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Editor's note: This article was included in last week's newsletter, but a publishing error prevented readers from accessing it. We apologize for the oversight. The article covers actions taken at the Oct. 20 Farmers Branch City Council meeting.
The Farmers Branch City Council approved a zoning change Oct. 20 that would replace a long-delayed commercial development with 319 apartments. Members also approved an interim agreement with a new law firm to represent the city.
Other actions included contracts for police technology, water storage tank repairs and an animal shelter expansion.
The council approved an agreement with Taylor, Olson, Sralla & Elam LLP to provide legal services and municipal prosecution while the city searches for a permanent provider.
The firm will take over services previously provided by Nichols Jackson, where David Berman served as city attorney. According to the council agenda, Nichols Jackson will stop representing the city Nov. 4.
The agreement passed as part of the consent agenda without separate public discussion. The transition follows earlier council discussions about the city attorney's performance, responsibilities and whether to seek new legal representation.
The council also approved a zoning amendment and conceptual site plan for a proposed 319-unit apartment development at 5000 Alpha Road, near Inwood Road.
The project would replace previously planned office, hotel, restaurant and retail uses with multifamily housing on an 8.703-acre property. Plans call for a five-story building and parking garage.
The commercial development was part of a plan approved in 2017 but was never built.
Councilmember Roger Neal questioned the loss of potential retail space and the effect of additional apartments on aging infrastructure.
Neal said residents have repeatedly expressed a need for more retail options in Farmers Branch. He also questioned whether the city had sufficient information about the development's potential impact on water and sewer systems.
The applicant said the property had remained undeveloped for nearly a decade. Although the proposal would introduce apartments on land previously designated for commercial development, it would not change the existing permitted density of 80 units per acre.
City staff said the proposal was not fully consistent with the city's 2045 comprehensive plan, which recommends mixed-use development in the area. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 7-0 in August.
The council's action does not authorize construction. A detailed site plan must return to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and the council for approval.
In public safety spending, councilmembers unanimously approved up to $385,000 for drone and radar equipment, software and related services from Flock Group Inc.
Funding includes $240,000 in grant money, $45,000 to be reimbursed by Carrollton and $100,000 from the Farmers Branch budget.
Police Chief Kevin McCoy said the equipment would support the city's Drone as a First Responder program.
Councilmembers questioned how the drones are used and what safeguards prevent misuse.
"We don't do proactive patrol with the drone. The drone is only used to respond to calls for service," McCoy said.
He clarified that drones are also flown for training. Flight records are logged and made available through the city's public transparency portal.
A separate $1,846,960 contract with J.R. Stelzer Co. will fund rehabilitation of an elevated water storage tank on Valley View Lane and work on a groundwater storage tank on Wicker Avenue.
The projects include protective coatings and related maintenance. Public Works Director Corey Lawson said the Valley View tank would be taken out of service during rehabilitation planned for winter.
The city's Animal Adoption Center will also expand through a private bequest from the estate of Dorothy Ray Holley.
Councilmembers unanimously approved a contract of up to $1.08 million with Cowtown Design and Build LLC for the project.
The approximately 1,000-square-foot addition will increase the shelter's capacity for cats by about 25% and provide separate housing for cats and dogs. Existing cat housing will be converted to accommodate additional dogs.
Neal questioned the project's cost, which he calculated at nearly $1,000 per square foot.
"It seems a little high to me," Neal said.
City staff said the animal shelter committee, city employees and design professionals participated in developing the plans. Construction is expected to take nine to 10 months after work begins.
During the afternoon study session, councilmembers reviewed three possible polling locations on the city's west side for the May 2027 municipal election.
City Secretary Karen Evans identified the Keenan Service Center, Senlac Service Center and fire administration building as possible sites. All three meet accessibility requirements.
Evans estimated each additional location would cost $16,618, although the final amount could vary. The council did not select a site.
In other business, the council approved an agreement with the North Texas Tollway Authority for law enforcement services along portions of the Dallas North Tollway within city limits.
Members also approved an Event Trust Fund support agreement for the 2026 Pickleball World Championships. Neal questioned whether revenue generated directly by the event would cover the city's contribution. Tourism staff acknowledged that it would not, but cited hotel taxes, marketing exposure and other economic benefits.
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