Public Meetings - Carrollton, Texas

The City Council of Carrollton met on October 20, 2026, beginning with a worksession at 5:30 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The council received a briefing from Atmos Energy on natural gas projects, discussed the proposed creation of a Municipal Management District (MMD) for the Alpine X development on city-owned land, approved a slate of consent agenda items and board appointments, and heard public comments. Consent Calendar - Item 11: Authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Frost Bank depository services contract, updating the wet-signature check threshold from $50,000 to $100,000. - Item 12: Authorized the City Manager to enter into a two-year agreement with Corpay Technologies (Fuelman) for fuel purchases, not to exceed $250,000 annually ($500,000 total). - Item 13: Authorized the City Manager to contract with Frazer LTD for one ambulance body at a cost not to exceed $376,117.50 (including 10% contingency), through the HGAC purchasing cooperative. - Item 14: Approved an ordinance renaming the Police Department civil service classification of "Commander" to "Captain," with no changes to the number of authorized positions or promotional hierarchy. All consent items were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Susanna Dooley (Carrollton resident) addressed water sustainability, specifically erosion and runoff issues at the Josie Ranch Pocket Prairie. She proposed a project that could capture and reuse water, potentially qualifying for the Mayor's Water Challenge, and requested interdepartmental collaboration. - Nicholas Renellis (Carrollton resident) raised concerns about public safety and the Carrollton Police Department's training and response to certain incidents, citing the Gloria Rosendez case and a complaint he filed that was referred to the Texas Education Agency. He criticized the city's approval of a Flock camera contract while questioning police follow-through on citizen-provided evidence. - Piti Sha (Carrollton resident) invited the Mayor, Council, and residents to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir's Diwali (Festival of Lights) celebration on November 10, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., highlighting cultural activities, a food display, and a charity food truck. - A brief procedural dispute occurred over the allotted speaking time (the Mayor initially stated two minutes but later extended to three minutes after a point of order from a speaker). Discussion Items - Atmos Energy Briefing (Item 4): Clayton Childs (Manager of Public Affairs) and Kyle Sauter (President of North Texas) provided an update. Atmos serves about 29,000 customers in Carrollton with 397 miles of pipeline and invested $5.8 million locally in the prior year. They outlined their safety programs, including advanced leak-detection vehicles that surveyed 80,000 miles systemwide (a 43% increase). Upcoming projects include: replacement of 5 miles of main on Josey Lane/E. Trinity Mills (70% complete, finishing Q1 2027); two neighborhood replacements near Bellwood Parkway and Central Elementary (starting Jan. 2027); capacity expansion for Union Technologies on Diplomat/McDaniel Drives; and coordination with city road projects (Carrollton Heights, Frankford Road relocation, Midway deceleration lane). Council members stressed the importance of coordinating gas main replacements with city street repairs. Atmos agreed to provide longer-range project plans. - Municipal Management District Discussion (Item 5): Ravi Shah (Executive Director of Development) and Assistant City Attorney Meredith Ladd presented options for creating an MMD to support the Alpine X mixed-use development on the former NTTA site (southwest corner of President George Bush Turnpike and IH-35E). The proposed development includes a 350,000 sq. ft. snow dome, 300-room upscale hotel, 120-room limited-service hotel, 1,200 multifamily units, 260,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, 110,000 sq. ft. of shared office (or a third hotel), and 48 acres of open space. Infrastructure needs include 15,000 linear feet of water line, 4,000 ft. of sewer, 10,000 ft. of stormwater pipes, 6,000 ft. of underground electrical, and 25,000 ft. of pavement. Staff explained that an MMD would shift infrastructure costs (estimated $35-$45 million) to the district and not to city taxpayers, while the city would retain oversight through board representation, zoning, and site plan approvals. The MMD could issue bonds and levy assessments only on property within the district. Council members requested independent feasibility studies (hotel, convention center) and a fiscal impact analysis before final commitment. The council reached a consensus to place a resolution on the next agenda authorizing the city to pursue legislative creation of the MMD (named District 35E), noting that approval does not obligate the city to proceed. - Meeting Dates (Item 6): The council discussed January through July 2027 meeting dates, adjusting around holidays, elections, and the TML conference. Key changes: March 2nd moved to the 23rd due to spring break; May meeting moved to the 25th due to election canvassing; June moved to 8th and 22nd; July moved to 13th and 27th, with retreat on July 23-24. The dates will be formalized. - Mayor and Council Reports (Item 7): Council members reported on community events attended: National Night Out, Culture Fest, Armenia Fest, police memorial dedication, Torhill Park ribbon cutting, Coyote Ridge leadership luncheon, and others. Councilmember Sutter requested an update on police engagement with MHMR and MetroCare mental health resources. Joint meeting with Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD scheduled for October 27, 6 p.m. at Metrocrest Services. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (Items 11-14) – Approved unanimously. - Board and Commission Appointments (Items 15-23) – All resolutions appointing members and chairs were passed unanimously. Appointments were made to: Capital Improvements Plan Advisory Committee (Chair: Jean Litzler), Library Board (Chair: Linda Villemarette), Museum and Historic Advisory Committee (Chair: Lark Tribble), Neighborhood Advisory Commission (Chair: Nancy Stallings), Parks and Recreation Board (Chair: Carrie Stovall), Planning and Zoning Commission (Chair: Rusty Pendleton), Property Standards Board (Chair: Annette Reese), Traffic Advisory Committee (Chair: Barbara McAninch), and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board (Chair: James Goff). Terms generally run through October 2028. - MMD Resolution – Council gave consensus to place a resolution on the next regular meeting agenda to support legislation creating an MMD for the Alpine X development (District 35E). The resolution will include naming the district and authorizing staff to pursue legislative approval. - Meeting Date Adjustments – Informal consensus reached on the 2027 meeting schedule; final adoption to follow. - Future Agenda Items – The council will consider independent feasibility studies and a fiscal impact analysis for the event center/hotel components of District 35E. A review of the city's warehouse and retail rehab programs was requested by the Mayor for the REDEV committee.

The Carrollton City Council met on 2026-10-13 for a combined worksession and regular meeting. The worksession began at 5:45 PM and included discussion of a major redevelopment proposal for the former NTTA site and appointments to the new Youth in Government Commission. The regular meeting began at 7:00 PM and covered consent items, public hearings on six zoning cases, and a public forum. The council returned to worksession for further discussion on the NTTA site term sheet before entering executive session for economic development. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 15, 2026 regular council meeting minutes. - Authorized a contract with Marathon Fitness (through BuyBoard) for Rosemeade Recreation Center cardio and weight equipment refresh, not to exceed $165,693.33. - Authorized the purchase of eleven Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicles from Lake Country Chevrolet (through TIPS), not to exceed $1,059,776.56. - Authorized the purchase of five Solar Tech Silent Messenger board trailers from Dallas Lite & Barricade (through BuyBoard), not to exceed $113,603.05. - Authorized the purchase of three Tymco Model 600 street sweepers from Industrial Disposal Supply (through HGACBuy), not to exceed $1,240,691.10. (Item pulled for separate discussion; see below.) - Authorized the City Manager to reject all bids for BID 26-038 (Trinity Mills Grounds Maintenance) and bring the work in-house due to cost and quality concerns. - Authorized a contract with HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting for a tax revenue assessment and potential bond documentation related to a planned event center, not to exceed $200,000. (Item pulled for separate discussion; see below.) - Authorized a three-year agreement with Carahsoft Technology Corporation for Procore project management software, total not to exceed $377,540.88. - Adopted an ordinance amending the Tree Preservation Ordinance, including allowing reforestation funds for irrigation and updating the protected species list. - Adopted a resolution approving the 2026-2027 Legislative Agenda for the 90th Texas State Legislative Session, with priorities on local control, fiscal capacity, economic competitiveness (including qualified hotel legislation), and DART governance reform. - Adopted a resolution authorizing an economic development incentive agreement with Energy Access Innovations, LLC for a job creation grant of up to $100,000 for up to 50 new full-time employees. - Adopted a resolution authorizing an agreement with Articulation Art LLC to paint the east side of the downtown silos and the box structure atop, not to exceed $223,000. - Adopted a resolution authorizing an amendment to the engineering design services agreement with Halff Associates for the Hebron Parkway Reconstruction Project (Segment 3), increasing total to $2,031,400. - Adopted a resolution authorizing an interlocal cooperation agreement with NCTCOG for signal timing improvements on Josey Lane (Trinity Mills to Fyke Road), with a city match of $14,520. Public Comments & Testimony - Con Lee, a Carrollton resident, addressed the council during Citizen Comment on the consent agenda. He expressed concern that the legislative agenda did not reflect amendments regarding DART funding that he understood were made in committee. Mayor Babick confirmed that the version before council did include the DART language requested. Discussion Items - Alpine X RFP Update (Worksession Item 4): Ravi Shah, Executive Director of Development, briefed the council on the revised proposal from Alpine X for the city-owned 121-acre property at the southwest corner of President George Bush Turnpike and IH-35E (former NTTA site). A representative of Alpine X, Tom Schaeffer, described the proposed development as a master-planned, mixed-use entertainment district anchored by an indoor snow and entertainment resort, with hotel, event center, multifamily, and commercial components. He stated that 31% of the footprint would be mixed-use (residential over retail), and the development would be phased: 54 acres in Phase I and 16 acres in Phase II. Jeff Dolby of Kimley Horn, the project's civil engineer, explained that the site is largely within a FEMA floodplain but that on-site valley storage would allow 56 acres to be raised out of the floodplain without off-site impacts. He said minor wetland impacts (under half an acre) would require a nationwide permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. Jim Caldwell, CFO of Alpine X, presented the financial proposal, including requests for a 10-year property tax abatement, a 20-year hotel occupancy tax rebate, extension of the city's Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ, referred to as TURS) to cover the district, and city support for a state 351C application for a city-owned event center. The District 35E Committee recommended that the city hire its own consultant to study the creation of a Municipal Management District (MMD) and incentive strategy, that the city apply for the 351C designation, and that a special development plan zoning overlay be created for the site (instead of granting individual variances). The council took no formal vote but received the information for further discussion in executive session. - Youth in Government Commission Appointments (Worksession Item 5): City Secretary Chloe Sawatzky presented seven applicants for the new commission, noting that some applicants attend school in Carrollton but do not reside there. The council reached consensus to appoint all seven, allowing flexibility in the residency requirement. - Mayor and Council Reports (Worksession Item 6): The council discussed a communication plan for major road construction projects, including Hebron Parkway, Rosemeade, and Frankford. A graphic showing project phases was provided, and staff committed to presenting a more detailed plan at a future meeting. - Consent Agenda – Items Pulled for Separate Consideration: - Item 12 (Street Sweepers): Councilmember Nancy Cline expressed initial concern about spending $1.24 million from the new stormwater utility fund on three sweepers, questioning whether purchasing one would suffice to maintain current service levels. After discussion, she made a motion to approve, stating that the investment would help reduce debris in waterways and would not impede other stormwater projects. The motion passed unanimously. - Item 14 (HVS Consulting Contract): Councilmember Cline made a motion to approve the $200,000 contract for a feasibility study related to a potential event center and the state 351C program. The motion passed unanimously. - Public Hearings – Individual Consideration (Items 22-27): - 22 – LC Event Center: Special use permit for an event center and reception hall in an existing 2,265-square-foot leased space at 2408 E. Trinity Mills Road. Stipulations included indoor-only events, no outdoor music, doors closed during events, and a maximum occupant load of 99. Approved unanimously. - 23 – Inspire Institute: Special use permit for permanent makeup services (microblading, micropigmentation) within an existing beauty school at 3730 N. Josey Lane. Hours limited to Monday–Saturday, 11 AM–6 PM. Approved unanimously. - 24 – Clawture: Special use permit for an amusement arcade (excluding adult arcade) at 2323 Old Denton Road, with 56 gaming stations, hours noon–10 PM. Approved unanimously. - 25 – Alamon Trailer Sales: Special use permit for other motor vehicle sales (trailers) at 1225 Capital Drive, with trailers stored and displayed only inside the 9,000-square-foot suite. Approved unanimously. - 26 – Scenthound Carrollton: Zoning amendment to PD-034 to allow pet care, veterinary services, and kennels (enclosed building only) on Tracts 4, 9, and 10 at 4112 N. Josey Lane. Hours limited: Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM, Sat 8 AM–5 PM, Sun 10 AM–4 PM. Approved unanimously. - 27 – PD-151 Amendments (Rezoning): Amendments to Planned Development 151 on approximately 70 acres east of Josey Lane and west of Plano Parkway to allow warehouse/distribution, industrial finishing, product assembly, beverage manufacturing, jewelry manufacturing, screen printing, and print shop on Tracts 3, 4, and 5. Modifications included a new 85,800-square-foot building on Tract 3 (set back 300 feet from Josey Lane), a 186,668-square-foot expansion on Tract 5, and enhanced landscaping. Traffic impact analysis found minimal impact. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All consent items, including the two pulled items, were approved by unanimous votes (Councilmember Lisa Sutter absent). - All six public hearing items were approved by unanimous recorded votes. - The council adopted the 2026-2027 Legislative Agenda with the DART governance amendments included. - The Tree Preservation Ordinance was amended, allowing reforestation funds to cover irrigation and updating the species list. - An economic development incentive agreement with Energy Access Innovations, LLC was authorized, providing up to $100,000 for job creation. - The council provided consensus to proceed with an independent consultant for the MMD and incentive analysis for the Alpine X project, and to pursue the state 351C application. - The council approved the appointment of seven students to the new Youth in Government Commission. - The meeting recessed into executive session at approximately 8:13 PM to discuss economic development matters related to the Alpine X proposal.

The Carrollton Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on October 1, 2026, with the briefing session starting at 6:00 p.m. and the regular meeting convening at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (1945 E. Jackson Rd.). The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. Commissioners Foster, Pendleton (Vice Chair), Doyle, Overholdt, and Sauter were present; Commissioners Kramer and Sullivan were absent. The commission considered six public hearing items involving zoning amendments and special use permits, all of which were unanimously approved with staff-recommended stipulations. In addition, two outgoing commissioners were recognized for their years of service. Consent Calendar - Minutes of September 3, 2026: Commissioner Foster moved, Vice Chair Pendleton seconded, to approve the consent agenda item (minutes only). The motion passed unanimously with no public comment. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 7 (LC Event Center): Resident Scott Caldwell (2253 Wood Creek) spoke during the public hearing, expressing concerns about potential traffic and noise impacts on the nearby residential area and questioning the lack of a traffic impact study for the proposal. - Item 3 (Inspire Institute): The commission received written comment cards from two different addresses expressing opposition to the permit; no one appeared to testify in person. - No other members of the public spoke on the remaining items. Discussion Items 1. Special Use Permit – Alamon Trailer Sales (Item 2) - Proposal: SU for "Other Motor Vehicle Sales" on a 3.3-acre lot (1225 Capital Drive) in the LI district. - Staff Presentation: Michael McCauley reported the applicant will occupy Suite 160 (9,000 sq ft) to display trailers without on-site storage. A minimum of five display spaces is required by the Texas DMV. No written public comments were received, and staff found no adverse impact. Recommendation: Approval with stipulations. - Applicant: Did not appear. 2. Special Use Permit – Inspire Institute (Item 3) - Proposal: SU for "permanent makeup service" (the chair described the item as including "tattoo parlor piercing," contrary to the agenda) in a 2,600 sq ft space at 3730 North Josey Lane (PD-034, LR-2). - Staff Presentation: The use will accompany an educational facility for permanent makeup instruction. Staff acknowledged written comment cards in opposition but believes the use is compatible with surrounding properties. Recommendation: Approval with stipulations. - Applicant: Did not testify. 3. Zoning Amendment – Scenthound Carrollton (Item 4) - Proposal: Amend PD-034 to permit pet care, veterinary services, and kennels (enclosed only) on an approximately 5.1-acre tract (the transcript said 5.2 acres) at 4112 North Josey Lane, Suite 128, modifying Tracks 3, 4, and 5 (staff displayed Tracks 4, 9, and 10). - Staff Presentation: No written public comments were received. Staff recommended approval with stipulations. - Applicant: The DFW franchise owner (address: 3133 Sweet Briar Lane, Fort Worth) spoke in support, describing Scenthound as a membership-based, appointment-only pet grooming and wellness service with six DFW locations. He expressed a desire to serve the Carrollton community and answered no commissioner questions. 4. Zoning Amendment – PD-151 Amendments (Item 5) - Proposal: Amend PD-151 on an 70-acre tract east of Josey Lane and west of Plano Parkway to add industrial uses (warehouse/distribution, finishing, assembly, beverage manufacturing, etc.) on Tracts 3, 4, and 5, and revise development standards and conceptual plans. - Staff Presentation: A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) was submitted and approved; right-turn bays will be added on Josey Lane (for Tract 3) and Plano Parkway (for Tract 5). No written public comments were received. Recommendation: Approval with stipulations. - Commissioner Doyle inquired about the loading dock location on Tract 5 (confirmed to be on the west side) and traffic considerations. The Transportation Engineer confirmed the TIA and described the proposed turn bays. - Applicant: Mallory Mews (2728 North Harwood St, Dallas) presented on behalf of owner/developer Billingsley, which oversees 1,000 acres in the area. She noted that the PD was established in 1998 and last amended in 2016. Proposed developments: a new 85,000 sq ft building on Tract 3 (set back 300 ft from Josey Lane, with mature trees and a pond buffer) and a 186,000 sq ft expansion of the existing 331,000 sq ft building on Tract 5 (loading to the west, screened by the building). Elevated architectural designs were shown. The applicant expressed support for the project. 5. Special Use Permit – Clawture Arcade (Item 6) - Proposal: SU for an "Amusement Arcade (excluding adult)" in a 2,300 sq ft suite (Suite 130) at 2323 Old Denton Road (PD-018, LR-2). - Staff Presentation: The suite is a new build, currently empty. The applicant plans 56 arcade machines. No written public comments. Recommendation: Approval with stipulations. - Commissioner Foster asked about the current occupant (none). Commissioner Doyle asked about the number of similar arcades in the area; the applicant indicated this would be the first Clawture location. - Applicant: Crystal Limas (1341 West Mocking Bird Lane, Dallas) described the business as a family-friendly claw machine arcade with proposed hours from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. She expressed support for the project and noted the owners are local first-time business owners. 6. Special Use Permit – LC Event Center (Item 7) - Proposal: SU for an "Event Center and Reception Hall" in a 2,265 sq ft lease space at 2408 East Trinity Mills Road, Suite 114 (PD-44, HC). - Staff Presentation: A TIA was not required. No written comments received at the time. Recommendation: Approval with stipulations, including an off-duty police officer presence when alcohol is served. - Commissioner Overholdt asked about the alcohol condition; staff confirmed the officer requirement is a stipulation. He expressed satisfaction that it would address potential issues. - Applicant: Di Tanya Lemons (721 Spice Street, DeSoto) spoke in support, pledging to operate a clean, well-managed venue with responsible hours and attentiveness to noise, parking, and security. - Public Testimony: (See Public Comments section for opposition from Scott Caldwell.) Key Outcomes All six public hearing items were approved unanimously (5–0 present) exactly as recommended by staff, with the included stipulations. - Consent Agenda: Item 1 (minutes) approved. - Items 2–7: Each approved and will be forwarded to the City Council for final action at its meeting on October 13, 2026. - Staff Recognitions: The commission recognized outgoing members Dave Herman (15 years of service) and Scott Windrow (12 years of service). Discrepancies Noted: - Item 3 (Inspire Institute): The chair included "tattoo parlor and piercing" when describing the requested use, though the agenda lists only "Permanent Makeup Service." - Item 4 (Scenthound Carrollton): The agenda states the tract is 5.1 acres and involves amending Tracks 3, 4, and 5; the staff presentation referred to 5.2 acres and displayed Tracks 4, 9, and 10. The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

The Carrollton City Council held a combined Worksession and Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The worksession convened at 5:45 PM in the Council Briefing Room, where the council received a briefing on police technology and crime reduction strategies. The regular meeting began at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers, featuring a proclamation for Emergency Preparedness Month, approval of consent agenda items, a separate public comment period and vote on a consolidated Flock Safety contract, and council reports. Consent Calendar The following items were approved unanimously via consent, exclusive of Items 9 and 13, which were considered separately: - Item 8: Approval of the August 18, 2026 regular council meeting minutes. - Item 10: Authorization to enter into a three-year agreement with Esri for enterprise GIS software licensing at an annual cost of $157,564 (total not to exceed $472,692). - Item 11: Authorization for Change Order No. 1 with ESO Solutions for the Fire Department records management solution, increasing the total contract to $307,307.75. - Item 12: Authorization to renew agreements with various furniture vendors through Collin County cooperative agreements, not to exceed $880,000 for Fiscal Year 2027. - Item 14: Resolution authorizing an agreement with Metrocrest Services, Inc. for $629,092 in services plus $113,000 in CDBG funds for homelessness efforts. - Item 15: Resolution authorizing an agreement with Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas for $104,637 for Fiscal Year 2027. Item 9 (approval of September 1, 2026 minutes) was pulled for individual consideration and passed unanimously. Proclamation Mayor Steve Babick read a proclamation declaring September as Emergency Preparedness Month, recognizing the city’s emergency management staff and encouraging residents to prepare emergency kits and plans. Emergency Management Coordinator Jay Johnson accepted the proclamation and thanked the council for their support. Worksession Briefing: Police Use of Technology and Crime Reduction Strategies Police Chief Robert Arredondo, Assistant Chief Caleb West, and Commander Zach White presented the department’s crime reduction strategy, which has reduced overall crime by nearly 50% over four years. Key points: - The 2025 crime rate was 65% lower than 20 years ago, making Carrollton the fourth safest big city in the metroplex. - The strategy is intelligence-led and data-driven, focusing on people, places, behavior, and partnerships. - Technology tools include Flock Safety ALPRs (67 license plate readers and 15 PTZ cameras), a Real-Time Crime Center, drones (including Drone as First Responder), and Live 911. - The proposed Item 13 consolidates four existing Flock contracts into one three-year agreement with no new cameras or additional funding required. Annual cost is $398,258.34 (total $1,194,775.02), already budgeted. - Data retention is 30 days, with role-based access controls, permanent audit logs, and proactive misuse detection. No data is sold or shared with federal agencies or non-law enforcement entities. - The department has had zero substantiated cases of misuse of the Flock system, and the Chief committed to swift discipline for any future abuse. Public Comments & Testimony on Item 13 (Flock Safety Contract) A large number of residents and stakeholders spoke during the public comment period, with about 20 speakers presenting both opposition and support. Opposition arguments (from Jeffrey Faust, Brian Chandler, Hannah Fausto, Claire Neago, Kim Crossley, Kurt Booth, Arya Dean, Jonathan Bowen, Mark Baim, Nicholas Brown, Amara, Micah Dumont, John Etzel, Kenneth Vagans, Laurie Foster, Christian Hernandez, Amna Malik, James McAllister, Ketzia Mendez, Nicholas Solis, Joseph Sutton, Michelle Wiggington, and others) included: - Concerns about civil liberties, mass surveillance, and the "mosaic theory" that aggregated data can reveal intimate details of life. - The lack of a public hearing before deployment and the need for voter input. - Data stored in the cloud with a private company (Flock) raises cybersecurity risks; documented cases of officer misuse in other jurisdictions (stalking, false stops) were cited. - Opportunity costs: $1.2 million could be spent on traffic safety, officers, or infrastructure. - The Texas state government recently paused additional Flock purchases; Carrollton should follow suit. - Technical vulnerabilities in Flock devices, including open vulnerabilities in the NIST database, were noted by an IT professional. - A petition for certiorari is pending before the Supreme Court on whether ALPR database searches constitute a Fourth Amendment search. Support arguments (from Rusty Pendleton, Harold Vinson, Alexander Fincher, and others) included: - The technology is a critical force multiplier that has led to recovery of stolen vehicles, arrest of wanted persons, and solving of violent crimes. - Data retention is limited to 30 days, and strong internal controls and audits are in place. - License plates are publicly visible; no facial recognition or individual tracking occurs. - Carrollton’s police department has earned trust through transparency and results, and the chief has committed to accountability. - Without Flock, Carrollton would become a "hole in the donut" for criminals in the metro area. Discussion Items Councilmembers debated Item 13 at length before the vote: - Councilmember Fleming opposed, arguing that the interior camera network goes beyond perimeter security and that the public deserves a direct vote on such a surveillance program. - Councilmember Sutter supported, noting that similar data is already collected by private tech companies and that the cameras solve real crimes and protect the vulnerable. - Councilmember Axberg supported, expressing trust in the police department’s accountability and the council’s oversight role. - Councilmember Cline supported, emphasizing crime deterrence and not hamstringing the police. - Councilmember Watters supported, calling for continued community engagement and trust. - Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Carpenter supported, stating that the tools are legal and necessary, and that courts will ultimately decide constitutional questions. - Mayor Pro Tem Palomo supported, highlighting life-saving applications (Amber Alerts, missing persons) and the objective nature of plate-reading technology. - Mayor Babick noted that the city has reviewed case law and believes the contract is constitutional, and that if the law changes, the city will comply. Key Outcomes - Approval of consolidated Flock Safety contract (Item 13): The motion passed 7-1, with Councilmember Fleming dissenting. The three-year agreement for 82 cameras and software, valued at $1,194,775.02 (annual $398,258.34), was authorized. The city manager may execute the cooperative agreement. - Consent agenda items (8, 10-12, 14-15) were approved unanimously. - Minutes of September 1, 2026 (Item 9) were approved unanimously. - Emergency Preparedness Month was formally proclaimed. - Council members shared individual activity reports and recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, National Suicide Prevention Month, and various community events. An upcoming joint worksession with Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District was announced for October 27.

The Carrollton Planning & Zoning Commission held a briefing session at 6:00 p.m. and a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on September 3, 2026, in City Hall. Of the nine commissioners, eight were present; Commissioner Kramer was absent. The four public hearing items (agenda items 5-8) were postponed to the October 1,2026 meeting because the required zoning signs were not posted in time to meet state law. The commission only acted on the consent agenda. Consent Calendar - Item 1: Approved the August 6, 2026 meeting minutes. - Item 2: Approved a replat of Carrollton Commerce Center, Block C, Lot 10 (2.93 acres at 2253 Old Denton Road) to dedicate an easement, with a finding that the public right-of-way dedication is necessary and proportional to the development. - Item 3: Approved a replat of McInnish Addition, Block A, Lot 1 (6.6 acres at 2121 Sandy Lake Road) to dedicate an easement. - Item 4: Approved a replat of Graham Addition, Block 1, Lot 5 (1.111 acres at 4815 North Josey Lane) to dedicate an easement. - The motion to approve all four consent items was made by Commissioner Foster, seconded by Commissioner Herman, and passed unanimously (8-0, with one absence). Staff Reports - Staff reported that one item went to the City Council the previous Tuesday (unspecified details). Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously. - Public hearings for items 5-8 were postponed to October 1, 2026, due to inadequate public notice (zoning signs not posted timely).

The Carrollton City Council convened on September 1, 2026, for a Worksession starting at 5:45 PM and the Regular Meeting at 7:00 PM. The meeting included presentations, public hearings, and adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and property tax rate. Key actions included unanimous approval of the consent agenda, a special use permit for surface parking, and adoption of a balanced budget with a reduced property tax rate for the 13th consecutive year. Consent Calendar - Items 9–12 approved unanimously: - Approval of the August 11, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes. - Ordinance amending Chapter 31 Comprehensive Fee Schedule, effective October 1, 2026. - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for additional tasers, fleet cameras, and software licenses, increasing the annual expenditure not to exceed $636,618 and a revised contract amount not to exceed $5,933,088. (The annual increase of approximately $33,699 is partially offset by a $5,000 annual transfer from Municipal Court.) - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an economic development incentive agreement with DK Village, LLC for renovation of 1933 East Frankford Road, not to exceed $180,423 (20% of eligible exterior improvement costs). Public Comments & Testimony - Citizen Comment (Consent Agenda): No speakers. - Public Forum (Non-Agenda Items): Multiple residents spoke regarding the city’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR/FLOCK) camera program. Speakers supporting the program (Erby Bennett, Dick Calvert, Alexandra Fincher) cited its value in solving crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, and protecting children. Speakers opposing the program (Claire Niego, Hannah Faust, Kurt Booth, Dean Trammell) raised concerns about privacy, Fourth Amendment rights, and lack of transparency. Several requested a public hearing or town hall to discuss the program. The Council did not respond to these requests during the meeting. - Public Hearing - Tax Rate & Budget (Item 14): No public speakers. - Public Hearing - SUP Crowley Surface Parking (Item 13): The applicant, Skye Thibodeaux of Mission Ridge Consultants, presented the need for additional parking for the Great Oasis shopping center. No public speakers. Discussion Items - Worksession – Budget Overview: Finance Director Melissa Everett presented a summary of the FY2027 budget process, noting a balanced budget, a 13th consecutive year of tax rate reduction (flat at 53.75 cents per $100 valuation), and an average savings of $72 per homestead. The budget includes $118 million in capital projects, a 2% employee raise, and $98 million in public safety operating costs (exceeding the $91 million in property tax revenue allocated to the General Fund). - Council Information Sharing: Council members reported on recent community events including the Boards and Commissions Meet & Greet, Metrocrest Golf Tournament, Fire Academy ribbon cutting, and the North Texas Infrastructure Summit. Councilmember Watters announced a new Youth and Government Commission program for high school students, with applications open on the city website. - Axon Contract Clarification: Councilmember Watters noted a slight numerical discrepancy in the proposed contract amendment; staff clarified that the $636,618 limit is inclusive of the $5,000 Municipal Court transfer, and any higher amount would return to Council. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved (Items 9–12) – unanimous 7-0 vote. - Special Use Permit Approved (Item 13, PLSUP 2026-117 Crowley Surface Parking) – unanimous 7-0 vote. The SUP allows a 147-space surface parking lot on an undeveloped 1.7-acre lot, with stipulations including prohibition of heavy load trucks and travel trailers between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM. - FY2027 Operating and Capital Budget Adopted (Item 15) – unanimous 7-0 vote. Total operating budget: $356,103,213; capital budget: $116,459,692. - Tax Rate Adopted (Item 16) – unanimous 7-0 vote. Rate set at $0.537000 per $100 valuation (maintenance & operations $0.388023, debt service $0.148977), representing a 1.69% tax rate increase. However, overall property tax revenue decreased by $398,876 (0.31%) compared to the prior year due to lower assessed valuation. - Property Tax Increase Ratified (Item 17) – unanimous 7-0 vote, as required by Section 102.007 of the Texas Local Government Code. - Presentations: Mayor Steve Babick presented the Mayor’s Spotlight Award to Operation Kindness (animal welfare organization headquartered in Carrollton) and proclaimed National Payroll Week. - Next Steps: The adopted budget and tax rate will be posted on the city website. The Council will convene in Executive Session after the Regular Meeting to discuss matters including the annual City Manager review.

The Carrollton City Council held a combined worksession and regular meeting on August 18, 2026, beginning at 5:45 PM. The worksession focused on discussing funding recommendations for community service, the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, tax rate, and fee changes, as well as Council reports. The regular meeting at 7:00 PM included a consent agenda approval and a public forum where multiple residents spoke about the city's use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras (Flock cameras). After the public forum, the Council returned to worksession to finalize budget decisions before proceeding into executive session. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the July 24, 2026 Strategic Retreat. - Approved a professional services agreement with Birkhoff, Hendricks & Carter, LLP for the Channels and Floodplains Aerial Survey project (amount not to exceed $544,100.00). - Resolution authorizing an easement encroachment agreement with CoServ Electric for conduit placement at the Lifetime Fitness site. - Resolution authorizing an interlocal cooperative agreement with NCTCOG to provide $832,202 in local match funding for the Cotton Belt Shared Use Trail. - Resolution approving a negotiated settlement with Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division regarding its 2026 rate review mechanism filing, resulting in system-wide revenue increase of $260.5 million, increasing average residential rates by $13.37 per month (14.15%) and average commercial rates by $44.82 per month (9.90%). - Resolution supporting a Municipal Setting Designation for property at 1349 Valley View Lane in Farmers Branch. - Item 10 (Woodlake Pond Enhancements Phase 2, $444,250.00) was pulled from the consent agenda at the request of a Council member and will be brought back at a later date. Public Comments & Testimony During the Public Forum, several residents spoke on the topic of Flock cameras (ALPRs) used by the Carrollton Police Department: - Kurt Booth opposed the camera program, arguing that it constitutes 100% surveillance and urged the Council to end the arrangement with Flock. - Jim Klein expressed support for the cameras, citing their role in rapid response to violent criminals, tracking burglary patterns, and aiding in locating lost individuals and drunk drivers. He stated that the system leverages officers' time and coordinates with neighboring cities. - Lori Foster encouraged a pause on the program citing concerns about misuse of information, particularly inappropriate access by third parties. She questioned the placement of cameras near swimming pools and playgrounds and opposed the use of Flock drones. - Hannah Faust raised concerns about transparency, noting conflicting numbers of cameras reported by city officials (ranging from 50 to 90). She urged the Council to end the surveillance program or at least pause it and hold a Q&A town hall to rebuild trust. - Charles Thrasher (former council member) supported the cameras, stating he wants them watching areas where children play and to help locate stolen vehicles. He characterized the opposition as a minority and encouraged the Council to stand firm while ensuring proper oversight and regular reports. No speakers addressed the Council during Citizen Comment for consent agenda items. Discussion Items Community Service Funding Recommendations (Item 4) Councilmember Nancy Cline presented the Community Service Committee's recommendations for FY27. The committee recommended $63,300 in community service funding, a reduction from $67,000 the prior year. Council discussed specific requests, including the Plano Symphony Orchestra (funded based on students served in Carrollton) and Denton County MHMR (not recommended for funding; the Council noted that mental health services are provided through a navigator contracted via Metro Care, which serves all county residents, and that county-level funding is the appropriate source). Council directed staff to bring back reports on the mental health navigator's effectiveness. Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget, Tax Rate, and Fee Changes (Item 5) The Council deliberated on the proposed FY27 budget, which includes $432,000 in recurring dollars and $5.289 million in non-recurring dollars for additions to base (ATBs). Melissa Everett, Finance Director, reviewed the budget and tax rate details. Fee Changes: - Solar panel permit fee: increase from $125 to $200 (yielding $24,000 annually). - Various development fees: plaque fees from $300 to $500, special use permits/zoning changes from $500 to $1,000, planned development fees from $1,000 to $1,500. - Staff recommended adoption, noting Carrollton remains below average of comparable cities and the increases will not negatively impact investment. Tax Rate Discussion: - Proposed tax rate reduction from $0.575 per $100 valuation to $0.57 per $100, a reduction of approximately 0.5 cents (a "sixteenth of a cent"). This continues a 12-year trend of tax rate reductions. The impact on the average tax bill is a decrease of $71, though this varies by county (Dallas County saw a 4% appraisal increase, moderating savings). - Council debated the minimal savings but agreed to maintain the culture of annual reductions, despite the stormwater fee increase taking effect ($4 to $7 per month for average homes). The motion carried consensus. Additions to Base (ATBs) Decisions: During the worksession, Council systematically reviewed ATBs and made initial decisions: - Yes: International recruitment ($50,000), Fire stations completion (bond supplemental), Fire & EMS end-of-life equipment, Fire station maintenance/repairs ($175,000), Continuing education for EMS ($72,000), Whole blood program ($33,000), Tennis court remediation ($125,000), Police cardiac screenings ($75,000), Police recruiting funding ($50,000), Special overtime for police ($85,000), Intern program ($61,000), Classification/compensation study (year 3 of 3), Employee referral program ($20,000), CDOT holiday program ($17,000), Community funding ($63,300). - No (funded from other sources): Citywide signal timing (funded via existing traffic funds), Residential street light infill (approved but funded from existing streetlight fund), Arterial street lighting solar (no), As-built digitization ($575,000 scaled to $275,000; Council approved half), Drone match ($50,000 funded from confiscated property fund), Police command center/real-time crime center ($500,000 funded from confiscated property fund), Panel replacement/infrastructure ($1 million funded from existing community infrastructure fund). - Held/Not funded at this time: Expansion of digital resources at library ($31,000), Downtown digital display ($40,000). - Pension funding: Council agreed to maintain funding at 12.84% (1% above state requirement of 11.84%), not reducing to state law, to maintain conservative fiscal posture. Stormwater Fee: Already adopted; not part of this vote, but acknowledged as an offset to the tax rate savings. Budget Next Steps: The August 25th meeting will be cancelled unless needed; a public hearing is scheduled for the September 1st meeting with adoption expected. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved (8 items, excluding 10) with unanimous vote. - Community Funding $63,300 recommended by committee and approved by Council. - Fee Increases for solar permits and development fees approved, adding $24,000 in revenue. - Tax Rate Reduced to $0.57 per $100 valuation (0.5 cent decrease), continuing 12-year trend. - Additions to Base handled with a mix of approvals, scaling, and redirection to existing funds; total programmed amounts are within budget. - Pension Funding maintained at conservative 1% above state law. - Public Forum on Flock cameras: Council heard both support and opposition; no immediate action taken. - Executive Session convened for legal consultation and annual review of City Attorney. - Next regular meeting scheduled for September 1, 2026 for public hearing and adoption of budget and tax rate.

Note: The raw transcription indicates the meeting was physically held on August 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., but this summary is prepared under the instruction to use the date August 12, 2026. The meeting included approval of consent agenda items and a public hearing on a special use permit for a surface parking lot. Consent Calendar - Minutes approval: The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the July 2, 2026 meeting. - Staff stipulations: Items 2 and 3 on the consent agenda were approved with staff recommendations. - Right-of-way dedication: For agenda item 3, the commission found the right-of-way dedication necessary and proportional to the proposed development. - The motion to close the public hearing and approve the consent agenda (items 1–3) was made by Commissioner Foster, seconded by Vice Chair Pendleton, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered testimony on any agenda item, including the consent agenda and the public hearing item. Discussion Items - Case PLSUP 2026-117 – Crowley Surface Parking: The applicant, Sky Thibodeau of Mission Rich Consultants, requested a special use permit to allow an undeveloped 1.7‑acre lot (Block C, Lot 8, Carrollton Commerce Center) to be used as a standalone surface parking lot with 147 spaces, access from Crowley Drive, sidewalks, and landscaping. The lot is intended to provide supplemental parking for an adjacent shopping center owned by the Great Oasis. Staff recommended approval with stipulations, noting no public comments were received. - Applicant presentation: Thibodeau explained the shopping center is very successful and experiences parking shortages, with cars parking in fire lanes. The design team explored alternatives (e.g., parking under a TPL easement) but the franchise utility owner would not allow vertical structures. The lot will initially be used for employee parking to free up spaces for customers. Ground-level lighting is planned for pedestrian safety. The applicant has corresponded with Council Member Fleming and hopes to schedule a site visit. - Commission questions: Commissioner Sullivan asked about pathway lighting; the applicant confirmed ground-level lighting will be provided. Commissioner Overholt questioned the practicality of requiring employees to park off-site and then having customers drive to the remote lot; the applicant responded that wayfinding signage would be used and the goal is to reduce fire lane violations. Commissioner Kramer asked why vertical structures are prohibited under the TPL easement; the applicant cited franchise owner restrictions regarding clearance to power lines. - Staff report: Staff announced that the San Anthony's school case (proposed removal of parking for athletic fields) was withdrawn before the city council meeting of July 21, 2026, and the permanent makeup case (2515 North Josie) was approved by council. Key Outcomes - Approval of PLSUP 2026-117: The commission voted 8–1 to close the public hearing and approve the special use permit for the Crowley Surface Parking lot, with the added stipulation from the staff briefing. Commissioner Overholt voted against. The case will be forwarded to the Carrollton City Council meeting scheduled for September 1, 2026. - Other: The withdrawal of the San Anthony's school case means it will not advance to city council. The permanent makeup case approval was noted.

The Carrollton City Council met on August 11, 2026, beginning with a worksession at 5:45 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. The council discussed the FY2027 Capital Improvements Plan Advisory Committee (CIPAC) recommendations, the FY2027 proposed budget, and challenges from the Dallas County Sheriff regarding magistration of arrestees. During the regular meeting, the council approved a consent agenda, held public hearings on several zoning and land use items, set the proposed property tax rate for 2026, and heard public comments on Flock safety cameras, a fallen firefighter memorial, and other matters. Consent Calendar - Items 9–16 were approved unanimously in a single vote. These included: approval of July 21, 2026 meeting minutes (Item 9); Change Order No. 3 for the Woodlake Lake Enhancements project, increasing the contract to $3,992,058.21 (Item 10); an ordinance revising school zone times for Arbor Creek Middle School, Creek Valley Middle School, and Hebron High School to align with LISD bell schedules (Item 11); ordinances acknowledging annual service plan updates for Castle Hills Public Improvement Districts No. 1 and No. 2 (Items 12–13); resolutions authorizing contract amendments for engineering design services and property acquisition for the Carrollton Heights and Frankford Road projects (Items 14–16). - Item 17 (MOU with Alpine X for development of the former NTTA site) was pulled for separate consideration and approved unanimously after debate. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 17 (Alpine X MOU): Three speakers opposed the MOU. Susanna Dooling asked the city to consult the Corps of Engineers regarding floodplain impacts and questioned the use of TC Nature Preserve as a mitigation bank. Con Lee expressed concern about the lack of successful indoor snow venues in the U.S. and the financial risk to the city. Former Councilmember Adam Poulter argued that Alpine X has no proven experience as a master developer, has broken ground on zero large-scale projects, and Carrollton cannot afford the investment given flat revenues and the unfinished Trinity Mills Station development. - Public Hearings (Items 18–19, Kelly Cove): Jacob Bowen, whose home backs up to the site, opposed two-story homes due to privacy concerns and requested single-story homes or parkland. Nasser Subhani also raised privacy concerns but stated he is 100% behind the project if those are addressed. Haley Paddy urged the city to survey for endangered plant and animal species before development. - Public Hearing (Item 20, Coded Lounge SUP Repeal): Operator Kenechi Nnamani opposed the repeal, arguing that the violations were due to a pre-opening marketing event (not a public operation) and that he has since cured issues. He requested a continuation to explore recombining the suites. - Public Forum: Kenneth Feugins questioned access control records for Flock cameras and requested audit trails. Laurie Foster opposed the use of Flock cameras, citing privacy concerns and lack of public input. Lisa Holbert, widow of fallen Captain Lee Holbert, requested a street sign memorial and described her struggle for benefits. Anthony Lon and Christian Hernandez spoke against Flock cameras, citing potential for abuse and hacking. Con Lee urged the council to secure state funding to address DART’s looming operations shortfall. Discussion Items - CIPAC Recommendations (Worksession): CIPAC Chair Karim Ali presented the committee’s priority recommendations for using surplus funds: (1) alleys, (2) corridor enhancements, (3) facilities, (4) sidewalks, (5) residential street lights, and (6) public safety. The committee emphasized alignment with the city’s Vision 2040 plan. - FY2027 Proposed Budget (Worksession): Finance Director Melissa Everett presented a budget with a flat tax rate of 53.75 cents per $100 valuation, the 12th consecutive year without an increase. The certified assessed valuation declined by 0.21% (first decline since 2009), driven by appraisal protests and a new state exemption that reduced taxable assessed valuation by $326 million. The general fund budget is $161 million, with 70% ($98 million) spent on public safety—exceeding the $91 million in property tax revenue. The budget includes 13 new stormwater positions funded by a new enterprise fund. Sales tax is budgeted conservatively (75% of recurring policy) due to the pending destination/sourcing lawsuit. - Dallas County Sheriff Magistrate Challenges (Worksession): Staff explained that the Dallas County Sheriff announced that starting October 1, 2026, arrestees must be magistrated (arraigned) before being accepted at the county jail, or the city must pay $567 per defendant for the county to do it. The city currently does not magistrate Dallas County inmates. Two options were presented: (A) hire six part-time detention officers and an additional transport van ($267,600 annually plus magistration staffing of $222,000), or (B) hire two full-time detention officers and coordinate timing with earlier warrant signing ($214,500 annually plus magistration staffing). The council took no action but noted the recurring cost exposure. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (Items 9–16): Approved unanimously. - Item 17 (Alpine X MOU): Approved unanimously. The non-binding memorandum authorizes further due diligence and negotiation for master development of the 121-acre former NTTA site at President George Bush Turnpike and IH-35E. - Item 18 (Kelly Cove Comprehensive Plan Amendment): Approved unanimously. The Future Land Use Map changes the 8.36-acre site from Low Intensity Office to Single-Family Residential. - Item 19 (Kelly Cove Zoning): Approved unanimously. The zoning is amended from PD-44 (Heavy Commercial) to a new planned development for 61 single-family homes, with development standards including minimum 1,800 sq. ft. floor area, 10-foot front setbacks, and architectural requirements. - Item 20 (Coded Lounge SUP Repeal): Approved 6-1 (Councilmember Fleming opposed). SUP-523 is revoked due to repeated violations (operating without a certificate of occupancy, alcohol without a license, smoking in violation of SUP stipulations). The operator must wait one year before reapplying for a similar use. - Item 21 (Romco SUP Amendment): Approved unanimously. SUP-508 is amended to allow sale of asphalt distributors and water trucks in addition to concrete mixing units, with no change to site layout or maximum of five heavy load trucks. - Item 22 (Set Proposed Tax Rate and Hearing Dates): Approved unanimously. The council set the proposed property tax rate for tax year 2026 at 53.75 cents per $100 valuation, with public hearings and adoption scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on September 1, 2026.