[{"_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",6426441,"mediaKeyId","5897071-4f1688ce3026afd76d7a7298a27e6751","parentId",5897071,"title","Rockwall council splits over appraisal-district nominee; reappoints councilmember Cedric Thomas","audioSeconds",1949,"startMs",3000,"endMs",1952000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897071-4f1688ce3026afd76d7a7298a27e6751&start=3&end=1952","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897071-4f1688ce3026afd76d7a7298a27e6751/thumbnail_3000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6426441/Rockwall-City/Rockwall-County/Texas/Rockwall-council-splits-over-appraisal-district-nominee-reappoints-councilmember-Cedric-Thomas","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426441-066c192820ef10c21185e82604c712ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198713&Signature=Zi43YOGUoCh60q5BGxUcu2ble48WDUQoucFYGulquLa8qaxJlLf~eOtg5oyOP1brMB7EWLBtzqo0N6eyBqBOWQN8fyGRpJHYBdauVwJ7UReOlZJg4Eu8Kena9IXoV8BMXhhWuZO5xRv2bsrm70CKmyI1NdqvPArVREa3oZDUsdhTMIzTrZEKPHLgmw3hNKL4ol4tBwZOlPmr1N0j5Ga1ewnorX14Kx6DamyAUranfV5a3X0mBRfuIKcIkIf1YD-wfm50ByUbOBFljQo2aOvvZCVKIYwBLb53HQSYErN3haOgtwKWpmN3bLlRb86ty1Ij5DHNBhFGTU9XKsM5RW2wpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rockwall","date","2025-10-06T00:00:00Z","article","On Oct. 6, 2025, the City of Rockwall City Council voted on nominations to fill two seats on the Rockwall Central Appraisal District board of directors for 2026–2029, after discussing the matter in executive session. The council unanimously approved a resolution nominating Richard Koepke. A later motion to nominate Rick Johnson failed on a 3–3 tie with Councilmember Cedric Thomas abstaining; the council then voted 4–3 to reappoint Thomas to one of the CAD seats.

The action followed an executive-session discussion described at the meeting as the council's responsibility to submit two names for four-year terms on the appraisal district board. Mayor Tim McCallum said he opposed reappointing a council member to the CAD because of optics, saying he did not \"like the optics of having a city council member who is responsible for helping set the tax rate, who also then sits on a board, of our CAD.\" He moved to nominate Rick Johnson, a local real estate professional, as an alternative to Thomas.

Councilmember Cedric Thomas responded directly to the concern about optics and defended his record. \"I have always served with integrity, on any boards,\" Thomas said, noting his focus on public safety and fiscal oversight during his tenure.

After the failed Johnson motion (tally recorded as 3–3, with Thomas abstaining), Councilmember John Lewis moved to nominate Cedric Thomas for reappointment; the motion passed 4–3, with Councilmembers Henson, McCallum and Jeffers recorded as voting against. The council did not take further action on expanding or changing the number of elected officials who serve on the CAD.

The council's debate repeatedly framed the decision as a matter of principle about elected officials' participation on an entity that oversees property value appraisal rather than personal criticism of Thomas. Mayor McCallum reiterated that the concern was transparency and the perception of overlapping duties rather than an allegation of misconduct.

No ordinance or policy change was adopted in connection with the nominations. The council did not require any additional materials or reports before making the nominations.

The nominations concluded the action the council said it had discussed in executive session earlier in the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council","oneSentenceSummary","After executive-session deliberations, the City Council first approved one outside nominee, rejected a motion to replace Councilmember Cedric Thomas with a private citizen, then voted to reappoint Thomas to the Rockwall Central Appraisal District board in a 4–3 vote.","taxTitle","Rockwall City, Rockwall County, Texas","taxId",54915,"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},6426429,"Neighbors offer alternatives to proposed SH 66 boat-ramp trailer lot; council asks staff to explore changes",129,4069000,4198000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897071-4f1688ce3026afd76d7a7298a27e6751&start=4069&end=4198","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897071-4f1688ce3026afd76d7a7298a27e6751/thumbnail_4069000.jpg","/articles/6426429/Rockwall-City/Rockwall-County/Texas/Neighbors-offer-alternatives-to-proposed-SH-66-boat-ramp-trailer-lot-council-asks-staff-to-explore-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426429-dd36c5fd12b2dc85398275353b1f758c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198713&Signature=Wvms5kLkPxnTS3IwxDEK4LoXGjPbxKxmAqNJJ1Fw37vbghmU9T2-6~XrH3IhvWYzttKYBSJPeATQbU5PCEZcY63kaK0-5SEv8xcnWL78iEbACcKjIpW8apryFxHBhTDtcXo7NnND1nVwJiUzc7fxuwRohqdBos3CAGpr03INm5N5zKb35WowaNdZ3YYyQ0fwMe3yp9GrgrCUHr58wkQmXATtx2xbCppjav7s~wjSNErWMv6Uw1FvX4b77GEOMhtut8yDKkzgXtP-AgDbC5vcPT3wYuVbWSqOmKbM5mGBXyTmHBAeGYn0wWnxc7aUiyNJj5N3FGcRQc41wXFcrluFTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents who live beside Rockwall's State Highway 66 boat ramp told the City Council on Oct. 6 that a proposed permanent trailer parking lot would remove a valued green space, would be underused and could harm neighborhood safety and property values. The meeting included a detailed neighborhood alternative that parks advocates say would keep car parking, add defined pedestrian connections and use bollards and signage to separate boat and car traffic.

Karen Williams, a Bayshore Drive resident, told the council the green area in question is used mostly by neighborhood residents and is used as overflow trailer parking only on three holidays each year: \"This green space is only used for overflow parking on 3 holidays. Memorial Day, fourth of July, and Labor Day. This is just 9 days a year,\" she said. Kevin and Stephanie Folsom and other neighbors offered an illustrated alternative that would keep open lawn, add car parking near the pavilion, install permanent bollards to prevent cars from driving onto the field, provide an off-street decomposed-granite trail to connect to the Heroes Memorial Bridge, and make the boat-launch circulation two lanes so launches are more efficient.

Parks staff and grant managers briefed councilors about the funding and permitting context. The project is funded through a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant and related federal/state processes; parks staff said some changes to the approved design could trigger additional environmental studies and re-submittal to grant agencies. Staff estimated a substantial redesign could require redoing environmental and geotechnical studies and that starting redesign work from scratch could cost on the order of $150,000 (staff estimated) and could jeopardize the grant timeline. Council members said they wanted staff to explore modifications that might address neighborhood concerns without losing the grant.

Travis (parks director) said the grant requires project completion by mid-2027 and that removing or materially relocating the planned lot could require new state and federal reviews. He said he had already adjusted some features in response to resident feedback (reducing parallel parking along Willow Bend, moving landscaping islands, and changing tree plantings to lower vegetation), and he agreed to check whether a reduced footprint for the trailer lot or other alterations could be accommodated within grant requirements. Council members directed staff to explore those changes and report back; no formal council action or ordinance was taken at the meeting.

Neighbors and other speakers warned of ongoing maintenance and safety costs if a large trailer lot is built and noted that the site currently contains deferred maintenance, trash and unstable drainage that residents want cleaned up whether or not the parking changes. One commenter cited an estimated annual maintenance cost for a 40-space boat/trailer lot of roughly $40,000'70,000 a year (estimate provided by a resident, not a city staff figure). Parks staff said if modifications were minor, the changes might be handled as amendments with state agencies; if major, the project could need new studies and the city would likely fund redesign work.

Councilmember Mary Jeffers, who sponsored bringing the item to the full council agenda, said the grant-size opportunity is rare and that while she understood resident concerns, she planned to support the project's continuation with the expectation staff would pursue practical modifications where possible. Parks staff committed to return with findings on options, cost implications and schedule impacts.","Residents near the SH 66 boat ramp urged the council to replace a planned 40-space trailer parking lot with smaller car parking, pedestrian improvements and bollards. Parks staff will investigate possible reductions and report back; no formal vote was taken.",{"_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},6426434,"Council approves 54-lot planned development at SH 276 and FM 550; developer adds amenities",632,2347000,2979000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897071-4f1688ce3026afd76d7a7298a27e6751&start=2347&end=2979","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897071-4f1688ce3026afd76d7a7298a27e6751/thumbnail_2347000.jpg","/articles/6426434/Rockwall-City/Rockwall-County/Texas/Council-approves-54-lot-planned-development-at-SH-276-and-FM-550-developer-adds-amenities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426434-27f8c3ec7dbf1d2fcdd9acd73f7345a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198713&Signature=WLY5y4HLY2r-bXqDhjOBdumUjBM~LFpSs2SU2MWAzPlEfPxYTuLxvTSbQlJqw3wvD11NDVouJ5GgIUy~CeO2EPhdiVsOZ~AJSRf4xWPR0xf-VlRDFJUdB7o4vtr~hd6aIMVYPtw3V1SxVMg7PCxfGJOTxCTxK9sWcyxLBxSmusCGRNgeKx-3gd89ar4m~gjaXJLiwO2vEN0MkBa-DRHkTTbIEm6rAlUNrkzzy5Zfq7Ug7kyODNJ64LSPF2gihXzbPYMdNCgBjP1PnLdR1InFLVXrfOXJY9UdFS-5TevHcRXyPN8SzQ6wkkLqNSyIIjX7fGHwapXsRUmj86jyC-sm-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Rockwall City Council on Oct. 6 approved an ordinance to rezone a 105.285-acre tract at the south side of State Highway 276 west of FM 550 from agricultural to a planned development district for single-family (SF-1) uses. The applicant's revised plan calls for a 54-lot subdivision with 44 lots of at least one acre and 10 lots of 1.5 acres; the developer intends on-site septic systems for lots (OSSF). The ordinance passed unanimously after the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 7'0.

Planning staff told council the applicant had returned to address earlier concerns. The developer added larger lots, increased anti-monotony standards (limiting repeat building elevations), added more substantial entry monumentation, and incorporated a garage-orientation requirement to allow side-entry garages. The PD now includes two covered pickleball courts and sets an anti-monotony limit of one building elevation per 25 homes; with only 54 lots, the revised PD restricts repetition of elevations in close proximity.

Planning and Zoning Chair Dr. Conway reported the commission had considered the project again on Sept. 30 and voted 7'0 to recommend approval after the applicant met conditions requested by the commission.

Sita Ravi, appearing for the applicant, said the team \"took the comments the last time\" and that the changes were incorporated: \"We took the feedback. We corrected it, and we are here for the approval.\"

Council members praised the applicant and the planning commission for the quick follow-up and for producing a lower-density product the council said suits Rockwall. The council read the ordinance and voted to adopt it; no amendments were made at second reading.

The approved PD ties the new exhibits and standards into the city Unified Development Code; the ordinance imposes standard enforcement provisions and a penalty fine not to exceed $2,000 per offense.

Staff noted the subdivision will provide 20% open space and a gross density of about 0.513 dwelling units per acre (0.6 on the net). The development idea will return to the city through standard platting and permitting steps before any construction begins.","The council approved rezoning a 105-acre agricultural parcel to a planned development for single-family homes after the applicant incorporated Planning & Zoning and council requests including larger lots, monumentation and covered pickleball courts.",{"_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},6426418,"Votes at a glance: Rockwall council approves multiple ordinances, tables two zoning items",152,2063000,2215000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897071-4f1688ce3026afd76d7a7298a27e6751&start=2063&end=2215","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897071-4f1688ce3026afd76d7a7298a27e6751/thumbnail_2063000.jpg","/articles/6426418/Rockwall-City/Rockwall-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Rockwall-council-approves-multiple-ordinances-tables-two-zoning-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426418-9f8b4afc60ab7987b156c094a77f4951/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198713&Signature=ajo3qteGCPqBncAgOlopldLQpz4gHGab0tar8lVnkaozzP1ATT4A2Ruh8YhR9tq-1BUMW0HfIICK-km-5wGo3dpRjOKhIT5weI6JrX4si7GpcbIfcriuW3trsd3MfxrsX5Lr8CtUROefPR39q7K10Fya6N4kMDptbjOCWIlFVVZ05CK9HApa7y1PjhTRN~1maMvqv-2JZ6yel5W4HU-J3gfzZq94VXxPyw5jFsg4dfXAtLnYuYDncBOFpPKiLRbC-ZndTv7MABMbM8Oc1LcNetNeEbYcIRI72KnDLTxeSq6QJCOG5YJJgBbb37LndeXADlNRFIxnlB0L8ep6KCanwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Oct. 6 meeting the City of Rockwall City Council approved multiple consent agenda ordinances and zoning items and recorded a handful of other formal procedural outcomes.

Key outcomes:

- Consent and ordinances: The council adopted a package of ordinances tied to the Unified Development Code (UDC) and specific use permits (SUPs) for accessory structures, a medical office PD, residential infill SUPs and other items. The reading on numerous ordinances was completed and the council voted to approve the consent package unanimously.

- Consent item pulled and approved separately: Consent item 10 (an agreement with Melzon Wells Senior Services for certain nutrition and senior programs for FY2026) was approved after being pulled for separate consideration; City Manager Mary (staff) noted Councilmember John Lewis abstained because he serves on the Melzon Wells board.

- Public hearings and zoning procedural outcomes: Z2025-053 (a proposed car wash SUP) was withdrawn by the applicant and the council accepted the withdrawal unanimously. Z2025-057 (an SUP for an extended-stay residence hotel near the sports facility) was tabled to Nov. 3 by council action (motion passed 6'1 with Councilmember Henson dissenting). Z2025-059 (rezoning of a 105.285-acre tract to planned development for a 54-lot subdivision) was approved unanimously (see separate story).

- Other second readings: The council adopted amendments to the UDC (Z2025-052, Z2025-061) on second reading; both ordinances passed unanimously.

Votes and recusals noted in the record: most consent items and ordinances passed unanimously. The separate vote to authorize the Melzon Wells agreement passed unanimously with Councilmember Lewis recorded as abstaining on the Melzon Wells item due to his board affiliation. Several public-hearing items included formal motions to accept withdrawal or to table and were resolved by recorded votes listed above.

A complete item-by-item record is available in the meeting minutes and staff packet; the council read ordinances into the record where required by the UDC and state law.","During the Oct. 6 meeting the council adopted multiple ordinances on consent and in public hearings, approved a PD rezoning and several UDC amendments, accepted a withdrawal, and tabled one zoning item to Nov. 3.",{"_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},6426421,"North Texas Municipal Water District appointees brief Rockwall council on growth, pipeline projects and cost pressures",286,3016000,3302000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897071-4f1688ce3026afd76d7a7298a27e6751&start=3016&end=3302","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897071-4f1688ce3026afd76d7a7298a27e6751/thumbnail_3016000.jpg","/articles/6426421/Rockwall-City/Rockwall-County/Texas/North-Texas-Municipal-Water-District-appointees-brief-Rockwall-council-on-growth-pipeline-projects-and-cost-pressures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426421-3790c8173d1107bc94d59378ccfde00e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198713&Signature=A0JuaqaSHpoEH-F06XdLMR7q4dN-XsJZde34aYnKg6YNodpUivATWGEUzheHCo2J57FmNqVX8XPh-eMyKJzf52xlKbFWpWb4rsPhfPPJMTLOHN1nMK-TINQCsip-su3Dccr3vEpaFp6k5VQM8mdNm1iner4g7V9sYgCoKYFeyHPtcD5ayGudxYBGS5zZKCcOP40vmbH~FC8s3V7HGm9SGcyEFn9VDhDrwQe6h5GNxv17cgPgq~ZuVfoqXgnJGyzMODVjUiPm6BxyvvJN-aOI0dHqV2zOil77G93K7Y6y42VNGElBAaOokc4IZj-dHhemqqtGj9ayIgFBFHGFOzMsOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Oct. 6 the City of Rockwall heard an update from its appointees to the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), including former City Manager Rick Crowley and board vice president Chip Emory. The presentation summarized regional growth, supply projects and the district's capital program to meet rising water demand.

NTMWD representatives said regional demand has grown since 2020 and the district is planning additional infrastructure to secure supply. Board members discussed work to restore and expand capacity from Lake Texoma, noting challenges that reduced Texoma pump station output and the need to blend Texoma water with other sources. An initiative described as the \"Texoma 2 step\" includes plans to build two pipelines to bring Texoma water to treatment plants; the presenters said the pipelines are large, multi-year investments (the district gave an approximate figure of about $629 million for two pipelines).

Officials also described broader capital and operating pressures. The district is increasing capital spending to respond to growth, and officials said the capital program and debt service have grown significantly; district leaders cited sharply higher material costs (noting structural concrete as an example, with an approximate 40% price increase) and longer procurement lead times for specialized equipment. The district expects continuing cost pressures and said it is using alternative project delivery methods (design-build and construction management at risk) to try to manage costs and preserve competition among contractors.

Board members told the council that long-range projections show regional water needs could about double by 2070, and they emphasized the long lead times that major water projects require. Rick Crowley and Chip Emory said the district recognizes member cities' needs and contractual commitments to supply water and that the board is prioritizing investments to ensure reliable future supplies.

Councilmembers thanked the appointees for the briefing and raised questions about cost trends and schedule risks. The update was informational; no action was taken at the meeting.","City appointees to the North Texas Municipal Water District board updated council members on regional growth, pipeline projects to increase supply from Lake Texoma and Bo D'Arc Lake, rising construction costs and a district capital program aimed at meeting projected demand through 2070.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rockwall council splits over appraisal-district nominee; reappoints councilmember Cedric Thomas

Neighbors offer alternatives to proposed SH 66 boat-ramp trailer lot; council asks staff to explore changes

Council approves 54-lot planned development at SH 276 and FM 550; developer adds amenities

Votes at a glance: Rockwall council approves multiple ordinances, tables two zoning items

North Texas Municipal Water District appointees brief Rockwall council on growth, pipeline projects and cost pressures