The Collinsville City Council awarded two EDC grants, approved financing for a new fire truck and moved forward with a new subdivision Monday night at their regular monthly meeting.
The council continued discussions, tabled from last month’s meeting, regarding an Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Downtown Renovation Grant to Manuelito’s on Main Street in Collinsville.
They ultimately approved the grant (not to exceed $10,000) for work that needs to be done on the building, but added a stipulation that the restaurant must be open for business within six months of receiving the funds.
The discussion also resulted in the decision to hold a workshop between EDC and the council to look more closely at the process for grant requirements, applications and approval.
A similar discussion followed regarding an EDC Downtown Renovation Grant to the Collinsville Deli in an amount not to exceed $25,000. Building owner Gary Timmons had plumbing, electrical, roofing and gas line work done to get the building up and running for the Deli. The council approved the grant with a 4-1 vote, with Alderman Austin Lewter not in favor.
The council received a presentation from Steve Murray with Hilltop Securities regarding the company’s findings for financing the City’s fire truck grant. After receiving bids from five different institutions, 4U Credit Union had the best deal.
Upon his recommendation, the council approved the sale of the tax note for the purchase of the fire truck and generator.
The council also received a presentation from a builder/developer regarding a development to be built on about 25 acres of land in the Charles Quillen Survey. The development of single-family homes would help connect Windhaven Farms to Park Ridge and would address a serious drainage issue in that area.
The developer was seeking a few exceptions to the city’s ordinance, including smaller lot sizes to maximize space, roof pitch, fence material (wood with masonry columns) and a bar ditch to assist with drainage.
In addition to “good, quality homes at a decent price,” the development would include a three-acre pond and walking trail to be managed by a Homeowners’ Association. The developer assured the council it would block off construction areas and prohibit construction vehicles from entering other areas of that neighborhood during the project.
In a public hearing regarding the development, two residents spoke about their concerns regarding drainage. The developer/builder explained the bar ditch would help with that issue and were aware it was a top priority for the city and residents of that area.
Ultimately, the council approved the requested exceptions and the rezoning of that area from a R-1 Single-Family Residential District to a PD Planned Development District with a base zoning district of R-1 Single-Family Residential District.
Earlier in the meeting, Mayor Chase Guidera proclaimed the week of May 17-23, 2026 as National Public Works Week. City Administrator/Secretary Dannielle Talley presented the Collinsville crew with certificates of recognition for all of the work they do for the citizens of the community.
“We have an all-new crew,” Talley said. “Most people don’t really see all that they do for us, but I’ve seen them standing in holes in the ground up to their waist in water, out at all hours fixing problems…whatever we need them to do, they do it.”
In other business, the council also approved Alderman Steve Ritchey to continue as Mayor Pro-Tem for another year and the use of the name “Ray Roberts Parkway” as a permitted designation of the portion of U.S. Hwy. 377 located within the corporate limits of the City of Collinsville.
In department reports, Keep Collinsville Beautiful (KCB) President Betty Graham shared the exciting news that TxDOT has finally contacted the organization about its sidewalk project. KCB expects to confirm the contract in July with November construction.
“TxDOT has assured me that once they start, it won’t take long to finish,” Graham said. “It’s not a big project.”
Graham also reported that KCB is searching for a muralist to refresh the downtown painting, as the original artist is not healthy enough to take on the project.
Lastly, she asked the council for consideration regarding maintenance of the downtown square. In 2016 it became the responsibility of KCB and they could use EDC funds to help with upkeep. However, they have since learned they can’t use EDC funds for that type of project and feel that the responsibility should lie elsewhere.
Collinsville Area Chamber of Commerce President Marva Worsham reported the organization had awarded six $500 scholarships to local students. The organization is now focusing on plans for Pioneer Day in September, whose theme will be “250 Years of Heroes and Legends” in correlation with the nation’s 250th birthday.
Parade Grand Marshal will be Collinsville native and Olympian Kellie Delka and the featured entertainer will be American rock and folk rock/americana singer, James McMurtry. The event will include its parade, kid zone, bingo and other activities as always. The Chamber is in need of volunteers to help ensure this event’s success. Please reach out to their office if interested in helping.
Lastly, Library Board President Kelly Smith reported that the Community Library has been abuzz with activity. April’s headcount was 306 and community events have included a sourdough bread class, Girls’ Night Out and book club. Friday’s 11 a.m. story time is gaining traction, and the library is currently gearing up for its Summer Reading Program to start on June 6.
