Keene public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council will meet to certify the results of the December 13, 2025, runoff election. The body will administer oaths of office to the elected members for Place 2 and Ward III and elect a Mayor Pro Tem.

• Resolution No. 2025-484 to canvass the December 13, 2025 Runoff Election
• Oath of Office for Council Member-Place 2
• Oath of Office for Council Member-Ward III
• Nomination and election of a Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term

Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board)

The Keene Economic Development Corporation (Type A) Board will review the minutes from its October 15 meeting and consider three applications for board appointments. It will discuss increased sponsorship amounts for the Chamber banquet ($250) and an oral‑history video project ($300), and plan dates and budgets for a regional EDC gathering and a business‑liaison workshop. In executive session, the board will deliberate the possible sale, lease, or exchange of about 60 acres of the Keene Industrial Park located at 4700 CR 317.

• Review and consider minutes of the October 15, 2025 board meeting
• Consider applications of Efrain Castellanos, Phillip Jackson, and Troy Smith for board appointment (term ending March 2028)
• Consider increasing Chamber sponsorship by $250 for banquet and $300 for oral‑history video project
• Discuss date, details, and possible budget approval for a local EDC boards get‑together event
• Executive session: deliberate sale/lease/exchange of ~60 acres of Keene Industrial Park at 4700 CR 317

Economic Development Corporation (Type B Board)

The Economic Development Corporation (Type B) Board will discuss project priorities and potential funding for park improvements. The board is also considering four applicants to fill a vacancy on the EDC board.

• Luz Arauzo Park improvement projects not to exceed $50,000
• Matthew Davis Memorial Bench project not to exceed $5,000
• Quotes for an additional secondary outdoor warning siren
• Request to waive Community Center rental fees for the Vairday Music Festival
• Board applications from Alma Davila, Charles Easley, Bud Findley, and Phillip Jackson

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider an amendment to Planned Development District Ordinance 2023‑665 for the Sunset Ridge Development, focusing on masonry requirements. After the hearing, the commission may discuss and take action on the amendment. The commission will also review and approve the minutes from the November 21, 2025 meeting and receive a staff update on the Resilient Communities Program grant. An executive session may be convened if required by Texas law.

• Public hearing on amendment to PD Ordinance 2023‑665 for Sunset Ridge Development (masonry requirements)
• Review and approval of minutes from the November 21, 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
• Staff update on the Resilient Communities Program grant
• Potential executive session under Texas Government Code sections if needed
• Requests for future agenda items

The Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the Sunset Ridge Development and voted to recommend that the City Council amend Planned Development Ordinance 2023-665, Section 1.10, to define masonry as exterior construction and allow Hardie Board. The motion passed unanimously. The commission also approved the November 21, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously.

• Recommend City Council amend PD Ordinance 2023-665 to define masonry (unanimous 5-0)
• Approve November 21, 2025 commission minutes (unanimous 5-0)

City Council

The Keene City Council will receive the End of Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Report, which shows total revenue of $6,129,534.05. The council will also discuss and potentially act on an update to the city's parking ordinance and consider appointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission.

• Receive End of Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Report
• Consider approval of final plat for Phase II of The Canyons development at 303 Wayland Street
• Review, discuss, and consider action on update to Keene Code of Ordinance Section 72.10 - Parking
• Review, discuss, and consider appointments to Planning & Zoning Commission
• Receive information on adding street lighting to Lewis Lane and Linden Street

Possible Quorum Notices

The City Council, Type A & B Boards, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Board of Adjustment are notified they may attend holiday events on Dec. 6‑7, 2025. No deliberation, formal action, or minutes will occur. The notice complies with the Texas Open Meetings Act.

• Keene Christmas Market, Tree Lighting, Holiday movie – Dec 6, 2025, 12:00‑~23:00 at Elisa Carver Park, 909 N Old Betsy Rd.
• Keene Christmas Market – Dec 7, 2025, 12:00‑17:00 at Elisa Carver Park, 909 N Old Betsy Rd.
• Christmas Lights Parade and Fireworks Show – Dec 7, 2025, 17:30‑~22:00, route from Pegasus Landing (513 S Old Betsy Rd) to Leiske‑Pultar Gym (N Mockingbird & Old Betsy Rd.)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will review applications to fill two vacancies on the board and consider the final plat for Phase II of the The Canyons development at 303 Wayland Street. The body will also discuss an ordinance amendment for Sunset Ridge and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Review applications for two Planning & Zoning Commission vacancies
• Consider final plat for The Canyons Phase II at 303 Wayland Street
• Discuss amendment to Ordinance 2023-665 for Sunset Ridge
• Approve minutes from the May 12, 2025 meeting

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended Stephanie Flannery and Carter Schwarz for two vacant commission seats. It also unanimously approved the final plat for Phase 11 of The Canyons development at 303 Wayland Street. The commission set a public hearing on the amendment to Ordinance 2023‑665 for December 8, 2025. All motions passed unanimously.

• Recommended appointment of Stephanie Flannery and Carter Schwarz to fill vacancies (unanimous)
• Approved final plat for Phase 11 of The Canyons development (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for Ordinance 2023‑665 amendment on Dec 8, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the May 12, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board)

The Economic Development Corporation (Type A) Board will consider three applicants for a board vacancy and review funding requests from the Keene Chamber of Commerce. The board will also examine the year-end financial report ending September 30, 2025.

• Review of board vacancy applications from Efrain Castellanos, Phillip Jackson, and Troy Smith
• Request for $250 increase in sponsorship for the Keene Chamber of Commerce banquet
• Request for $300 sponsorship for a Keene oral history video project
• Review of Year-End Financial Report ending September 30, 2025
• Discussion of budgets for a local EDC boards get-together and a business-liaison committee workshop

Economic Development Corporation (Type B Board)

The Keene Economic Development Corporation (Type B) Board will hold a public hearing and may act on several capital projects, including a skate park, additional sidewalks, and improvements to Pocket Park. It will also discuss a possible land donation at 526 Wallen Ridge Road, review the fiscal year‑end financial report, and consider sponsorship increases for the Chamber banquet and a $300 oral‑history video project.

• Funding request up to $300,000 for purchase and installation of a skate park
• Funding request up to $200,000 for purchase and installation of additional sidewalks
• Funding request up to $50,000 to improve the greenspace known as Pocket Park
• Consider donation of 5.897 acres at 526 Wallen Ridge Road (2.197 acres zoned SF‑2 for a park, 2.700 acres zoned C‑2 for commercial development)
• Request to increase Chamber banquet sponsorship by $250 and approve a $300 sponsorship for an oral‑history video project

City Council

The council will consider three items. They will review and vote on Resolution No. 2025-481 to canvass the November 4, 2025 general election. They will review and vote on Resolution No. 2025-482 to call a runoff election for Council Member-Place 2 and Council Member-Ward III on December 13, 2025. They will also administer the oath of office to Council Member Robert Foster for Ward I.

• Resolution No. 2025-481 – canvass the November 4, 2025 City of Keene General Election.
• Resolution No. 2025-482 – call a runoff election for Council Member-Place 2 and Council Member-Ward III, to be held Dec. 13, 2025.
• Administer oath of office to Robert Foster, Council Member – Ward I.

The council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-481 to canvass the November 4, 2025 general election. It also unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-482 calling for a runoff election for Council Member‑Place 2 and Council Member‑Ward III on December 13, 2025. Judge Robert Shaw administered the oath of office to newly elected Council Member Robert Foster for Ward I.

• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-481 canvassing the Nov. 4, 2025 general election (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-482 calling for a runoff election for Council Member‑Place 2 and Council Member‑Ward III on Dec. 13, 2025 (unanimous)
• Administered oath of office to Robert Foster, Council Member‑Ward I (by Judge Robert Shaw)

Possible Quorum Notices

The City Council, Type A & B Boards, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Board of Adjustment are issuing a notice that members may attend the Keene Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Banquet on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Keene Community Center, 1000 N Old Betsy Rd., Cleburne, TX. This notice complies with the Texas Open Meetings Act, does not constitute a regular meeting, and no formal action or minutes will be taken.

• Possible quorum attendance at Community Awards Banquet, 5:00‑10:00 p.m., 1000 N Old Betsy Rd.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Keene Planning & Zoning Commission will review and consider approval of the minutes from the May 12, 2025 meeting. It will also discuss and vote on the request to approve the final plat for Phase II of The Canyons development, located at 303 Wayland Street. Both items are scheduled for action in the November 10, 2025 meeting.

• Approve minutes of the May 12, 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
• Approve final plat for Phase II of The Canyons development at 303 Wayland Street

City Council

The City Council will consider applying for the Downtown Revitalization Grant program. The meeting also includes a review of the City Manager's annual performance and City Hall security assessments in executive session.

• Discussion on applying for the Downtown Revitalization Grant program
• Resolution to end participation in the Mission Square 457(B) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Annual performance review of the City Manager
• Review of City Hall security assessments and deployments
• Update on the Resilient Communities Grant application

The council directed the City Manager to proceed with the Downtown Revitalization Grant application, with unanimous consensus. It also approved the consent agenda items, including ending participation in the Mission Square Deferred Compensation plan, by unanimous vote. Motions to allow two speakers without a yellow card and to hold an early executive session also passed unanimously. No public hearing was held and no action was taken on executive‑session items.

• Approved consent agenda items A, B and D (including ending Mission Square Deferred Compensation plan) – unanimous (Chapman, Easley, Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Directed City Manager to move forward with Downtown Revitalization Grant application – unanimous consensus
• Motion to allow Ms. Gillin to speak despite missing yellow card – passed unanimously (Chapman, Easley, Foster, Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Motion to allow Mr. Johnson to speak despite missing yellow card – passed unanimously (Chapman, Easley, Foster, Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Motion to hold Executive Session before Agenda Item 4 – passed unanimously (Chapman, Easley, Foster, Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• No public hearing held at this meeting
• No action taken on Executive Session agenda items

Possible Quorum Notices

The City of Keene posted a Notice of Possible Quorum indicating that City Council members, Type A & B Boards, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and the Board of Adjustment may attend Starfest on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Keene ISD Grounds, 404 Charger Drive. The notice clarifies that this gathering is not a regularly scheduled meeting, there will be no deliberation or formal action, and no meeting minutes will be produced.

• Notice of Possible Quorum for City Council, Type A & B Boards, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Board of Adjustment to attend Starfest, Oct 30, 6‑9 PM, Keene ISD Grounds, 404 Charger Drive

Economic Development Corporation (Type B Board)

The Keene Economic Development Corporation (Type B) Board will vote to nominate and approve a new Vice President. It will also review applications of four candidates for board seats whose terms end in March 2027. Additional items include renaming Pocket Park, discussing donation of Wallen Ridge property for park use, and evaluating lighting options for Elisa Carver Park.

• Nominate and approve a Board Member to fill the Vice President vacancy
• Consider applications of Charles Easley, Phillip Jackson, Cody Laux, and Troy Smith for board seats (term ends March 2027)
• Approve renaming Pocket Park to Luz Arauzo Park
• Discuss possible donation of Wallen Ridge property (or portion) to the City for greenspace or park
• Review options for adding additional lights to Elisa Carver Park

The board approved the September 16 minutes and nominated Daniel Gathings as Vice President, both unanimously. It tabled the appointment applications for new board members until more applications are received. The board also approved renaming the Pocket Park to Luz Arauzo Park. Staff were directed to research lighting costs and plan a public hearing for a proposed $194,000 park lighting project.

• Approved September 16 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Nominated Daniel Gathings as Vice President (unanimous)
• Tabled board appointment applications pending more submissions (unanimous)
• Approved renaming Pocket Park to Luz Arauzo Park (unanimous)
• Directed staff to research battery costs for Elisa Carver Park lighting and schedule a public hearing (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board)

The board will review and consider the minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting. It will receive information and give direction on local business assistance grants. It will also discuss options for creating a committee to interact with local businesses.

• Review, discuss, and consider minutes of the August 20, 2025 board meeting
• Receive information and give direction to staff on local business assistance grants
• Discuss and give direction on options for creating a committee for interacting with local businesses

Possible Quorum Notices

The City of Keene posted a notice that members of the City Council, Type A & B Boards, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Board of Adjustment may attend a community event at City Hall on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. The notice states that no formal deliberation, action, or minutes will occur. It was posted on the City Hall bulletin board and on the city website on October 2, 2025, to comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act.

• Notice of possible quorum for community event at Keene City Hall, 1000 N Old Betsy Rd., Oct 7, 2025, 5:00–8:30 p.m.

City Council

The Keene City Council will vote on Ordinance No. 2025-689 to adopt an ad valorem tax rate of $0.828978 per $100 of assessed value for the 2025 tax year. The council will also approve the 2025 Certified Property Tax Rolls totaling $478,824,520. Additionally, members will discuss whether to reschedule or cancel the regular council meeting scheduled for October 2.

• Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-689 setting the 2025 tax rate at $0.828978 per $100 assessed value
• Approve 2025 Certified Property Tax Rolls in the amount of $478,824,520
• Allocate $0.741667 per $100 to the general fund for maintenance and operations and $0.087311 per $100 to a sinking fund for bonded debt
• Consider rescheduling or canceling the October 2 regular City Council meeting

The council voted 4‑1 to adopt a property tax rate of $0.828978 per $100 of assessed value for the 2025 tax year. Mayor Parrish and Mayor Pro Tempore Gutwa were not present for the vote. The council reached a consensus to cancel the regular meeting scheduled for October 2 and to reconvene on October 16 if the City Manager deems a meeting necessary. No other agenda items were acted upon.

• Adopt 2025 property tax rate $0.828978 per $100 assessed value (vote 4‑1; Yea: Chapman, Foster, Smith, Shaw; Nay: Easley; Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore absent)
• Cancel October 2 regular City Council meeting (consensus decision)
• Plan to hold an October 16 meeting if the City Manager determines a need

City Council

The City Council will discuss the proposed 2025 tax rate and consider adopting the budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025. The body will also review contracts for emergency services and prisoner housing for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Public hearing on proposed 2025 tax rate of $0.828978 per $100 valuation
• Adoption of the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget
• Contract for fire extinguishment and emergency services with Johnson County Emergency Services District (JCESD)
• Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Johnson County for Class C Misdemeanor Prisoner housing
• Participation in a national opioid settlement against eight manufacturers

The council unanimously approved the proposed tax rate of $0.828978 per $100. It also approved the consent agenda items, which included the minutes, participation in the national opioid settlement, a fire services contract, and a housing agreement for misdemeanor prisoners. The FY 2025‑2026 budget was adopted by a 5‑1 vote, and a resolution ratifying the property tax increase for that budget passed 5‑1. Finally, the council unanimously nominated Peter Svendsen and Jason Marbut to the Johnson County Appraisal District Board.

• Approved proposed tax rate $0.828978 per $100 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items (minutes, opioid settlement participation, fire services contract, housing agreement) (unanimous)
• Adopted FY 2025‑2026 city budget (Ordinance 2025‑688) (5‑1)
• Ratified property tax increase for FY 2025‑2026 (Resolution 2025‑479) (5‑1)
• Nominated Peter Svendsen and Jason Marbut to JCAD Board (Resolution 2025‑478) (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board)

The Keene Economic Development Corporation (Type A) Board will review the minutes from its August 20, 2025 meeting. It will receive information and give direction to staff on providing local business assistance grants. The board will also discuss options for creating a committee to interact with local businesses.

• Review, discuss, and consider minutes from the August 20, 2025 board meeting
• Receive information and give direction on local business assistance grants
• Discuss and give direction on creating a committee for interacting with local businesses
• Potential executive session on matters authorized by Texas Government Code
• Requests for future agenda items

Economic Development Corporation (Type B Board)

The board will review the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. Members will consider possible sidewalk locations and associated engineering costs. They will also discuss using Pocket Park for a skate park and dividing the undeveloped Wallen Ridge property, with half slated for commercial development and half to be donated as a community park.

• Review and consider minutes of the August 19, 2025 board meeting
• Discuss possible sidewalk locations and engineering cost estimates
• Consider Pocket Park as a potential skate‑park site
• Discuss division of Wallen Ridge undeveloped property: half for commercial development, half donated as a community park

The Keene Economic Development Corporation Board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved moving forward with priority sidewalk locations on Fourth Street and South Eastern Street at an approximate construction cost of $82,000. The board took no action on the proposed skate park at Pocket Park or on dividing the Wallen Ridge property for commercial and park use.

• Approved August 19, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved priority sidewalk locations (Fourth St & South Eastern St) approx $82,000 construction cost (unanimous)
• No action on skate park location; Pocket Park to remain for parents and children
• No action on dividing Wallen Ridge property for commercial development and community park

City Council

The Keene City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget and discuss setting a date to vote on its adoption. The council also plans to approve updated personnel policies and rules of order.

• Public hearing on Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
• Approval of revised Keene City Council Rules of Order and Procedure
• Approval of revisions to City of Keene Personnel Policy Manual
• Review of proposed tax rates for median-valued homestead property
• Discussion of FY26 budget and taxpayer impact statement

The council approved the revised draft of the Keene City Council Rules of Order with a unanimous vote. It also approved revisions to the City Personnel Policy Manual sections on Holiday Leave and Promotion & Transfer, also unanimously. A public hearing on a proposed leased fleet program was held, but no action was taken. Council members directed staff to create a purchasing policy for vehicle trade‑ins and to add a line‑item to the CIP‑Street Rehabilitation Fund.

• Approved revised Council Rules of Order (unanimous, 6 yea: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Approved revisions to Personnel Policy Manual sections 3.5 and 5.1 (unanimous, 6 yea: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Public hearing on fleet lease proposal held; no action taken
• Directed creation of a purchasing policy for vehicle trade‑ins
• Directed addition of a line‑item to the CIP‑Street Rehabilitation Fund

City Council

The City Council will review the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget with a focus on fleet management. Members will also consider updates to city ordinances regarding the parking of vehicles, trailers, and mobile homes. Additionally, the council will review agreements for police communications and gas rate settlements.

• Proposed FY26 budget review and fleet management direction
• Possible update to Ordinance Section 72.10 regarding parking of vehicles, trailers, and mobile homes
• Amendment to the Communications System Agreement between Johnson County and Keene Police Department for FY26
• Resolution for the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Mid-Tex Division 2025 Rate Review Mechanism settlement
• Proposed process for designating a presiding Council Member when the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem are unavailable

The Council approved the consent agenda items, including the meeting minutes, a settlement resolution, and a police communications agreement. An updated city organizational chart was approved with one dissenting vote. The parking‑ordinance update was tabled until after the budget season, and the Rules of Order were amended to let the senior‑most council member preside when both the Mayor and Mayor Pro‑Tem are absent. Finally, staff were directed to incorporate the fleet‑management program into the FY26 budget.

• Approved consent agenda items 6A‑C (minutes, settlement, police communications) (unanimous)
• Approved updated organizational chart (5 yea, 1 nay)
• Tabled parking‑ordinance update until after budget season (unanimous)
• Amended Rules of Order to let senior‑most council member preside if Mayor and Mayor Pro‑Tem absent (unanimous)
• Directed staff to use fleet‑management program in FY26 budget (5 yea, 1 nay)

City Council

The council approved participation in the national opioid settlement against Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. It also approved a new employee health plan, created an employee benefits trust fund, and adopted changes to the city holiday schedule. Additional actions included approving an interlocal dispatch agreement, updating the personnel promotion policy, and tabling further discussion on holiday leave policy. All motions passed unanimously except the correction of the August 7 minutes, which passed 5‑1.

• Approved correction and adoption of August 7 minutes (5-1)
• Approved interlocal agreement with Johnson County for dispatch services (unanimous)
• Approved participation in national opioid settlement against Purdue Pharma and Sackler family (unanimous)
• Approved Curative Triple-Option health plan for city employees (unanimous)
• Approved creation of City of Keene Employee Benefits Trust Fund (unanimous)
• Approved revised list of city holidays, adding New Year's Eve and removing Columbus Day (unanimous)
• Approved update to Personnel Policy Section 3.5 "Promotion & Transfer" (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on Personnel Policy Section 5.1 "Holiday Leave" pending legal review (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board)

The Economic Development Corporation Board approved the minutes from the July 16 meeting and the financial report for the month ending June 30, 2025, both by unanimous vote. Wes Schram’s resignation from the board was announced. No public hearing or executive session was held, and the meeting adjourned at 9:26 a.m.

• Approved July 16, 2025 board minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 30, 2025 financial report (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation (Type B Board)

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 15 meeting. A motion to spend up to $20,000 on holiday light displays for Elisa Carver Park was approved. No other actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved July 15 meeting minutes (unanimous; motion by Vice President Schram, seconded by Alcala)
• Approved spending up to $20,000 for holiday light displays at Elisa Carver Park (motion by Beeson, seconded by Alcala; voted yea by President Stephens, Beeson, Vice President Schram, Alcala)

City Council

The council approved the proposed FY26 property tax rate of $5.828978 per $100 and set a public hearing for the FY26 budget and tax rate on September 11. Most consent‑agenda items were approved unanimously, while the item to change meeting dates (Item E) was denied by a 3‑to‑2 vote. The council also approved the installation of a sidewalk on Fireside Village Drive and adopted a revised Rules of Order.

• Approved FY26 tax rate of $5.828978 per $100 (3‑2 vote)
• Approved consent‑agenda items A‑D, F, I, J, K (unanimous)
• Denied consent‑agenda item E to change meeting dates (3‑2 vote)
• Approved consent‑agenda item G (unanimous)
• Approved consent‑agenda item H (unanimous)
• Approved consent‑agenda item L (4‑1 vote)
• Approved sidewalk installation on Fireside Village Drive (unanimous)
• Approved repeal and adoption of new Rules of Order (unanimous)

City Council

The council met to discuss FY 2026 budget projections for personnel, fringe benefits, and possible staffing additions. Topics included a proposed cost‑of‑living adjustment for directors and staff, emergency services district funding for new firefighter salaries, and employee health‑benefit options. No motions were voted on or approved.

City Council

The council held a budget workshop where City Manager Jonathan Seitz presented FY26 budget proposals and Capital Improvement Projects. Staff discussed fleet management options and identified data errors; Mira Lam said updated vehicle cost numbers would be provided. No motions were adopted and no votes were recorded.

Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board)

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved the FY 2025‑2026 Economic Development Corporation budget, adding a $250,000 capital‑improvement line item for CR 317 upgrades. No other actions were taken.

• Approved June 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY25‑26 budget with added $250,000 CR 317 improvement line item (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation (Type B Board)

The board accepted the June 17 minutes unanimously. It approved a $15,147 light‑installation quote for the pickleball courts unanimously. The FY2025‑26 budget was approved with an added $100,000 for a skate park line item (3‑1 vote) and sent to City Council. The board also approved moving forward with the sale of the five‑acre Wallen Ridge property (3‑1 vote).

• Accepted June 17 minutes (unanimous 4‑0)
• Approved Duggar light quote $15,147 for pickleball courts (unanimous 4‑0)
• Approved FY26 budget with $100,000 skate park addition, sent to City Council (3‑1)
• Approved sale of Wallen Ridge property (3‑1)

City Council

The council met for a budget workshop and reviewed projected revenue sources for the General Fund and Water/Sewer Fund for FY 2025‑2026. Staff presented data on population growth, income trends, tax composition, ARPA fund status, and potential new revenue streams such as mutual‑aid assistance and development impact fees. No motions, votes, or approvals were recorded during the meeting.

City Council

The City Council amended Ordinance No. 2025-681 to hold two regular meetings each month. It also approved an eight‑year extension of the Republic Services waste‑management contract. Several other items were approved, including the consent agenda, lawn‑service contracts, the election‑services contract, and reappointments of the municipal judge and Board of Adjustment members.

• Approved consent agenda items (minutes, rezoning, attorney contract) (6-0)
• Approved Don's Lawn Service mowing contracts for city parks and facilities (6-0)
• Approved eight‑year Republic Services waste‑management contract (6-0)
• Approved contract with Johnson County Elections Office for November 2025 election (6-0)
• Amended Ordinance No. 2025-681 to schedule two regular meetings per month (4-2)
• Reappointed Municipal Court Judge Toni Driver (6-0)
• Reappointed Board of Adjustment members Brad Hagelgantz, Eric Jahnke, Cody Thornton, Carl Wright (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Tabled revision of the City Rules of Order and Procedure (motion passed)

City Council

The council approved a zoning change for a 24.7308‑acre parcel, converting it from General Commercial to Planned Development with multi‑family variances. The preliminary and final plats for the Covington Acres development at 2632 E US Highway 67 were also approved. Council voted to move the July 3 regular meeting to July 8. All actions passed unanimously.

• Approved zoning change to Planned Development with variances (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Shaw, Smith)
• Approved preliminary plat for Covington Acres development (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Shaw, Smith)
• Approved final plat for Covington Acres development (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Shaw, Smith)
• Rescheduled July 3 regular council meeting to July 8 at 6:00 p.m. (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Shaw, Smith)

Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board)

The board approved the minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting unanimously. The board reviewed the FY2025‑2026 budget and directed staff to prepare a proposed FY2026 budget for consideration at the July meeting. No other actions were taken.

• Approved May 21, 2025 board minutes (unanimous)
• Directed staff to present FY2026 budget proposal at July meeting

Economic Development Corporation (Type B Board)

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the May 20 meeting. It also unanimously approved Don's Lawn Service contracts for City Hall/Community Center, Carver Park, Pocket Park, and the Keene Welcome sign. Staff were directed to add a line item for a future skate park in the FY26 budget and to present the FY26 budget at the July meeting. A request was noted to discuss future sidewalk projects and trash‑can purchases.

• Approved May 20 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Don's Lawn Service contract for City Hall/Community Center (unanimous)
• Approved Don's Lawn Service contract for Carver Park (unanimous)
• Approved Don's Lawn Service contract for Pocket Park (unanimous)
• Approved Don's Lawn Service contract for Keene Welcome sign (unanimous)
• Directed staff to add FY26 budget line item for a skate park project
• Directed staff to present FY26 budget at July board meeting

City Council

The council voted unanimously to reject the ordinance authorizing $385,000 in water system bonds and to approve using $355,000 of cash reserves for water improvements. It also adopted an updated Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan ordinance, appointed Jimmy Alcala to the Economic Development Corporation Board, and set dates for budget‑workshop meetings in July. The consent agenda items were approved unanimously, and the vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission was tabled.

• Rejected ordinance authorizing $385,000 water bond issuance (unanimous yeas: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Approved use of $355,000 cash reserves for water improvement projects (unanimous yeas: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Adopted Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan ordinance (unanimous yeas: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Appointed Jimmy Alcala to Economic Development Corp. Board (vote 4‑1‑1: yeas Chapman, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Shaw; nay Smith; abstain Easley)
• Approved consent agenda items A‑H (unanimous)
• Scheduled budget workshop meetings for July 10, July 17, and July 24 (unanimous consensus)
• Tabled appointment to Planning and Zoning Commission vacancy (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board)

The Keene Economic Development Corporation Board accepted the minutes from the April 16, 2025 meeting with a unanimous vote. The board also reviewed the financial report, discussed strategic objectives, incentives, and the future of the Industrial Park, and asked staff to investigate incentives and road improvements, but no formal actions were taken on those items.

• Approved April 16, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation (Type B Board)

The board unanimously accepted the minutes from the April 15 meeting. It directed staff to obtain cost estimates for a second outdoor warning siren and to gather quotes for pocket‑park amenities, including BBQ pits, picnic shelters, a labyrinth, and sidewalk improvements. The board approved a $3,000 fence for the pickleball courts and asked staff to solicit bids. It also instructed staff to seek additional quotes for installing lighting at the pickleball courts.

• Accepted April 15 minutes (unanimous)
• Directed staff to obtain cost estimates for a second outdoor warning siren at Old Mansfield Rd and Wallen Ridge
• Directed staff to get quotes for pocket park BBQ pits, 2‑3 covered picnic areas, a labyrinth feature, and sidewalk information
• Approved fence for pickleball courts at approx. $3,000; staff to obtain bids
• Requested additional quotes for lighting at pickleball courts (approx. $27,000)
• Asked staff to obtain cost estimates for siren locations

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission approved the Kittle Property Group’s request to rezone a 24.7308‑acre parcel from C‑2 General Commercial to Planned Development with two variances. It also approved both the preliminary and final plats for the Covington Acres development at 2632 E US Highway 67. The commission recommended Jimmy Alcala’s appointment to fill a Planning & Zoning vacancy. The minutes of the March 10 2025 meeting were approved. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved rezoning of 24.7308‑acre parcel to Planned Development (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary plat for Covington Acres development (unanimous)
• Approved final plat for Covington Acres development (unanimous)
• Recommended appointment of Jimmy Alcala to Planning & Zoning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 10 2025 Planning & Zoning meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board)

The board accepted the minutes from the March 19, 2025 meeting with a 3‑0‑1 vote. The board also accepted the financial report for the month ending February 28, 2025 unanimously. No action was taken on changing the regular meeting time. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted March 19, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0-1)
• Accepted February 28, 2025 financial report (unanimous)
• Considered meeting time change – no action taken
• Adjourned meeting (approved)

City Council

The council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-470, updating procurement policies to support the CDBG‑MIT Resilient Communities grant application. It also unanimously approved Resolution No. 2025-469, publishing a notice of intent to issue $355,000 in certificates of obligation for water system improvements. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Resolution No. 2025-470 adopting new procurement policies (unanimous vote)
• Approved Resolution No. 2025-469 directing publication of notice to issue $355,000 for water system improvements (unanimous vote)

Economic Development Corporation (Type B Board)

The board unanimously approved the meeting minutes and the February financial report. It recommended Charles Easley for the vacant board seat, tabled a discussion on changing meeting times, and approved Don's Lawn Service for the city parks mowing contract.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted February 2025 financial report (unanimous)
• Recommended appointment of Charles Easley to the board (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on changing board meeting time (unanimous)
• Approved Don's Lawn Service for park mowing contract (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved Resolution No. 2025-467 authorizing a cooperation agreement with the Texas Housing Foundation for the Covington Acres development. It also rescinded and re‑awarded the 2024 CDBG Fairview Street Improvements bid to H.D. Cook’s Rock Solid Inc. and approved a $50,735.80 change order for additional work on that contract. Additional actions included adopting two stop‑sign ordinances, accepting police department reports, and approving the purchase of 526 Wallen Ridge property.

• Approved Resolution No. 2025-467 authorizing Covington Acres cooperation agreement (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Rescinded and re‑awarded 2024 CDBG Fairview Street Improvements bid to H.D. Cook’s Rock Solid Inc. for $375,756.60 (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Approved change order adding ~100 linear ft to Fairview Street contract for $50,735.80 (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-468 adding stop signs at Pecan St & N. Eastem St (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-469 designating stop signs and fire lanes in Phase I of Ashton Home Place (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Accepted 2024 Keene Police Department Racial Profiling Report (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Accepted 2024 Keene Police Department Annual Report (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)
• Approved purchase offer for 526 Wallen Ridge property (unanimous: Chapman, Easley, Foster, Mayor Pro Tem Gutwa, Smith, Shaw)

Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board)

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 19, 2025 meeting. Samantha Gillin was unanimously elected Board President. Cody Thornton was unanimously elected Vice President. The meeting adjourned at 9:26 a.m.

• Approved February 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Samantha Gillin as President (unanimous)
• Elected Cody Thornton as Vice President (unanimous)