City Council Meeting Recap 04/28/26
Speaker: Heath City Manager Steven Alexander

Hello, I'm city manager Steven Alexander, and I'd like to share highlights from the April 28th City Council meeting.

During the public comment period, residents spoke about the FM 740 widening project, including concerns about potential roadway alignments shown on the city's current master thoroughfare plan near the Stoneleigh subdivision.

Following public comments, the Council discussed this item and unanimously approved support for the FM 740 widening project as outlined in the TIP 21 bond program, with an emphasis on keeping the alignment of the road, as discussed when the bonds were authorized by the voters.

Council then approved the issuance of combination tax and limited surplus Revenue certificates of obligation, providing proceeds in the amount of $41.5 million.

These funds will be used towards critical water infrastructure improvements as part of the city's water bridge plan.

Projects include new water wells, storage facilities, transmission infrastructure, and related system components.

This action follows extensive review and coordination with the Finance and Audit Advisory Board, as well as prior city Council discussions.

In a separate item, council approved the rental of a temporary well pump for water well number one at the Towne Center park.

This temporary pump will allow the city to begin utilizing the well to irrigate Towne Center Park ahead of the installation of permanent equipment expected next year. That will lead to a fully functioning potable water well for additional water supply to the city.

Council also held a discussion on the development of the fiscal year 2026-27, proposed Budget and Plan of Municipal Services and Related Capital Improvement Program. More information on the budget process, including opportunities for public input, will be shared in the coming months.

Director Brian Creed provided the monthly update on current capital projects. The final phase of the Hubbard Drive Rehabilitation project remains on schedule for completion by December 2026. Water well number one has been successfully drilled and design work is underway for wells two through four, as well as a new 1.5 million gallon elevated storage tank and a 3 million gallon ground storage tank. Design completion is anticipated in late May.

Towne Center Park is nearing completion, and more information about the grand opening scheduled for July 4th following the parade will be shared soon.

The Terry Lane Rehabilitation Project is approximately 70% complete and remains on schedule. Upcoming work at the Smirl Drive and Terry Lane intersection will require a temporary closure from May 13th through May 21st.

Details, including detour routes, will be communicated via the city website, social media and TextMyGov notifications.

Regarding the Terry Lane Trail project easement, documents are currently being prepared. The next phases will include design and construction.

Finally, the citywide street maintenance program has been highly successful, with most of the projects funded in the current budget now completed, the program is expected to continue addressing street repair needs across the city, with additional funding anticipated in the fiscal year 2026-27 budget.

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