Typical gas well activity; although specifically Texas.  The tower is later removed and when the well runs dry is either refracked, or closed and the surface reclaimed.

   - The February 2003 Drilling Ordinance was passed by the Lori DeLuca administration and did not allow drilling in urban areas and the Cross Timbers Conservation Development District (CTCDD).  It was the most strict, legally-enforceable ordinance in the state and used a model by other communities.

       - Lori DeLuca left office in May 2004.  By October 2004 during the Jody Smith administration a gas well appeared in the Cross Timbers.  No explanations were given.

       - In 2005 (Smith) a non public venue with oil and gas "stakeholders" and industry began meeting to craft additional changes to the drilling ordinance, which ultimately reduced protections.  Residents  complained about the lack of unbiased representation.

       - In 2006 (Smith) a development representative stated that if the town does not allow high density development in the Cross Timbers Conservation Development District that they would "cover the surface with gas wells".  

      - In 2011 the Melissa Northern administration (2010-2012) restored many of the original 2003 provisions and added additional protections including increased setbacks.

       - In 2012 (Tom Hayden administration) large landowners/developers in the CTCDD complain that they cannot get the density changes they seek because of the gas well setbacks. 

       - In 2015 Texas passed HB 40, know as the "Denton Fracking Bill", as a result of Denton's outright fracking ban.  This takes precedence over existing community drilling ordinances.  The long term results of this vote is unknown as there is ongoing discussion about community representatives, state legislators, and industry collaborating.