By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News
MINERAL WELLS — The Mineral Wells City Council met Tuesday, January 6, approving contracts for asphalt, vehicle financing, and water testing services, while holding extended discussions on reducing police and fire call volume, managing false alarms, and regulating camping in public areas.
Before business items were considered, Police Chief Tim Denison introduced newly hired officers Erick Gonzales, Davin Hunt, and Ron Moore, all recent police academy graduates. Denison also recognized Officer Juan Saucedo, who is leaving the department to accept a position with the Aledo Police Department.
Drainage Concerns Raised During Public Comment
During public comment, local resident Thomas Gonzales urged the city to pause additional street repair contracts until a drainage study is completed. Gonzales said a Weatherford-based engineering firm estimated a drainage assessment and master plan could cost between $25,000 and $75,000, and requested city participation in future discussions.
Later in the meeting, City Manager Jason Weeks said he had met with the group and confirmed that a drainage study is already underway through Gage Engineering, with 50% of the cost covered by a federal grant. Weeks said the results would be presented to council once complete.
Consent Agenda Approvals
Council approved several items without discussion, including:
The purchase of asphalt from Zack Burnett Company, not to exceed $900,000 for FY 2026. A financing contract with Baystone Government Finance for vehicles and equipment approved in the FY 2026 budget. Baystone submitted interest rates of 4.8% for a fire vehicle and 4.9% for a dump truck, the lowest among five respondents. A contract with Pace Analytical for influent and effluent water sampling and testing services, not to exceed $115,000 for FY 2026.
Debt Policy Adopted
Council adopted the City of Mineral Wells Debt and Debt Monitoring Policy, which formalizes guidance for entering into and managing debt. According to supporting documents, the policy is intended to strengthen internal controls, enhance transparency, and ensure future debt decisions follow consistent standards.
Fire and Police Call Relief Discussed
Council held a lengthy discussion on reducing call volume and recovering costs associated with false alarms and non-emergency responses.
Fire Chief Ryan Dunn reported that from January 1 through December 15, 2025, the department responded to 3,523 Fire/EMS calls, including 212 false or malfunctioning alarm calls. He later noted that the total reached 222 false alarms by the end of the year.
“So this year, we actually ran on 212 false calls as of December 15th, and to add that to the end of the calendar year it ended up being 222, which will be the all-time highest false alarm calls that we ran on,” Dunn said. “So, our goal is to enact provisions to reduce false alarms and false calls through ordinance.”
Dunn proposed charging $150 per occurrence after a business experiences three false alarms within a 12-month period, and $75 per occurrence for residences after three false alarms.
Police Chief Tim Denison told council that a false alarm response can consume significant officer time.
“A false alarm call can require fifteen to thirty minutes of a police officer’s time, if no open doors or windows were noted,” Denison said.
Mayor Regan Johnson emphasized that the intent of the proposed fee structure would be corrective rather than punitive.
“The purpose of the fee is to not injure someone’s pocketbook, but to motivate them to correct the problem,” Johnson said.
Council Member Beth Watson said she supported quick implementation of a fee but noted the proposed amount was below the city’s cost of service.
“I don’t want to gouge anybody, but it seems very, very generous,” Watson said.
Council Member Kyle Kelley questioned whether the proposed fee would be sufficient to change behavior. City Manager Jason Weeks said staff would research how similar fees are structured in other jurisdictions.
Franchise Fees and Response Area Concerns
Dunn also proposed charging franchise fees to non-emergency medical transport providers, citing other Texas cities that use such fees to recover infrastructure and oversight costs.
He further highlighted a disparity between the city’s cost of providing fire services outside city limits and the reimbursement received from Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District No. 1, stating the city incurred approximately $286,000 in costs during 2025, while receiving between $50,000 and $55,000 in payments.
“You know, we don’t want to be bad neighbors, but it just comes to a point where we can’t handle the call load,” Dunn said. “It just comes down to the point that, is this equitable for the city?”
Kelley expressed support for reducing the department’s response area to city limits, while Watson said the issue has been ongoing for years and should focus on either withdrawing from the district or receiving greater reimbursement.
Public Camping Regulations Discussed
Denison also presented a proposed civility ordinance addressing camping and related activities in public spaces. He said a recent ordinance banning camping in city parks has been effective, but issues persist along the Rails-to-Trails corridor.
City Attorney Eileen Hayman told council that similar ordinances are permitted under state law and referenced the City of McKinney’s ordinance as a guide. Council directed staff to draft an ordinance for future consideration.
Executive Session and Adjournment
Council met in executive session to conduct the annual performance review of the City Manager before returning to open session and adjourning without further comment.
Meeting materials and presentations are available through Civic Clerk.