The Pilot Point City Council voted July 24 to be part of a joint resolution with other area cities urging the Texas Department of Transportation and state leaders to deliver more funding for much-needed transportation projects.
Aubrey, Celina, Pilot Point, Cross Roads, Providence Village and Prosper are the other cities included in the joint resolution, which City Manager Britt Lusk introduced by noting that those cities across the region would be discussing and voting on the measure within the week as well.
“Coincidentally, when I reached out to the cities surrounding us, they were thinking the same thing,” Lusk said.
The initiative, partially stemming from Pilot Point’s Vision Zero resolution, which aimed for zero serious fatality wrecks, would be difficult without the support of all surrounding communities.
“With the legislative funding not coming through with TxDOT until 2030, the City of Aubrey took the lead on this and put this resolution together,” he said.
Roads already benefiting from prior design stages were included in the resolution, but FM 455, an essential road for Pilot Point, was absent.
Council member Ray Dane expressed disappointment in FM 455’s exclusion but acknowledged the difficulty of gaining regional consensus from the other cities and towns involved.
Council member Mike Wilson explored the possibility of future collaboration with Celina to push FM 455 into the spotlight.
Lusk reassured that FM 455 is already “on the radar” for future plans.
Resident Dennis Fritz also advocated for FM 455’s inclusion earlier in the public forum, reinforcing the community's concern about the road's safety and significance.
On the issue of the city logo being copyrighted, Mayor Pro Tem Andrew Ambrosio made a motion to table the discussion, citing the need for the city attorney’s input.
The council will revisit the topic at the next meeting.
Also at the meeting, the council approved Pilot Point for eligibility to apply for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Local Park Matching Grant Program.
Assistant City Manager Michele Sanchez explained the competitive nature of the grant and proposed using the awarded money to construct a new playscape at Allen Groff Park.
The council voted unanimously to move ahead, setting the stage for enhanced recreational space for local families.
Sanchez also introduced the certified tax roll numbers, which will be discussed along with the full budget, more in depth on Aug. 14.
Sanchez mentioned that even with the additions of homes to the area, the city is still about four years behind on fully funding the fire stations because of the rate of growth.
In the meeting, the council discussed and appointed Steve Southwell to represent Pilot Point for the Denco Area 9-1-1 District.
The council also discussed the Downtown Sidewalk Project with a public hearing.
The only concern raised was how some of the new sidewalks end abruptly downtown, making them a hazard for those who are handicapped.
All the new sidewalks were met with ADA recommendations, Lusk said. However, there was not enough funding to complete the square in its entirety.
The city chose busier streets over others to spend the money more efficiently, Lusk added.
Several residents took the mic during the public forum.
Cindy Faris spotlighted upcoming local events, including this Friday’s celebration of the Pilot Point Coffee House’s fifth anniversary; the Aug. 11 Town Hall meeting focused on long-term planning and for the community to be involved and informed; and Chrome Fest on Aug. 30, with all proceeds benefiting Meals on Wheels.
David Freeman voiced opposition to a proposed concrete plant.
He said he moved to Pilot Point from Plano to get away from the suburbia to a “little piece of heaven” out here in Horse Country.
His comments prompted the council to add that topic to the next meeting’s agenda.
