TRANSCRIPT CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECAP - 09/22/26
SPEAKER: PRESTON JONES, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Hello, I’m Director of Public Works Preston Jones with a quick update from the September 22 City Council meeting and updates on the CIP projects underway.

The meeting began with a public hearing regarding a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a detached garage in an SF-43 Single Family Residential District, which Council approved.

Assistant Director of Finance Tracy Rosalies presented the monthly financial report, which is available in the online meeting packet. These reports provide an overview of the City’s financial position, including significant revenue, expenditure and budget trends.
Council unanimously adopted the FY 2026–2027 budget for the Heath Municipal Benefits Corporation and the Heath Economic Development Corporation.

The HEDC-HMBC has a long history of supporting quality-of-life initiatives, including parks and trails, and the new budget continues that commitment. The adopted budget includes construction of an iconic, placemaking northern city entrance monument, expanded community marketing, support for trail connections, beautification efforts and a campaign encouraging residents to keep their sales tax dollars at work here in Heath.

The budget also includes funding for the City’s first full-time EDC Director.

We thank President Mike Zilinskas and the HEDC and HMBC Board for their continued contributions and hard work to help make Heath a premier outdoor lifestyle community.

Council approved an amendment to the FY 2025–2026 Adopted Budget and Plan of Municipal Services to align budgeted amounts with anticipated financial activity through the end of the current fiscal year. There is no net difference from the originally adopted budget.

Council received an update on construction of DPS Stations 30 and 31. Both projects remain on budget and are on track for opening next spring.

Now, a quick update on other major capital projects.

We continue to make progress on the Heath Water Plan, designed to expand and strengthen our water supply for both current residents and future growth.

Water Well #1 at Towne Center Park is operational with a temporary pump and is expected to be fully online for the 2027 summer season.

We’ve received conditional approval from TCEQ to construct Wells #2, #3 and #4, which are all 100% designed. A pre-construction meeting for Well #3 was held September 22, and construction is anticipated to begin the week of September 28.

Well #3 will pump water into the new 1.5-million-gallon elevated storage tank located on Governors Boulevard in the Heath Golf and Yacht community. The project includes a sound barrier while the well is being drilled, which will be communicated to the public.

Wells #2 and #4 are out for bid, with the official bid opening on October 13.

The Hubbard Drive Project is in Phase 2A and moving toward Phase 2B. The temporary road is in place, demolition of the existing roadway is underway, along with storm drainage, water line installation, roadway excavation and base installation in preparation for the next stage of paving.

The contractor has cited utility-related delays associated with an AT&T fiber optics line that was not identified in original plans. 

City staff are now working closely with the contractor and AT&T to ensure the project remains on track for the original contract completion date of mid-December. 

On trail projects, the City received the official easements needed for the Hubbard Trail. The developer has begun initial construction work and will be working with City staff to define the construction timeline.

Regarding the McDonald Trail, the design is expected to be finalized in October, after which the City can begin discussions with property owners for easement acquisitions. This process is expected to take approximately three months after which construction may begin.

Design and related bid documents for the Terry Lane project should be received in December, with construction to begin after the start of the new year.

The Candlelite Fireflow project is also making good progress, with the additional eight planned projects currently at 60% design completion.

Projects for the 2026-2027 Street Repair Program have been identified.  and are selected by a paving condition index assessment as well as in response to citizen requests.

And finally, staff began moving into the new Public Work facility on September 14. Substantial completion is anticipated by October 9. 

Going forward this great facility will be called the Heath Services Center as it also houses our Parks and Recreation staff members.

Thank you for staying informed on what’s happening in your hometown. As always, please visit the City’s website for more information, or contact us here at City Hall. Have a great week.