Public Meetings - Arlington, Texas

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on December 4, 2024, at 5:40 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber to consider routine plat approvals and an extension request. All items on the agenda were approved unanimously (9-0). No public comments were made, and no discussion items were raised beyond the consent agenda and the extension. Consent Calendar – Plats Approved with Conditions - Replat – Milby Holding Addition (Lots 30R1-30R6, PD RM-12; north of James Street, west of Milby Road, approximate address 1010 Milby Road) - Replat – W.D. Lacy Addition (Lot 7R, General Commercial; south of East Bardin Road, west of South Collins Street, addresses 4550 and 4600 South Collins Street) - Minor Plat – Calender Addition (Lot 5A, Residential Estate; south of Calender Road and Curry Road, approximate address 6915A Calender Road) - Final Plat – Eden Ranch Addition (multiple lots in Blocks 1-5, Village on the Green at Tierra Verde; east of Joplin Road, north of Eden Road, approximate address 4969 Eden Road) Extension Request - Final Plat – John Stephens Addition (Lots 1 & 2, Block A, RS-7.2; north of West Pioneer Parkway, west of North Cooper Street, approximate address 1918 South Cooper Street) – Approved under Texas Local Government Code Section 212.009(b-2). Key Outcomes - The minutes from the November 13, 2024 plat session were approved. - The four plats on the consent agenda were approved with conditions as recommended by staff. - The extension request for the John Stephens Addition final plat was approved. - All motions passed unanimously with 9 ayes and 0 nays. - The meeting adjourned after the plat agenda, followed by the regular Planning and Zoning Commission session.

The Capital Improvements Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC) met on December 4, 2024, at 3:00 PM in the Council Briefing Room at Arlington City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Chair Dr. Ignacio Nunez, and the committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and considered the July 2024 semi-annual report on impact fees. Consent Calendar - Approval of CIPAC minutes from April 17, 2024: Motion by Commissioner Finley, second by Commissioner Ware, passed without objection. Discussion Items - July 2024 Semi-Annual Report on Impact Fees: Richard Gertson, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Services, presented the report covering January 1 to June 30, 2024. Total impact fees collected were $1,026,587, broken down as: roadway $378,000, water $457,000, and sanitary sewer $192,000. This was the lowest six-month collection period for the 2017 program. During the period, construction started on the Debbie Lane widening project, and work continued on three other roadway and two water projects. The report includes a resolution to transmit the report and any committee comments to the City Council. Key Outcomes - The committee approved the resolution (9-0) to forward the semi-annual report to the City Council. - The CIPAC meeting was adjourned, with the Planning and Zoning Commission to continue with a plat session. Note: The transcript only covered the CIPAC segment; subsequent agenda items (plat session, regular session, director updates) were not discussed in the provided transcription.

The Arlington City Council convened in a special session on November 19, 2024, at 1:02 p.m. in the Council Briefing Room. The meeting began with an executive session (adjourned at 1:26 p.m.) and reconvened in open session at 2:01 p.m. The afternoon session included a presentation on the Comprehensive Plan Update, the inaugural Economic Development Annual Report, several informal staff reports, committee reports, and discussions on the Tarrant Appraisal District Board appointment, charter amendments, and evening agenda items. The meeting adjourned at 4:38 p.m. Consent Calendar - Informal staff reports on the Summary of Real Property Transactions – FY2024, the Arlington Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency Program Annual Report, and the FY2025 City Council Priority – Champion Great Neighborhoods were received without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded during this session. Discussion Items - Comprehensive Plan Update (3.1): John Chapman (Planning Manager) and Jay Renkens (Principal, MIG, Inc.) presented the two-year update timeline, engagement strategies (steering committee, pop-up events, online questionnaires, a custom board game, youth outreach), and the innovative “place types” approach. Council members raised concerns about balancing community input with future-oriented thinking, the need for case studies, and ensuring feedback translates into action. Key positions: Councilmember Boxall asked about learning from other cities’ successes and identifying areas where the city is currently “upside down” on infrastructure. Councilmember Odom-Wesley emphasized the importance of explaining to the community why some ideas are not adopted. Councilmember Galante stressed embedding flexibility in the plan to adjust with metrics. Councilmember Gonzalez highlighted the need for diverse community engagement beyond the steering committee. Councilmember Piel noted that Arlington’s aging housing stock (1960s–1990s) must attract young families to fix up homes, and that the plan should capture the hope of younger residents. Mayor Ross listed Arlington’s biggest assets as its people, and called for the plan to be inclusive of all ethnicities, cultures, and groups. Councilmember Pham emphasized the importance of youth involvement and shared values. The consultant team acknowledged the input and will continue visioning with the steering committee. - Inaugural Economic Development Annual Report (3.2): Marty Wieder (Executive Director, Arlington Economic Development Corporation) presented the report, highlighting awards, demographics, metrics, and featured projects (Weapons System Integration Lab, Town North Redevelopment, Icon Technologies, Axiona, Sport Tech Solutions, Founders Arena, Lowe’s Arlington Hotel & Convention Center, Great American Media, Caravan Court Hotel). Councilmember Galante asked about the return on the $103 million in performance agreements and the drop in business personal property valuation from $7 billion to $5 billion. Trey Yelverton explained the drop was due to one aviation-related account relocating to Arizona. Councilmember Gonzalez inquired about the benefit to businesses of filing business personal property reports; Wieder noted it is important for those seeking city assistance. - Entertainment District Event Parking (4.4): Councilmember Hogg reported on the committee meeting, which discussed the history of special event parking lots, permits, and no-parking ordinances. The committee focused on safety, protecting residents and businesses, and managing the 22,500 existing spaces plus 7,000 entrepreneurial lots. Staff will review potential recommendations, including increasing special event parking permit fees (unchanged since inception). - Tarrant Appraisal District Board Appointment for 2025 (4.7): Ethan Klos (City Treasurer) briefed the Council on the voting process. The city has 211 votes to split among 14 candidates. The top four taxing entities have voted; Tarrant County and Keller ISD have not. The election will occur at the December 10 meeting. A strategy of casting one vote for each candidate to preserve recall rights was discussed. - Charter Amendments (4.8): City Attorney Molly Shortall updated the Council on five proposed charter amendments for the May election (runoff election dates, point of officers, polling places, incurring indebtedness, time warrants). Two additional items were discussed: (1) Gender-neutral references: After debate, Council voted (by show of hands, 3 in favor, majority opposed) to remove this from the list, citing political controversy and potential risk to a bond election. (2) Council compensation: A proposal to replace the fixed $200/month (council) and $250/month (mayor) amounts with a range set by ordinance was debated. Councilmember Odom-Wesley argued it is outdated and creates an economic barrier to service; Councilmember Boxall supported letting voters decide. Mayor Ross and others expressed concerns about fiscal tightness and negative voter perception. The Council decided not to pursue a compensation change at this time, preferring to revisit in a few years. - Evening Agenda Items (4.9): Councilmembers discussed several evening items: (1) 7.2 – Food and beverage services at Esports Stadium: Councilmember Hogg expressed concerns about quality and pricing; the current vendor was selected via a competitive RFP and has a 30-day opt-out clause. City Manager Yelverton committed to bringing back a broader briefing on alternatives. (2) 7.30 – Housing for Heroes grant: The city will apply for the full $600,000 from the Texas Veterans Commission to supplement home rehabilitation for low-income veterans and surviving spouses. (3) 7.31 – Childhood obesity prevention grant: Parks and Recreation Director James Rolowski explained the grant will fund camp lunches for summer and year-round programs. (4) 10.2 – Cemetery rezoning: Councilmember Gonzalez raised concerns about tree removal. Planning Director Gincy Thoppil confirmed a 15-foot landscape buffer will be required and that tree removal permits are needed for any development. The applicant will present revised ordinance language at the evening session. Key Outcomes - Comprehensive Plan: Next steps include a naming survey (currently live) and the first Comprehensive Plan Committee meeting on November 21, 2024. - Tarrant Appraisal District Board: Council will decide vote distribution by December 10, 2024. - Charter Amendments: Five propositions will proceed to the May election; gender references and council compensation will not be included. - Economic Development: Staff will provide further data on return on investment for performance agreements. - Entertainment District Parking: Staff will develop recommendations for permit fee adjustments and lot management. - Evening agenda items: The Council will receive a briefing on Esports Stadium food services within a month. Grant applications for Housing for Heroes and childhood obesity prevention will move forward. The cemetery rezoning will be considered with amended language protecting trees. - No formal votes were taken during the afternoon session; all items were discussion and informational.

The Arlington City Council met on November 19, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting included public hearings, adoption of the Safe Streets Arlington Plan, zoning changes, tax abatement policies, approvals of multiple contracts and grants, and citizen participation. All votes were unanimous (9-0). Consent Calendar - Approved appointments to the International Corridor Implementation Steering Committee (Gabriel Rivas). - Approved minutes from November 12, 2024 afternoon and evening meetings. - Authorized 20 consent agenda items including annual contracts for ammunition, food/beverage services, wireless services, fire alarm maintenance, and renewals for nuisance abatement, janitorial, live trees, health/fitness assessments, UPS maintenance, hot-mix asphalt, and purchases of dump trucks and police vehicles. - Approved sole source contracts for GovMax budget software and Accurint crime center software. - Approved professional services for police promotional process and hotel occupancy tax administration. - Rejected all bids for irrigation repairs. - Approved change order for Meadowbrook Park playground, boiler replacement at Ott Cribbs, parking garage assessment modification. - Approved 12 resolutions including reinvestment zone designation, library procurement method, interlocal agreement for AISD Fire Academy, VOCA grant, amendments to espace and Lincoln Square agreements, HUD broadband project, and multiple grant applications (HOME, General Assistance, Housing for Heroes, Childhood Obesity). - Appointed a director to the Viridian Municipal Management District. Public Comments & Testimony - Safe Streets Arlington Plan (Support): John Janssen (Arlington resident) expressed support, citing personal safety concerns and urging enforcement and awareness. Jeanne Valentine (Arlington resident) supported the plan, emphasizing pedestrian safety on Cooper Street. Hyacinth Szabo (Plano resident, UTA student, president of Walkable Arlington) supported the plan and commended staff responsiveness. Morgan Chivers (Arlington resident, UTA librarian) supported the plan, stressed the need for funding implementation and road design changes. - Citizen Participation: Angela Whitman (Arlington resident) spoke about diabetes awareness, praised Mayor Ross for attending her event, and encouraged city recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month. Discussion Items - Safe Streets Arlington Plan (Item 10.1): Ann Foss, Planning and Programming Manager, presented the plan aiming to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 5% annually toward zero by 2050. Councilmembers Hogg, Gonzalez, and Galante discussed reporting frequency, enforcement, and culture change. The plan was approved on first reading. - Zoning Case PD24-32 (Item 10.2): Staff and applicant Nikki Moore presented a request to rezone 75 acres on US 287 Business Highway to Planned Development for cemetery uses. The applicant agreed to added provisions preserving trees in a 15-foot buffer and requiring a tree removal permit. Councilmember Gonzalez confirmed resolution of neighbor concerns. The first reading of a substitute ordinance was approved. - City of Arlington Policy Statement for Tax Abatement (Item 10.3): Josh Mejia presented the biennial renewal with no changes. No public comment. Approved. - Texas Trust Credit Union Tax Abatement Agreement (Item 11.1): Josh Mejia presented a resolution authorizing a tax abatement agreement for a project in Reinvestment Zone 50. No public comment. Approved. Key Outcomes - Appointment: Approved Resolution 24-315 (International Corridor Implementation Steering Committee). - Minutes: Approved November 12, 2024 minutes. - Consent Agenda: All items approved unanimously (9-0). - Safe Streets Arlington Plan: First reading ordinance adopted unanimously (9-0). - Zoning Case PD24-32: First reading of substitute ordinance adopted unanimously (9-0), with added tree preservation conditions. - Tax Abatement Policy Statement: Resolution 24-328 adopted unanimously (9-0). - Texas Trust Credit Union Tax Abatement: Resolution 24-329 adopted unanimously (9-0). - Meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM.

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Arlington convened on November 13, 2024, at 5:33 PM in the Council Chamber to consider a consent agenda of eight plats, one extension request, and one plat vacation. All items were approved unanimously with 8 votes in favor and 0 against, though one commissioner noted an intent to abstain from two plats on the consent agenda. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the October 16, 2024, Plat Session Meeting were approved by a motion from Commissioner Blake, seconded by Commissioner Payne, with 8 ayes and 0 nays. - Consent Agenda – Plats to be Approved with Conditions: The commission approved eight plats as a single consent agenda item, moved by Commissioner Blake and seconded by Commissioner Payne. The vote was 8 ayes, 0 nays. Commissioner Sumpter stated an intent to abstain from two of the plats, but the motion carried unanimously. The plats were: - Replat – Arlington Village Addition No. 1, Lots 3 and 4, Block C (Industrial Manufacturing zone) - Final Plat – Autumn Parc Addition, Lots 1 and 2, Block 1 (Planned Development for Residential Multi-Family-22) - Preliminary Plat – Morgan Addition, Lots 1R-1 and 1R-6, Block A (Airport Overlay-Office Commercial and Airport Overlay-General Commercial) - Replat – Greens Field Addition, Lot 1A1R4 and Lot 1A1R5, Block 8R (Community Commercial) - Amending Plat – Town of Webb, Lot D, Block 7 (Residential Single-Family 7.2) - Replat – Ramey Addition, Lot 24R (Community Commercial) - Minor Plat – Nursi Islamic Addition, Lot 1, Block 1 (Residential Estate) - Final Plat – Arlington Business Center Addition, Lot 1, Block 2 (Planned Development) Discussion Items None. All items were considered under the consent agenda or as separate votes without discussion. Key Outcomes - Extension Request (VII.A): A motion by Commissioner Ware, seconded by Commissioner Blake, approved the extension request for the Final Plat of John Stephens Addition, Lots 1 and 2, Block A, in accordance with Texas Local Government Code Section 212.009(b-2). The vote was 8 ayes, 0 nays. - Plat Vacation (VIII.A): A motion by Commissioner Sumpter, seconded by Commissioner Finley, approved the Vacation of Plat for Viridian Village IC-2, Lot 1R1, Block 13. The vote was 8 ayes, 0 nays. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time, with a brief pause noted for computer resetting prior to the next meeting.

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Arlington held a regular session on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 5:40 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Chairperson Dr. Ignacio Nunez presided, with Commissioners Blake, Sumpter, Finley, Ware, Payne, Carter, and Maddox present. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, adoption of the Safe Streets Arlington Plan, public hearings on several zoning cases, and continuances of other cases. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the October 16, 2024 Regular Session by a vote of 8-0. Safe Streets Arlington Plan - Presented by Dr. Anne Foss, Planning and Programming Manager. The plan establishes a vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on Arlington streets by 2050, with a measurable goal of a 5% annual reduction in fatalities and serious injuries. The plan includes a high injury network, 44 recommended actions, and a safety toolkit of countermeasures. Community engagement included surveys, public meetings, and stakeholder committees. The Commission voted 8-0 to recommend adoption to City Council. Public Comments & Testimony - Zoning Case PD24-21 (Randol Mill Road/Fielder Road): Charles Willis opposed the development, citing traffic and safety concerns at the intersection. Adrian Loper opposed, stating the neighborhood character and quiet residential street would be harmed. Jocelyn Murphy noted initial neutrality but raised concerns about notification regarding variances and potential future commercial expansion. Shannon Huggins opposed, worried about the slippery slope of rezoning and increased cut-through traffic. Courtney Taylor opposed, requesting masonry fencing on the east property line. Chris Taylor opposed, emphasizing security and traffic issues. Applicant Clark Johnson spoke in support, highlighting work with the neighborhood and willingness to add buffers. - Zoning Case PD16-3R1 (Harris Road): Larry Fowler spoke in support, noting the proposed uses align with market demand and do not increase traffic burden. - Zoning Case PD24-5 (Abram Street): No public speakers. - Zoning Case PD24-32 (US 287 Business Highway): Sherry Cape, an adjacent property owner, opposed, detailing past issues with dirt runoff, tree damage, and stop-work order violations. She expressed lack of trust in management. Applicant representative Nikki Moore responded, stating that management has since changed and the cemetery is now in full compliance. - Zoning Case SUP24-9 (Abram Street): No public comment was taken as the case was continued. Discussion Items - Zoning Case PD24-21 (1537/1531 W. Randol Mill Road & 1109 N. Fielder Road): Application for a Planned Development (PD) for Neighborhood Commercial on 1.210 acres. Staff presented the site plan for a Chipotle restaurant with a drive-thru (mobile-order only). The applicant agreed to conditions: an 8-foot board-on-board fence on the north property line, a 5-foot wide landscaped buffer with an 8-foot cedar fence on the east property line, and a row of ornamental trees within that buffer. Commissioners expressed concern about the east side buffer but accepted the compromise. Motion to approve with the modifications carried 8-0. - Zoning Case PD16-3R1 (1211 W. Harris Road): Request to add 'Flex, Office or Commerce' and 'Manufacturing and assembly, small-scale' uses to an existing PD on 1.806 acres. The applicant agreed to exclude firearm sales, bail bond services, package liquor stores, and small-box discount stores. Future development will require a development plan. Motion to approve carried 7-0-1 (Commissioner Sumpter abstaining). - Zoning Case PD24-5 (901 W. Abram Street): Request to re-establish a PD for Residential Medium-density 12 (RM-12) on 0.459 acres due to expiration of prior PD. Commissioners criticized the proposed townhome design as lacking quality for the downtown overlay district, citing insufficient brick, poor transparency, and curb appeal. The applicant agreed to revise the design to include 60% or more brick, awnings, and improved aesthetics. A motion to continue the case to January 8, 2025, carried 8-0. - Zoning Case PD24-32 (8301 US 287 Business Highway): Request to rezone 74.399 acres from Village on the Green (VG) to PD for limited Office Commercial uses (cemetery, mortuary, crematory, funeral chapel). The property contains the existing Cedar Hill Memorial Park. The applicant is under contract to purchase an adjacent 8-acre parcel to allow expansion. Commissioners discussed management concerns raised by a neighbor but noted the current management team has resolved past issues. Motion to approve carried 6-1-1 (Commissioner Ware opposed, Commissioner Sumpter abstaining). - Zoning Case SUP24-9 (3007 E. Abram Street): Application for a Specific Use Permit for a telecommunications tower over 75 feet. A motion to continue to January 8, 2025, carried 8-0. - Zoning Case PD24-10 (300 E. Stephens Street): The agenda noted this case was already continued to December 4, 2024. No action required. Key Outcomes - Approved: Safe Streets Arlington Plan (8-0), Zoning Case PD24-21 with modifications (8-0), Zoning Case PD16-3R1 with excluded uses (7-0-1), Zoning Case PD24-32 (6-1-1). - Continued: Zoning Case PD24-5 to January 8, 2025 (8-0); Zoning Case SUP24-9 to January 8, 2025 (8-0). Zoning Case PD24-10 was previously continued to December 4, 2024. - Minutes: Approved (8-0). - A letter of opposition for PD24-21 from a resident was read into the record.

The Arlington City Council held a special meeting on November 12, 2024, in the Council Briefing Room at 101 W. Abram Street. The meeting began with an executive session at 1:03 PM, lasting until 2:46 PM, followed by an open session reconvened at 3:33 PM and adjourned at 4:27 PM. Discussions focused on proposed charter amendments for the May 2025 election, updates on the Commercial Signage Improvement Program, a proposed ordinance targeting unfinished structures, and other administrative items. No formal votes were taken; the meeting served as a work session for council deliberation. Charter Amendments - City Attorney Molly Shortall presented a primer on home rule charters and proposed five minor cleanup amendments to align the Arlington charter with state law: (1) runoff election dates to be held per state law, (2) changing "city health officer" to "health authority," (3) allowing council to designate polling places rather than mandating City Hall, (4) removing a requirement for a 12-citizen committee to approve time warrants, and (5) adding authority to issue debt for economic development bonds. - Councilmember Barbara Odom-Wesley raised the topic of removing council compensation ($200/month for council, $250/month for mayor) from the charter and instead setting it by ordinance, allowing more flexibility and periodic review. Councilmembers debated advantages (flexibility, ability to decrease) and disadvantages (removing voter control, potential for future councils to raise pay). Several councilmembers suggested bracketing or delaying implementation (e.g., five-year deferral). Mayor Ross requested staff to bring back options with guardrails for further discussion. Council agreed to continue deliberation before the January 28, 2025 first-reading deadline. - Councilmember Odom-Wesley also proposed removing gender-specific references (e.g., "councilman") throughout the charter, updating the current saving clause from 1980 that states references to male gender include females. Council supported the idea as a grammatical fix to reflect that both genders can hold office, with caution to clearly communicate the intent. Commercial Signage Improvement Program Update - Gincy Thoppil, Director of Planning and Development Services, reported on the program’s progress. The program offers 100% reimbursement for removing non-compliant pole signs and 50% toward replacement (up to $10,000 per site) on a first-come, first-served basis. Councilmember Ruben Gonzalez asked about outreach to the business community; Thoppil confirmed she had contacted the Chamber of Commerce and would continue advertising. Councilmember Galante encouraged further engagement. The program is continuing. Housing Rehabilitation Program Annual Update - No discussion was held on this item. FY 2025 City Council Priority – Leveraging Technology - No discussion was held on this item. Finance and Audit – FY2024 Audit Kickoff - Councilmember Nikkie Hunter, Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, reported that the committee met with auditor Forvis. The audit timeline: planning and preliminary fieldwork August–September 2024; single audit testing November 2024–January 2025; final fieldwork January–March 2025; audit deliverables March 2025. Municipal Policy – Unfinished Structures - Councilmember Odom-Wesley reported on the committee meeting. The committee recommended adding unfinished structures to the city’s nuisance code with a 180-day grace period from the last building permit expiration before enforcement begins. Staff are to draft an ordinance for December consideration. Councilmember Boxall expressed concern about enforcement discretion and potential favoritism; staff clarified that the ordinance sets a standard but fines would be at the building official’s discretion. Councilmember Odom-Wesley and others emphasized that the goal is to encourage completion of long-dormant projects, such as the hotel on South Collins Street (7 years) and the townhouse development on Alicia Lane (4 years), both of which had owners present at the committee meeting. Economic Development – Executive Session - Councilmember Gonzalez reported that all matters from the Economic Development committee, including offers of incentives to business prospects, were discussed during executive session and no further action was taken. Appointments to Boards and Commissions - City Secretary Alex Busken noted 18 appointments are on the evening agenda for approval. Councilmember Odom-Wesley requested demographic data for the International Corridor board to ensure diversity. Future Agenda Items - Councilmember Boxall requested a future agenda item on 2026 World Cup preparations, covering transportation, security, trash removal, and other logistics. Council agreed to schedule an update. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were recorded; all discussions were preparatory for future decisions. - Staff will return with options on council compensation (including possible brackets and deferral) for further deliberation before January 2025. - The proposed charter cleanup amendments (Items 1–5) are anticipated to proceed, with possible addition of gender-neutral language, to be bundled as one proposition for the May 2025 election. - Staff will draft an unfinished structures ordinance for December council consideration. - An update on World Cup preparations will be added to a future agenda.

The Arlington City Council convened on November 12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. Councilmember Piel was absent. After an invocation and pledges, the council recognized winners of the annual Value of Water poster contest for grades pre-K through 4. The council then approved routine items, conducted a public hearing on a reinvestment zone for Texas Trust Credit Union, approved a comprehensive plan update contract, and heard citizen comments. Consent Calendar - Appointments to Boards and Commissions (Resolution No. 24-307): Appointed 18 members to the International Corridor Implementation Steering Committee. Motion by Councilmember Hogg, seconded by Gonzalez, carried 8-0. - Executive Session Items (6.1 and 6.2): Council untabled Item 6.1 (previously tabled) via motion by Gonzalez/Galante, then approved both resolutions authorizing fee simple acquisition of 467 sq ft (633 West Division St) and 634 sq ft (806 East Division St) for the Division Street TxDOT Sidewalk Project. Motion by Odom-Wesley/Pham, carried 8-0. - Minutes (7.1): Approved minutes from October 22, 2024 (afternoon and evening) and November 1, 2024 (special meeting). Motion by Hogg/Odom-Wesley, carried 8-0. - Consent Agenda (8.1–8.23): Approved all 23 items in a single motion (Boxall/Hunter, 8-0). Items include: annual requirements contracts for Fire Department uniforms ($543,778), Water Utilities crew uniforms ($144,117), pump maintenance ($400,000), lab supplies renewal ($60,000), janitorial services renewal ($948,520), SaaS LeanIX software support ($127,956); purchases of bunker gear ($137,770), accessible pedestrian signals ($205,050), NoTraffic detection systems ($600,000), battery backup units ($165,000), three John Deere backhoes and one track loader ($681,613), two trailers ($69,992), five crew trucks and one Tahoe SUV ($293,061); engineering contract for AWIA risk assessment ($195,000), architectural consulting for Woodland West Pool master plan ($915,000), professional services for stormwater GIS technical support ($250,000), renovation and repair for IH-30 bridges ($1,373,302.25); final reading of zoning change at 805 Mansfield Webb Road to Neighborhood Commercial; resolutions for Alliance for Children additional funding ($15,219, total $64,673), FY2025 tax roll approval, street name change (Ragland Road to Glenn Day Drive), interlocal agreement for regional stormwater management program participation ($13,000), and reprogramming of PY22 HOME Investment Partnerships funds for Wynn Terrace Cottage Community. Public Hearings - Reinvestment Zone Number Fifty – Texas Trust Credit Union (Item 11.1): Following a public hearing that opened and closed at 6:47 p.m. with no speakers, the council voted 8-0 to approve first reading of an ordinance designating Reinvestment Zone Number Fifty to facilitate a tax abatement for the expansion and relocation of the Texas Trust Credit Union Headquarters to 1521 N Cooper Street. Motion by Gonzalez, seconded by Pham. Discussion Items - Comprehensive Plan Update Consulting Services (Item 12.1): Previously tabled, the council untabled (motion by Gonzalez/Hunter, 8-0) and approved (motion by Hunter/Pham, 8-0) a minute order authorizing a $640,000 contract with MIG, Inc., of Berkeley, California, for consulting services for the comprehensive plan update. Funds are subject to FY2026 budget approval. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Kelly: Resident expressed concern about overgrowth and tree loss at the Rendon Park Nature Preserve, requesting city action on mowing and cleanup. Cited volunteer limitations due to insurance and urged collaboration. - Mary Owens: Resident urged the council to provide a warehouse facility for homeless individuals, criticizing insufficient shelter capacity and harsh police treatment of homeless persons. - Vanessa Strength: Resident reported negative experiences with Arlington police, including alleged abuse, barriers to reporting sexual assault, and discrimination against mentally disabled individuals. Requested fair treatment and awareness. - (Jose Concepcion Perez was preregistered but did not speak when called.) Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous with 8 ayes and 0 nays. - The meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.

The Arlington City Council held a special meeting on October 22, 2024, starting at 1:15 PM in the Council Briefing Room. The meeting included an executive session for legal and real estate matters, followed by a work session and discussion of committee items. Key presentations included an update on the airport fixed-base operator (FBO) and the Safe Streets Arlington Plan. Committees reported on tree preservation, charter amendments, unfinished structures, electric contract renewal, and a housing bond request. The council also discussed several evening agenda items and future agenda items. Work Session Items 3.1 Airport/Fixed Base Operator Update Trent Ballard, Airport Manager, reported on the FBO operation taken over in April 2024. Key points: the airport has a $236 million economic impact and over 900 jobs; annual aircraft operations are steady at 120,000–130,000; the FBO generated $5 million in revenue in FY2024 with a $425,000 ending balance (exceeding the projected $39,000). Fuel sales for the first six months totaled 615,000 gallons with a net profit of $748,000. The airport ranks competitively on fuel pricing, being the lowest within 25 miles for self-serve Avgas. Future projects include an FBO remodel and co-location with EVTOL operations. Council members asked about operations count, maintenance opportunities, and potential for commercial services like JSX. 3.2 Safe Streets Arlington Plan Overview Ann Foss presented the safety action plan, funded by a SS4A grant. The plan aims for a 5% annual reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes, with a goal of zero by 2050. Crash data from 2018–2022 showed 937 fatal/serious injury crashes and 167 fatalities (avg. 33/year). A high-injury network identified top corridors (Collins, Cooper, Division, Lamar, Park Row, Pioneer) and 11 priority intersections. The plan includes seven strategies with engineering, education, enforcement, and equity actions. A safety dashboard is online. Next steps: P&Z action on Nov. 13, council hearings Nov. 19 and Dec. 10, then apply for implementation funding. Council discussed goal attainability and the aspirational nature of Vision Zero. Committee Reports 4.1 Municipal Policy Committee (Councilmember Odom-Wesley) - Tree Preservation and Mitigation: Finalized recommendations using a carrot approach (point system to reward preservation). Next steps: input from LPC and developers round table. - Charter Amendments: No charter changes recommended yet; council to suggest any additional topics by Dec. 1. Potential changes include aligning language with state law on runoff elections, officer titles, polling places, time warrants, and debt for economic development. - Unfinished Structures: Draft ordinance to address abandoned construction, with a 1–2 year timeline (shorter than Irving's 3–5 years). Staff to draft ordinance. 4.2 Finance and Audit Committee (Councilmember Hunter) - Electric Contract Renewal: Current contract with TXU expires Dec. 31, 2026, at 4 cents/kWh (below market). Council recommended starting the bidding process now to sign a new contract in 2027, with projected rate increase of 27–29%. 4.3 Arlington Housing Finance Corporation (Councilmember Hunter) - Approved a request from Penrose to issue bonds for 145 affordable senior housing units on Highway 287. The deal includes a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) to make the city whole. Further steps: council resolution of no objection, zoning, MOU, and formal partnership documents. Evening Agenda Items (Discussion Only) Council members discussed several items from the evening consent agenda: - 8.15: Martin Luther King Jr. Drive project – funded with $2.8M city street bond funds (from the Matlock project) and significant TxDOT/COG leverage. - 8.5: Solar-powered street lights – to be used in areas without power access, not a citywide initiative. - 8.26: Zoning case for health facility adjacent lot – property already sold; zoning runs with land. - 8.27: Economic development office relocation – contract modifications for SBL Architecture ($43,619 to $64,005) and DSA contractors for change orders (water line, shades). - 8.39: Settlement of claims with Texas Materials Group (mill and overlay contract dispute). - Council was notified that item 8.26 needed to be tabled for more work. Future Agenda Items Councilmember Odom-Wesley requested adding council compensation to future agenda items and a method for council members to share information from committee/commission meetings they attend. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the open session. - The council will seek input from stakeholders on tree preservation before bringing it to council. - Charter amendment suggestions must be submitted by Dec. 1, 2024. - Staff will draft an ordinance for unfinished structures. - The electric contract renewal process will begin to secure a new contract for 2027. - The Penrose housing bond request will proceed through council approvals. - The Safe Streets Arlington Plan will be considered for adoption at the Nov. 19 and Dec. 10 council meetings. - Item 8.26 is to be tabled.