News Flash

Opening and Ceremonial Items

• Mayor called the Westlake Town Council Board of Trustees meeting to order at 5:01 PM, confirming quorum.
• Invocation provided by Pastor Mike Banas from Milestone Church Keller.
• Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge led by three first-grade students recognized for perfect attendance.
• No citizen or parent comments were made at the start.

Community Updates and Announcements

• Monster Mash Event scheduled for October 25th, 5:00–8:00 PM at Westlake Academy campus, open to all residents.
• Planning & Zoning meeting rescheduled to November 10th due to election and Veteran’s Day; next council meeting is November 18th.
• Town Hall and Municipal Court will close for Thanksgiving on November 27-28.
• Westlake Together Tree Lighting event set for December 3rd, expanded hours 6:00–9:00 PM, with new attractions.
• Early voting ongoing for the November 4th election; details and sample ballots available on town website.
• Fall Clean-Up event was successful, with ~30 vehicles participating, collection of hazardous waste, and feedback to move the event to spring in 2026.
• Trash and recycling pickup day will be proposed to move from Friday to Thursday, aimed for early 2026, with a vote in November.
• Mayor’s Volunteer Service Program trash pick-ups scheduled, first three events exclusive, then open to residents and students for service hours.
• New water utility billing portal is live; residents must set up new credentials and re-enroll for credit card draft by October 26th.
• An upcoming survey will be sent to gather data on where local children attend school.
• Special proclamation recognizing Stroll Westlake magazine and its positive contributions to community engagement.

Presentations and Reports

• Methodist Southlake Medical Center presented on hospital growth, expanded services, and quality achievements (e.g., 2024 Healthcare Quality and Excellence Award, four-star CMS rating, rapid ER response times, primary heart attack center certification).
• Utility Rate Study presented by Newgen Strategies & Solutions:
  • Town utility in strong financial position; anticipated moderate increases in wholesale water costs, but no increase to minimum charges.
  • Recommendation to move top residential water tier threshold down to 100,000 gallons, affecting high-volume users.
  • Slight rate design changes aim for a minor reduction for typical residents, minimal increases not due until FY29.
  • Creation of a separate cost-based rate class for the town and academy.
  • Commercial super-users’ rate structure adjusted to reflect consistent high use, while not shifting burden to residents.

• Consent Agenda and Action Items

  • 12 consent agenda items approved, with F10 (Academy compensation plan) pulled for separate discussion and approval.
  • F10 updated the compensation for a paraprofessional leading after-school/summer programming, moving to a more appropriate administrative schedule, funded by program revenue.
  • G1 (Parent Student Handbook) and G2 (Technology Plan) both resulted in motions to take no action, as issues were resolved or no action was required. Technology access for students, especially seniors, was discussed and deemed sufficient for current needs, with future adjustments considered.
  • G3 approved nominating Goosehead Insurance LLC as an enterprise project for state incentives, net neutral to town finances.
  • G4 ratified $35,000 for master planning services for Entrada development by Lou Oliver, as part of the Entrada project.
  • G5 approved $78,000 emergency repair to water pump station's critical motor and starter, with discussion on overall water infrastructure needs and plans for further evaluation and upgrades.

• Meeting Schedule and Legislative Compliance

  • Discussed new legal requirements for school board meetings not to start before regular work hours (5:00 PM), leading to an updated meeting calendar: Town Council starts at 4:00 PM, school board items not before 5:00 PM.
  • Preference given to an agenda format that clearly delineates town and school matters, with duplicated parent comment sections as needed to comply with the law and increase accessibility.

• Executive Session and Follow-up

  • Entered executive session for legal consultation on academy agreements, property transactions, and real estate matters.
  • Approved property exchange in Entrada (34 Cortez for 48 & 52 Girona), with town attorney and manager authorized to finalize paperwork.

• Future Items and Staff Recap

  • Discussion planned for potential restrictions on bicycle traffic on Ottinger and related traffic congestion, with suggestions to study the issue, consider possible time restrictions, or traffic control devices.
  • Proposal to conduct a full traffic study as part of next year's budget to address congestion and safety.

• Suggested Action Items

  • Communicate changes for trash/recycling pickup and utility billing portal to all residents.
  • Prepare ordinance for proposed utility rate changes for next council meeting.
  • Research and prepare options for bicycle and traffic management on Ottinger for future agenda.
  • Continue monitoring and addressing technology needs for Westlake Academy students.
  • Finalize property swap and ensure all requisite documents are executed.
  • Implement new meeting schedule and agenda structure to comply with state law on board meeting hours.
  • Provide quarterly updates on economic development and traffic studies as committed during the meeting.