Public Meetings - Weatherford, Texas

The Planning & Zoning Commission met on April 8, 2026 at 2:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The commission considered a conditional use permit for an OHV sales/service facility, a zoning map amendment from Agriculture to Industrial for a petroleum research facility, and a final plat for the same property. Public comments raised concerns about road conditions, traffic, drainage, and lack of city services. All three items were approved unanimously with modifications. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the March 11, 2026 meeting was approved without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3a (OHV CUP): No public comments. - Item 3b (Zoning Map Amendment): - Patricia Prater (506 Jones Road) expressed concerns about increased traffic, poor road conditions on Jones Road, lack of improvements, and damage from semis. She questioned plans for road improvements. - Debbie Carney (400 Appleton Drive) echoed road concerns, noted a previous fire incident with melting siding and lack of fire hydrants, and argued against placing industrial uses next to agriculture. - Harold Swain (703 Jones Road) raised traffic concerns, having had mirrors knocked off his pickup due to narrow road. - Leonard Anthony (Granbury) highlighted drainage issues on Jones Road and safety hazards from speeding traffic. Discussion Items - Item 3a: Conditional Use Permit for OHV Sales/Service (CUP-26-0003) - Applicant Houston Sutton requested a CUP for off-highway vehicle sales/service with outside storage on a 1.5-acre tract at 2217 Old Dennis Road. - Staff recommended approval with conditions, including wood fencing for outside storage. - The applicant expressed preference for R-panel fencing over wood, citing durability. - Discussion focused on fencing material; the city code does not allow R-panel fencing. The commission modified condition 4 from \"wood\" to \"approved fencing material to be determined by the city and applicant.\" - Motion to approve with modified condition passed unanimously. - Item 3b: Zoning Map Amendment from AG to Industrial (ZCH-26-0003) - Applicant Joshua Urbaniak (represented by Chris Schutza of Kimley-Horn for EOG Resources) requested rezoning of a 10.764-acre tract at 395 Jones Road from Agriculture to Industrial to match existing use (hydrocarbon research). - Staff recommended approval, noting the general plan shows manufacturing/warehouse for this area. - Public speakers raised concerns about traffic, road conditions, drainage, lack of fire hydrants, and city services. - Scott McDonald (Development Services Director) clarified that the property is already in the city with AG placeholder zoning; rezoning aligns with existing use. He noted that road and drainage improvements will be evaluated during future development review, and funds are escrowed for roadway improvements. - The applicant stated the existing facility has 10 employees with no plans to add employees or increase truck traffic (approx. 3 deliveries per week, mostly FedEx). - Some commissioners expressed concern about annexing properties without providing services like water and sewer. - Motion to approve carried unanimously. - Item 3c: Final Plat Approval for EOG Addition (SBDP-26-0002) - Request for final plat approval for one lot on the same 10.764-acre tract. - Staff recommended approval subject to subdivision ordinance conditions. - A commissioner questioned the apparent discrepancy between a \"warehouse\" use described in the general plan and the \"research\" use with no new employees. Staff clarified that this is only plat approval; building plans will come later for separate review. - Motion to approve passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - CUP-26-0003: Approved unanimously with modified condition 4 (fencing material changed to approved material). - ZCH-26-0003: Approved unanimously. - SBDP-26-0002: Approved unanimously. - The meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM.

The Weatherford City Council held its annual retreat on Friday, April 3, 2026, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Weatherford Public Safety Building. Mayor Paul Paschall presided, and council members Zack Smith, Heidi Wilder, Matt Ticzkus, and Luke Williams were present. The retreat included an invocation, pledges, review of staff and council goals, capital project updates, water infrastructure planning, economic development incentive policy discussions, transportation and regional partnerships, housing and development code issues, and an executive session on the economic development prospect known as “Project Apex. No formal minutes were listed in the source material, and the available transcript does not reflect any final vote or action on Project Apex. Strategic Plan and Capital Project Updates - City staff opened by reviewing the updated strategic plan, noting that the mission remained focused on building a strong community and that the vision was revised to emphasize service, leadership, and investment in Weatherford. - The City Manager reviewed priorities from the 2024 and 2025 council retreats, including the hotel/convention center, shelter needs, fire station placement, park equipment, roads, and a new public works warehouse. Staff noted the council’s priorities resulted in about $30 million in capital project funding allocations after debt was issued on October 14, 2025. - Fire Station 5 will be the city’s fifth fire station, located on about five acres along Rick Williamson Road west of the 730 intersection. The station will be more than 12,000 square feet and include a standalone training tower expected to be available for other departments to use. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 and open around September 2027. The fire chief stated the department added three firefighters per budget year over the prior three years and apparatus is already ordered. - Claremont Drive extension is being designed as a 1.5-mile, four-lane divided roadway from South Bowie to Rick Williamson Road, with design about 30% complete and full design expected in February 2027. Staff cautioned that extending the road too early could benefit unincorporated county properties without requiring annexation into the city. - The Lamar extension is about a half-mile, three-lane roadway tying into Tin Top, with 60% plans complete and right-of-way acquisition underway with three property owners. Kirkpatrick Drive extension was awarded at about $2 million, with a needed change order of $237,000 for dirt work, keeping the project under its $3 million allocation. - Holland Lake Park will be a $2.5 million inclusive destination playground in mid-design, with construction expected after McGrath Park work begins. Love Street splash pad is a $492,000 project under construction, expected to open around Memorial Day weekend. McGrath Park includes a new all-concrete skate park, playground, parking, and improvements under a $750,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife matching grant. - Public works warehouse plans call for a building of slightly less than 10,000 square feet, including employee space, training space, and sign-making operations. Council members said the initial $1.5 million allocation was likely too low; preliminary staff estimates were around $2.1 to $2.2 million, and council direction was to get the facility designed correctly rather than continue temporary solutions. - Animal shelter updates showed completed improvements to animal holding buildings, including new kennels, epoxy flooring, HVAC, windows, commercial dishwasher, and adoption rooms. Staff said the project was originally estimated at about $15 million but is now expected to total around $3.2 million for the full remodel and phase two improvements. The county contract was renegotiated so that Parker County now pays closer to a full-cost recovery share for the roughly 70% of animals it brings to the shelter. Water Supply and Treatment Plant Expansion - The city’s water treatment plant has a treatment capacity of 14 million gallons per day (MGD), and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules require planning for expansion once 85% of capacity is reached. Projected peak-day demand was described as crossing that threshold around 2030. - Phase one, completed in 2024, added granular activated carbon filters that remove over 97% of taste and odor compounds and also help address future PFAS regulations. - Phase two is under construction and will add five trident filter units, increasing filter capacity by 10 MGD, with filters expected to go into operation at the end of July 2026. Phase three includes a new raw water pump station and pipeline designed for ultimate 22 MGD capacity. - Staff noted two major grant applications: a House Bill 500 Texas Water Development Board application for up to $21 million in 100% grant funding, due July 30, 2026, and a separate $30 million emerging contaminant grant application submitted on March 27, 2026. - Staff estimated phases two, three, and four at about $120 million, with the full build-out of GAC contactors 7 and 8 bringing the total to roughly $125 million, with about $51 million in potential 100% grant funding applied to those components. Economic Development Incentive Programs - The Facade Grant Program has generated about $2.30 in private investment for every $1 of city funding, with 21 projects completed and four properties later turning over. Downtown lease rates were reported to have moved from about $12–$15 per square foot to rates ranging up to $23–$32 per square foot. - Several council members said the facade program had accomplished its original goal of spurring downtown reinvestment and should sunset after pending applications are handled. Council direction was to process four anticipated applications in order received with the remaining roughly $33,000 available for fiscal year 2026, then terminate the program and use other tools, such as Chapter 380 agreements, for larger major projects. - The Restaurant Incentive Program has a $200,000 allocation and was described as successful. Council members cited the incentive for Zenos, whose sales tax revenue doubled, with an ROI after nine months of 4.1% and an estimated 18-month payback period, or 10.7% ROI when measured as a new-to-market restaurant. The recently approved project at 114 Austin Avenue, the old Fire Oak building, contributed to an overall leverage ratio of about $11.50 in private investment for every city dollar. - Council directed staff to analyze options for a sliding-scale incentive structure, proof-of-funds or bank verification, possible reallocation of facade program dollars into the restaurant program, annual ROI and market saturation review, and public disclosure of approved projects. Some council members emphasized that if citizens’ dollars are used, the public should be told what those dollars are funding. - On Chapter 380 agreements, council members described them as important tools for keeping taxes low and supporting growth, citing Costco as an example where infrastructure improvements also served new utility customers along the line. Councilwoman Wilder requested that economic development and 380 performance be communicated in separate, visible quarterly reports so the public can see the program as self-funding. Transportation, Mobility, and Regional Partnerships - Staff reviewed how federal transportation funds flow through TXDOT, the Council of Governments, Metropolitan Planning Organization, and regional transportation programs, and emphasized the importance of local relationships with TXDOT and Parker County. - TXDOT projects discussed included $25 million in FM 920 safety improvements beginning in summer 2026; US 180 widening around 180/Parker County with a 2029 targeted letting and possible effort to move construction earlier; Santa Fe Bridge reconstruction targeted for 2028; South Main sidewalk improvements targeted for 2027; I-20 frontage roads estimated at $77 million; and an I-20 corridor build-out with a preliminary design contract of $30 million and massive ultimate construction costs. - Parker County bond-supported projects include Oak Ridge Drive reconstruction, Memorial Highway widening, and Bethel Road ramps in front of the high school. Bethel ramps are expected to bid in August 2026 with completion expected after about 21 months. Bethel Road widening schematic and environmental work was approved by the county at $1.7 million, though full construction funding is not yet in place. Council members expressed frustration that TXDOT project timelines have been delayed and costs have increased, and they asked staff to invite TXDOT officials to present at a council retreat sooner than next year. Housing, Development Code, Planning, and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction - The planning presentation reported 41 active single-family construction permits, about 1,313 available lots, 70 lots in the pipeline, and more than 1,200 total possible lots including future entitlements. - City permits have trended down to about 70 single-family homes per year, while county activity and sales data continued to rise. Several council members said rigid 75-foot minimum lot width requirements may be discouraging development inside the city and leading to development in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. - Staff also discussed state efforts to limit municipal authority over building materials and lot sizes, the importance of development agreements to ensure quality design standards, and potential voluntary annexation or partnership strategies modeled after approaches used in Denton. Council members gave staff direction to bring individual development opportunities forward with flexibility and quality standards, including mixed lot sizes or PD-based negotiations, rather than a rigid one-size-fits-all policy. Executive Session - The council recessed from the public portion of the meeting and entered executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.087 to discuss economic development negotiations, specifically the project identified as “Project Apex.” The available transcript does not show any formal action taken after the executive session, despite the agenda listing a possible action item following executive session. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to finalize the pending facade grant applications up to the remaining $33,000 and then end the Facade Grant Program. - Council directed staff to continue studying the Restaurant Incentive Program, including sliding-scale matching options, proof-of-funds requirements, possible transfer of facade funds, and annual ROI and saturation analysis. - Staff was asked to develop a clearer public communications and quarterly reporting approach for Chapter 380 economic development investments and incentives. - Council asked staff to coordinate an earlier TXDOT briefing for the council, rather than waiting until the next annual retreat. - Council authorized staff to explore flexible housing lot-size, PD, development agreement, and voluntary annexation strategies while maintaining quality standards. - No formal action on Project Apex was reflected in the available transcript.

The Weatherford Municipal Utility Board met on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The board accepted the annual audit report, approved a construction contract, and received detailed project updates from staff. The meeting adjourned at 12:46 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes of the February 26, 2026, Municipal Utility Board meeting. Motion by Ken Davis, second by Tom Novak. Discussion Items - Annual Audit Report (FY 2024-2025): Assistant City Manager/CFO Dawn Brooks presented the audit, performed by Pattillo, Brown & Hill, LLP. Audit supervisor Michelle Majowski reported a clean (unmodified) opinion with no material misstatements, no instances of non-compliance, and no internal control findings. Financial highlights included a $17.6 million increase in equity, a $1.1 million increase in electric sales, and a $0.7 million decrease in water/wastewater revenues. The board accepted the report unanimously. - Construction Contract – Spring Street, Eastview Drive, and Garner Road Water and Wastewater Improvements: Public Works Director Matt Leppla presented a $3,495,885 contract with J&L Construction, LLC. The project includes 4,800 linear feet of 6-inch water line, 2,000 linear feet of 8-inch water line, 4,000 linear feet of 8-inch wastewater line, and 60 linear feet of 6-inch wastewater line. Notice to proceed is scheduled for April 26, 2026, with a 240-day contract schedule aiming for completion in December 2026. Streets will be repaved after installation. The board approved the contract unanimously. - Staff Reports – Project Status Updates: - Water/Wastewater Projects (Matt Leppla): - Bodark Street water and wastewater project: underway, on schedule, within budget, completion expected August 2026. - Town Creek Interceptor Project: behind schedule; liquidated damages began March 5, 2026; contractor submitted a revised schedule targeting completion by end of April 2026. - Frankfort Pleasure Plain project: $3 million, 270-day contract, notice to proceed in April 2026, completion in January 2027. - Impact fee study: revamping water and wastewater impact fees, consolidated with roadway fees for efficiency. - Electric Utilities Projects (Joe Farley, Director of Electric Utilities): - Overhead feeder construction on Fort Worth Highway (planning stage): 4,300 linear feet, dual-certified territory, includes joint use with Oncor and Texas DOT permitting. - Palo Pinto Street overhead-to-underground conversion (planning): 6,500 linear feet, includes AT&T and Spectrum; RFQ for engineering, design 6–9 months, construction 9–12 months, project likely 2+ years out. - Interstate 20 north side overhead line (design): 6,700 linear feet, dual-certified with Oncor, serving undeveloped property near Costco. - Azel Highway overhead line upgrade (design): 9,300 linear feet, will improve capacity at Lake Weatherford substation. - Eureka Street main feeder upgrade (construction): 3,100 linear feet, $215,000, improves backup feed to the hospital. - Weatherford Point commercial development (construction): 2,400 linear feet underground primary, $300,000, nearly complete, serving area that is triple-certified (Weatherford, Tri-County, Oncor). - Completed projects: new main feed on Highway 51 from BB Field to Airport Road ($180,000); automated metering system base station replacements at Kwana Hill, Harburger Hill, and a third location (total $51,000, providing backup coverage for 10–15 years). - Residential subdivisions: approximately 1,000 new meters expected within the next year. - Water Utilities Projects (Rick Shaffer, Water Utilities Director): - Water Purification Plant Expansion: Phase 2 (filter process building) – contractor 80% complete on west wall, 50% on east wall, scheduled for completion by end of July 2026, followed by testing. Phase 3 (raw water pump station and pipeline) – 75% design complete, 100% design due in two weeks; new pump station will increase capacity and redundancy (two fully redundant pipelines from Lake Weatherford and Benbrook). Permitting with Corps of Engineers and Texas Historical Commission ongoing; no historical findings from shovel tests. Expected to advertise in May 2026, award in August 2026. Phase 4 (clear well, high service pump station, backwash, chemical improvements, GAC contactors 5–6 plus shells for 7–8) – may be split to avoid delays; GAC structure may be issued as separate GMP 6. Grant funding opportunities: up to $15 million (100% grant) from Texas Water Development Board (House Bill 500) – application available April 1, 2026, deadline July 2026, decision by September 2026; separate $30 million grant application for GAC structure due in two weeks, decision expected September/October 2026. - Water Distribution System Update: 311 miles of pipe; 62% PVC, 20% asbestos cement or cast iron; 13% of AC/cast iron replaced in last 5 years; estimated 20 years to replace remaining. Wastewater collection: 76% PVC, 24% clay; 24% of clay pipe replaced in last 5 years; estimated 15–20 years to replace remaining. Key Outcomes - Unanimous acceptance of the annual audit report for FY 2024-2025. - Unanimous approval of the construction contract with J&L Construction, LLC for $3,495,885 for the Spring Street, Eastview Drive, and Garner Road water and wastewater improvements. - Directive: Staff will pursue grant funding opportunities (House Bill 500 and GAC grant) and consider adjusting the Phase 4 schedule to accommodate potential delays from grant awards. - Next Steps: The Town Creek Interceptor contractor is under liquidated damages; staff will monitor progress. The water plant expansion will continue with Phase 2 testing in August 2026. The raw water pump station design will be completed and advertised in May 2026. No citizen comments were made.

The Weatherford City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Weatherford City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto Street. Mayor Paul Paschall presided and all council members were present: Zack Smith, Heidi Wilder, Matt Ticzkus, and Luke Williams. The meeting opened at 6:01 p.m., recessed for executive session at 6:36 p.m., reconvened at 6:58 p.m., and adjourned at 7:10 p.m. The council approved the consent agenda, accepted the FY 2025 audit, denied a conditional use permit for a large liquor store, authorized a public safety radio purchase, and heard citizen comments about the unsolved 1983 murders of two Weatherford teens. Presentations, Proclamations & Community Interest - David Slider of Grace First Presbyterian Church gave the invocation, and Councilmember Matt Ticzkus led pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags. - Aaron Spicer announced community items: Councilmember Zack Smith received a regional leadership and service award at the ARA Show in Florida; the Weatherford College International Piano Competition (April 10-11) drew more than 170 entries from 21 countries, with 13 finalists; a benefit will be held May 28 for Assistant Chief James Pittman, who was diagnosed with cancer; and April events include a kids fishing derby (April 4), Keep Weatherford Beautiful Trash Off (April 11), and Food Park Lounge Night (April 14). - The council recognized Calissa Marbett, a Millsap ISD student and daughter of Assistant City Manager Chad Marbut, for becoming the first student in Millsap ISD to make the Texas All-State Band three times and for placing fourth in the state on clarinet. - Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith presented a proclamation declaring April 25, 2026, as Lemonade Day in Weatherford. Chamber of Commerce and Weatherford Young Business Leaders representatives thanked sponsors and noted the program is free for children across Parker County. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the March 10, 2026, council meeting were approved on a motion by Luke Williams, seconded by Zack Smith. - The council approved consent agenda items 7A-7C on a motion by Zack Smith, seconded by Matt Ticzkus. Items included: - Resolution R2026-04 approving release of an approximate 1.15-acre ingress/egress easement on Lot 1, Block A, Huggins Addition, P.B. Pipkin Survey, Abstract No. 1073, recorded in Book 1660, Pages 323-328. - A General Services contract with Reeder Industries Inc. (Reeder Landscapes), Bid 2026-009, for mowing and landscaping City properties in the amount of $191,568. - Authorization for the City Manager to enter into Interlocal Cooperation Contracts with Weatherford ISD for the School Resource Officer Program and the Guardian Program. Public Comments & Testimony - Jamie Snow read a statement on behalf of Raymond T. Arena, who said he is the brother of Vincent Arena Sr. and uncle of Vincent Arena Jr. The statement said Vincent Jr. was 16 when he and his girlfriend were killed, that the teens were in the wrong place at the wrong time, that drug dealing was occurring in the area but Vincent Jr. did not do drugs, and that the Weatherford Police Department gave the family a runaround and met with them only once. He said the family has waited 43 years for justice. - Lori Cates said it has been 43 years since Shelley and Vincent were found murdered on March 25, 1983, at the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Tentop Road; Shelley was 14 and Vincent was 16. She said open records requests have been denied under an active investigation exception, and she called the investigation fundamentally flawed, citing discarded evidence, an unprotected crime scene, and a blue wall of silence. She asked the council to direct the city manager and city attorney to prioritize release of the autopsy and police reports to the families and to authorize a third-party independent audit by the state of Texas or the FBI. - Janetta Smith, Shelley's mother, said she has received only 'We're working on it' responses for 43 years, that she has been told different versions of what happened, and that she needs fresh eyes on the case. She asked the council to put the case on the next agenda for a vote. - The council did not take action on these comments during the meeting. Discussion Items Annual Audit and Single Audit - FY Ended September 30, 2025 - Assistant City Manager/CFO Dawn Brooks presented the annual comprehensive financial report, single audit report, required communication with governance, and popular annual report. She said the requested action was acceptance, not approval, and that the reports would be posted on the city website the following morning. - Clayton Rogers of Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P., reported that the city received two clean, unmodified opinions: one on the financial statements and one on federal compliance under the Single Audit Act for Texas Water Development Board funds. He reported no findings and no significant internal control issues, and he noted the city is one of about a dozen of roughly 250 Texas governments audited by his firm that prepares its own financial statements in full. - The council accepted the audit reports on a motion by Heidi Wilder, seconded by Luke Williams. Conditional Use Permit CUP-26-0002 - 1015 North Main Street - Development Services Director Scott McDonald presented the request for a conditional use permit for a liquor store greater than 5,000 sq. ft. on an approximate 0.309-acre tract. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions: no temporary signs; a maximum of three permanent wall signs; no trim lights around windows; no window signs except 'Open' and 'Hours of Operation' signs; and no security bars on windows or doors. The Planning and Zoning Commission had voted 6-0 on March 11, 2026, to recommend approval. - The applicant's design engineer, Proven Casey, expressed support for the proposed redevelopment, stating the existing building would be demolished and replaced with a new, code-compliant building about 30 feet tall, with an estimated $1 million building cost and about $400,000 in inventory. The proposed building is about 5,020 sq. ft. - The public hearing was opened and closed with no public speakers. - During discussion, councilmembers raised concerns about a two-story liquor store on Main Street, its proximity to residential neighborhoods, the condition of the existing property, and whether the use was the highest and best use for the property. Staff confirmed the current business is legal non-conforming; if denied, it could continue while operating, but the non-conforming status would lapse if the business ceased operations for six months. A councilmember suggested a potential added condition to prohibit electronic nicotine delivery system products/vape sales, citing concerns about THC legalization. - Councilmember Matt Ticzkus moved to deny the conditional use permit, seconded by Heidi Wilder. The motion carried, denying CUP-26-0002. Executive Session and Action - The council recessed at 6:36 p.m. for an executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.089 to discuss radio communication equipment, then reconvened at 6:58 p.m. - Following executive session, the council approved a motion by Heidi Wilder, seconded by Matt Ticzkus, authorizing the City Manager or designee to purchase system hardware, equipment, and system integration services for public safety dispatch radio consoles with Motorola, not to exceed $479,000, through an interlocal agreement with Parker County Emergency Services District No. 1. Future Agenda Items - A councilmember requested that the next meeting, described as a retreat, review restaurant grants, facade grants, and 380 grants to consider structuring them as a self-funding account based on capital outlay and rate of return. The mayor responded that the item was already on the retreat agenda. Key Outcomes - Approved the March 10, 2026, minutes and the entire consent agenda. - Accepted the annual and single audit reports for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. - Denied Conditional Use Permit CUP-26-0002 for a liquor store greater than 5,000 sq. ft. at 1015 North Main Street. - Authorized up to $479,000 for Motorola public safety dispatch radio console equipment and integration services through an interlocal agreement with Parker County Emergency Services District No. 1. - Noted a future-agenda request to review restaurant, facade, and 380 grants for possible self-funding structure. - Heard citizen requests related to the 1983 murders and took no action during the meeting. - The available transcript states vote outcomes but does not include numerical vote tallies.

The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee met on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Weatherford City Hall. A quorum was present, with only Don Brooks absent. The meeting covered staff reports on shelter operations, renovations, events, and animal success stories, and set a future meeting date. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 4, 2025, meeting as presented, with a motion by Ms. Day and a second. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizen comments were made. Discussion Items - Shelter Operations Update (Levi Leal, Animal Services Manager) - Introduced new staff: Monica Salmaron (Animal Services Coordinator), Brooklyn Spencer, Aileen Hernandez (Animal Care Technicians), Ashley Niebert (Animal Care Specialist), Kobe Felch, Kyle Foster (Animal Control Officers). Two positions were added to the shelter, bringing the total from 15 to 17. - Announced a $50,000 Petco grant used for: - Pet Academy: a software providing free training and behavioral support for adopters and owner surrender prevention. - Pet Hub tags with QR codes to help return lost animals. - Martingale collars and leashes provided to every adopter. - Reported a cat hoarding case where 23 cats were rescued from a single RV. Garland Animal Services and Friends of Rescue Animal assisted, taking all cats the next day. - Highlighted staff dedication during the winter storm, ensuring all animals were cared for. - Detailed an updated contract with Parker County Sheriff Office, the first in 25 years. Clarified responsibilities, improved owner surrender language, raised owner surrender fees, and established a cost-sharing formula based on the percentage of animals brought in (e.g., 70% of animals means 70% of budget). - Presented comparative statistics: owner surrenders dropped from 283 (Oct-Dec 2025) to 74 (Oct-Dec 2026), attributed to strategic surrender policies. - Shelter Renovation Update (Levi Leal and Eric Shumar) - Phase 1 renovations are nearly complete, including new floors, insulation, ceilings, paint, kennels, cat adoption room, storage room, automatic dishwasher, handwashing sinks, and a dog bathing station. - Phase 2 is being prepared for presentation to City Council in April, with additional improvements city-funded. A more detailed site plan will be available by the next meeting. - Events Update - Recent events included the Fall Festival, National Night Out with Police and Fire Departments, Angel Tree gift program for adopted dogs, and the Animal Shelter Bash celebrating volunteers and rescues. - Animal Success Stories - Roxy (renamed Gracie): Seized emaciated from a soiled crate, treated for heart issues, now healthy with a full coat and living indoors. - Sammy: A cat rescued from a trash bag with a severely injured leg, had surgery to remove the leg, recovered with antibiotics, and placed in a foster home. - The shelter averages 18 animals per day. Key Outcomes - The meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM. - The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, June 4, 2026, though the time may be adjusted.

The Weatherford Planning & Zoning Commission held a regular session on March 11, 2026 at 2:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair, approval of previous minutes, a public hearing for a conditional use permit, and a staff presentation on the General Plan. The meeting adjourned at 2:46 PM. Appointments - The commission elected Dr. Joshua Tarbay as Chair and John Hinton as Vice Chair by unanimous vote, following the resignation of former Chair Brian McCowan. Approval of Minutes - The minutes of the February 11, 2026 meeting were approved with a vote of 5 in favor. Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit CUP-26-0002 - A public hearing was held for a request by Prabin KC for a conditional use permit to operate a liquor store greater than 5,000 sq. ft. at 1015 North Main Street. No public comments were received. Staff recommended approval with conditions (no temporary signs, limit of 3 permanent wall signs, no trim lights around windows, no window signs except "Open" and "Hours of Operation", no security bars on windows or doors). The commission discussed delivery truck access, parking, and compliance with TABC distance requirements. The motion to approve with conditions passed unanimously. Staff Reports – General Plan Discussion - Scott McDonald, Director of Development Services, presented an overview of the City's General Plan, adopted January 23, 2018. He described it as a living document that guides all development decisions, emphasizing place types, infrastructure master plans, and implementation through the budget ($57 million general fund), capital improvement plan, and development codes. Commissioners asked about update frequency (typically every five years) and facade standards. Future Agenda Items & Citizen Comments - No future agenda items were suggested, and no citizen comments were made on non-agenda items. Key Outcomes - Dr. Joshua Tarbay elected Chair, John Hinton re-elected Vice Chair. - Minutes of February 11, 2026 approved. - Conditional use permit CUP-26-0002 approved with staff-recommended conditions. - Commission received informational presentation on the General Plan; no action taken.

The Weatherford City Council held its regular session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:01 PM in the City Council Chambers at Weatherford City Hall. Mayor Paul Paschall presided with a quorum present. Councilmember Heidi Wilder participated remotely, and Councilmember Matt Ticzkus was absent. The meeting began with an invocation by Tim Rose, followed by pledges of allegiance led by Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith. Community Interest & Recognitions - Aaron Spicer announced several community events and recognitions, including Mayor Paul Paschall being featured in Charlton State University's alumni publication, the groundbreaking of Weatherford College's new student union building on March 11, 2026, a fish fry happy hour at Heritage Park on March 13, 2026, and the Weatherford College partnership with UNT Health College of Osteopathic Medicine for an accelerated seven-year pathway to become primary care physicians. - The Weatherford Police Department's annual awards banquet winners were recognized: Officer of the Year Jared Barnett, Supervisors of the Year Sergeant Angie Hutcheson and Sergeant Paul Tumlin, Telecommunicator of the Year Reagan Rice, Professional Staff Member of the Year Lisa Duran, and Volunteer of the Year Becky Hadley. - Hayes Worthington, a five-year-old resident, was celebrated as the Mutton Bustin' Champion at the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. The Council declared March 10, 2026, as Hayes Worthington Day in Weatherford, Texas. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the City Council meeting held February 24, 2026, were approved unanimously (motion by Luke Williams, second by Zack Smith, with Heidi Wilder voting yes). - 6.a. Reappointments to Historic Preservation Commission: The reappointments of Jamie Bodiford, John Gengler, and Chad Bettinger were approved as part of the consent agenda. - 6.b. Tin Top Road Drainage Improvements Contract: Authorized the City Manager to execute a construction contract with JR West Texas Concrete, LLC for an amount not to exceed $489,537. - 6.c. Subscription/Support Agreement Renewal with MCCi: Authorized the City Manager to renew the agreement for Laserfiche, ePlanSoft, and Community Development services in the amount of $127,647. Discussion Items - 7.a. Fire Station 5 Design-Build Contract Phase 1: Matt Leppla, Director of Public Works, presented a proposal to authorize the City Manager to execute a design-build contract with Grossman Design Build for Phase 1 design services for Fire Station 5 improvements, located at the corner of Rick Williamson and Wassum Road. The contract amount is $170,000, with a 150-day design period. The project includes a new fire station, training facility, and standalone burn building. The selection process involved 16 firms, narrowed to five interviews, with Grossman chosen. Funding comes from the reissuance of certificates of obligation (COs) in 2025, not impacting the tax rate. The city is not obligated to proceed to construction after design. Councilmember Wilder asked about the RFQ process, and staff confirmed a competitive process. The motion to approve was made by Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith, seconded by Luke Williams, and passed unanimously with Heidi Wilder voting yes. - 8.a. General Plan Discussion: Scott McDonald, Director of Development Services, provided a refresher on the city's General Plan, adopted on January 23, 2018, after a two-year process with community engagement. The plan serves as the guiding document for all development decisions, using place types rather than traditional zoning. It aligns with the city's annual general fund (approximately $57 million), capital improvement program, development codes, and economic development tools like TIF and 380 agreements. No action was required. - Executive Session (10.a.): The Council recessed at 6:23 PM to hold an executive session under Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code to discuss economic development negotiations for Project Iron Saddle. The Council reconvened at 6:43 PM. Key Outcomes - Approval of Restaurant Incentive Agreement (Project Iron Saddle): Following the executive session, Councilmember Luke Williams moved to approve a restaurant incentive agreement with Goodrich Hospitality in the amount of $284,403. The Mayor seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously with Heidi Wilder voting yes. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:44 PM.

The Weatherford Economic Development Board convened at 8:03 AM on March 3, 2026, for a regular and executive session meeting. With four of five members present (Chair Ken Davis, John Hinton, Luke Williams, and Chandler Lacefield; Zack Smith absent), the board approved the previous meeting's minutes, entered executive session to discuss two economic development projects, and took unanimous votes on incentive packages. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:03 AM after approximately one hour in executive session. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes of the November 19, 2025, meeting. Motion by John Hinton, second by Luke Williams. Vote: 4-0. Executive Session At 8:03 AM, the board entered executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.087 to deliberate on economic development negotiations for two projects: - Project Iron Saddle: Discussion of commercial/financial information from a business prospect the city seeks to locate, stay, or expand in or near Weatherford, and potential incentive offers. - Project Copper Spur: Similar deliberation for another business prospect. The board reconvened in open session at 9:03 AM. Key Outcomes - Project Iron Saddle – Approved: The board approved a motion to offer incentives in the amount of $284,403. Motion by Chandler Lacefield, second by John Hinton. Vote: 4-0. - Project Copper Spur – Denied: The board approved a motion to deny incentives. Motion to deny by an unidentified board member (likely Chandler Lacefield), second by John Hinton. Vote: 4-0. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned immediately after the votes. Note: Board members present were Ken Davis (Chair), John Hinton, Luke Williams, and Chandler Lacefield. Zack Smith was absent. Ex-officio and staff members present included Tammy Gazzola, James Hotopp, Chad Marbut, Dawn Brooks, Ashley Seiler, Rob Allibon, and Madelyn Machac.

The Municipal Utility Board of Weatherford, Texas, held its regular meeting on February 26, 2026, at 12:03 PM in City Hall. Chair Paul Paschall presided with a quorum present; Howard McClurkin was absent. The meeting covered a wholesale wastewater contract update, approval of delinquent lake lot licenses, a major water infrastructure contract, a quarterly risk management report, and action on an executive session item regarding lake lot expansion. Several routine items were approved on consent. Consent Calendar - Authorizing a contract with Northeast Service, Inc. dba Horton Tree Services for Utility Forestry Services not to exceed $400,000. - Authorizing the Water Utility to apply for a Texas Water Development Board grant (Drinking Water State Revolving Fund – Emerging Contaminants) and adopt Resolution R2026-03. - Authorizing a professional services contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for a water system analysis not to exceed $27,500 (total aggregate $269,000). All consent items passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public spoke during the citizen comments portion. Presentations & Reports Wholesale Wastewater Contract Update (Item 4a) – Sterling Nairon, City Administrator of Hudson Oaks, provided a semi-annual update. Three projects are underway: a new Willow Park wastewater treatment plant (partner with Hudson Oaks; 1 MGD capacity; 75% Willow Park, 25% Hudson Oaks; completed late May/early June 2026), the South Fork lift station (under construction), and a force main (on track, slightly ahead of schedule). All projects are expected to be operational by midsummer 2026, ahead of the October 2026 contract expiration. Quarterly Risk Management Report (Item 8a) – Joe Farley reported that 66% of wholesale power supply is fixed-price; effective natural gas price for the city is $4.35/MMBtu (vs. NYMEX $7.46/MMBtu). The rate stabilization fund is at $15 million (goal $12-16 million). The residential rate of $0.13/kWh has been stable for over 40 months, below the average retail provider ($0.142) and national average ($0.172), and in the middle of similar Texas municipals. Discussion Items Delinquent Lake Lot Licenses (Item 7a) – Staff requested acceptance of payments from all nine delinquent license holders. A motion to accept payments and reinstate licenses for Lots 41, 115, 296, 380, 388, 406, 491, 493, and 627 was made by Heidi Wilder and seconded by Ken Davis. The board voted to approve. Franklin Pressure Plane & Fort Worth Highway Water Improvements (Item 7b) – Matt Leppla presented a $2,999,605 construction contract with Capital Underground Utilities, LLC. The project includes 15,000+ linear feet of water pipe (6 to 12 inch), 108 valves, and 33 fire hydrants, connecting the Franklin and Harburger Hill water tanks, upsizing aging infrastructure on Bankhead, Allen Street, and Fort Worth Highway. Construction timeline: 270 days, starting March 2026. A discussion clarified that roads will be fully resurfaced after construction (not just patched). A motion by Lindsey Hester, seconded by Heidi Wilder, passed unanimously. Action on Executive Session Item – Lake Lot 156 (Item 10c) – After executive session, Zack Smith moved to authorize a modification of the license agreement for Lake Lot 156, adding approximately 4,466 square feet to the south, with an increase of $1,380.26 to the annual license fee and a one-time payment of $61,031.15, contingent on an official survey. The motion passed 5-1, with Ken Davis voting no. No action was taken on other executive session items. Key Outcomes - Vote on delinquent lake lot licenses: Approved (no tally recorded). - Vote on Franklin Pressure Plane water contract: Approved unanimously in a roll-call vote (all yays, no nays). - Vote on Lake Lot 156 modification: Approved 5-1 (one nay by Ken Davis). - Approval of January 29, 2026 meeting minutes: Passed with one recusal. - No action taken on wind/solar contracts (10a), water purification plant security (10b), or marina lease (10d). - Meeting adjourned at 1:31 PM.