Reporting By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News
The Mineral Wells City Council recognized lifesaving police work, celebrated the graduation of the city’s first Civic Academy class, approved a new electric vehicle charging station agreement at the airport, and advanced several development and infrastructure initiatives during its June 2 meeting.
Officer Recognized for Lifesaving Actions
The meeting opened with a commendation for Mineral Wells Police Officer Antonio Ochoa, whose actions during an April 19 overdose response were credited with saving a woman’s life.
According to Police Chief Tim Denison, Ochoa administered two doses of Narcan and kept the woman conscious until emergency medical personnel arrived.
“Without his interaction, it’s likely that this female may not have made it,” Denison said.
Council also welcomed Ricky Hunter as the new School Resource Officer for Mineral Wells Junior High. Hunter is a longtime Mineral Wells resident and former employee of the Texas Department of Public Safety. In his new role, he will help ensure campus safety while serving as a mentor to students.
First Civic Academy Class Graduates
A major highlight of the meeting was recognition of graduates from the inaugural WellEngaged Mineral Wells Civic Academy.
The 10-week program provided residents with a behind-the-scenes look at city operations, including tours of water and wastewater facilities, budget development, public safety services, and infrastructure operations.
Several graduates shared reflections on the experience, noting the program helped them better understand city services and address misconceptions often shared on social media.
“We can now answer friends’ questions when they go, ‘Why don’t they ever fix the streets?’ Now we know why,” one participant said.
City leaders indicated the program was successful and may eventually be offered twice annually.
Consent Agenda
Electricity Services Contract
Council approved a two-year contract extension with TXU Energy to provide electrical service for City-owned facilities.
According to supporting documents, the contract is slightly below current rates and provides long-term pricing stability while helping protect the City from future market volatility.
Airport Charging Station Agreement
Council approved a 10-year agreement with BETA Technologies, Inc. to install and operate an electric vehicle and aircraft charging station at Mineral Wells Regional Airport.
Under the agreement, BETA will install, operate, and maintain the charging equipment at no cost to the City. Mineral Wells will receive an annual payment equal to 10 percent of the station’s calculated margin revenue.
Items Considered Individually
Manufactured Home Development Approved
Council unanimously approved the final plat for the Ranches of Mineral Wells, a 206-lot manufactured home development planned on approximately 30.4 acres near the wastewater treatment plant.
The project previously received setback variances conditioned upon installation of a 7-foot privacy fence along the eastern property line. No changes were made between the preliminary and final plat approvals.
Airport Strategic Committee Created
With increased business and development activity occurring at Mineral Wells Regional Airport, council approved creation of an Airport Strategic Committee.
The committee is intended to streamline discussions involving airport development projects while reducing delays associated with council quorum requirements.
Council Members Charles Ramsey, Beth Watson, and Mike Rankin were appointed to serve on the three-member committee.
Strategic Plan Update
City Manager Jason Weeks presented an update on the City’s strategic plan and outlined progress in several key areas.
Marketing and Communications
- Exploring digital signage opportunities
- Developing quarterly newsletters
- Planning a public information session regarding data centers
- Increasing community groundbreaking events
Development Services
- Implementing door-hanger notifications for code enforcement issues
- Evaluating a rental inspection program
- Updating zoning and sign ordinances
- Adding a definition for “data center” to City code
Financial Stability
- Eliminated American Express services due to fees
- Exploring redirection of approximately $59 million previously associated with the Turkey Peak project to the Hilltop Water Treatment Plant project
- Selling unused City property to support parks and library maintenance
- Contracting grant-writing services
Infrastructure
- Submitted grant applications related to the reverse osmosis plant
- Continuing planning for a public safety complex
- Conducting street assessments and prioritization
- Evaluating acquisition of adjacent office space for staff needs
Public Safety
- Strengthening partnerships with Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District No. 1
- Identifying a need for three additional firefighters
- Evaluating service delivery options should partnership arrangements change
Quality of Life
- Reviewing sidewalk requirements for new developments
- Evaluating the City’s alcohol curfew ordinance
- Expanding youth recreation opportunities
- Exploring future use of the Dunbar Center as a recreation facility
Weeks requested additional feedback from council members before returning with a final version of the strategic plan at a future meeting.
Phone System Upgrade Approved
Council approved a contract with GoTo Communications for a new citywide telephone system.
According to staff, the change is expected to save approximately $162,000 over five years. City staff stated that redundant internet systems are in place to minimize service disruptions.
Financial no Policies Updated
Council unanimously approved four revised financial policies, including updates related to Governmental Accounting Standards Board requirements for leases and information technology subscriptions, as well as updated fiscal monitoring and budget administration procedures.
Tornado Response Review Requested
Council requested a formal after-action review of the City’s response to the April 29 tornado.
Executive Session
Council entered executive session to discuss airport-related economic development projects and real estate matters involving properties located at 105–109 SW 1st Street.
No action was taken after reconvening in open session, and the meeting was adjourned.