Mineral Wells Area News

Reporting By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News

The Mineral Wells City Council met in regular session on January 20, 2026, with Mayor Pro Tempore Beth Watson presiding in the absence of Mayor Regan Johnson. Items considered included reappointments and approvals related to City governance, airport research, subdivision planning, and major park improvement projects.

Before formal agenda items were taken up, the meeting was called to order by honorary council member Ryan Kosmach, a first-grader at Lamar Elementary School and the son of Jeremy and Brittany Kosmach. Watson shared remarks from Lamar Elementary Principal Rhonda Mack, who described Ryan as a bright, inquisitive student who enjoys tackling challenges and works well with others.

Watson also recognized the passing of Rhonda Wilkinson, a volunteer member of the City’s Charter Commission, and former Ward Four City Council member DeArtis Nickerson, noting their service to the community and offering condolences to their families.

Mineral Wells Police Chief Tim Denison recognized Kim Marino, supervisor of the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter, for her ten years of service to the City, thanking her for her dedication and care of the animals.

Consent Agenda

Council approved several items under the consent agenda, including the reappointment of City Clerk Sharon McFadden as the City’s representative to the Local Board of the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System. In that role, McFadden verifies volunteer service eligibility for pension contributions.

Council also authorized the City Manager to enter into a mutual confidentiality agreement with ClearSkies, allowing City staff to participate in a solar energy feasibility study at the Mineral Wells Regional Airport while protecting proprietary information.

Individual Agenda Items

Council approved the replat of 2.447 acres in the City’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, known as Lot 3, Block 1, Airport Fields, allowing the property to be divided into two residential lots. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval at its January 5 meeting.

Parks Director Carrie Stevenson presented an update on capital improvement projects at several City parks, including the Boyce Ditto Library Storybook Park, West City Park, median landscaping along U.S. Highways 281 and 180, and the Backyard Project at the City Gym.

Stevenson reported that much of the City Gym project, including six pickleball courts, had been completed, with the pavilion expected to be finished within two to three weeks. Council Member Kyle Kelley thanked T-Mobile for its $50,000 grant supporting the project.

Median landscaping work along U.S. 281 and U.S. 180 is expected to be completed by the end of February. Stevenson also noted that while the City does not expect to receive a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant for the West City Park project, approximately $700,000 remains dedicated to improvements, including a new playground. Kelley stated the funds came from the sale of the former City Post Office building.

Council Member Glenn Mitchell asked about a potential bridge connecting both sides of West City Park. City Manager Jason Weeks said the City is working with a nonprofit organization to pursue the project over the next year.

Council later awarded a design/build contract to Kompan for the Boyce Ditto Public Library Storybook Park in an amount not to exceed $525,000. City Finance Director and Assistant City Manager Aaron Bovos said five proposals were received and Kompan was selected as the best respondent.

Bovos explained that design work could be completed within 90 to 120 days following contract execution, pending City Council approval of concept drawings, with construction expected to take six to eight months.

Executive Session

City Council entered executive session to discuss matters related to the City Manager and potential future municipal building locations. No action was taken following the closed session, and the meeting was adjourned.