A goal long set for Aubrey is closer to becoming a reality following the City Council's approval of a professional services agreement for an outdoor sports complex.
The facility would help fill the void for such facilities in the area.
'I believe this is the one item we've all been looking for,' Parks Superintendent Kurt Karnowski said. 'So, the city of Aubrey issued an RFQ for architectural services related to a sports complex design. … A total of 13 firms submitted qualification packages.'
Proponents of the Aubrey Area Youth Sports Association have been calling for added sports fields to allow families to have access close to home and to draw residents from the surrounding area, which leads to increased sales tax revenue.
The complex was also requested in the parks plan.
Westwood, Lose Design and CEI were the top three scoring firms.
Council member Mike Browning asked whether the top three contenders have done work for the city.
'We've worked with Westwood on Leslie Park, Mathews Park, High Meadow Park and Veterans Phase 2 and Windridge First Responders,' Karnowski said.
The council selected Westwood unanimously.
Also in the meeting, the council affirmed the Aubrey Municipal Development District's decision to borrow $1.3 million in a sales tax-backed bond for the purchase of property.
'We do anticipate projected surplus funds to be generated from the sales tax revenues exceeding expected costs to meet the debt service obligations in the future,' Executive Director Christine Gossett said.
AMDD President Holly Drew was in attendance and thanked the council briefly after the vote.
State Rep. Jared Patterson spoke to the council and gallery, both in person and watching remotely, about some of the laws passed during this legislative session.
He spoke of bills related to property tax relief, public school funding, power and water infrastructure projects.
'We appropriated $51 billion for property tax relief this session,' Patterson said. 'Practically a quarter of our budget is now going to offset property taxes.'
He spoke about it being the 'water session.'
'We're certainly trying to bring in more water from East Texas,' he said. 'That's a big battle, because the East Texas reps, they don't want to give up their land. I understand that. But we kind of called dibs on some spots 50 or 60 years ago on some spots where we're going to build lakes.'
Executive Director of Operations Leanne Wilson was also recognized for completing the Texas Certified Public Management Program through the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service.
'The program requires a year-long commitment and includes comprehensive training in seven core tracks … each of which demands a high level of dedication and performance,' Mayor Chris Rich said. 'And Leanne Wilson has met and exceeded these demanding standards, earning the esteemed certified public manager designation and bringing valuable skills to her role.'
The council also approved a specific use permit for Vaquero Ventures/7Eleven for a wine and beer permit, which was needed because of its proximity to Aubrey High School at the corner of U.S. 377 and FM 428.
It also approved changes to the city's sign regulations.
The council was also informed that the Aubrey Fire Department has received two awards, the 2025 Department of Stroke Care Excellence and the American Heart Association 2025 Silver award.
