Public Meetings - Fort Worth, Texas

The Community Development Committee met on June 9, 2026, to approve prior meeting minutes and receive briefings on the Fort Worth Public Library's strategic plan update and the relocation of the Southside Community Center to Hazel Harvey Peace Center, paving the way for the National Juneteenth Museum. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of the February 10, 2026 meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed). Discussion Items - Library Strategic Plan Update: Library Director Dori presented an update on the strategic planning process, "The Next Chapter Starts With You." She highlighted accomplishments from the previous plan, including over 4.3 million checkouts in FY25 (highest ever), elimination of overdue fines, and nearly 132,000 program attendees (highest ever). The new plan development started in 2026 with consultant Barry Dunn. A statistically valid survey received 475 responses (95% confidence, 4.5% margin of error), and an online survey gathered 749 contributions as of May 29. Community task force and employee advisory councils have been engaged. The plan is expected to be completed by end of FY26. Council members inquired about promoting the online survey; Dori offered to provide links for sharing. - Southside Community Center Relocation & National Juneteenth Museum: Marilyn and Monique presented the relocation of the Southside Community Center to Hazel Harvey Peace Center. Construction on the first floor began April 2026, with completion expected July 31, 2026. The move will take 1.5–2 months, after which the land at 959 E. Rosedale will be available for the National Juneteenth Museum. Jared Howard from the National Juneteenth Museum gave a presentation, including a video fly-through of the proposed 50,000 sq ft cultural complex. Features include a food hall (addressing the food desert), a 250-seat theater, a business incubator, black box space, and a polling location. Projected annual visitors exceed 100,000, with over half from outside Fort Worth. The capital campaign is at $52 million of a $70 million goal. The Freedom Vibes Festival (11-day festival) begins June 11, 2026. Councilmember Nettles praised the public-private partnership. Discussion included mentorship programs for startups; Jared confirmed a comprehensive approach from soup to nuts. Key Outcomes - The committee received briefings and took no formal votes. Next steps include continuing the library strategic plan development and public survey through mid-June, completing construction at Hazel Harvey Peace Center by July 31, followed by the move of Southside Community Center. The National Juneteenth Museum aims to begin demolition of the old center in fall 2026.

The Fort Worth City Council held a regular session on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6:02 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting featured multiple special recognitions, a large consent agenda, public hearings, and extensive zoning hearings. Key actions included the adoption of the Master Transportation Plan, approval of the Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD) budget amendments, and several zoning decisions, including denial of a concrete batch plant and approval of a data center-related text amendment. A significant portion of the public comment period was devoted to concerns about data center development, with many speakers calling for a moratorium. Consent Calendar - Approved as a block (11-0) after two speakers addressed the council. Items included: - Ordinance amending Library Advisory Board duties (M&C 26-0411) - Appropriation of $434,889 for park improvements at Titus Paulsel and Smith-Wilemon Parks (M&C 26-0412) - Acceptance of a $25,000 donation from North Texas Community Foundation for peer site visits (M&C 26-0415) - Ratification of a $338,050 Summer Camp Literacy Programming Grant from Rainwater Charitable Foundation (M&C 26-0418) - Budget adjustments of $255,420.86 for credit card service fees (M&C 26-0424) - Water and wastewater impact fee semi-annual progress report (M&C 26-0425) - Waiver of transportation impact fees up to $240,627.15 for Tarrant Regional Water District (M&C 26-0429) - Ratification of emergency contracts for biosolids facility transition (M&C 26-0430) - Funding for replacement of Fire Engine 8 (M&C 26-0441) - Audit services agreement with Forvis Mazars, LLP up to $840,000/year (M&C 26-0443) - Cash defeasance of multiple bond series (M&C 26-0445) - Debt service fund appropriations for water and stormwater (M&C 26-0449) - Distribution of $2,570,339.93 from the Mineral Revenue Trust (M&C 26-0451) - Notice of intention to issue up to $104,000,000 in certificates of obligation (M&C 26-0453) - Airport hangar door repair agreements (M&C 26-0456) - Waiver of parking meter fees up to $20,000 for FIFA World Cup event (M&C 26-0460) - Rejection of bids for disaster recovery home repair services (M&C 26-0465) - Vehicle and equipment replacement fund appropriation of $2,900,862.11 (M&C 26-0466) - Closure of Central Library purchase project (M&C 26-0469) - Waiver of development fees of $336,979 for MLK HUB/Aquatics Center and Fire Station Community Center (M&C 26-0471) - Amendment to medical/surgical contract with McKesson (M&C 26-0476) - Rejection of bids for virtual courtroom platform (M&C 26-0480) - Additional $10,500,000 for five high-priority transportation projects (M&C 26-0486) - Storm drain pipe rehab project funding of $648,436 (M&C 26-0494) - Municipal parking capital improvements of $2,250,000 (M&C 26-0499) - Clean-up/close-out of community facilities agreement projects (M&C 26-0508) - Ratification of Safe Streets for All grant application up to $25,000,000 (M&C 26-0509) - Numerous purchase, land, and contract awards (sections B, C, E of consent agenda), including boundary adjustments, easement acquisitions, and multi-million-dollar construction contracts. Public Comments & Testimony - Consent Agenda Speakers: - Bob Willoughby (District 6) opposed the CCPD (Crime Control and Prevention District) funds, alleging misuse and corruption; called for an audit by the Texas Rangers. He also criticized the mayor for removing remote speaking opportunities. - Adrian Smith (District 6) supported the settlement for former police captain Paula Conaway (M&C 26-0438), congratulating her on her court victory. He also questioned the necessity of a $5.56 million water meter contract (M&C 26-0484), asking for more transparency. - Resolutions: Bob Willoughby commented on appointments of Chris Jamieson to multiple boards (Resolutions 26-6033, 26-6036, 26-6037, 26-6038, 26-6040), expressing concern over concentration of power. - Public Hearings: - CCPD Budget (M&C 26-0459): Adrian Smith opposed, arguing the CCPD lacks transparency and that mission partners have been ineffective. Councilmember Nettles defended the rigorous application and reporting process. - Master Transportation Plan (M&C 26-0506): Four speakers (Dillon Maroney of Tarrant County, Rusty Fuller of community advisory committee, Victor Vandergriff, Tara Crawford of Trinity Metro) spoke in strong support, praising the plan's comprehensive, implementation-focused approach. - Zoning Hearings: Numerous speakers appeared for and against specific zoning cases. Notable: - ZC-25-185 (concrete batch plant): Applicant Joseph Passanisi spoke in favor; Kent DeCardenas and Adrian Smith spoke in opposition, citing health concerns for nearby school and residential areas. - ZC-26-015 (duplex zoning): Applicant Ceasar Gonzalez supported; Charolett Tobias opposed, arguing the neighborhood is larger than described and that residents want single-family homes. - ZC-26-048 (car wash): Brandon Ostmeyer (QT) supported; Steven Epstein, Amelia Wheeler, and Adrian Smith opposed, citing noise, compatibility, and existing car washes in the area. - General Public Comments (later in meeting): Approximately 30 speakers addressed the council. The dominant topic was data center development: - Many speakers (David Rodriguez, Emily Dial, Eric Kreger, Ambika Sharma, Nydia Cardenas, Holly Huertas, Tara Maldonado-Wilson, Kent DeCardenas, Blaine Toole, Sabrina Ball, Mary Hendrickson, Jonathan Demarest, Steven Sanchez, Jessica Shulman, Alexander Montalvo, and others) urged the council to impose a moratorium on data centers, citing concerns over water usage, noise pollution, air quality, property values, and the influence of campaign contributions from developer Rhett Bennett (Black Mountain). Several speakers noted that council members received donations from Black Mountain totaling over $44,000. - Other speakers addressed police accountability (Manuel Mata, Nancy Estrada), street maintenance fees (Conley Brewer via proxy), and representation (Sabrina Ball). - One speaker (David Martinez) spoke in favor of data centers, citing national security and economic benefits. - A procedural dispute arose when the mayor limited a group of data center opponents to a single six-minute presentation, despite the city secretary's office having previously indicated they could have three six-minute slots. The mayor enforced council rules allowing one group presentation per topic. Discussion Items - Special Presentations: Recognitions were presented for: - Opal Lee's 100th birthday (with video message) - Lake Como Neighborhood Advisory Council for three consecutive Neighborhood of the Year awards - 50 years of Hip Pocket Theatre - Osprey Bass 35th Annual Youth Fishing Festival - Dr. Gwendolyn Morrison for 50 years of service on Tarrant County College board - Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Lanzar graduates - Announcements by Council Members: Council members reported on community events, including summer reading challenge, Juneteenth celebrations, FIFA World Cup preparations, and recent town halls. - Resolutions (adopted 11-0 each): - Resolution 26-5973: Requesting $55,000,000 from Texas Water Development Board for water supply infrastructure. - Resolutions 26-6033 to 26-6040: Appointing Chris Jamieson to multiple boards (Fort Worth Housing Finance Corp., Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones, non-profit corporations, FW Sports Authority) and authorizing adding Parker County as defendant in litigation against City of Willow Park. - Public Hearings: - Park Grants: Two resolutions (26-6034 and 26-6035) approved to apply for Texas Parks & Wildlife grants: up to $2,000,000 for Gulf Coast Bait Shack renovation at Fort Worth Zoo, and up to $1,500,000 for Glenwood Park improvements. Both approved 11-0. - CCPD Budget (M&C 26-0459): Approved $9,720,521 in amendments to the FY2026 CCPD budget. 11-0. - Master Transportation Plan (M&C 26-0506): Adopted after public hearing. Three ordinances were passed to incorporate the plan into the Comprehensive Plan and amend city code and access management policy. 11-0. - Zoning Hearings (major items): - ZC-25-184 and ZC-25-205 (data center/light industrial in CD 8): Continued to December 8, 2026 per applicant request. - ZC-25-185 (concrete batch plant on Deen Road, CD 2): Denied 11-0 due to incompatibility with adjacent residential and elementary school. - ZC-26-009 (amendment to PD1354 to add uses like massage therapy, event center, liquor store, etc. at 4826 Wichita Street): Approved 11-0. - ZC-26-015 (rezoning from A-5 to R1 for duplexes): Denied 11-0 after community opposition. - ZC-26-017 (add auto parts sales to PD823A on Sycamore School Road): Continued to August 11, 2026. - ZC-26-040 (amend PD1236 to include attached signage): Approved 11-0. - ZC-26-039 (68.49 acres from A-5/AG to PD/I on NW Loop 820): Approved as amended by Zoning Commission (excluding certain uses, with development standards). - SP-26-006 (remove detached multifamily from PD1432): Approved 11-0. - ZC-25-206 (E Loop 820: MU-1 to PD/MU-1 for drive-through restaurants and retail): Approved 11-0. - ZC-26-013 (Primera Baptist Church site to PD/UR residential): Approved 11-0. - ZC-26-048 (add CUP for automated carwash at 180 Altamesa Blvd): Approved 10-1 (Council Member Hall dissenting). - ZC-26-049 (5700 Lenore Street from ER to B): Approved 11-0. - ZC-26-052 (H-E-B, LP, from AG to I): Approved 11-0. - ZC-26-053 (1400 block Marion Avenue from A-5 to I): Continued to August 11, 2026. - ZC-26-054 (add CUP for structured parking garage in Stockyards): Approved 11-0. - ZC-26-057 (citywide text amendment to allow Chapter 218 mixed-use and multifamily in commercial districts): Approved with amendments (added urban forestry requirement for sites 1+ acre in E/ER zoning; replaced land use survey with adjacent land use map). 11-0. - ZC-26-058 (text amendment clarifying Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission as exclusive authority for historic designations): Approved 11-0. - City Manager's Report: - Approved appointment of Reserve Officer Julie A. Swearingin (M&C 26-0454) 11-0. - Authorized three eminent domain actions (M&C 26-0475, 26-0477, 26-0479) for temporary construction easements and permanent easements for storm drain, water main, and sewer projects. - Approved Qualified Management Agreement with Gendy Street Management Corp. for Will Rogers Memorial Center (10-year initial term, annual management fee $120,000, city funding for net operating expenses estimated $8,060,304 first year). Also appropriated $2,450,000 for transition expenses (M&C 26-0463). - Approved Economic Development Program Agreement with Seco Enterprises, LLC for mixed-use development near North Main Street (M&C 26-0489). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 11-0 as amended (with M&C 26-0422 continued to June 23). - Board appointment: Jackie Thomison III appointed to Park and Recreation Advisory Board (partial term ending Oct 1, 2026) 11-0. - Resolutions 26-5973 and 26-6033 through 26-6040 adopted 11-0. - Public hearings closed and actions taken: Park grants (26-6034, 26-6035) approved; CCPD budget amendments (M&C 26-0459) approved; Master Transportation Plan (M&C 26-0506) adopted with three ordinances. - Zoning outcomes as detailed above. - City manager report items approved 11-0. - Meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. in honor of Walter Rainwater.

On June 9, 2026, the Fort Worth City Council and the Fort Worth Employees Retirement Fund Board held a joint meeting to review the pension fund's financial status, investment performance, and long-term outlook. The meeting featured presentations from the fund's actuary and chief investment officer, highlighting significant progress in reducing the unfunded liability and improving the funded ratio. No formal votes were taken; the session was informational. Discussion Items - Actuarial Review: Joseph Newton of Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company presented the annual actuarial valuation. Key metrics included: - Active membership grew 10% in the past year (20% over three years), increasing covered payroll by nearly 14%. - Investment returns of 14% in fiscal 2025 (7.6% five-year compound return, exceeding the 7% assumption). - Unfunded accrued liability decreased from $2.41 billion to $2.38 billion, with the funding period shortening from 29 years to 24 years—a four-year improvement from last year and six years from two years ago. - Funded ratio improved from 55% to 57%. - The fund is nearly back on the original 2018 reform timeline (23 years expected vs. actual 24 years, within two months). - Newton cautioned that active headcount growth has been the primary driver; a contraction could reverse progress. He also explained the risk-sharing contribution mechanism and that ad hoc COLA reinstatement could occur if the baseline funding period falls to 28 years (currently 32 years without risk-sharing contributions). - Investment Performance & Outlook: Derek Dagnan, Chief Investment Officer, reviewed 2025 market conditions and fund performance. - 2025 global stock returns were strong (22%), with emerging markets up 34%. The fund’s portfolio returned over 14% for the year, ending with a market value of approximately $3.3 billion. - Over 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods, the fund exceeded the 7% target and outperformed benchmarks, placing in the top quartile among U.S. pension funds over five years. - Dagnan noted that long-term forward return expectations are 6.7% (slightly below the 7% target), requiring higher risk exposure. A 25-basis-point shortfall equates to a 2% increase in employer contribution rates. - He identified headwinds from sticky inflation reflected in long-term Treasury yields and rich valuations in risky assets. - Councilmember Flores inquired about trade policy impacts on emerging market projections; Dagnan explained currency appreciation and low Chinese valuations as drivers, but acknowledged policy uncertainty. - Board and Council Q&A: Board Chairman Doug Wilson expressed optimism about the fund’s trajectory, noting the strong team and new board member David Cook. Councilmember Jim LeCamp reiterated the challenging investment environment ahead, cautioning that past three years’ performance may not be repeatable. Key Outcomes - The boards and council received the actuarial and investment reports without formal action. - The city is now in a position of positive amortization (expected to begin reducing the unfunded liability annually without relying on asset outperformance). - The fund’s improved metrics are likely to be noted favorably by bond rating agencies. - No future agenda items were requested; the meeting was adjourned.

The Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission (HCLC) held its regular meeting on June 8, 2026, at 8:00 PM. The commission approved the minutes from the May 11 meeting and unanimously approved four certificates of appropriateness for new residential construction in historic districts. All votes were 9-0. Public Comments & Testimony - A speaker, identifying as a friend of applicant Milton Rodriguez, addressed case HCLC-26-107 (1200 East Cannon Street). The speaker explained that the applicant opposed the staff-recommended condition requiring steps for the porch, citing neighboring properties without steps. After the chair asked if the applicant was willing to work with staff on the issue, the speaker confirmed the applicant would collaborate and submit other necessary changes. Discussion Items - HCLC-26-107 – 1200 East Cannon Street (Terrell Heights Historic District): Staff recommended approval subject to conditions addressing setback alignment, driveway relocation to Tennessee Avenue, removal of an uncovered slab, raising the structure for at least two seven-inch risers on the porch, changing boxed eaves to open rafters, using one-over-one window configuration, adding a window on the right side elevation, changing cladding to typical lap siding, and submitting revised drawings. Following public comment, the commission approved with staff conditions. - HCLC-26-125 – 1028 East Cannon Street (Terrell Heights Historic District): Staff recommended approval with conditions to adjust window proportions (2:1 height-to-width ratio) and simplify the front door by removing clashing or transparent elements. No public comments. The commission approved with staff conditions. - HCLC-26-131 – 1313 East Morningside Drive (Morningside Historic District): Staff recommended unconditional approval, noting the design is compatible with the district's guidelines and that the applicant worked closely with staff. Commissioner Ketchum questioned safety fencing adjacent to a railroad line; staff clarified there is a city right-of-way buffer and no fence is required. The commission approved as presented (no conditions). - HCLC-26-127 – 5600 Bong Drive (Carver Heights Historic District): Staff recommended approval with conditions: simplify multiple front gables, lower roof pitch to reflect historic character, simplify windows to one-over-one configuration, mark siding reveal on plans, and submit revised drawings. Commissioner Tucker asked clarifying questions about property lines. The commission approved with staff conditions. Key Outcomes - All four cases were approved unanimously (9-0). - Case HCLC-26-107: Approved with 8 staff conditions. - Case HCLC-26-125: Approved with 2 staff conditions. - Case HCLC-26-131: Approved without conditions. - Case HCLC-26-127: Approved with 4 staff conditions. - The meeting concluded with a record-setting time.

The Public Safety Committee convened on June 3, 2026, with Mayor Pro Tem presiding (Chair Larsdorf absent due to military commitment). The committee addressed three major items: a crime plan update from the Fort Worth Police Department and criminologists, a report on state and local laws regulating e-bikes and similar devices, and a FIFA World Cup public safety readiness update. The meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approval of April 7, 2026 Meeting Minutes: A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved by voice vote. Discussion Items Crime Plan Update - Presenters: Chief Garcia (FWPD), Dr. Mike Smith and Dr. Rob Tillier (UTSA criminologists). - The plan uses three evidence-based strategies: hot spots policing (high visibility and offender-focused), a midterm strategy for persistently violent places, and focused deterrence for persistently violent offenders. Hot spots policing began April 1, 2026, treating 12 of 92,348 100m x 100m grids (0.01%) for 60-day cycles. Each grid receives either high visibility (lighted patrol car for 15 minutes during peak hours plus foot patrol) or offender-focused treatment by the Directed Response Unit. - Crime analysis is conducted every 60 days; grids are rotated based on violent street crime (murder, robbery, aggravated assault). Similar plans in Dallas (2021-2025) resulted in a 22% reduction in violent street crime, and San Antonio saw declines after 2023 implementation. - Chief Garcia emphasized the strategy is intelligence-led, not stop-and-frisk or saturation; arrests have decreased in treated areas. He assured that community response times and daily services would not be negatively impacted. Council members asked about community perception and resource allocation; the Chief confirmed the plan is surgical and does not divert resources from other areas. E-Bikes, Scooters, and Similar Devices - Presenter: Deputy Chief Sean Conjura. - Current city ordinances classify e-bikes under bicycle regulations. State law allows municipalities to enhance rules. Common community concerns include high speeds on sidewalks/trails, conflicts with pedestrians, young riders on unsafe devices, and easily modifiable vehicles. - HOA Authority: HOAs can regulate on privately owned common areas (e.g., sidewalks, trails, parking lots), but public sidewalks are governed by city and state law. Golf carts were discussed; police educate first, but enforcement occurs when used on roads 35 mph without registration. - The department is developing a comprehensive ordinance update to address helmet laws and other issues. Council members expressed support for the update. FIFA World Cup Update - Presenter: Sonny Saxon (Emergency Management and Communications). - The city has been planning for over 2.5 years with regional partners. A tabletop exercise in College Station involved 60 participants practicing scenarios (tornadoes, flooding, evacuations, transportation impacts). Nine matches run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. - Public Safety Objectives: scalable and adaptable readiness, safe and friendly environment, coordination with other events (e.g., 250th celebration). The Fort Worth Intelligence Exchange will support situational awareness; the police department has nearly 100 personnel dedicated, using incident command. Fire department maintains citywide coverage with layered posture. 911 center has surge staffing and a new multilingual translation technology (100+ languages) deployed in 2025. Municipal court and marshals reassigned for security. - Joint Emergency Operations Center will activate at level 2 (partial) on July 3-4. Grant tracking is underway for potential reimbursement of public safety costs. Community encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts via text or website. Key Outcomes - Meeting minutes approved unanimously. - Crime plan update received; committee expressed support and asked clarifying questions. No formal vote required. - E-bike report received; committee directed that a comprehensive ordinance update be brought forward soon. - World Cup update received; no action required.

The Audit and Finance Committee met on June 2, 2026, to approve prior meeting minutes and receive a briefing on the monthly financial report for the general fund. Christy Lemon, Assistant Director in the Fort Worth Lab and budget lead, presented the report, highlighting revenue adjustments, expenditure reductions, and remaining challenges with police and fire overtime. Discussion Items - Monthly Financial Report – General Fund: Christy Lemon presented an overview of the general fund, noting that property tax revenue has been adjusted downward by an additional $4 million due to continued value loss from litigation and arbitration. Sales tax revenue improved and was adjusted upward by $2 million. Overall, revenue is expected to be $11.4 million below the adopted budget. On the expenditure side, the forecast was lowered by $6.4 million through discretionary cuts and a hiring freeze, but salary and benefits remain over budget primarily due to police and fire overtime. Fire department is $2.3 million over budget on fleet costs, with a planned transfer of $780,000 from non-departmental funds to cover about one-third of that overage. Police cut their projection by $2.8 million and fire by $850,000. Three small departments (economic development, human resources, and municipal court) are between 1% and 3% over budget due to personnel costs. The overall general fund is still $3 million over budget, and further reductions are expected. Key Outcomes - Approval of May 5, 2026 Minutes: The minutes from the May 5 meeting were approved by a voice vote. A brief procedural confusion was resolved, and the motion passed. - Meeting Adjourned: The committee adjourned after the briefing.

The Fort Worth City Council held a special called meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the City Council Chamber to consider a single agenda item: adopting an ordinance to suspend proposed rate increases by SiEnergy Gas, LLC, and authorizing retention of legal counsel and consultants to evaluate those rates. The meeting was called to order at 1:50 p.m. (the agenda listed 1:45 p.m.) and adjourned at approximately 1:54 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Adrian Smith (District 6 resident, self-described as "one with the people") spoke in opposition to M&C 26-0407. He argued the litigation wastes taxpayer dollars, suggested the council either misunderstands agreements or seeks to remedy previous bad decisions, and criticized the mayor's "top-down" governing approach. - Smith raised questions about the likelihood of resolution within the 90-day window before rate increases take effect, asked why the city does not consider another energy provider, and expressed concern about contracting with LLCs due to limited liability. Discussion Items - Council Member Beck made a motion to approve M&C 26-0407 and adopt Ordinance No. 28529-06-2026, seconded by Council Member Martinez. - No further council discussion was reported in the minutes or transcript. Key Outcomes - The motion passed 8-0. Council Members Lauersdorf (District 4), Peoples (District 5), and Hall (District 6) were absent. Mayor Pro Tem Flores and Council Members Crain, Hill, Nettles, Beck, Jamieson, and Martinez voted in favor.

The Fort Worth City Council held a worksession on June 2, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at City Hall, with Mayor Mattie Parker presiding and 10 council members present (Council Member Lauersdorf absent). The session featured updates and presentations on debt financing, development services, floodplain mapping, and several major policy items including the management transition of Will Rogers Memorial Center, a proposed economic development agreement with Seco Enterprises, downtown library and community arts plans, and proposed regulations for data center development. Presentation on Will Rogers Memorial Center Management Transition Assistant City Manager Jesica McEachern presented a recommendation to outsource the day-to-day operations of the 90-year-old facility to Gindy Street Management Corporation, a joint venture of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and Trail Drive Management Corporation (operator of Dickies Arena). Key points include: - The city has managed Will Rogers since 1936; rising deficits and capital needs, combined with competing demands from the Convention Center expansion, drove the push for third-party management. - Under the proposed Qualified Management Agreement (QMA), Gindy Street would handle operations; the city retains budget approval and covers any operating deficit. Any financial improvements must be reinvested into the facility. - Transition funding of up to $2 million and an annual management fee of $120,000 are included. - All current employees will be offered comparable positions with Gindy Street, and those within five years of retirement can remain city employees until eligibility. - Council members expressed broad support, particularly highlighting the partnership history and employee protections. The M&C is scheduled for June 9 council meeting. Presentation of Proposed Economic Development Agreement with Seco Enterprises Economic Development Manager Michael Hennig presented a 10-year Economic Development Program Agreement for a mixed-use project on Panther Island. Highlights: - Seco Enterprises proposes a 12-story, 290-unit apartment building with ground-floor retail, totaling 250,000 sq. ft. and a minimum $100 million investment. - To address a financial gap, the city would provide annual grants based on 80% of incremental property taxes (capped at $1M/year) to achieve a 6.5% yield on cost. Additionally, 5% of incremental taxes would go to the Housing Finance Corporation for affordable housing. - The project includes public improvements such as pedestrian access to the canal and utility relocation. - Council Member Flores voiced support, noting it as a catalyst for Panther Island. The M&C will be considered on June 9. Update on Downtown Library and Community Arts Assistant City Manager Dana Burghdoff reported on plans for a new downtown library and a community arts incubator. After determining that renovating the former Center for Transforming Lives building at 512 W 4th Street would cost $30.5 million—without yielding a modern library—staff pivoted to: - Repurposing the 4th Street building as a city-managed community arts incubator, with spaces for artist studios, performance, and galleries. A working group chaired by Bob Jameson and including Council Members Peoples, Hill, Beck, and Martinez will gather public input. - Constructing a new downtown library (estimated $36 million) funded through debt capacity from defeasance and certificates of obligation, with potential fundraising by the Fort Worth Library Foundation. - A feasibility study for the future of 1300 Gendy Street (former convention center) will begin in July, funded by foundations and Visit Fort Worth. - Council members commended staff for creative solutions and stressed the need to honor the commitment for a downtown library. Data Center Development Regulations Jesica McEachern delivered an extensive presentation on proposals to regulate data center development across four areas: - Zoning: Define cryptocurrency mining separately and prohibit it; require 250-foot building setbacks from residential areas; establish new development standards (screening, landscaping, lighting). - Noise: Require pre-development ambient noise studies and cap sound levels at 5 dB above baseline within 250 feet of residential property; limit standby generator testing to weekdays 8 AM–5 PM. - Water & Wastewater: Mandate closed-loop cooling systems (reducing water use significantly) and require a wastewater pre-treatment permit for all data centers. - Economic Development Incentives: Increase minimum investment threshold to $500 million; require identified end-user, maintain business personal property value, cap incentives at 50% of tax revenue. - Implementation timeline aims for adoption by August 11, 2026, with a public open house in late June. - Council discussion raised concerns about noise enforcement feasibility (Council Member Beck), the inability to cap building sizes (Council Member Martinez), and the appropriateness of offering incentives (Council Member Beck opposed). Council Member Hill requested a fiscal impact analysis comparing residential vs. data center costs. Council Member Nettles and others emphasized robust public engagement. Overall, council expressed support for moving forward with regulations while refining details. Other Informal Reports and City Council Requests - Several informal reports were presented but received limited discussion, including the 2026 Debt Financing Plan, Development Services Inspection Response Times, Master Transportation Plan Update, NFIP Repetitive Loss Area Update, FEMA Floodplain Mapping Updates, Neighborhood WiFi Program, Opportunity Zone 2.0 Nominations, EMS Billing RFP, Rainwater Charitable Foundation Literacy Grant, Mobile Food Vendor Inspections, Selection Process for Capital Project Contractors, and Project Safe Neighborhoods Update. - Council members requested additional information on several topics: models comparing residential vs. data center service costs (Hill); community engagement options for data centers (Martinez); ability to cap data center sizes (Beck); enforcement options for noise and prohibition of bitcoin mining (Beck); impact on small data centers (Martinez); details on compensation study funding (Nettles); cost of weight loss programs and dependent verification audit (Beck); and identification of council districts impacted by NFIP repetitive loss areas (Beck). Key Outcomes - Staff will proceed with developing regulatory amendments for data centers, targeting public engagement in late June and council adoption on August 11, 2026. No moratorium was enacted; the timeline obviates the need. - The Will Rogers Memorial Center management transition and the Seco Enterprises economic development agreement will be presented for formal approval at the June 9, 2026 council meeting. - The downtown library and community arts working group will convene over the summer to refine plans. - Various staff reports were noted and accepted; future agenda items will include requested follow-up analyses.

The Fort Worth City Council convened a special called budget work session on June 2, 2026, to receive presentations on the city's classification and compensation study and the group health fund's financial outlook. Council members discussed employee pay adjustments, strategies to address a growing health fund deficit, and the rising cost of GLP-1 medications. Discussion Items Classification and Compensation Study - Kristen Smith, HR Director, presented findings from a comprehensive study started in 2025. While salary grades are competitive, employee placement within those grades has fallen behind market. The primary recommendation is to allocate $8–10 million for market adjustments targeting existing employees based on years in position and tenure, and $12.5 million for the pay-for-performance (merit) process. - The city is also revamping its performance management from a two-tier to a five-point scale to allow better talent identification and citywide consistency in merit distribution. - Councilmember Flores asked whether adjustments could include top-tier employees and requested a graphical representation of how the $8–10 million would be distributed. Smith clarified adjustments could include directors if they are behind in their grade, but the majority would go to lower- and mid-level staff. The council requested a follow-up with graphical data. - Councilmember Chris asked whether the adjustments account for unfilled positions; Smith confirmed the focus is on current employees for retention. Group Health Fund Update - The group health fund is projected to continue operating at a deficit with no reserve. A multi-year plan focuses on cost containment, plan redesign, and long-term sustainability. - GLP-1 medications were identified as a major cost driver, currently running approximately $1 million per month. Since the previous month, the number of members using GLP-1s purely for weight loss increased by nearly 50%. - Staff presented potential savings of $8–10 million by transitioning some members to direct-to-consumer options (e.g., compounded or microdosed GLP-1s, through programs like Noom at about $200/month). No changes are recommended for diabetes-related GLP-1 use. - Other cost-saving measures include a dependent audit, support for MSK treatments, and continued wellness programs. The employer contribution baseline for FY27 is $89–99 million, a $30 million increase to right-size claims. - Councilmember Hill inquired about using local wellness companies and requested staff provide a list of current wellness contract amounts (e.g., Noom, Wonder Health, Ramp Health, Digby). Staff agreed to follow up. - Councilmember Buck (likely Councilmember Beck or another) expressed strong opposition to a wholesale prohibition of GLP-1s, arguing it interferes with the physician-patient relationship. Buck suggested a reimbursement model where the city reimburses members up to $200/month for self-sourced GLP-1s, potentially saving $1.5 million per month. Buck requested staff develop such a plan. Key Outcomes - Staff will provide graphical data on planned market adjustments to Councilmember Flores. - Staff will provide cost details on current wellness programs (Noom, Wonder Health, Ramp Health, Digby) to Councilmember Hill. - Staff will develop a reimbursement plan for GLP-1 medications that allows members to purchase directly from consumer sources and be reimbursed up to $200/month, as directed by Councilmembers. - No formal votes were taken; decisions are pending further budget deliberations.