The Town Council met Thursday, March 24, 2022. 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.
Development Services Update

Town Staff briefed Council on the status of the Development Services Department, explaining that the core functions of the department are to bring in new businesses, retain current and expanding businesses and to enhance the tax base. Other functions include providing staff support to Planning & Zoning, the Board of Adjustments and to the EDC and CDC Boards. Permits, inspections and code compliance are also the responsibility of Development Services.

The Development Services Department is comprised of the Department Director, an Economic Development/Grants Analyst, Planner, Permit Technician, Permit Specialist and Code Compliance Coordinator. Subscription services and contractors are utilized to help manage additional responsibilities of the department. 

The new work space for Development Services should be operational some time in April.
Impact of Extending Zoning Change Notification Letters Beyond 200’ Radius

Current requirements for zoning change notifications were reviewed by Town Staff:

Public Hearings:
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Town Council

Notification Methods: 
• Published in the Denton Record Chronicle
• Mailed to property owners within 200 feet
• Placed on Agenda
• Posted on Website
• Posted on Town Hall Bulletin Board
• Zoning Change Signage Posted on the Property (the most recent notification being implemented by the Town)

After Council expressed interest in increasing the radius of mailed notifications, Town Staff presented a followup analysis of area cities and the distances they require for mailed zoning change notifications. Staff provided Council with example maps which highlighted parcels that would be notified under the 200 foot radius in comparison to the 500 foot radius.

Other notification options were reviewed. Utilizing the Town’s social media platforms and having the HOAs distribute notifications to their communities were suggestions proposed by Town Staff.

Town Council expressed support in utilizing electronic media to alert the public to zoning information and notifications. Council requested that the ordinance verbiage be crafted to include 200 ft. within property adjacent to the parent property as well as property owners included in the 200 ft. radius.
Waste Connection Rate Increase per Contract

Town Staff explained that per the Town's contract with Waste Connections, pricing will increase 6.98% due to rise in operation costs from inflation. Council expressed frustration with poor service and requested that Town Staff share those concerns with Waste Connections.
Bob Smith Management Co. Tract Annexation Process

Town Staff explained that Bob Smith Management approached the Town with interest in annexing all 237 acres to be within the Town limits. Currently, 37 of the 237 acres is within the Northlake ETJ.

Town Staff presented a timeline for the annexation process. 

A public hearing will occur at the Town Council Meeting on April 14, 2022.
Consent Items: 

E. Consider approval of the Town Council Meeting Minutes for March 10, 2022. 

Approved by Council.

F. Consider Resolution 22-18, approving the cancellation of the April 28, 2022, Regular Town Council Meeting.

Approved by Council.
Action Items:

G. Consider calling and authorizing a public hearing to be held on April 14, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., at the Town of Northlake, 1500 Commons Circle, Suite 300, Northlake, Texas 76226, in the Council Chambers, regarding the proposed annexation of the remaining unannexed portion of the 237.569- acre Bob Smith Management Co. Tract, is generally located on the east side of Cleveland-Gibbs Road approximately 200 feet south of the intersection with Edna Lane.

Approved by Council.

H. Consider approving a Service Plan and Ordinance 22-0324A for the annexation of approximately 10.963 acres of land situated in the Lewis Medlin Survey, Abstract No. 830, generally located at the southwest corner of Chadwick Parkway and Cleveland-Gibbs Road at 15701 Cleveland-Gibbs Road. Saint Peter Lutheran Church is the owner/applicant. Case No. ANX-22-001 i. Service Plan ii. Public Hearing iii. Ordinance No. 22-0324A.

Town Staff presented an overview of the service plan the Town provides. Staff confirmed that any reuse would need to go thru P&Z and Town Council. In order to redevelop the property, the applicant would need to meet the Town's commercial uses table.

Town Council made a Motion to Approve the Service Plan. 

Approved by Council.

Town Council called for a Public Hearing.

A Fort Worth Resident presented concerns about the commercial rezoning of the property, citing extreme growth in the area and increase in traffic. 

The Public Hearing was closed.

Council questioned the appropriateness of Staff’s recommended commercial zoning of the property in the future.

Robert Balduc from Saint Peter Church requested to table the vote until May 12th.

The Town Council convened into Executive Session with no anticipated action items.

Meeting was adjourned.
Pastor Robert Balduc from Saint Peter Church, opened the Council Meeting in prayer.
Nathan Reddin, Northlake Development Director briefed Council on the Development Services Department.