The wording on the city’s agenda was “Proclamation on the next step enabling the City of Willow Park to adopt a Home Rule Charter (Mayor Teresa Palmer).”
When the topic came up, Palmer proceeded to read off the names of the people she chose for the commission.
The action took some city council members by surprise. One council member said he thought the agenda item would be to define the process going forward, since none of the council members were consulted regarding the composition of the commission, and none had been provided the list of names.
As of press time, the list of commission members was not available through the city.
The meeting began with five members of the public providing public comments.
Two of those speakers criticized The Community News’ coverage of harassment claims at city hall (“Staff presses harassment claims” - The Community News, Aug. 8, 2025).
Roy Ramos said the story did not meet the standard of fairness, clarity, or professionalism. He said the story “relies on emotionally charged language and inflammatory accusations, many of which are presented without verification or rebuttal.”
Dixie Smith referred to the newspaper as the “Community Inquirer,” and questioned the motives of the people who lodged the complaints.
Other speakers included Gene Martin, who provided a history of significant events in the city; Mary Deidrich, who claimed Mayor Palmer was a victim of sexism; and Cliff Voorhies, who encouraged the council to move the city forward while being respectful with each other.
The council held an extensive discussion about the display of Christmas lights. Council member Nathan Crummel spoke to concerns about the expenditure of funds (the bid from Murphy Christmas Lighting was $46,955.16).
One question was whether the city could approach the business community about sponsorships. City Communications and Marketing Director Rose Hoffman said the city is already soliciting sponsorships for National Night Out, and didn’t feel there would be much success in obtaining sponsors for Christmas lights as well.
Crummel suggested approving upto a given amount, hoping to bring in sponsorships to bring the city’s portion of the payment down.
In the end, the council discussed removing lighting at the parks and limiting the lighting and decorations to city hall.
Before a vote could be taken, a representative of Murphy Christmas Lighting came forward to say that if the city would pay for the decorations at city hall, he would provide the rest of the lighting in his bid at no additional charge.
Appointed Nathan Crummel as Mayor Pro Tem;
Heard a third quarter financial report from CPA Jake Weber;
Temporarily hired Andy Messer of Messer-Fort as interim city attorney with the understanding that they’d review the letter of engagement and approve it at the Aug 26 meeting (the Aug. 26 meeting was later canceled by Mayor Palmer);
Received a budget update from City Manager Bryan Grimes, who said next year’s tax rate will be reduced;
Approved a motion to allow city staff to proceed with a development agreement with Skorburg Company regarding a master planned community known as “Clarion;”
Appointed Mike Chandler to fill the vacant Planning & Zoning seat left when Scott Smith was appointed to the city council with Marcy Galle as alternate;
Approved an agreement with Parker County for police dispatching service.
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