Public Meetings - El Paso, Texas

The El Paso City Council held a work session on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 9:02 AM, with Mayor Johnson presiding and a quorum present. The meeting included three presentations on first responder wellness, the smart meter project, and the neighborhood traffic management program, followed by an executive session and votes on several utility matters. Presentation: First Responder Wellness Initiatives - Benjamin Miranda, Corporate External Affairs Officer for Endeavors (a national nonprofit founded in 1969, serving El Paso since 2017), presented the workforce wellness program in partnership with UTEP, the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network, the El Paso Behavioral Health Consortium, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, GECU, and the Warriors Journey. The program is a first-of-its-kind demonstration in El Paso, providing no-cost, confidential services (mental health, massage, nutrition, chiropractic, financial literacy, etc.) to first responders (El Paso Police, Fire, Sheriff, West Texas Regional Public Safety, telecommunicators) and their families, without requiring a referral. The goal is to gather data to advocate for state-funded program expansion. - Jose Lopez, retired El Paso police officer and program lead at Rio Vista Behavioral Health Hospital, described the hospital's dedicated first responder program, including 40 beds (out of 152 total) for military/first responders. He highlighted the unique physiological and psychological stressors of first responder work (e.g., average resting heart rate of 90 bpm, spiking to 150 bpm during incidents) and the importance of trauma-informed care that avoids

This was a special meeting of the El Paso City Council convened to enter executive session for candidate interviews for the internal auditor position. The meeting began at 1:03 PM and adjourned at 4:07 PM. Note: The meeting transcript states the date as Friday, February 20, 2026, which conflicts with the provided date of February 19, 2026. This summary uses the provided date. Executive Session - The council voted unanimously to retire into executive session under Section 3.5A of the El Paso City Charter and Texas Government Code Chapter 551 Subchapter D to discuss item 1: Candidate interviews for the internal auditor position (personnel matters and consultation with attorney). The session lasted from approximately 1:04 PM to 4:07 PM. Key Outcomes - No action was taken following the executive session. The council voted unanimously to adjourn at 4:07 PM.

The El Paso City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:01 AM in Council Chambers, with Mayor Bernard Johnson presiding. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, and discussion and action on 15 agenda items, including a data center policy framework, pothole repair practices, a charter amendment special election, and several economic development and infrastructure items. The meeting recessed at 1:36 PM and reconvened at 2:38 PM, adjourning at 6:15 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously with revisions (Item 26 postponed two weeks). Public Comments & Testimony - Data Centers (Item 13): Multiple speakers urged the council to adopt the data center policy framework and end the 380 agreement with Meta. Speakers expressed concerns about water consumption, energy use, environmental impacts, and potential rate increases. Key speakers included Jonathan Zayan (software engineer, presented 24-page document with six mandates), Sugat Borthaker (urged further restrictions), Vanessa Almale (resident of District 1, opposed data centers), Jay Mania (organizer, shared stories of community impacts), Anna Valpierra (urged ending 380 agreement), Giselle Fregoso (electrical engineer, opposed AI data centers), Lucas Soto (17-year-old student, opposed), Diana Ramirez (Central Neighborhood Association, asked how the city reached this point), Maria Garcia (former journalist, called it a legacy-defining moment), and others. Holly Davis (Meta community development manager) spoke in favor, citing commitments to water positivity, clean energy, and job creation. - Pigeon Trapping (Call to the Public): Claudia Contreras Siller, Josie Karen, Raul Castañeda, and others raised concerns about an individual trapping pigeons, alleging animal cruelty and lack of oversight. They requested investigation and enforcement of hunting licenses. - Animal Services (Call to the Public): Barbara Valencia criticized the Community Return to Owner program, stating 78% of animals remained unaccounted for. Ron Como and René Corral also raised concerns about stray dogs and the Haas sheltering plan. - Other Topics: Patricia Osman spoke about a GIMP mask and prostitution allegations; Jose Gastón Barriga urged a unified command for emergency communications; Elizabeth Crawford spoke about abortion and racism; Sandra Olivas and neighbors described safety and sanitation issues at 7001 Casaloma Circle; Celinda Cruz requested a city medical entomologist. Discussion Items - Item 13 – Data Center Policy Framework: Representatives Boyar Trejo and Acevedo proposed a 60-day pause on new data center negotiations, a framework for community engagement and utility coordination, and a legal analysis of existing 380 agreements. After extensive debate and amendments, the council approved a modified motion (5-4, with Mayor breaking tie) that removed the 60-day deadline and the words "all current" from the legal analysis directive. The final motion directs the city manager to develop a proposed data center policy framework prioritizing community engagement and utility providers, and the city attorney to conduct a legal analysis of 380 agreements with data centers to identify best practices. - Item 14 – Pothole Repair Practices: Representative Trejo presented a proposal to evaluate and implement improvements to pothole repair methods, including criteria for repeated failures and stronger utility-related inspection. The motion failed 2-6, with council members noting ongoing improvements by Streets and Maintenance and the need for budget discussions. - Item 15 – City Charter Amendment Special Election: Representative Acevedo proposed initiating a charter amendment process for November 2026. City Manager Dionne Mack estimated costs of $1.2-1.6 million. The motion failed 2-6, with council citing high costs and the need for earlier planning. - Item 16 – Pavement Markings Contract: Approved unanimously. - Item 17 – State Legislative Agenda: Approved unanimously. The agenda outlines priorities for the 90th Texas Legislature, including protecting local authority, securing fair state investment, and supporting public safety and housing. - Items 18 & 19 – Public Art Master Plan and Annual Plan: Approved unanimously. The 10-year master plan (2026-2036) and 2026 annual plan were adopted, emphasizing community engagement, local artists, and diversified funding. - Item 20 – Golf Course Operation Agreement: Approved unanimously. A 30-year concession agreement with EP Golf Co. LLC for Lone Star Golf Club includes $1.3 million in capital improvements, shifting infrastructure maintenance to the concessionaire, and increasing airport revenue. - Item 21 – Advanced Manufacturing Incentive Policy: Approved unanimously. The policy establishes incentives for manufacturers in the Advanced Manufacturing District, including a $1.2 million allocation from the Texas Economic Development Fund for defense readiness. - Item 22 – Advanced Manufacturing District GMP: Approved unanimously. A $26.1 million guaranteed maximum price for construction of a 50,000 sq. ft. warm shell building, infrastructure, and amenities. - Item 23 – 380 Infill Development Agreement: Approved unanimously. A $30,554 incentive package for a fourplex at 911 Tays Street in Segundo Barrio. - Item 24 – Accounts Receivable Audit Follow-up: Approved unanimously. The second follow-up found the Office of the Comptroller had addressed three original findings, though department-level implementation remains. - Item 25 – Budget Transfer for Bike Improvements: Approved unanimously. $159,198.55 transferred from 2020 capital funding to resurface Virginia Street for downtown bike lane phase one. - Item 27 – Tree Grant Application: Approved unanimously. The city will apply for a $50,000 Texas A&M Forest Service grant (with $50,000 match) to plant 250 trees in low-tree-equity areas. Key Outcomes - Item 13 – Data Center Policy Framework: Adopted (5-4) with amendments removing the 60-day deadline and the words "all current" from the legal analysis directive. The motion authorizes the city manager to develop a framework and the city attorney to analyze 380 agreements. - Item 14 – Pothole Repair Practices: Failed (2-6). - Item 15 – Charter Amendment Special Election: Failed (2-6). - Items 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27: All approved unanimously. - Executive Session: No action taken on legal advice regarding the February 10, 2026 temporary flight restriction notice.

Mayor Johnson presided over a work session of the El Paso City Council on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 9:02 AM to 1:42 PM. A quorum was present. The meeting featured two main presentations: one on community outreach and beautification programs, and another on the city’s five-year financial forecast. The council then entered executive session to discuss legal and economic development matters, taking action on several items. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Records Outreach Presentation: Ms. Wrecker, owner/operator of Reconnecting with the Disconnected (youth program) and Wreckers Outreach (transitional housing for homeless veterans), presented a partnership proposal to expand community engagement. Her organization is the affiliate for Keep Texas Beautiful and offers an 8‑week structured program for at‑risk youth ages 12–18, combining social‑emotional learning, life skills, and weekend community service (minimum 5 hours/week). Youth must improve school attendance and grades; tardiness adds extra service hours. The program also provides lawn care and cleanup for seniors and veterans unable to maintain their properties. Statistics cited: 201 tires collected in one illegal dump cleanup, 266 students enrolled in the last year, a goal of 150 residential cleanups and 600 youth volunteers annually. Ms. Wrecker noted partnerships with Environmental Services (ESD) for dumpsters and PPE and desires formal collaboration with Code Enforcement, neighborhood associations, and all council districts. Council members expressed strong support, with several pledging to participate in district cleanups. Staff confirmed that a formal partnership agreement is being drafted with the City Attorney’s office. Representative Nino committed full support; Representative Limon praised the program’s impact on recidivism and civic pride. The presentation was informational; no vote was taken. - Item 2 – FY2027‑2031 Financial Forecast: Robert Cortina (Budget Director) and Sasha Landonowski presented the five‑year outlook as a planning tool. Key revenue assumptions: property tax growth is expected to taper to 2% annually (down from recent double‑digit increases), and sales tax growth is projected at 3.4% (year‑to‑date actuals at 8%). Property and sales tax together constitute 72% of general fund revenue. Expenditure growth is forecast at over 4% annually, driven by rising personnel costs (72% of general fund), health care absorption (9–12% annual increases), collective bargaining obligations, and planned police officer additions (45 net new officers in FY2026, 220 by 2031). Fire department staffing costs remain high. The gap between revenue growth (2.3%) and expenditure growth (4%) widens each year, resulting in a projected structural deficit. Cortina emphasized that this is a forecast, not a budget; the city has consistently adopted balanced budgets. Trade‑offs will be necessary, and the presentation is intended to guide the upcoming strategic planning session. Council members noted opportunities such as returning city‑owned properties to the tax rolls, pursuing grants (e.g., SAFER), and increasing sales tax through economic development and large events (e.g., BTS, Post Malone). The detailed 24‑page backup document was distributed. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: None. - Executive Session Actions (all taken after return to open session): - EX2: Motion passed unanimously to deny the claim of Marisol Rodriguez (claim 888). - EX3: Motion passed 7–1 (Representative Acevedo opposed) to deny the claim of Alberto Duran (claim 610). - EX4: Motion passed unanimously to authorize the City Attorney to settle United States of America vs. City of El Paso, case no. 323‑CV‑00044. - EX5: No action. - EX6: Motion passed unanimously to file a motion for rehearing with the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding Texas Gas Service Company’s rate increase request (docket OS‑25‑0282‑02, utility‑67). - EX7, EX8, EX9, EX10: No action. - Adjournment: Motion passed unanimously; work session adjourned at 1:42 PM.

The El Paso Mass Transit Department Board convened on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 12:10 PM. The meeting lasted approximately four minutes. Chair Johnson presided, with board members Chavez, Acevedo, Maldonado, Rocha, Niño, Limon, and Canales present. Board members Boyart Trejo and Fierro were excused. The board unanimously approved a consent agenda and a sole source purchase order for alternators and parts. Consent Calendar - Items 1 and 2 (minutes and requests to excuse board members Boyart Trejo and Fierro) were approved unanimously without discussion. The consent agenda was enacted by a single motion from board member Limon, seconded by board member Canales. Discussion Items - Item 3 – Sole Source Purchase Order (Solicitation 2026-0159) - The board discussed and approved a request to authorize the Director of Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing to issue a purchase order to Romane Electric Corporation, the sole authorized distributor, for new alternators and parts. The contract is for an initial term of three years with an estimated amount of $255,000. - Deputy Transit Officer Jerry DeMiro explained that the decrease in quantity compared to prior years was due to the addition of newer buses to the fleet, which reduced the need for older alternators. He stated: “This is because of the newer buses that have been added to the fleet. Our cost goes down.” - Board member Limon made the motion to approve the item as a sole source, seconded by board member Canales. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously. - Item 3 approved unanimously. The purchase order to Romane Electric Corporation for $255,000 over three years will be issued. - Meeting adjourned at 12:14 PM.

The El Paso City Council met on February 3, 2026, from 10:07 a.m. to 9:12 p.m., covering proclamations, extensive public testimony, and action on numerous agenda items. Key highlights included proclamations honoring local organizations, a directive to develop a plan to prevent ICE detention facilities within city limits, approval of street resurfacing contracts totaling over $55 million, and several audit acceptances. Proclamations - Combat Fighting Championship (CFC): Roland Rios, Jose Carlos Pacheco, and Marco Vallejo presented the organization's growth from 1,400 to 3,100 attendees per event, $120,000 per event in local spending, 300 hotel room nights, and plans for a foundation serving 2,000 underprivileged youth with 500 mentorship hours and 200 scholarships. - El Paso Children's Hospital Day: Recognized 14 years of service, 148 beds, over 20 specialties, a recent Toyota partnership for traumatic brain injury treatment, and named Best Hospital in El Paso Times for the second consecutive year. Staff highlighted awards including the only pediatric intensive care unit in the region. - Black History Hall of Fame Inductees: February 3rd proclaimed as El Paso Black Hall of Fame Day, honoring inductees including posthumous recipients. Inductees spoke about service, community, and the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. - Community Partners in Action: Recognized Sam's Club Store 6246 for supporting veterans' memorials and community events. - National Engineers Week: Proclaimed February 22-28, 2026, recognizing engineers at El Paso Electric, TxDOT, and UTEP's College of Engineering, which enrolled 5,400 students in fall 2025 and graduated 886 engineers. Consent Calendar Approved with revisions: excusing Representative Boyar Trejo, revising a fire department item (replacing "public safety" with "Office of the Governor"), moving items to the regular agenda, deleting items per council members, and amending a contract renewal limit from 60 to 90 days. Public Comments & Testimony Item 34 (ICE Detention Facilities): Over 30 speakers addressed the council. Students from Eastwood High School (Alisa Aguirre, Zaley Buck, Leilani Davis, Sofia Gutierrez) presented a petition with over 1,200 signatures gathered in 48 hours, urging opposition to new ICE detention centers. Many community members, including social workers, attorneys, activists, and faith leaders, described inhumane conditions at existing facilities and called for action. Notable speakers included: - Jessica Morales, a social worker who oversaw detention operations, argued detention is a business model that drains resources. - Marisa Limon Garza, executive director of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, detailed medical neglect and due process violations. - Claudia Contreras Siller supported law enforcement and cautioned against violence. - A retired DOJ attorney, Eduardo Castillo, emphasized constitutional rights. Call to the Public: Topics included a drug house complaint (3628 Wickham), animal cruelty (pigeon trapping, cat deaths), enforcement of a rooster covenant, proposals for disc golf courses at Paul Harvey and HT Ponsford parks, recognition of BorderRAC's work during a water main break, and concerns about city spending and abortion. Other Items: Heidi Sowens (Short-Term Rental Alliance) supported item 27; Patricia Osman raised concerns about Project Bravo contracting; Michael Bray spoke in favor of the short-term rental definition. Discussion Items Item 27 – Short-Term Rental Definition: Unanimously approved after a three-year collaborative process between staff, the Greater El Paso Association of Realtors, and the El Paso Short-Term Rental Alliance. The new definition clarifies short-term rental regulation. Item 30 – City Manager Contract Authority: Failed 2-3. Would have raised the city manager's contract award threshold from $50,000 to $100,000; council members cited transparency and accountability concerns. Item 32 – Litigation Briefing Before Contract Awards: Passed 5-1 after amendments. Directs the city attorney to brief council in executive session on litigation history (going back 10 years) of contract awardees. An amendment to require a legal review within 15 days failed. Item 34 – Plan of Action to Prevent ICE Detention Facilities: Passed after amendments. The original motion by Representative Limon and Canales was amended (4-3) to remove El Paso Water from the collaboration. A second amendment (unanimous) added a 60-day directive for the city manager and attorney to research a protocol preventing warrantless entry, explore a moratorium on permits/zoning for ICE facilities, and produce a report on city-ICE cooperation. Item 44 – Street Resurfacing List 2026-2027: Approved unanimously. Staff presented a $63.18 million plan covering 78 center-lane miles. Council members debated equitable distribution, with concerns raised about District 7's low PCI score receiving a smaller allocation compared to newer districts. Item 45 – Van Horn Water Pressure Zone Grant: Approved unanimously. Provided $600,000 from the TED program fund to help Van Horn lift a commercial water moratorium, leveraging an EDA grant and local matches totaling $3 million, supporting tourism and aerospace industries. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved as revised. - First Reading of Ordinances: Approved items 20-23. - Property Sales (Items 24-26): Three property conveyances approved unanimously (Bassett Ave, Mills Addition, Dolan St). - Short-Term Rental Definition (Item 27): Unanimously adopted. - Rezoning and Special Permit (Items 28-29): Unanimously approved for a contractor yard on Gateway South. - City Manager Contract Authority (Item 30): Failed 2-3. - Public Service Board Appointment (Item 31): Stephanie Block Urubati appointed 5-1. - Litigation Briefing (Item 32): Approved 5-1 with 10-year lookback. - Anti-Littering Strategy (Item 33): Unanimously approved a 90-day directive. - ICE Detention Plan (Item 34): Approved with amendments. - Housing Tax Credits (Items 50-51): Unanimously approved resolutions of support for all three projects (Cielo Towers 2, East Side Crossings 2, Siesta Garden) after an amendment; item 51 (acknowledging census tract) approved. - Municipal Court Magistrate (Item 53): Corey A. Harbor appointed unanimously. - Street Resurfacing and Bike Contracts (Items 40, 41, 43, 44): All approved unanimously (downtown bike improvements $2,065,000.09; collector/arterial streets $35,427,150; residential streets $19,839,245.50; street list resolution). - Van Horn Grant (Item 45): Approved unanimously. - Audit Acceptances (Items 46-48): Animal Services West Side Adoption Center, El Paso Zoo financial activity, and Planning Inspections permit review follow-up audits accepted unanimously. - Civil Engineering On-Call Contracts (Item 49): Approved unanimously ($750,000 each to three firms). - Termination of Airport Security Contract (Item 52): Unanimously approved terminating KR Contracting due to TSA violations. - Recess and Lunch: A motion to recess for lunch failed; council later recessed from 3:09 p.m. to 4:03 p.m. Additional Items - Presentation on Entertainment Venue Enforcement (Item 37): Code Enforcement provided data on pool rental enforcement, with 57 calls for service and citations issued. - ARPA Update (Item 38): Staff reported 94% ($145.4 million) of $154.3 million obligated/spent, with remaining $8.9 million to be spent by December 31, 2026. - First Quarter Financial Report (Item 39): A slight surplus projected; no use of the $3.25 million fund balance expected.

The El Paso City Council held a work session on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 9:05 AM to 11:08 AM. Mayor Johnson presided with a quorum present (Representative Boyatrejo excused). The session featured presentations from Project Arriba and the Medical Center of the Americas (MCA), followed by an executive session and subsequent votes. Project Arriba Annual Report Roman Ortiz, CEO of Project Arriba, presented the FY2024–2025 annual report. Key highlights: 500 individuals served in years one and two (ahead of schedule), 88% persistence rate, 168 job placements with average wages of $29/hour (over $60,000/year). Participants entered the program earning about $7,500 and graduated in roughly 2.5 years. The City invested $350,000, matched with $1.3 million from state, federal, and private funds. An economic impact study by the Hunt Institute found a $1.17 billion return to the local economy over 25 years (28:1 ROI). Council members (e.g., Representative Limon, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez) expressed strong support, calling it the best economic development program in El Paso. Medical Center of the Americas Annual Report Carlos Ortega, President and CEO of MCA, introduced three participants: Dr. David Sistola (founder of T2 Your Health), Callie Martinez (clinical research training graduate), and Edward Dunn (STEM program participant). Dr. Sistola described MCA as a "lifeline" for his startup, providing lab space, business mentoring, and clinical trial coordination. Callie Martinez completed a clinical research coordinator training and internship, securing a full-time position at El Paso iSurgeons. Edward Dunn shared how MCA STEM camps foster curiosity and real-world skills. Michaela Johnson reported that clinical trials grew 548% over the past decade, now running 438 trials annually across 77 sites, generating 196 high-wage jobs and an estimated $131 million in annual revenue. Council members (e.g., Representative Maldonado Rocha) commended the free training and economic impact. Executive Session and Actions The Council voted unanimously to delete Executive Session Item 6 before entering executive session. They then retired to executive session (9:36 AM to 11:07 AM) to discuss items EX1–5 and EX7 under Texas Government Code sections 551.071 and 551.072. Upon return, the Council took the following action on EX1: a motion (by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, seconded by Representative Limon) to deny the plaintiff's settlement demand in Timothy Palmer v. City of El Paso, authorize retaining outside counsel, and take all necessary steps. The motion passed unanimously. No action was taken on EX2, EX3, EX4, EX5, and EX7. Key Outcomes - Unanimous deletion of Executive Session Item 6. - Unanimous approval of action on Executive Session Item 1 (deny settlement demand, retain outside counsel). - No action on remaining executive session items. The work session adjourned at 11:08 AM.

The El Paso City Council met on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:02 AM, recessed for lunch at 12:58 PM, reconvened at 2:02 PM, and adjourned at 9:01 PM. The meeting included multiple proclamations, public comments, presentations on animal-related ordinances, a detailed briefing on the Northeast water main break, budget transfers, deprogramming of capital projects, and approval of a Vision Zero quick-build program. Several votes were taken, including a 6-2 vote to change the council representative on the MPO and a 4-3 vote to postpone a downtown bike improvement contract. Consent Calendar - Approved as revised, including moving items 3, 5, 10, 30, 31, and 43 to the regular agenda, and postponing item 5 for two weeks. Item 10 (MPO appointment) was voted on separately and approved 6-2. - First reading of ordinances (items 20-23) approved unanimously. - Item 24 (conveyance of real property) approved unanimously. - Items 25-27 (El Paso Water land sales) approved unanimously after public comment from Joe Garibay requesting a conservation easement. Public Comments & Testimony - Ron Como (agenda item 28): Expressed concern that the proposed vicious dog ordinance does not address stray dogs; urged inclusion of input from rescues and enforcement of existing laws. - Elizabeth Crawford: Spoke in favor of sanctity of life month. - Patricia Osman: Criticized lack of transparency, city complicity in immigration detention, and questioned P-card spending and campaign contributions. - Jose Gaston Barriga: Alleged ADA noncompliance and deceptive parking practices at the airport; urged filling the chief internal auditor position. - Priscilla Hernandez & Katie Garcia: Alleged that park concessions are being resold at inflated prices to vendors by leagues and city officials. - Claudia Contreras Siller: Supported the vicious dog designation fee; asked for enforcement against aggressive stray dogs. - Joe Garibay (item 27): Urged a conservation easement for the 1,055-acre land sale to the state park; stated the current covenant is insufficient. - Patricia Osman (items 18-19): Criticized P-card spending on travel and catering, and questioned campaign contributions from city vendors. - Joe Garibay (item 3): Expressed disappointment that the Open Space Advisory Board was not notified about the deprogramming of the Palisades Trailhead project. - Patricia Osman (item 37-38): Criticized deprogramming of Grandview Park lighting while funding landscaping; questioned the bike lane plan downtown. - Sylvia Carrion (item 38): Supported sports field lighting in District 7; urged community engagement before deprogramming. Discussion Items - Proclamations: Recognized El Paso Police Department Chaplaincy Day (50 years of service), Crystal Poppin' Day (rapper and community advocate), Habitat for Humanity Day (69th home built, 1,200+ families served), and La Nube Steam Discovery Center Day (international award, 350,000+ visitors). - Animal-Related Ordinances (Items 30-31, 28-29): The city attorney presented on current animal enforcement, including the gap in law for animal-on-animal attacks. The police department's Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit reported 231 case investigations, 53 warrants, and 45 arrests in 2025. Council heard details on proposed vicious dog and aggressive dog ordinances, which were later approved unanimously. The ordinances allow for impoundment and require registration, signage, and owner education. - Northeast Water Main Break (Item 43): El Paso Water presented on the January 2026 36-inch water main break affecting 38,000 connections, with a boil water notice lasting four days. The utility estimated 15 million gallons lost. The damaged pipe was 70 years old. Council members expressed frustration over delayed emergency notifications, communication gaps, and the timing of the PSB rate meeting during the crisis. The utility will conduct an after-action review and consider credits for affected customers. - Budget and Revenue Presentation (Item 32): The Office of Management and Budget outlined a structural revenue imbalance, with 72% of general fund revenue from property and sales tax, but expenditures outpacing revenue. The city faces constraints from state-imposed caps and expiring ARPA funds. A strategic planning session is set for February 23-24, 2026. - Public Safety Bonds Update (Items 33-34): Capital Improvement presented on the 2019 public safety bond ($413 million). Projects completed include the East Side Regional Command and fire station renovations. Budget transfers were approved to fund fire station renovations and the public safety complex, using $36.2 million in project savings and investment interest. - Downtown Bicycle Improvements (Item 35): A $2.59 million contract for 4 miles of bike lanes was initially voted down 4-3, then postponed for two weeks after a motion to reconsider passed. Concerns were raised about the contractor's TextDot pre-qualification status and pending litigation. - Deprogramming of Capital Projects (Items 3, 37, 38): Council approved deprogramming several projects due to budget constraints, including median improvements, sports field lighting, the Palisades Trailhead, and a trail section. The Tom Lee Park slope rehabilitation was also deprogrammed after a fence mitigated the issue. $1.8 million in unspent bond funds will be transferred to the unprogrammed project balance. - Vision Zero Quick Build Program (Item 39): Approved unanimously. The program will use $750,000 of existing Vision Zero funds to install low-cost, semi-permanent safety improvements (e.g., curb extensions, bike lanes, traffic circles) in areas with documented crash histories. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously: Consent agenda as revised, ordinances on vicious/aggressive dogs (Items 28-29), land sales (Items 24-27), public safety bond budget transfers (Item 34), Posey Shell sole source contract (Item 36), Vision Zero quick-build policy (Item 39), and executive session settlements (EX1, EX2, EX4). - Approved 6-2: Appointment of Rep. Josh Acevedo to the MPO (Item 10), replacing Rep. Canales. Reps. Canales and Limon voted nay. - Approved 6-1: Budget transfer of confiscated funds (Item 41). Rep. Canales voted nay. - Approved 6-1: Deprogramming of capital projects (Items 3, 37, 38). Rep. Acevedo voted nay. - Postponed for two weeks: Downtown bicycle improvements contract (Item 35) after a 4-3 vote to postpone. Reps. Chavez, Rocha, Nino, and Acevedo voted in favor; Reps. Fierro, Limon, and Canales voted against. - Executive Session: Council authorized the city attorney to accept a mediator's proposal in one case, reject a settlement offer in another, and hire outside counsel to intervene in an El Paso Electric Company rate case. No action was taken on other executive session items.

The El Paso City Council convened on January 6, 2026, at 10:02 A.M. in the City Chambers, presided over by Mayor Renard Johnson. The meeting began with a pledge of allegiance, the Mayor's proclamations recognizing Lady Rumble Day, Esteen Davis Day, and Lone Star Emmy Award winners, followed by public comments covering recreational facilities, animal services, and local governance. The Council then proceeded to approve various agenda items, including the renaming of a sports complex, technology initiatives for K-12 education, park construction, lighting enhancements, and zoning changes, concluding with executive session deliberations on utility rate applications. Consent Calendar - The Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, with a revision by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez to move Item 26 (El Paso Computes program) to the regular agenda for discussion. - First reading of ordinances (Items 10-18) was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Jamie Fisher: Expressed full support for Agenda Item 27 (East Side Regional Park Phase 2), highlighting the project's 10 pickleball courts as a vital resource for community health and social interaction for military families and residents. - Public Speakers on Animal Services: Expressd strong concern and opposition regarding El Paso Animal Services. Speakers Ron Comwell, Karen Washington, and Darlene Drincoin alleged misreporting of stray animal data, lack of adherence to city ordinances regarding microchipping, and the unnecessary deployment of multiple trucks with catch poles for a single dog, describing the handling as inhumane and a waste of resources. They called for immediate accountability and staff retraining. - Denise Rodriguez: Expressed urgent concern regarding public safety and called for a position change requiring all bars and clubs to close no later than 12:00 A.M. and mandatory breathalyzer tests before exit to reduce drunk driving fatalities. - Jesse Romero: Expressed enthusiasm for the recent Winterfest at San Jacinto Plaza and advocated for the expansion of the plaza and improved utilization of existing parking structures to boost tourism and community access. - Eduardo Chavez: Expressed concern over water billing costs and potential mismanagement of the water department's budget, specifically questioning the necessity of high expenditures on airport fencing and standby generators, and raised fears regarding water quality in Bell City. - Elizabeth Crawford: Expressed moral and religious opposition to abortion, drawing parallels between Herod's actions in the Bible and modern abortion practices, and cited the work of Alveda King. Discussion Items - Renaming East Side Sports Complex: Representative Nino proposed renaming the ESI Sports Complex to the Richard A. Castro East Side Sports Complex. Speaker Don Olivas and multiple council members expressed deep appreciation for Castro's decades of mentorship, financial support for youth sports, and educational initiatives, stating he is a "hidden jewel" deserving of permanent recognition. Dr. Castro delivered an emotional speech thanking the community for the honor. - El Paso Computes Program: Dr. Clifton Tannabe (UTEP) and staff presented the "El Paso Computes" initiative, a program funded by ARPA grants to build computational competencies and AI knowledge among K-12 teachers and students. The project aims to impact 20,000 underserved students. Speakers expressed strong support for the program's focus on equipping educators with AI tools and its potential to future-proof the local workforce. - East Side Regional Park Phase 2 (Item 27): Capital Improvements staff presented the project to add 650,000 square feet of amenities, including 10 pickleball courts. Representative Nino expressed full support for the project as the fulfillment of a nearly 20-year promise to District 5, praising the collaboration that increased the court count from four to ten to accommodate regional tournaments. - Sun City Lights Program (Item 20): Capital Improvements and Urban Design presented an ordinance amendment to exempt specific public art projects (Alebrijes and light-accented shade structures) from standard outdoor lighting codes. Representatives expressed support for the project's "placemaking" goals and the durability of the fiberglass concrete art installations. - Zoning Amendment (Item 21): A public hearing was held to rezone a property at 1991 South Kleinfeld from a single-family apartment district to a commercial district to accommodate a new commercial daycare. Council supported the change with conditions, including a landscape buffer and restrictions on amplified music, to protect the adjacent residential neighborhood. - Utility Executive Sessions: The Council reviewed utility rate applications. Mayor Pro Tem Chavez expressed a specific position to delete the motion regarding El Paso Electric Company's rate change (EX2), stating no action was discussed. However, the Council moved forward with a position to hire outside counsel to intervene in the El Paso Electric Company's application to amend its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a 365-megawatt natural gas facility (EX3). Key Outcomes - Unanimous Approval of Consent Agenda with one item moved to regular discussion. - Unanimous Approval to rename the ESI Sports Complex to the Richard A. Castro East Side Sports Complex in honor of his contributions to youth mentorship. - Unanimous Approval of the resolution for the El Paso Computes program (moved to discussion). - Unanimous Approval of the award of solicitation 2025-0545 to Grayson Engineering and Construction Inc. for the East Side Regional Park Phase 2 project, valued at $11,707,607, to be constructed this spring. - Unanimous Approval of the district discretionary fund expenditure of up to $2,000 (Item 22) and $5,000 (Item 23) for District 4 programs. - Unanimous Approval of the district discretionary fund expenditure of up to $5,000 for District 8 programs (Item 25). - Unanimous Approval of the ordinance amendment for the Sun City Lights Program to permit custom lighting for public art projects. - Unanimous Approval of the zoning change for 1991 South Kleinfeld to allow a commercial daycare, subject to specific buffer and usage conditions. - Executive Session Actions: The motion for EX2 (El Paso Electric rate change application) was deleted without discussion. A motion to hire outside counsel for EX3 (El Paso Electric certificate of convenience and necessity amendment) was passed unanimously. - Meeting Adjourned at 12:57 P.M.