Title
Consider approving appointment(s) to the Valwood Improvement Authority; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Administrative Services Department
BACKGROUND:
The Valwood Improvement Authority was first enacted by legislation for the purposes of flood control in the Valwood District. Over time, the Authority’s statutory purpose has expanded beyond flood control to encompass related public improvements that support infrastructure resilience, environmental stewardship, and economic growth within the Valwood District. Today, the Authority continues to operate under its legislative mandate, serving as an intergovernmental partner that provides strategic oversight, funding mechanisms, and project coordination in collaboration with local governments and regional stakeholders.
The Valwood Improvement Authority is led by a Board of Directors selected from the Cities of Farmers Branch and Carrollton, along with an appointment from the Dallas County Commissioners Court. This structure is designed to reflect regional representation and accountability and ensures that the interests of both municipalities, as well as the broader county jurisdiction, are adequately represented in the Authority’s decision-making process.
The City of Farmers Branch appoints three positions to the Board of Directors, who serve two-year terms with no term limits. Members appointed must own land within the Valwood Improvement Authority District boundaries, which are from Beltline Road to Interstate Highway 635 (North and South) and President George Bush Turnpike to Interstate Highway 35 (East and West).
On July 15, 2025, Valwood Improvement Authority Executive Director Pat Canuteson gave an update to the City Council on current projects the Authority oversees in the Farmers Branch area, pump station locations and maintenance, bond funding updates, and the systems of flood control in the area.
At the October 8, 2025, City Council meeting, the Council discussed Member Michelle Holmes’ impending departure from the Authority when her term expires, and gave direction at that time to discuss the position after the term’s expiration.
Two Members’ terms have now expired. Current Members include:
• David Koch, Place 1
o Term expired December 31, 2025
• Michelle Holmes, Place 2
o Term expired December 31, 2025
• Andrew Jones, Place 3
o Term expires December 31, 2026
While David Koch’s term has expired, he wishes to serve another term.
Staff have received applications for the Valwood Improvement Authority from the following applicants:
• Albert Wolfe
• Sabrina Martin
• Patrick Trapp
DISCUSSION:
The City Secretary’s Office has received three applications for the current vacancy. The applications have been sent to the Council under a separate attachment. The Council will discuss selecting candidate(s) for the vacant positions.
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve appointing _______ and ________ to the Valwood Improvement Authority.
2. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Valwood Improvement Authority Roster
2. Valwood Improvement Authority District Boundaries Map
3. Presentation