Northlake council approves $21.25 million certificates, creates municipal development district and adopts water-lien ordinance

Mayor Brian G. Montini called the Northlake Town Council to order at 5:30 p.m. on May 28, and the council moved through a packed agenda that included a municipal finance measure, multiple appointments and a change to the town’s utility-billing code.

The council voted unanimously, 7–0, to adopt an ordinance authorizing the issuance of Combination Tax and Limited Surplus Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2026, in the approximate principal amount of $21,250,000. Councilmember Alexandra Holmes moved approval; Councilmember Josh Pezzuto seconded. The ordinance (No. 26-0528A) authorizes execution of related financing documents, a paying agent/registrar agreement and approval of an official statement for the sale.

In other financial and governance actions, the council approved the establishment of the Northlake Municipal Development District (MDD) following voter approval in the May 2 special election. The resolution (No. 26-45) identifies the district boundaries and authorizes the Town Secretary to notify the Texas Comptroller of adoption of a one-half of one percent (0.50%) sales and use tax dedicated to the district. The council also approved a resolution terminating the Northlake Community Development Corporation and the Northlake Economic Development Corporation, finding the corporations’ obligations satisfied and authorizing necessary filings with the Texas Secretary of State (Resolution No. 26-46).

Council approved multiple appointments by unanimous vote: Maryl Lorencz was appointed Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term beginning June 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 26-44); seven members were appointed or reappointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission for one-year terms beginning June 1, 2026; and a Town Council Boards and Commissions Subcommittee was created with Councilmember Alexandra Holmes, Mayor Pro Tem Maryl Lorencz and Councilmember Aaron Fowler named as members. Staff identified to support the subcommittee include Town Manager Drew Corn, Development Services Director Nathan Reddin and Town Secretary Zolaina Parker.

The council adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 12, Article 12.02 of the Code of Ordinances to provide a procedure for placing liens on property with delinquent water charges (Ordinance No. 26-0528B). Councilmember Michael Ganz moved the ordinance; Mayor Pro Tem Maryl Lorencz seconded. The motion carried 7–0.

The consent agenda — including approval of meeting minutes, appointment to the Trinity River Authority Denton Creek Regional Wastewater System Advisory Committee, and a professional services agreement with Neel-Schaffer, Inc. for design of a one-million-gallon elevated storage tank (contract not to exceed $649,800; Resolution No. 26-43) — was approved without objection.

During the public input period, resident Joel McGregor raised questions about area tax rates, ballots and borrowing, and Laura Montini and Pete Cochefski expressed interest in MDD appointments. These remarks were heard during the public comment portion of the agenda; no formal action resulted from those comments.

The council convened an executive session at 6:33 p.m. under Texas Government Code Chapter 551 for consultations on multiple potential annexations and development agreements, deliberations over eminent domain for roadway and sewer acquisitions across numerous parcels, and economic development negotiations for two identified projects. Mayor Montini reconvened the open meeting at 7:25 p.m.; the minutes record no additional open-session actions taken as a result of the executive-session discussions, and the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Consent Agenda (Items 4.A–4.C): Approved (AYES 7–0). Moved by Councilmember Roger Sessions; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Maryl Lorencz. Includes Resolution No. 26-42 (TRA appointment) and Resolution No. 26-43 (Neel-Schaffer agreement, $649,800).

- Ordinance No. 26-0528A (Certificates of Obligation, Series 2026, approx. $21.25 million): Approved (AYES 7–0). Moved by Councilmember Alexandra Holmes; seconded by Councilmember Josh Pezzuto.

- Resolution No. 26-44 (appoint Mayor Pro Tem Maryl Lorencz): Approved (AYES 7–0). Moved by Councilmember Alexandra Holmes; seconded by Councilmember Aaron Fowler.

- Planning & Zoning Commission appointments (Places 1–7): Approved (AYES 7–0). Moved by Councilmember Aaron Fowler; seconded by Councilmember Josh Pezzuto. Appointees: Chris Amarante (Place 1, reappointment), Jeff Duncan (Place 2, new), Sal Esposito (Place 3, reappointment), Linda King (Place 4, reappointment), McCann Turner (Place 5, new), Danny Simpson (Place 6, reappointment), Robert Keeker (Place 7, reappointment).

- Resolution No. 26-45 (establish Northlake MDD; adopt 0.50% sales and use tax): Approved (AYES 7–0). Moved by Mayor Brian G. Montini; seconded by Councilmember Josh Pezzuto.

- Resolution No. 26-46 (terminate Northlake CDC and EDC): Approved (AYES 7–0). Moved by Councilmember Josh Pezzuto; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Maryl Lorencz.

- Resolution No. 26-47 (create Boards & Commissions Subcommittee and appoint members): Approved (AYES 7–0). Moved by Councilmember Alexandra Holmes; seconded by Mayor Brian G. Montini.

- Ordinance No. 26-0528B (amend billing code to permit liens for delinquent water charges): Approved (AYES 7–0). Moved by Councilmember Michael Ganz; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Maryl Lorencz.

What happens next

Staff will proceed with required administrative steps for the bond issuance and notifications related to the Municipal Development District and will execute the approved professional services agreement for the elevated storage tank design. The council did not record further open-session action following executive session and will take any required follow-up items up at future meetings as needed.