Bellmead council approves consent package and short‑term rental permit; hears infrastructure, community updates

The Bellmead City Council on Feb. 11 approved a multi‑item consent agenda that included a contract for a new SCADA system to monitor the city’s wells and the appointment of Judge Madison, and separately approved a specific‑use permit for a short‑term rental on Timberline Street.

The consent agenda — described by city staff as routine items — included approval of the Jan. 14, 2025 minutes; a resolution to install a new SCADA system that staff said will be transferable to a planned new utility facility; authorization to pay the city’s assessment to a regional gas‑rate expert (described in the meeting as 11¢ per capita); the appointment of Judge Madison; and approval to begin economic‑development steps on a property the manager called the site commonly referred to as “Papa Bears.” A council member moved to approve the consent agenda and the motion passed with the council polled in favor: Mayor Cleveland, Mayor Pro Tem Winget, Councilwoman Coleman, Councilman Bainbridge, Councilman Gibson and Councilman Moore all voted yes.

The council then held a public hearing and voted to approve a specific‑use permit (SUP) authorizing a short‑term rental use in an R‑1 single‑family district on Timberline Street. Planning staff said they notified 31 property owners within a 200‑foot radius and received no objections. Planning staff told the council the structure was originally built as a garage and would need building‑code inspections and any required electrical, mechanical and plumbing upgrades before it may be occupied as a short‑term rental. The city’s code classifies short‑term rentals under the city’s Airbnb‑style rules; staff said the city defines short‑term as 30 days or fewer. The motion to approve the SUP passed unanimously; the full council polled yes.

City manager and staff updates City staff used the meeting to brief the council on several infrastructure and community items. The city manager said Bellmead representatives Mr. Rice and Mr. Morris will participate in Brazos G, the regional water‑development planning committee, to protect Bellmead’s water rights. The manager also said the Texas Department of Transportation will do overlay work on Bellmead Drive; staff cautioned that some grant timelines are delayed but remain promising.

Public works staff Mr. Rice briefed the council on an upcoming wastewater interceptor—referred to in the record as the North Anderson 1B project—planned on Katy Lane (the transcript alternately spells the street "Katie Lane"). Rice said the project runs between the Matthew Street area and the Almarone section of Katy Lane and is a wastewater line replacement to be performed for Bellmead and the adjoining city of Lincoln. He said contractors would begin mobilization and erosion‑sediment controls around Feb. 17, with tree clearing scheduled to begin around Feb. 24.

The city manager also previewed a Feb. 18 Planning & Zoning meeting that will include a consultant training on the roles and responsibilities of the commission and recent state planning requirements; he said there could be a quorum of the council at that meeting. He noted a soft opening for El Emperora (also referred to as "Michael’s Kitchen" in the record) on Bellemead Drive beginning the next day and a ribbon cutting scheduled for March 11. The manager said Baylor University has selected Bellmead for a community cleanup project and will provide resources to assist residents who need help cleaning properties.

Other business The manager reported ongoing work on the Rolabaga building project, currently in drainage and site study phases. He said a contract with La Vega for dispatch services has a deadline of Feb. 28 and that the city will send a reminder if the provider does not sign. The manager also announced that the city received special recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association for performance measures and said the city will present that award at a future council meeting.

Public comment In public comment, Ryan Simpson, executive director of Tri Cities Industries, invited the council and residents to two upcoming community events: a fundraiser at Great and Canes in Baylor on Feb. 19 and a community “Kicking it with the Chiefs” kickball event on March 15 at Live Oak Park in Lacey Lakeview; he said there are future plans for the event to be hosted in Bellmead.

Next steps Council members approved the consent items and SUP during the Feb. 11 meeting. Staff members gave dates and preliminary schedules for the Katy Lane wastewater work and the Planning & Zoning training; those items will return to council or be implemented per the city’s standard permitting and construction processes.