[{"_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",6059290,"mediaKeyId","3295313-47a00fa6274863a4b62f8379ee27ae0d","parentId",3295313,"title","Council delays new mowing policy for TxDOT right-of-way; directs staff to use current budget and communicate with public","audioSeconds",784,"startMs",3609000,"endMs",4393000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295313-47a00fa6274863a4b62f8379ee27ae0d&start=3609&end=4393","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295313-47a00fa6274863a4b62f8379ee27ae0d/thumbnail_3609000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6059290/Terrell/Kaufman-County/Texas/Council-delays-new-mowing-policy-for-TxDOT-right-of-way-directs-staff-to-use-current-budget-and-communicate-with-public","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059290-d6083036e4130e803a6ce42ee0253904/orig.mp4?Expires=1775112599&Signature=CvN7dxNTSznZK76m0OPvkxcEQvelkkDGOdQ~xW03Zrc8X7vvsstGA5UWU-k7~FjoYlkF0c97N0jUQLYzERdcFEJd3HKMfesKXjkHz~HEm-nGMDtHWv5SvVhNR1XegFgnpUSegt12kqWUbudw24xVyBKkmhXJ7FooL-Be~Kz937Yhzagoq8mvxpfix63zcn-SncF~HDzQHA~fAnt~w~W3AYNKo7PejKgulihYWJff8i-gaqXcSJQy1dbh7OYhTGMYv4DQCliX~E4YuUSzKjaqZ9RMpe6oEptkjrCb3Hs6bir95jWY2xyYEoEivpaEe2XDTCRsziC0ETXzB7wYbB35fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Terrell, Texas","date","2025-05-14T13:39:16Z","article","The council considered options for mowing and landscape management along TxDOT and city rights-of-way but took no action on a new mowing contract or policy at the May 13 meeting. The council voted to take no action and directed staff to continue operating within the current budget while developing communication and options for future landscaping approaches.

Glenn Caldwell of Public Services reviewed historical costs and noted the city spent roughly $200,000 in FY 2023 on TxDOT right-of-way mowing and budgeted more in FY 2024. Council members discussed TxDOT’s limited mowing capacity, memoranda of agreement with the state, and the practical expectation that visitors do not distinguish between city and state rights-of-way. Several council members proposed low-cost alternatives, including “wild gardens,” native plantings or xeriscaping to reduce recurring mowing costs while keeping 25 feet of clear buffer at intersections for traffic visibility and safety.

Council directed staff to keep current budget authority in place (no action on a contract change), prepare a public communication explaining TxDOT limitations and city options, and develop cost scenarios for alternative landscaping approaches and for temporary measures to control fire risk during the dry season. The motion to take no action carried unanimously.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council - May 13 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council took no action on changing mowing responsibilities for TxDOT right-of-way, opting instead to keep the current budget and ask staff to provide public communication; council discussed wildflower/dryscape options and safety buffers.","taxTitle","Terrell, Kaufman County, Texas","taxId",58110,"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},6059295,"Council approves Terrell Citizens Academy; background check removed, residency verification to be used",301,2385000,2686000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295313-47a00fa6274863a4b62f8379ee27ae0d&start=2385&end=2686","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295313-47a00fa6274863a4b62f8379ee27ae0d/thumbnail_2385000.jpg","/articles/6059295/Terrell/Kaufman-County/Texas/Council-approves-Terrell-Citizens-Academy-background-check-removed-residency-verification-to-be-used","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059295-f21bb388743550891be64aa60e650a37/orig.mp4?Expires=1775112599&Signature=o-bBcbL7pA1Mwvqz2D6ak-JKCraGQepdwaOLpnBsXcaZJLB2R8wiixaIu~wPPxr3~v-Mw-YDLNWhysbnkS~vYoPsAzH6sj-0bj2b2QmfHX0p~aaiTu3O7AEOT-4VuLb9-AWdiEjnbq9i0-Xn5dYFVyruFrC01ErnIaSIxSHOb13Zxv3TnAz4hRckN-Nz8tXJipHDkLEthExE1e6rBPtnNAvd86IgOfWrOQq4dgaurzohHRSplE2FW~4aflRn7ak5DzyC9YLgV2PRwFZ3~GrG5xYJ7vq1di~bSaIPkl492iZxOdV95TWAj3gMt6Yhd1-PdjXSGETa7sFu~lKvHlDRcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Terrell City Council approved Resolution 2225 to establish the Terrell Citizens Academy and set a proposed fall schedule of Sept. 11 through Nov. 13, 2025. The council removed a proposed background-check requirement from the application and asked staff to verify residency for participants.

Senior Policy Analyst Amara Mata presented the academy schedule and application materials and said staff would confirm that accepted applicants live within the city limits before final acceptance. Councilmember Ronnie Velasquez moved to approve the resolution without the background-check requirement; Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Holmes Thomas seconded the motion. Councilmembers discussed whether proof of residency should be required; Mata confirmed the application will include an address and staff will verify city residency before acceptance.

The motion to approve Resolution 2225 with the background-check requirement removed carried unanimously. Staff said departments’ presentations and specific dates remain subject to change pending department head and facility availability.","Council approved Resolution 2225 creating the Terrell Citizens Academy to run Sept. 11–Nov. 13, 2025, removing a background-check requirement while confirming staff will verify applicants' Terrell residency.",{"_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},6059300,"Council renames park facilities at Breezy Hill and Ben Gil in honor of local residents and veterans",710,2705000,3415000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295313-47a00fa6274863a4b62f8379ee27ae0d&start=2705&end=3415","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295313-47a00fa6274863a4b62f8379ee27ae0d/thumbnail_2705000.jpg","/articles/6059300/Terrell/Kaufman-County/Texas/Council-renames-park-facilities-at-Breezy-Hill-and-Ben-Gil-in-honor-of-local-residents-and-veterans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059300-6f2bc9e291cf31db4ae7be6880c92264/orig.mp4?Expires=1775112599&Signature=L8gZ7fYAOfGUkSAl7AG40rcZfJw1qBPFLrw3Xz84J9tdvb8hJGpEWUy8H81erW6irObI3my4nj8Nmw-963UpJEoZ4UIWb7Dgzt5lUWvQhLiDdqbeB829kK1pcFCebreIB4MbTJh~3-4b3CP7AxCZiEAplteHjIOS0dvSxFwZan~RdGwcq2~Zo1c7-M2VOLEapEfMa4yaLV4NADcbwvhFzofF42T-58YWSo~4qQFW8u76ahfa-XELf7~BvSyrj50PiwEITYtojyqrXAfVokrNrLo2rTSMU-pPiv4nLXW8abFIqlLhSxPn1pCyEd6QL0W~RGEaLqPtUKnd2c7MyK5WuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Terrell City Council approved a package of facility renamings at Breezy Hill Park and Ben Gil Park during the May 13 meeting, honoring four local figures and a veteran. Council voted individually on four resolutions and approved each.

Interim City Manager Mark Mills presented the naming committee’s recommendations and described the public notice process: staff sent letters to property owners within 200 feet of the parks, posted notices online and held a committee workshop. The council approved the following resolutions: rename the unnamed walking trail at Breezy Hill Park to Charles F. Phillips Sr. Walking Trail (Resolution 2226); rename the Breezy Hill community center to the Loretta Hickman Gibson Community Center (Resolution 2227); rename the Breezy Hill dugout and field complex to the E.P. Shaw Memorial Complex (Resolution 2228); and rename the unnamed soccer fields at Ben Gil Park to Staff Sergeant Brady Berry Memorial Soccer Complex (Resolution 2229).

Mills provided short biographies for each honoree, noting service records and community contributions. The naming committee exercised a two-thirds waiver of the committee’s three-year posthumous rule for two nominees who died in 2023. Councilmember Stephanie Holmes Thomas recused herself from votes related to Breezy Hill Park facilities because of her active role with the Association of Breezy Hill Park; the record reflects her recusal on those items.

Council members who moved and seconded the motions varied by item; all four renamings passed by council vote. Mills said staff will coordinate signage and potential plaques with the naming committee and public services.","Council approved four naming resolutions for Breezy Hill Park and Ben Gil Park, renaming a trail, community center, field complex and soccer fields after local leaders and a fallen service member; one councilmember recused herself from Breezy Hill votes.",{"_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},6059304,"Council approves preconstruction work for new pet adoption center; 3–2 vote on $231,250 task orders",1812,4489000,6301000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295313-47a00fa6274863a4b62f8379ee27ae0d&start=4489&end=6301","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295313-47a00fa6274863a4b62f8379ee27ae0d/thumbnail_4489000.jpg","/articles/6059304/Terrell/Kaufman-County/Texas/Council-approves-preconstruction-work-for-new-pet-adoption-center-32-vote-on-231250-task-orders","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059304-717156288717a9c02a23dff7a453d237/orig.mp4?Expires=1775112599&Signature=NiXzMMB0uGM4IKtEgj01VGr0DYQ8V4CGuf2S-CsxeMkZUez1tenzejLDxYZihqfN-AOpAed8vJxGZDV-mCdEwXav1kBSMo3EgKZ~Vay0nZN1h6CrthdyfEHx9ffaEgi6TzTwCFMlbHBEv8tDhL35tFf4gPj27mjcJ1P3UuBGUFQ2SKCTA1~wPpQEWPUoBvXYt9O3wH39WTSV2ZStiqYy4CE-8EDYRfGJGBa8g8mzWcoDIkOS5WH2E-AHum7yfji~3PBq2JSiJpw9CmzvckoVKTmNU1Bm6fhqbkEzULt2pbhI6u-zfIaksI3xX~jvVJaKFI~pVmx7QbiX4xXzgDGnkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Terrell City Council approved task orders 3A and 3B for preconstruction services to complete design and bidding documents for a new pet adoption center, with a not-to-exceed cost of $231,250 charged to CO 2023 C. The motion passed 3–2 at the May 13 meeting.

Project manager Raylan Smith told council the new facility at 1100 Highway 34 is designed to meet current kennel and operational needs and gave a construction estimate the team reduced from about $6.1 million to roughly $5.6 million through value engineering. Smith said, “we have had a commitment from the volunteer group for that,” describing $262,000 in volunteer-dedicated items for landscaping, turf and shades.

Interim City Manager Mark Mills and staff framed the project as funded from the city’s CO 2023 C allocation; Mills and staff said allocating the project to that certificate-of-obligation account keeps it separate from general fund operations. Council discussed operational issues at the current shelter, the building’s storm damage history, and whether temporary fixes should be prioritized while the new facility is built. Several council members pressed for a short-term work plan to address roof, camera and HVAC problems at the existing facility until construction is complete.

Councilmember Phil Robinson moved approval of the task orders with a second from Donna Renee Anderson; the mayor cast the deciding vote and the motion carried 3–2. Council directed staff to return later with bid results and to estimate costs for temporary repairs at the existing shelter.","The city approved task orders to finish design and bid documents for a proposed new pet adoption center with a not-to-exceed preconstruction cost of $231,250, funded from CO 2023 C; the vote was 3–2.",{"_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},6059307,"Rick Carmona declared mayor after Kaufman County certification; sworn into office",74,733000,807000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295313-47a00fa6274863a4b62f8379ee27ae0d&start=733&end=807","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295313-47a00fa6274863a4b62f8379ee27ae0d/thumbnail_733000.jpg","/articles/6059307/Terrell/Kaufman-County/Texas/Rick-Carmona-declared-mayor-after-Kaufman-County-certification-sworn-into-office","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059307-fbf5e5e018dd0887739076b98b3269f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775112599&Signature=dFcB0HsyqrIfvP1H03DgRzG9DSsahXA02WFvd4~ln1t0M-0FoUFsX2QG~2S8~ZekpksLt11NGrw3MEIJTZfYwcrXv126d-iF-uCP53mrSQ~vfXdbwo5wCpSvl98Qd6fAsRcBXNMEHkMiEj~twYHdIxZqiA1ojTu7Uxh4Y8CnCdIjd~L8obh9z31CgzoKkswSw6RDRG3230jd-yvK~jGy-YGji9dhXLEjUo1TJJVNnLRNOMGz5XogbsqPakt2N6zRVrri2qYcCRfcePt9q5um2zUhZckDrm8IWn-28txyS5P8r4WTzV36P6xQsfI2Gi7xS3g-5FVR2I6YrpecXWq~pQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Terrell City Council accepted certified election returns from Kaufman County and declared Rick Carmona elected mayor to a three-year term, then administered the oath of office at the May 13 meeting.

City Secretary Don Stoll told the council that “there was a total of 1,329 ballots cast with Rick Carmona receiving 667, which was the majority,” and under that certification Carmona was declared duly elected. Council swore Carmona into office during the meeting.

The newly sworn mayor spoke briefly after the oath; he noted this will be his third and final term and made personal remarks about family members lost in the previous year. The certification and oath concluded the formal election business on the council agenda.

No further action or follow-up was taken on the certification item at the meeting.","Council accepted certified election returns showing Rick Carmona won a three-year mayoral term; Carmona took the oath of office during the May 13 Terrell City Council meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council delays new mowing policy for TxDOT right-of-way; directs staff to use current budget and communicate with public

Council approves Terrell Citizens Academy; background check removed, residency verification to be used

Council renames park facilities at Breezy Hill and Ben Gil in honor of local residents and veterans

Council approves preconstruction work for new pet adoption center; 3–2 vote on $231,250 task orders

Rick Carmona declared mayor after Kaufman County certification; sworn into office