Regular Council Meeting August 17, 2026

August 17, 2026

The Hamlin City Council met for a Regular Council meeting on August 17, 2026, at 6:00 P.M.

Those present were City Secretary Tonya Harughty, Councilwoman Shelby Teague, Mayor Tucker Teague, Officer Josh Benavides, Councilman Kenneth Williams, Police Chief Jay Strong, City Manager Brian Weaver, MDD Director Dr. Randy Burks, Councilwoman Phyllis Lewis, Chris Lafler, Aiden “illegible”, Jon David Moore, Doris A Gonzalez, Ron Lewis.

Call meeting to order by Mayor Tucker Teague at 6:00 P.M. Invocation and pledge were led by Mayor Tucker Teague.

Roll call: Councilman Kenneth Williams, Councilwoman Phyllis Lewis, Councilwoman Shelby Teague, Mayor Tucker Teague.

Councilman Ronald Crouch was absent.

Open Forum-Person who sign in between 5:30 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. will be allowed not more than five minutes each to speak to the Council.

*General comments from visitors who have signed up to address the Council.

Diana Stevens addressed the council to discuss the limit of animals you can have in the city.  She was asked to speak to the council regarding the animals when the council got to action item number 5.  She also stated Avenue E is a new racetrack.  Cars run faster than they should.  Loud Pipes.  Music. I think attention needs to be brought to it.  I worry about the little ones.

Jon David Moore addressed the council.  Good evening.  I’m honored to potentially serve in this community.  I don’t think people realize how much money can be made here.  I’m a builder.  I like to bring people in.  I’m not afraid to say what I think.  I’m here to serve our community.

Visitors with appointments: No one with an appointment

ACTION ITEMS

Take appropriate action on the minutes from the previous Special Meeting on August 11, 2026.

Councilman Kenneth Williams made a motion to accept the minutes as written from the previous Special Meeting on August 11, 2026, seconded by Councilwoman Shelby Teague.  All in favor.  Motion carries.

 Consider and take any necessary action on the open council seat.

Councilman Kenneth Williams made a motion at 6:08 P.M. to go into executive session to discuss the open council seat, seconded by Councilwoman Shelby Teague.  All in favor.  Motion carries. 

Councilwoman Shelby Teague made a motion at 6:24 P.M. to go back into open session, seconded by Councilman Kenneth Williams.  All in favor.  Motion carries.

Councilwoman Phyllis Lewis made a motion to appoint Jon David Moore as councilmember, seconded by Councilman Kenneth Williams.  All in favor.  Motion Carries.

City Secretary Tonya Harughty administered the Oath of Office to Councilman Jon David Moore.

MDD update and report.

MDD Director Dr. Randy Burks presented the council with a drawing of the new community center and a letter for a splash pad.  The building is approximately 7,100 sq ft.  The projected cost is $659,400.  The majority is from insurance.  We received our first grant to use for a splash pad.  The cost for the splash pad is $500,000.00.  We will launch a fund raising.  I have a meeting tomorrow with a potential travel center advisor.  We leased building number seven at the Industrial Park.  Someone has expressed interest in purchasing one of the slabs in the Industrial Park.  Someone is interested in buying the old grocery store.  We were interested in the old TxDot building.  It was appraised at a decent price but more than what we wanted to pay.  MDD purchased 39 parcels on the northeast side of town. I have someone interested in purchasing blocks.  We have a gentleman that is wanting to put in a tiny house village.  Duplex update: one is rented.  They are ready to put the water in.    

Consider and take any necessary action regarding hiring Zac Tax as a remote finance officer.

Councilwoman Shelby Teague made a motion to hire Zac Tax as a remote finance officer, seconded by Councilwoman Phyllis Lewis.  All in favor.  Motion carries.

Consider and take any necessary action on allowing a variance or amending ordinance regarding how many dogs you are allowed in the city.

Councilman Kenneth Williams made a motion to consider amending the ordinance to allow for a variance, seconded by Councilwoman Phyllis Lewis.  All in favor.  Motion carries. 

Consider and take any necessary action on new policy for the convenience station. 

No action taken on this item.

Consider and take any necessary action on moving the city’s investment money from TexStar to Logic.

Councilman Kenneth Williams made a motion to leave all investment money in TexStar, seconded by Councilwoman Shelby Teague.  All in favor.  Motion carries. 

 Budget Workshop

City Manager Brian Weaver presented the council with the 2026-2027 budget, which included General Fund Totals, Water Fund Totals, General Fund Revenues, Streets, Water Fund Revenues, Debt Service, Fire Department, Water, Sewer, Administration, Police Department, Total Profit Loss, Animal Control/Code Enforcement, Court, and a Fee Schedule. 

Consider and take any necessary action on setting a proposed tax rate.

Councilwoman Shelby Teague made a motion on setting a no new revenue tax rate at .973032, seconded by Councilman Kenneth Williams.  All in favor.  Motion carries. 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Administrator – Brian Weaver stated he and Dr. Burks met with the guy from Public Management on the grant.  All equipment for the siren is in and should be up and running next week.  The Army Corp of Engineer fifteen million dollar grant to help with flooding now comes with a match. We have to see if we qualify. 

Chief of Police – Chief Jay Strong thanked the council for the radios.  They can now talk to each other, Anson, Stamford, Jones County.  Thank you for hiring the judge we got.  We have court this Wednesday.  They are overwhelmed with major crimes.  We have a list of streets for the 20-mph speed limit.  I want to thank you for taking care of my folks. 

City Secretary – Tonya Harughty welcomed Jon David Moore as the new councilmember.

Fire Chief – Not present.

Public Works – Not present.

Council Members – Councilman Kenneth Williams, I welcome Mr. Moore and I’m really impressed with MDD starting a proposition on the splash pad. Councilwoman Phyllis Lewis stated I agree.  I think we need something for our families and kids and not have to go somewhere else. I appreciate the chief and officers for what they do. Brian and Jay both have cleaned up a mess.  I appreciate the hours and everything that you do.  Councilman Jon David Moore stated he wanted to thank y’all for the opportunity to serve our community.  I’m really looking forward to it.  I’m excited for the challenge. I’m excited to serve with this council.  I have a great deal of respect for each and every one of you.  Looking forward to the great things that we can do.   

 ADJOURN

Councilman Kenneth Williams made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 P.M., seconded by Councilwoman Phyllis Lewis.  All in favor.  Motion carries.

ATTEST: __________________________                                           _________________________

City Secretary Tonya Harughty                                                            Mayor Tucker Teague