Compton praised the utility and street departments for their efforts during the recent winter weather.
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Council approved the minutes of the December 9, 2024 regular meeting.
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Council accepted the financial report for the month ending December 31, 2024. Sarah Osburn, Director of Administrative Services, noted that sales tax was up 6.5% overall for the fiscal year, which is close to the 7% budgeted. She also reminded the council that property tax payments will come in January.
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No one came forward during the Citizens Opportunity to Speak.
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Public hearing was held and the council approved an ordinance amending the City’s Zoning Map Ordinance and changing the zoning of certain property located on the south side of 12th Street, 2,300± west of State Highway 121, consisting of 360.6± acres (Property ID#’s 75901, 72402, 76620, AND 76627). Ross Altobelli, Director of Community Development stated that this would be a mixed use development and reviewed details about the plans.
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Public hearing was held and council approved an ordinance amending Article 2 (Zoning Districts Established) and Article 11 (Special Uses) within Exhibit 14A (Zoning Ordinance) of the Bonham Code of Ordinances. Altobelli explained the changes related to new residential developments, donation bins, outdoor store merchandise displays and outdoor storage. He noted that the proposed changes were recommended by P&Z and were designed to protect the health, safety and general welfare of citizens, protect property values and improve community appearance.
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Public hearing was held and council approved an ordinance amending Article 8 (Use of Land and Buildings) within Exhibit 14A (Zoning Ordinance) of the Bonham Code of Ordinances. Altobelli reviewed the site design requirements and new screening and fencing requirements, which will apply only to new construction. Again, he noted that P&Z was recommending the changes which were intended to protect the health, safety and general welfare of citizens, protect property values and generally improve appearance in the city.
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Public hearing was held and council approved an ordinance amending Appendix 1 (Accessory & Incidental Uses). Appendix 2 (Definitions Associated with Schedule of Uses), Appendix 3-2 (Single-Family Dwelling, Attached Area, Setback, and Height Regulations) and Appendix 3-4 (Multifamily Dwelling and Townhouse Area, Setback, and Height Regulations) within Exhibit 14A (Zoning Ordinance) of the Bonham Code of Ordinances. Altobelli explained that some new definitions were added and modifications were being proposed to existing ordinances. P&Z recommended approval.
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Council approved a Resolution approving final payment to Canary Construction and project close out with the Texas Water Development Board for Bonham Collection System Improvements Project (TWDB CWSRF Contract No. 73808). City Manager Sean Pate explained that this approval of final payment was recommend by the staff and that the project was completed.
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Council approved a Resolution to adopt a concurrent Ordinance under Subtitle C, Chapter 572 of the Texas Local Government Code, changing the public entities that participate in the Fannin County Water Supply Agency and appointing an individual and alternate to serve on the board of directors. Pate discussed the efforts of Fannin County Commissioner Doug Kopf who is trying to plan for water for the county. Pate noted that the city is cooperative and supportive of this effort. The city selected Lance Capehart to be the city representative on this board and TJ Davis as the alternate.
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Council selected a lease applicant and approved lease terms for Hangar #100 at Jones Field Airport. Osburn reported that the hanger was advertised and there was only one application.
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Council discussed the possible creation of a Charter Review Committee. Pate stated that there was no time table for this item. Pate said it was part of the city’s due diligence to review the charter periodically. He noted that the charter is posted online on the city website. Bonham’s city charter was last reviewed 10 years ago.
Pate noted that an appointed committee could review and suggest no changes, or recommend some changes and additions. Depending on what changes could be proposed, there could be a need for a ballot for citizens to approve. Pate also pointed out that with the growth in the city, the wards are going to have to shift to keep equal.
Compton recommended that the council discuss this again next month and appoint representatives at that time. Council member John Burnett stated he thought two council members, some staff and some citizens be appointed to the committee.
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Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
