* * * * *

Council approved the minutes of the March 9 regular meeting and March 26 special meeting.

* * * * *

Council approved the financial report for the month ending March 31, 2026. Sarah Osburn said the tax rate is trending at 4.5%, which is more than the amount included in the budget.

* * * * *

Citizens Opportunity to Speak

Tony Rodriguez spoke passionately about the city violating constitutional rights by not allowing citizens to carry firearms in city hall.

* * * * *

Katrina Slocum was named the Employee of the Quarter. Osburn said Slocum was unable to attend the meeting due to having a new grandbaby arriving. Slocum works in utility billing and was instrumental in helping with the recent conversion process. Osburn described her as number one in customer service and someone that is a friendly, familiar face in the city’s front office.

* * * * *

Council approved a Resolution Directing Publication of Notice of Intention to Issue $4,335,000 in Combination Tax and Surplus Revenue Certificates of Obligation to Provide Funds for Water System Improvements; and Resolving other Matters Relating to the Subject. Financial advisor for the city spoke. He noted that this would be a loan and grant, as 70% would qualify for loan forgiveness. The advisor also said that today was the first step of the process and that they would not be locking in rates just yet. He said that the city has done this process before and there is an ability to pay it off early. City manager Sean Pate said that this will help city continue to upgrade its water system and add a second main water line into the city. Pate said this was part of city’s master plan and will give the city additional money to continue this water improvement project.

* * * * *

Council approved an RFQ for management of the fields at the Larry Shockley Sports Complex for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026. Osburn noted that the city ultimately wants to serve the students of Bonham ISD with these ballfields and with a new parks and rec director in place, they wanted to firm up the process for partnering with an organization to maintain and operate the fields. She noted that this process will be similar to what other cities do. With this approval, the city will put out a call for proposals in July, make a choice in August and get the partner operational by the start of the next fiscal year for the city in October.

* * * * *

Council approved a facilities assessment study. Osburn requested to complete a comprehensive assessment of current facilities and make plans for growth. She said she will come back in future with specific contract for this work, with more specifics. Pate described this as a report card for existing city buildings and a vision plan for the future. He noted that some city buildings are not being utilized for their highest and best use and this report will help guide city staff and council to make better decisions with the city’s facilities.

* * * * *

Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance codifying prior Police Department Regulations into the Code of Ordinances by amending Chapter 1 “General Provisions” to add Article 1.10 titled “Police”. Chief Hawkes explained it’s a formality as the police department is currently applying for best practices accreditation with Texas Police Chiefs Association and this will also help with TCOLE processes.

* * * * *

Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance designating a geographic area that is within the corporate limits of the City as a reinvestment zone, to be known as Reinvestment Zone Number Three, City of Bonham; describing the boundaries for the Zone; creating a Board of Directors for the Zone and appointing Directors to the Board; establishing a Tax Increment Fund for the Zone; containing findings related to the creation of the Zone; providing for a date of termination for the Zone; providing that the Zone take effect immediately upon the passage of the Ordinance.

The third tax reinvestment zone for the city will focus on downtown and giving funds to invest in infrastructure. Some allowable expenses from this fund will include landscaping, parking, sidewalks, utilities, roadway improvements, signage and wayfinding. Pate pointed out that this will give the city the opportunity to clean up along Highway 56 and the older industrial areas south of downtown. He also noted that this is the same funding mechanisms used in Denison, McKinney and Sulphur Springs to improve their downtown areas. Pate cautioned that this development effort will take time. Allen Sanderson was in the audience and asked about the board makeup. Pate said that is to be determined but will likely include representatives from the city and county who are interested, invested parties.

* * * * *

Council adopted a Resolution approving a Development Agreement with MMMS Bonham SF, LLC for a 107-acre development. Pate said this included Legacy Ridge golf course plus land around it. The development will include more than 400 single family homes, a Public Improvement District, a tax reinvestment zone and a homeowners association. Pate said this is a solid developer who is easy to deal with and expressed excitement in having this investor here in Bonham. Pate said this will be a good quality development for Bonham.

* * * * *

Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance for a Specific Use Permit for an Arcade on 0.1± acre located on the south side of State Highway 56 (W. Sam Rayburn Drive), 120± feet west of State Highway 78 (N. Center Street). Zoned Central Business District (CBD) within the Heritage Corridor District (Overlay) (HC). Property ID# 93696. Case 2026-001. Ross Altobelli spoke and said that this new arcade place will go in a vacant building on South side of square and city staff thinks this will be an appropriate use for this space. The arcade will target families and kids. The business owner answered a question from the audience about what hours the facility will be open. The owner said the hours will vary throughout the year and will generally be when school will not be in session.

* * * * *

Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance to rezone 0.2± acre from Single-Family Residential Dwelling District (R) to Local Business District (LB) for a parcel of land located on the west side of N. Center Street, 81± feet south of E. 10th Street. Property ID# 93496. Case 2026-002. Altobelli said this property is currently in a commercial corridor, so the request is in harmony with neighboring properties. P&Z unanimously approved it.

* * * * *

Council was going to consider a Resolution to approve a Service Plan Agreement for municipal services for 5.8± acres in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), located on the north side of State Highway 56, 590± feet west of Spur 311. Property ID# 132527. Altobelli informed the council that the applicant withdrew their request because they are looking at looking at utilities in the area and need to figure out those before proceeding with their development plans. Altobelli also said the next three agenda items were related to this same development and therefore would also be withdrawn.

* * * * *

Council did not hold a public hearing and did not consider an Ordinance annexing 5.8± acres located on the north side of State Highway 56, 590± feet west of Spur 311. Property ID# 132527. Tabled January 12, 2026 & March 9, 2026.

* * * * *

Council did not hold a public hearing and did not consider an Ordinance to establish a Planned Development District (PD) with General Business District (B) as the base zoning district on one lot on 5.8± acres located on the north side of State Highway 56, 590± feet west of Spur 311.Property ID# 132527. Case 2025-016. Tabled January 12, 2026 & March 9, 2026.

* * * * *

Council did not consider a Resolution to approve a Concept Plan, Tiny Homes Addition, Block A, Lot 1. Property ID# 132527.

* * * * *

Meeting adjourned at 6:21 p.m.