At the 7/24/23 Council Meeting, I asked the council to put on the agenda a discussion to place more citizens on the committees & boards that determine the future course of our city.

In 2023, The Charter was revised to allow Council/Mayor to retain seats on boards, even if not serving in office.

Sample of Boards/Committees:

1. Animal Control Board
   • The Richland Hills Animal Shelter Advisory Board advises the City Council regarding the procedures for the care and maintenance of animal shelter facilities and impounded animals to ensure compliance with state law; and to periodically review the City Animal Control Ordinances and make recommendations for revisions.
   • Members: Licensed Vet, Animal Control Offices, Citizens (2)
   • 2022-2024 Dr. William Anderson, Victoria Sutherland, Kay Fisk (Chair), Lee Turnage, Kris Freudiger, Jenny Clark (Alt1), Vacant – Alt 2
2. Building Board of Appeals
   • The powers, duties and responsibilities of the Building Board of Appeals shall be to hear, consider and determine substandard building cases under Chapter 14, Buildings and Building Regulations of the Richland Hills Code and to hear, consider and determine appeals as set forth in all building codes adopted and amended by the City.
   • Members – Mayor & City Council + 1 unfilled Alternate
   • 2023-2025 Doug Knowlton, Theresa Bledsoe, Edward Lopez (Chair), GW Estep
   • 2022-2024 Travis Malone, Javiar Alvarez, Roland Goveas, Alt 1 Vacant
   • per new City Charter – elected officials do not have to give up committee seats after serving in office
3. Crime Control & Prevention District
   • The Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD) is governed by a seven member board that consists of the Mayor and City Council. The CCPD Board is responsible for establishing the CCPD annual budget, setting policies, overseeing expenditures and evaluating programs funded by the District. Both CCPD and City Council must approve the budget and their amendments.
   • Members – Mayor & City Council
   • 2022-2024: Edward Lopez (Chair), Douglas Knowlton, Travis Malone, Theresa Bledsoe, Javier Alvarez, GW Estep, Roland Goveas
4. Planning & Zoning Commission
   • The City of Richland Hills Planning & Zoning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council regarding land use issues, rezoning requests, Specific Use Permits, amendments to the zoning ordinance and other development regulations, and amendments to and updates of the Master Plan.
   • Members – 5 Residents + 2 alternates
   • 2023-2025 Kenneth Keating, Jackson Durham, Kelle Jones
   • 2022-2024 Michael Wilson (Chair), Mary Witt, Keith Albee, Curtis Bergthold
5. RHDC – Richland Hill Development Corporation
   • The City of Richland Hills Development Corporation was created as authorized by the Development Act of 1979, Section 4B, to act on the City’s behalf in the promotion and financing of projects for infrastructure improvements, parks and park facilities, and economic development within the City of Richland Hills.
   • Members – Mayor, 3 Council Members, 3 residents
   • 2022-2024 Edward Lopez (Chair), Travis Malone, GW Estep, Douglas Knowlton, Allison Barger, Curtis Bergthold, Jorge Cisneros (Brother in Law of Ed Lopez)
6. Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1
   • The purpose of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 1 Board is to oversee the project and financing plan for Richland Hills Tax Increment Financing District, known as the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1. The TIRZ No. 1 Board is made up of eight members who shall serve for terms of two years each. These seven members shall consist of one County representative and seven City representatives.
   • Members: Mayor, 6 Council Members, 1 Tarrant County Representative, 1 Citizen (vacant)
   • Edward Lopez (Chair), Douglas Knowlton, Travis Malone, Theresa Bledsoe, Javier Alvarez, GW Estep, Roland Goveas, Theresa Parsons (Tarrant County Rep), Citizen Member Vacant
7. Zoning Board of Adjustment
   • The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall have the authority to act upon all matters which it is required or authorized to consider by ordinance or State law. The powers of the Board shall include consideration of the following matters: 
     • Interpretation and appeals of decisions of the Zoning Administrator 
     • Special exceptions 
     • Variances 
     • Authorization of nonconforming uses 
     • Other matters as provided by applicable law or ordinance
   • Members: 5 Places/Residents (place 2 vacant), 4 Alternates/Residents (3 vacant)
   • 2022-2024 Jorge Cisneros (Chair, brother in law of Ed Lopez), Place 2 Vacant, Ashly Schilling, Athena Campbell, Lisa Skier, Alt 1 – Joyce Fiaccone, Alt 2, 3, 4 vacant
8. 75th Anniversary Committee
   • The 75^th Anniversary Committee is an ad hoc volunteer committee appointed to work with City staff in planning and implementing programs and events that showcase Richland Hills’ 75^th Anniversary. 
     • The committee will aim to engage the entire Richland Hills community, including residents, businesses, community groups and organizations, in the year-long celebration. The committee will help identify individuals and organizations that would be willing to organize, lead and champion anniversary programs and events.
   • Members: 12 residents and/or business owners