[{"_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",6050348,"mediaKeyId","3491702-2587f5ae638e5aea02b44ea2043d5365","parentId",3491702,"title","North Richland Hills council approves sewer contract, school zone and other measures; several items passed unanimously","audioSeconds",143,"startMs",5191000,"endMs",5334000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3491702-2587f5ae638e5aea02b44ea2043d5365&start=5191&end=5334","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3491702-2587f5ae638e5aea02b44ea2043d5365/thumbnail_5191000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6050348/North-Richland-Hills-City/Tarrant-County/Texas/North-Richland-Hills-council-approves-sewer-contract-school-zone-and-other-measures-several-items-passed-unanimously","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050348-a5a46065260b4aafdaf29f7354c032f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202253&Signature=dJCso0NiWKUcYtnAyEL5qgyrijzY2xvC-7Yf2ifCRqE9ZC9jIEDnkCr3bNPxvpYerh2oW37cHntJBs2Wb9bC3XaS8g9arp~gMel~-0QSXWeMFuMzywpMNu59IrnZU1JafET91YZc8c-H5wcdAoLPeawuftdsTmPej94m8bqEPlVJN9AmA4uXMOk-AkIj7mCWtx63lz1X8NPDtcjc3OWPzqJxt5SuN1XCxuTdP11HH37Rmp-S3gHaR1u9O9dpDbH-ifql9CYlzNeRjtBxyiFyxKlmprkU7BOEkGfJR-k6chG7oMJPo24m1uPLxOeXyFAQrp34yDUWcwsdapIlAmd0dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Richland Hills City","date","2025-02-10T00:00:00Z","article","The North Richland Hills City Council on Feb. 10 voted on a package of routine and substantive items, approving a Tarrant County construction contract for sanitary sewer work, changes to local parking and school‑zone rules, a permanent backyard‑chicken rule, and several internal and election‑related items.

A quick summary of the formal actions approved: the council recommended the award of a $157,349 Tarrant County contract for the Matteson Drive sanitary sewer replacement (a Community Development Block Grant project); adopted a parking restriction on part of North College Circle; expanded school speed‑zone boundaries near Fort Worth Christian School; removed the Nov. 30, 2025 sunset provision in the backyard‑chicken ordinance; authorized an amendment to a professional services agreement expanding a police department peer‑support program; approved a temporary change in the shop‑local “restaurant rewards” program (council raised the cash‑back rate and extended the program through April or until funds were exhausted); approved election logistics for May 3, 2025; and confirmed several board and commission appointments.

Why it matters: the CDBG sewer project addresses failing clay sewer lines for about 20 properties and will be paid by the federal/state grant program; the parking and school‑zone actions are intended to reduce crash and pedestrian risks at a curving section of North College Circle near multiple multifamily complexes and a private school; and the backyard‑chicken vote makes permanent a rule the council enacted in 2023 with a two‑year sunset. The peer‑support contract and shop‑local changes are spending or program‑management actions that affect staffing, public safety and local business incentives.

Votes at a glance (formal actions taken):
- Resolution 2025‑15 — Recommend award of construction contract to Capital Underground Utilities LLC for Matteson Drive sanitary sewer improvements (CDBG): passed 7–0. Contract amount recommended: $157,349. Construction estimated ~45 calendar days; pipe bursting (trenchless) method to replace ~800 linear feet serving ~20 residences.
- Ordinance 3889 — Amend code to restrict parking on North College Circle (north curb) to improve travel lane consistency and visibility: passed 6–1. (Council noted alternate options were discussed, including eliminating parking on both sides; council voted to restrict the north side.)
- Ordinance 3890 — Amend school speed‑zone boundaries: established/clarified zones for Fort Worth Christian School (Holiday Lane, North College Circle, Bogart Drive, Abbott Ave): passed 7–0; council additionally directed the ordinance text be expanded to include the referenced intersections to align signing with field conditions.
- Ordinance 3891 — Repeal the Nov. 30, 2025 sunset provision for the backyard‑chicken ordinance (make the rule permanent): passed 7–0.
- Resolution 2025‑16 — Call the May 3, 2025 general election and authorize a joint election agreement with Tarrant County (early voting, mail ballot information, polling locations): passed 7–0.
- Resolution 2025‑17 — Appointments to library board, planning and zoning and teen‑court advisory board (fills unexpired terms): passed 7–0.
- Shop‑Local Rewards program amendment — Council raised the cash‑back offer (from 5%) and extended the program through April or until funds are exhausted; passed 7–0 (effective Valentine’s Day start discussed). Staff projected increased participation at higher cash‑back percentages.
- Professional services amendment (peer support) — Authorized the city manager to execute an amendment with Readiness Group LLC to expand the North Richland Hills Police Department peer‑support program, increasing the agreement to a total not to exceed $145,660 through Nov. 1, 2026 using COPS FY24 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act grant funds: passed 7–0.
- Executive‑session authorization — Council authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute an economic development agreement related to three properties discussed in executive session: passed 7–0.

What the council did not do: the work session earlier clarified that the Feb. 10 work session was for discussion only; council took formal votes during the regular meeting. Several items discussed in work session (emergency preparedness presentation, TAG overview, fund balance policy and town‑hall formats) were informational or returned with staff requests for direction rather than final regulatory changes.

Staff and speakers quoted or on the record for the actions above include Nathan Froman (engineering presentation for the sewer contract), Beau Blankenship and other public works staff (North College Circle parking and school‑zone proposals), Stephanie Martinez (animal control/planning staff on the chicken ordinance), Alicia Richardson (election/city secretary staff), Craig Holes (economic development/shops program), and Ed Wright and Trudy (presenting TAG financials).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","North Richland Hills City Council 2/10/2025\t","oneSentenceSummary","The North Richland Hills City Council on Feb. 10 approved a slate of resolutions and ordinances—ranging from a CDBG sewer contract to parking and school‑zone changes—while making permanent the city’s backyard‑chicken rules and authorizing a police peer‑support expansion.","taxTitle","North Richland Hills City, Tarrant County, Texas","taxId",7747,"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},6050335,"Birdville High theater director asks council for help sending students to international festival",113,1505000,1618000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3491702-2587f5ae638e5aea02b44ea2043d5365&start=1505&end=1618","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3491702-2587f5ae638e5aea02b44ea2043d5365/thumbnail_1505000.jpg","/articles/6050335/North-Richland-Hills-City/Tarrant-County/Texas/Birdville-High-theater-director-asks-council-for-help-sending-students-to-international-festival","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050335-91e7f29e560f76d8981614a5f9e14fa9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202253&Signature=QfSvMxWJIOaec9sAuJ3eL-4VS580sz2UiKn7wYD95eot4zjtlI69xoagOBS0qvwz0gUfEexu9QafruB4gehIhLDX9DSG2u3orXjNOIPzTj1G8Q5isgf8a1mynWoPeNMUU5JItEnYyCTbTRTPXfdnAwt4CEXm8ojgckyBRMCKDzOyLJY4B3ngdeWitVyCHDcafUFgpqb5ilzFUqCArf0q05vpf6m7GSNmg6BzPeKXolmW9fFy2kKw-fVoQTqTkIWcLyNdJHpgUTZ3oFH60jbTIE6rhQ5nq5b31oeodJb85WJ7FB000XqVyWFLqJaw39xF-EdU2tJNkPAu6AR6Z1o6xA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hayden Casey, technical director at Birdville High School, asked the North Richland Hills City Council during the Feb. 10 public‑comment period to consider any financial assistance the city could provide to help 14 students and their chaperones attend the International Thespian Festival in Bloomington, Indiana.

Lede: Casey described that Birdville High’s one‑act play—an original piece selected through a statewide showcase—earned top honors and a regional invitation to the International Thespian Festival, making Birdville the sole representative from Texas at the festival this year. He asked the city to consider donations, grants or other assistance to offset travel, housing, registration and food costs.

Nut graf: The estimated cost per student before the boosters’ donations was about $2,000 (Casey said the Stage Hawks booster club has reduced the net cost to about $1,500 per student so far). The group plans additional community fundraisers (partner restaurants, a spring gala, month‑long campaigns in March) and has already held multiple community nights to raise money. District funds were not available, Casey said, and the booster has pledged $3,800 so far to lower student costs.

Council response and next steps: Councilmembers thanked Casey and the students for representing the region and asked staff to identify any small grants or sponsorship options the city could consider; staff did not promise a specific funding amount during the meeting. Casey provided a contact email for follow‑up and said the fundraising calendar includes March events and partner restaurants including Chick‑fil‑A, Panera and others.

Ending: The request will be treated as a public‑comment appeal; staff and councilors signaled support in principle and said they would explore options but did not commit city funding during the Feb. 10 meeting.","A Birdville High School teacher and a group of students asked council for financial help to attend the International Thespian Festival in Bloomington, Indiana; the trip would send a 14‑student 1‑act company and cost roughly $30,000 before current booster and fundraisers.",{"_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},6050340,"Council hears proposed comprehensive fund‑balance policy aimed at stronger reserves and bond‑rating stability",307,2060000,2367000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3491702-2587f5ae638e5aea02b44ea2043d5365&start=2060&end=2367","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3491702-2587f5ae638e5aea02b44ea2043d5365/thumbnail_2060000.jpg","/articles/6050340/North-Richland-Hills-City/Tarrant-County/Texas/Council-hears-proposed-comprehensive-fundbalance-policy-aimed-at-stronger-reserves-and-bondrating-stability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050340-039604474059058e9c42f92ff504a7fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202253&Signature=RYHIrR9Ao4XpFtTe7c53hsjB5NK8InRZxeq8HEsDabQl-GvEo8ZOazzXyylSeQ~r~iO48xm~xjqect-8eZAVxQEQE4O7OUmnodYAIMeEk9Z27ommf0g~qcnvTgCMdOIP0mD3BIIP9Tu1xXPb82jbWtYn0oZuqv9SZUVnP8hQh0To-QJot1gTuAdlQ-G-SpUoHUI3M5zqvvuNwf96vOD9XI4caDvaEfXcWXIOZ4KxRrxIyMrhoTED0sfoMqoROfX9Luxi-vuxOnWZP0UcUrsRLQOqK6TjXH~~V-~IND5EnzPvAITWoNHXObmTzh2P6WAP8PfZHi4eDHoU8r5xS3yemA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City finance staff presented a proposed comprehensive fund‑balance policy on Feb. 10 intended to strengthen reserves, improve transparency and support long‑range budget and bond‑rating objectives.

Lede: The draft policy recommends minimum reserves tailored to each fund type, rather than a single 15% guideline limited to the general fund. For the general and utility funds staff recommended conservative minimums equivalent to 33 days of expenditures (or 120 days of working capital in the presentation), drainage was proposed at a 90‑day reserve given capital project risk, and various enterprise/recreation funds were assigned lower but specific working capital targets (for example, 15% for the NRH Centre and 10%/45‑day working capital for the aquatic park and golf course). A self‑insurance fund recommendation called for a large reserve (approx. 180 days) to protect against catastrophic claims.

Nut graf: Staff said the new policy follows Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB 54) classifications and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices, and would replace a dated single‑line fund‑balance guidance in the city’s financial policy (which currently lists a 15% general‑fund undesignated target). Staff emphasized the policy is a minimum baseline and not a cap; council will still decide annual drawdown or replenishment strategies during budgeting.

Supporting detail: Finance staff reviewed cash‑flow concerns (timing of franchise fees, property taxes and sales taxes), single‑audit implications for grant recipients and a framework for restoring reserves if actual fund balances drop below the targets (options include expenditure reductions, capital deferrals, fee adjustments or hiring freezes). Staff reported current fund balances sit above the proposed minima and described the policy as slightly more conservative than many peer cities because of North Richland Hills’ operations and exposure.

Council reaction: Council members praised the proposal as a stewardship step, asked comparative questions about peer cities and confirmed the proposal would not automatically require immediate transfers—restoration strategies would be handled through the budget process. Staff said the new policy will be used as a baseline for FY2026 budgeting and will be integrated into long‑range financial planning.

Ending: Staff will return with a final ordinance and policy document during the budget cycle; no immediate vote was required during the Feb. 10 meeting.","Finance staff proposed a new, more detailed fund‑balance policy that sets minimum reserves for the general fund, utility fund, drainage and enterprise funds, and establishes replenishment guidance if reserves fall below targets.",{"_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},6050343,"Emergency management coordinator tells council North Richland Hills maintains an all‑hazards, multi‑department approach",1452,175000,1627000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3491702-2587f5ae638e5aea02b44ea2043d5365&start=175&end=1627","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3491702-2587f5ae638e5aea02b44ea2043d5365/thumbnail_175000.jpg","/articles/6050343/North-Richland-Hills-City/Tarrant-County/Texas/Emergency-management-coordinator-tells-council-North-Richland-Hills-maintains-an-allhazards-multidepartment-approach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050343-460ba3e8ffc715a42e0d7dd2bdc742fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202253&Signature=g2mZzrTI0CVAGCpIF9sgWG7IlEUj5SVWu9xRjPj47-ZadjqxAwJ4I4L0k04HJPWnkxkUUO47jkKgmMlV10wzmSHq~wtoZQJi1PraESyJL5Hz-b~rx7McJ32zu1eLBU5wDfGG1x7Be4ZjEndDqQFHomK9gkSpOV2btpF2ZO6Rwx6LaL9LKL-BbcxtcEQXvUi4RJaPy3TT7A4qxwvV5XAbwV0h9QJqM6bxoUGG6HNhVYNI3hV6XsJrrZM-eA36yQoxuqs~Ulg0uRoU9lh6oAM4fdVxUmLe1EbROnKu7lAYL6W3rCXuErD2q4nDzvw9IInLVUqNxdG-iFRKcxWMJCpFLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Raelynn Darnell, the city’s Emergency Management Coordinator, presented an overview of North Richland Hills’ emergency preparedness program on Feb. 10, telling council the city takes an ‘‘all‑hazards’’ approach and regularly coordinates prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities across departments and with external partners.

Lede: Darnell said the city operates multiple phases of emergency management at once and highlighted the city’s hazard mitigation plan—currently undergoing its 5‑year renewal—water‑system protections and the role of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when local capabilities are or may be overwhelmed.

Nut graf: The presentation emphasized that the city coordinates across fire, public works, police, utilities, communications and external stakeholders; the EOC is staffed with key functions when activated and mutual‑aid and county/state/federal escalation exists in that order. Darnell cited several statutes and federal requirements that shape utility resilience planning, including the Stafford Act, Texas Government Code chapter 418, the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 and state laws following Winter Storm Uri (e.g., Senate Bill 3) that require utility winterization and emergency response planning.

Supporting detail: Darnell said the city maintains roughly 2,500 hydrants, uses SCADA for water lift‑station monitoring and conducts routine inspections and relationship building with non‑profits and neighboring jurisdictions. She reported the EOC was formally activated for roughly 90 hours in 2024 for events including planned incidents such as the solar eclipse and unplanned events. Darnell and public‑works leaders described manual operations performed during Winter Storm Uri—staff physically monitoring lift stations and manually operating valves to maintain service when systems and remote monitoring failed.

Council Q&A: Council members asked how the city would respond to catastrophic single‑events (an EF‑5 tornado scenario) and continuity of operations if the EOC were hit. Darnell and other staff said the city has a continuity plan and a backup EOC at the public‑safety training center; staff practice tabletop and full‑scale exercises that sometimes include randomized “curveball” scenarios. Council discussion touched on cybersecurity exercises and coordination with utilities partners (TRWA/Trinity River Authority) when large supply lines are impacted.

Ending: Darnell said the hazard mitigation plan renewal will return to council in coming months with updated community risk profiles and mitigation actions. Council thanked staff and asked for the plan and additional details at the next presentation cycle.","Emergency Management Coordinator Raelynn Darnell briefed council on the city’s all‑hazards emergency preparedness program, citing the hazard mitigation plan renewal, water system resilience requirements from state and federal law, EOC activation protocols and community CERT volunteer work.",{"_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},6050346,"Council reviews North Texas Anti‑Gang Center role; city weighs staying fiduciary for TAG grant",1797,1763000,3560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3491702-2587f5ae638e5aea02b44ea2043d5365&start=1763&end=3560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3491702-2587f5ae638e5aea02b44ea2043d5365/thumbnail_1763000.jpg","/articles/6050346/North-Richland-Hills-City/Tarrant-County/Texas/Council-reviews-North-Texas-AntiGang-Center-role-city-weighs-staying-fiduciary-for-TAG-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050346-fc3512d6a6459f5f7c7ff524bc26c331/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202253&Signature=iAcPRVqAalBTV9RBYHePJVB3lKFPW5O8Dh3DhN2NZaSVKDkuHWPao1kqdY9RwmI7TD7ikD4frx-5ov6VACZ-2enAuLOanZBLwnhKP072BNS7wrglXG~Z~A5npUMFbHbTdmzPHXo8D~-904TIRZMhvGIAB3mKy9selB6WM0U2xGUZl8yeZb4RDpdWDDO8Vugf20nRrMzXV1wIcgaHN5djUPTUxhTpyMDin~XVLQXOdO83mZDI2DzAWTJR8iDBsPduUrQYKgLjSr3WEJWQ7f5fo~yA58ri7BriPbAzPC3JN9UQJ23dEUuJ~m5GVgrglT3jmdrcY17Lq0iSY7i5q~aUPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and regional law‑enforcement partners briefed the North Richland Hills City Council on Feb. 10 about the city’s role as fiduciary for the North Texas Anti‑Gang Center (TAG) and asked whether the council wants the city to continue as the fiduciary when the next grant year begins.

Why it matters: North Richland Hills has served as the TAG fiduciary since the program’s regional start and manages grant funds distributed by the governor’s Criminal Justice Division for multiagency anti‑gang operations across 11 counties. The fiduciary role obligates the city to hold grant funds, manage procurement and contracts, file reimbursement requests, and submit required reports and audits; as fiduciary the city also administered indirect‑cost reimbursements to cover some administrative workload.

What staff told the council: Ed Wright and other staff presented a multi‑year history of TAG funding flows. Between FY2022–FY2025 changes in state grant rules increased allowable indirect and administrative reimbursements and, for the current grant year, expanded what counts as reimbursable items (including certain software subscriptions and equipment renewals). Staff showed that the city had received administrative/indirect reimbursements and equipment worth roughly $111,000 over two recent fiscal years and that FY25 budgeted potential indirect cost reimbursements could be higher if partner agencies make all requested purchases.

Council discussion and concerns: Council members asked whether being the fiduciary requires the city to place an officer permanently at the TAG facility (it does not). Staff explained member agencies may host dedicated personnel paid from grant funds, but North Richland Hills chose a fiduciary model that did not second a local sworn officer into the TAG office. Councilmembers and police leaders said the fiduciary role gives the city “a seat at the table” and easier access to TAG resources when local assistance is needed; others questioned whether the city recovers staff time sufficiently through reimbursements and whether the work and single‑audit obligations are worth the administrative effort.

Action requested and next steps: Staff sought council direction on whether to remain fiduciary beyond the next grant year. Council members broadly expressed support for continuing the fiduciary role for FY26 while noting staff will continue to present detailed budget/reimbursement data and that the council can revisit the question later. Staff will bring a formal grant‑application item for council approval in March as part of the FY26 grant process.

Speakers on record for this topic included Ed Wright and Trudy (city finance/administration staff), former Chief Jimmy Perdue (who helped stand up TAG), Chief Jeff Garner and other police staff; several councilmembers raised operational and fiscal questions.

Ending: Council directed staff to proceed with the FY25/fiscal‑year application process and return to council with more detailed financial projections and a request for formal action in March.","City staff and council reviewed North Richland Hills’ fiduciary role for the North Texas Anti‑Gang Center (TAG), hearing financial details of indirect/administrative reimbursements, equipment allocations and staffing implications before asking for direction on whether to remain the regional fiduciary.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

North Richland Hills council approves sewer contract, school zone and other measures; several items passed unanimously

Birdville High theater director asks council for help sending students to international festival

Council hears proposed comprehensive fund‑balance policy aimed at stronger reserves and bond‑rating stability

Emergency management coordinator tells council North Richland Hills maintains an all‑hazards, multi‑department approach

Council reviews North Texas Anti‑Gang Center role; city weighs staying fiduciary for TAG grant