The Northlake Town Council met on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

Below is a recap of the major actions and reports from the meeting.


For a look at the full agenda packet, click here.

To watch the meeting in its entirety, click here.

To view the slide presentation, click here.

Presentation - Employee Service Awards:


Council recognized LeAnn Oliver for 15 years of service as Court Administrator for the Town of Northlake.

Proclamation - Sexual Assault Awareness Month:


The Town recognized April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, acknowledging those who have suffered as victims and calling upon citizens and all agencies and organizations to learn about the effects of sexual assault and how to help and support survivors. Council noted that in the United States, between 1 and 5 women and 1 and 33 men have been sexually assaulted sometime in their lives.  


A representative from Denton County Friends of the Family (DCFOF) reviewed ways citizens can support DCFOF and thanked Council for recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Proclamation - Mental Health Awareness & Children's Mental Health Awareness:


The Town recognized May 2023 as Mental Health Month and May 10, 2023 as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, addressing the complex mental health needs of children, youth and families as fundamental to the future of the Town of Northlake. Council called upon all citizens, agencies and organizations interested in meeting every person's mental health needs to unite and increase awareness and understanding of mental health, recognizing the steps our residents can take to protect their own mental health and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.


A representative from the WATCH Alliance and Cooks Hospital thanked the Town for helping to increase awareness of mental health conditions and resources as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Briefing- Northwest Independent School District (NISD) Superintendent Introduction:


Council stated that Northwest ISD is critical to the future of Northlake, explaining that most of the schools in Northlake’s future build out will be within the NISD.


The Superintendent of NISD introduced himself to Council, stating that this will be his 28th year serving in public education. He explained that a Strategic Summit Planning Committee has been organized and that the group will identify the goals and priorities for the district for the next 4-5 years.


NISD Representative gave an update on the construction of Johnie R. Daniel Elementary, stating that construction is on track and the school will open in August with a capacity for 850 students. 


NISD Representative explained that the NISD Board of Trustees voted to call a $1.995 billion bond election for Saturday, May 6, 2023. He explained that the election was called because growing communities are adding approximately 1,000-1,200 students to the District annually. NISD Representative stated that among other ISDs in DFW, NISD has more room to grow and ranks number one by annual home closings. 


NISD Representative explained how the bonds will affect the tax rate. There are two operating funds within the District: the General Operating Fund and the Debt Services Fund. The General Operating Fund pays for items such as salaries and day-to-day expenditures like utilities and fuel. The Debt Services Fund pays for items such as capital improvements and paying off debt. If the bond election is successful, taxes will increase by approximately 1/10 of a penny, increasing the current rate of $0.420 to $0.421.


NISD Representative reviewed the difference between tax payment and tax rate, explaining that higher taxes are the result of overall property value growth, and presented examples of tax payments over the last six years. NISD provides a tool on their website to calculate the tax impact of the 1/10th penny increase if the bond passes. You can access the tool by clicking here.


NISD Representative reviewed proposed projects for Council. Proposition A encompasses 12 new schools, facility renovations and technology. Proposition B covers new stadiums and renovations to current stadiums. Proposition C would provide new technology devices for students and staff. 


NISD Representative discussed plans for Northlake. Lance Thompson will receive a device refresh and a proposed Middle school south of Pecan Square with a 1,200 student capacity is anticipated to open in 2026. Pike Middle School will receive a device refresh, infrastructure upgrades, and safety and security improvements. Northwest High School will receive facility upgrades and a device refresh.


The ballot language was reviewed for all three Propositions and NISD Representative noted that there are three School Trustees up for election on the May 6th ballot. 


For more information on NISD projects and elections visit: https://www.nisdtxbond.org/

Briefing- Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 - 90 Day Update:


Council thanked the Denton County ESD for all agency improvements accomplished in such a short amount of time. 


Denton County ESD Representative stated that all assets and personnel from the Argyle Volunteer Fire District were moved to the ESD so that the ESD would be the agency managing, and ultimately dissolving that district. An audit was performed, new legal council was acquired, and a sustainable public retirement system was implemented for firefighters. Representative stated that most of these items have been accomplished or are in process. Services were not hindered during this transition and no staff have left the department. 


Representative stated that financial status and audits are in process. After an analysis, a 2M funding gap was discovered for this year. The operational gap will be filled through initiatives like grant requests and refinancing debt.


Representative explained that two major initiatives will be presented on the 2024 ballot. One initiative is the adjustment of district boundaries so that all areas pay the same amount for services. The second initiative considers the overall costs to operate fire protection and emergency medical services for the District long term. 


Fire Chief thanked Council and Northlake Community for their support and gave a brief overview of the past 90 days. Initiatives have been determined, a new employee handbook has been created with policies put in place for staff, a retirement system was developed, and the budget has been consolidated and structured.  


Fire Chief stated that moving forward, multiple committees are focusing on three areas: balancing the budget to fill operational gaps; strategic planning to meet demands of the communities the ESD serves; and the introduction of new areas into the District through elections.


President of the Argyle Association of Professional Firefighters Local 5190 stated that overall, employees are pleased with the direction of the Denton County ESD, explaining that the ESD is on a sustainable path to be able to grow with the community and maintain services in the future.

Briefing: Budget Priorities and Calendar:


Staff stated that every year, the budget process begins with Council Goals and Priorities.


Council Goals were reviewed: 1. Sustaining a low property tax rate of $0.295; 2. Maintaining existing service levels; 3. Compensating employees at 50% of market; and 4. Invest in public infrastructure.


Staff requested confirmation that Council Goals were still in line for planning the 2024 budget. 


Council suggested adding a list of amenities and services that residents would prefer in the Town with preliminary pricing, identifying which projects may be financially self-sustainable.


Staff reviewed the 2024 budget calendar, presenting estimated costs for a Fourth of July Event. Council requested that Staff research sponsorships to reduce the cost of the event. 


Staff presented the costs of installing additional license plate readers throughout the Town. Staff explained the cost of covering the remainder of the Town would total approximately $80,000. Council suggested adding this total to the budget with the expectation of seeing more requests for LPRs.


Council requested that communities come forward to ask Council for the addition of cameras once they have determined that a majority of the community sees the need.

Public Input:


There were no speakers during Public Input.

Consent Items:


A. Consider approval of the Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes for March 9, 2023, March 23, 2023, and Special Meeting Minutes for March 23, 2023.


B. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, appointing voting directors of the Municipal Management District #2 of Denton County, located within the corporate limits of the Town of Northlake, Texas. 


C. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving and authorizing the Town Manager to execute an Advance Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation, for design and construction of the bridge replacement located at Elizabeth Cemetery Road and Elizabeth Creek.


D. Consider an Ordinance of the Town of Northlake, Texas, providing for the annexation of approximately 1.157 acres of land situated in the Lewis Medline Survey, Abstract No. 830, generally located in the Dale Earnhardt Way right-of-way from State Highway 114 to approximately 300 feet north of Northport Drive within the Town's exclusive extraterritorial jurisdiction. 


E. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving and adopting the 2023 Denton County Hazard Mitigation Plan. 


F. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving and authorizing the Town Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement/contract for a membership renewal assessment with Atmos Cities Steering Committee (ACSC) in an amount not to exceed $357.00.


All consent items approved by Council.

Action Items:


A. Consider a Resolution of the Town of Northlake, Texas, approving and authorizing the Town Manager to execute an amended consultant's contract with Halff Associates for Faught Road reconstruction from Old Justin Road to Robson Ranch Road, in an amount not to exceed $853,770.


Staff clarified that this design process will encompass the Evelyn S curve and the water line from 407 to Robson Ranch. It will include extensive drainage and road work, and the design of a two-lane road with shoulder and drainage on both sides.


Approved by Council.


The Town Council convened into Executive Session with one anticipated action item.


The Town Council reconvened with one Action item:


  1. iv. Memo of Understanding between City of Justin and Town of Northlake related to regional wastewater system partnership and interim provision of water and wastewater service by Justin to Northlake.


Approved by Council.


Meeting was adjourned.

Please share!! The Northlake Comprehensive Plan Community Survey gives residents the opportunity to participate in visioning for the future of the Town. Participate while you can!! Survey ends April 28, 2023.

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To take the survey click here.

Council recognized LeAnn Oliver for 15 years of service to the Town of Northlake Municipal Court.

Representatives from Northwest ISD updated Council and residents on current projects and elections.

Representatives from Denton County Friends of the Family (DCFOF) were presented a Proclamation by Council declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Representative from the WATCH Alliance and Cooks Hospital was presented a Proclamation by Council declaring May 2023 as Mental Health Month and May 10, 2023 as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.

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