Art L. Miner

Message from the Mayor:

Hello Watauga, as they say, “Spring has Sprung,” and it appears that another winter is behind us. Thankfully we were spared another SNOVID. That said, spring brings its weather challenges. Earlier this month, we experienced one of them. On the early evening of Monday, March 21st, Watauga and surrounding cities experienced severe thunderstorms during which Grace Hardeman Elementary School sustained damage from a suspected F1 tornado. Thankfully there were no students in the building, and the staff there were not injured. The damage, however, required the district to relocate the students to another vacant campus until the repairs could be completed. What the school district did next was nothing short of amazing. In less than 72 hours, they transformed a vacant campus into a fully functional operational school. “CAMP WATAUGA” opened its doors to Watauga’s children on Thursday morning; classrooms were set up, hallways were decorated, food services were operating, computers and networks were up-and-running, and even the playgrounds were spruced up. What I've described does not begin to do justice to the job, that BISD and its staff did to ensure that our children were back in school with minimal impact. My hat is off to the entire BISD team.

The Mayor's Book Club will meet Monday, April 4th at 6:30 at the library. 'Walk Two Moons' is the book we will discuss. All ages are welcome; even if you have not read the book, join us and enjoy the conversation.

This month our Parks and Rec. Department, along with the Parks Advisory Board, kicks off the “Yard of the Month” program. Nominate a deserving neighbor or even yourself. See their websites for details.

I haven’t mentioned our Animal Services in a while. They have lots of little fur buddies looking for a home. Be the one that makes a difference and gives them a 2nd chance.
SERTOMA Club will host the 4th Annual Hector F. Garcia Memorial Golf Tournament on the 28th of April. Contact the great Sal Torres at 817-374-2410 if interested in helping to honor Mayor Garcia.

Lastly, I will mention our Gone but not Forgotten program. If you have a family member or know of someone who honorably served that has passed, I would like to recognize them for their service and sacrifice at a council meeting. Reach out to us at VETERANS@COWTX.ORG.

Just a reminder that we have early voting starting April 25th, 2022.

Family, friends, and neighbors; it is what makes Watauga “A great place to live.”

April 11, 2022

WORKSHOP
5:30 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING
6:30 P.M.

April 25, 2022

WORKSHOP
5:30 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING
6:30 P.M.

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

7105 WHITLEY ROAD

2022 Yard of the Month:

Entries can be submitted the 1^st to the 15^th of each month.

We will have the entry form on the city website beginning April 1^st.

The parks advisory board will be doing the judging. The winner will be announced and awarded a sign to display in their yard.

Recognition of Retiree Brian Hatfield:

Brian Hatfield was hired by the Watauga Hills Fire Department on September 19, 2000, as a Firefighter /PM. Brian has earned the certifications as an Advanced Structural Firefighter, Advanced Fire Investigator, Advanced Fire Inspector, Fire Instructor II, Fire Officer II, Wildland Firefighter, and Incident Safety Officer. During his career, Fire Marshal Hatfield has received numerous EMS and Fire Company Awards.

Brian Hatfield retires from the department after serving 22 years.

Chief Fannan stated – “Chief Brian Hatfield has been both a formal and informal leader for our department – whose integrity and dedication to public safety was evident in everything he did. His strong leadership during his career is evident – working his way through the ranks from firefighter, Lieutenant, and then Fire Marshal. His leadership has strengthened the Watauga Fire Department and the city as whole - and has led to incredibly safer community”.

Chief Fannan wanted to personally thank Mayor Art Minor, Councilwoman Jan Hill, Councilwoman Lovie Downey and all the city employees who attended and made Fire Marshal Hatfield’s retirement ceremony a success.

Mayor’s Book Club at the Watauga Public Library

Join Mayor Arthur L. Miner at the Watauga Public Library (7109 Whitley Road) on Monday, April 4th at 6:30pm for the Mayor’s Book Club. Our selected book is the Newberry Award winning classic Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech. Join us for a light snack and discussion.

Families will enjoy reading this book together and then participating in the book club at the library. It’s the perfect story to share with kids in 2nd through 5th grade.
We have a limited number of books available to check out at the library. We can also help you request the book from other local libraries.

We will discuss this excellent book, but you don’t need to read the book to attend the event. Everyone is welcome.

This event is free. Call 817-514-5865 for more information.