Lancaster council approves resolution to exclude 8-acre tract from University Hills municipal district

The Lancaster City Council on Aug. 19 approved a resolution consenting to the exclusion of an 8-acre tract from the University Hills Municipal Management District (MMD).

City Attorney, serving as staff liaison on the item, told the council the district was formed by the legislature in 2017 and that an 8-acre tract at the northeastern boundary of the Lancaster Campus District (Tract 3, University Hill Parcel D) had been inadvertently included within Lancaster’s boundary. The City Attorney said staff and the developer recommend excluding that tract so the MMD would develop solely in Dallas.

“What this will do is, if you adopt this resolution, this will grant your permission to exclude those 8 acres that are currently located in the city from the municipal management district,” the City Attorney said. He added, “What this will not do is this will not remove the land from your city, just remove it from that district.”

The City Attorney said staff inserted language in the draft resolution that limits other MMD powers for clarity and that the developer provided the base resolution language and agreed to the exclusion. Council members asked clarifying questions about the effect of the exclusion, and staff confirmed the action would not change the city’s zoning authority or remove the land from Lancaster; it would only remove the tract from the MMD.

Mayor (chair) moved to approve the agenda item; the City Manager seconded. The council approved the resolution by voice vote and the mayor announced the motion carried. The transcript records no roll-call tally of individual yes/no votes.

The resolution consented to the exclusion only; it does not alter the city’s jurisdiction over the land. Staff indicated a sealed final survey accompanies the resolution and that a memorandum reflecting the amendment has been circulated to council.