The Combine City Council held a Public Hearing followed by its Regular Meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Combine City Hall, 100 Davis Road. Mayor Tim Ratcliff presided, with Mayor Pro Tem Cecil Hutson and Council Members Julian Castaneda, Patrick Stepp, and Tonya Ratcliff present. Council Member Christi Smith was absent. City Secretary/Treasurer/Court Clerk Robin Price, City Manager Jack Gilbert, and Police Chief Martin Cassidy were also present.
Public Hearing
The hearing opened at 7:00 p.m. with citizen comments on proposed zoning and land development regulations. One citizen spoke and recommended a two acre minimum lot requirement, regulations limiting exterior lighting on homes to cut down on light pollution, and a requirement that developers post a bond before beginning development.
The Council then heard comments and evidence on proposed amendments to the City of Combine Zoning and Land Development Ordinance. The changes include replacing the term “yard” with “setback” in Article 2, “Zoning Districts,” adding a definition of “Tree” to Article 3, “Subdivisions,” Section 3-2, and further regulating tree clearing under Section 3-4, “Preliminary Subdivision Plats.”
The Council also considered amending the official City of Combine zoning map to correct drafting errors. City officials noted the amendment would not alter any existing zoning districts.
Council Member Patrick Stepp moved to adjourn the hearing, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cecil Hutson. The hearing adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Regular Meeting
The Regular Meeting was called to order at 7:23 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Cecil Hutson led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Mayor Tim Ratcliff gave the invocation. No citizens spoke during the citizen comments portion of the meeting.
The Council reviewed monthly reports from the Police Department, Fire Department, Animal Control, Public Works, and Planning and Zoning.
In financial business, the Council reviewed and approved the March 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Patrick Stepp made a motion to accept the report, seconded by Julian Castaneda, and the motion passed unanimously. Tonya Ratcliff then made a motion to approve the report, seconded by Cecil Hutson, which also passed unanimously.
The Council reviewed and approved the minutes from the March 23, 2026, regular meeting on a motion by Julian Castaneda, seconded by Cecil Hutson, passing unanimously.
Zoning Ordinance Approved
The Council voted to approve Ordinance 2026-002, amending the City of Combine Zoning and Land Development Ordinance. The changes affect Article 2, “Zoning Districts,” including Section 2-1 (R-1 Single-Family Residential District), Section 2-2 (MH Manufactured Housing District), Section 2-3 (AG Agricultural District), Section 2-4 (GB General Business District/Commercial), Section 2-5 (I Industrial District), and Section 2-6 (Residential Accessory Buildings/Structures), along with Article 3, “Subdivisions,” Sections 3-2 and 3-4. The ordinance also corrects drafting errors on the zoning map. Patrick Stepp moved to approve the ordinance with the proposed changes, Julian Castaneda seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
First Responder Fee Denied
The Council took up a previously tabled item regarding a First Responder Fee on new developments, subdivisions, and permit applications, based on information from the city attorney. Patrick Stepp moved to deny establishing the fee, Tonya Ratcliff seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Fee Schedule Amended
The Council discussed amending the fee schedule for building permits, variance requests, zoning changes, and platting. Patrick Stepp moved to amend the fee schedule by adding fees for replats, amended plats, minor plats, and for sending required notices to property owners. Tonya Ratcliff seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. This action was taken under Ordinance 2026-003.
Baseline Development Agreement Tabled Again
The Council revisited the “Baseline” development agreement item tabled at the March meeting. Since no new information or draft had been received from the city attorney, Patrick Stepp moved to table the item again until a draft is ready for review. Julian Castaneda seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Special Meeting Scheduled for Election Canvass
The Council voted to schedule a Special Meeting for May 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to canvass the votes from the May 2, 2026, General Election and to swear in newly elected council members. Patrick Stepp moved to schedule the special meeting, Tonya Ratcliff seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. on a motion by Patrick Stepp, seconded by Tonya Ratcliff.
These minutes were approved by the Council on May 18, 2026.
