Waxahachie · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waxahachie public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Brake Masters Auto Repair Facility Site Plan
A new Brake Masters location is planned near the U.S. 287 Bypass, featuring a 5,850-square-foot building with nine indoor service bays. The facility will operate standard daytime hours without overnight vehicle storage, utilizing a shared access drive with the neighboring Logan's Roadhouse.
Waxahachie Family YMCA Zoning Amendment Continuance
A public hearing and consideration to amend the Planned Development ordinance and exhibits for the Waxahachie Family YMCA was formally continued to the November 10 meeting.
Spirolite Addition Replat
A commercial property at 1601 W. Highway 287 was replatted to divide 13.118 acres into four separate nonresidential lots.
Downtown Redevelopment of 216 N. College Street
The council evaluated four redevelopment proposals for the city-owned property at 216 N. College Street and authorized negotiations with Heart Systems Inc. for a Chapter 380 agreement to bring an upscale family restaurant.
Fire Department Staffing and New Fire Station 1
The city awarded a CMAR contract worth $963,580 to advance the construction of the new Fire Station 1 project.
Peter Street Reconstruction Project
The city approved significant budget transfers totaling over $1.8 million for asphalt reconstruction on John Arden Drive, Grove Creek Road, Grace Street, W. Parks Street, and Marshall Street, plus drainage and sidewalk upgrades near the BNSF railroad.
Restaurant Drive-Thru Expansion and Neighborhood Impacts
A restaurant at 504 N Highway 77 received approval for a double drive-thru layout. An adjacent neighbor raised concerns about lighting glare, trash, and fence maintenance, prompting commissioners and staff to emphasize being good neighbors.
Shopping Center Signage Standards and Retail Growth
The commission reviewed wall sign regulations for a new shopping center on Bessie Coleman Boulevard anchored by Sprouts. The update ensures tenants like Potbelly and future stores have adequate visibility without requiring individual variances.
New Municipal Animal Services Facility Land Acquisition
Residents and rescue advocates urged the City Council to prioritize a collaborative feasibility study and funding for a new animal shelter to handle the growing stray animal crisis across Ellis County.
Lions Park Redevelopment and Turf Decision
The city debated spending millions on park improvements, ultimately choosing a natural grass layout over artificial turf after a lengthy discussion on costs, maintenance, and community needs.
Child Daycare SUP and Signage at Brown Street
The commission debated whether to allow architectural deviations for a new child daycare center on Brown Street, specifically concerning window glazing percentages and monument signage. Commissioners emphasized the high demand for local childcare options and the need to balance city architectural codes with practical privacy and safety requirements for children.
Waxahachie Creek Erosion Repair Project
The city awarded a $3.65 million contract to repair severe creek erosion threatening trails and infrastructure near Getzendaner Park.
Water and Wastewater Rate Adjustments
The council denied a rate increase request from SiEnergy Gas while approving the Atmos Energy Mid-Tex rate settlement, which will result in an approximate 14% increase for residents.
FY 2026-2027 City Budget and Tax Rate
The city approved issuing $35.3 million in bonds for public safety and water projects while proposing to keep the property tax rate steady at 61 cents per $100 valuation.
Speed Limit Reductions on FM 813
The council approved speed limit reductions on FM 813, lowering the school zone speed to 20 mph near Finley Junior High and reducing speeds near city limits to 50 mph.
Eminent Domain for Water Treatment Plant Project
The city approved applying for a $21 million state grant to fund long-term water supply and infrastructure projects, while also addressing engineering errors on water line change orders.
Owens Corning Plant Expansion and Tax Abatement
Residents and council members raised serious safety concerns over a proposed specific use permit to allow hazardous chemical blending and storage near homes and a school. The council ultimately voted down the expansion, citing risks to emergency responders and the surrounding community.
City Central Offices Reconstruction Contract
The city delayed a $12 million contract with Key Construction to renovate the new central office building at 820 Ferris Avenue so council members can review repair costs and older building conditions.
Duplex Glass Company Legal Agreement
The city council authorized an agreement with Duplex Glass Company to handle pending legal matters. The move was made following a closed session consultation with the city attorney.
Railyard Park Parking Lot Development
The council awarded a $928,007 contract to build a new parking lot and food truck area near Railyard Park, improving downtown event parking and safety.
Duplex Zoning Request at 525 Lake Park Avenue
A developer requested rezoning a single-family lot to allow duplexes, but council members pushed back over traffic concerns and fear of rental crowding.
Substandard Structures Demolition Orders
The city addressed dangerous, run-down properties, giving one owner three months to finish demolition and ordering immediate demolition for another.
Proposed Ethics Ordinance on Political Endorsements
Council debated and rejected an ordinance that would have barred city officials from using their titles to endorse political candidates or parties, with critics calling it unnecessary.
Data Center Growth and ERCOT Power Grid Concerns
Council members raised alarms over a new ERCOT study projecting massive electricity demands from upcoming data centers, prompting calls for a potential moratorium or study on local impacts.
New High School Road Construction
The city approved a $6.4 million construction contract for a 1.3-mile four-lane roadway connecting Spur 394 to US-77, slated for completion before the school year opens next year.