Public Meetings - El Paso, Texas

This meeting of the El Paso City Council, held on December 16, 2025, began with a series of ceremonial proclamations recognizing local organizations and individuals for their contributions to the community, followed by public comment sessions addressing utility rates, procurement contracts, and homelessness. The council proceeded to discuss and vote on various regular agenda items, including street resurfacing contracts, zoning changes, economic development incentives, and community funding allocations, facing significant scrutiny and debate regarding contractor performance and the allocation of taxpayer funds. Consent Calendar - Approved with revisions: Item 5 (Thunder Canyon PIT dissolution) moved to regular agenda by Rep. Chavez; Item 14 deleted by Rep. Canales; Item 19 (Airport Appraisal Services) moved to regular agenda by Rep. Acevedo; Item 21 deleted per Real Estate Division; Item 18 moved to regular agenda by Rep. Acevedo. - Item 6 (Electrical easement) moved to regular agenda by Rep. Lime. - Item 4 (Solid waste liens) noted but no separate motion to remove; public comment requested by Rep. Osman regarding the program. - Unanimously approved the amended consent agenda after revisions. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Lisa Turner expressed strong opposition to any Chapter 380 agreements, stating the council serves only 200 people rather than all citizens, and argued that taxpayers are subsidizing billionaires who do not need financial assistance while being charged additional fees for road usage. She demanded accountability regarding utility rate increases and the lack of representation for the elderly and disabled on the Public Service Board. - Ms. Gloria Cron (Gloria Canaan) requested assistance regarding a 1996 housing repair loan where the City allegedly opened a new account and demanded insurance for her home without proof of non-payment; she stated she has been waiting over 20 months for promised repairs that never occurred. - Gloria Cron (Speaker 2) requested a meeting with the Mayor regarding unresolved issues with city grants and alleged illegal coercion regarding a contract. - Elizabeth Crawford spoke regarding pro-life issues, mentioning the "abortion industry" exploding in New Mexico and expressing concern over "throwaway kids" and the influence of abortion pills shipping into Texas. - Ron Como advocated for cats against animal cruelty and urged the council to remove the "Haas Sheltering Plan" and associated organizations from the city's Animal Services management, citing low stray pick-up numbers and negative environmental impacts. - Malik Tariq Mahmoud supported Ms. Cron's testimony regarding alleged illegal contract practices involving human development department scams and urged the council to address corruption starting at the local level. - Eddie Travis Jr. highlighted the lack of water and sewer access in the Montana Vista colony, stating that residents have lived there for 20 years without utilities and that the city failed to build necessary colony buildings or outreach locations for them. - Ms. Osman criticized the Sun Metro online reporting software as a "nightmare" for citizens trying to report crimes, and expressed concern that El Paso Water community meetings were segregated by location and contained misinformation regarding wage increases and poverty rates. - Ms. Turner reiterated opposition to utility fees and Chapter 380 agreements, comparing the subsidization of multimillionaires to communism. Discussion Items - Proclamations: The council accepted proclamations for: the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl (Mayor Renard Johnson signed); Imperial Border Squad/Desert Inferno Squad (Star Wars charitable groups); Judy Marie Remo (Ruth's Chris Steakhouse manager); and La Tapatia (75th anniversary of the family-owned tortilla business). Representatives expressed support for the economic and charitable contributions of these groups. - Item 20 (Vehicle Washing): Rep. Osman questioned a 178.18% cost increase; staff explained the increase was due to the quantity rising from 500 to 900 vehicles and the addition of hand-washing options for specialty vehicles. - Item 31 (Wrestler Drive Vacation): Donations from Brent Harris to three council members were disclosed. Staff explained the donation was from the landowner seeking to acquire right-of-way for uniform development. The item passed unanimously. - Item 36 (Trotter Memorial Park): Unanimously renamed Fortaleza Park to Trotter Memorial Park in memory of Sebastian and Charlotte Trotter, children who tragically died in a New Mexico flash flood. The council praised the community's support and the family's resilience. - Item 38 (Water Community Meetings): Directed El Paso Water to conduct eight district-specific community meetings before the January 14, 2026 budget vote. Rep. Osman expressed concern about geographic segregation preventing access to meetings; Water staff confirmed they could accommodate eight meetings, potentially combining districts if necessary for logistics while maintaining separate sessions. - Item 42 (Street Resurfacing - ZTEX): Awarded a $17.5 million contract to ZTEX Construction. The council debated the contractor's previous 63% completion rate on a prior contract and their high reputation score despite that performance. Reps. Chavez and Acevedo voted nay, expressing concern that the community expects 100% completion and that the company's speed was insufficient. Reps. Mack and others defended the procurement process and the department's efforts to catch up on the backlog, citing a 3-month lead time for rebidding as a risk to infrastructure progress. - Item 45 (Veterinary Vaccines): Awarded to Intervet Inc. (Merck Animal Health) following a tie-breaker drawing of lots, as two vendors submitted identical prices. Public comment from Ms. Osman questioned the fairness of the process and potential influences. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Votes: Approved resolutions for renaming Fortaleza Park to Trotter Memorial Park; awarding vehicle washing services; vacating Wrestler Drive right-of-way; signing specific easements; appointing special permits; authorizing district discretionary funds (Districts 2, 3, and 8); directing eight water community meetings; awarding postal services and speed cushions; and authorizing pre-construction services for Sun Metro TOC. - 6-2 Vote (Item 42): Approved the contract with ZTEX Construction for street resurfacing ($17.5M), with Representatives Chavez and Acevedo voting against the motion due to concerns over the contractor's past performance (63% completion) and project speed. - Unanimous Vote (Item 45): Awarded the veterinary vaccine contract via the casting of lots. - Unanimous Vote (Item 47): Approved the Texas Economic Development (TED) Fund agreement for the Rancho del Rey Logistics Park ($2.325M funding for drainage infrastructure). - Unanimous Vote (Item 48): Approved a Chapter 380 amendment extending the Mills Plaza Properties project completion deadline by 12 months in exchange for increasing the minimum investment commitment to $30 million. - Adjournment: The regular meeting was adjourned at 2:41 PM, with the City Council wishing a Merry Christmas to the community.

The El Paso City Council convened on December 15, 2025, for a work session to review the proposed budget and rates for the El Paso Water Utility for the 2026-27 fiscal year, discuss a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Concanaco Servitur Mexico, and receive a fourth-quarter financial report for FY 2024-25. The session featured extensive deliberation on infrastructure investments, rate increase justifications, and the governance structure of the Public Service Board. Consent Calendar - No routine approvals or unanimous actions were listed on the consent calendar for this session. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary Woodruff (Sembrando Esperanzas): Expressed strong opposition to the proposed utility rate increases, arguing they disproportionately burden single parents, the elderly, disabled residents, and those on fixed incomes. She advocated for the termination of a contract with a proposed Meta data center, stating it would guarantee higher utility costs for working families. She urged the council to reject further utility increases and reconsider community engagement processes. - Patricia Osmond: Challenged the utility's claim that a Meta data center would not impact the budget, arguing that a facility consuming 400,000 to 550,000 gallons daily represents a significant increase (approximately 35-50%) of the city's daily water production. She criticized the community engagement survey (500 respondents) as insufficient for the city's population. During Item 4, she raised concerns regarding transparency in Neighborhood Associations (NIP), alleging they lack true representation and that funds are being misaligned without community awareness. Discussion Items El Paso Water Proposed Budget and Rates (Fiscal Year 2026-27) - Jeff Tepsick (El Paso Water President/CFO): Presenting a proposed budget of $1.2 billion for Water and Wastewater and $95 million for Stormwater. He stated that a 12% overall rate increase is necessary to address a $300 million Pure Water Center project, a $1.2 billion Bustamante Plant expansion, unfunded mandates (SB3 requiring $150M in generators), and anticipated growth on 4,000 acres north of Montana. He positioned the utility as non-profit with no shareholders, where all funds go to system maintenance and investment to avoid consent decrees like those seen in Houston. - Representative Chavez: Expressed concern regarding the 12% rate increase, noting it is a heavy burden on constituents despite necessary infrastructure work. She clarified that the increase funds a combination of current and future projects, not past projects. She noted that data centers have no direct impact on the current proposed budget. - Representative Nino: Questioned the affordability of current rates compared to other cities. He asked about the lack of income-based affordability programs, noting the city has been unsuccessful in securing state legislative authority for such programs. He requested data on late payments and future debt service coverage. - Representative Chavez (Governance): Voiced strong disagreement with the Public Service Board's (PSB) stance on accountability, arguing that stating the board is not accountable to voters is offensive to constituents. She criticized the timing and location of public meetings, suggesting the utility operates more like a private entity than a public utility regarding outreach. - Representative Canales: Defended the independence of the PSB, explaining it was created in 1952 to remove water governance from the political process to ensure reliability and prevent the raiding of funds. He argued that failing to invest in infrastructure leads to deferred costs that are far more expensive in the long run. He acknowledged that impact fees have not adequately covered growth costs, contributing to the rate increase. - Representative Fierro: Queried the impact of impact fees on rates, noting that a previous 28% increase (vs. a recommended 1,000% on the East side) shifts the burden to existing residents. He highlighted that the city council's failure to adjust impact fees annually perpetuates a cycle of subsidization. - Representative Rocha: Inquired about the specific impacts of SB3 and land sales funding. He noted that land sales provide 5% back to the city and that the $150M investment in generators for SB3 was an unforeseen unfunded mandate. He asked about the cost of the new headquarters building, confirming it is funded by ratepayers. - Representative Trejo: Challenged the utility's communication timeline and the lack of a tiered rate increase approach. He asked for specific dollar amounts regarding the consequences of not passing the budget, which the presentation team stated would be catastrophic but not quantified. Memorandum of Understanding with Concanaco Servitur - Israel & Adriana (Economic Development): Presented an MOU connecting El Paso with Concanaco Servitur, Mexico's largest network of chambers of commerce. They stated the agreement aligns with the city's international policy agenda and imposes no financial obligation. They noted stakeholder support and that it facilitates trade, investment, and entrepreneurship. - Representative Chavez: Offered cautious support, reiterating the need to ensure the partnership brings tangible business benefits back to El Paso rather than serving as a consultant for Mexico. She emphasized the fiduciary duty to taxpayers. - Representative Limon: Expressed strong support, praising the team for overcoming setbacks and commended the potential for a win-win binational economic ecosystem. - Council Action: The council approved unanimously (6-2) the resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign the MOU. FY 2024-25 Fourth Quarter Financial Report - Robert (Finance Director): Reported that revenues finished 0.1% under budget, while expenses exceeded the budget by 1.1% (approx $6.4 million). He stated that the use of fund balance (rainy day fund) was $6.9 million, reducing the number of operating days from 83 to 73 days. He explained that the decrease in unrestricted fund balance is due to the requirement to transfer funds into the restricted category to meet the city charter's 5% reserve requirement. - Representative Nino: Questioned the accuracy of franchise fee and sales tax projections, noting the difficulty in forecasting revenues 18 months out. - Representative Chavez: Asked about the outlook for the upcoming FY 2026 budget and the impact of utility rate increases on city operations. She expressed concern about the decline in operating days and the need to avoid using one-time revenue for ongoing costs. - Representative Trejo: Inquired about the 18% decrease in licenses and permits revenue, which staff attributed to a slowdown in residential building permits. He discussed the challenges of salary compression and utility cost increases. - Representative Rocha: Asked for specific data on deferred maintenance years and whether future maintenance costs are built into long-term forecasting. Staff explained that most maintenance is reactive, though they are working to improve facility inventory systems. Staff identified available revenue as the greatest challenge due to legislative limits. Key Outcomes - Item 2 (MOU): The City Council approved unanimously the resolution to authorize the City Manager to sign the MOU with Concanaco Servitur Mexico. - Item 3 (Financial Report): Council reviewed the fourth-quarter financials; no vote required as this was an informational update. The report highlighted a reduction in financial reserves (operating days dropped from 83 to 73). - Executive Session Actions: - EX1 (Villegas vs. City): Council voted 6-2 (with one abstention) to authorize the City Attorney to reject a settlement offer and participate in mediation regarding the case Anaí Chavez Villegas versus City of El Paso. - EX2 & EX3: No action was taken regarding rate applications for El Paso Electric and Texas Gas Service Company. - Work Session Adjournment: The work session was adjourned at 2:24 PM. - Upcoming Events: The Public Service Board is scheduled to vote on the El Paso Water budget proposal on January 14, 2026, with new rates effective March 1, 2026. Note: Public comment regarding the NIP project transparency led to a recess of the council meeting. The agenda item was returned to after a one-hour recess.

This meeting of the El Paso City Council, convened Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:03 a.m. with Mayor Bernard Johnson presiding, focused on celebrating community achievements through a series of mayoral proclamations and addressing routine administrative business. The Council honored the Fort Bliss Boss program, the Greater El Paso Association of Realtors (GEPAR), Bishop Mark Sites and border migrant advocacy groups, and the 35th anniversary of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The meeting included a moment of silence for the late Alicia Chacona, public testimony on religious topics, animal rights, water utility deposits, and infrastructure safety, and unanimous votes on the consent agenda, property sales, easement vacations, and personnel-related resolutions. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the consent agenda with no revisions per a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez and a second by Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Pierre. - Unanimously approved the first reading of five ordinances (Items 10–14). Public Comments & Testimony - Elizabeth Crawford: Expressed strong opposition to abortion based on religious conviction, arguing that belief in a God who cares leads women to choose life over abortion, especially during crisis pregnancies. She framed the issue through the lens of Hanukkah and the Advent season, urging Council to act as "the light of the world." - Claudia Contreras Siller: Expressed full support for a rigorous selection process for the new Animal Services director. She advocated for a leader with "brave" communication skills and experience fighting animal cruelty. She argued that the city must prioritize fostering over euthanasia and urged the public to report animal cruelty aggressively, stating that money spent on animal services is "sacred." - Laura Ochoa Todd: Expressed strong support for changing El Paso Water Utilities policy to refund customer deposits after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments. She argued that since the utility is publicly owned, it is unjust for them to retain deposit interest while citizens have met payment criteria, as currently required to close accounts to receive refunds. - Eddie Chavez Jr.: Expressed concern regarding the safety and budget oversight of the water department's overhead tanks and backup generators. He questioned who is monitoring the budget and the financial impact of the million-dollar generators sitting idle, suggesting the city should "keep an eye" on these assets and risks. Discussion Items - Fort Bliss Boss Day Proclamation: Represented Chavez read the proclamation honoring the "Fort Bliss Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS)" program for its contributions to soldier well-being and community service (hunger relief, cleanups, running). The program sponsor stated they are "integral" to the community and thanked the city for recognizing their mission readiness efforts. - GEPAR Day Proclamation: Represented Nino read the proclamation celebrating the Greater El Paso Association of Realtors. Tony Delgado, CEO of GEPAR, expressed full gratitude and stated that realtors are "huge advocates for private property rights" and "huge advocates for affordable housing." He detailed how their advocacy contributed to property tax relief measures, specifically noting the school tax exemption increase from $100,000 to $140,000, and up to $200,000 for those 65+ or disabled. - Bishop Mark Sites and Border Migrant Advocates Day Proclamation: Represented Limon read the proclamation honoring Bishop Sites and three organizations (Annunciation House, Hope Border Institute, Las Americas) for their humanitarian work. Bishop Sites expressed gratitude, stating the work is done with "radical love" and is a "recognition of our community." Marisa Limon Garzan, of Las Americas, expressed that they "stand in solidarity with the poor" and view their defense of rights as "radical and oppositional" in the current U.S. political climate. Dylan Corbett of Hope Border Institute voiced support for the community's unique response to migration, emphasizing that the work is born of "solidarity and... love." - Property Conveyance (Item 15): Staff presented the sale of 331 West Missouri to Dr. Roberto Moreno for $130,000, noting the property was appraised at $90,000. The Council voted to authorize the conveyance. - Easement Vacation (Item 16): Staff presented a request to vacate a 60-foot drainage easement north of Los Mochis Drive and west of I-10. The Planning Commission and staff recommended approval, noting utilities are no longer needed. The Council voted to adopt the resolution. - Appraisal District Voting Allocation (Item 17): Council discussed and approved the resolution for voting allocations for the El Paso Central Appraisal District Board, specifically naming Tanny Berg and Jackie York as the candidates receiving the highest vote counts. - District Discretionary Funds: - District One (Item 18): Represented Chavez moved to approve up to $5,000 to support youth, senior, and community engagement events. Council expressed full support for the initiative. - District Five (Item 19): Represented Nino moved to approve up to $5,000 for the initial costs of the "Adopt a Street" beautification program. Council expressed full support. - Vector Solutions Contract (Item 20): Council approved the re-award of the Vector Solutions training management system software. No opposition was voiced. - Stop Loss Insurance (Item 21): Council discussed the award of a one-year Stop Loss contract to Aetna Life Insurance Company for approximately $5.99 million. Representative Acevedo expressed skepticism regarding the lack of competition (only two proposals received), questioning if past disqualification of Blue Cross Blue Shield or purchasing process complexities deterred bidders. Mary Wiggins, Chief Human Resources Officer, clarified that Stop Loss for large self-funded entities is a specialized market with few providers; the annual RFP is necessary to ensure competitive rates. Aetna was noted as the sole provider of this specific coverage for the city at a 0% rate increase. Council voted unanimously to award. Key Outcomes - Proclamations Adopted: December 2, 2025, was officially designated as Fort Bliss BOSS Day, Greater El Paso Association of Realtors Day, Bishop Mark Sites and Border Migrant Advocates Day, and the 35th Anniversary of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. - Property Sale: Council unanimously approved the ordinance conveying 331 West Missouri to Dr. Roberto Moreno for $130,000. - Easement Vacated: Council unanimously adopted the ordinance vacating the specified drainage easement in Northwest El Paso. - Appraisal District: Council unanimously approved the resolution naming Tanny Berg and Jackie York for the Central Appraisal District Board positions. - Funding Allocations: Council unanimously approved $5,000 discretionary spending for District One community events and $5,000 for District Five's "Adopt a Street" program. - Insurance Contract: Council unanimously awarded the 2025-2026 Stop Loss insurance contract to Aetna Life Insurance Company for $5,987,728. - Meeting Adjournment: The regular meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m. with a motion by an unnamed council member and a second.

The El Paso Mass Transit Department Board convened on December 2, 2025, to review the implementation progress of the "Sun Metro Rising" network optimization plan, adopt routine consent items, and approve a sole-source contract for ticketing equipment. Board members engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the plan's impact on accessibility, specific community concerns about stop removals, and the digital divide. Consent Calendar - Routine Approvals: The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda via a motion by Board Member Limon and second by Board Member Fierro. The agenda included standard administrative and routine items that required no separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Comment Status: No public comments were recorded at the beginning of the meeting. - Board Member Concerns & Positions: - Representative [Name not specified in transcript, referred to as "Representative"] expressed concern regarding the distance between deactivated stops and newly assigned ones in District 1, specifically near a high school, questioning the feasibility of service for students and the ability to reactivate stops if necessary. - Representative Canalis expressed concern about unintended consequences for residents with mobility issues or the elderly who may need to walk 5 to 15 minutes to new stops, questioning whether the analysis definitively ensured accessibility for all. - Representative Canalis also raised concerns about infrastructure maintenance (e.g., rocks, trash, broken bottles) on pathways leading to new stops and the digital divide, worrying that elderly constituents would not understand digital interfaces without sufficient paper flyer distribution. - Representative Canalis questioned the safety risks for elderly constituents having to cross major highways (specifically referencing the Bridge of the Americas area) to reach reactivated stops. - Representative Canalis expressed a desire to salvage and repurpose existing bus benches rather than disposing of them, suggesting the city transfer usable benches to other parks. Discussion Items - Sun Metro Rising Plan Update: Director Anthony (Sun Metro) and consultant Nelson Igar presented the "Sun Metro Rising" optimization plan. - Project Description: The plan simplifies the network by reducing routes from 52 to 39, reducing the number of buses by two, and cutting frequency wait times by 16 minutes. It aims to reduce indirect routes, extend service hours (20 of 39 routes gaining 2 hours, 6 routes until 10:30-11:00 PM), and introduce a microtransit pilot program that integrates with the "Brio" system and existing corridors. - Performance Data: The Director cited that ridership is recovering at a rate 26% faster than the industry, reaching 6.9 million annually (up from 9 million pre-COVID, but industry recovery is only at 50%). The plan projects that 95.3% of riders will see improved frequency, while 0.8% may face a 5-15 minute walk to a new stop. - Accessibility Commitments: The team stated a commitment to fixing curb cuts, noting a reduction from 27 problematic stops to 6 by the end of December, with a specific $500,000 annual budget for stop improvements. They asserted a commitment to reassess the network six months post-implementation to make adjustments. - Outreach Strategy: The Board discussed a comprehensive outreach plan running from September to June, involving face-to-face engagement with riders, physical posters, digital maps, and bilingual flyers. 350 online surveys and 240 paper surveys were initially collected. - Addressing Specific Concerns: - Stop Reactivation: The team confirmed that deactivate stops can be re-evaluated and potentially reactivated six months after implementation if concerns arise, though changes may impact the broader system's efficiency. - Safety & Highways: Director Claudia Garcia clarified that two stops deactivated at the Bridge of the Americas were previously suspended due to a specific MOU with TEXAS; these are queued for reinstallment pending agreement finalization, independent of the Sun Metro Rising plan. The team noted that while they install infrastructure, daily maintenance of pathways (e.g., clearing debris) falls under other city departments (e.g., Union Pacific, street sweepers), though they will coordinate to ensure pathways are clear for ADA compliance. - Benches: The team confirmed a process exists via Property Control to salvage and transfer usable bus benches to other city departments or parks, rather than immediate disposal. Key Outcomes - Approval of Purchase Order: The Board unanimously approved Item 4 to issue a sole-source purchase order to Flowbird America Incorporated for Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) and validators under Solicitation 2025-0133. - Contract Details: A three-year term for an estimated amount of $2,219,995.49. - Vote Tally: Unanimous approval (Motion by Limon, Seconded by Fiero). - Implementation Timeline: The Sun Metro Rising network changes are scheduled for full execution in June 2025 to avoid disrupting the school year. - Signage Deployment: Bilingual signage with QR codes linking to the interactive map will be installed at deactivated stops starting in January 2026. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 12:19 PM.

On December 1, 2025, the El Paso City Council convened for a work session to address food insecurity in the community and discuss utility rate applications. The meeting featured presentations from the Kelly Center for Hunger Relief and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger regarding the scope of hunger in the city, followed by executive sessions and votes on utility matters involving El Paso Electric and Texas Gas Service. Council members expressed deep concern over the food insecurity crisis and engaged in a contentious debate over settling versus continuing litigation on gas rate increases, ultimately resulting in the failure of the settlement motion. Consent Calendar - None; the agenda consisted of work session presentations and specific action items. Public Comments & Testimony - Warren Godell (Executive Director, Kelly Center for Hunger Relief): - Stated that he seeks visibility and acknowledgement of the food insecurity problem as the primary immediate need. - Opposed the approach of merely providing band-aid solutions through the pantry without addressing root causes, arguing that serving people does not solve the problem of why they are hungry. - Expressed concern that a significant portion of the population is reliant on pantries due to systemic issues including low wages, historical redlining, and the lack of economic mobility. - Asserted that increasing the minimum wage balances out unproductively by increasing community costs. - Clarified that the food insecurity issue is a year-round reality, not a holiday-specific phenomenon, and that charitable giving drops significantly after the holidays. - Positioned the "Fresh Start" program as a critical mechanism for economic mobility, noting its funding is ending in July due to the discontinuation of foundation support. - Chris Shegel (Interim CEO, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger): - Agreed with the assessment that the holiday season is not the primary challenge; the challenge is the sustained fight year-round. - Proposed a goal for equitable distribution where no resident is more than 20 minutes from food, noting current travel times can be 40-50 minutes from the west side. - Requested a review of distribution adjustments to areas like the west side to ensure equitable access. - Representative Canales (Council Member): - Acknowledged the data, noting it is no less alarming than previous years, and emphasized the need for the community to start thinking about solutions. - Representative Chavez (Council Member): - Expressed a firm conviction that food insecurity is the greatest drag on the community's economic development and supported equating its resolution with economic development. - Encouraged council members to visit Kelly personally to better understand their constituents' realities. - Representative Acevedo (Council Member): - Expressed strong opposition to subsidy mechanisms that would force El Pasoans to subsidize natural disaster costs on the Gulf Coast through utility consolidation. - Felt the proposed settlement would be a "lose-lose" scenario but argued for continuing negotiations to get a better outcome. Discussion Items - Food Insecurity in El Paso: - Warren Godell presented data indicating a 35% food insecurity rate (based on 2023-2024 UTEP surveys) and a 53% rate of households lacking self-sufficiency. - Godell highlighted a 2% per capita income impact attributed to hunger and food insecurity, describing it as a "very large number" compared to typical social determinants (0.1-0.3%). - Godell discussed the "Fresh Start" program's reliance on a discontinued grant from the Paso de Norte Health Foundation, noting the program ends in July 2024. - Godell described the "Closed Closet" as having overwhelming demand, with lines as large as the food pantry, and emphasized that most recipients are working individuals with multiple jobs earning insufficient wages. - Chris Shegel noted that the Food Bank handles 85% of region distribution, while Kelly distributes 10%, and other partners handle 5%. - Shangel confirmed that there are 65 pantry partners in town and that staffing and operating hours are key factors in their ability to sustain operations. - Utility Matters (El Paso Electric & Texas Gas Service): - Representative Chavez moved to authorize the city attorney to hire outside counsel to intervene in El Paso Electric's amendment to the Texas Business Solar Power Program. - Representative Mino noted a personal contribution of $1,750 to support El Paso Electric employees. - Representative Chavez proposed a partial settlement with Texas Gas Service to reduce the proposed 27% rate increase. - Representative Chavez stated that while he does not want rates to go up, the 27% increase is unacceptable, and a 10% settlement is a necessary compromise to continue fighting the consolidation issue. - Representative Acevedo argued that the settlement leaves El Pasoans losing and that the proposed settlement amounts to subsidizing Gulf Coast disasters. - Representative Acevedo stated he would vote no to continue negotiating for a better settlement, even if the outcome remains negative. - Mayor Pro Tem Chavez (presiding in Mayor Johnson's absence for the vote) expressed the difficulty of the vote, weighing the risk of a 27% increase against a 10% increase plus legal costs. Key Outcomes - EX1 (El Paso Electric Solar Program): - Motion: Authorize the city attorney to hire outside counsel to intervene in the El Paso Electric application (Docket No. 58862). - Vote: Passed unanimously. - EX2 (Texas Gas Service Rate Increase & Consolidation): - Motion: Enter into a partial settlement with Texas Gas Service and continue opposing the consolidation of service areas. - Vote: Failed. - Tally: Representatives Chavez, Trejo, Limon, and Canales voted Aye. Representatives Acevedo, Rocha, Niño, and Fierro voted Nay. Mayor Pro Tem Chavez broke the tie with a Nay vote. - Directive: The city will continue to oppose the consolidation of service areas and litigate the dispute at the state level rather than settling at the current terms. - Adjournment: - The work session was adjourned at 11:08 a.m. on December 1, 2025. Executive Session - Topic 1: Application of El Paso Electric Company to amend the Texas Business Solar Power Program (PUC No. 58862). - Topic 2: Statement of intent of Texas Gas Service Company to increase rates within specific service areas (OS-25-000-28202). - Note: The council entered executive session at 9:48 a.m. and returned to open session at 11:00 a.m. to ratify the decisions made during the session.

The El Paso City Council convened on November 18, 2025, to approve a series of proclamations, review city operations, and advance capital improvement projects. The meeting opened with the presentation of five mayoral proclamations honoring public health workers, family caregivers, the 50th anniversary of the CD Jarvis Basketball Tournament, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, and Eddie Guerrero. Following public comments addressing housing transparency, animal cruelty, and municipal ethics, the Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, delinquent hotel tax collections, zoning changes, and key agreements for crisis intervention and community development programs. Consent Calendar - Approved with Revisions: The consent agenda was approved unanimously after Representative Chavez requested the reclassification of the Delinquent Hotel Occupancy Tax report (Item 14) to the regular agenda for transparency. Two items regarding animal services department expenditures (Items 23 and 24) were deleted from the consent agenda per department request. - Delinquent Hotel Occupancy Tax: The Council accepted a notation of delinquent hotel occupancy taxes as of October 31, 2025. Staff confirmed that an internal audit process identifies non-compliance, with a portion of the debt now in litigation with an external collection agency. Council members expressed support for creating an FAQ to clarify the audit process for the public. - First Reading of Ordinances: The first reading of Ordinances 17 through 22 was approved unanimously. (Items 23 and 24 were deleted). Public Comments & Testimony - Elizabeth Crawford: Expressed strong support for life and anti-abortion positions, sharing a testimony of a person named Antonio who avoided being aborted due to family decisions. - Wanda Helgeson (Border Rec): Expressed opposition to the city's handling of the ground lease termination at El Paso International Airport for emergency medical supplies, stating the city ignored attempts to cure a default and that the eviction notice was improperly processed. She described the city's actions as baffling and a refusal to engage. - Claudia Contrera Siller: Expressed concern and opposition regarding the leniency of the judicial system in animal cruelty cases, citing a specific killer of a cat who received probation instead of prison time. She called for the hiring of experienced staff to fight animal cruelty. - Ron Como: Expressed strong opposition to the management of Animal Services, criticizing the reliance on a single director and "misinformation" from city-paid consultants. He argued that the "no kill 2025" goal is unachievable and that the city must stop relying on one person for decisions. - Patricia Osman: Expressed strong opposition to the transparency and ethics of city dealings, specifically criticizing the incomplete housing presentations as misleading to developers rather than citizens. She argued the city prioritizes donors over citizens, citing a disparity in how quickly a $350 lien is processed for a resident versus hundreds of thousands owed by businesses. - Eddie Chavez Jr. & Chris Hernandez: Expressed concern regarding street maintenance, specifically regarding the installation of speed humps and the quality of street materials under Proposition A. They advocated for transparency on how the $236 million bond funds are being spent and argued against new fees without answering public questions about existing project timelines. - Eviana Book: Expressed concern and opposition regarding the conditions at the Fort Bliss detention center, citing 60 violations and urging the Council to investigate the treatment of detainees given El Paso's border location. - Item-Specific Comments: - Paso del Norte Community Foundation: Ms. Osman again expressed opposition, arguing that the city's resolution to use this foundation for veteran vehicle gifts would siphon donor money away from established veterans' charities. - CIT Agreement: Ms. Osman expressed concern regarding the effectiveness of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), citing a personal tragedy where her neighbor was arrested after four failed CIT calls, arguing the current process is not working. - Climate Action Plan & CAPER: Ms. Osman expressed suspicion regarding the Community Human Development department, citing past "ill practices" and a lack of transparency in how federal funds are allocated to specific recipients. - Municipal Management District One: Ms. Osman expressed strong opposition to the approval of the five-year CAP, labeling the lack of individual council approval for each project as a "red flag" and potentially misleading. - Adopt a Street Program: Ms. Osman expressed mixed sentiment, supporting the volunteer concept but raising concerns about the difficulty in contacting Streets and Maintenance staff for regulatory questions and the need to assist seniors. Discussion Items - Proclamations: - Public Health Thank You Day: Represented by Dr. Ocaranza and the Public Health team, who emphasized the unseen, behind-the-scenes role of health professionals in disease prevention and community safety. - National Family Caregivers Month: Represented by AARP El Paso and family members Bridget Jordan and Gilbert Blancas, who shared emotional stories of the financial and emotional toll of caregiving. - 50th Annual CD Jarvis Basketball Tournament: Represented by the El Paso High Alumni Association and students, highlighting the tournament's role as a cornerstone of community spirit and a pathway to college for athletes. - Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program Month: Represented by airport staff and parents of children with autism, who shared how the sunflower lanyard program provides inclusion and reduces anxiety for travelers. - Eddie Guerrero Day: Represented by Eddie's family (Sherilyn and family members), who honored his legacy as a wrestler and cultural icon. The Lincoln Park Conservation Committee proposed a new mural concept to replace a deteriorating 25-year-old mural. - Delinquent Hotel Occupancy Tax (Item 14): Staff and the City Attorney explained the audit process, the stages of collection (Controller, Legal, External Firm), and the risks of non-compliance. Council directed staff to create a public FAQ to prevent misinformation. - Zoning Change (Item 25): Approved the rezoning of the westerly portion of Modesto Gomez Park from M1 to R5 to consolidate the parcel under one zoning district. Staff and Council reaffirmed that the park's use will not change and it remains a dedicated park facility. - Crisis Intervention Team Agreement (Item 35): Approved the interlocal agreement with Emergence Health Network to continue the CIT program. Council members praised the program's history and requested more public communication regarding its capabilities and limitations. - Ordinances Complying with Senate Bills 15 & 840 (Items 26-29): Approved amendments to the municipal code regarding water/wastewater fees, traffic impact analysis, zoning definitions, and the Smart Code to align with state housing laws. Staff clarified that these changes authorize specific small lot developments and mixed-use conversions but do not mandate them. - Median Maintenance Program (Item 30): Department of Environmental Services presented the status of their median cleaning efforts, including increased spraying crews, partnerships with Streets and Maintenance, and parks. Council members raised concerns about parkway maintenance responsibilities and proposed a review of ordinances regarding homeowner liability for parkways near bus stops. - Climate Action Plan (Item 31): Presented an update on the regional climate action plan, highlighting 140 community engagements, 3,700 unique inputs, and a goal to reduce emissions by 21% by 2030. Council commended the robust public engagement and noted the plan's limitations regarding the international border. - HUD Programs Report (Item 32): Presented the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for HUD entitlement programs. Staff highlighted the successful investment of $5.1 million in neighborhood infrastructure and vulnerable resident support. - Capital Improvement Plans (Items 33-34): - Environmental Services: Presented the five-year CIP, including landfill expansion, new citizen collection stations, and the East Side Municipal Service Center, all funded by the solid waste fee. - Destination El Paso: Presented the FY2025-2026 Capital Improvement Plan ($4.16 million funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax) for downtown venues. Council members emphasized the need for long-term capital planning for aging facilities like the Chavez Theater and requested a full review of facility revenues and costs. - East Side Regional Park Phase Two (Item 36): Approved a budget transfer of $4.6 million from investment interest and project savings to complete the second phase of the park, which includes pickleball courts, restrooms, and landscaping. - El Paso Municipal Management District No. 1 (Item 37): Approved the five-year capital improvements and maintenance plan, allowing the District to issue bonds without further city council approval for individual projects. - Adopt a Street Program (Item 38): Approved the establishment of a new volunteer program to clean parkways on collector streets and minor arterials. Council members pledged discretionary funds to kickstart the program, with multiple representatives committing to adopt specific streets. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Votes: The following resolutions and ordinances passed unanimously: - Approval of the revised Consent Agenda. - Acceptance of Delinquent Hotel Occupancy Tax report (Item 14). - First Reading of Ordinances 17-22 (Item 15). - Adoption of zoning ordinance for Modesto Gomez Park (Item 25). - Approval of the Crisis Intervention Team interlocal agreement (Item 35). - Adoption of ordinances 26-29 to comply with Senate Bills 15 & 840. - Approval of the Destination El Paso Capital Improvement Plan resolution (Item 34). - Approval of the budget transfer for East Side Regional Park Phase Two (Item 36). - Approval of the Municipal Management District No. 1 five-year plan (Item 37). - Approval of the Adopt a Street Program resolution (Item 38). - Directives & Next Steps: - City Attorney's Office to create and publish a public FAQ regarding the hotel occupancy tax audit process. - Environmental Services to bring back an ordinance review regarding parkway maintenance responsibilities near bus stops and multi-ownership parcels. - Destination El Paso to provide a comprehensive briefing to the full Council on facility revenues, management fees, and the 5-year capital plan for venues. - City Staff to integrate the Adopt a Street Program into the "Keep El Paso Beautiful" initiative and launch a pilot project in the spring. - Public Sentiment: Significant public concern was expressed regarding the lack of transparency in departmental spending, the perceived leniency of the judicial system regarding animal cruelty, and the need for more aggressive collection of municipal taxes from corporate entities." }

The El Paso City Council convened for a work session to address critical internal audit reforms, develop a comprehensive housing strategy, and adjudicate a natural gas rate case. The session featured presentations on a needs assessment for the internal audit department, a detailed housing inventory and gaps analysis, and public commentary on utility rates. The Council unanimously denied Texas Gas Service's consolidation proposal and authorized outside counsel for related utility filings, while also approving a new cross-functional team to drive housing policy implementation. Consent Calendar - Adoption of Internal Audit Roadmap: The Council unanimously approved the final report and roadmap for the Internal Audit Department, accepting the recommendations provided by Weaver & Twell LLP to enhance department maturity from "repeatable" to "defined." Representative Acevedo moved to approve the report, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez. - Formation of Cross-Functional Housing Team: A resolution to formally establish a cross-functional team (representatives from districts 1, 3, 4, and 5) to oversee the implementation of the housing strategy was unanimously approved via motion by Representative Nino, seconded by Representative Canales. Public Comments & Testimony - Opposition to Consolidation: Multiple public speakers, including Gabriel Regalado, Francisco Tarin, and representatives from the Sembrando Esperanza Coalition, expressed strong opposition to the Texas Gas Service rate increase. Commenters argued that consolidating El Paso with the rest of the state would unfairly subsidize lower-rate regions while El Paso faces higher inflation. Specific concerns raised included the 10.4% return on equity request, the CEO's salary increases, and the disproportionate 27% rate hike impact on low-income households in El Paso. - Housing & Economic Stress: Speakers highlighted the cyclical nature of school closures and neighborhood decline, emphasizing that families with children are leaving the city due to a lack of affordable housing and rising costs. Testimony stressed that the proposed utility increases, combined with rising electric and water rates, would push vulnerable families into energy insecurity. Discussion Items - Internal Audit Needs Assessment: Representatives from Weaver & Twell LLP presented a roadmap and 45 action items to mature the city's internal audit function. Speakers emphasized that governance, independence, and stakeholder coordination are "non-negotiables" for success. City Auditor Liz Delao reported that 14 internal process improvements have already been implemented, with 10 in progress. The Council discussed the need for technology upgrades, with estimated implementation costs between $45,000 and $85,000. - Housing Needs Assessment (Envision El Paso): Matt Prosser of Economic and Planning Systems presented findings showing stagnant city population growth despite regional employment increases, a loss of 24,000 residents under age 20, and over 57% of residents aged 18-34 living with parents. The report identified a "catch-up" need for 18,300 units (addressing overcrowding and displacement) and a "keep-up" need for 17,000 new units over the next decade. Council members noted that housing production has shifted outside city limits due to regulatory differences and that the median income is insufficient for median home ownership. - Texas Gas Service Rate Case: The Council heard from Assistant City Attorney Matt Marcus and Texas Gas Director Stacy McTaggart regarding the proposed consolidation of three service territories into one statewide system. City staff recommended denial, arguing that consolidation would force El Paso ratepayers to subsidize other areas. Texas Gas argued that consolidation is necessary for risk sharing and administrative efficiency, though they admitted El Paso would see the largest bill increase ($9.81-$13.23 monthly) while other regions see decreases. The State Delegation expressed concern that El Paso customers would fund corporate risk pools unrelated to local weather events. Key Outcomes - Internal Audit Action: The Council accepted the Weaver & Twell report and roadmap, directing the Internal Audit team to utilize the provided workbook for tracking the 45 action items. - Housing Strategy Action: The Council unanimously passed a resolution to form a cross-functional team to develop policy recommendations, building and zoning code amendments, and economic incentives to increase housing supply and reduce costs. - Texas Gas Service Decision: The Council unanimously approved a resolution to deny the Texas Gas Service rate increase request, specifically rejecting the consolidation proposal. The resolution states the rates are unreasonable and unjustified. The City is directed to reimburse itself for rate case expenses from TGS and to hire outside counsel to intervene in the pending Railroad Commission proceeding (EX5). - Transportation Fee Item: A motion by Representative Limon to delete the Transportation User Fee presentation (Item 4) from the agenda passed by a 5-3 vote, denying the staff presentation despite objections from Council members who felt public engagement was necessary. - Executive Session Actions: The Council resolved to hire outside counsel for the El Paso Electric Company docket (EX5) unanimously. No action was taken on the remaining executive session items (EX1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7) as they were informational or legal consultations requiring no immediate public vote.

The Mass Transit Department Board convened on November 4, 2025, at 11:42 a.m. in the President Council Chambers. The meeting featured a unanimous approval of the October 14, 2025, meeting minutes via the consent agenda, followed by the primary deliberation and unanimous approval of a sole-source contract for Cummins CNG engines and generator parts. The session concluded with the adjournment of the meeting, though a brief confusion occurred regarding the reconvening of the separate City Council meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes for the October 14, 2025, meeting was passed unanimously (motion by Mr. Canales, seconded by Ms. Limon), with Mr. Fierro absent. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded in the provided transcript segment. Discussion Items - Sole Source Contract for Cummins CNG Engines (Item 3): The Board discussed and voted to authorize the Director of Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing to issue a purchase order for Solicitation 2026-0092 to Cummins Sales and Service (DBA Cummins), the sole authorized distributor. - Project Description: A three-year contract with an estimated maximum value of $4,485,000 to maintain vehicle propulsion systems and CNG power generation equipment for Sun Metro. - Speaker Positions: - Representative Canales: Expressed concern regarding the contract being a sole-source agreement and noted a 45% cost increase compared to the previous contract. He asked if this escalation was standard for the industry. - Jerry DeMiro, Deputy Transit Officer for Sun Metro: Clarified that the increase reflects 40-45% cost escalation experienced since the 2022 contract award (approx. 10-20% per year). He emphasized that the contract is "as needed" rather than guaranteed, providing flexibility without obligating the department to the full amount. - Board Members: Expressed full support for the contract upon clarification of the cost escalations and sole-source nature. Key Outcomes - Vote on Sole Source Contract: Motion by Ms. Limon, seconded by Representative Canales, passed unanimously (Mr. Borriar Grejo absent). The contract is authorized for a three-year term. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by motion (vote tally not explicitly stated, but implied successful motion). - Administrative Note: A brief discussion occurred attempting to reconvene the City Council meeting immediately after adjournment, though no formal outcome of a reconvening action was captured in the transcript.

The El Paso City Council convened on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to review seven proclamations recognizing local organizations and milestones, address public comments on municipal services and civil rights, and deliberate on a series of agenda items including zoning changes, procurement reviews, workforce development initiatives, and significant property acquisitions. The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of resolutions to pursue a major state grant for homelessness services and to authorize the purchase of three properties for convention center expansion. Consent Calendar - The Council approved the entire consent agenda unanimously without modification. This included routine administrative items such as the acceptance of the proclamation for the Texas Space Coalition's "Space Day El Paso 2025" and the 115th anniversary of Radford School. - Proclamations were also issued for: the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee's 10th anniversary, Epilepsy Awareness Month for November 2025, and El Paso Veterans Small Business Week (November 3-7, 2025). Public Comments & Testimony - Abortion Rights: Elizabeth Crawford expressed support for the anti-abortion stance of a terminally ill teenager, Jeremiah, urging leaders to prioritize eternal values over temporal concerns. - Animal Services: - Ron Como expressed full opposition to current "no-kill" programs led by Best Friends and Austin Pets Alive, advocating for a return to the 2015 no-kill plan and stricter enforcement of stray dog definitions under Texas Health and Safety Code. - Barbara Valencia expressed strong opposition to the current ASAC committee, accusing leadership of accepting bribes from Best Friends and failing to advocate for strays who suffer on the streets. - Airport Land Use: Wanda Helgeson expressed concern and opposition regarding the City's termination of a ground lease for a hangar used by Border Rack, stating the termination was improper and ignored the organization's good-faith efforts to cure defaults. - Neighborhood Associations: Patricia Osman expressed opposition to current city policies regarding neighborhood associations, arguing they strip tax-paying citizens of their First Amendment rights and allow for the rubber-stamping of contracts and zoning changes without proper public notification. - Water Quality: Eduardo Chavez expressed the position that alkaline water is beneficial for hair growth and health, sharing anecdotal evidence from personal experience and friends, though he noted the information was provided as a public announcement rather than a sales pitch. Discussion Items - Zoning Proposals (Items 8 & 9): - Item 8: Staff recommended approving a rezoning from General Mixed Use (GMU) to Neighborhood Commercial (C1) for property south of Ardcraft. Positions: Council supported the move, provided conditions to ensure connectivity and limit consolidated bars. - Item 9: Staff recommended approving a rezoning from Single Family Residential (R4) to Apartment (A2) for property at 4806 Atlas Avenue. Positions: Council supported the multifamily development to align with the post-war land use map, subject to site plan reviews. - Weed Abatement Lien Process (Item 10): - Proposal: A motion to direct the City Manager to review the solid waste lien process to ensure ample notice for property owners was amended to remove language about extending the time period. - Positions: Representative Rocha expressed the position that the current process provides ample time (average 586 days) and that resources should be focused on streamlining documentation rather than adding delays. Representative Limon and others expressed concern about notification gaps for uncontactable owners, but agreed that the review should focus on improving transparency and documentation of outreach efforts rather than altering statutory timeframes. - Purchasing Department Review (Item 11): - Proposal: Council voted to hire a consultant to assess the Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing Department for best practices and compliance. - Positions: Council unanimously supported the initiative. An amendment was approved by the Council expressing a position that the consultant must incorporate feedback from recent community forums (Construction and Professional Services). Public commenters expressed mixed views: Patricia Osman expressed opposition to the process if it does not address alleged internal ethical violations and kickbacks within the department, while contractors Angelica Rosales and Joe Rosales expressed full support, viewing the review as long overdue and necessary for transparency. - Workforce Training (Item 12): - Proposal: Council directed staff to mobilize partners to develop an Advanced Skills Development Center in the Northeast, aligned with incoming Meta data centers. - Positions: Representatives supported the initiative to address skills gaps in the Northeast. Representative Pierre briefly expressed a position favoring immediate partnership with existing entities (Workforce Solutions, Western Tech) over establishing a new physical center, but withdrew the motion after clarification that the item was a process to identify funding and partners, not a commitment to a new facility. - Veteran Entrepreneur Program (Item 13): - Proposal: Council directed staff to establish community partnerships for a veteran entrepreneurship training and mentoring program. - Positions: Council unanimously supported the initiative to consolidate existing resources into a holistic "one-stop-shop" model for veterans, leveraging partners like Pioneers 21. - Convention Center Expansion (Items 15, 16, 17): - Proposal: Authorization to purchase three properties from Links Industries Limited totaling just over $3.1 million, funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds. - Positions: The Council expressed a position that the expansion is critical for economic competitiveness against other Texas cities. Representative Limon expressed strong concern and financial opposition regarding the high cost of one specific apartment building (Lot B) compared to the parking lot (Lot C), feeling the taxpayer is being exploited, but voted in support after clarification that the property owner made improvements and the cost was appraised. Representative Nino and Canales supported the use of HOT funds for tourism infrastructure. - Homelessness Grant (Item 18): - Proposal: Authorization to submit an application for a $15 million state HCC grant to fund the "El Paso Helps" collaborative, requiring a $500,000 cash match from the City. - Positions: Council members expressed full support, viewing the investment as a high-value lever to secure $30 million total in resources for the homeless population. Representative Limon specifically praised the rapid turnaround and the strategic pivot from fighting the federal government to securing state support. Key Outcomes - Zoning: Adopted ordinances to rezone property at 5200 S. Park Ave (south of Ardcraft) to C1 and 4806 Atlas Ave to A2, both unanimously. - Procurement Audit: Approved the solicitation for a consultant to review the Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing Department, including an amendment to mandate community feedback integration. - Workforce Development: Directed the City Manager to appoint a staff member to develop a Northeast Advanced Skills Development Center, approved 7-1. - Veteran Support: Directed staff to establish a veteran entrepreneurship program through community partnerships, approved unanimously. - Property Acquisition: Approved resolutions to purchase 311 West Overland, 315 West Overland, and 0.2107 acres on West San Antonio Avenue from Links Industries using Hotel Occupancy Tax funds, approved 6-1 (Representative Limon voted nay). - Homelessness Grant: Authorized the submission of the application for the $15 million Healthy Community Collaborative grant to support the El Paso Helps project, approved unanimously.