Crandall City Council Advances Park Planning, Fire-Service Discussions and Infrastructure Financing

The Crandall City Council approved several measures involving community events, park development, public safety, commercial development and long-term infrastructure planning during its June 15 meeting.

Mayor David Lindsey called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Councilmember George Martinez was absent, while the remaining council members were present and established a quorum. No citizens addressed the council during the general public-comment period.

Farmers Market and Movie Night Approved

The council unanimously approved a Farmers Market and Community Movie Night scheduled for July 18.

The approval included city assistance with the cost of portable restrooms and inflatable games. Council members also agreed to waive applicable fees for the event on a one-time basis. Councilmember Craig Baker made the motion, which was seconded by Councilmember Stacy McKinney and approved 4-0.

Commercial Sign Standards Amended

Following a public hearing, the council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 06152026, amending planned-development highway business standards governing commercial signs within Pod “B” of the River Ridge development.

The affected commercial property is an approximately 104.796-acre tract on the north side of U.S. Highway 175 between FM 741 and the east side of Spring Creek Parkway. Wendy Vazquez of Kimley-Horn discussed the request during the public hearing.

Residents Offer Ideas for Proposed Community Park

The council also held a public hearing to receive comments about Crandall’s parks and recreation needs and the proposed development of a new community park.

Residents requested amenities that included a splash pad, walking trail and space for children to play. Lindsey discussed the city’s efforts to seek grant funding and said residents would have additional opportunities to provide input.

Following the hearing, the council unanimously approved Resolution No. 06152026A, designating officials to act on the city’s behalf in matters involving the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant program.

Public Safety Committee Appointments Approved

Council members appointed John Garvin, Adam Holden, Time Atkins, Christopher Cisneros, Shannon Barnes and Kay Ayoko to the City of Crandall Public Safety Committee.

The city manager told the council that the committee’s first meeting would be held within the following month. The appointments were approved unanimously.

An agenda item involving the possible use of eminent domain to obtain property for a public right of way along Lone Star Road was moved into executive session. The minutes do not document a final vote authorizing condemnation.

Council Approves Notice for Up to $17.18 Million in Certificates

The council received a final financing presentation regarding proposed Certificates of Obligation, Series 2026. Jim Sabonis, managing director and investment banker with Hilltop Securities Inc., presented information concerning the financing plan, taxable assessed values, property-tax rates, two financing scenarios and a proposed schedule.

Council members then unanimously approved Resolution No. 06152026B, directing the publication and posting of a notice of intention to issue combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation in an amount not to exceed $17.18 million.

The resolution identifies possible uses that include public infrastructure, utility systems, streets, roadways, transportation improvements, public-safety facilities and equipment, municipal facilities, land, rights of way, easements and related professional services. The action authorized publication of the city’s notice of intent; the minutes do not state that the certificates were issued during the meeting.

Fire Services and ESD Annexation

After returning from executive session, the council unanimously authorized the city attorney and city manager to pursue Seagoville for fire services.

In a separate unanimous vote, council members approved a motion publicly opposing the annexation by Emergency Services District No. 7 of territory within Crandall’s city limits. The minutes provide no additional details about either action.

Upcoming Events and City Schedule

Councilmember McKinney announced that Run Crandall would begin at 6 a.m. June 20 in the River Ridge North development on Tule Way. She also requested that a future agenda include discussion about the city taking ownership of Wildcat Trail.

The city manager announced that Crandall offices would close at 3 p.m. June 18 and remain closed June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday. Offices were also scheduled to close at 3 p.m. July 2 and remain closed July 3 for the Fourth of July holiday.

A city budget workshop was scheduled for 6 p.m. June 24, and a council retreat was planned for July 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the location still to be finalized at the time of the meeting.

Crandall ISD Communications and Special Projects Director Amanda Roberts also provided district updates. She announced an Aug. 1 Back to School Bash at Heartland Middle School, an Aug. 3 return date for district staff and an Aug. 13 first day of school.