The City Council meeting today March the twenty-fifth, uh, I'm gonna invite Mr.

Greg Key from the Renewed Life Church to come forward and lead us in an invocation.

Good evening, sir.

How are you?

Please stand if you're able.

So thank you, Father, for the freedom that we have today, and that we are in a city as we are all aware of the Middle Honor Museum, that Father, there were those who gave their sacrifice so that we could have this freedom.

And let us never forget that.

Touch us God is for the decisions that are made tonight, that you just help from the smallest to the biggest to be reminded, and that God from the most powerful and influential to be thought of as well as the least powerful and the least influential, and that you bring healing and safety to our city in Jesus' name.

Amen.

Please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, and indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, you may be seated.

How many people we have here today from Green Oaks.

First ones for the Green Oaks education.

Whereas Green Oaks education and support has been a pillar of our community for 25 years, providing exceptional educational opportunities and support services for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities.

And whereas Green Oaks was founded by Gene Jewell, Kim Marshall, and Terry Dunn, three moms of daughters with Down syndrome, with the vision of fostering an inclusive and enriching learning environment, empowering students to reach their fullest potential and live meaningful independent lives.

And whereas over the past 25 years, Green Oaks has positively impacted countless students, families, and the broader community through its commitment to academic excellence, life skills development, and unwavering support.

And whereas the dedicated founders, educators, staff, volunteers, and supporters of Green Oaks have worked tirelessly, tirelessly to create a nurturing and inspiring place of learning, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

And whereas it is fitting to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of Green Oaks education and support on this milestone anniversary.

Now, therefore, I, Jim Ross, mayor of the City of Arlington, Texas, do hereby proclaim March twenty-fifth, twenty twenty-five as Green Oaks Founders Day.

Thank you, ladies, so much.

You can't just run off.

I'm a little shorter than you.

I just want to thank the city of Arlington.

We have been here for twenty-five years.

We've been in three different locations.

They have welcomed us, they have worked with us, and it has been a pleasure to be part of Arlington with Greenoaks School, Green Oaks Adult Learning, Greenox Life Prep.

And we just are appreciative and we praise God.

Thank you so much.

Gentlemen, y'all come on up.

Y'all all coming, aren't you?

Come on up.

Oh, y'all come.

If y'all aren't aware, in Islam, we are now in Ramadan.

And our Muslim community here in Arlington has done so much to help this community, it's only appropriate that we do a proclamation for Ramadan.

Whereas Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by millions of Muslims worldwide as a sacred time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, and community.

And whereas the holy month of Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and acts of kindness, encouraging charity, service, and efforts to strengthen community bonds.

And whereas the Muslim community in Arlington is an integral part of our city's rich cultural diversity, contributing to its social, economic, and civic life through leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service.

And whereas during Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, breaking their fast with a meal known as Iftar, often shared with family, friends, and neighbors, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness, and whereas local organizations, faith-based groups, and interfaith leaders in Arlington actively promote understanding, inclusivity, and goodwill through initiatives such as community iftars and outreach programs that bring people together.

And whereas the values exemplified during Ramadan, compassion, generosity, patience, and gratitude aligned with the principles of respect, unity, and service that define the Arlington community.

Whereas we celebrate the contributions of the Muslim community and encourage all residents to join and foster unity, understanding, and respect for all faiths and traditions.

Now, therefore, I, Jim Ross, mayor of the city of Arlington, do hereby recognize the commencements of Ramadan and extend best wishes to our Muslim community.

Thank you.

And thank you, Arlington.

So we appreciate it.

Thank you.

Speaker guidelines and general decorum, please.

Thank you, Mayor.

We ask that the citizens and other visitors in attendance assist in preserving the order and decorum of this meeting and to provide for attendance at and participation in the meeting without fear of intimidation, threats, or hostility.

Any person making personal, profane, hostile, slanderous, or threatening remarks who uses vulgar or obscene language, who engages in any other actions that disturb or are calculated to disturb the meeting, or who or who becomes disruptive while addressing the mayor and the city council or while attending the city council meeting may be removed from the council chambers.

Excuse me, all speakers shall address the city council and not the audience or city staff and shall not call out individually named members of the city staff or the public.

For speakers tonight, when your name is called, please come to the microphone at the podium and state your name and city of residence for the record.

Speakers may not use music, videos, other forms of media, signs, or props.

During public hearings for zoning cases, the applicant will be asked to speak first and will be given five minutes to make a presentation.

Speakers in support or opposition of the item will be given three minutes each to make their statements.

The applicant will then be given three minutes for any rebuttal.

For all other items on the agenda, speakers will be given three minutes to speak.

If multiple speakers plan to provide the same or similar comments, those speakers may, if they so desire, designate one or more individuals to provide public comment on behalf of the group.

A bell will signal the end of each speaker's time.

In consideration of other speakers, please conclude your comments promptly when you hear the bell.