Bonham, Texas – A special called meeting of the Bonham City Council was held on December 1, 2025. Mayor HL Compton called the meeting to order at 5:31pm.
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Citizens Opportunity to Speak:
Rusty Deets had questions about why his water bill has been based on estimated usage for 5 months straight. City Manager Sean Pate said that they are still working on painting the water towers and the change over to a new billing system and encouraged Deets to contact the appropriate city staff directly to get information about his specific account.
Jade Custer spoke to file a formal objection to the rezoning ordinances that were on the council’s agenda. He explained why he objected to the changes.
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Council adopted a Resolution adopting guidelines for a warrant amnesty program. Municipal Judge Michael Evans informed the council that his office is working on going paperless in the coming year and they are also trying to clear up backlog of cases. He reported that from now until December 15, folks with outstanding warrants can bring three toys (valued at least $15) to donate, pay their fines and have their warrants cleared. The toys will be donated to Toys for Tots. Evans said he will keep records about how well this works and report back to the city manager and council. He stated that if this works well, he may do other amnesty efforts to benefit the city’s animal shelter, homeless shelter or other local charities. For more information, contact the Bonham Municipal Court at 903-583-2071.
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Council considered and approved a Resolution entering into a development agreement with Bonham Stars LP to establish timelines and development and design regulations for a single-family residential subdivision on 16.5± acres located at the terminus of S. Village Drive, 190± feet south of W. Russell Avenue. Property ID# 121127.
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Council held a public hearing and approved an ordinance to rezone a property to Planned Development District (PD) with Single-Family Residential Dwelling District (R) as the base zoning district on 16.5± acre located at the terminus of S. Village Drive, 190± feet south of W. Russell Avenue. Property ID# 121127. Case2025-013. Ross Altobellli reported to the council that the developer listened to concerns expressed at P&Z and council meetings from earlier this year and redid his plans to increase the development from 15 to 39 single family detached homes. No one from public spoke during this public hearing. Councilman Kevin Hayes abstained from voting.
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Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance to amend Article 16 (Nonconforming Uses) within Exhibit 14A (Zoning Ordinance) of the Code of Ordinances. Case 2025-007. Altobelli stated that this will enhance the current ordinances for nonconforming uses to be compliant with state law and in in line with what other cities are doing.
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Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance to amend the City’s Zoning Ordinance by creating and adding a new nonresidential zoning district, Corridor Commercial District (CC), and associated area, setback, and height regulations. Case2025-008. Altobelli said this new type of zoning would be for Hwy 56 and 121, which are two of the major roads in the town which get the most traffic. He noted that there is currently still some residential use on these roads, but it is likely not the best use of property. Even with this passage, residential properties in this new zoning area would be allowed to continue as nonconforming. Custer objected to this ordinance and described his many concerns. Altobelli countered that many of the concerns Custer described will actually be better addressed with this new ordinance. Altobelli stated that zoning in these areas has previously been rather lax, and this new ordinance will reduce the types of businesses that can operate in these areas.
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Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance to rezone multiple properties fronting and within close proximity to State Highway 121, generally located between E. Sam Rayburn Drive (State Highway 56) and U.S. Highway 82. Case 2025-009. Altobelli said that the majority of properties included are already businesses. They did not include the multi-family zoned properties, nor the planned developments, nor the school properties. The city sent many notices and received 8 responses that were opposed and 2 that were neutral. Nonconforming uses will be allowed to continue indefinitely.
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Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance to rezone multiple properties fronting and within close proximity to W. Sam Rayburn Drive (State Highway 56), generally located west of Willow Street to the intersection of Old Ector Road and State Highway 121. Case 2025-010. The city sent out many letters and received responses in which 9 were opposed, 3 in favor and 1 neutral. Altobelli said that this and the other changes are designed to promote retail, offices and service uses. And once again, those properties that are nonconforming will be able to maintain that status indefinitely. Custer noted his concerns again. Altobelli countered that this is reducing the type of things allowed by rights to protect property owners and make sure that any developments are less intrusive to adjacent properties. These zones will be promoting smaller retail and offices.
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Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance to rezone multiple properties fronting and within close proximity to E. Sam Rayburn Drive (State Highway 56) east of Chestnut Street to the eastern city limits. Case 2025-011. The city sent out several notices and received responses that included 3 opposed and 2 neutral. As with the other zoning changes just approved, this change is designed to promote retail, office and service uses and nonconforming uses can maintain their nonconforming uses indefinitely. There was no public comments during this public hearing.
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Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance to amend Guest House requirements under Appendix 1 (Schedule of Uses) and definition under Appendix 2 (Definitions Associated with Schedule of Uses) within Exhibit 14A (Zoning Ordinance) of the Code of Ordinances. Case 2025-012. Altobelli noted that the current ordinance about guest houses is very vague and the proposed ordinances are designed to add details such as setback, height, duration, size requirements.
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Meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
