Richland Hills · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Richland Hills public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY2027 municipal fee schedule
Ordinance No. 1547-26 would update the city's fee schedule for fiscal year 2027 — the prices residents and businesses pay for permits, services, and other city functions. A public hearing was scheduled before any Council action.
Accessory structure height and setback variance at 7171 Richland Road
The city wants to clarify how building height is measured and let owners of 20,000+ sq ft lots build accessory structures up to five feet taller than their house — if kept 50 feet from homes and streets. Council directed staff to simplify setback tiers and bring a draft back for public hearings.
Flooding Response and Resident Recognition
Resident Vicky Hamilton thanked the council, fire, police, and Council Member Mike Witt for their response to recent flooding — the first time in 49 years she felt the administration cared.
Automated Trash Cart Transition
Republic Services notified the city that its contract requires a move to automated cart-only trash collection. Council members raised questions about yard clippings, bundle rules, extra bins, and overfilled lids, and staff will bring answers at a future work session.
Adoption of 2024 International Codes and 2026 National Electrical Code
The city updated its building, fire, and electrical codes from the 2018 editions to the 2024 International Codes and 2026 National Electrical Code, aligning with state law and regional amendments. Contractors and developers raised no objections.
One-time employee salary supplement
Civilian city employees will receive a one-time payment of up to 3% of base pay to help with retention, without permanently raising salaries. Sworn public safety staff already got raises in the FY27 budget.
Citywide Landscape Services Contract
The council was scheduled to consider a $178,500 contract with Nico's Landscape LLC for keeping city properties mowed and maintained. It's a routine service contract but a meaningful slice of the city's operating budget.
Economic Development Project #26-02
An economic development project at 7294 Glenview Drive was set for possible closed-session discussion.
Code Compliance Communication Strategy
The city is reworking how it handles overgrown lots, tree limbs, and repeat violators. The plan: one letter combining a courtesy notice with the notice of violation, resources for seniors who need help, citation after seven days if no contact, and liens on chronically unmowed commercial properties.
Mimosa Park Drive Mill and Overlay
An interlocal agreement with Tarrant County was slated for approval to repave Mimosa Park Drive, sharing costs through the county partnership.
NCTCOG Electric Vehicle Charging Grant
Richland Hills was one of 59 projects recommended out of 109 applications for a regional EV charging grant. Two level-2 stations (four spaces) would go at The Link parking lot, costing about $87,000 with the grant covering 80% and a private vendor the rest. Council direction was to proceed, though vendor fee negotiations are still to come.
Splash pad removal and playground enhancement
The perpetually broken Link splash pad is getting pulled from the capital plan. Its ~$60,000 would go toward upgrading the playground at The Link, possibly reusing equipment from Creek Trail Park.
Permitting and Inspection Services Strategy
A strategic discussion was scheduled on how the city handles permitting and inspections — this affects how quickly residents and builders can get projects approved.
Economic Development Project #26-05 — Former TRE Richland Hills Station
The council was scheduled to discuss a possible economic development incentive for a business prospect tied to the former TRE Richland Hills Station site, behind closed doors.
Pausing Safe Routes to School Funding
Two resolutions were slated to pause Safe Routes to School spending — one in the Strategic Initiatives Fund and a companion Oil and Gas Fund budget amendment. Sidewalk and route-safety work for students would be deferred, with funds kept in reserve.
Short-Term Rentals Update
Staff was scheduled to brief the council on short-term rentals in the city, a topic that could lead to future regulation.
Accessory structure height standards (Chapter 90-4.02)
Council told staff the intent is to measure height to the roof line — not chimneys or cupolas — and asked for tiered options by lot size so residents can build RV garages without monstrous structures dwarfing neighbors.
Transportation subsidy elimination
The ~$50,000-a-year ride subsidy for seniors and workers ends when funds run out; staff will bring alternatives through Catholic Charities and other partners.
Portable Narcotics Analyzer Grant (Resolution 646-26)
The police department was seeking grant funding for a handheld device that tests suspected illegal substances in the field — no local matching dollars required. The resolution just updates who signs off on the grant paperwork. Faster field testing means quicker, safer handling of drug cases.