Panhandle City Council Minutes – Aug. 28, 2025
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The Panhandle City Council met in regular session on Aug. 28, at City Hall, with the following items on the agenda for consideration and action and the following members present: Mayor Doyle Robinson and Council Members Dusty Sloan, Brad Fields, Dustin Copenhaver, Tim Roberts and Dustin Copenhaver. Also present were City Manager Terry Coffee and City Secretary Veronica Willburn.
Item 1. Call meeting to order. With a quorum present, the meeting was called to order by Mayor Robinson.
Item 2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of American and the state of Texas. The invocation was led by Council Member Brandvik, followed by the pledges led by Mayor Robinson.
Item 3. Citizens comments. No citizens were present.
Item 4. Council comments.
City Manager Coffee commented on the work being done on the streets. The city is ordering more crushed asphalt and will work on alleys after the roads are finished and the alleys dry up.
The public works guys are doing a good job on the streets.Council discussed several properties and potential action needed. The city has had to mow several abandoned properties and file liens against them.
No action was taken on this item.
Item 5. Minutes of last meetings. Action required.
A motion was made by Council Member Roberts and seconded by Council Member Sloan to approve the minutes of the Aug. 14, 2025 and Aug. 18, 2025 council meetings. With all members voting aye, the minutes were approved.
Item 6. Discussion with possible action. City manager has put together an ordinance for mowing and nuisance abatement. The ordinance include front yard, backyard and alley.
Discussion with city manager presenting an ordinance to update the ordinance on Violation Code Ordinance mowing fees or cleanup fees to cover the expenses incurred by the city.
Properties may require multiple personnel and equipment and must be recovered through these fees. It is the responsibility of the owner to keep properties properly mowed and clear of debris and junk vehicles including front yard, back yard, alley, and any lots owned. The new ordinance reads as follows:
That Section 6.304 be amended to read:
Weeds, rubbish and other debris.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, business, or corporation who shall own or occupy any lot or lots in the City of Panhandle, Texas to allow weeds, rubbish, brush, or any other unsightly, objectionable, or unsanitary matter to accumulate or grow on the lot or lots. Lots or property is described as being from the front curb of the property to the middle of the alley in the rear. Weeds and vegetation will be considered a violation if they are over twelve (12) inches tall and uncultivated anywhere on or adjacent to a piece of property.
Add Section 6.304 (a) to read:
Responsibility of owner and occupant: Mowing by city.
Property owners are responsible for keeping their lawns mowed. Failure to do so may result in a bill for mowing and/or a citation if the city mows the property. Property owners are also responsible for any rubbish located on their property regardless of who placed the items there. Residents or property owner will be given ten (10) days after notice to comply.
Add Section 6.304 (b) to read:
Fees for mowing a property.
– Front yard $250.00
– Backyard $250.00
– Alley – $250.00
These fees may vary depending on the size of the lots and number of workers it takes to complete the job.
Unpaid fees will be added to your utility bill and paid at the next cycle. If not paid the city will place its privileged lien against the property.
That Section 6.307 should be amended to read:
Immediate abatement of dangerous weeds
The city manager may immediately abate the nuisance of weeds in excess of twelve (12) inches tall which cause immediate danger to the health, life, or safety of any person, and take into consideration the number of complaints from neighbors and citizens to remove such nuisance.
After discussion with council, a motion was made by Council Member Roberts and seconded by Council Member Mike Brandvik to approve the ordinance as presented. With all members voting aye, Ordinance No. 626 was passed and approved and effective on this 28th day of August, 2025.
Item 7. Discussion only. Other possible ordinances. Food trucks (Mobile Food Establishments), Establishments of more RV parks coming into the city.
City Manager Coffee discussed food trucks coming into town. He would like to limit it to one at a time. Once they send the state required health inspection license, they are asked to call ahead to schedule a time to come. This has been working well with most of the food trucks. Other cities require the food trucks to get a city permit. It is better if they are set up on the outskirts of town, Thriftway has allowed them to set up on their parking lot which has worked out well.
RV parks were discussed due to the new AI centers going in, one in Claude and the other at Pantex facility. There will be a need for housing for construction and AI workers with possible opportunities for building new homes. There are currently two RV Parks, Country Sunset RV Park and the RV Park near Thriftway. Luke Durst is looking at putting in an RV park on Highway 60 and a couple of others are looking into putting in an RV Park. The city doesn’t want to see the city turn into a city of RV Parks. One is looking at putting in permanent RVs which don’t meet the ordinances of the city. There are square footage requirements for housing by zoning districts. An RV cannot be a permanent residence, should be 30 on and 30 off. There are exceptions to this for medical or emergency reasons. The RV requirements include width, length, access for emergency vehicles, drive through accessibility and parking. Utilities would have to be provided by the owner. These RV parks cannot be put in a residential district. There is no Economic Development Corporation (EDC) momentum for funding as these bring in no sales tax. The crime rate is normally higher for these and requires more police surveillance and monitoring, there are more issues with dogs and cats also. There must be a separate tap for each one with adequate water and sewer. There must be lighting, and limited occupants per RV. There cannot be extension buildings. A common building with restrooms and laundry facilities is sometimes required and must be accessible for city inspections. The city needs to look at what happens once the influx of people leave these, then you have many vacancies.
Council Member Sloan stated it isn’t a good idea to allow EDC land for an RV Park. Council suggested areas in the livestock district, commercial district, or the airport area. What we need are houses and developers willing to build. The EDC cannot build houses but could possibly help the city with infrastructure. Mayor Robinson discussed tiny homes which must also meet the square footage requirements and be built on a foundation. He also discussed the Big Texas RV Park which also has several tiny homes. The city is currently land locked with very few places to build new homes. Council will discuss this further as new developments occur.
No action was taken on this item.
Item 8. City manager’s report. Any comments on FY26 Proposed Budget, cement crushing, weed spraying for the street.
City Manager Coffee discussed the FY26 budget and the possible need for changes. If there is new housing coming in, the city expenses for engineering and infrastructure could increase.
The city is currently trying to get the cement crushed at the landfill. Part of the material will go to the contractor and part will be used for street and alley repairs. The cement can be crushed to different sizes down to powder depending on what the product will be used for. The city has been trying to get rid of the excess cement for many years, but it has been cost prohibited until now. Council discussed whether this would be a long-term or ongoing contract. At this time, the city is unsure of all the arrangements.
The city is currently contracting with a company to spray the weeds and grass in the street with a sterilant to prevent further growth and damage to the streets.
No action was taken on this item as it was discussion only
The next meeting of the city council is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m., for a special meeting and hearing for the tax rate.
With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Council Member Copenhaver and seconded by Council Member Sloan to adjourn the meeting. With all members voting aye, the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
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