Mineral Wells Area News

Council also reviews $525,000 drainage study, emergency alert system and airport hangar repairs

Reporting By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News

The Mineral Wells City Council approved the city’s first historic preservation ordinance Oct. 20, establishing a framework to protect designated historic properties and districts from incompatible changes.

The ordinance, approved unanimously in a 6-0 vote, amends the city’s zoning code and establishes a historic overlay, a landmark commission and a historic preservation officer.

Importantly, the ordinance does not immediately designate any properties or historic districts. Instead, it creates the procedures and standards for future designations and reviews of exterior alterations, additions, demolitions, relocations and new construction involving designated properties.

Mayor Regan Johnson said the program would help preserve Mineral Wells’ historic character while allowing residents to participate in future decisions.

“It allows for some protections from historical buildings that we have,” Johnson said. “The community has an opportunity to really be a part of that and decide.”

Johnson said preservation measures could help prevent historic buildings from being demolished and replaced with developments that do not complement surrounding properties. She also pointed to potential benefits for property values and tourism.

As an example, Johnson referenced the former Hexagon House, suggesting preservation protections might have helped save the historic structure.

“It was never too late to start protecting the beautiful assets we have,” she said.

The ordinance follows months of planning and public outreach, including a community meeting, survey, social media updates and utility-bill inserts.

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval Oct. 13.

Mineral Wells Main Street Manager Kristin Jaworski explained that while the ordinance establishes a citywide framework, individual properties must undergo additional steps before receiving historic designation.

Reviews would follow the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Approved projects would receive a certificate of appropriateness in addition to any required building permits.

Proposed application fees range from $100 to $350, Jaworski said.

City Reviews $525,000 Master Drainage Plan

Council members also received the final findings of the city’s Master Drainage Plan, presented by Derek St. John and Albert Dorantes of engineering firm HR Green.

The study examined flooding in the Crystal Creek watershed, identified areas where structures could be affected and developed five potential improvement alternatives.

Proposed improvements include channel modifications along Crystal Creek and storm sewer upgrades in portions of the city.

The engineering team evaluated and ranked projects based on flood reduction, benefit-cost ratios, community benefits and feasibility.

The findings are expected to help the city pursue grant opportunities and prioritize future drainage improvements.

The study cost approximately $525,000, with 90% funded through a federal cost-share program administered by the Texas Water Development Board.

Consultants said additional grant funding may be available to help advance design work on higher-priority projects.

City Encourages Residents to Register for Emergency Alerts

Mineral Wells Communications Manager Rosealee Hoffman presented an update on Well Aware, the city’s mass notification system designed to deliver urgent information directly to residents.

The system can provide notifications about severe weather, water outages, boil-water notices, road closures and other public safety concerns.

National Weather Service alerts are automated, while other emergency notifications will be issued by authorized city personnel.

Residents can register through the city’s website or by scanning a QR code and choose to receive notifications by text message, phone call or email.

Hoffman said the registration campaign began Sept. 30 and approximately 100 residents had signed up as of the Friday before the council meeting.

The city plans a 90-day public outreach campaign to encourage additional registrations.

Council Approves Airport Hangar Roof Repairs

Following an executive session, council members approved spending up to $134,400 for roof repairs to the Downing Hangar at Mineral Wells Regional Airport.

Premier Restoration and Construction will perform the work.

The item had previously been postponed from the Oct. 5 meeting.

Additional Council Business

The council also:

• Approved rezoning property at 913 N.W. First Ave. from single-family residential to commercial.
• Took no action on a request to close a portion of N.W. Second Avenue. City staff recommended postponing consideration until a development agreement is ready.
• Welcomed Mineral Wells Police Officer Justin Stine back from service with the U.S. Army and recognized his transfer to the Criminal Investigations Division.
• Welcomed Kelly Kuwata as a new dispatch communicator.
• Proclaimed Oct. 24, 2026, as World Polio Day.

---