Bonham, Texas - The Bonham City Council met for a regular meeting on March 10, 2025 at City Hall. All council members were present, except Timothy Lavergne II. Mayor HL Compton called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
* * * * *
Council approved the minutes of the February 10, 2025 regular meeting.
* * * * *
Council approved the financial report for the month ending February 28, 2025. Sarah Osburn stated that sales tax October through February was 8.3%, which is more than the 7% estimated in the budget.
* * * * *
Citizens Opportunity to Speak:
Mary K Wilson asked what the city is doing about this traffic in town. City Manager Sean Pate reported that the city has requested another traffic study be conducted by TXDOT. Pate noted that the intersection of highways 78 & 56 is a troublesome spot, in addition to the intersections Wilson mentioned. Pate also talked of possibly working with TXDOT to identify a future truck route around the city.
William Harnett said he made a public information request and received information about a revitalization grant. Harnett said that the money sitting in the account only earned $90 in interest and has not been awarded to anyone. He identified various projects that the money could possibly go towards.
Chief Hawkes spoke to follow up on a question from Council member Allen Sanderson last month. Hawkes said they did find an error, so they amended the report and submitted the corrected version.
* * * * *
Michelle Burnett was honored as the Employee of the Quarter. She was praised for her work ethic and accomplishments as the Finance Supervisor for the city.
* * * * *
Council adopted a resolution for approval and acceptance of the WWTP Grit Equipment Replacement and Site Electrical Improvements (TWDB CWSRF 73735 CID-02 and HEI #158061.02) Project as Complete and approval for release of Final Payment to Whitaker Lane Construction. Pate said the work has been completed and the city needed this approved to make final payments and close this project out.
* * * * *
Council held a public hearing and approved an ordinance amending Chapter 2 (Animal Control) within the Bonham Code of Ordinances. Hawkes said this will make a couple of changes, including covering the cost of chips for dogs. Bonham Police Department will register the dogs before they leave the shelter. This ordinance includes raising the adoption fees from $30 to $60. When an audience member asked how many animals are currently in the shelter, Jenn Knight stated that there were 14 dogs and 1 cat last time she checked.
* * * * *
Council approved an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Bonham and the Texoma Community Center (TCC) to establish the terms and conditions under which the City and Center will collaborate for the provision of a Co Responder Program. Chief Hawkes said that TCC was applying for grant to start having a social worker come out when law enforcement called for mental health crisis. This grant will cover all of Fannin County and all law enforcement agencies in the county are being asked to participate. Several council members noted that this grant is needed.
* * * * *
Council adopted a Resolution awarding an application and administration contract for a Downtown Revitalization Program grant. Osburn reported that this grant could be for up to $1 million and would primarily be for ADA compliance, including sidewalks, ramps, etc. to improve mobility and accessibility in the downtown area.
* * * * *
Council adopted a Resolution authorizing the submission of a Downtown Revitalization Program grant to the Texas Department of Agriculture. Osburn noted that this would allow the city to submit the grant proposal and that Joey Grisham and Mark Posey would lead the project, if awarded.
* * * * *
Council authorized a resolution adopting policies in connection with the Resilient Communities Program through the General Land Office. Osburn said this action was to prepare for a possible grant of $300K with no match requirement.
* * * * *
Council adopted a resolution reviewing and approving the City of Bonham Investment Policy. Osburn stated that this is something that the city must do annually. She noted that the city has very specific guidelines for investments and the minimum amount of funds available for cash.
* * * * *
Council adopted a Resolution accepting a Petition to Create The Preserve at Bonham Public Improvement District; Setting a Public Hearing under Section 372.009 of the Texas Local Government Code to be held on April 14, 2025 on the Advisability of the Creation of The Preserve At Bonham Public Improvement District and Improvements within the City of Bonham, Texas; and Authorizing the Issuance of Notice by the City Secretary of Bonham, Texas, regarding the Public Hearing; Providing a Severability Clause; and Providing an Effective Date. Pate said this was an important step in the creation of a new destination subdivision that will eventually come into Bonham city limits. He said this development will include about 200 acres off Hwy 82 which will add about 1000 single family homes in the next 5-10 years.
* * * * *
Council adopted a Resolution approving a Development Agreement with Bonham Land Partners, LLC for a 617-acre development. Pate said he thought this was a fair and equitable deal between the city and the developer. This development will include single family homes, multi-family homes and commercial properties on Hwy 82, north of the golf course. Pate stated that hopefully dirt will start turning in the next year on this project.
* * * * *
Council conducted a first and second reading of a Resolution authorizing the Bonham Economic Development Corporation to acquire land. Council then adopted a resolution authorizing the Bonham Economic Development Corporation to acquire land. BEDCO Director Joey Grisham said that this would include another 5 acres at the SW corner Silo Road and Ballpark Way for $150k. The BEDCO board already approved this resolution and he was now asking the council to also approve it.
* * * * *
Council approved a Resolution establishing a Public Hearing date to consider the approval of Land Use Assumptions, Capital Improvement Plan and Impact Fees. Pate said this is a first step in long series of actions that the council will do to prepare for growth. The city will be looking at where roads, water towers, water lines, sewer lines and other infrastructure will go in the city and it will be paid for with development costs. The public hearing will be set for April 14.
* * * * *
Council appointed a Capital Improvements Advisory Committee. Pate said that the city is required by law to have this committee to review and oversee planning for long term development. Pate recommended Alan McDonald as a business representative, Mike Bankston as a ETJ rep, Mark Clayton and Rick Osburn as citizen reps, Curtis Smith as a builder rep and Ronnie Welch as a realtor rep. Council approved the recommendations of Pate. The committee will start meeting soon and bring back things for council to approve in the future.
* * * * *
Meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
