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Gainesville Council adopts downtown master plan, authorizes $2.27M bonds and backs affordable housing funding
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Summary
At its Feb. 3 meeting, the Gainesville City Council unanimously adopted the Guiding Gainesville Downtown Master Plan, approved issuance of up to $2,270,000 in Certificates of Obligation for street and utility improvements and authorized a funding commitment in support of the Woodridge Apartments affordable housing application; one ground-lease extension was tabled after executive session.
The Gainesville City Council on Feb. 3 adopted the Guiding Gainesville Downtown Master Plan, authorized up to $2,270,000 in Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation for street and utility improvements and approved multiple routine resolutions and ordinances.
The council voted unanimously to adopt the downtown master plan after first suspending the charter to advance consideration; Councilmember Gary Sutton moved to suspend the charter and to adopt the ordinance, and Councilmember Mary Jo Dollar seconded both motions. The master plan ordinance passed 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 Abstentions, 1 Absent, 1 Vacancy.
Councilmembers also approved issuance of Certificates of Obligation, Series 2026, to fund street and utility projects. Councilmember Sutton moved to suspend the charter on that item (the suspension vote carried 4 Ayes, 1 Nay — Councilmember Randy Jones opposed); the subsequent ordinance authorizing the issuance was approved by a vote of 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 Abstentions, 1 Absent, 1 Vacancy.
On the consent agenda, the council approved the Water Master Plan and Wastewater Master Plan prepared by Kimley-Horn and Associates and ratified the Jan. 20, 2026 meeting minutes.
The council also approved a resolution authorizing purchase of a JCB 1 CXT skid steer backhoe for Fairview Cemetery; authorized an assignment and assumption of the executive ground lease at Gainesville Municipal Airport from High Vision Air, LLC to Blue Water Development, LLC; amended Appendix C of the Code of Ordinances to update impact fee advisory committee provisions; and made appointments to the Charter Review Commission. All motions on those items carried by recorded votes listed in the minutes.
Councilmembers expressed formal support and authorized a funding commitment tied to an application for 2026 Housing Tax Credits for the proposed Woodridge Apartments Affordable Housing Development; that resolution passed unanimously.
The council convened in executive session under the Texas Open Meetings Act to discuss real property and economic development matters (Government Code Chapter 551, including sections 551.072 and 551.087). Mayor Tommy Moore reconvened the meeting and stated that “no action was taken during executive session.” Following that session the council voted to table a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an extension to a ground lease with B-29 Ups & Downs, LLC; a separate resolution to amend a Right of First Refusal/Property Option Agreement with B-29 Ups & Downs, LLC was approved.
The council called for both a General Municipal Election and a Special Election to be held on May 2, 2026 (Ward 3, Ward 5, Ward 6 and Municipal Judge for the general election; Ward 1 for the special election) and designated polling locations and a voting system per the Secretary of State’s approval.
With no further business, the council adjourned at 7:55 PM. The minutes record votes for each motion but do not supply ordinance numbers, specific bond repayment schedules or the names of appointees to the Charter Review Commission in the text provided; those particulars are not specified in the transcript.