The Amarillo City Council moved forward with several initiatives Tuesday that could shape how the City operates in the years ahead, approving a new septic system ordinance, discussing changes to City Hall's leadership structure and postponing budget workshops to allow additional preparation.

Council members also recognized Wonderland Park's 75th anniversary, honored Water and Sewer employees for their response to two summer emergencies, reviewed changes to the City's board appointment process, approved the annual federal housing action plan and heard public input on a proposed asphalt batching plant.

The meeting covered both ceremonial recognitions and significant policy discussions, with infrastructure, public safety and the upcoming fiscal year budget receiving much of the council's attention.

City assumes greater control over septic system regulation

One of the council's most significant actions was approving a new on-site sewage facility ordinance presented by Environmental Health Director Anthony Spanel.

Currently, Potter and Randall counties serve as authorized agents for regulating on-site sewage facilities, commonly known as septic systems, through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The City of Amarillo acts as each county's designated representative.

The newly approved ordinance changes that arrangement by making Amarillo its own authorized agent for septic systems located within the city limits. The change allows the City to operate independently from the Amarillo Area Public Health District, which also serves Potter County, Randall County and the City of Canyon.

Spanel said the ordinance includes five local amendments designed to improve how failed septic systems are handled.

When septic systems fail, sewage can surface through the ground, creating health risks for nearby residents and environmental concerns. Under the new ordinance, Environmental Health expects repairs can be completed more quickly while giving the City additional enforcement authority through municipal court.

City officials said the changes should streamline the process while improving oversight of failing systems within Amarillo.

City manager proposes leadership changes

Council members also discussed a proposed reorganization of City leadership following the retirement of Assistant City Manager and Chief Technology Officer Rich Gagnon last week.

City Manager Grayson Path said the vacancy prompted him to evaluate how leadership responsibilities are divided throughout City Hall.

"As I went through the process, I thought hard about, 'Where is my time as City Manager best spent?'" Path said.

He explained that much of his work centers on policy, legal matters, budget preparation, working with the City Council and collaborating with regional and community partners, leaving limited time to oversee daily operations.

Under the proposed structure, Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman would also become the City's Chief Operating Officer.

Path said the position is intended to improve coordination between departments and provide greater oversight of projects that involve multiple divisions.

The proposal would also move Amarillo's public safety departments under Gagnon's former position, which would be reclassified as Public Safety Director. The City has hired a search firm to recruit a candidate and hopes to fill the position within four to six months.

No formal action was taken, but the discussion provided council members an early look at how City administration may evolve following Gagnon's retirement.

Asphalt plant receives approval after public hearing

One of the evening's most closely watched agenda items was a request to rezone property near Lakeside Drive and Triangle Drive for an asphalt batching plant.

Several residents spoke against the proposal during the public hearing, citing concerns about potential health effects from asphalt emissions.

Arthur Dyke, who said he owns property near the proposed site, told council members that he and several dozen nearby property owners had submitted a formal protest letter opposing the project.

Senior Planner Brady Kendrick said the area already has restrictions on residential development because of its proximity to Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport and aircraft noise. He also noted that another asphalt plant already operates nearby.

"I will also note that the applicant will also have to conform with separate TCEQ regulations and permitting with the State of Texas for asphalt and batching plants that go beyond what the City regulates before they are able to operate," Kendrick said.

A representative for OJD Engineering, LLC, speaking on behalf of Redline Cattle, LLC, told the council the company plans to comply with all state regulations and construct an eight-foot metal fence to serve as a windbreak around the facility.

Because neighboring property owners filed a valid protest under City ordinance, the rezoning required approval from at least four council members instead of a simple majority.

The ordinance ultimately passed on a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember David Prescott voting against the request.

Board appointment changes under consideration

The council also reviewed a proposal to change how appointments are made to the City's more than 30 boards and commissions.

City Secretary Stephanie Coggins presented the proposal, which she said she developed with Councilmember Tim Reid.

Currently, appointments are made once each year during two council meetings in December. Under the proposed system, appointments would instead be spread across three periods each year.

The proposal would schedule appointments for 12 boards and commissions in December, nine in April and 14 in August.

According to Coggins, the change would give both council members and the individual boards more time to review applications and focus on each appointment cycle.

Members currently serving on boards that would move into the April or August rotation would have their terms extended until those appointment periods if they are willing to continue serving.

Council members offered feedback but took no action. The proposal is expected to return in ordinance form within the next few months.

Budget workshops rescheduled

Council members also received an update on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget process after previously scheduled budget workshops were postponed.

The workshops have now been rescheduled for Aug. 11, 13 and 14.

Path said City staff needed additional time to prepare the proposed budget before presenting it to both the council and the public.

"Additional time was necessary to ensure that the level of preparation and clarity that you and the public expect is there," Path said.

To assist with the budget process, the City brought back former Chief Financial Officer Laura Storrs, who retired earlier this year, to serve as a consultant.

Path said he hopes to deliver the proposed budget book to council members by the middle of next week so they have time to review it before the workshops begin.

Council recognizes employees and community milestones

The meeting also included several recognitions highlighting City employees and community organizations.

Council members issued a proclamation celebrating Wonderland Park's 75th anniversary, recognizing one of Amarillo's longest-standing attractions.

The council also honored members of the Water and Sewer Department for their response to two critical incidents earlier this summer. Employees successfully managed a low-level chlorine leak and restored water service after a major water main break, helping protect public health while minimizing disruptions to residents and critical facilities.

Council members also received a recap of Amarillo Parks & Recreation's annual Red, White, and Boom Independence Day celebration.

The council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2026-27 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships programs. The 5-0 vote authorizes the City's annual plan for using federal housing and community development funding.

With major budget discussions scheduled for August and proposals involving board appointments and City leadership still under review, council members are expected to revisit several of Tuesday's discussions in the coming weeks.