Council acts on small annexations and a service plan; mixed outcomes on Mills Road items

Planning staff presented a service-plan ordinance under Texas Local Government Code §43.052 and second readings for several small annexations around Swisher Road and Mills Road. The Swisher Road service plan and related annexation (approximately 1.09 acres) were approved on second reading after staff read the ordinance caption into the record.

For two Mills Road parcels, staff reported owners had signed new non-annexation agreements after the first reading; staff recommended denial to formally close the process. Council discussed procedural mechanics — including how motions are framed (affirmative motions with a no vote when aligned with staff’s recommended denial) — and staff said they would use certified letters going forward to ensure timely owner responses. The motions on the Mills Road items failed 5–2, reflecting staff-recommended denials.

Why it matters: annexation changes city boundaries and service responsibilities; the service plan sets municipal obligations for the newly annexed land. Council members asked about staff time spent contacting property owners; staff said outreach began in 2024 and that certified mail will be used to reduce delay in future cases.

What’s next: staff will bring the signed non-annexation agreements forward for council consideration on April 7, per the timeline discussed during the meeting.