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Home My WebLink AboutCC 2026-02-23 Minutes MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS HELD IN THE CITY HALL 4301 CITY POINT DRIVE FEBRUARY 23, 2026 WORK SESSION The City Council of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met in work session on the 23rd day of February at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Workroom prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular City Council meeting. Present: Jack McCarty Mayor Cecille Delaney Place 1 Brianne Goetz Place 2 Danny Roberts Place 3 Matt Blake Place 4 Billy Parks Place 5 Russ Mitchell Place 6 Kelvin Deupree Mayor Pro Tern, Place 7 Staff Members: Paulette Hartman City Manager Trudy Lewis Assistant City Manager Caroline Waggoner Assistant City Manager Alicia Richardson City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer Bradley A. Anderle City Attorney CALL TO ORDER Mayor McCarty called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 1. DISCUSS ITEMS FROM REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. City Council had no questions for staff. 2. UPDATE FROM THE AD-HOC COUNCIL COMMITTEE REGARDING PROPOSED ETHICS ORDINANCE. Ad-Hoc Council Committee members Cecille Delaney, Danny Roberts, and Russ Mitchell provided an overview of the proposed ethics ordinance and rules of procedure. The City Council and staff discussed applicability of the ordinance; standards of conduct; City Council code of conduct; complaint process; enforcement; acknowledgement of receiving a copy of the ordinance and annual training; updating and addition of definitions for clarity; formatting suggestions; Texas Open Meetings Act; outcome of an February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 8 elected or appointed official refusing to provide a signed acknowledgement; false and anonymous complaints; review of complaints; review definitions and use of language for mayor, council, and city council for consistency; right of floor and opportunity for persons to speak twice to the same subject; removing adjourn meeting from privileged motions to reflect current practice; and to verify the ordinance does not conflict with the City Charter. City Attorney Bradley Anderle explained that the attendance of the City Council at conference hospitality events is not a violation, as it does not fall under the category of a personal and direct gift. Invitations to attend hospitality events are sent to municipalities across the state. He recommended language to update the creation of meeting agendas (section 2-64a) to reflect current practice and suggested language regarding decorum (section 2-67(10)). City Council directed the committee to update the ethics ordinance and Rules of Procedure as discussed. 3. DISCUSS CREATING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS PROGRAM City Manager Paulette Hartman provided City Council with an overview for a new program that benefits the City of North Richland Hills. The Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs Program would coordinate, advocate and advance local decisions necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents; ensure the City's ability to function effectively and govern local affairs; engage the community to advocate for decisions that serve the best interests of our citizens; and maintain local control and protect local quality of life. The program's strategic purpose ensures the City's interests are protected through intergovernmental relationships and civic engagement; structure to advance issues that are in the best interest of North Richland Hills citizens; and advocacy to enhance North Richland Hills ability to govern its own affairs in the best interest of residents and quality of life. The program's focus areas are utilities, elected officials, and citizen engagement. The program would include an Intergovernmental & Legislative Council Subcommittee, Legislative Task Force, Legislative Ambassadors, and staff committee. The Council Subcommittee and Legislative Task Force would meet at least once a month between June and October. The consensus of the City Council was to move forward with the program. Staff will present an item at the last City Council meeting in March. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM(S) February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8 Council member Parks requested an item be placed on a future work session to revisit potential term limits for board, commission, and committee members. There being no opposition, an item will be placed on a future agenda. CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Paulette Hartman informed City Council the first town hall meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 and will be held at City Hall in the Community Room located on the first floor. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. SECTION 551.087: DELIBERATION REGARDING COMMERCIAL OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION THAT THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY HAS RECEIVED FROM A BUSINESS PROSPECT THAT THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY SEEKS TO HAVE LOCATE, STAY, OR EXPAND IN OR NEAR THE TERRITORY OF THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY AND WITH WHICH THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY IS CONDUCTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OR. DELIBERATION OF THE OFFER OF A FINANCIAL OR OTHER INCENTIVE TO SUCH A BUSINESS PROSPECT - (1) 6504, 6508, 6512 SMITHFIELD ROAD AND 6717 CENTER STREET; (2) NORTHEAST CORNER OF BOULEVARD 26 & HARWOOD ROAD; AND (3) EZ STREETS EMPOWERMENT ZONE. 2. SECTION 551.071: CONSULTATION WITH CITY ATTORNEY TO SEEK ADVICE ABOUT PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION OR ON A MATTER IN WHICH THE DUTY OF THE ATTORNEY TO THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY UNDER THE TEXAS DISCIPLINARY RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF THE STATE BAR OF TEXAS CLEARLY CONFLICTS WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT - (1) JESSIE GOODFELLOW V. CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, ET AL, CAUSE NO. 352-366545-25; AND (2) TRAVIS SCOTT GRAY V. CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, ET AL, CIVIL ACTION NO. 4-25CV1276-09. Mayor McCarty announced at 6:53 p.m. that the City Council would adjourn into Executive Session as authorized by Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, specifically, Section 551.087: Deliberation regarding commercial or financial information that the governmental body has received from a business prospect that the governmental body seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the governmental body and with which the governmental body is conducting economic development or deliberation of the offer of a financial or other incentive to such a business prospect - (1) 6504, 6508, 6512 Smithfield Road and 6717 Center Street; (2) Northeast Corner of Boulevard 26 & Harwood Road; and (3) EZ Streets Empowerment Zone, and Section February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 8 551.071: Consultation with City Attorney to seek advice about pending or contemplated litigation or on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with the Open Meetings Act - (1) Jessie Goodfellow v. City of North Richland Hills, et al, Cause No. 352-366545-25; and (2) Travis Scott Gray v. City of North Richland Hills, et al, Civil Action No. 4-25CV1276-09. Executive Session began at 6:57 p.m. and concluded at 7:40 p.m. Mayor McCarty announced at 7:40 p.m. that City Council would convene to the regular City Council meeting. REGULAR MEETING A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor McCarty called the meeting to order February 23, 2026 at 7:46 p.m. Present: Jack McCarty Mayor Cecille Delaney Place 1 Brianne Goetz Place 2 Danny Roberts Place 3 Matt Blake Place 4 Billy Parks Place 5 Russ Mitchell Place 6 Kelvin Deupree Mayor Pro Tern, Place 7 Staff Members: Paulette Hartman City Manager Alicia Richardson City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer Bradley A. Anderle City Attorney A.1 INVOCATION Council member Parks gave the invocation. A.2 PLEDGE Council member Parks led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags. A.3 SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S)AND RECOGNITION(S) There were no items for this category. A.4 PUBLIC COMMENTS February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 8 There were no requests to speak from the public. A.5 REMOVAL OF ITEM(S) FROM CONSENT AGENDA No items were removed from the consent agenda. B. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER GOETZ, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM DEUPREE TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. B.1 APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. B.2 AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH GROVES ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE OSRAM ENCELIUM WIRELESS LIGHTING CONTROL NETWORK, AS WELL AS LIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM SOFTWARE TO POLARIS 3D USER INTERFACE AT THE NRH CENTRE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $251,950 THROUGH BUYBOARD CONTRACT NO. 733-24. B.3 AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH CHAMBERLIN DALLAS LLC DBA CHAMBERLIN ROOFING AND WATERPROOFING FOR CITY HALL WARRANTY AND WATERPROOFING SYSTEM AT CITY HALL IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $178,682. C. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no items for this category. D. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT There were no items for this category. E. PUBLIC WORKS There were no items for this category. F. CITIZENS PRESENTATION There were no requests to address the City Council. February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8 G. GENERAL ITEMS G.1 RECEIVE THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 AUDITED ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT AND FISCAL YEAR 2025 SINGLE AUDIT. APPROVED Assistant City Manager Trudy Lewis introduced Rachel Ormsby with Forviz Mazars who presented the scope and results of the audit for Fiscal Year 2025. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER PARKS, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BLAKE TO ACCEPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 AUDITED ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT AND FISCAL YEAR 2025 SINGLE AUDIT. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. G.2 CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 2026-017, APPOINTING A MEMBER TO THE ANIMAL ADOPTION AND RESCUE CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE, PLACE 1 AND PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, PLACE 3. APPROVED City Council received a presentation from City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer Alicia Richardson. Staff recommends the appointment of Dr. Sarah Quigley-Buckley to Place 1 (Licensed Veterinarian) on the Animal Adoption and Rescue Center Advisory Committee, term ending June 30, 2027. Ms. Richardson informed City Council that a vacancy exists for the Park and Recreation Facilities Development Corporation, Place 3. The position was formerly held by Ricky Rodriguez. The consensus of City Council is to appoint Council member Roberts to fulfill the vacancy, term ending June 30, 2027. A MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM DEUPREE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GOETZ TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO.2026-017,AS PRESENTED. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. G.3 CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 2026-018, APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SENIOR AFFAIRS. February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8 APPROVED City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer Alicia Richardson presented the nominees for appointment to the Advisory Committee on Senior Affairs. Kathryn Rotter, Place 1, term expiring June 30, 2027 Carole Cross, Place 2, term expiring June 30, 2029 Jo Ann Johnson, Place 3, term expiring June 30, 2027 Suzy Compton, Place 4, term expiring June 30, 2029 David Wissore, Place 5, term expiring June 30, 2027 Charles Scoma, Place 6, term expiring June 30, 2029 Valencia Alexander, Place 7, term expiring June 30, 2027 Kelvin Deupree, City Council Liaison, term expiring June 30, 2029 City Manager or designee, term expiring June 30, 2029 Julie Adkins, NRH Senior Center Manager, term expiring June 30, 2029 The city anticipates receiving names of representatives from the four non-profit organizations (Community Enrichment Center Senior Network, Northeast Transportation Services, Serving Our Seniors, and Social Transportation for Seniors) who will serve in the ex-officio positions of the committee with terms expiring June 30, 2029. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER BLAKE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER DELANEY TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-018,AS PRESENTED. MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0. H. EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS - CITY COUNCIL MAY TAKE ACTION ON ANY ITEM DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION LISTED ON WORK SESSION AGENDA There was no action necessary as a result of the executive session. I. INFORMATION AND REPORTS 1.1 ANNOUNCEMENTS Council member Mitchell made the following announcements. Early voting for the March 3rd Primaries continues daily through Friday, February 27. You can vote early at NRH City Hall, the Northeast Tarrant Courthouse or any other Tarrant County polling location. Visit the Tarrant County Elections website for your sample ballot and additional information February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8 Join NRH Parks & Recreation the first Saturday of the month at different park locations for Play Today NRH. On Saturday, March 7 they will be at Linda Spurlock Park with games and activities from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. All ages and abilities are welcome. Kudos Korner - Cody Payne in Building Inspections - We received an email from a local realtor stating that Cody went above and beyond in facilitating an inspection and helping them get power turned on to a vacant suite before the recent winter storm arrived. Cody's responsiveness and commitment to service reflect the high standards we strive for in North Richland Hills. Thank you, Cody. Keep up the great work! J. ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCarty adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Jack McCa Mayor ATTEST: - �gff9�d® Ittlfr ° G Alicia Richardson ‘gt,s. n City Secretary/Chief Govei appe.Office February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8