At its first meeting of the year, the Coppell Future Oriented Approach to Residential Development Task Force elected a new chair and vice chair prior to discussing ideas for future projects and continuation of prior ones.
On Wednesday, FOARD met in City Hall to discuss plans for the upcoming year, including building community engagement through events and a potential community fund. This was the first meeting for newest member Ed Skoch, new to the board and excited to begin working.
The first order of business was electing a 2026-27 Task Force chair after former chair Margaret Quinn announced her resignation at the previous meeting. Members Renee Galitis and Nancy Dugan nominated Yvonne Silva for Task Force chair; the nomination passed unanimously, 6-0.
Silva led the members in choosing the vice chair. Members Nancy Dugan and Cassius Hartl nominated Renee Galitis, passing unanimously, 6-0.
The members transitioned into discussing plans for 2026, providing more background on a PSA given to residents for tips on how to keep homes (especially older ones) in good condition and ways for residents to do housework or yard work if others are physically unable to do so.
“The PSA is really the foundation of everything else, because we want to build excitement from the residents so they want to participate in the community events,” FOARD liaison Mindi Hurley said.
The PSA allowed for the brainstorming of the ideas mentioned in the meeting, such as adopting tree programs, protecting signage and fences, a coffee talk within neighborhoods and more. The main focus was on events that can bring people together to help the city and its residents build a community.
“As I meet people, especially in different generations, I realize getting them to be comfortable with each other allows for the knowledge to help them out,” FOARD member Nancy Dugan said. “There’s a need in the neighborhood for an oasis of support.”
As the Task Force agreed the PSA was the initial priority before focusing on the previously stated ideas for the year, they moved on to future agenda items for their next meeting.
The city council is revising plans of Vision 2040, meaning the schedule is tentative. However, members agreed to discuss the PSA details and materials for the Accessory Dwelling Units they agreed on for multi-generational homes in the last meeting.
“The meeting went great today,” FOARD member Cassius Hartl said. “We talked about all the different ways we can support the community and develop for residents and future residents to make sure Coppell is the best place to live.”
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