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Agenda Items: • Public Hearing and creation Beall Dev. TIRZ 2 • revised May 3, 2025 General Election with updated polling location • change in signatories for bank CD • 2025 Steering Committee Membership Assessment for cities served by Oncor • post employment position for Police Chief • Ex. Session, City of Willow Park v. Halff & Asso.; interview for City Secretary; 120 El Chico Trail Lease Agreements
• Location and Time: El Chico City Hall, 120 El Chico, Suite A, Willow Park, Texas 76087, 6PM
• Meeting Page • Agenda packet (in .pdf) • minutes approved during the next meeting
• Facebook Watch live during Meeting (No Facebook account required.) • Facebook Video Before Executive Session • Facebook Video After Executive Session • Youtube Video TBD
• 28 January 2025 Council Meeting Review by The Community News, 31 January 2025 Edition. Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 04 January 2025
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• Latest Update: updated 10 February 2025; posted 24 January 2025
• Tags: #Finance #DevelopmentSouth #Elections2020 #Electricity #FortWorthWater #EMSFirePoliceAmb #CityHall
• Note: Willow Park Civics is about Willow Park but is NOT associated with or managed by the City of Willow Park.
• *See Willow Park Civics Research for additional details.
Public Comments
From approved minutes posted with the next Council Meeting agenda.
Agenda Items
[* Willow Park Civics Source]
1. PUBLIC HEARING: Hold a Public Hearing*, Consideration and take appropriate action on the Creation of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No.2 (the “Zone”), consisting of approximately 317 acres of land generally located south of IH 20, west of FM 1187, and north of E Bankhead Highway within the extraterritorial limits of the City of Willow Park; authorizing issuance of notice; and providing a preliminary Project Plan and Finance Plan, prepared by the City’s TIRZ Administrator, pursuant to Chapter 311, Texas Tax Code*. (MuniCap) [Beall Development*] #DevelopmentSouth #Finance
• Minutes: • KJ Hannah, Willow Park • Jennifer Sloan, Municap addressed addressed the public and Council regarding the company • Mr. Grimes, City Manager, reported the purpose of the TIRZ and board • Councilmember Runnebaum included information as to the TIRZ board formation history.
• Background: [none]
• Exhibits: [Copy of Public Hearing Notice, The Community News. 17 January 2025*]
• Willow Park Civics Research:
* Beall Development Index, Willow Park Civics Blog
* 14 January 2025 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 10 January 2025 / Agenda Item 5. PUBLIC HEARING: Hold a Public Hearing, Consideration and take appropriate action on the Creation of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone* No.2 (the “Zone”), consisting of approximately 293.45 acres of land generally located south of IH 20, west of FM 1187, and north of E Bankhead Highway within the extraterritorial limits of the City of Willow Park; authorizing issuance of notice; and providing a preliminary Project Plan and Finance Plan, prepared by the City’s TIRZ Administrator, pursuant to Chapter 311, Texas Tax Code. (MuniCap) [Beall Development*] Willow Park Civics Note: Tabled.]
* Chapter 311, Texas Tax Code. (MuniCap) / Texas Constitution and Statutes > TAX CODE > TITLE 3. LOCAL TAXATION >SUBTITLE B. SPECIAL PROPERTY TAX PROVISIONS > CHAPTER 311. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING ACT
* Willow Park Public Notices for week ending Friday, 17 January 2025, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 17 January 2025
4. Consideration and take appropriate action: on the Creation of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No.2 (the “Zone”) [Beall Development*], consisting of approximately 317 acres of land generally located south of IH 20, west of FM 1187, and north of E Bankhead Highway within the extraterritorial limits of the City of Willow Park; authorizing issuance of notice; and providing a preliminary Project Plan and Finance Plan, prepared by the City’s TIRZ Administrator, pursuant to Chapter 311, Texas Tax Code*. (MuniCap) [Beall Development*] #DevelopmentSouth #Finance
• Minutes: Jennifer Sloan, Municap, provided a presentation to explain the TIRZ and its performance through intended build-out of the project.
• Background Municap*, the City’s PID and TIRZ Administrator, has prepared the Preliminary Project and Finance Plan for the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2, City of Willow Park, Texas. Chapter 311* or the Texas Tax Code requires the Preliminary Project and Finance Plan be approved by Council by City ordinance. The Preliminary Project and Finance Plan establishes the creation of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2 and provides for the City of Willow Park to participate with sixty-five (65%) of the City’s M&O and fifty (50%) of the City’s I&S tax increments generated by the ad valorem taxes of the City of Willow Park.
• Willow Park Civics Research:
* Beall Development Index, Willow Park Civics Blog
* Chapter 311, Texas Tax Code. (MuniCap) / Texas Constitution and Statutes > TAX CODE > TITLE 3. LOCAL TAXATION >SUBTITLE B. SPECIAL PROPERTY TAX PROVISIONS > CHAPTER 311. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING ACT
* Willow Park Public Notices for week ending Friday, 17 January 2025, Willow Park Civics
• Exhibits:
• [ORDINANCE NO. 916-25]
WHEREAS, the Act provides that the governing body of a municipality by ordinance may designate a geographic area that is in the extraterritorial limits of the municipality to be a reinvestment zone if the governing body determines that development or redevelopment would not occur solely through private investment in the reasonably foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, the Willow Park City Council (the “City Council”) desires to promote the development of a certain geographic area in the extraterritorial limits of the City, which is more specifically described in Exhibits “A” and “B” of this Ordinance (the “Zone”), through the creation of a reinvestment zone as authorized by and in accordance with the Act, codified at Chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code;
WHEREAS, pursuant to and as required by the Act, the City has prepared a Preliminary Project and Financing Plan for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2, City of Willow Park, Texas as attached as Exhibit C (hereinafter referred to as the “Preliminary Project and Finance Plan”) for a proposed tax increment reinvestment zone containing the real property within the Zone; and
WHEREAS, the percentage of the property in the proposed zone, excluding property that is public owned, that is used for residential purposes is less than thirty percent; and
• Section 1. RECITALS INCORPORATED.
• Section 2. FINDINGS
(e) That the total appraised value of all taxable real property in the proposed reinvestment zone, according to the most recent appraisal rolls of the City, together with the total appraised value of taxable real property in all other existing reinvestment zones within the City, according to the most recent appraisal rolls of the City, does not exceed 50 percent of the current total appraised value of taxable real property in the City and in the industrial districts created by the City, if any;
(f) That the improvements in the proposed reinvestment zone will significantly enhance the value of all taxable real property in the proposed reinvestment zone and will be of general benefit to the City or County; and
(g) That the development or redevelopment of the property in the proposed reinvestment zone will not occur solely through private investment in the reasonable foreseeable future;
• Section 3. DESIGNATION AND NAME OF THE ZONE
• Section 4. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. That a board of directors for the Zone (“Board”) is hereby created. The Board shall consist of six (6) members comprised of City Council members from Places 1 through 5 and the Mayor. The Mayor shall serve as chairman of the Board and the Board may elect a vice chairman and such other officers as the Board sees fit.
• Section 5. DURTATION OF THE ZONE
• Section 6. TAX INCREMENT BASE AND TAX INCREMENT.
• Section 7. TAX INCREMENT FUND. That there is hereby created and established a fund (the “TIF Fund”) for the Zone which may be divided into such subaccounts... the TIF Fund pursuant to the Act, are to be deposited.
• Section 8. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE.
• Section 9. OPEN MEETING.
• Section 10. EFFECTIVE DATE.
• Exhibit A: Legal Description
• Exhibit B: Map
• Exhibit C: Preliminary Project and Finance Plan
1. INTRODUCTION [ 2 charts exhibits]
2. ASSESSMENT AND TAX COLLECTION PROCEDURES
3. PROJECT PLAN
4. FINANCING PLAN 4.1. ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS
The total project costs of the Zone (the "Project Costs") include the Administrative Costs defined below, the costs of the initial Public Improvements (as defined herein), certain economic development grants to incentivize development within the Zone as set forth herein (the, “Economic Development Grants”) as well as related interest expense are estimated to be approximately $83,562,587, as set forth in Exhibit F.
5. ASSUMPTION AND LIMITATIONS
6. LIST OF EXHIBITS
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5. Discussion & Action: to adopt a revised ordinance ordering the May 3, 2025 General Election* with updated polling location. #Elections2020
• Minutes: KJ Hannah spoke to ask for clarification with regard to election information, to which Mr. Grimes responded.
• Background: Per state law (Section 3.004 of the Texas Election Code*) the city is required to order the general election of the political subdivision. This year the city will order the general election for Mayor, and City Council Places 1 and 2. The 2025 General Election will be held May 3, 2025. This original ordinance was presented to City Council and approved on January 14, 2025, but amended here to designate the polling location of the Willow Park Public Safety Building, 101 Stagecoach Trail, Willow Park.
• Exhibits: • Amended Ordinance No. 915-25-A [Not attached.]
* Willow Park Civics Research:
* 14 January 2025 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 10 January 2025 / Agenda Item 8. Discussion/Action: to adopt an ordinance ordering the May 3, 2025 General Election
• Background: Per state law (Section 3.004 of the Texas Election Code) the city is required to order the general election of the political subdivision. This year the city will order the general election for Mayor, and City Council Places 1 and 2. The 2025 General Election will be held May 3, 2025. Candidate packets are available on the city’s website.
• Exhibits: City Of Willow Park Ordinance No. 915-25 [Excerpts]
SECTION 2. DATE OF ELECTION It is hereby ordered that an election for certain municipal officers shall be held in and throughout the City of Willow Park, Texas on MAY 3, 2025.
SECTION 3. PURPOSE OF ELECTION The purpose of the election is to provide for the general election of city officers, specifically: the Mayor, Councilmember Place No. 1, and Councilmember Place No. 2. The term for the Mayor, Councilmember Place No. 1 and Councilmember Place No. 2 are for a term of two years, ending May 2027.
SECTION 4. POLLING PLACE The polling location for election day shall be the City of Willow Park City Hall located at 120 El Chico Trail, Suite A, Willow Park, Texas. In accordance with §41.03l(b) TEX. ELECTION CODE* , said polling place shall be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the date of election..
SECTION 5. ELECTION JUDGES
SECTION 6. EARLY VOTING CLERK
SECTION 7. PUBLICATION AND POSTING OF NOTICE
SECTION 8. EARLY VOTING Early voting by personal appearance shall commence on April 22, 2025 and shall continue Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. April 23, 2025 to April 29, 2025; and from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm on April 22 & 28, 2025; at a location to be determined by the City and the Early Voting Clerk. Extended hours for early voting shall be determined by the Early Voting Clerk and the City.
Applications for voting by mail shall be delivered to the Early Voting Clerk at the same address not later than the close-of-business on April 22, 2025. The Early Voting Clerk's address to which ballots voted by mail may be sent is: Jenise Miller Early Voting Clerk 1112 Santa Fe Drive Weatherford, TX 76086
SECTION 9. NECESSARY ACTIONS
SECTION 10. SEVERABILITY
SECTION 11. EFFECTIVE DATE
* Texas Constitution and Statutes > Election Code > Title 1. Introductory Provisions > Chapter 3. Ordering Election
* Texas Constitution and Statutes > ELECTION CODE > TITLE 4. TIME AND PLACE OF ELECTIONS > CHAPTER 41. ELECTION DATES AND HOURS FOR VOTING > SUBCHAPTER A. ELECTION DATES
6. Discussion & Action: to authorize a change in signatories for certificate of deposits at Texas First Bank. #Finance
• Background: The City of Willow Park has one certificate of deposit at Texas First Bank and has designated Candy Scott at the “Authorized Signatory” for all accounts. With Candy’s retirement, staff recommends adding Bryan Grimes and Andi Saylor as “Authorized Signatories.”
• Exhibits: • A Resolution of The City Of Willow Park, Texas Resolution No. 2025-02 A Resolution Removing and Adding Persons As The Authorized Signatories For All Accounts With Texas First Bank
7. Discussion & Action: to adopt a resolution approving the 2025 Steering Committee Membership Assessment for cities served by Oncor. #Electricity
• Minutes: Attorney Chesser provided background information and recommended continued participation.
• Background:
The City of Willow Park is a member of a 169-member city coalition known as the Steering Committee of Cities Served by Oncor* (Steering Committee). The resolution approves the assessment of an eleven cent ($0.11) per capita* fee to fund the activities of the Steering Committee.
The Steering Committee undertakes activities on behalf of municipalities for which it needs funding support from its members. Municipalities have original jurisdiction over the electric distribution rates and services within the city. The Steering Committee has been in existence since the late 1980s. It took on a formal structure in the early 1990s. Empowered by city resolutions and funded by per capita assessments, the Steering Committee has been the primary public interest advocate before the Public Utility Commission, ERCOT, the courts, and the Legislature on electric utility regulation matters for over three decades.
The Steering Committee is actively involved in rate cases, appeals, rulemakings, and legislative efforts impacting the rates charged by Oncor Electric Delivery Company, LLC within the City. Steering Committee representation is also strong at ERCOT. It is possible that additional efforts will be necessary on new issues that arise during the year, and it is important that the Steering Committee be able to fund its participation on behalf of its member cities. A per capita assessment has historically been used and is a fair method for the members to bear the burdens associated with the benefits received from that membership.
• Exhibits: Resolution [RESOLUTION NO. 2025-03]
II. The City is further authorized to pay its assessment to the Steering Committee of eleven cents ($0.11) per capita based on the population figures for the City shown in the latest TML Directory of City Officials.*
[Willow Park Civics calculation: $0.11 per capita X 6,630 population figures for the City shown in the latest TML Directory of City Officials = $729.30]
• Willow Park Civics Research:
One of the state’s most important municipal coalitions in electric utility ratemaking is the Steering Committee of Cities Served by Oncor, an organization of more than 140 Texas cities with residents served by the Oncor transmission and distribution utility.
* Texas Municipal League > City Officials Directory > Search for Willow Park > population 6,630
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• 24 Jan. 2023 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 23 January 2023
• Agenda Item 10. Discussion/Action: to adopt a resolution approving the 2023 Steering Committee Membership Assessment for cities served by Oncor.
• BACKGROUND: The City of Willow Park is a member of a 171-member city coalition known as the Steering Committee of Cities Served by Oncor [website] (Steering Committee). The resolution approves the assessment of a ten cent ($0.10) per capita fee to fund the activities of the Steering Committee.
• Why this Resolution is Necessary. The Steering Committee undertakes activities on behalf of municipalities for which it needs funding support from its members. Municipalities have original jurisdiction over the electric distribution rates and services within the city. The Steering Committee has been in existence since the late 1980s. It took on a formal structure in the early 1990s. Empowered by city resolutions and funded by per capita assessments, the Steering Committee has been the primary public interest advocate before the Public Utility Commission, ERCOT, the courts, and the Legislature on electric utility regulation matters for over three decades.
• Explanation of “Be It Resolved” Paragraphs I. The City is currently a member of the Steering Committee; this paragraph authorizes the continuation of the City’s membership. / II. This paragraph authorizes payment of the City’s assessment to the Steering Committee in the amount of ten cents ($0.10) per capita, based on the population figure for the City as shown in the latest TML Directory of City Officials.
• 25 October 2022 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 23 October 2022
Agenda Item 2. Discussion/Action: consider approval of a resolution denying Oncor’s requested electric rate increase. #Electricity
• Background: Oncor Electric Delivery Company ("Oncor" or "the Company") filed an application... seeking to increase system-wide transmission and distribution rates... The Company asked the City to approve an 11.2% increase in residential rates and a 1.6% increase in street lighting rates. If approved, a residential customer using 1,300 kWh per month would see a bill increase of about $6.02 per month... This time period has permitted the City, through its participation with the Steering Committee of Cities Served by Oncor (“Steering Committee”), to determine that the proposed rate increase is unreasonable. Consistent with the recommendations of the experts engaged by the Steering Committee, Oncor’s request for a rate increase should be denied. Passage of the attached resolution will deny Oncor’s rate increase request.
• Exhibits: Resolution
• 14 June 2022 Council Meeting,Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 23 January 2022
• Agenda Item 5. Discussion/Action: to adopt a resolution of the City of Willow Park suspending the June 17, 2022 effective date of Oncor Electric delivery company’s requested rate change to permit the city time to study the request and to establish reasonable rates; approving cooperation with the steering committee of cities served by Oncor to hire legal and consulting services and to negotiate with the company and direct any necessary litigation and appeals; finding that the meeting at which this resolution is passed is open to the public as required by law; requiring notice of this resolution to the company and legal counsel for the steering committee.
• Background: Oncor Electric Delivery Company ("Oncor" or "the Company") filed an application on or about May 13, 2022 with cities retaining original jurisdiction seeking to increase system-wide transmission and distribution rates by about $251 million or approximately 4.5% over present revenues. The Company asks the City to approve an 11.2% increase in residential rates and a 1.6% increase in street lighting rates. If approved, a residential customer using 1,300 kWh per month would see a bill increase of about $6.02 per month. The City of Willow Park is a member of a 169-city coalition known as the Steering Committee of Cities Served by Oncor ("Steering Committee").
• 23 March 2021 Council Meeting Agenda
• 3. Discussion/ Action: To consider and act on a resolution authorizing continued participation with the steering committee of cities served by Oncor.
• 17 April 2018 Council Meeting Agenda
• 10. Discussion/ Action: To consider and take action on Resolution 07 2018, Oncor Electric Delivery Co rate increase
• 08 August 2017 Council Meeting Agenda
• 11. Discussion/Action: To discuss and consider approving Resolution No. 10-17, a resolution to deny the rate application and consolidation proposed by Oncor.
• 11 April 2017 Council Meeting Agenda
• 15. Discussion/Action: To consider and approve Oncor Rate Increase Resolution No. 04-17, a Resolution suspending the requested rate change. (Scott Wall)
• ONCOR > Tariffs And Rate Schedules
8. Discussion & Action: to authorize Staff to post employment position for Police Chief. #EMSFirePoliceAmb
• Willow Park Civics Research
• Willow Park Police Chief Franklin resigns, Interim Police Chief Hamilton sworn. Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 24 January 2025
• 23 January 2025 Special Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 20 January, 2025,
• Executive Session • Agenda Item 1. Resignation of Chief of Police; Separation Agreement with the Chief of Police; and • Agenda Item 2 Appointment of Interim Chief of Police.
• Reconvene into Open Session and consider action, if any, on the item discussed in Executive Session. • Agenda Item 2. Discussion & Action: The City Council may accept the resignation of the Chief of Police and approve a Separation Agreement with the Chief of Police [Franklin] • Agenda Item 3. Discussion & Action: The City Council may appoint an interim Chief of Police.
• 14 January 2025 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 10 January 2024 / Executive Session Agenda Item 17. Section 551.074 - Personnel Matters; Police Chief Review
• Welcome Police Chief Franklin -- again. Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 14 June 2023
• Willow Park Police Department Facebook, posted 02 August 2023
• Willow Park Police Department Facebook, posted 02 March 2022
• Willow Park Police Department Facebook, posted 30 June 2023
• Willow Park Police Chief resigns. Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 01 March 2023
Reports
[None on Agenda]
Informational
• Minutes: Mr. Grimes, City Manager, announced the exciting collaboration with Aledo ISD's Architecture II class to design the Kings Gate Park restrooms. And, he requested that the Council begin thinking about the March 11 Council Meeting, which is during Spring Break, to determine if the meeting will have a quorum.
Executive Session
9. Section 551.071 - Consultation with Attorney; City of Willow Park v. Halff & Associates. #FortWorthWater
• Willow Park Civics Research:
• Index, Lawsuit concerning El Chico Water System. City vs Halff, Willow Park Civics Blog
10. Section 551.074 – Personnel Matters: City Council may interview candidates for City Secretary Position; application review, discussion, and consideration of candidates
• Willow Park Civics Research:
• 14 January 2025 Council Meeting, Agenda Item 15. Section 551.074 – Personnel Matters: City Council may interview candidates for City Secretary Position; application review, discussion, and consideration of candidates
• 10 December 2024 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, Agenda Item 8. Section 551.074 – Personnel Matters: City Council may interview candidates for City Secretary Position; application review, discussion, and consideration of candidates
• 26 November 2024 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 22 November 2024, Agenda Item 10. City Secretary Position application review, discussion, and consideration.
• 22 October 2024 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 08 November 2024
• "Dozier resigning as city secretary," Article by The Community News, 29 October 2024, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 08 November 2024
11. Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney); 551.072 (Deliberation Regarding Real Property) - 120 El Chico Trail Lease Agreements #CityHall
• Willow Park Civics Research:
• Willow Park City Hall Index, Willow Park Civics Blog
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