[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6086346,"mediaKeyId","2896899-24e80613e96e3600f23805d7fca0c425","parentId",2896899,"title","Josephine approves transition of volunteer fire department to city-run department; timeline, budget questions remain","audioSeconds",1390,"startMs",3770000,"endMs",5160000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2896899-24e80613e96e3600f23805d7fca0c425&start=3770&end=5160","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2896899-24e80613e96e3600f23805d7fca0c425/thumbnail_3770000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6086346/Josephine/Collin-County/Texas/Josephine-approves-transition-of-volunteer-fire-department-to-city-run-department-timeline-budget-questions-remain","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086346-cc73ecb5a15d740eed8ad3cdb56dc040/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453039&Signature=Zg3tcdRYaLrvzrOVVaJjbGo1nf~UWIJJJDCMoNPu~93VbO~NvJ9M-Jz-F2-JzqlZ0hAVAbcXo-0fzL5WqqCGzFidjXWwgygq6FHWWSRz5bqw~Zx3s~CuDM9enpSEn28xnhizUSDnHA-Wz1A3LwsH4FSwmEMDVH5-WUKJti53W9BeUW7uBPkVIR~MqKQ~vLSbkvkx55n-FQKo1kmMFpGMACV8x-KcEeiL-QX-H0uTK8Jre9p7WW1pLhWPwq4u6NjUPe6Qt29RAw3FEXWWw0rMUfRnr6f7f~SHMvrGuMgZECD94PIL7AcWE32YUhdAXsZeydcXKfAHYv0GPWslYzLFdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Josephine, TX","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","The City of Josephine on Jan. 13 approved a resolution to begin transitioning the Josephine Volunteer Fire Department into a city-owned and -operated fire department, with a phased transfer of assets and an initial target to hire a paid fire chief by July 1.

City staff told the council the agreement lays out a transition period during which the volunteer department will continue operations under existing arrangements while the city takes ownership of equipment, property and contracts. The agreement requires JVFD to provide a complete inventory of assets, outstanding loans or liabilities and current stipend arrangements so the city can plan insurance and budgets.

The resolution includes language that the city will cover administrative costs required to retitle assets. The council approved a small amendment to the resolution to (1) keep the existing plaque and podium honoring Wayne and Mary Allen at the current JVFD site, and (2) expand language describing qualifications for the department head to allow staff to hire a consultant to file required paperwork with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP).

City officials emphasized that the transition is intended to be gradual. The resolution sets July 1 as a milestone because staff expect that date to fall about three months before the opening of the new combined public safety building; the hire of a paid fire chief before the full operational transition is part of the plan. The city will continue paying any existing stipends while moving toward a compensated chief and, as funding allows, additional positions.

Council members and staff repeatedly flagged budget and long-term funding questions. One councilmember said a property-tax increase could be required to cover ongoing operating costs and urged that the city not rely solely on grants (including a cited SAFER grant application) when modelling multi-year budgets. Staff replied that the city will use the inventories and financial disclosures JVFD will provide to shape next year’s budget and long-range forecasts; they also plan to pursue grants and other reimbursement programs but acknowledged grant awards are uncertain.

The council and staff discussed training and certification requirements under the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Staff said firefighters hired to paid, full-time positions will be required to meet TCFP certification standards; volunteers may continue in part-time or stipend roles as permitted by law and policy during the transition. Staff also said there is a statutory compliance period during which certain equipment and personnel standards can be brought into compliance after the department becomes a municipal entity.

Council and staff noted operational questions tied to service outside city limits. Current county arrangements for unincorporated-area service and reimbursement were discussed; staff said the immediate plan is to continue existing service levels for areas currently served, and any future changes in coverage or county funding would be handled via later policy decisions.

The council voted to approve the resolution with the amendments. Staff also circulated a first draft ordinance that would create and organize the city fire department; that ordinance will be returned for council consideration in February so the city can file required paperwork with TCFP and pursue grants that require a municipal department on record.

What happens next: staff will collect JVFD’s asset and liability inventories, file necessary paperwork with TCFP, and bring more detailed budget and staffing proposals to a future council working session and to upcoming budget discussions.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - January 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City of Josephine on Jan. 13 approved a resolution to transition the Josephine Volunteer Fire Department into a city-run department, with assets to be transferred to the city and a phased operational timeline that includes hiring a paid chief.","taxTitle","Josephine, Collin County, Texas","taxId",79733,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6086326,"Council weighs rules on above‑ground telecom pedestals after residents report yard boxes and safety concerns",340,5293000,5633000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2896899-24e80613e96e3600f23805d7fca0c425&start=5293&end=5633","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2896899-24e80613e96e3600f23805d7fca0c425/thumbnail_5293000.jpg","/articles/6086326/Josephine/Collin-County/Texas/Council-weighs-rules-on-aboveground-telecom-pedestals-after-residents-report-yard-boxes-and-safety-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086326-528f4516f04562f69d1c7acdb5c8350b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453039&Signature=TdzLSj7l8bpr9MXz1ftgRpoWTbrhczIn7aDVApmzcXrkldmmJhcd8~lKeipm5FvSszpCKtsz5PFR3KyS1o33iQ~68NVD-6LxqXFPGwdILZCQQUiDx9MrVL3KAsXty0i-jaMhsKvqTuoKPhmDVCdd6tZm0HsbewJA81pw~1lnnIx0e~uCNs~6H~tUkmZHpHSPemCIIYiVBEqXMxu1zT679K7O-PmVnrDflb5mckUaHvYF-i4C6kD-KzLm3zK3LKGCHWEs2dgbv9paaH4L9Cih3cMhS1Q-aVQPWlMHLrssGdVH12~Zp6jsTflFysFbEBmFsScfen1KX7~ZHUNvlUtm-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and council members raised concerns on Jan. 13 about new telecommunications pedestal boxes that contractors had placed at or near property frontages in several neighborhoods. Speakers said some boxes are large, appear in yards near fire hydrants and can be a nuisance for homeowners.

Councilmembers asked whether the city can require pedestals to be underground or otherwise flush-mounted in the right-of-way. Staff said current right-of-way permitting requires contractors to submit permit information, insurance and contact details, but that the city has not yet identified an ordinance that would permit the city to compel underground installation in all circumstances. Staff said they have asked the Public Utility Commission for guidance on statutory limits to municipal regulation of telecommunications installations.

Speakers described a mix of field conditions that complicate a blanket undergrounding requirement: older parts of town have existing gas, water and electrical lines that make underground work difficult; newer subdivisions without those conflicts have been able to receive underground service. Staff said a workable approach is likely to include three elements: (1) permit requirements and pre-notification to residents, (2) design standards (for underground or flush-mounted vaults where feasible) and (3) an appeal process for special circumstances.

Council asked staff to pursue model ordinance language and guidance from state regulators, and to post permit and project-notification information on the city website so residents know when companies will be working in the right-of-way. Staff said they will return to council with proposed ordinance language and a recommended process for notice and design standards.

","Council members and staff discussed options to regulate above‑ground telecommunications equipment (fiber pedestals) after residents reported large boxes placed in yards and near hydrants; staff will research statutory constraints and may return with draft ordinance language and design standards.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6086332,"Council hears disclosure from Kimley‑Horn on private projects; members discuss competition and conflicts",400,3296000,3696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2896899-24e80613e96e3600f23805d7fca0c425&start=3296&end=3696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2896899-24e80613e96e3600f23805d7fca0c425/thumbnail_3296000.jpg","/articles/6086332/Josephine/Collin-County/Texas/Council-hears-disclosure-from-KimleyHorn-on-private-projects-members-discuss-competition-and-conflicts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086332-cec09af02fd861e633fb30da95799e67/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453039&Signature=mtKc9bJneqDy~8k8IwnjDHdENuA1OQ959LLl7IHXWweH6O9kSTttysAyajg1Ygr8qvkc~RBym8VJ1Q~SP9qNQefZj9oFRK-bdv063ZEd7EWCMbGC~l7fVc0pZpCaO~XEt~kKadknnT4dpYsVBgy4iDkktpmQ7XgFVRQc6noV6G8gqY9w0GW06iFK5U9QjE0y0uteNwzdPwqbmsEI117ylmB9H8kiCZiDn8CgBF~yjdmbQnxpS-gFX7A-aHee5waF2NGESRGz8JBoA-EGT7wAoL07R9a2U~QQpKQDp1gXDxVUBRTKBtS52lk7ljRL3L-d7ydTfPNgJNZmWGGZu09-pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from Kimley‑Horn attended the Jan. 13 meeting to explain notices the firm had sent to city staff that identified Kimley‑Horn offices engaged on private projects in the Josephine area.

Aaron Raider, who identified himself as Kimley‑Horn’s North Texas regional leader, told the council the firm follows professional and licensure obligations that require objectivity, confidentiality and ethical firewalls between offices. He said the specific private projects on Kimley‑Horn’s notices were being worked on out of different regional offices than the group that performs the city’s development-review work, and that the firm’s usual practice is to segregate teams to avoid internal sharing of confidential client information.

City staff summarized that the city had received three notices from Kimley‑Horn about private projects (listed in staff materials as Zappa Investments, Golden Barn and MUD 3). Those notices, staff said, are consistent with Texas Administrative Code provisions and with the firm’s obligation to inform the city when firm offices represent both public and private interests in the same geography.

Council members discussed whether the city should issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) to encourage competition and avoid reliance on a small set of firms for engineering services. Some council members said competition could lower costs and increase options; staff and the Kimley‑Horn representative said that in many cases the firm’s internal procedures and state licensing rules are intended to mitigate conflicts.

There was no formal action; staff offered to continue bringing disclosures to council attention when they are received and to return with any suggested policy changes if the council wants a formal RFQ or conflict‑management policy.

","Kimley‑Horn representatives told the council they had disclosed private-client work in the Josephine area and described internal firewalls and professional obligations intended to avoid conflicts; council discussed whether the city should solicit competing engineering firms through an RFQ process.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6086335,"Council approves Meadow Ridge Estates final plat; engineering notes raise a lot-size discrepancy",102,1958000,2060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2896899-24e80613e96e3600f23805d7fca0c425&start=1958&end=2060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2896899-24e80613e96e3600f23805d7fca0c425/thumbnail_1958000.jpg","/articles/6086335/Josephine/Collin-County/Texas/Council-approves-Meadow-Ridge-Estates-final-plat-engineering-notes-raise-a-lot-size-discrepancy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086335-c6982f4455f93a1622ab8dfcb1f8c834/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453039&Signature=SJ-otk68xTEE3BvEIPhISmBDQmiEBnAEZX~DG7OZ6eA6m-TBvWGOjWYHBNgAh0rsR42uzfEpv2yXoZzCcyRwqEpDzRN7CWQv2~Twb6tu1fQ09vNHVkEtn0qlp9rkW0Qj5YNsbbv6f45En6Cn5mqNaEOLl1oBz2vqx9seVN~FLi1sraxjD5XnTZFOqWZC-~DUvoBIrJtM1GdB3ZCge3VtbmXinj0QuPpbzeZSm8fn-6SpYgWcQmjLw7kMKmrHSf0dG2LrrUshkxwy~ySzt~HKb3f7duP4FgQGfxH4Ui7iEBPEzqfLEV9eBI04m71wDNV2vZCKsBFR0O-skXzY2ZQghg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Josephine on Jan. 13 approved the final plat for Meadow Ridge Estates after staff reported that engineering review and a final walk-through were complete, with a few remaining punch-list items to be finished by the developer.

The engineering representative said the development is a residential subdivision situated north of Pine Meadows and west of County Road 640. In the staff presentation the project was described as containing 43 residential lots; during the council motion the speaker referenced 143 residential lots. The council approved the plat in the meeting record without a separate roll-call tally and staff said punch-list items will be worked through with the developer.

The engineer noted existing drainage easements and described how much of the subdivision’s runoff will be routed via existing easements; a small portion of the development’s rear lots will continue to discharge to that easement, which had been part of earlier planning discussions. Staff will follow up on remaining construction items after weather-related delays.

The council vote to approve the final plat was recorded by voice vote as “all in favor.” Staff said the city will work with the developer to close the punch-list items and finalize utility tie-ins.

","City engineers recommended approval of the final plat for Meadow Ridge Estates. The council approved the plat despite a discrepancy in the transcript between '43 residential lots' in the staff report and a motion that referenced '143' lots; staff said remaining punch-list work will be completed before final acceptance.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6086341,"Construction update: Josephine public safety building and community center progressing; council extends AGCM contract",456,810000,1266000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2896899-24e80613e96e3600f23805d7fca0c425&start=810&end=1266","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2896899-24e80613e96e3600f23805d7fca0c425/thumbnail_810000.jpg","/articles/6086341/Josephine/Collin-County/Texas/Construction-update-Josephine-public-safety-building-and-community-center-progressing-council-extends-AGCM-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086341-e618d432130cffe4f8af5dc51db2007e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453039&Signature=WDq-67D3wEQ2DW8BHc95VM5Nj8e9g2dEuQVjYJuRh4IdEQ8X4MKXLLHy5NB-qfFiiYHi83ox93PxzG1LDjY2MKlm6W2meLIMeIUAJ6Gm1VcspLtQfkqhD0zyiPLkSzGV1FRDlXkOEZ5D-edWFjjq4pA7ENksT1MsbaXU0pdfPR0QW~1uK-4L5bFbNmQ695twCi4BcqY7suCyTcTvHIM7RyaokppwQnDCP4I7dxVYjxeLKwDZno5fVEGrxYw33ew7uwpB8-bTBSD5VuE9ACAcNG~3hXXZZQrQ397w5lS13szTrNBQFw8QVUAUi7xCqNnkCl5faa1uXyP8iWfJGxktRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City construction managers and the city’s project manager updated the council on Jan. 13 on work at the new public safety building, community center and annex.

Staff said the public safety building has erected interior wall framing that will form a tornado shelter, ammunition room and apparatus bay; roof beams, joists and decking are installed and steel and electrical equipment have been delivered for the next phase. The community center is reported at about 95% complete; remaining items include punch-list corrections, irrigation/landscaping and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Council members pressed staff about the tornado shelter's intended users and occupancy. Staff and a presenter explained the shelter is part of the building’s conference room and also designed to serve as an emergency-management headquarters; it was described as meeting tornado-proof requirements for new construction but not sized to be a communitywide shelter. Staff said the city would shelter people who were inside the building when an event struck but that the room is not large enough to accommodate the entire community.

On schedule and cost, staff said the general contractor is targeting Jan. 29 as an exterior-completion milestone for the community center. Council members noted previous meetings had shown slipping target dates; staff repeated that punch-list work remains and that the Jan. 29 date is what the general contractor is committing to now.

Council also considered and approved Amendment No. 1 to the project-management services contract with AGCM to extend the contract expiration date to the completion of the project or the end of the calendar year. Staff said the amendment made no other substantive changes to scope or price; council heard that the original agreement had been a fixed-price contract rather than an hourly arrangement.

Staff reported two change orders to date and said contingency for the contract has been accounted for. Photographs and a payment summary for third-party expenses were included in the project report.

Council voted to accept the construction report and to approve the contract amendment. Staff said they will schedule a ribbon-cutting once outstanding finishing items, furniture and keycard security are in place.

","City staff reported progress on the public safety building (steel walls, roof decking) and community center (punch-list nearing completion). Council approved Amendment No. 1 to extend a project-management contract with AGCM to the project completion or year-end.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Josephine approves transition of volunteer fire department to city-run department; timeline, budget questions remain

Council weighs rules on above‑ground telecom pedestals after residents report yard boxes and safety concerns

Council hears disclosure from Kimley‑Horn on private projects; members discuss competition and conflicts

Council approves Meadow Ridge Estates final plat; engineering notes raise a lot-size discrepancy

Construction update: Josephine public safety building and community center progressing; council extends AGCM contract