City Council Meeting Recap - 04/14/26
Speaker: Heath City Manager Steven Alexander

Hello. I'm city manager Steven Alexander, and I'd like to share highlights from the April 14th City Council Meeting. 

The meeting began with Mayor Jeremiah McClure proclaiming April 26th as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

He recognized the important work and advocacy of organizations serving our community, including the Children's Advocacy Center for Rockwall County, Rockwall County Department of Family and Protective Services, the Rainbow Room, Lone Star, Casa, and Empower.

During the public comment period. Council received significant input on the city's Master Thoroughfare plan.

Residents expressed their opposition to proposed future routes located near the Stoneleigh subdivision that were included on the city's Master Thoroughfare plan, approved several years ago.

The input received provided valuable insight as the City council continues working toward the best path forward, taking into account the will of the community.

The Transportation and Drainage Subcommittee of the City Council provided an update and recommendation regarding the FM 740 project that was originally planned snd included in the Trip 21 bond program.

The county has $3 million allocated in the first issuance of the Trip 21 bonds for the widening of FM 740 from FM 1140 (Smirl) to the Rockwall County line.

The subcommittee of the city Council recommended that the county request TxDOT to consider options related to the FM 740 project.

Ultimately, after much deliberation and consideration of comments from citizens through emails and the public comment period earlier in the meeting, the City Council directed city staff to communicate to the county that the city would like to engage with the county and TxDOT to review FM 740 as it currently sits, but also to be mindful of the impacts the needs of the community while being open minded to alternative routes.

The City Council was also clear in pointing out that the city's Master Thoroughfare plan is expected to be modified, removing the two existing planned alternate routes near Stoneleigh.

Residents are encouraged to watch for updates at both the city and county levels, and to participate in future opportunities for public input.

I'm very pleased to report that the City Council authorized me to finalize and execute a new water contract with the City of Rockwall. This contract is intended to secure water for the city of Heath for the next 25 years,

Providing an increased volume of 6.5 million gallons a day. The contract also contemplates bringing on an additional half a million gallons a day in July of this year.

Additional opportunities exist throughout the term of the contract to acquire more water, with the daily allotted volume potentially reaching 9 million gallons a day by 2032.

Through the leadership of the Mayor and the City Council this water contract, coupled with ongoing implementation of the water bridge plan, is expected to provide water to meet the city's short and long term needs.

Also at the meeting, City Council accelerated progress on the city's fire flow improvement program by approving an engineering design contract with Freeman-Millican Incorporated for water line and fire hydrant upgrades.

The contract amount will not exceed $560,000 and is funded through savings from the Candlelight Fire Flow Improvement Project.

The remaining projects include Twin View, Sunny Estates and Harford, The Moraine, Myers Road, The K and K subdivision, Los Lomas Loop, Hilltop Estates, Kaiser Springs Road to Darr Court and Serenity Lane. Each project will still go out for competitive construction bids.

Originally approved in 2024 as a ten year initiative. The Fire Flow Improvement Program has been accelerated to a five year timeline, with no tax impact to residents.

During the meeting, council also approved a request from the Heath Municipal Benefits Corporation to replat a five and a half acre parcel of land in the reserve, creating a 1.6 acre lot for the 1880 Kitchen restaurant.

The next step for this HEDC/HMBC project is approval of site plans before construction begins.

During the meeting, Fire Chief Brandon Seery provided an update on fire stations 30 and 31, both currently under construction, following groundbreaking earlier this year.

The projects are on schedule and within budget, with completion anticipated in spring of 2027.

City Council also approved the sale of a surplus end of life 2011 Freightliner fire engine to the city of Quinlan for $130,000.

The sale aligns with the city's vehicle replacement plan, and makes room for a new engine that the city has purchased.

Lastly, Director of Public Works Brian Creed shared updates on several trail projects that are currently progressing at one stage or another.

These trails include a connector trail along McDonald between Stoneleigh and Falcon Point, a trail along Terry Lane to the park, and a trail within the Heath Golf and Yacht Club that connects Hubbard on either side of the bridge.

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed about your hometown. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at City Hall.