Public Meetings - El Paso, Texas

The El Paso City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM with proclamations and continuing at 10:00 AM for the regular agenda. Mayor Renard U. Johnson presided, with council members in attendance (Representatives Alejandra Chávez, Josh Acevedo, Deanna Maldonado-Rocha, Cynthia Boyar Trejo, Iván Niño, Art Fierro, Lily Limón, and Chris Canales via video conference). The meeting included three proclamations, public comment, consent agenda approval, first reading of ordinances, public hearings, and several regular agenda items. All voting items passed unanimously unless noted. Proclamations - El Paso Matters Day – Recognized the nonprofit news organization for being named Newsroom of the Year in Texas by the Texas Tribune and for winning an IRE award for an investigation on the migrant detention center fire. Publisher Bob Moore and team accepted. - International Chihuahuan Desert Celebration Day – Designated September 26–27, 2025 and the fourth Saturday of each September thereafter, honoring the desert’s biodiversity and cross-border conservation efforts. Accepted by Rick Lobello of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition and Gerardo Gonzalez of the National Park Service. - Knight Time Cheer Magic – Recognized the all-star youth cheer team (ages 7–12) for winning Triple Crown and Youth Summit championships, completing an undefeated season—a first in El Paso cheer history. Coach Emily Canada and athletes were present. Consent Calendar - Items 1–13 were approved unanimously under one motion, with a revision to excuse absent Council Members Cynthia Boyar Trejo and Chris Canales (Item 2). Routine approvals included minutes from June 23–24, 2025; ground leases for Dick Poe Motors and Hospice of El Paso at the airport; a tax penalty waiver of $824.77; an interlocal agreement extension with DSHS for milk/dairy testing; board reappointments (Joe Garibay to Open Space, Tess Passero and Chris Canales to Animal Shelter Advisory); tax refunds totaling over $2,500; a refund to Samuel Castillo of $233.30; and notice of campaign contributions (Rep. Chávez received $5,000 from Stanley Jobe; Rep. Fierro received a total of $22,500 from multiple donors). Public Comments & Testimony - Maria Acevedo (on behalf of florists) – Expressed concern about the rapid economic decline of local flower shops due to big-box stores and unlicensed vendors, asking for city guidance. - Eddie Chavez Jr. – Opposed El Paso Electric rate hikes, calling them a “hemorrhage” on the economy. Urged council to write to the Public Utility Commission and support financing for solar systems. - Elizabeth Crawford – Raised concerns about abortion pill residue in the water supply, citing potential effects on fertility and arguing against a “toilet water system.” - Frank Tizeno – Criticized lack of police enforcement of traffic and fireworks laws over the July 4th weekend, describing conditions as a “war zone” on the far east side. - Max Grossman – Accused the city of misleading the public on property taxes: while the preliminary FY2026 budget claims no tax rate increase, rising property valuations result in a 6.5% tax burden increase. Called on Mayor Johnson to keep his campaign promise to lower taxes. - Luis Ruiz – Warned about potential violent protests linked to Antifa, citing a planned ambush on ICE in Alvarado and claiming Antifa has a cell in El Paso connected to Casa Carmelita. Urged EPPD to investigate. - Claudia Contreras Siller – Expressed support for the El Paso Police Department (“back the blue”) and praised animal services, noting long wait times and urging community involvement in kitten season. Also criticized a former teacher for cruelty comments. Discussion Items - First Reading of Ordinances (Items 14–16) – Approved unanimously. Item 14: No-parking zones (8 AM–5 PM weekdays) on multiple blocks in District 8. Item 15: Decal-required no-parking zones on streets in District 1. Item 16: Speed limit changes on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (45, 55, 65 MPH zones) in District 4. Public hearings set for July 22, 2025. - Items 17 & 18 – Dissolving TIRZ 9 and 10 – Approved following public hearing. TIRZ 9 (District 5) held $4.3 million; $2.3 million will fund streetlights on Mongood Drive and shaded canopies at the Eastside Sports Complex, with the remainder helping balance the general fund, generating over $2 million annually. TIRZ 10 (District 1) contained about $100,000; remaining funds will be allocated to infrastructure projects in District 1. - Item 19 – Thoroughfare Plan Amendments – Approved. Deleted the extension of Ninth Street and a collector connection from Horizon Blvd to I-10; downgraded Gomez Road (from West Terminus to Upper Valley Road) from major arterial to collector, allowing traffic calming measures such as speed humps in District 1. - Item 20 – Mural Funding (District 7) – Approved: $1,000 from discretionary funds to supplement a mural by local artist Robert Osal at the Néstor Valencia Transfer Center, visible on Alameda Avenue. - Item 21 – MOU with Sunland Park, New Mexico – Approved. Directs City Manager and City Attorney to draft a Memorandum of Understanding within 60 days for mutual exchange of development and public safety information along the shared border. Council discussed legal basis and scope; City Manager Dionne Mack clarified it stems from a parking lot jurisdiction issue. - Item 22 – Segundo Barrio Community Block Party (District 8) – Approved: up to $10,000 from discretionary funds for stage, AV, security, barriers, permits, and restrooms, organized by Southside Neighborhood Association. - Item 23 – Sports Officials Contract – Approved: three-year contract with George Heredia dba Paso USSSA for $3,207,222 (annual $1,069,074) to provide officials and assigners for city-sponsored softball leagues. A 15.71% increase over previous contract due to rate increases and new tournament play category. Key Outcomes - All items on the agenda passed unanimously (no dissenting votes recorded). - Council excused Members Boyar Trejo and Canales for the meeting. - TIRZ 9 dissolution frees $4.3 million; $2.3 million earmarked for District 5 infrastructure improvements (streetlights on Mongood Drive, shaded canopies at Eastside Sports Complex). - TIRZ 10 dissolution returns $100,000 to District 1 for future projects. - Council directed staff to draft an MOU with Sunland Park, NM within 60 days. - The meeting adjourned at 10:49 AM; a work session followed immediately.

The El Paso City Council held a special meeting on July 8, 2025, beginning at 10:49 AM, to continue the presentation and discussion of the proposed FY 2025-2026 budget. City Manager Dionne Mack, Chief Financial Officer Robert Cortinas, and department directors presented budget overviews, key initiatives, and performance metrics. The meeting included presentations from Municipal Court, Code Enforcement, Capital Improvement, Streets & Maintenance, Airport, Information Technology, Human Resources, Community & Human Development, and Environmental Services. Two council members were excused (Trejo and Canales). No votes were taken; the meeting was a public work session to inform budget deliberations. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were presented or discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - Jenny Solo (via teleconference) expressed opposition to the effective 6.5% increase in property tax bills despite a flat tax rate, stating that rising property values lead to higher taxes for families. She raised concerns about affordability, population stagnation (only 150 new residents in the past year), and warned that El Paso could become unaffordable like California, driving working families to surrounding areas. Discussion Items - Municipal Court (Annabel Casas): Presented budget variances related to salary increases and the absence of amnesty revenue. Highlighted improvements in online payments (67% target 70%), call answer rates (98%), and new initiatives such as enhanced texting, self-scheduling for parking tickets, community outreach, and webpage simplification. - Code Enforcement (Steve Alvarado): Described the creation of a new standalone Code Enforcement Department effective September 1, 2025, consolidating eight enforcement sections from five departments into 140 team members (46 from Police Code Enforcement, plus others from Fire, Vector, Recycling, etc.). Focus on cross-training, one-inspector multi-issue approach, and improved customer service. Current operations include enforcement against residential pool rentals and entertainment venues. Council members expressed support and asked about public reporting via 311 and regular updates. - Capital Improvement (Joaquin Rodriguez): Presented on closing out the 2012 Quality of Life bond (8 remaining projects), 2019 public safety bond (10 projects in design, 6 under construction), and 2022 Community Progress Bond (signature roadway projects). No line-item funding for the Deck Plaza in FY26; design funding is through TERS/TED funds and will return to council later. Discussed east side congestion study and Vision Zero projects. Council members raised equity concerns for District 7 and requested better communication on project timelines. - Streets & Maintenance (Randy Garcia): Highlighted a $250,000 increase for striping (4-year continuous program), $10M for resurfacing, and $1.5M for safety improvements. Goal to reduce streetlight repair time from 28 to 21 days. KPIs include centerline miles paved (target 24-25 miles). Discussed the need for additional funding (estimated $45M annually) and the potential street maintenance fee. City Manager Mack indicated a community outreach process would begin in September. Council members noted constituent frustration with street conditions and long repair times. - Airport (Tony): Presented a $1.3M budget increase for salaries, contractual services, and capital projects. Cost per enplaned passenger is $5 (national average $7). Focus on adding direct/international flights (new Chihuahua flight summer 2026 via TAR). Capital projects include runway rehabilitation, terminal upgrades, and a new FAA air traffic control tower (60% design). Discussed low landing fees, challenges with route profitability, and coordination with airlines. Council member asked about FAA concerns over taxiway design; negotiations ongoing. - Information Technology (Carolyn, Ernesto Ariola): Budget variance largely from IT contract increases (5-6% annual licensing/maintenance). Major projects: new planning/permit portals, website redesign with AI assistant, and cloud migrations. Security initiatives include phishing test click rate under 7.1% (goal met). Council members discussed outsourcing strategies, hiring challenges, and the potential for remote work to attract IT talent. - Human Resources (Mary Wiggins): Budget static except for salary increases. Highlights: Phase 2/3 civilian pay increases, Kronos upgrade, mental health fairs, annual service award banquet. KPIs: turnover rate (10.4%, target 15%), sick leave hours, workers' comp claims. Discussed educational requirements in job postings and council staff compensation. City Manager noted that police sick leave payouts will cost $1M next year. - Community & Human Development (Nicole Rodriguez): Budget decreased $607K due to transfer of climate/military affairs to Strategic & Legislative Affairs. Continued support for affordable housing, mental health, neighborhood leadership. Nearly 16,000 low/moderate income individuals served. Projected lower numbers due to winding down federal COVID funds. - Environmental Services (Nick): Budget variances from salary increases, water billing system increase ($1.3M), and $7M in capital (landfill permit, east side service center, equipment). Proposed residential rate increase of $0.50/month and commercial $2.50/month. Recycling contamination rate at 22.88% (lowest in Texas for large cities). First-time collection rate 99.97%. Glass recycling expected by October. Council member raised concern about citizen collection site access for those without water bills; suggested using enhanced library cards. - Wrap-Up (Robert Cortinas): Summarized key points: $24.8M general fund increase, 80% from police and fire ($19M). Use of fund balance reduced by $3.2M to $40M. Tax rate unchanged but average home value increase leads to 6.5% tax bill increase. Property tax relief for over-65/disabled increased to $42,500 exemption. Next steps: July 22 introduce exemption ordinance, July 25 certified values, July 31 special meeting for tax rate introduction, August 12 public hearing, August 19 budget adoption. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a work session for budget presentation and discussion. - The council will receive responses to questions in the coming weeks. - Council budget requests due by July 11, 2025. - Upcoming meetings: July 22 (exemption ordinance introduction), July 31 (certified values and tax rate introduction), August 12 (public hearing), August 19 (budget and tax rate adoption). - City Manager will begin community outreach on a potential street maintenance fee in September. - The Code Enforcement Department will launch officially on September 1, 2025. - The council will continue discussions on street funding, IT investments, and affordable housing.

This special meeting of the El Paso City Council was held on July 7, 2025, from 9:04 AM to approximately 4:30 PM (with a one-hour lunch recess from 11:56 AM to 1:00 PM) to present and discuss the proposed FY2025-2026 budget. The meeting featured presentations from the City Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources, and multiple city departments. No formal votes were taken; the council will consider adoption of the budget in August. Discussion Items - City Manager Overview (Dionne Mack): The proposed budget includes a 3.8% overall increase (4.1% general fund, 3.5% non-general fund). The initial budget gap of $51 million was reduced to $24.8 million through $26.1 million in efficiencies and reductions. Key drivers: 77% of the increase is for compensation and public safety staffing, $2.8 million in IT contracts, and $1.4 million for police/fire contracts. Water utility costs also increased. The city recommends no increase to the property tax rate (maintaining 0.761%). The average home value increase results in about a $9/month impact, with $80 attributed to public safety. The debt service property tax rate is the lowest since 2012. Additional tax relief for over-65 and disabled exemptions is proposed, raising the exemption from $42,500 to $45,000, affecting about 41% of homesteads. The city will use $4 million from the fund balance (down from $7.2 million in FY2025). Staffing levels for police are returning to pre-COVID levels (2020) with 120 cadets. 48 firefighters are being transferred from expiring grants to the general fund. Pay-go funding for street resurfacing remains at $10 million, with an additional $250,000 for lane striping and $500,000 for park amenities. - Compensation Initiatives (Mary Wiggins, Monika Kretschmer): The city’s minimum wage has increased 52% since 2021 to $15.75/hour. Phase two of the compensation strategy proposes raising the starting salary for professional/managerial pay plan from $20.85 to $23.00, impacting 461 employees, with a projected cost of $3.1 million. This also addresses compression and tenure. Police and fire collective bargaining agreements include step increases (police: 5.8% average step adjustment, 4.5% between steps; fire: 3% step adjustment, 5% between steps). Health care premiums have been maintained since 2020; the city is self-insured. The vacancy rate is declining due to improved recruitment – a 49% increase in hires from February to May 2025 compared to the prior year. Turnover has decreased 43% for civilian and 9% for uniform employees. - Department Presentations (selected highlights): - Economic & International Development (Karina Bracale): General fund increase due to personnel; non-general fund (economic development restricted funds) payments increasing. Highlights include the comprehensive economic development strategy rewrite and international business outreach. KPIs: 3 Chapter 380 agreements in FY2025, 99 incentivized housing units (downtown/uptown), 860 small business visits. - International Bridges (Roberto Tinajero): Budget variance due to salaries and contracts; revenue increase from proposed elimination of empties program for commercial vehicles. Projects include toll collection system upgrade, ITS implementation, and $5 million feasibility study for the Isleta/Saragosa Bridge. Five-year capital improvement plan of $67.4 million. KPIs: 3,500 hours of CBP overtime, 5 million vehicle crossings, $76 billion in trade. - Parks & Recreation (Pablo Caballero): Budget increase due to salaries, water utilities, and park amenities. $500,000 added to park amenity replacement fund (total $1.5 million). East Side Regional Park Phase 2 construction starting late 2025. KPI: recreation program participation target of 2.2 million for FY2026 (1.9 million year-to-date). - Animal Services (Terry Kepshaw): Budget increase of $2.4 million for salaries, materials, contracts. West Side Adoption Center opening soon. Surgical efficiencies – over 12,500 surgeries completed year-to-date. Restructured interlocal shelter agreement projected to increase revenue by $1.7 million. Live release rate trending at 84% (target 90%). - Libraries (Norma Martinez): General fund variance due to salaries and grant match. Fine-free policy has returned 40,000 items. Enhanced library cards expanded to 10 branches. Career Online High School graduated over 200 participants. KPI: program attendance target 120,000 (81,915 year-to-date). - Museum & Cultural Affairs (Ben Fife): Variance due to salaries and increased stipend for La Nube (from $1.9M to $2.5M, contractual cap). Mexican American Cultural Center set one-day attendance record (10,000+). Working toward sensory-certified city certification for 40+ facilities. KPI: 624,000 visitors year-to-date (surge year due to new facilities). - Destination El Paso (Jose Garcia): Third-party contractor for tourism, events, and water parks. Highlights: Coldplay concerts at Sun Bowl broke records – 16 million in ticket sales, visitors from 49 states, 94.5% hotel occupancy. New event “Provecho El Paso” planned for 2026. KPI: 18,000 future hotel room bookings targeted, 2% increase in facility rental revenue. - Public Health (Vinny Tanasia): General fund variance due to transfer of food inspections to code enforcement. Non-general fund variance reflects grant recording, but actual cuts of $3.5 million have been absorbed. 25 positions lost due to grant cuts, mitigated to 8 FTE losses. New headquarters opened; Medical Center of America building under construction. KPI: 29,000 clinic visits targeted, but subject to funding. - Planning & Inspections (Philip Etue): Budget consistent; variance due to salary increases and transfer of 15 positions to code enforcement. KPIs: 98% of inspections conducted within 24 hours; average one-stop shop wait time reduced to 5.1 minutes. - Purchasing & Strategic Sourcing (Claudia Garcia): General fund decrease from position elimination; non-general fund increase from sponsorships. Initiatives: support for Supply El Paso, revisiting Hire El Paso First program, implementing contract administration academy. KPIs: increase vendors on EP Marketplace to 55, maintain 50% local spend. - Sun Metro (Anthony DeCazer): Enterprise fund; 2026 budget $100 million (down from $110 million). Using zero fund balance. Sales tax and grants revenue fluctuate. Sun Metro Rising initiative to optimize fixed route service (465,000 riders will see improvement). Streetcar ridership at highest post-COVID. Half of paratransit fleet going electric. KPIs: 90% on-time performance for fixed route and paratransit; 10 complaints per month out of 583,000 riders. - City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager, Community Driven Innovation, Internal Audit, Strategic & Legislative Affairs, Fire, Police: Presented budgets with variances primarily due to compensation and staffing adjustments. Fire: 9.5% increase due to CBA; 50.5 FTE increase from grant positions returning to general fund. Police: 11.1 million increase due to CBA; 120 cadets planned; staffing returning to pre-COVID levels. Strategic & Legislative Affairs: new department; $152 million in grants secured since creation; 89th legislative session update; climate action plan and veterans services plan forthcoming. Key Outcomes - No increase to the property tax rate is recommended, with the lowest debt service rate since 2012. - Tax relief for over-65 and disabled homeowners proposed: raising exemption from $42,500 to $45,000, effective October 2025. - Use of fund balance reduced to $4 million (down from $7.2 million in FY2025), with a goal of eliminating reliance on fund balance in future years. - Compensation: Phase two of civilian compensation strategy approved for January 2026, raising starting pay for professional/managerial to $23.00/hour, addressing compression, and providing a 1% cost-of-living increase for all civilian employees. - Debt management: $300 million reduction in overall debt since 2022 (19% decrease); no new debt issued in over four years; recently approved refunding expected to save $9 million. - Public safety: Police staffing projected to return to pre-COVID levels (2020) by end of FY2026 with 120 cadets; fire department adding 50.5 positions from grant transfers; new fire stations (38 and special ops downtown) opening. - Infrastructure: $10 million in pay-go for street resurfacing maintained; $250,000 added for lane striping; $500,000 added for park amenities. - Next steps: The council will receive certified property valuations on July 25, 2025, and hold a special meeting on July 31, 2025, to set the tax rate and begin public hearing process. Budget adoption is scheduled for August. The meeting will continue on July 8, 2025, with remaining department presentations.

The El Paso City Council met on June 24, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 N. Campbell, and virtually. Mayor Renard U. Johnson presided. The meeting included proclamations, public comment, approval of a consent agenda, first readings of ordinances, and action on a major utility rate case, among other items. The meeting adjourned at 2:07 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously after a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, seconded by Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Fiero. Later, the consent agenda was reconsidered to allow disclosure of campaign contributions from Douglas Schwartz (related to item 11) by several council members. The consent agenda was then re-approved unanimously. - Key consent items included: approval of minutes, excuse of absent council members, airport concessions and leases (Nos. 3-8), fire department TEMAT MOU (No. 9), solid waste liens (No. 10), site development plan (No. 11), street closure for block party (No. 12), library/parks partnership (No. 13), transportation study MOU (No. 14), board reappointments and appointments (Nos. 15-20), tax refunds (No. 21), notations for discretionary funds and travel (Nos. 22-23), bid awards for infield mix (No. 24) and grounds maintenance (No. 25). Public Comments & Testimony - Call to the Public (10:00 AM): Eight speakers addressed non‑agenda items. Topics included the anniversary of Roe v. Wade (Elizabeth Crawford), stray cat management (Claudia Contreras Siller), animal shelter issues (Ron Como), 311 operator failures on animal welfare checks (Barbara Valencia), support for internal auditor Edmundo Calderon and concern about ICE arrests (Arnold Fortnitez). A statement from Wally Shek (“Right the Wrong”) was shared with council. - Public Comment on Agenda Items: The City Clerk noted letters in support of item 49 (zoning change at 7600 Hunter Foster Dr.) from Christian Lopez, Michael Bester, Henry Garcia, Marcela Carrillo, and Deborah Torres. - Item 43 (Electric Rate Case): VJ Smith (Marathon Petroleum) opposed the full rate increase as filed and requested denial and settlement negotiations. Marcy Chavez testified about high bills and smart meter issues. Discussion Items - Proclamations (9:00 AM): Mayor read proclamations for Nina Tawney Day, You Eat I Eat nonprofit, U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday, Project Bravo’s 60th anniversary, and El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame & Sports Commission Week. Each group received recognition and addressed council. - First Reading of Ordinances (Items 26-41): Approved unanimously without discussion. These included dissolution of TIRZ No. 9 and No. 10 (public hearings July 8), zoning changes for properties at 1071 Country Club Rd., 525 Lafayette Dr., 341 Thorn Ave., south of Abe Goldberg Dr., 9909 Kenworthy St., and amendments to dissolve the Construction Board of Appeals and update various codes. Item 41 amended the Thoroughfare System. - Item 42 (General Obligation Refunding Bonds): Robert Cortinas (City Manager’s Office) presented a refunding of up to $285.64 million in bonds to generate $4.6 million in net present value savings. The city’s AA/AA+ bond ratings were reaffirmed. Council approved unanimously after discussion. - Item 55 (Defeasance of East Side Sports Complex Debt): Robert Cortinas presented a defeasance of $13.45 million to pay off $17.9 million in obligations, saving $4.4 million in interest and freeing $4.3 million in restricted TIRZ No. 9 funds. Council approved unanimously after discussion about using $2.3 million for completion projects (shade canopies, streetlights) in District 5. - Item 43 (El Paso Electric Rate Case): Matt Marquez (City Attorney) presented the city’s recommendation to deny the full $93 million rate increase as filed. El Paso Electric representatives (Daniel Beris, Jennifer Borden, George Novella) presented their case, including a 10.7% return on equity, $1.55 billion in capital investments, and a proposed $22/month average residential increase. After extensive discussion about cost control, return on equity, customer charge, solar rates, and affordability, council voted 8-0 (with all members present voting) to deny the increase as filed and authorize settlement negotiations. - Items 44-45 (Zoning and Future Land Use Map Amendment): Approved unanimously. Rezoned property north of Americas Ave. and west of Southside Dr. from R-F to C-4 and amended the FLUM from O-1/O-3 to G-7. The City Plan Commission recommended approval 4-3. - Item 46 (Zoning Change at 7213 Royal Arms Dr.): Approved unanimously. Rezoned from R-3/sp to R-4/sp. - Items 47-48 (Rezoning and Parking Reduction at 2821 N. Kansas St.): Approved unanimously. Changed zoning from A-2 to A-3 and granted a 70% parking reduction to allow densification of an existing apartment complex. - Item 49 (Zoning Change at 7600 Hunter Foster Dr.): Approved unanimously. Rezoned from R-5/c to C-1/c and R-5 to C-1, with conditions. Developer reduced proposal from C-3 to C-1 after neighborhood input. - Item 50 (District 2 Discretionary Funds): Approved unanimously. Authorized up to $3,000 to hire a part-time administrative specialist. - Item 51 (Stormwater Utility Annual Report): Gisela Dagnino (El Paso Water) presented accomplishments, including 21 projects completed, 4 in construction, 4 bidding, and 26 in planning. Highlights: removal of 20,000 properties from flood zone, $11 million in flood insurance savings, and improved FEMA Community Rating System score from 9 to 7. The presentation noted a 2025 Stormwater Task Force and $280 million invested since inception. - Items 52-54 (Bids and Contracts): Approved unanimously. Item 52: Airport west parking lot expansion ($1.64 million). Item 53: EMS stretcher parts/maintenance from Stryker ($771,850 sole source). Item 54: Vehicle offsite fueling contract ($4.85 million over 5 years). - Items 56-58 (Audit Reports): Approved unanimously. Accepted results of Hotel Occupancy Tax Review, Airport Accounts Payable Audit, and Division of Military Affairs Follow‑Up Audit (all previously reviewed by FOAC). - Item 59 (Traffic Signal Improvement Change Order): Postponed for four weeks (to July 22) after Representative Chavez requested a briefing. The change order would have deducted $453,371 by substituting underground wiring with wireless modems. The delay may affect ordering of equipment but allows time for council briefing. - Item 60 (Airport Water Damage Restoration Ratification): Approved unanimously. Ratified an emergency payment of up to $171,747.55 to ServPro for water damage caused by a malfunctioning HVAC unit in January 2025. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (with reconsideration for campaign disclosure). - First Reading of Ordinances (Items 26-41): Approved unanimously. - Item 42 (Bond Refunding): Approved 8-0. Estimated $4.6 million savings. - Item 55 (Defeasance): Approved 8-0. Freed $4.3 million in restricted funds; $2.3 million earmarked for District 5 capital projects. - Item 43 (El Paso Electric Rate Increase): Denied as filed (8-0). Council authorized settlement negotiations with the company and other interveners. - Items 44-49 (Zoning and Land Use): All approved unanimously. - Item 50 (Discretionary Funds): Approved unanimously. - Item 51 (Stormwater Report): Received as information; no vote needed. - Items 52-54 (Bids/Contracts): Approved unanimously. - Items 56-58 (Audits): Approved unanimously. - Item 59 (Change Order): Postponed to July 22, 2025, by a 6-2 vote (Nino and Canales opposed). - Item 60 (Airport Payment): Approved unanimously.

The El Paso City Council held a work session on Monday, June 23, 2025, convening at 9:06 a.m. and adjourning at 3:55 p.m. The meeting featured two major presentations: an update on the Humanitarian Engagement Action Response Team (HART) and a preliminary report on the City's Internal Audit current state, maturity, and needs assessment conducted by Weaver & Tidwell, LLP. Council also entered executive session to discuss six matters, returning with actions on two items. Mayor Renard U. Johnson presided, with eight council members present (Representative Limon participated virtually). Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Turner (public speaker) praised the HART team's work, calling it "seriously impressive" and commended the collaborative approach. She also expressed concerns regarding the internal audit assessment, noting that the auditor (Mr. Calderon) had been denied resources under previous city management and questioned the use of a maturity model from an organization with audit issues. She affirmed her trust in the current internal audit team. Discussion Item: Humanitarian Engagement Action Response Team (HART) Update - Presenters: Commander Steve Lopez (EPPD), Denice Sepulveda (City Manager's Office), Lieutenant Milner, Officer Machoto, non-profit partners (John Martin – Opportunity Center for the Homeless, Kristen Mitchell – VA, Nicole Rodriguez – Community Human Development). - Program evolution: Launched November 2024, moving from police enforcement to a multi-agency, service-first model. A pilot program on the Westside (Westside Regional Command) started January 2025. - Key statistics: - Response time reduced from 18+ hours to 20 minutes via El Paso Helps 24/7 coordination. - Westside pilot housed 60 individuals (as of May); bi-weekly meetings now result in 7–20 individuals housed or placed. - Opportunity Center for the Homeless served 5,094 unique individuals in 2024, a 300% increase from 2019 (1,499 individuals). - The Opportunity Center is adding 165 beds, including 64 permanent beds. - Medical intervention: Opportunity Center had 600 medical calls last year, 250 transported to UMC, average cost $7,000 per ER visit, leading to potential $1.7 million cost avoidance through mobile integrated health (MIH) triage. - Citywide expansion: Plans to extend the pilot to one additional command center (Northeast or Central) within the next month, and eventually citywide. - Upcoming event: A three-day citywide outreach for unhoused veterans, July 29–31, 2025, using regional commands as staging areas, with volunteer training the week of July 23. - 311 app enhancement: New encampment resource button launched May 13; a second caveat to route individual assistance requests to El Paso Helps is being developed. - Council reactions: Representatives expressed strong support, with several pledging to volunteer. Representatives Chavez and Acevedo highlighted constituent concerns and the need for citywide scaling. Representative Canales called the effort "bigger and better than I imagined." Representative Limon reported that her office had previously flagged the lack of an encampment category on 311 and commended the progress. - No formal action was taken on this item. Discussion Item: Internal Audit Current State, Maturity, and Needs Assessment - Presenters: Brandon Tanous (Partner) and Holly Hart (Senior Manager) of Weaver & Tidwell, LLP. - Scope: Assessed the city's internal audit function (not just department) against a capability maturity model (5 levels: Initial, Repeatable, Defined, Managed, Optimizing). Evaluated 55 criteria using IIA Global Audit Standards, GAO Yellow Book, and COSO. - Current maturity level: Level 2 – Repeatable (requirements-driven, foundational practices in place). Short-term goal: reach Level 3 – Defined within 3–6 months for low-hanging fruit (e.g., charter updates, performance evaluations); longer-term (up to 2 years) to reach Level 4 – Managed (performance-driven, enterprise-wide standardization). - Six core themes for improvement: 1. Stakeholder engagement, communication, and collaboration 2. Strategic alignment of audit outcomes with city goals 3. Performance measurement and accountability 4. Transparency of procedures (especially hotline) 5. Technology and resource enablement (move from paper-based to digital) 6. Strengthening public trust and visibility - Hotline practices: Internal audit manages the hotline; current procedures lack defined anti-retaliation controls, independent review, and clear escalation criteria. The Chief Auditor (Mr. Calderon) is the sole decision-maker for triage. - Internal audit charter: Foundational elements present; needs formal annual review and greater clarity on collaboration with city attorney, HR, and management. - Council reactions: Representative Acevedo noted the report is fair and highlighted the need to start with charter and low-hanging fruit. Representative Chavez asked about timely feedback vs. feedback, and maturity improvements. Representative Rocha confirmed timelines (3–6 months short-term, 2 years long-term) and asked about significant risks – presenters noted the need for continuous risk assessment. Representative Limon called it an "eye-opener." - No formal action was taken; the final report is expected in July 2025. Executive Session - Council retired to executive session at an estimated 11:20 a.m. (after the public portion) and returned at 3:52 p.m. - Items discussed (per agenda): EX1 – Claim of Khlayel Fareed; EX2 – El Paso Electric AMS deployment plan; EX3 – El Paso Electric rate change; EX4 – West El Paso economic development; EX5 – East El Paso economic development; EX6 – City manager, attorney, and internal auditor evaluation. Key Outcomes - EX1 (Claim denial): Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, seconded by Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Fierro, to deny the claim of Khlayel Fareed and authorize the city attorney to take necessary steps. Passed unanimously (Representative Limon not voting). - EX2 (El Paso Electric intervention): Motion to authorize the city attorney to retain outside counsel and file intervention in PUC Docket No. 58209. Passed unanimously; Representatives Acevedo, Fierro, and Niño disclosed campaign contributions from El Paso Electric's PAC; Representative Limon abstained. - EX3, EX4, EX5, EX6: No action taken. - Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed at 3:55 p.m.

The El Paso Mass Transit Department Board met on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:32 AM. Chair Johnson presided, with board members Chavez, Acevedo, Paldonado, Rocha, Polar, Trejo, Niño, Fierro, Limon, and Canales present. The meeting lasted approximately two minutes, concluding at 11:34 AM. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (items 1 and 3) was approved unanimously via a motion by board member Limon, seconded by board member Fierro, with no discussion. Discussion Items - Item 4: Discussion and action on a resolution authorizing the city manager to submit an application to the Federal Transit Administration for the Fiscal Year 2025 Low or No Emission Grant Program and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program in the amount of $1,963,500. Motion by board member Fierro, seconded by board member Limon, passed unanimously with no discussion. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Resolution for grant application (item 4) approved unanimously. - Meeting adjourned at 11:34 AM.

The El Paso City Council met on June 10, 2025, from approximately 9:00 AM to 5:35 PM, with breaks for a mass transit board recess (11:31\-11:35 AM), lunch recess (12:05\-1:22 PM), and executive session (1:24\-5:30 PM). The meeting featured four proclamations, public comment from six speakers, approval of a consent agenda with revisions, discussion of historic preservation code amendments, and votes on multiple resolutions, including a $25 million grant application for an I\-10 deck plaza and a $6 million Solar for All program for 440 low\-income households. The council also took action on three executive session items. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda as revised: Item 3 (emergency rock wall removal at the airport) was moved to the regular agenda per Representative Acevedo; Item 16 (revised Budget Policy) was deleted per the Office of Management and Budget. All other routine items were approved unanimously, including minutes, tax refunds, solid waste and demolition liens, a catalytic converter grant application, an interlocal agreement for inmate ambulance transport, and campaign contribution notations. Public Comments & Testimony - Ron Como criticized the city’s West Side Animal Services facility, arguing it operates only as an adoption center rather than the full\-service shelter council voted on. He warned of continued dog attacks and threatened legal action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. - Michael Davis (Chairman, Eastside Central Coalition) promoted the first Black El Paso History Tour Guide, highlighting the Alameda corridor’s historic Black business district and a planned historic marker. - Max Grossman thanked council for preserving public comment rights and for deleting Item 16 (budget policy), which he said could have allowed raiding the fund balance. He urged maintaining an 80\-day reserve and called on Mayor Johnson to fulfill campaign promises to lower property taxes. - Lisa Turner warned of potential food riots due to deportations affecting agricultural labor and rising food costs, urging the city to develop a contingency plan. - Claudia Contreras Siller advocated for cats as pets, praised Animal Services and the cruelty unit for their work, and urged judges to take animal cases seriously. She noted she rescued a kitten that died en route to the meeting. Discussion Items - Item 3 – Emergency Rock Wall Removal (Airport): Staff presented on a May 13, 2025, incident where high winds caused a rock wall facade to collapse at the rental car facility. The city issued an emergency purchase order to Jordan Foster Construction for $127,000 to remove three remaining unstable facades. No injuries or property damage occurred. Council unanimously ratified the purchase order. - Item 14 – Historic Landmark Preservation Amendments: Tony de la Cruz (Planning & Inspections) presented proposed updates to City Code 20.20, including interim protection of properties pending designation, demolition review processes, demolition\-by\-neglect enforcement, administrative review expansions, and alignment with state Certified Local Government requirements. No action was taken; public meetings are scheduled for June 16–17, 2025. Council members discussed outreach strategies and the need for improved customer service. - Item 15 – Janitorial Services Contract: Approved a 5\-year, $2.98 million contract with Ace Government Services for daily janitorial services at Public Health clinics. The 42.39% increase over the previous contract was attributed to six new locations (49,000 sq ft) and a rise in hourly rates from $18 to $27. - Item 19 – Magoffin Avenue Shared\-Use Path: Approved a $11.9 million grant application for a pedestrian/bicycle path from Cotton Street to Palm Street, with no local match required due to the city’s economically disadvantaged status. Unanimous. - Item 20 – I\-10 Deck Plaza Grant: Approved a $25 million Transportation Alternatives Set\-Aside application for design and construction of multimodal infrastructure over I\-10. The resolution is a non\-binding statement of support; a formal commitment would come later via an advanced funding agreement. Passed 7\-1\-1 (Representative Limon voting no; Representatives Chavez and Rocha absent). - Item 21 – Solar for All Program: Authorized the City Manager to execute a sub\-award agreement with the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI) for $6,018,000 from the U.S. EPA. The program will install solar systems on 440 low\-income households (single\-family and multifamily) and include workforce development for 20 interns. No city match required. Unanimous. - Items 22\-24 – Community Development Plans: Approved the 2025 Community Needs Assessment, updated policies for CDBG, ESG, HOME, HOPWA, and HOME\-ARP programs, and the 2025\-2029 Consolidated Plan with the first year Annual Action Plan. Funding totals over $5.7 million for neighborhood/housing improvements and maintains level federal allocations. Unanimous. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously with revisions. - Item 3 (Airport emergency) ratified unanimously. - Items 12 & 13 (District 5 discretionary funds) approved unanimously: $1,000 for pet pantries and microchip scanners at libraries; $3,000 for community events in District 5. - Item 15 (Janitorial services) approved unanimously. - Item 19 (Magoffin path grant) approved unanimously. - Item 20 (I\-10 deck plaza grant) approved 7\-1\-1 (Representative Limon opposed). - Item 21 (Solar for All) approved unanimously. - Items 22\-24 (Community development) approved unanimously. - Executive Session: - EX1 (Mark Avalos litigation): Authorized settlement negotiations; passed 5\-1 (Representative Canales nay; Chavez and Rocha absent). - EX3 (Texas Gas Service rate intervention): Authorized hiring outside counsel to intervene; passed unanimously. - EX5 (Deck Park Plaza): Authorized working toward a term sheet with the Deck Park Plaza Foundation; passed 5\-2\-1 (two nays; Chavez and Rocha absent). - EX2, EX4, EX6: No action taken.

The El Paso City Council convened on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers and virtually. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, approval of a consent agenda, first readings of ordinances, public hearings on zoning changes, adoption of a rideshare ordinance, and several resolutions. The council also entered executive session and later returned to deny a utility rate adjustment. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the May 12, 2025 Work Session and May 13, 2025 Regular Meeting. - Excused Representative Lily Limón from the meeting. - Approved temporary street closures for Sal y Limon 2025 (June 6–8, 2025) on Mesa and Texas Streets. - Authorized purchase of 0.5062 acres at Westside Community Church Center for $129,000 (District 1). - Approved a $77,500 budget transfer from Parks and Recreation operating budget to Parks Master Plan. - Reappointed Matt Kerr, Rene D. Pena to the Employees Retirement Trust Board; Lauren Hanson to the City Plan Commission; Gilda Wilson to the Americorps Seniors Advisory Council; Silvia Serna to the Fair Housing Task Force; Cecilia Ochoa Levine to the Committee on Border Relations. - Appointed Elizabeth M. Badillo and Rodolfo Rodriguez to the City Plan Commission; Kenneth “Ken” Gorski to the Greater El Paso Civic, Convention and Tourism Advisory Board; Margie Aguilar to the Ethics Review Commission. - Approved tax refunds over $2,500 per state law. - Noted discretionary fund expenditures for March 21–April 20, 2025. - Awarded bid for Wainwright, Nashville/Byron and Wadsworth Pedestrian Improvements to BLACK STALLION CONTRACTORS, INC. for $845,338.60 (Districts 2 & 4, Community Development Block Grant). - Awarded a Service Agreement to Avenu Insights & Analytics, LLC for Hotel Occupancy Tax Audit ($60,000/year, 3-year initial term, 2-year option, total $300,000). - Awarded Hotel Occupancy Tax Administration Services to Avenu Insights & Analytics, LLC ($32,500/year, 3-year initial term, 2-year option, total $162,500). Public Comments & Testimony - Elizabeth Crawford spoke against abortion, citing the Dublin Declaration and arguing that direct abortion is never medically necessary. - Ron Como criticized Animal Services for mismanagement, stating that in 2016 the city euthanized 100–300 animals daily and that a vet certification timeline was misrepresented. He noted 20,730 fewer strays went out to return-to-owner, adoption, and rescue. - Barbara Valencia (Huckleberry Hound Dog Rescue) alleged that Animal Services systematically fails to register microchips implanted at free clinics, preventing reunification. She stated that 18 of 19 dogs microchipped by the city had unregistered chips, and that Animal Services changes the default “yes” (share contact info) to “no” in the registration portal. - Emma Lloyd Callendine expressed opposition to Pride Month, stating that taxpayer money should not fund rainbow flags or events that promote LGBTQ+ agendas, which she described as sin. - Claudia Contreras Siller (by phone) called for more volunteer help with kitten season, urged reporting animal cruelty (311 or 911), and said a drone would help gather evidence. She noted that she has spoken seven times without seeing change. Discussion Items - First Readings of Ordinances (Items 21–26): Introduced six rezoning and special permit ordinances (zoning changes from R-F to C-4, R-3/sp to R-4/sp, A-2 to A-3, parking reduction special permit, R-5/c to C-1/c and R-5 to C-1, and a special privilege license for balconies over right-of-way). Public hearings set for June 10 or June 24, 2025. Approved unanimously. - Item 27 – Downtown Zoning Amendments (C-5 District): Adopted amendments to Title 20 to support downtown redevelopment. Changes remove incompatible uses (recycling collection, gas/oil drilling, shaft mining, outdoor shooting ranges, drive-throughs, warehouse clubs, large laundromats), add definitions for corner stores and self-storage warehouses (limited to 80% of area, mixed-use context), and allow child care facilities (type three). City Plan Commission recommended approval. Unanimously adopted. - Item 28 – Rezoning 9649 Dyer Street: Rezoned from R-4 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial) to consolidate with adjacent commercial uses. One email of opposition cited traffic concerns. Council approved unanimously. - Item 29 – Rezoning Gateway Blvd. East and Americas: Rezoned from C-3/sc to C-4/sc. Approved unanimously. - Item 30 – Rezoning 422 S. Yarbrough Drive: Rezoned from R-F (Ranch and Farm) to C-1 (Commercial) with conditions. Approved unanimously. - Item 31 – Rideshare Ordinance: Adopted amendments to Title 12.48 to create rideshare zones within existing loading zones, with a 5-minute maximum for pick-up/drop-off. The first rideshare hub will be at the 200 block of Baltimore, adjacent to UTEP and Cincinnati entertainment district. Signs will be installed within two weeks. The SAMI campaign (Stop, Ask, Match, Inform) aims to improve passenger safety. City staff will work with ride-share companies on geofencing. Unanimously adopted. - Item 32 – District 2 Graduate Intern: Authorized up to $3,000 from discretionary funds for a part-time graduate intern for 15 weeks (12 hours/week). Unanimously approved. - Item 33 – Father's Day Meal at Wellington Chew Senior Center: Authorized $700 each from Districts 2 and 4 ($1,400 total) for meals on June 12, 2025. Unanimously approved. - Item 34 – EPIA Iron Dust Off Bypass: Awarded bid to Dan Williams Company for $3,658,121.92 to construct a vehicle bypass for non-secured traffic to William Beaumont Army Medical Center (270 consecutive calendar days, Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant and Airport Enterprise Fund). Unanimously approved. - Item 35 – Padel Paso Properties Economic Development Agreement: Approved a Chapter 380 agreement for a paddle court entertainment district and full-service restaurant near N. Mesa and Helen of Troy. The $3.685 million project will create 3 full-time jobs (avg. salary $58,000) and 20+ part-time jobs. City incentives total $45,425 (50% property tax rebate for 5 years, sales tax rebate on materials, development fee rebate). The net benefit to the city after incentives is estimated at $258,000 in property taxes. Unanimously approved. - Item 36 – Safe Routes to Parks Intersection Improvements: Approved reprogramming $5.8 million from the 2022 Community Progress Bond intersection safety program to implement intersection safety improvements around 92 priority parks and recreation facilities. The program is data-driven, focusing on crash data (2014–2024), park usage, and socioeconomic factors. Improvements include sidewalk gap closures, pedestrian refuge islands, lighting, HAWK signals, rapid rectangular flashing beacons, curb extensions, and mid-block crossings. Construction expected to begin January 2026. Unanimously approved. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - First Reading Ordinances: Introduced without discussion; public hearings scheduled. - Downtown Zoning Amendments (Item 27): Adopted unanimously. - Four Rezonings (Items 28–30): Adopted unanimously. - Rideshare Ordinance (Item 31): Adopted unanimously; first hub at 200 block of Baltimore; implementation within two weeks. - Discretionary Fund Items (32, 33): Approved unanimously. - Airport Bypass Contract (Item 34): Awarded to Dan Williams Company, approved unanimously. - Padel Paso Economic Incentives (Item 35): Approved unanimously. - Safe Routes to Parks (Item 36): Approved unanimously. - Executive Session: Council retired at 11:24 AM and returned at 1:10 PM. - EX1: Denied Texas Gas Service interim rate adjustment for the West North Service Area (Test Year 2024) – motion carried. - EX2, EX3, EX4: No action taken. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 1:10 PM.

This was a brief regular meeting of the Sun Metro Mass Transit Department Board held on May 13, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in President Council Chambers. Board members present included Chair Mr. Johnson, Miss Chavez, Mr. Acevedo, Ms. Maldonado Rocha, Ms. Boyard Trejo, Mr. Nino, Mr. Fierro, Miss Limon, and Mr. Canales. Ms. Rocha was absent. The meeting proceeded with a consent agenda vote and adjournment without public comment. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously by a motion from Mr. Nino, seconded by Miss Limone. All items listed under the consent agenda, including any additions, were considered routine and enacted by a single motion. Ms. Rocha was noted absent. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments. Discussion Items - One board member (likely Mr. Johnson) thanked Randy for attending the meeting in place of the usual representative Myron, noting that Myron had been present at the mayor's swearing-in and the State of the City event. No further discussion occurred. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (9-0, with Ms. Rocha absent). - The meeting adjourned shortly after 11:30 a.m.