Trophy Club, TX (November 16, 2020) – Mayor Nick Sanders and his wife Lynda have lived in Trophy Club for 24 years and served the Trophy Club community for 15 years in various capacities. Elected mayor for a third term in May 2014, Sanders previously fulfilled two terms as mayor from May 2005 to May 2009, served on the Economic Development Corporation 4B Board (EDC 4B) and was elected to the Trophy Club Municipal Utility District No. 1 (TC MUD #1) board for four years.
Memorable City Projects and Programs
During Mayor Sanders’ first term as mayor in 2007, Town Council created the Trophy Club Public Improvement District (PID), which was the first municipally bonded PID in the State of Texas. Known as The Highlands at Trophy Club, the Trophy Club PID is now home to approximately 1200 residents and includes public parks, a trails system, open space, elegant entry features, and beautifully landscaped medians.
Trophy Club’s Mayor Pro Tem, Philip Shoffner says, “Sanders has been a big part of the myriad of ways the Town has been able to prosper. Nick’s main focus in all of the projects he has been involved with was the desire to maintain Trophy Club’s standing as a premier residential community.”
During his now third term, there are again many important projects that have made significant strides for the community and its residents.
Safety
Safety has been top of mind for the Town’s residents for years— so no wonder it was a top priority during Mayor Sander’s time as mayor.
One of the most important accomplishments during his time with council was the completion of an agreement with Trophy Club MUD #1 for the management and operation of the Fire Department to be directly under the Town. Mayor Sanders worked with Town staff to recruit a top-notch Fire Chief and assisted with setting up the organizations’ infrastructure to execute this initiative.
Development
During the Mayor’s third term, Council was successful in passing a bond proposition on the November 2015 election ballot for a $5.4M joint Police/Town Hall facility. The property was purchased in the Trophy Wood District and the new facility included a functional building with adequate space for both town and community meetings, as well as a permanent home for the Police Department and Town staff.
Mayor Sanders, Council, and staff continue to focus on bringing new restaurants and shopping to Trophy Club, and while Nick has been mayor the Town has added establishments such as Breadwinners, HG Sply Co, and Anamia’s which has been a true victory for the Town. There has been additional retail office space added as well including a Medical Office building across from the high school and middle school. Trophy Club Town Center, which is the 26 acres located at Highway 114 and Trophy Club Drive also came into the fold under Mayor Sanders’ watch. Apartments, townhomes, a hotel, and commercial pad sites are under construction now with some of them already being occupied giving residents new restaurant options while lessening the burden of property taxes on our overall Town budget.
“I understand the importance of maintaining a 'small town' environment,” Mayor Sanders said, “but I also know that the Town will grow and that I was fortunate to help facilitate the balance of smart growth in order to maintain the Town's distinctive small-town feel.”
Parks
Mayor Sanders is very passionate about the Towns’ parks and recreation opportunities for residents as well. “We have one of the best parks systems in the state, especially when you look at what we have available within Trophy Club Park,” he says.
His involvement with the Veteran’s Memorial and adjacent parking lot provided not only relief for street parking along Parkview Drive but is a wonderful tribute to the men and women who have served and currently serve this country in one of the military branches.
Financial Responsibility
During Mayor Sanders’ tenure as Mayor, the Finance Department has consistently won Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) from the Government Finance Officers Association.
Over the past 8 years, Mayor Sanders and Council have taken strides to keep spending under control and have successfully maintained a very healthy “rainy day” fund, along with a strong commitment to a “pay as you go” approach to funding many projects.
Family
Mayor Sanders will continue to fulfill his duties as CEO of Combined Computer Resources but looks forward to extra free time to spend with his family, whom he counts as his No. 1 priority.
The Sanders family have embraced Nick’s time in office and made the best of the opportunities presented to them, which, according to Lynda, were great ones. “Often we would volunteer, usually as a family, for events that we might not have joined otherwise,” she said. “That involvement in so many varied activities introduced us to diverse groups of amazing people who are now some of our best friends. It gave us experiences we would not have had, and I believe it helped teach our children and grandchildren the value of serving others, even if it meant making sacrifices on a personal level.”
Relationships
Mayor Sanders is the first to tell you none of the projects and programs during his tenure were done single-handedly. When asked about his work, he is quick to mention others first.
“I would be amiss if I did not express my appreciation to the council members that I have had the pleasure of serving with”, Mayor Sanders stated. “Each council member has their unique gifts and talents and brings their viewpoints to the meetings to help us make the best decision as a group. Even though we may disagree at times on a subject, our ultimate goal and desire is to do what’s best for Trophy Club.”
“We also have one of the best town staff,” he says. “You name it—every department is incredible. The community should also understand the Town would not be in the condition it is in today without this strong staff of hired individuals as well.”
Trophy Club’s Town Manager, Steve Norwood said, “Mayor Sanders has always been willing to do whatever it takes to make Trophy Club an outstanding community. He has been a great ambassador for the Town, and has consistently stayed involved in numerous associations and regional efforts”.
There is mutual respect amongst Mayor Sanders’ peers and colleagues in neighboring communities and organizations in the metroplex. Mayor Sanders has worked alongside and is greatly respected by the likes of people including Denton County Judge Andy Eads, Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes, the neighboring mayors of Southlake/ Westlake/ Keller / Roanoke, and many more.
Sally Aldridge, President & CEO of the Metroport Chamber of Commerce added, “It has always been obvious to me that Mayor Sanders really cares about Trophy Club and the people who live there, and he has developed considerable expertise in the years of his involvement. He is willing to put in as much time as it takes to take care of town business.”
Looking ahead
Even without a public title attached to his name, Mayor Sanders will still be involved in Trophy Club. “I am hopeful that the Town will continue to thrive with caring leaders who want what is best for the community as a whole; leaders with vision, creative new ideas and a passion to get things done; leaders who listen to the residents that elected them to represent their interests with courtesy and respect.”
Having been entrusted for the last six years by the residents of Trophy Club to lead these efforts, Mayor Sanders explains, that "summarizing the past 15 years is a hard concept to put into only a few words. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve this community with my fellow council members. I want to thank everyone for trusting me to lead the Town into the future.”
Mayor Sanders has no intention of going quietly into the night however, he will remain very busy as he was just reappointed to the Regional Transportation Council in June as well as currently serving on the Northeast Leadership Forum Board of Directors.
On Tuesday, November 17, there will be a Special Town Council meeting in which election results will be canvassed and officially declared. During this meeting, Mayor Sanders will officially hand the gavel over to Mayor Fleury.
“Mayor Sanders’ wisdom and steady hand have been so important to this town,” said incoming Mayor Fleury “He has been an outstanding elected official whose impact has been significant. I would say he will be sorely missed, but I know he and Lynda will be involved in our community for years to come.”