Public Meetings - Weatherford, Texas

The Municipal Utility Board convened its regular session at 12:00 PM on December 18, 2025, at Weatherford City Hall. The meeting opened with an invocation and pledges of allegiance, followed by approval of the November 20, 2025 minutes and adoption of the consent agenda. The board received presentations on a state-mandated impact fee credit policy and an update on the water purification plant construction. No public comments were offered, and the meeting adjourned at 12:15 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the November 20, 2025 Municipal Utility Board meeting were approved by unanimous vote (motion by Lindsay Hester, second by Ken Davis). - Resolution R2025-22: Amending the FY26 Adopted Utility Budget was approved as part of the consent agenda. - Bid No. 2025-029: Awarded to Technology International, Inc. for purchase of a towable emergency electric generator in the amount of $128,430. - Expenditure authorization: Up to $4 million cumulatively with Anixter, Inc., Texas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., Techline, Inc., and Wesco Distribution, Inc. for electric utility materials was approved. Discussion Items - Impact Fee Credit Policy (Item 6a): Rick Shaffer, Director of Water Utilities, presented a policy on water and wastewater impact fee credits required by recent state legislation (effective January 1, 2026). He explained that the ordinance (O2025-50) had already been passed by the City Council on December 16, 2025 due to end-of-year timing. The policy grants up to a 10% credit on standard residential meter size impact fees (approximately $2,300 for water and $2,200 for wastewater). Board members Ken Davis and Heidi Wilder commented on the history of impact fees and the importance of forward planning. No board action was required or taken. - Water Purification Plant Project Update (Item 7a): Rick Shaffer reported that below-ground construction is complete; the third and final concrete slab pour occurred on meeting day. The first two trident filters (50,000 lbs each) will be delivered next Monday. All long-lead electrical equipment has arrived two months early. A temporary shutdown on January 5, 2026 will be required to connect the raw water line, with no customer impact. Phase three design (raw water intake/pipeline) is at 75% submittal; archaeological surveys are underway. Construction remains on schedule for completion in July 2026, with startup testing in August–September. Board members asked about security measures; it was agreed to discuss security in executive session at a future meeting. A board member commended Mr. Shaffer's presentation at a local Lions Club event. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Future agenda items were set: a trail update in regular session and a security/safety report on the water purification plant in executive session at the next meeting. - No public comments were made. - Meeting adjourned at 12:15 PM.

The Weatherford Historic Preservation Commission held a regular session on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes and focused on a staff-led work session on commission roles and responsibilities, approval of prior meeting minutes, and community interest updates. No public comments were made, and no substantive votes were taken beyond the consent calendar. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting. Motion by Teri Hubbard, second by Brenda McClurkin, passed without objection. Discussion Items - Work Session – Roles and Responsibilities of the Commission: Senior Planner Monica Johnson presented an overview of the commission's purpose, authority, and duties. Key points included: - The commission's role is to protect Weatherford's historical and cultural resources by guiding change respectfully, not stopping it. - Authority is limited to properties designated as local historic landmarks or those receiving preservation incentives (tax incentives under the city's ordinance, not facade grants). - Commission responsibilities include reviewing certificates of appropriateness for exterior alterations, new construction, and demolitions on designated properties; reviewing potential historic designations; and making recommendations to City Council on certain applications. - Commissioners are expected to apply standards consistently, avoid conflicts of interest, respect private property rights, and conduct meetings professionally. - Commission Q&A: - Brenda McClurkin asked whether contributing buildings in a National Register District require a certificate of appropriateness. Monica Johnson clarified that only local historic landmarks or incentive-receiving properties require such certificates. - Teri Hubbard expressed concern about downtown facade grants leading to a modern look inconsistent with historic character. Monica explained that facade grants are administered by the Economic Development Board and must comply with Central Business District guidelines, which incorporate historic design standards. The Commission does not have authority over those grants. - Jaime White confirmed the Commission would receive copies of the presentation. - Items of Community Interest: - Member announced the Parker County Historic Commission (PCHC) will meet January 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in their downtown office; all are welcome. - Brenda McClurkin reported on a tour of the Johnson County Courthouse (sixth courthouse, Georgia granite construction, rotunda like the Texas Capitol). She also visited Shafe In, a local landmark in Johnson County, and offered to share photos with staff. - Future agenda items include a discussion on local landmark designation (referenced by Brenda McClurkin, to be placed on next meeting agenda). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the Commission on non-agenda items. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - No other votes or decisions were taken. - The meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM. - The next meeting will include discussion on a potential local landmark designation.

The Weatherford City Council met on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers at Weatherford City Hall (303 Palo Pinto Street). Mayor Paul Paschall presided. Councilmembers Heidi Wilder, Zack Smith, and Luke Williams were present; Councilmember Matt Ticzkus was absent. The council approved the previous meeting minutes and the consent agenda, held public hearings and approved two TIRZ amendments and a short-term rental zoning amendment, and approved an interlocal agreement after executive session. The council recessed for executive session, reconvened at 6:24 PM, and adjourned at 6:48 PM. Community Interest & Announcements - Aaron Spicer provided community updates: holiday parking was described as "competitive sport"; the Weatherford Police Department hosted the annual Blue Christmas event with local elementary schools; Police Chief Hayes was featured in Tarleton State University's magazine; the North Texas Municipal Clerks holiday banquet was held; and the 2026 Parker County United Way calendar is on sale. - Upcoming events included a holiday petting zoo at the library Friday, December 19 at 10:30 AM; Pathway of Lights nightly through December 31, 5:30–9 PM at Heritage Park; and First Monday Trade Days January 2–4, 2026, 9 AM–4 PM at Heritage Park. Consent Calendar The consent agenda was approved in one motion (motion by Councilmember Luke Williams, second by Councilmember Heidi Wilder) and included: - Approval of the December 2, 2025 City Council minutes. - Reappointment of Lindsey Hester to the Municipal Utility Board; John Hinton and Sharon Hayes to the Planning and Zoning Commission; and Paul Paschall and Zack Smith to the TIRZ No. 1 and TIRZ No. 2 Boards. - Authorization for the City Manager to execute a contract with Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc. for the Roadway, Water and Wastewater Impact Fee Program update in an amount not to exceed $166,500, for a total aggregate fiscal year expenditure amount of $241,500. - Adoption of the Policy on Impact Fee Credits and Ordinance O2025-50 to implement it for water and wastewater impact fees. - Approval of the Final Plat for RaceTrac Weatherford, one lot on approximately 7.341 acres at the northeast corner of Ric Williamson Memorial Highway and Interstate 20 (SBD-25-0016). The Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval (6-0) on December 10, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Public hearings for the TIRZ No. 1 and TIRZ No. 2 amendments drew no speakers. - At the zoning text amendment public hearing, Lynn Baber of 2126 Timber Cove Court asked what the update was on short-term rental compliance; she noted that people had not been responsive to the new regulations when the matter was previously before the council and asked whether the ordinance change would require compliance. - No citizen comments were made on non-agenda items. Public Hearings & Regular Agenda Items TIRZ No. 1 Amendment (Ordinance O2025-51) - Consultant Jordan Sawyer of P3Works, joined by Public Works Director Matt Leppla, presented the amended and restated final project and finance plan for Reinvestment Zone Number One. - The amendment adds undeveloped property on the south to increase base value and realigns the northern boundary with TIRZ No. 2. The updated base value is $104 million, projected to grow to just over $600 million. - The presentation projected about $603 million in value, approximately $45 million in additional property taxes, about $16 million retained by the city, and about $182 million in public improvement costs. Twenty-four projects are identified as eligible for TIRZ funding. - TIRZ No. 1 was created in 2016; the city participates at 75% for the first 15 years and 50% thereafter, and the hospital district participates at 50%, decreasing to 25%. The zone is scheduled to terminate after 2046. The proposed plan was the same plan considered by the TIRZ board earlier that day. - The council approved the ordinance (motion by Councilmember Wilder, second by Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith). TIRZ No. 2 Amendment (Ordinance O2025-52) - The same consultant presented the TIRZ No. 2 amended project and finance plan, which contains no boundary change and updates the project list with 13 eligible items. - TIRZ No. 2 was created in 2018, has only city participation at 50%, and is scheduled to expire in 2040. Estimated added development value is about $175 million, generating about $42 million in property taxes with the city retaining half; estimated public improvement costs are about $14.1 million. - The mayor clarified that listing projects in a TIRZ plan makes them eligible for funding but does not guarantee construction; each project would still require normal council or board approval. - The council approved the ordinance (motion by Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith, second by Councilmember Luke Williams). Short-Term Rental Zoning Amendment (Ordinance O2025-53) - The council considered a text amendment to Title XII, Sections 12-3-302 (C1 General Commercial), 12-3-303 (C2 Interstate Commercial), 12-5-108 (Short-Term Rentals), and 12-6-100 (Definitions) to permit short-term rentals in existing single-family detached residences in C1 and C2 districts and clarify regulations. - Development Services Director Scott McDonald said the change was prompted by both zoning applications and existing short-term rentals, and confirmed that all existing STR regulations continue to apply consistently. - The Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval (6-0) on December 10, 2025. - The council approved the ordinance (motion by Councilmember Luke Williams, second by Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith). Executive Session and Action - Under Texas Government Code Section 551.071, the council met in executive session to consult with the city attorney regarding the Interlocal Agreement for Emergency Services with Parker County Emergency Service District No. 3. - After reconvening, the council approved the interlocal agreement and authorized the City Manager to execute it (motion by Councilmember Heidi Wilder, second by Councilmember Luke Williams). Future Agenda Items - Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith noted that short-term rental compliance is already scheduled for the second council meeting in January 2026. - Councilmember Heidi Wilder requested future discussion on: (1) defining infill projects and clarifying the policy for an exception to the 75-foot requirement when an infill project cannot financially fund itself; and (2) prioritizing TIRZ projects against available funding, likely as a council retreat topic. - Councilmember Wilder also asked to revisit facade grant program funding to include a project at 203 North Main that was re-evaluated after the previous council meeting. After discussion, no council support was expressed for placing that funding item on a future agenda. Key Outcomes - Approved the December 2, 2025 minutes and the full consent agenda. - Adopted Ordinance O2025-51 amending TIRZ No. 1's boundaries, project costs, and final project and finance plan. - Adopted Ordinance O2025-52 amending TIRZ No. 2's project costs and final project and finance plan. - Adopted Ordinance O2025-53 permitting short-term rentals in existing single-family detached residences in C1 and C2 districts and clarifying regulations. - Approved the Interlocal Agreement for Emergency Services with Parker County Emergency Service District No. 3 and authorized the City Manager to execute it. - Confirmed future agenda items for STR compliance and TIRZ prioritization; the facade grant funding request was not scheduled.

The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 2 Board met on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 5:15 PM in the Weatherford City Hall Council Chambers. The board considered an amendment to the project and finance plan for TIRZ No. 2, which covers the downtown core. The meeting adjourned at 5:20 PM. Council member Matt Ticzkus was absent. Approval of Minutes - The board approved the minutes of the September 22, 2020, TIRZ No. 2 Board meeting (motion by Heidi Wilder, seconded by Luke Williams). The motion passed with one recusal (likely the absent member). Discussion Items - Ordinance O2025-52 – Amendment to TIRZ No. 2 Project Costs and Final Project/Finance Plan: - Presented by Matt Leppla, Director of Public Works, with an overview by Jordan Sawyer of P3 Works, the city’s consultant. - The amendment modifies only the project list and funding plan; no boundary change is proposed. TIRZ No. 2 was created in 2018, terminates in 2040 (unless earlier satisfaction or extension), and the city participates at a 50% increment rate. No other taxing entities (county, hospital district) participate. - The original project list (shown in blue) was updated to a new list (shown in yellow) that includes downtown streetscape improvements, a downtown public bathroom, the Chamber of Commerce building, and other projects aimed at improving the central city area. - According to the consultant, development values in the zone have added approximately $175 million, generating roughly $42 million in tax increment over the life of the zone. Of that, 50% ($21 million) is retained by the city. Public improvement costs for the updated project list total $14.1 million. - The project list is not a priority order; the board can prioritise as funds become available. Key Outcomes - Motion to recommend approval of Ordinance O2025-52 to the City Council: Made by Heidi Wilder, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith. The motion passed (no roll call vote recorded; all present members voted in favor). This recommendation forwards the ordinance to the full Weatherford City Council for final consideration. - No citizen comments were offered on non-agenda items. - The meeting was adjourned at 5:20 PM.

This special-called meeting of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 1 Board was held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Weatherford City Hall Council Chambers. The board considered amendments to the TIRZ boundaries, project costs, and the project and finance plan, and approved the minutes from a prior meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:10 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (May 14, 2019): The board approved the minutes of the TIRZ 1 Board meeting held May 14, 2019. The motion was made by Heidi Wilder, seconded by Luke Williams, and passed. Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith recused from the vote. Discussion Items - Ordinance O2025-51 – TIRZ 1 Boundary and Project Plan Amendment: Matt Leppla (Director of Public Works) and Jordan Sawyer (Regional Director, P3 Works) presented the proposed amendment. The amendment adjusts the TIRZ boundaries by adding undeveloped property in the southern area (to capture growth before development) and removing a parcel in the north to align boundaries with TIRZ 2. The total zone now covers approximately 3,380 acres along the I-20 corridor. The project list was expanded from the original 24 items to include additional projects (those with an asterisk were original). The city’s participation rate is 75% for the first 15 years (dropping to 50% thereafter); the Parker County Hospital District participates at 50% (dropping to 25%) but only in the original zone, not the extended boundaries. The base value increased from $50 million to $104 million after the 2024 boundary amendment and further adjustments. The amendment adds an estimated $165 million in developmental value (based on 2016 estimation) and $182 million in project costs, projected to generate $45 million in increment, with $16 million retained by the city. A feasibility study projected $600 million in total value based on a conservative 2% annual growth rate (including a recession every 10 years). Staff clarified that not all listed projects will be fully funded by TIRZ dollars; the fund is a revenue source for portions of projects. Key Outcomes - Recommendation to City Council: The board voted to recommend approval of Ordinance O2025-51 to the Weatherford City Council. The motion was made by Heidi Wilder, seconded by Zack Smith, and passed unanimously (with no further recusals noted). The recommendation includes the boundary expansion, amended project costs, and the amended and restated final project and finance plan. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the citizen comments period on non-agenda items.

The Weatherford Planning and Zoning Commission met in regular session on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Weatherford City Hall. Chair Brian McKeown called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m., announced that a quorum was present, and noted that cases considered by the commission would also go before the City Council. The commission unanimously approved the November 12, 2025 meeting minutes, a zoning text amendment permitting short-term rentals in existing single-family detached homes in C1 and C2 districts, and the RaceTrac Weatherford final plat. The meeting adjourned at 2:43 p.m. (The raw transcript spells the chair’s surname as “McCallan”; the posted agenda lists Brian McKeown.) Call to Order & Agenda Overview - Chair Brian McKeown convened the regular session at 2:30 p.m.; a quorum was present. - The Chair reminded applicants that City Council agendas are posted at City Hall at least three business days before meetings and on the city website. Approval of Minutes - The commission approved the minutes of the November 12, 2025 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting by unanimous vote, on a motion by Zachary Cray seconded by Kathy Wylie. Public Comments & Testimony - The public hearing for item 3a was opened at 2:35 p.m.; no speaker cards were submitted and no members of the public spoke. - No citizen comments were offered on non-agenda items. Discussion Items Short-Term Rental Zoning Amendment (MCA-25-0010) - Staff presented a proposed amendment to Title XII Zoning Ordinance Sections 12-3-302 (C1 General Commercial), 12-3-303 (C2 Interstate Commercial), 12-5-108 (Short-Term Rentals), and 12-6-100 (Definitions) to permit short-term rentals in existing single-family detached residences in C1 and C2 districts and clarify applicable regulations. - Staff reported that a few short-term rentals are already operating in those districts and that, because the residences are near downtown and commercial areas, the use would be compatible with surrounding land uses and support tourism. Staff recommended approval. - Chair Brian McKeown characterized the amendment as cleaning up language from the first pass, and no commission concerns were raised. - Motion by Zachary Cray, second by Kathy Wylie; passed unanimously. RaceTrac Weatherford Final Plat (SBD-25-0016) - Staff presented the final plat for RaceTrac Weatherford: one lot on approximately 7.341 acres at the northeast corner of Ric Williamson Memorial Highway and Interstate 20. - Staff noted that the conditional use permit and preliminary plat were approved in August 2025 and recommended approval of the final plat subject to all subdivision requirements. - Commissioner Dr. Joshua Tarbay asked why the plat showed only land boundaries and no building, parking, or access details. Staff, Chair McKeown, and Director of Development Services Scott McDonald explained that a final plat is a ministerial land-division action, that the CUP-related site plan had already been reviewed, and that a future site plan submittal would cover site details. - Motion by Sharon Hayes; passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved the November 12, 2025 minutes. - Approved ordinance amendment MCA-25-0010, allowing short-term rentals in existing single-family detached residences in C1 and C2 districts. - Approved Final Plat SBD-25-0016 for RaceTrac Weatherford. - No future agenda items were proposed; the meeting adjourned at 2:43 p.m.

The Weatherford City Council held its regular session on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Pro Tem Zack Smith presided in the absence of Mayor Paul Paschall and Councilmember Matt Ticzkus. The council considered five facade improvement grants, a Chapter 380 economic development agreement, and an executive session personnel matter, all of which were approved with one amendment. Public comment was also heard on non-agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the November 18, 2025, City Council meeting were approved unanimously. (Motion by Heidi Wilder, second by Luke Williams) Public Comments & Testimony - Amy Fennell (address not stated) spoke during Citizen Comments on Non-Agenda Items. She identified herself as a candidate for Texas State House of Representatives representing Parker, Palo Pinto, and Stephens Counties. She expressed support for local government and criticized state bills SB 15 (prohibiting minimum lot size requirements) and SB 840 (removing city authority over zoning changes from office to multi-family use), stating these measures erode local control. She encouraged citizen participation in local governance. Discussion Items - 6.a – Facade Improvement Grant for 203 North Main Street (requested $13,392.50 for front facade; applicant also sought additional $88,431 for rear facade on York Avenue). Ashley Seiler, Director of Economic Development, explained the property had been vacant for years and is being transformed into the Weatherford Marketplace, offering flexible office space, podcast room, and rentable conference rooms. The initial application combined both facades under one address. Council debated whether to approve the full $101,823.50 or only the $13,392.50 recommended by the Weatherford Economic Development Board (WEDB). Councilwoman Wilder favored the full amount, arguing both facades serve different public uses (office space vs. entertainment venue). Councilman Williams supported only the WEDB-approved amount due to budget constraints and the need for separate review. A motion to approve $101,823.50 failed for lack of a second. A subsequent motion to approve $13,392.50 (as presented) passed unanimously. - 6.b – Facade Improvement Grant for 209 North Main Street ($22,227). For H & Co Design House, a full-service interior design firm. Planned improvements include replacing deteriorated wood trim, repainting, and replacing the canopy. Approved unanimously. - 6.c – Facade Improvement Grant for 311 North Main Street ($84,217). For conversion of former antique marketplace to professional office space for Baird Hampton and Brown, a civil engineering firm. The applicant, Main Street Partners, committed to $900,000+ in total improvements. Councilwoman Wilder expressed concern that the use (office) does not directly benefit the general public like retail, but other council members noted the economic impact of 25+ daily employees and the seven-year lease with renewal options. The applicant stated the facade improvements would not occur without the grant. Approved unanimously. - 6.d – Facade Improvement Grant for 118 College Avenue ($13,477.16). For Grass Stains Boutique, a women's fashion retailer. The building has been abandoned since the 1970s and will undergo extensive renovation. Approved unanimously. - 6.e – Facade Improvement Grant for 122 York Avenue (originally listed as $31,525; updated to $33,525). For Yesterday's Sandwich Shop, a local eatery. The corrected amount reflected an updated construction budget for FY2026. Approved unanimously for $33,525. - 6.f – Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreement with Mike Barakat (approximately $100,000). To extend utilities to 2538 South Main Street for a buttermilk sky pie location. Design and construction to be handled in-house. Approved unanimously. Executive Session & Action - The council entered executive session under Section 551.074 to discuss the appointment of an Associate Municipal Court Judge. Upon reconvening, a motion was made and seconded to reappoint Maria Ornales for a term from December 31, 2025, through December 31, 2027, and to approve her employment agreement. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Five facade improvement grants were approved, with amounts: $13,392.50 (203 N. Main, front only), $22,227 (209 N. Main), $84,217 (311 N. Main), $13,477.16 (118 College Ave.), and $33,525 (122 York Ave.). Total facade grants awarded: $166,838.66. - Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreement approved for utility extension at 2538 S. Main Street. - Associate Municipal Court Judge Maria Ornales reappointed for two-year term. - Next regular meeting rescheduled to December 16, 2025, due to the Christmas holiday. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 7:12 PM.

The Municipal Utility Board met on November 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included an invocation, approval of minutes, discussion and approval of two contracts for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and planning for future agenda items. Public comments on non-agenda items were not given. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the October 30, 2025 meeting were approved with three votes in favor and three recusals; the board's attorney confirmed the motion passed. - Contract for Water and Wastewater Improvements (5a): Matt Leppla, Director of Public Works, presented a project to replace approximately 2,000 feet of water line and 1,900 feet of wastewater line in the 1000-1300 block of Bois D'Arc Street and 500 block of State Street. The project was identified through an SSO initiative to address damaged and collapsed sewer lines and aging water lines. Bids were opened on November 4, 2025, with 13 bidders. The lowest bidder, Patison Professional Services, was deemed not the best value due to limited wastewater experience. Staff recommended awarding the contract to RNO Construction, LLC with a base bid of $976,894.50 (not to exceed $976,895). Construction is expected from December 2025 to July 2026. Board members asked about traffic management and resident notification; staff confirmed access to properties will be maintained, message boards and flyers will be provided, and the road will receive a full mill and overlay. The motion passed. - Contract for Water Reclamation Facility Master Plan (5b): Rick Shaffer, Director of Water Utilities, presented a contract with Carollo Engineers for $280,050 to develop a master plan for the Water Reclamation Facility. This project is separate from a PFAS evaluation funded by the Texas Water Development Board. The scope includes condition assessment, process evaluation for current and future regulations, and recommendations for improvements in headworks, liquids treatment, and solids handling. Key focus areas include addressing surcharging at the headworks, evaluating sand versus cloth filters for future capacity (expansion not needed for at least 10 years, with 75% capacity trigger for design at about 2031-2032 and 90% for construction at 2041), and adding redundancy to solids handling. Board members discussed the potential cost-benefit of converting to cloth filters for greater capacity in the same footprint. The motion passed. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the October 30, 2025 Municipal Utility Board meeting (3-0-3). - Authorized the City Manager to execute a construction contract with RNO Construction, LLC for water and wastewater improvements in the amount not to exceed $976,895 (unanimous vote). - Authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services contract with Carollo Engineers for the Water Reclamation Facility Master Plan in the amount of $280,050 (unanimous vote). - Directed staff to bring forward a cost-benefit analysis of an accelerated timeline for filter changes or expansion at the Water Reclamation Facility within the next six months. - Directed staff to provide an update on sidewalk connectivity along Westlake Drive at the January 2026 board meeting.

The Weatherford Economic Development Board met in regular session on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 8:00 AM CT (14:00 UTC) in the City Council Chambers at Weatherford City Hall. The board approved a Chapter 380 utility extension agreement, considered but did not revise the facade improvement grant program, and acted on five facade grant requests. The board also approved the previous meeting minutes and heard no public comments. Call to Order, Quorum, and Approval of Minutes - Chair Ken Davis called the meeting to order and announced a quorum. Chandler Lacefield was welcomed as a new board member. - The board considered the minutes of the January 17, 2025, Economic Development Board meeting. A motion by Zach Smith, seconded by John Hinton, passed with three yes votes and two recusals from members who had not been present at the prior meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No speaker cards were submitted, and no citizen comments were made during the Citizen Comments on Non-Agenda Items portion of the meeting. Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreement with Mike Barakat (Item 3a) - Economic Development Director Ashley Seiler presented a request to extend water, wastewater, and electric utilities to 2538 South Main Street for a Buttermilk Sky Pie location, described as a roughly $100,000 city investment supporting over $1 million in infrastructure investment. - In response to a board member's question about return on investment, Assistant City Manager Chad Marbut said the extension would be designed and possibly constructed in-house, that ROI typically returns quickly once the surrounding property develops, and that impact fees paid at connection also repay the city. - A motion by Zach Smith, seconded by Luke Williams, approved the agreement unanimously. Facade Improvement Grant Program Revisions (Item 3b) - Staff outlined possible revisions to the Central Business District Facade Improvement Grant, including adding a two-to-three contractor bid requirement, addressing rising construction costs, and adding minimum ROI, employment, or traffic requirements. Staff also noted opportunities to make eligible signage and permanent improvements more specific. - Board members discussed the program's history, the balance between small and large grants, the city's 1.5% share of sales tax compared with the 6.25% state and 0.5% county shares, and the use of taxpayer dollars for private property that could later be sold or flipped. - City Manager James Hotopp said the policy had been adaptive and supported the idea of broader council review. Zach Smith moved to make no revisions and leave the current policy unchanged; Luke Williams seconded. The motion passed 4–1. Several members suggested the program's future could be discussed at an upcoming City Council retreat. Individual Facade Grant Requests (Items 3c–3g) - 311 North Main (Item 3c) – approved for $84,217. The grant supports converting the former antique marketplace to professional office space for Baird Hampton and Brown, a civil engineering firm currently employing 22 people locally, planning to grow to 25 by the end of 2025, and with a long-term goal of 30 or more employees. Eligible facade work includes brick refurbishing and repainting, exterior painting, awning replacement, tree and fence removal, entry doors and lighting, nine new windows, and address signage. Total property improvements were listed at roughly $800,000, with facade costs of $178,434. Staff verified that expenses were limited to eligible items and no work had been completed. The motion to approve as presented passed unanimously. - 118 College Avenue (Item 3d) – approved for $13,477.16. The building has been abandoned since the mid-1970s. Grant funds will support renovation for Grass Stains, a women's fashion retailer founded in Graham, Texas, expected to gross $350,000 to $450,000 annually. Work includes stripping the building to bare rock shell, new plumbing, gas, electrical, stud walls, sheetrock, HVAC, storefront windows and door, and a stucco facade covering. Construction was expected to take about three months, with a possible February 2026 opening. A board member noted the applicant's five-year lease with a five-year renewal option and suggested minimum lease terms could be considered in future policy. The motion by John Hinton, seconded by Luke Williams, passed unanimously. - 122 York Avenue (Item 3e) – approved for $33,525. The applicant, the property owner, requested funds for a targeted renovation of Yesterday's Sandwich Shop's storefront, including replacement of transom and side windows, a new double door, wood scraping and sanding, painting of brick and woodwork, and a new awning. The request was based on the middle of three contractor quotes. The owner confirmed Yesterday's has been in the building about five years and recently signed a new five-year lease. The motion by Zach Smith, seconded by Luke Williams, passed unanimously. - 203 North Main (Item 3f) – approved for $13,392.50, less than the $101,823.50 requested. Staff described the project as restoring the vacant building into the Weatherford Marketplace, a membership-based flexible office space with 22 rentable offices, two rentable conference rooms, a podcast room, a courtyard with occasional live music and food trucks, and other amenities. Interior renovation costs exceeded $500,000, and exterior work was estimated above $250,000. Board members raised concerns about temporary office leases and the food truck courtyard; Ashley Seiler said the food truck use would be permitted if it included a washable concrete slab and restroom access. The board also noted that some front-facing work had already been completed under an earlier application when funds ran out. Luke Williams moved to approve only the North Main-facing portion of the grant in an amount not to exceed $13,392.50, calculated from the North Main construction bid of $36,785 less the required $10,000 investment, divided equally. The motion, seconded by Zach Smith, passed unanimously. - 209 North Main (Item 3g) – approved for $22,227. The grant supports H Co Design House, an interior design firm and Decorating Den Interiors franchise, in opening a design studio and showroom in downtown. Eligible work includes replacing deteriorated wood trim around second-floor windows, repainting the exterior with a historically appropriate palette, and removing and replacing the canopy. The business is expected to employ three to five people. During discussion, construction manager Jackie Fowler explained structural concerns with attaching new awnings to aging brick, and board members discussed the benefits of awnings on the east side of York Avenue. The motion by Zach Smith, seconded by John Hinton, passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved: three yes votes, two recusals. - Chapter 380 agreement with Mike Barakat: approved unanimously. - Facade grant program policy: no revisions adopted; motion passed 4–1 to leave the current policy unchanged. - Facade grant approvals: 311 North Main ($84,217), 118 College Avenue ($13,477.16), 122 York Avenue ($33,525), 203 North Main North-facing portion ($13,392.50), and 209 North Main ($22,227), for a total of $166,838.66 in approved grants. - No public comment cards were submitted.