Cleburne council approves development, infrastructure and administrative items; hears quarterly financial update

The Cleburne City Council on a series of motions approved routine and infrastructure items, accepted a donated parcel, and adopted Veterans Day as an official city holiday, and received a quarterly financial update showing generally strong revenues.

Quarterly finances: City finance director Mr. Boonstra presented the first-quarter fiscal update (through Dec. 31, 2024), stressing that the figures were unaudited and subject to change. He said a timing difference explained what appeared to be a $4 million shortfall in property tax collections and that sales tax shown represented October returns only. Building permits and related trade permits were substantially ahead of projections because of a large one-time revenue item, and golf and recreation activities were performing in line with seasonal expectations. Mr. Boonstra highlighted that interest income remained elevated following a Federal Reserve target rate of 4.25% to 4.5%, and that an error in year-to-date revenues (sales tax reporting) had been corrected and would be emailed to council that evening. He noted ambulance services showed 84% of annual budget due to delivery of an ordered ambulance in the first quarter.

Consent agenda and minutes corrections: The council approved its consent agenda unanimously, with RS4 (consolidation of lease assignments for Trax Hangars with CPT Properties LLC) withdrawn at staff's request. The approved consent items included final plat approval for Frontier Phase 2B (approximately 68.7 acres, 130 single-family lots, 4 open-space lots, and one lift-station lot in the extraterritorial jurisdiction), a video services agreement with Granicus not to exceed $60,403, a right-of-way use agreement for property at 1717 North Nolan River Road, a Waterborne Pumps contract to replace pumps at Cleburne Golf Links not to exceed $106,663, and a four-year equipment lease with Government Capital Corporation for the John Warren Sports Complex in the amount of $348,037.69. Council also authorized the city secretary to correct transcription errors in the Feb. 25 minutes for prior public-hearing text.

Rezoning at 1551 East Henderson: The council approved an ordinance creating a planned development (PD) at 1551 East Henderson Street. Planning staff explained the PD was designed to let the existing residence remain as SF-7 single-family until such time as a nonresidential use commenced; at that point the property would automatically revert to the RC (Regional Commercial) district consistent with the Henderson Street overlay and the city's future land-use plan. No public opposition was recorded for this item; the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval 7-0. Councilmember John Warren moved to approve; Councilmember Oliver Cosby seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Property donation at 1711 Country Club Road: The council accepted by resolution a quitclaim deed from GM And W Development LLC for roughly a half-acre strip at 1711 Country Club Road. City staff said the parcel is a narrow "strip and gore" leftover from earlier road realignments with limited private development value; the city intends to use the tract for possible roadway or intersection expansion. Mayor Pro Tem Blake Jones moved to accept; Oliver Cosby seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

West Buffalo Creek sewer design contract: The council authorized a professional-services agreement with Ailer Engineering Inc. for design, bidding and construction-phase services for the West Buffalo Creek Sewer Improvements, not to exceed $400,000. Staff said the project was identified in the wastewater master plan, will address roughly 11,000 linear feet of sewer line improvements in an industrial basin, and that design costs will be funded from wastewater impact fees. Design is expected to take about 10 months with construction in the FY2026 capital plan. Councilmember Oliver Cosby moved to approve the agreement; John Warren seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Veterans Day designated a city holiday: The council approved a resolution designating Veterans Day an official city holiday. Human resources staff noted the city currently employs 51 veterans and that 63% of surveyed cities already observe Veterans Day as a holiday; the change is intended to support recruitment and to align the city with peer jurisdictions. The motion passed unanimously.

Executive session: The council entered executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 to consult with the city attorney on permitted land-use regulations and definitions; no action was taken in executive session, and the meeting returned to open session with no additional council action.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (items listed above): Approved (motion by Blake Jones; second by John Warren). RS4 withdrawn prior to vote. - OR2 (1551 East Henderson PD): Approved (motion by John Warren; second by Oliver Cosby). - RS7 (accept quitclaim deed, 1711 Country Club Road): Approved (motion by Blake Jones; second by Oliver Cosby). - RS8 (Ailer Engineering, West Buffalo Creek Sewer Improvements, not to exceed $400,000): Approved (motion by Oliver Cosby; second by John Warren). - RS9 (designate Veterans Day holiday): Approved (motion by councilmember; second by Blake Jones).

Speakers and staff (first reference includes role): Blake Jones, Mayor Pro Tem; Oliver Cosby, Councilmember, District 3; John Warren, Councilmember, District 4; Michael Marrero, City Manager; Mr. Boonstra, Finance presenter; Ms. Peterson, staff; Ms. Castillo, planning staff; Mario Guerrero (proponent, present to assist); and multiple residents who spoke on other items.