Public Meetings - Killeen, Texas

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Killeen, Texas, held a regular meeting on December 9, 2024, at the Utility Collections Large Conference Room, 210 W. Avenue C. All commissioners were present. The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. following a workshop at 4:00 p.m. Commission voted unanimously to approve the agenda, consent agenda, and a public hearing item. The commission also agreed to cancel the December 23, 2024 meeting. Consent Calendar - CA-1: Approved minutes of the Special Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of November 18, 2024. The motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. Discussion Items - PH-1: Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance amending the Killeen 2040 Comprehensive Plan, specifically amendments to the Comprehensive Plan implementation matrix. Staff presented the proposal and recommended approval. No public testimony was offered. The commission closed the public hearing and voted unanimously to approve the ordinance. - Cancellation of December 23, 2024 Meeting: By consensus, the commission agreed to cancel the regular meeting scheduled for December 23, 2024, and postpone any items to the next regular meeting. - Other items listed on the agenda (amendments to the 2024 Planning Calendar, discussion of frequency and start time of workshops/meetings, and review of attendance chart) were not addressed during the meeting as per the available transcript. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda unanimously. - Approved the consent agenda (minutes of November 18, 2024) unanimously. - Approved PH-1 (comprehensive plan amendment) unanimously. - Cancelled the December 23, 2024 regular meeting; next meeting set for January 13, 2025. - Meeting adjourned on a motion.

The Killeen City Council met on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 3:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations, a consent agenda, multiple public hearings on rezoning requests, and a postponed executive session. Key actions included approving the consent agenda, appointing Youth Advisory Commissioners, and voting on several zoning changes. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:49 PM. Presentations - Oath of Office for FY 2024‑2025 Youth Advisory Commissioners – The mayor administered the oath to four new commissioners: Brianna Trevino, Adriana Lopez Espinoza, Derek Ortiz Marcado, and Naya M. Black. The Youth Advisory Commission (created in 1993) serves as a liaison to the City Council, focusing on leadership, volunteerism, and youth issues. - Killeen Star Award – Councilmember Boyd presented the Star Award posthumously to Betty Ann McLaurin, recognized for her decades of community service, including founding a child care center, co‑founding Solution One Industries, and supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Erica White Foundation. Her husband, Tyrone McLaurin, accepted on her behalf. - Municipal Court Briefing (Item PR‑24‑030) – Postponed because Judge Krishner was delayed; he later presented a briefing on the Youth Diversion Program (mandated by HB 3186, effective January 1, 2025) and plans to reinstate Teen Court for traffic cases. The program offers a $10 fee (waivable) for eligible juveniles to avoid prosecution. Consent Agenda All items below were approved unanimously (7‑0; Councilmember Segarra was absent initially but later present): - MN‑24‑028: Approval of minutes from the November 5, 2024 meeting. - RS‑24‑215: Appointment of commissioners to the Youth Advisory Commission for FY 2025. - RS‑24‑216: Purchase of new multimedia equipment for the Council Chamber from Rushworks/ENCO for $116,065, funded by PEG (public, educational, government) funds. - RS‑24‑217: Approval of a support addendum with Routeware, Inc. for route optimization tracking for the solid waste fleet, five‑year cost of $86,048. - RS‑24‑218: Professional services agreement with 120Water, Inc. for lead and copper inventory and testing services, $59,247.42. - RS‑24‑219: Purchase of an Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System at Robert Gray Army Airfield under the IGSA with Fort Cavazos, $800,000 (fully funded by Fort Cavazos). - RS‑24‑220: Contract amendment with Scheibe Consulting, LLC for a Drainage Master Plan project (FEMA study along Acorn Creek/Rosewood Drive), $62,810. Discussion Items - DS‑24‑072 – Semi‑Annual Capital Improvement Advisory Committee Report – Presented by Mr. Zagus. The CIAC report covers water and sewer impact fees tied to the 2019 capital improvement plan. Key points: 13 water projects and 12 wastewater projects are eligible for impact fee recovery; current fund balances show about $440,000 for water and a negative balance for wastewater (expected to recover within the year). A new master plan is in draft and will be presented early 2025. The committee also requested future discussions on impact fee restrictions and capital project funding. - Work Session – Council reviewed items 5‑15 for the regular session. No final actions were taken during this segment. Public Comments & Testimony Multiple residents spoke during citizen comments and public hearings. Key themes: - Water safety: A resident questioned the necessity of sending letters to 2,512 homes with galvanized lines, noting the city did not provide water filters. Staff clarified that the EPA mandate requires notification, and the city has no lead lines; 157 of the 2,512 homes have already replaced their lines. - Multimedia equipment: Speakers criticized spending $116,065 on new equipment from a vendor whose 2019 equipment failed, asking why warranty wasn’t used. The city responded that the equipment is funded by PEG grants and must be upgraded due to aging technology (5‑year cycle). - Featherline rezoning (PH‑24‑049): Over 20 residents spoke in opposition, citing safety concerns on Featherline Road (32 accidents in 2023, 38% traffic increase since 2022), environmental impacts, and a petition with 534 signatures. Several asked the council to delay rezoning until road improvements are complete. A few residents spoke in favor, praising the city’s responsiveness (right‑turn lane installed, stop signs added). The applicant’s engineer noted the development would take 8‑10 years to build out, and the city’s Featherline design is scheduled for 2025‑2027. - Florence Road duplex rezoning (PH‑24‑050): Neighbors opposed, citing safety on narrow roads, drainage, and environmental impact. The applicant argued that without rezoning, the site could be developed as a mobile home park (RMH zoning), which would be less desirable. - Other: A commenter addressed the city manager’s performance, referencing audits and the ransomware attack. The mayor noted the evaluation was postponed to December 10. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved 7‑0. - PH‑24‑047 (2200 W. Central Texas Expressway, rezoning from CUP/B‑3 to B‑4 for car rental) – Approved 7‑0. - PH‑24‑048 (113 West Avenue B, city‑initiated rezoning from B‑5 to R‑1) – Approved 7‑0. - PH‑24‑050 (3210 Florence Road, rezoning 12 acres from R‑1/RMH to R‑2 for duplexes) – Approved 6‑1 (Councilmember Solomon opposed). Required a ¾ majority; motion passed with six affirmative votes. - PH‑24‑049 (Featherline Drive, rezoning 87.44 acres from Agricultural to R‑1 for up to 300 homes) – Approved 7‑0 after extensive discussion. The council noted that Featherline Road improvements are funded and prioritized; a traffic impact analysis will be required during the development plan stage. The mayor clarified she does not vote on this item. - Executive Session (DS‑24‑073, annual evaluation of city manager) – Postponed to December 10, 2024 (motion approved 7‑0). - Adjournment – Motion carried at approximately 7:49 PM.

The Killeen City Council met on November 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM at City Hall (101 N. College Street) for a work session and regular session. The meeting included the presentation of the Killeen Star Award, discussion of consent agenda items, and citizen comments. Due to a notice error, all four public hearings (items 10–13) were postponed to December 3, 2024, but citizens were allowed to speak on those items during the citizen comments period. Consent Calendar - RS-24-208: Approved an interlocal agreement with Bell County to allow Killeen Police Department officers to partner with Bell County Juvenile Probation for home visits, with reimbursement of up to $60 per hour and estimated FY25 revenue of $7,500. - RS-24-209: Authorized the purchase of police uniforms, duty gear, and accessories from Galls, LLC for $75,000 in FY25. - RS-24-210: Authorized the purchase of police equipment, body armor, and ammunition from GT Distributors, Inc. for $331,650 in FY25. - RS-24-211: Authorized procurement of fleet parts from multiple vendors for $598,000 and tires from Southern Tire Mart for $250,000 in FY25. - RS-24-212: Authorized HVAC maintenance and repairs from The Brandt Companies and Johnson Controls for $264,215 in FY25 (includes $231,558 for Brandt and $32,657 for a four-year Johnson Controls agreement). - RS-24-213: Approved a five-year Memorandum of Understanding renewal with the National Mounted Warfare Foundation, providing up to $80,000 per year in hotel tax funds for advertising and tourism promotion, with quarterly expenditure reports and annual presentations. - RS-24-214: Authorized an agreement with Bartlett Electric Cooperative, Inc. to provide power to the EOC/Fire Station 4 complex, including $38,123.63 for construction and transformer, and a two-year minimum monthly bill of $780. Public Comments & Testimony - Lynn Bedard (Yall Ranch resident) expressed strong opposition to additional housing on Featherline Road, citing dangerous traffic conditions, lack of sidewalks, and long delays. She stated that the road was promised but not expanded, and urged council not to approve more homes until the road is widened. - Sean Price questioned the use of hotel tax funds for the National Mounted Warfare Foundation, the cost of Bartlett Electric rates, and the lack of backup power for the EOC. He also asked about the city hall demolition and whether the city is spending money on buildings to be replaced. - Heather McNeely expressed disappointment that the public hearing was canceled, as she changed her travel plans at personal cost. She argued that approving more R-1 subdivisions contradicts the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which calls for complete neighborhoods, and that the city is not addressing infrastructure, drainage, and flood map updates. - James Sips presented a petition of 534 signatures from residents of Llewellyn, Yale Ranch, and Prairie View, opposing the rezoning (PH-24-049). He argued that the proposal is not compliant with the comp plan, is not fiscally responsible due to tax exemptions, and that Featherline Road will not be built before homes are occupied. He cited past delays on other road projects. - Sue Stokes DeBose (Yall Ranch resident) opposed the rezoning, reiterating safety concerns on Featherline Road (no shoulder, no sidewalks, no center turn lane). She asked council to read the opposition document with a bias toward homeowners, not developers, and warned that the vote will be remembered. Discussion Items - RS-24-207 (Tax Appraisal District of Bell County Directors): The city attorney explained that the city has 552 votes out of 5,000 total to allocate to candidates. The city nominated Kenny Wells. Council discussed the option to split votes, but consensus was to allocate all 552 votes to Kenny Wells to ensure a representative for Killeen. - RS-24-208 (Interlocal with Bell County Juvenile Probation): Assistant Police Chief Gearhart explained the extra-duty assignment for officers to accompany probation officers on home visits, reimbursed at $60/hour. This does not take officers off regular duty. - RS-24-213 (National Mounted Warfare Foundation MOU): Executive Director Clarence provided updates: the museum had 5,174 visitors in its first 40 days, with 34% from outside the MSA. Average daily attendance: Tuesday 678, Wednesday 818, Thursday 888, Friday 986, Saturday 1,697. Council members discussed adding hyperlinks to the city’s downtown and tourism websites in advertisements, and tracking return on investment by asking visitors if they stay overnight. The city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau is rebranding as “Visit Killeen” and will coordinate with the foundation. - RS-24-214 (Bartlett Electric for EOC/Fire Station 4): City Engineer Rivalle presented the agreement. Fire Chief confirmed that Bartlett is the only provider in the area; generators are being pursued via FEMA grants, with contingency plans in place. Key Outcomes - Postponement of Public Hearings: The council voted 6-1 (with Councilmember Adams opposed) to postpone all four public hearing items (PH-24-047, PH-24-048, PH-24-049, PH-24-050) to December 3, 2024, while allowing citizens to speak on those items during the citizen comments portion of the meeting. - Consent Agenda Approval: The consent agenda was approved 7-0, with RS-24-207 removed for separate consideration. - Vote on Tax Appraisal District Directors: The council voted 7-0 to allocate all 552 city votes to Kenny Wells for the 2025 Bell County Tax Appraisal District Board. - Featherline Road Prioritization: City Manager Cagle stated that the city is already negotiating with an engineering firm for Featherline Road reconstruction, using CO bond money, and expects construction to be completed in about three years, ahead of any occupied homes from the proposed rezoning. Council members emphasized that Featherline is a top priority. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned after the regular session.

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a special meeting on November 18, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Utility Collections Large Conference Room, preceded by a workshop at 4:00 p.m. The special meeting addressed the approval of minutes and two public hearings on rezoning requests. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - CA-1: The Commission approved the minutes of the regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting of October 28, 2024, unanimously. Public Hearings PH-1 – Rezoning at 3000 Lake Road (Case Z24-32) - Applicant Datta Bahadur KC, on behalf of property owners Bum In and Eun Jung Lee, requested rezoning of approximately 0.459 acres from "B-3" (Local Business District) to "B-4" (Business District). The property contains a commercial structure with one vacant suite; the applicant intends to open a liquor store. Staff reported that the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan and surrounding character. One written opposition was received from a neighboring property at 3001 Lake Road. No public testimony was offered. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval. PH-2 – Rezoning at 1005 North 10th Street (Case Z24-33) - Applicant Jim Wright Company, on behalf of Codra Rentals, Ltd., requested rezoning of Lot 1, Block 1, North 10th Addition from "B-2" (Local Retail District) to "B-3" (Local Business District). The proposed use is a mortuary/funeral chapel. Staff noted the property is currently vacant and the use is allowed in B-3. One written support was received; no opposition. Commissioners asked about square footage and chapel scale. No public testimony was offered. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval. Key Outcomes - Both rezoning requests (PH-1 and PH-2) received unanimous recommendations for approval from the Commission. - The Commission reviewed the attendance chart; the next scheduled meeting is December 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. - Note: The transcript contains a discrepancy regarding attendance at the end of the meeting, but the recorded votes indicate all commissioners were present during the votes. The workshop portion of the meeting was not captured in the available transcript.