HomeMy WebLinkAboutCPA 2026-01-20 Minutes CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
2025 CAPITAL PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 20, 6:00 PM
TRAINING ROOM, 7200 A DICK FISHER DRIVE SOUTH
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS PUBLIC WORKS SERVICE CENTER
The 2025 Capital Program Advisory Committee met on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at
6:00 pm in the Training Room at the North Richland Hills Public Works Service Center.
The following members were present: Chair Tito Rodriguez, Jane Birkes, Suzy Compton,
Darlisa Diltz, Brianne Goetz, Patti Hourihan, Elouise Kennedy, Mike Kerby, Dave
Lambson, David Newhouse, Kyle Pekurney, Adam Pope, Steve Tate, Joe Tolbert, Gary
Vieregger, Justin Welborn, Mark Wood
The following member(s) were absent: Vice Chair, Richard Davis, Mona Bailey, Rodney
Glenn, Miles Maze, Julia Miller, Sean Nutt, Ann Perchard, Brad Pipes, Jason Roberts,
John Schleeter, Marc Trevino, Bill Witsett
Staff present at the meeting were: Paulette Hartman, City Manager, Caroline Waggoner,
Assistant City Manager, Boe Blankenship, Director of Public Works, Mary Peters, Director
of Communications, Kenneth Garvin, Operations Manager, Dakota Ford, Digital Content
Producer, Sierra Clark, Video Production Intern, Jennipher Castellanos, Manager of
Strategic Initiatives, Justin Dean, Senior Construction Inspector
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Tito Rodriguez at 6:06 p.m.
II.
APPROVE MINUTES FROM JANUARY 6, 2026, MEETING
A motion was made by Committee Member, Gary Vieregger seconded by Committee
Member Joe Tolbert to approve the minutes of January 6, 2026, Capital Program Advisory
Committee (CPAC) Meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
III.
REVIEW AND ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE STREET
CLASSIFICATIONS, CONDITION RATINGS, AND THE PROPOSED ELIGIBILITY
AND SELECT PROCESS FOR 2026.
Assistant City Manager Caroline Waggoner stated that the purpose of the meeting was
to gather committee feedback on potential street projects previously reviewed. Committee
members were asked to identify any streets not included on the list that should be
considered or any streets requiring further review.
A question was raised regarding the start date for Chapman Street construction. Ms.
Waggoner confirmed that construction is expected to begin in the fall.
No concerns were expressed by the committee regarding the presented methodology or
the provided street list.
IV.
REVIEW AND DISCUSS CITY SERVICE CENTER PROJECT
Assistant City Manager Caroline Waggoner provided a historical overview of the Public
Works Service Center and outlined the various departments housed within the Municipal
Service Center, including the Animal Adoption Center, Fire Fleet and Facilities, Fire
Station No. 5, Public Safety Training Center, Live Fire Training, Public Works Service
Center, Park Operations, Fleet Maintenance, and Records Storage. She explained that
the current facility, built in 1987, has become inadequate due to significant population
growth and increased service demands. Operational tasks have evolved from manual
processes to more technical functions, requiring additional office space and IT
infrastructure. The facility now supports complex operations such as SCADA utility
oversight, digital traffic systems, and advanced fleet diagnostics.
Ms. Waggoner noted that in late 2025, the City engaged an external consultant to conduct
a space analysis and develop a long-range modernization plan. The analysis identified a
space deficit of approximately 21,000 square feet and recommended consolidating Public
Works, Parks Operations, and Fleet into a single building. A preliminary concept for a
one-story consolidated facility was presented, though no architect has been hired. She
emphasized that this recommendation is high-level and intended to gather committee
feedback before moving forward. Ms. Waggoner mentioned that staff also toured the City
of Grapevine's recently reconstructed Service Center to gain insight into a modernized
facility layout and design considerations. Questions were raised regarding the proposed
building design, including why it was not two stories and whether yard space needs had
been considered. Ms. Waggoner confirmed that yard space has been reviewed and that
recommendations will continue to be refined with input from space planning experts.
City Manager Paulette Hartman elaborated on current challenges, including insufficient
parking and office space, which has resulted in equipment being stored outdoors and
cramped working conditions for staff. She noted that staffing levels have increased
significantly since the building was constructed, further straining available space. The
committee will observe these limitations during the facility tour.
Ms. Waggoner then outlined the benefits of a modernized facility, including a "Clean
Zone"concept to reduce cross-contamination, a flexible response hub with shared spaces
that can convert into emergency staging areas, and enhanced technology and training
capabilities. These improvements would include dedicated SCADA monitoring areas, a
CDL technology lab for mandatory certifications, and a high functioning "War Room" for
storm response and emergency operations. A slide comparing 1987 infrastructure to
current standards was presented, highlighting deficiencies in features such as workspace,
training, sanitation, dining/rest, technology, and environmental considerations.
Ms. Hartman reviewed the upcoming timeline, noting that February meetings will focus
on debt capacity and project cost estimates, followed by a committee survey to gather
input. Recommendations must be finalized by the committee by March and presented to
the City Council in June to allow for an August election call. She also discussed legislative
changes that could impact funding options, including limitations on Certificates of
Obligation and General Obligation bonds.
Chair Tito Rodriguez remarked that the city's population has likely doubled since 1987,
which has significantly increased staffing and equipment needs. Ms. Hartman added that
proposed projects will need to be broken into separate ballot items to ensure clarity for
voters. Once an election is called, the City can provide educational materials but cannot
advocate for any projects. Town Halls and informational meetings will be scheduled prior
to the November election to answer factual questions and provide voters with additional
information.
Additional questions were raised regarding the number of employees housed at the
facility, which is nearly 100, and the specifics of the 21,000 square-foot deficit. Ms.
Waggoner confirmed that a detailed space breakdown will be provided to the committee
members. Following the discussion, the committee toured the Public Works Service
Center, reviewing the parking lot layout, breakroom, office spaces, streets operations
area, traffic shop, and fleet shop.
V.
REVIEW TIMELINE AND FUTURE MEETING DATES.
Chair Rodriguez announced upcoming meeting schedule changes. The February 3rd and
February 17th meetings will be held in the Public Safety Training Center in the Police
Classroom. The March 10th meeting has been rescheduled to March 4th and will also be
held at the Public Safety Training Center in the Police Classroom, and the March 31st
meeting, which is the second meeting in March, will be held at City Hall in the Community
Room. Chair Rodriguez noted that he will not be present at the first February meeting;
Vice Chair Richard Davis will preside in his absence.
VI.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
An opportunity for citizens to address the 2025 Capital Program Advisory Committee on
matters which are scheduled on this agenda for consideration by the 2025 Capital
Program Advisory Committee but not scheduled as a public hearing. In order to address
the 2025 Capital Program Advisory Committee during public comments, a Public Meeting
Appearance Card must be completed and presented to the recording secretary prior to
the start of the 2025 Capital Program Advisory Committee meeting.
There were no requests to speak received.
V.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
APPROVED:
CT CA 42;:b14
Tito-Re -Chair c, Rico '� I �l
Jennipher Castellanos, Secretary