which includes a spring-fed lake and dam. He stated that existing development is causing damage and that a new development would worsen the situation. He requested the city conduct an independent drainage study rather than relying solely on developer-provided studies. - Shelton Yates expressed general support for the development but requested binding conditions that Lockwood Lane be permanently restricted to emergency access only, with no vehicle or construction traffic permitted, written into both the PUD overlay and the development agreement. Discussion Items - Item 3A – Rescheduling of November 11, 2026 Meeting: Director of Development Services Scott McDonald requested the commission reschedule its November 11 regular meeting to November 4, 2026, due to the Veterans Day holiday. Chair Dr. Tarbay noted he would be absent but a quorum would remain. The motion passed unanimously. - Item 3B – Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Fueling Station (Racetrack): Staff presented a request for a CUP for a fueling station on a 7.34-acre tract at 1802 Old Brock Road. The applicant, Tony Ritigliano of Racetrack Inc., explained the project had been previously approved but the permit expired due to delays finalizing site plans with TxDOT. The proposed station will include four diesel lanes, eight auto pumps, and no overnight truck parking. Conditions from the previous approval were retained, including a 12-month construction start deadline and strict signage limitations. Staff recommended approval. The motion passed unanimously. - Item 3D – Zoning Map Amendment: Heritage Park Estates (AG to SF 7.5 with PUD Overlay): Staff presented a request to rezone a 48-acre tract at the northeast corner of Causbie Road and Old Airport Road. The project, part of a 145-acre development, proposes 68 single-family lots (30 approximately one-acre lots and 38 lots ranging from 9,000 to 18,000 square feet). Homes are projected to range from approximately $400,000 to over $1.7 million. A key point of discussion was the scope of the current vote, which concerned only annexation and zoning. Staff clarified that bringing the land into the city would subject future civil engineering plans to city standards, including drainage and roadway reviews. The developer has agreed to contribute $125,000 towards roadway improvements. Staff emphasized that denial would result in the land remaining in the county, where the city would have no control over development. Commissioner Hughes confirmed that a drainage study would be required for the annexed portion. Commissioner Wylie inquired about lot sizes, pricing, and HOA requirements regarding landscaping and water use. The motion to approve the zoning map amendment passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Meeting Rescheduled: The November 11, 2026, regular meeting was officially rescheduled to November 4, 2026, at 2:30 PM. - CUP Approved: The Conditional Use Permit for the Racetrack fueling station at 1802 Old Brock Road was approved. - Zoning Amendment Approved: The Heritage Park Estates zoning map amendment from AG to SF-7.5 with a PUD overlay was approved, advancing the annexation process to the City Council. - Final Plats Approved: Final plats for Hook'em Subdivision and North Weatherford Business Park Addition were approved. - No Future Agenda Items: No items were proposed for future commission agendas.

The Weatherford City Council held its regular session on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included proclamations, approval of consent agenda items, several regular agenda items, and an executive session. Key actions included approval of a voluntary annexation, zoning change, issuance of certificates of obligation for utility improvements, purchase of firefighter safety equipment, adoption of updated impact fees, and an interlocal agreement with Parker County for downtown properties. Proclamations - The Council recognized Virginia Cotten Scott for her lifelong contributions to preserving Weatherford's history and heritage with a proclamation. - The Council declared October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Weatherford, with a representative from Freedom House thanking the Council for their continued support. Consent Calendar - All consent items (7A through 7G) were approved unanimously, including: authorization for the FY27 Tarrant County Regional Auto Crimes Task Force Interlocal Agreement; renewal of support contracts with Tyler Technologies (not to exceed $267,000); award of Bid 2026-019 for annual aggregate and materials for road improvements (not to exceed $700,000); third and final renewal of Bid 2023-015 for miscellaneous concrete improvements with Garcia Welding (not to exceed $600,000); a construction contract for Fire Station 3 emergency stand-by power generator (not to exceed $230,081); a services agreement with Siddons Martin Emergency Group for vehicle maintenance (not to exceed $115,000); and combined purchases of police and fire uniforms from M-Pak (not to exceed $130,000). Regular Agenda Items - 8A – TML Board of Directors Election Ballot: The Council voted to cast Weatherford's vote for Mike Browning (corrected from the agenda's recommended Mary Sarver) for the Texas Municipal League Region 8 Director position. Motion carried unanimously. - 8B – Voluntary Annexation of 9.434 Acres (ANX-25-0003): After a public hearing with no public comments, the Council approved the voluntary annexation of property owned by Pat and John's Adventures and Investments Dedicated to St Joseph LLC. Staff noted that previous concerns regarding sewage system connections and building code compliance had been addressed and corrected. The annexation is effective immediately, with placeholder zoning of Agriculture. - 8C – Zoning Change from AG to C1 (ZCH-26-0012): Following a public hearing, the Council approved the rezoning of the same 9.434-acre tract (1726 North Main) from Agriculture to General Commercial (C1). Councilmember Williams confirmed that all proposed uses fall under C1. The motion passed unanimously. - 8D – Resolution for Notice of Intention to Issue $3,000,000 in Certificates of Obligation (Taxable Series 2027): The Council approved a resolution to publish notice of intent to issue up to $3 million in taxable certificates of obligation for utility system improvements, specifically to fund lead service line replacements as required by EPA regulations. The debt service will be paid from water utility revenues with no impact on the general fund or tax rate. Final bond issuance is expected to be considered on December 15, 2026. Motion passed unanimously. - 8E – Purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Equipment from Casco Industries (Not to Exceed $745,497.53): The Council approved the purchase of 67 SCBAs, three rapid intervention team kits, and other firefighting equipment. The total cost was reduced from the budgeted $778,866 to $665,497.53 due to a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on cylinders. After a reimbursement of $120,649.61 from Parker County Emergency District No. 3, the city's net cost is $544,847.92. Additional purchases of firefighting tools and PPE throughout the year are included. Motion passed unanimously. - 8F – 2026 Impact Fee Study Update and Ordinance O2026-39: After a public hearing, the Council adopted the updated impact fee study and ordinance amending water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees. The new rates represent an overall reduction from current rates. For a single-family home, the total combined fee decreases from $6,820 to $6,775. The update aligns with state requirements for a five-year review. Motion passed unanimously. - 8G – Interlocal Agreement with Parker County for Downtown Properties: The Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a 10-year interlocal agreement with Parker County for the operation, management, and maintenance of downtown properties, including all four quadrants of the downtown square and the county's parking lot on York Avenue. The agreement includes a right of first refusal for the city if the county sells the property. The Parker County Commissioners Court approved the agreement earlier that morning. Motion passed unanimously. Future Agenda Items - Councilmember Smith requested that at a future meeting, staff present an updated version of the presentation on single-family housing trends, including a breakdown of price points and consumer demand. The request was noted by the Assistant City Manager. Executive Session - The Council recessed into executive session at 6:45 PM to discuss economic development negotiations for Project Apex (Texas Government Code Section 551.087). No action was taken upon reconvening at 7:38 PM. Citizen Comments - No members of the public spoke during the citizen comments on non-agenda items. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 PM.

The Weatherford Municipal Utility Board held its regular meeting on September 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM. The board received a presentation on weather and water supply forecasts, approved a consent agenda of routine items, and took action on several major projects including a water transmission line design contract, the FY27 utility budget, impact fee recommendations, and the Lake Weatherford Beach construction contract. All votes were unanimous except where recusals occurred. Presentations & Proclamations - Weather Forecast and Impact to Water Supplies: Courtney Jalbert from Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) presented an update. Key points: The region is experiencing extreme drought (D3) with 96% of Texas in drought. Temperatures have been over 4°F above normal in the last 30 days. A strong El Niño event (2.1°C anomaly, potentially reaching 2.6°C) is developing, which historically brings wetter, cooler conditions to Texas through the winter and spring. The September through November outlook shows above-normal rainfall for the southern U.S., and the seven-day forecast indicates 0.5–1.0 inches of rain. The board expressed optimism for drought relief. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the August 27, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (with two recusals). - Consent Agenda (Items 6A-6G): All items were approved as a group. Notable: Item 6A (Resolution R2026-18 correcting previous resolutions) had a last-minute correction from "amending the budget" to clerical corrections. Items included: - 6A: Resolution R2026-18 correcting errors in Resolutions R2025-22 and R2026-05. - 6B: Construction contract with National Water Main Cleaning Co. for wastewater rehabilitation ($150,150). - 6C: Bid award for annual aggregate and materials to Off Duty Excavation, LLC and P&K Stone, LLC ($215,000). - 6D: Renewal of asphalt and concrete repairs contract with Riddle Excavating, LLC ($219,750). - 6E: Renewal of chemical purchase contracts from multiple vendors for water treatment ($917,430 cumulative). - 6F: Procurement of pump equipment/parts from multiple vendors through interlocal agreements ($450,000). - 6G: Procurement of water/wastewater parts from multiple vendors ($800,000). Public Comments & Testimony - None on non-agenda items (Item 12). Discussion Items - 7A: Pearson Ranch Pressure Plane Water Transmission Project – Engineering Contract: The board authorized the City Manager to execute a $1,422,940 contract with Parkhill, Smith, and Cooper (dba "Parkhill") for design of approximately 30,000 linear feet of 16-inch water line, ground storage tank, booster pump station, and elevated storage tank. The project supports growth in the LaSalle Ranch area and is expected to be reimbursed $900,000 by the developer. Staff clarified this is not related to data centers (which are not a permitted use in Weatherford). The nine-month design schedule aligns with a developer agreement requiring bidding within 12 months of design completion and construction start within 18 months. - 7B: Adoption of FY27 Municipal Utility Fund Budget (Resolution R2026-17): The budget was approved unanimously. Revenues: $82.6 million; expenses: $76.9 million; net operating result: $5.7 million. Includes $5.5 million in contributions to reserves. Working capital projected at $22.8 million (171 days), exceeding the 90-day reserve requirement by $10.8 million. Highlights: year three of phased water/wastewater rate increases, investment in Lake Marina/beach, bond-funded capital projects (water plant phases 3-4, new elevated storage tank, sewer improvements), two new full-time positions, and competitive salary increases. - 7C: Recommendation to City Council on Water, Wastewater, and Roadway Impact Fees: The board approved a recommendation to adopt updated impact fees. The proposed fee for a single-family unit is $5,600 ($2,800 water + $2,800 wastewater), down from a calculated maximum of $12,000. The Capital Improvements Advisory Committee (CIAC) recommended this level to avoid deterring development. The fee is lower than many neighboring cities and is considered a bargain compared to well/septic costs. The update adds 40 projects to the CIP (up from 20 in 2021). The recommendation will go to City Council on October 13, 2026. - 7D: Lake Weatherford Beach Construction Contract: The board authorized a $1,367,871 contract with Patcon Services, LLC for beach renovation, funded through the Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS). The project includes two large pavilions, three small pavilions, two regulation sand volleyball courts, expanded parking, lighting, and trail connections. The beach will be free to the public; pavilion/volleyball court rentals will have fees. Construction begins next week with completion by March 2027. Two board members (Mayor Pro Tem Smith and Kevin Cleveland) recused themselves due to potential business dealings with Patcon; a quorum remained. Motion passed unanimously. - Staff Reports (Item 8A): - Public Works (Matt Leppla): Lake Weatherford Trail – sections completed (green), under construction (orange-yellow), drainage section to bid in November, marina connection awaiting beach completion. West Spring water/wastewater ($3.5M, 240 days, completion late 2026). Franklin Pressure Plane water line ($3M, on schedule for January 2027). Northeast water improvements ($1.5M, completion April 2027). - Electric Utilities (James McGill): Fort Worth Highway feeder extension (6,200 ft overhead, improves redundancy). Palo Pinto overhead-to-underground conversion (design cost <=$550k, construction start October 2027, completion July 2029). Spring Street reconductor (14,000 ft, upgrades tap to main feeder, target completion April 2027). - Water Utilities (Rick Shaffer): Water purification plant expansion update – Phase 2 (filter process building, $53M budget, trending $51M savings, startup delayed to November 2026). Phase 3 (raw water pump station, design complete, GMP expected $42-46M, construction start after approval). Phase 4 (high service pump station, design review, construction March/April 2027). Phase 5 (granular activated carbon facility, new separate phase, $30M grant application pending). Grant applications: HB 500 grant (up to $21M, 140 competitors, decision expected next month). Additional GAC grant ($30M) unrelated. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes (unanimous). - Approved: Consent Agenda (unanimous). - Approved: Pearson Ranch Water Transmission engineering contract (motion by Novak, second by White; unanimous). - Approved: FY27 Utility Fund Budget Resolution R2026-17 (motion by Davis, second by Novak; unanimous). - Approved: Impact fee recommendation to City Council (motion by Davis, second by Cleveland; unanimous). - Approved: Lake Weatherford Beach construction contract (motion by White, second by Novak; unanimous; two recusals). - No Action: Executive session on wind and solar contracts (Item 10A) – no action taken after. - Future Agenda Items: None requested.

The Weatherford City Council met in regular session at 6:02 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at City Hall in Weatherford, Texas. Mayor Paul Paschall presided, and all council members were present. The meeting opened with an invocation, pledges, and community interest announcements. The council approved the September 8, 2026 meeting minutes, the consent agenda items, and all regular agenda items, including the Holland Lake Park playground, formation of the Parker County Public Utility Agency, and Weatherford Police Department participation in the 287(g) program. Community Interest Announcements - Staff highlighted upcoming events, including the Weatherford ISD homecoming parade on September 24, the Pioneer Heritage Festival, Downtown Weatherford Inc.'s Wine and Whiskey Walk on October 3, National Night Out on October 6, a college rodeo, Monster Bash on October 10, First Monday Trade Days on October 2-4, and a free pet vaccination and microchip clinic on October 15. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 8, 2026 City Council meeting. - Approved items 6A and 6C-6F in one motion: the Axon Enterprise TASER 10 Certification Pro Plan agreement, not to exceed $303,383, through BuyBoard Proposal No. 798-26; FY26-27 contractual legal services with Taylor, Olson, Adkins, Sralla & Elam, LLP, not to exceed $400,000; Ordinance O2026-35 adopting the FY27 municipal fee schedule; purchase of a 2027 Freightliner M2-106Plus with a Heil 27-yard trash body through Doggett Freightliner of Austin for $308,404; and additional Sames Auto Group expenditures for a 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle and upfitting, not to exceed $120,000, bringing cumulative FY26 expenditures with Sames to approximately $488,985. - The budget manager noted that page 12 of the fee schedule packet, covering commercial building fees, had been inadvertently omitted, and no changes to those fees were proposed. - Separately considered 6B: annual renewal of fleet maintenance and repair contracts with 2033 Automotive and Black Fox Services in a combined annual amount not to exceed $175,000, with no price adjustment. The council approved the renewal. Public Comments & Testimony - Elizabeth White, a Weatherford property owner and taxpayer at 112 West Josephine Street, urged the council to vote no or postpone item 7G. She argued that the 287(g) agenda language was vague, that existing in public while Hispanic is not probable cause, and that the program raised Fourth Amendment and profiling concerns. She also said the proposed reimbursements were described only as potential or possible and were not sufficient financial guarantees. She asked the council to require constitutional policing based on conduct and evidence. - No one spoke during the citizen comments on non-agenda items. Discussion Items - 7A – Council Policy Manual: City Manager James Hotopp said the manual was first adopted in 2000 and revised in 2012, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2024. Changes reflected legislative updates, including Open Meetings Act posting notice moving from 72 hours to three business days, plus minor ethics training updates. Resolution R2026-15 was approved. - 7B – Fiscal Year Meeting Schedule: The council approved a schedule keeping the second and fourth Tuesday meetings, with no meetings moved in November, one December meeting on December 15 instead of two, and adjusted Planning and Zoning and Municipal Utility Board dates in December and July. - 7C – TMLIRP Board Election Ballot: The council approved casting the city's votes for Carey D. Neal Jr. for Place 1, Emily Crawford for Place 2, Ronda Perez for Place 3, and James Hotopp for Place 4 in the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool Board of Trustees election. - 7D – Holland Lake Park Playground: Parks Director Jaycob Kirkpatrick presented plans for an inclusive playground, including a 27-foot tower with cable netting, ADA merry-go-round and seesaw, multi-rider swings, dual-track zip lines, a two-to-five-year-old play area, poured-in-place rubber surfacing, and artificial turf. Construction was expected to begin late October with completion in June 2027; the existing playground would be demolished. Staff recommended approval, and a parks board member noted the parks board's support. The council asked staff to assess lighting and video surveillance around the site; staff said lighting would be on the trail and sidewalk, not inside the playground, and that video surveillance is standard. The council approved the $2,457,711 expenditure using BuyBoard Contract 781-25 and TIPS Contract 250104-02. - 7E – Parker County Public Utility Agency: Water Utilities Director Rick Shaffer reviewed the proposed PUA formation with 14 participating entities. Weatherford would appoint one board member, participate on a one-member/one-vote basis for ordinary matters, and have an estimated 25% weighted vote, the maximum allowed, for debt and major contracts. Weatherford's annual funding commitment would be $50,000, about 14% of initial cost sharing, with termination mechanisms if the PUA was not formed by August 2027, once revenues exceeded 125% of operating expenses, or in September 2040. Shaffer said bylaws would be the PUA's first order of business, board members can be removed by the appointing entity, entities can withdraw before debt is issued, and debt issuance was likely five to ten years out. Councilmembers expressed concerns about the presentation framing, the value to Weatherford, board flexibility, and debt timing. A Freese and Nichols consultant said approvals were still being gathered, with the final entity expected to vote on October 12. The council approved Resolution R2026-20 and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement. - 7F – Impact Fee Public Hearing: Public Works Director Matt Leppla presented Resolution R2026-19 to set a public hearing on amendments to the 2021 Water and Wastewater Impact Fee Program and the 2025 Roadway Impact Fee Program. He said the update was a regularly scheduled requirement under Chapter 395, not a reaction to a specific development, and that the hearing date would be October 13, 2026. The resolution was approved. - 7G – ICE 287(g) Task Force Agreement: Police Chief Jason Hayes requested authorization for the Weatherford Police Department to join the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) Task Force Model. He said the program would not make every officer an immigration officer, would not create a separate immigration unit, and would not change legal standards for stops, searches, or arrests. He emphasized that victims, witnesses, and community members should continue to call the police for help. He cited Weatherford's location on Interstate 20, with more than 70,000 vehicles traveling through daily, and described past human trafficking cases with delayed federal response. Financial incentives included about $100,000 for a vehicle, $75,000 per task force officer per quarter for equipment, and $7,500 per quarter for technology, plus eligibility for certain federal grants. He noted the Parker County Sheriff's Office already participates and that the program is voluntary and can be discontinued. The council approved the memorandum of agreement. Future Agenda Items - The City Manager reminded the council that the next regular meeting is October 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. - The Mayor requested that, if the Parker County Public Utility Agency is formed, representatives return in about 12 months with a progress report and specific deliverables for the following year. Key Outcomes - All action items on the agenda were approved; no individual vote counts were reported because votes were cast electronically. - The council directed staff to assess lighting and video surveillance for the Holland Lake Park playground. - The council set the impact fee public hearing for October 13, 2026. - The council authorized execution of the Parker County Public Utility Agency agreement and the 287(g) memorandum of agreement.

The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Weatherford City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto Street, Weatherford, Texas, was canceled due to a lack of agenda items. No meeting was held, and no public comments, discussions, or decisions occurred.

The Weatherford City Council held its regular session on September 8, 2026, at 6:01 PM, adjourning at 6:39 PM. The council approved the FY2027 budget, adopted the ad valorem tax rate, and authorized a design-build contract for Fire Station 5. A public hearing on the tax rate was held, with one resident expressing support. Public Comments & Testimony - Richard Heiser (1001 Thistle Hill, Weatherford) spoke during the public hearing on the proposed tax rate. He expressed strong support for the council's fiscal responsibility, noting that the city proposed a rate below the no-new-revenue rate for the sixth time in seven years. He acknowledged rising appraisals but commended the city for maintaining a flat rate and avoiding a tax increase. Discussion Items - Public Hearing on Tax Rate (Item 7a): Director of Finance Linzy Blain explained that the proposed tax rate of $0.392246 per $100 valuation ($0.295646 for operations and maintenance, $0.0966 for debt service) is below the no-new-revenue rate and does not require a public hearing, but the city chose to hold one for public input. The rate was built using the FY2027 proposed budget and will raise less revenue than the current year due to the business personal property exemption increase (House Bill 9), which removed $68 million in taxable value. New construction offset the loss, allowing a flat rate. No action was required. - Budget Adoption (Item 7b): Budget Manager Ashley Esquivel presented the FY2027 budget spanning 26 funds, supporting 17 departments and 333 employees. Total expenditures: $120.8 million. General fund: $61.4 million revenue vs. $61.3 million expenditures (marginal surplus of $65,000). Reserve levels exceed 120 days. Key allocations include a deputy court clerk, canine dog replacement, park enhancements (Love Street Park playground and restroom renovation), $3 million for street repairs, and capital projects (McBride's skate park, Holland Park renovations). The council unanimously approved the budget. - Tax Rate Adoption (Item 7c): Linzy Blain presented the final step in Truth in Taxation. The rate of $0.392246 per $100 valuation is below the no-new-revenue rate, meaning no property tax increase. The rate was adopted unanimously on first and final reading (Ordinance O2026-34). - Fire Station 5 Design-Build Contract (Item 7d): Assistant City Manager Dawn Brooks outlined the project's history: planning began in 2024, staffing (9 positions added incrementally), equipment (engine ordered July 2025, brush truck September 2025), and funding via 2025 Certificate of Obligation Bonds. Public Works saved $500,000 by moving 28,000 cubic yards of fill from another project. Brian and Eric Grossman of Grossman Design Build presented the 12,000 sq ft facility, including three apparatus bays, living quarters, a training center, a three-story burn building, an ICC 500 storm shelter, and contamination control zones. The Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) is $8,280,000, under the March estimate of $8.3–$8.5 million. Construction starts September 28, 2026; substantial completion by August 24, 2027; final completion October 8, 2027 (375-day contract). Council members asked about contingency (included, unused funds returned) and traffic safety on Rick Williamson Road. Staff confirmed an activated signal will be installed to stop traffic for apparatus egress. The contract was unanimously authorized. Key Outcomes - FY2027 Budget Approved (Item 7b): Unanimous vote (motion by Matt Ticzkus, second by Luke Williams). - Ad Valorem Tax Rate Adopted (Item 7c): Unanimous vote (motion by Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith, second by Matt Ticzkus) – Ordinance O2026-34, rate $0.392246 per $100 valuation. - Fire Station 5 Design-Build Contract Authorized (Item 7d): Unanimous vote (motion by Luke Williams, second by Rod White) – City Manager authorized to execute contract with Grossman Design Build, not to exceed $8,280,000.