Glenn Heights council approves fence ordinance change, replat and charter appointments; chamber contract set to auto‑renew

The Glenn Heights City Council passed several land‑use and administrative measures and made appointments at its April meeting, approving an amended fence ordinance, a retail property replat and appointments to a charter review commission while confirming that the city’s agreement with the Red Oak Area Chamber of Commerce will include an automatic renewal clause.

On the ordinance, the council approved Ordinance O‑05‑25 on second reading to amend the city code’s fence and screening provisions. City planner Dr. LaSheila Jones said the changes would allow decorative, non‑opaque front‑yard fences along major thoroughfares — including Bear Creek Road and Hampton Road — and permit up to eight‑foot fences on lots with significant slopes measured from natural ground rather than retaining structures. The council approved the ordinance on a 7–0 vote.

Dr. Jones summarized the changes: “This amendment is to address allowing front yard, non opaque fences to the properties on the major thoroughfarers…” Councilman Lightfoot asked whether the eight‑foot limit applied to front yards; Dr. Jones clarified the taller measurement was intended for back‑yard fences where lots drop and to provide privacy on sloped lots. The staff recommended approval.

The council also approved Replat RP‑02‑25, a request to subdivide a 9.091‑acre retail‑zoned tract at 604 South Hampton Road into six lots to allow smaller retail parcels. Dr. Jones said the property is zoned retail and the applicant intends to create smaller retail parcels; the applicant was not present. Council members expressed concern about voting without the applicant present, and City Attorney Berman reminded the body of the 30‑day “shot clock” under state law that requires a timely decision on plats and replats and described that the council’s review is ministerial: if the application meets code and state requirements, the city must approve. The replat was approved by a 7–0 vote.

On the consent agenda, the council approved resolution R‑10‑25, updating and setting an automatic renewal for the agreement between the city and the Red Oak Area Chamber of Commerce. Deputy City Manager Keith Moore explained the renewal clause allows the other party to automatically renew at the end of a one‑year term up to three consecutive years and that the city may bring the agreement back to the council at any time for changes. Council member questions focused on whether the automatic renewal would mean the contract would bypass annual council review; staff confirmed the council may revisit the agreement whenever desired. The resolution passed 7–0.

Council member Travis Bruton brought an item to form a Charter Review Commission. Council members appointed up to seven initial members (the resolution provides for a 14‑member commission), with councilmembers naming specific appointees and reserving remaining slots. The council voted to delegate authority to the commission to elect its own chair and vice chair; Councilman Bruton moved to delegate that authority and the motion passed 7–0.

Motions and formal outcomes reported at the meeting matched a series of unanimous 7–0 votes on the consent items, the ordinance, the replat and the delegation to the Charter Review Commission. No minutes‑quality dissenting votes were recorded.

The council concluded the agenda after confirming no executive session was needed and adjourning at 8:10 p.m.