Public Meetings - Killeen, Texas

The Killeen City Council met on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. All council members were present except Council Member Beverly Ann Williams. The meeting included presentations, work session discussion, citizen comments, consent agenda, resolutions, a public hearing, discussion items, and executive session. Key topics included the Zephyr Road reconstruction design, animal shelter renovation, a new North Killeen Overlay District, electric vehicle chargers, cemetery expansion, and homelessness services. Presentations - American Planning Association Texas Award: Katie Williams, Central Section Director of APA Texas, presented a gold award to the City of Killeen for implementation of the comprehensive plan Killeen 2040, specifically for downtown revitalization. Downtown occupancy increased from approximately 20% to over 84%, with more than 104 businesses opening in the area, and 84% of the plan's downtown action items started or completed. - Salvation Army Appreciation Plaque: Bill Conlin, Salvation Army Board Chair, presented a plaque thanking the city for providing the event center for the Angel Tree program for three years. Approximately 890 children have been signed up for the current year's distribution. Work Session (Items 14-16) - RS-26-173 (Assistance to Firefighters Grant): Chief Fox presented a grant award for FY25 totaling $259,773.36, with $236,157 in federal funding and a city match of $23,615.76. The grant funds occupational health and cancer screenings for fire personnel. Staff recommended approval. - RS-26-174 (Zephyr Road Reconstruction Design): Mrs. Hager presented a $2,051,906.90 professional services agreement with Garver, LLC for a 1.9-mile reconstruction, including potential three-lane road, sidewalks, bike accommodations, and intersection improvements. Design estimated at two years, construction in multiple phases over at least four years. Councilmembers discussed lane width, bike lanes, street trees, and public input. - RS-26-175 (Animal Shelter Renovation Design): Mrs. Hager presented a $191,500 agreement with Michael W. Marrs Architects, Inc. for design of the Killeen Animal Shelter renovation at 3518 East Rancier. The building was purchased for $1.77 million and closed in April 2026 due to mold. Proposed design includes 34 kennels, floor drains, separate dog/cat areas, surgical space. Councilmembers debated whether to proceed without an appraisal, comparing cost to building new ($3 million+). Citizen Comments on Agenda Items - Dr. Sue Nasi Croft: Urged council to use a temporary emergency declaration or winter zoning overlay to bypass regulatory gridlock on homelessness shelter, stating $220,000 is idle and the strict conditional use permit on 1002 Medical Drive makes the project unfeasible. - JT Hahn (Armor of God Outreach): Requested a seat at the table for comprehensive homeless planning. Described costs of the medical drive CUP (masonry wall: $25,000-$30,000; grease trap: $4,000-$6,000) and asked for a variance on the wall. Noted the city has invested over $2 million in homeless services over 10 years. - Anka Nego: Questioned spending on animal shelter at 3518 Rancier, stating total cost could be $3.4 million, and suggested building new at Commerce Street. Noted safety concerns with volunteers taking dogs to park across a major road. - Michael Fornino: Criticized delays on road projects, asked for clarification on a joint meeting vote, and argued council priorities are misplaced - more love for animals than homeless. - Ebony Jackson (Bell County Indigen Health Care Program): Discussed homelessness as a public health issue, describing costs to hospitals, emergency services, and jail medical operations. Requested collaboration for a shelter and daytime resource center. - Heather McMillan: Requested expanding Zoom access to planning and zoning and special meetings, noting citizens were unable to speak at the October 5th joint meeting regarding data centers. Consent Agenda - Items 3-13 were approved with a single motion, except item 5 was pulled for separate discussion. Item 5 (RS-26-164) was later approved 5-0 after presentation and discussion. Resolutions (Regular Session) - RS-26-173 (AFG Grant): Approved 5-0. - RS-26-174 (Zephyr Road Design): Approved 5-0. - RS-26-175 (Animal Shelter Design): Council voted 3-2 to table the item until an appraisal of the building is completed. Councilmember Brown motioned to table; Mayor Pro Tim seconded. Councilmembers Kendrick and Bass opposed tabling. Public Hearing - PH-26-037 (North Killeen Overlay District): The ordinance establishes an overlay district over approximately 1,842.179 acres bounded by North Fort Hood Street, Fort Hood, W.S. Young Drive, and Hallmark Avenue/Trimmier Road/Terrace Drive. It allows tiny homes (≤400 sq ft), tiny homes on wheels, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right, and prohibits new after-hours nightclubs, BYOB establishments, private gambling, and outside secondhand goods sales. Nine existing businesses become legal nonconforming. Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 6-0 with conditions. Staff noted 3,662 notices mailed; no written responses received. Approved 5-1, with Councilmember Brown dissenting, citing infrastructure concerns and inequity across the city. Discussion Items - DS-26-090 (Electric Vehicle Chargers): Staff reported the city applied for a federal grant in 2024 (not awarded) and explored partnerships. The civic center was identified as a potential site. 31 existing charging units exist in the city. A level 3 charger cost estimate was $184,000 plus installation. Revenue projected at $16,000 annually starting after three years. Council voted 5-0 to halt procurement and bring the item back in three months for further discussion of alternatives (including private partnerships). - DS-26-091 (City Cemetery Expansion): The city has no available burial plots since 2022. Expansion of 17.93 acres east could yield 5,546 plots at an estimated cost of $6.9 million. Annual operating cost: $147,449. Councilmember Brown motioned for staff to bring back, in six months, expert trend data, a columbarium cost estimate (up to $140,000 for 100 niches), and phased cemetery expansion planning. Approved 5-0. - DS-26-094 (Homelessness Services Plan - Armor of God Outreach): Staff updated that Armor of God (AOG) withdrew from the Medical Drive project on October13 due to inability to meet CUP conditions (masonry wall costs, etc.) and timeline. AOG representative JT Hahn stated they remain interested but need a partner. Council discussed the $200,000 earmarked for homeless services. Councilmember Brown motioned to continue holding the $200,000 for homeless services without specifying AOG. Approved 5-0. - DS-26-095 (December Meeting Dates): Council approved moving the second December meeting from December15 to December8 (meetings on December1 and December8) to allow staff holiday time. Approved 5-0. Councilmember Requests for Future Agenda Items - RQ-26-007 (Notification Protocol): Mayor Pro Tim requested establishing a standard for notifying council of city activities. Council voted 5-0 to bring the item to the second meeting in November for discussion. Executive Session - DS-26-093 (Potential land purchase of KISD property for affordable housing) was held in closed session at approximately10:17 PM, citing real estate negotiations. No action recorded. Citizen Comments on Non-Agenda Items - Jamie Carroll requested consistent Zoom access for all boards and commissions, noting only three boards are live-streamed. Council voted 5-0 to bring the item back for future discussion on consistency. Key Outcomes - Approved: Consent agenda (with item5 pulled and then approved5-0); AFG grant (5-0); Zephyr Road design (5-0); North Killeen Overlay District (5-1, Brown opposed); December meeting dates (5-0); holding homeless funds (5-0); and bringing notification protocol to November meeting (5-0). - Tabled: Animal shelter renovation design (3-2 to table for appraisal). - Halted (with future review): EV charger procurement (5-0, bring back in3 months).- Directive: Cemetery expansion study with columbarium and trend data in6 months (5-0).- No action/moved to future: Homeless services partnership (funds held; no specific organization).

The Killeen City Council convened on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers for a combined Work Session and Regular Session. The meeting lasted over six hours, concluding with adjournment at approximately 11:28 PM. The council addressed 34 agenda items, including approval of consent items, consideration of major contracts and policy changes, three public hearings on zoning, and the appointment of a new city manager. Total spending authorized exceeded $31 million, with the largest single item being a $21.2 million 10-year agreement with Axon Enterprise for public safety technology, drones, and license plate readers. Consent Calendar - The council approved a consolidated consent agenda except for Item RS-26-149 (120Water lead and copper program services), which was considered separately. The consent agenda (items MN-26-028 through MN-26-039 and RS-26-150 through RS-26-155) passed 6-0 with Councilmember Kimball voting no. Key routine approvals included: - Minutes from 12 council meetings between July and September 2026. - RS-26-150: Design services for Goodnight Ranch Community Park ($371,200). - RS-26-151: Park improvements at Conder & Marlboro parks ($528,664.08). - RS-26-152: Fleet vehicles and equipment procurement ($7,107,275.46). - RS-26-153: Electric utility easement for Oncor Electric Delivery. - RS-26-154: Contract Amendment 3 for Chaparral Road waterline design ($57,670). - RS-26-155: Setting November 17, 2026 public hearing for water/wastewater impact fee updates. - RS-26-149 (120Water/BlueConduit cooperative purchase, $214,175.36) was subsequently approved 7-0 after Councilmember Brown asked about improving notification processes for residents with galvanized lines. Public Comments & Testimony Citizens addressed the council during both the agenda-item comment period and the public hearings. Key speakers and positions included: - Heather McMillan (via Zoom): Criticized the lead service line notification contract; stated that only $5,204 of $214,175 was allocated to notification. She requested improved notification for renters and better language access. Also raised concerns about incoming City Manager Dr. Marie Peoples' compensation package (720 hours sick leave, $15,000 relocation, $10,500 housing allowance). - Michael Fornino: Opposed the appointment of Dr. Peoples, citing controversies in Webster Groves (firefighter union censure, credit card misuse) and questioned the council's transparency and Councilmember Kimball's prior connection to the candidate. - Jamie Carroll: Objected to over $31 million in spending with limited public input; argued Peoples' compensation was tone-deaf given the city's poverty rate and budget deficit. - Ken Wilkerson: Supported Peoples, stating the search process was fair and negative publicity was character assassination. - Latasha Shaw: Expressed hope for transparent, empathetic leadership from the new city manager. - Michael Cleveland: Argued that concerns about Peoples were rooted in racial bias; urged council to focus on collaboration and new approaches. - Dr. Sir Nisi Croft: Supported Peoples, highlighting her criminal justice background and ability to navigate intergovernmental relations due to Fort Hood's presence. - Anka Nayaku: Raised privacy concerns about city employees with criminal backgrounds potentially accessing drone camera data; supported Peoples' appointment but urged data access safeguards. - William Hankey (opposing PH-26-035): Opposed rezoning for a lounge due to noise and vibration from his adjacent property. - Father Tim Knock (on PH-26-036): Supported the emergency shelter concept but requested conditions: 24/7 security, a fence, and licensed social worker on staff. - Dan Corbin (on PH-26-036): Represented Sonic; opposed shelter location citing safety and property value concerns. - Multiple shelter supporters: Stressed the need for transitional housing; denied that residents would be criminals and emphasized rehabilitation. Discussion Items Economic Development Policy Readoption (RS-26-157): The council discussed amendments including targeted industry recruitment and updated roles for KEDC. Councilmember Brown raised questions about adding direct roles for other entities and removing the annual audit requirement. Councilmember Nash-King expressed discomfort with approving without more discussion. The item was tabled to the next regular meeting (November 3 or 6, 2026) by a 7-0 vote. Master Marketing Agreement with Verta Wireless (RS-26-158): The council authorized an exclusive five-year (with five one-year renewals) marketing agreement to construct monopole cell towers on city property, with 30% of subtenant rents paid to the city. City Manager Cagle cited financial benefits and incentives for co-location. Councilmember Brown dissented, arguing for a competitive bidding process and noting changes in proposed sites after agenda publication. Motion passed 6-1. Emergency Medical Services Interlocal Agreement (RS-26-159): Approved unanimously (7-0). The agreement formalizes KFD as backup EMS for unincorporated Bell County, with a $750-per-call reimbursement plus patient billing. Officials noted it would reduce KFD’s out-of-city call volume and improve city response times. Change Order for Parks, Fleet, and Evidence Storage Buildings (RS-26-160): Unanimously approved (7-0) a $1,741,508 change order for three city facility projects (parks maintenance, fleet maintenance, police evidence building). Increases covered demolition, grading, asbestos abatement, tariff-related inflation, and design changes. Total project cost now $25.6 million. Axon Enterprise 10-Year Agreement (RS-26-161): Unanimously approved (7-0) a $21,153,653 contract consolidating existing Axon products (tasers, body cameras, ALPR cameras) and adding drone-in-a-box systems, outposts, and training. Chief Lopez provided extensive presentation on public safety benefits: 28% decrease in motor vehicle thefts (185 from 258), faster drone response times (under 2 minutes vs. 5-6 minutes for ground units), and transparency measures (public drone flight map, audit controls). Privacy safeguards were emphasized; council members expressed confidence in the city’s policies. Appointment of City Manager (RS-26-162): After a nationwide search, the council voted 6-1 to appoint Dr. Marie Peoples as Killeen City Manager. Councilmember Brown voted no, citing concerns over the compensation package ($260,000 base salary, 720 hours sick leave, $15,000 relocation, $10,500 housing allowance, etc.) and the candidate’s limited municipal management experience. Dr. Peoples defended her record, stating the firefighter union censure was a tactic and that the credit card audit showed policies worked. Other council members cited her vision, criminal justice background, and big-county leadership experience. Dr. Peoples thanked the council and expressed eagerness to start. Interim City Manager (RS-26-163): Unanimously approved (7-0) the appointment of Assistant City Manager Lori Wilson as interim effective October 10, 2026, until Dr. Peoples begins. Public Hearing – Rezoning to B-5 (PH-26-034): The council approved (6-1, Brown dissenting) rezoning a suite from B-3A to B-5 for a social club/poker room at 4008 E Stan Schlueter Loop. Staff noted the surrounding properties are all B-5. Public Hearing – Rezoning to B-C-1 (PH-26-035): The council disapproved (motion passed 5-2) rezoning a suite at 311 E Stan Schlueter Loop from B-5 to B-C-1 for a lounge with on-premise alcohol consumption. An adjacent property owner opposed due to noise/vibration; 30% of property owners within 200 feet opposed. Public Hearing – Rezoning for Emergency Shelter (PH-26-036): After an initial motion for straight R-3A rezoning (without conditions) failed 4-3, the council passed (7-0) a motion to rezone from B-3 to R-3A with a conditional use permit (CUP). Staff-recommended conditions: indoor accommodations 24/7, 24/7 staffing, at least one part-time licensed social worker, replacement of rear wooden fence with solid screening device, and CUP expiration/repeal provisions. Extensive testimony highlighted both neighborhood opposition and shelter need; applicant Pastor JT Hahn of Armor of God initially sought R-3A without conditions but ultimately accepted the CUP. Action on Remaining Discussion Items: The council voted unanimously (7-0) to table DS-26-090 (EV chargers), DS-26-091 (cemetery expansion), and DS-26-093 (KISD land purchase for affordable housing) to the next regular meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved (7-0): RS-26-149 (120Water/BlueConduit), RS-26-156 (emergency water repair ratification), RS-26-158 (Verta Wireless – 6-1), RS-26-159 (EMS ILA), RS-26-160 (core construction change order), RS-26-161 (Axon agreement), RS-26-163 (interim city manager), PH-26-034 (B-5 rezoning – 6-1), PH-26-036 (CUP for emergency shelter – 7-0). Additionally, RS-26-162 (city manager appointment) approved 6-1. - Denied: PH-26-035 (B-C-1 rezoning for lounge) – motion to disapprove passed 5-2. - Tabled: RS-26-157 (Economic Development Policy) to November 2026; DS-26-090, DS-26-091, DS-26-093 to next regular meeting. - Next Steps: The city manager transition will proceed with Dr. Peoples expected to assume duties after interim period; Kent Cagle’s retirement effective October 9, 2026. Council will revisit tabled items at upcoming meetings. Acknowledgements - The council unanimously acknowledged and thanked Interim City Manager Kent Cagle for his service. He was recognized for leading the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, budget challenges, and major capital projects. His retirement was effective May 29 but he served until October 9. The council also recognized Assistant City Manager Lori Wilson as interim. - Dr. Marie Peoples briefed the council via Zoom on her vision and commitment to collaborative leadership.

The Killeen City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission held a joint work session on October 6, 2026, to improve communication, define strategic expectations, and discuss proposed ordinance changes. The meeting was designated as informational, with no formal votes planned, but the council could issue motions of direction to staff. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Fornino criticized a council representative's conduct and expressed frustration with the Mayor for not addressing his concerns, implying potential legal action. - Edward Frazy, a retired IT professional, spoke against allowing data centers in Killeen, citing high water and electricity consumption, environmental heat from cooling systems, and noise pollution. Discussion Items - Council Priorities and P&Z Roles (DS-26-086 & DS-26-087): Council members emphasized that P&Z serves as an independent recommending body guided by the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. P&Z commissioners requested clearer strategic direction from the council and better communication regarding major policy shifts and development trends. Council members stressed the need for professionalism, respect for staff, and adherence to the zoning process. Council agreed to improve communication by providing briefings on their priorities and planned ordinance changes. - Proposed Data Center Ordinance (DS-26-088): Staff reviewed a previously proposed three-tier system (small, medium, large) that would allow data centers by right in specific districts with strict supplemental regulations. Council had previously directed staff to draft an ordinance requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for all data centers. Following discussion, Councilmember Kimball moved to change this direction. Council voted 6-1 to direct staff to return to the original tiered approach (by right with strict stipulations), favoring predictable rules over project-by-project discretion. The city attorney cautioned that the CUP route is often viewed by investors as a de facto ban. - Short-Term Rental Regulations: Staff noted an ordinance removing inspection requirements from the registration process is being drafted to improve compliance and hotel occupancy tax collection. - Joint Meeting Frequency (DS-26-089): The group discussed holding 1-2 joint meetings per year. Mayor Prow proposed one for informational updates and one for strategic planning. Some commissioners suggested a single annual meeting to align with the fiscal year and commissioner terms. Key Outcomes - The City Council directed staff (6-1 vote) to draft a data center zoning ordinance based on a tiered system allowing them by right with strict stipulations, reversing the previous direction for a CUP-only ordinance. - Council committed to providing the P&Z commission with regular briefings on strategic priorities, proposed ordinances, and emerging city planning issues. - The groups agreed to formalize their joint meetings, tentatively scheduling at least one per year for strategic planning. - A consensus was reached to explore better public education tools regarding zoning, such as website content, citizen academy modules, and town halls.

The Killeen City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission held a special joint work session on October 5, 2026, to improve communication, discuss council priorities, deliberate on proposed zoning ordinance amendments for data centers, and determine the future format of such meetings. The meeting was informational, though council did pass a motion of direction regarding data center regulations. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Fornino criticized the council for failing to address the conduct of a specific commissioner who had prior reprimands, accusing the mayor of ignoring the problem and threatening legal action. - Edward Frazy spoke in strong opposition to data centers, citing excessive water and electricity consumption, the creation of heat domes, and noise and light pollution as detrimental to the community. He urged the council to reject the industry. Discussion Items - Council Priorities and Expectations for P&Z (Items 1 & 2): The Mayor emphasized a goal of 'one city, one goal' and that council sets the vision. P&Z commissioners, including Steele and Wilkerson, sought clearer guidance and tools, such as fiscal impact analyses, to interpret the comprehensive plan. Councilmember Nash-King stressed that P&Z serves as a check on council and that commissioners must maintain professional conduct and respect for staff, noting the council has the authority to remove members for cause. Councilmember Kimball added that staff expertise should be relied upon. - Data Center Zoning Amendments (Item 3): City staff reviewed previous options for data center regulations, including a three-tier system. Staff originally proposed allowing tiers by right with strict stipulations, while a prior council direction called for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) route. Councilmember Kimball made a motion of direction to draft an alternative ordinance based on the original by-right model with stipulations, arguing the CUP route could deter investment due to lack of certainty. Councilmember Brown expressed concern that a by-right approach removes the city's ability to prevent over-proliferation, favoring a CUP or a specific zoning district for control. The motion passed 6-1. Councilmember Bass stated he favored the original staff recommendation. Discussion on short-term rental regulations noted a draft ordinance removing inspection requirements is expected in October. - Format of Future Joint Meetings (Item 4): Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez proposed semi-annual meetings: one for legislative updates and one for strategic planning. P&Z Commissioner Cooper suggested an annual meeting aligned with the fiscal year to catch new appointees, also recommending the inclusion of the Board of Adjustments and TIFR Board. The general consensus was that the meeting format was highly valuable and should be continued. Key Outcomes - Motion of Direction on Data Centers: The council passed a motion (6-1) directing staff to draft an alternative zoning ordinance for data centers based on the original tiered model with strict stipulations, rather than solely the previously directed Conditional Use Permit route. - Commitment to Communication: The council and commission agreed to formalize a process for sharing legislative updates, council priorities, and emerging development trends to ensure P&Z is aligned with the city's broader mission. - Training and Public Education: Council committed to exploring the creation of training videos, incorporating zoning basics into the Citizens Academy, and partnering with the Central Texas Council of Governments to better educate both commissioners and the public on planning and zoning processes.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met for a workshop at 4:34 p.m. and the regular meeting at 4:40 p.m. on September 28, 2026, in the Utility Collections Large Conference Room. The commission held a public hearing on a city-initiated rezoning request, received updates on recent City Council actions, and recognized outgoing commissioners for their service. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Alvarez, passed unanimously. - Approval of Minutes (September 14, 2026): Motion by Commissioner Giacomozzi, seconded by Commissioner Rowe, passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during Citizen Comment or the public hearing. Discussion Items - PH-1 – Rezoning at 1401 Mulford Street (Case Z26-20): Staff presented a city-initiated request to rezone approximately 0.23 acres (Lot 1, Block 1, Mulford Addition) from "B-3" (Local Business District) to "R-1" (Single-Family Residential District). Staff noted the commission had previously recommended approval in July, but City Council disapproved because the property owner’s authorization form was not received. The form was obtained on September 4, 2026, and the request was re-noticed. The rezoning would bring the existing single-family home into compliance with the zoning ordinance and help the owner sell or refinance. Fifty-nine surrounding property owners were notified; no responses of support or opposition were received. Staff recommended approval. The item is scheduled for City Council consideration on November 3, 2026. - City Council Updates: Staff reported that at the September 15, 2026 Council meeting, zoning case Z26-13 (proposed gas station on 195) was postponed at the applicant's request, with action now expected on October 8, 2026. Conditional use permit case Z26-14 (used auto parts at 195) was approved. Council also directed staff to bring back ordinances regarding data centers and an amendment to short-term rental regulations. The data center ordinance is expected before P&Z in December, and the short-term rental amendment in November (later corrected to December 1, 2026 for the rental item). Key Outcomes - PH-1 Vote: Motion to approve the rezoning (Z26-20) made and seconded; passed unanimously. No public hearing speakers were present; the public hearing was closed. - Recognition of Outgoing Commissioners: Commissioner Sandra O’Brien was recognized for eight years of service on the commission and received a certificate of appreciation. Commissioner Luvina Sabree was also outgoing but absent; her service was noted. O'Brien thanked staff and expressed pride in the commission's work. - Next Meeting: The next regular P&Z meeting is October 26, 2026. Additionally, a joint P&Z/City Council workshop was announced for October 5, 2026 (Monday) in the same room.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary of discussion or decisions can be generated.

On September 23, 2026, the Killeen City Council held a special meeting at 8:00 AM in the Killeen Civic and Conference Center Executive Boardroom to conduct interviews with finalists for the City Manager position. All council members were present except Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Gonzalez. The meeting began with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a unanimous vote to approve the agenda. No citizens signed up to speak during the public comment period. The council then convened in closed executive session to discuss the candidates and returned at 1:54 PM with no action taken, after which the meeting was adjourned. Executive Session - The council entered closed executive session at 8:03 AM pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.074 (personal matters) to discuss agenda item DS-26-084: conducting city manager finalist interviews and discussing the appointment of a city manager. - The executive session lasted until 1:54 PM. No votes or decisions were made during the closed session. Key Outcomes - The council took no formal action on the appointment of a city manager following the interviews. - The meeting was adjourned by motion at approximately 1:54 PM.

This combined work session and regular meeting of the Killeen City Council was held Tuesday, September 15, 2026, beginning at 5:00 PM at Killeen City Hall, 101 N College Street, Killeen, Texas. Mayor Joseph Solomon presided with all council members present: Jessica Gonzalez, Debbie Nash-King, Charles Kimble, Mellisa Brown, David Bass, Beverly Ann Williams, and Anthony Kendrick. The meeting included a Killeen Star Award nomination, a citizen comments period, a consent agenda, individual consideration of multiple resolutions, a public hearing on a rezoning request, and discussion of a date conflict between the October 6, 2026 regular meeting and National Night Out. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 7, 2026, and other routine items. Public Comments & Testimony - A speaker (name not clearly stated) commented on non-agenda items, requesting that the city change its policy to allow remote participation via Zoom for Planning and Zoning meetings. The speaker stated they had requested Zoom access for a public hearing affecting their property but were informed Zoom was approved only for city council meetings, not P&Z. The speaker thanked Councilwoman Brown for allowing them to call in on her phone, and asked the council to change the policy so citizens who cannot attend public hearings in person can participate. - A speaker praised code enforcement for quickly working on solutions to issues raised through the city's "Citizens See Click Fix" system, and thanked the council for finally allowing non-agenda items to be addressed during citizen comments. - Joseph Smukowski spoke during citizen comments, stating that a figure of $11,500 represented the amount people spend every time they go to a show at VLA in Killeen, and expressed concern about what that spending means for the organization's ability to produce, reach audiences, and continue thriving. Discussion Items - Killeen Star Award (PR-26-019): Mayor Solomon read a nomination letter submitted for Carolyn Brown for the Killeen Star Award. - Agenda Items 9–15 Overview: The council discussed multiple items to be carried into the regular session, including board appointments and a stop-loss insurance item (RS 26-148). Councilmember Nash-King made a motion to approve RS 26-148, seconded by Councilmember Williams; the motion passed 7–0. - Board and Commission Appointments: The council considered four nominations for three positions on the Main Street Board. Councilmembers noted that one board member position required owning a business in downtown, and discussion included the knowledge and family history of a nominee. Subcommittees were also discussed, including the Bell County Board of Health (Councilmembers Williams and Bass) and the Senior Citizen Advisory Board (Councilmembers Nash-King and Williams). - Postponement of RS 26-031: Councilmember Kendrick moved to postpone RS 26-031 until the next regular council meeting. Councilmembers discussed whether the item should be postponed to the next regular meeting, especially given a separate agenda item discussing a possible time/date change for the October 6, 2026 meeting. It was clarified that a public hearing could be held and then action postponed or tabled. - Data Center Regulations (DS-26-081): Staff proposed breaking data centers into three categories—small, medium, and large—with conditional use permit requirements and the ability to revoke permits if water or electricity usage thresholds were not met. Councilmembers discussed how state regulations might limit local land use authority. One councilmember stated that the notice said data centers would be "permitted by right," but other sources read did not recommend permitting by right. Another councilmember stated that as far as size, the city could only regulate between small and medium. - National Night Out Conflict (October 6, 2026): The council discussed the conflict between the regular council meeting and National Night Out on October 6, 2026. A councilmember noted that if the meeting is held at the regular time, council members would not be able to attend National Night Out. A proposal was made to move the meeting to 2:00 PM so the meeting could finish in time for National Night Out at 5:00 PM without disrupting already scheduled days off. Public Hearing - PH-26-003 – Rezoning Request: A public hearing was held on a request submitted by Rachel Shanks. Staff presented a map showing that all three adjacent property owners had submitted letters in opposition, and three adjacent property owners spoke in opposition during the public hearing. Councilmembers expressed concern about requiring a private citizen to share their driveway with a fuel station. One councilmember noted they could only recall one other developer in their time on council since 2017 who postponed a project when residents were unhappy, and that developer postponed until they received 100% resident support. After the public hearing, discussion centered on whether to postpone action on the item until the next regular council meeting. The public hearing was closed with no additional speakers. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously. - RS 26-148 (stop-loss insurance) was approved by a vote of 7–0. - The council discussed postponing RS 26-031 until the next regular council meeting; the public hearing was closed, and the item was set for further action at the next regular meeting. - The council discussed but did not take a final recorded vote on moving the October 6, 2026 regular meeting to 2:00 PM to avoid conflict with National Night Out. - Four nominations were considered for three Main Street Board positions; no final appointment vote was recorded in the transcript excerpt. - The public hearing on the rezoning request (PH-26-003) was closed; no final decision on the request was recorded in the transcript excerpt.

The Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission held a workshop at 4:35 p.m. and a regular meeting at 5:14 p.m. on September 14, 2026, in the Utility Collections Large Conference Room, 210 W. Avenue C, Killeen, Texas. The Commission conducted public hearings on a rezoning/conditional-use request at 1200 Medical Drive and a proposed zoning overlay for downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. It also received updates on recent City Council actions and set its next meeting for September 28, 2026. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda for the September 14, 2026 regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. - Approved the minutes of the previous regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - PH1 – 1200 Medical Drive: The applicant described a structured, volunteer-supported 20-bed men’s transitional housing program and requested R-3 multifamily zoning so the building could be used for that purpose. The applicant said the program was different from the former Friends in Crisis shelter and cited an average resident stay of six months or less at Tampa Hope. - PH1 supporters said transitional group homes do not accept everyone without screening, use background checks and program rules, and that being unhoused does not mean a person is dangerous; one supporter noted that, based on statistics, only a small percentage of unhoused individuals have serious mental-health or behavioral challenges. - PH1 opponents expressed concern about compatibility with an adjacent pre-K/trade school, uncertainty about who would be on the site, reliance on volunteers, and what would happen if residents did not remain in the program. One opponent asked commissioners to read the full packet before deciding. - PH2 – Housing overlay ordinance: Public commenter Jim Wright, 3800 South WS Young, discussed legal nonconforming uses, the overlay boundary including properties south of Business 190, and tenant/use changes. Another commenter noted PH2 was a large ordinance with three different scenarios under one item. Discussion Items - PH1 – 1200 Medical Drive: Staff reported the site is between commercial businesses and had received four written responses: one in support and three in opposition. Proposed conditional-use permit language required indoor accommodations and on-site staff at all times. Commissioners discussed separating the zoning decision from broader social-policy concerns, the benefit of a managed facility compared with unmanaged open areas, and whether the use fits the comprehensive plan. - PH2 – Downtown/adjacent neighborhood overlay: Staff reviewed the 2015 City Council revitalization effort and the March 24 City Council direction to create a zoning overlay addressing tiny homes and accessory dwelling units. Staff noted lots under 3,600 square feet are currently unbuildable, base R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts would not change, fencing flexibility would be added for residential/commercial edges, and boarded-up buildings would be limited to 90 days unless approved. Commissioners questioned whether setbacks and lot-size requirements would still make small lots unusable; one commissioner asked about housing absorption data and noted city permitting and staff experts would review infrastructure. - Staff updates on City Council actions: City Council approved city-initiated zoning cases at 312 and 313 Texas Avenue and 1411 Mulford. The case at 1401 received property owner consent after the Council meeting, so it will be re-noticed and return to the Commission on September 28. Key Outcomes - PH1 approved with a conditional use permit. Commissioner Cooper made the motion, and Commissioner Moss seconded. The chair requested a statement of reason from commissioners who voted against the motion, indicating the vote was not unanimous. - PH2 acted on favorably, with Commissioner Alvarez recommending approval with revisions that included a setback revision, an underpinning requirement, and a lot size of 6,000 square feet. Staff noted PH2 is scheduled for City Council on October 20, 2026. - The next regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting is September 28, 2026, immediately following the 4:30 p.m. workshop in the Utility Collections Large Conference Room. Staff reminded commissioners of upcoming training at the Central Texas Council of Governments.