Arlington City Council Special Meeting and Work Session - April 22, 2025
Arlington City Council Special Meeting and Work Session - April 22, 2025
The Arlington City Council met in special session on April 22, 2025, beginning with an executive session at 11:45 a.m. The open work session reconvened at 3:49 p.m. and adjourned at 5:06 p.m. The meeting covered updates on Tarrant County College Southeast Campus and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, committee reports on housing, parks, and cemetery ordinances, a legislative update, and future agenda items. No public comments were heard and no consent calendar items were presented.
Executive Session
- The Council met in closed session from 11:47 a.m. to 3:21 p.m. under Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 (attorney consultation), 551.072 (real property), 551.074 (personnel), and 551.087 (economic development negotiations). Topics included potential sale/lease of property at 717 West Main Street, property purchase from Arlington ISD, real property for Arlington Economic Development Corporation, employment of a Presiding Municipal Court Judge, and offers of incentives to business prospects.
Discussion Items
Tarrant County College Southeast Campus Update
- Dr. Andy Bowne, President of TCC Southeast Campus, presented an update. Key statistics: TCC Southeast serves about 12,000 students annually; 70% of students intend to transfer to four-year institutions; 63% are part-time; about one-third of students are dually enrolled. In Arlington ISD, 17% of students are in dual credit programs, and 18% attend TCC immediately after high school. Of Arlington residents, about one-third have an associate degree or higher; 14% have less than a high school diploma and another 14% have less than an associate degree (about 11,000 residents). TCC provides free tuition for Tarrant County high school students taking dual credit courses. A $185 million campus renovation is underway, with new student experience and culinary/science buildings opened over a year ago; a central campus renovation is expected to be teaching-ready by fall 2025 (second eight-week session), with full capacity by January 2026. The renovation increases capacity by 10–15%.
- Councilmember Hogg praised the partnership, noting that 90% of early college high school students graduate with an associate’s degree. He asked about capacity and workforce development. Dr. Bowne confirmed capacity increase and highlighted TCC’s focus on credentials of value aligned with high-wage, high-demand fields.
- Councilmember Boxall suggested connecting the culinary program with the new farmers market. Dr. Bowne expressed interest.
- Councilmember Odom-Wesley asked about signage and continuing education for seniors. Dr. Bowne said signage will be installed before next school year, and continuing education programs will expand in summer 2026.
- Councilmember Pham inquired about international students and tuition; Dr. Bowne noted TCC charges under $75 per credit hour for in-district tuition, but could not provide international student numbers immediately.
2026 FIFA World Cup Update
- Monica Paul, Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission, and Jennifer Wichmann, Deputy City Manager, presented. Key points: AT&T Stadium in Arlington will host all nine matches. There are now six base camps (Mansfield Stadium added); North Texas has the most base camps of any host region. The International Broadcast Center will be at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. The match draw is expected in December 2025. Safety and security are top priorities, with 18 expert planning teams. Transportation and mobility plan submitted in March, with final plan due March 2026. A rail-to-bus system from CenterPort Station to Lot H near the stadium is planned. Average international visitor stay is 9.7 days; 54% of anticipated visitors are international (including non-ticket holders). Human rights and sustainability working groups are active; a draft human rights framework submitted in March. Federal funding request (via Deloitte) totals $625 million across host cities; letters of support from Texas senators and the U.S. House have been sent. Marketing includes a Sonic ID (released March) and a poster reveal with a Fort Worth artist. Volunteer recruitment starts August 31, 2025. Embassy Row concept proposed at the stadium, with interest from the Mexican consulate.
- Deputy City Manager Wichmann highlighted entertainment district improvements: completed sidewalk phase one, Randall Mill Road overlay, lighted street signs; phases two and three on evening agenda. Tree planting, forestry mowing, and Johnson Creek Trail clearing planned. A communications plan includes outreach to civic groups, businesses, and residents.
- Councilmember Hogg asked about stadium renovations for wider field and natural grass. Monica Paul confirmed modified corners to reduce changes, and natural grass will be installed, with experts from Tennessee and Michigan universities selecting grass type.
- Mayor Ross asked about stadium naming rights; Monica Paul said no answer yet from FIFA but discussions are positive.
- Mayor Ross expressed concerns about visa revocations, federal funding, and human rights issues under the new administration. Monica Paul acknowledged uncertainty and said host cities are working with FIFA’s government affairs team and congressional leaders.
- Councilmember Gonzalez asked about the poster’s representation of Arlington; Paul said artist had to follow FIFA restrictions (no stadium, no faces). He also asked about transportation and security perimeter; Paul said perimeter will be extended, similar to Super Bowl 2011, with controlled FIFA parking and pedestrian access.
Community and Neighborhood Development Committee Report (Item 4.1)
- Councilmember Boxall, Chair, reported on the committee meeting (all members present). Discussed final recommendations for PY2025 Action Plan and 2025–2029 HUD Consolidated Plan for CDBG, ESG, and HOME funds. Three public hearings were held; 2025 allocation amounts are pending from HUD, so recommendations used 2024 funding levels. The Housing Needs Assessment was reviewed, highlighting demographics, income, owner/renter status, poverty, and affordability. The committee requested additional focus on senior housing preferences, potential zoning changes (e.g., point access blocks, referencing Austin’s recent changes), and research on short-term rental caps and corporate-owned housing impact on the market.
Municipal Policy Committee Report (Item 4.2)
- Councilmember Odom-Wesley, Chair, reported on two items.
- Parks Chapter Update: Recommended changes include: parks board serves in advisory capacity; parks director can administratively approve permits for amplified sound and alcohol; appeal process via hearing officer. References to Dick’s Golf Course updated to Texas Rangers Golf Club. Reorganization of provisions; updated penalties; removed outdated references (Tree Board, Arlington Sports Committee). Incorporation of state law changes (weapons, alcohol in parks, unreasonable noise, lemonade law). Prohibition of public nuisance animals (those that attacked humans/animals) in dog parks. Permit required for drones during special events. Changes to nuisances and behaviors: prohibit shopping carts, tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, home furnishings; limit personal property to one cubic yard; cap drop-in use of picnic pavilions to 4 hours in 24 hours; no storage, bathing, sleeping, or laundry in park restrooms. Ordinance will be prepared for first and final reading after council feedback.
- Arlington Cemetery Ordinance: Continued review of draft ordinance including interment procedures, burial rights conveyance, marker requirements. Began discussion of fee schedule and third-party operator responsibilities. Next committee meeting (May 13) will address abandonment, appeals, revisions, fee schedule, and operator partnership agreement.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions (Item 4.3)
- No appointments were made.
Legislative Update (Item 4.4)
- Natalie Raulston, Intergovernmental Relations Manager, presented an updated memo and table. Key bills:
- Priority bills (supported): HB 21/SB 867 (housing finance corporations) – pending committee action; HB 1893 (Arlington-led, disclosure of license plate numbers in open records requests) – passed committee; SB 2004/HB 3962 (IndyCar Grand Prix of Arlington, major events reimbursement) – passed committee; SB 2015/HB 4272 (utility relocation cost responsibility) – House bill pending committee.
- Challenging/opposed bills: SB 15/HB 3919 (lot size limits – capped at 1,400 sq ft for unplatted tracts over 5 acres; substitute bill improved but still problematic); SB 673 (accessory dwelling units by right – passed Senate, now in House committee); SB 840 (allows mixed-use and multifamily residential in designated commercial zones without additional approvals – passed Senate; hearing in House committee Thursday); SB 1567/HB 2797 (restricts occupancy limits based on age, familial status, etc., except health/safety – Senate passed, House bill passed committee).
- Councilmember Gonzalez requested a map of areas in Arlington that would be affected by SB 840; staff will provide.
- Information on these bills will be provided to council by April 24 and shared with the Neighborhood Leadership Network on April 26.
City Council External Committee and Training Reports (Item 4.5)
- Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau: Councilmember Hogg reported new VP of Marketing Caroline Stoke starting April 28; IndyCar Grand Prix March 13–15; tourism revenue up 22.5% over 2024, with $33 million in hotel revenue; 93% occupancy on March 29; cultural arts district planning ongoing.
- Regional Transportation Council: Councilmember Gonzalez reported on items approved at April 10 meeting: modifications to FY24-25 unified planning work program, funding for electric vehicle charging updates (including COG offices in Arlington), $1 million in regional toll revenue for HOV subsidies, and funding for I-30 cost overruns; legislative updates and DART mediation discussed. Next meeting June 12.
- National League of Cities Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee: Councilmember Odom-Wesley reported on discussion of federal executive order impacts on cities (freeze on grants, SNAP/Medicaid cuts, immigration, anti-DEI). NLC drafting a letter to administration and U.S. Conference of Mayors. Next in-person meeting July in Columbus, Ohio.
- National League of Cities Board Membership Committee: No discussion.
- National League of Cities Finance, Administration, and Intergovernmental Relations Advocacy Committee: Councilmember Gonzalez reported updates on national debt, GASB educational videos for elected officials, ARPA reporting deadline April 30 (Arlington compliant), and discussion on tax-exempt municipal bond issues. Next meeting in two months.
Evening Agenda Items (Item 4.6)
- Councilmember Boxall noted that item 10.3 (PD 24-40, Anthem development) has been continued to May 27. She expressed support for taking time to get it right and clarified that zoning allows flexibility.
Issues Relative to City and TxDOT Projects (Item 4.7)
- No discussion.
Future Agenda Items (Item 4.8)
- Councilmember Pham requested a future agenda item to study increasing fines for tow trucks and semi-trucks parking illegally in neighborhoods, suggesting a method based on vehicle length, height, axles, or wheel diameter.
- Councilmember Gonzalez requested a future agenda item to consider expanding the micro-mobility program (e-bikes/scooters) beyond the initial UTA partnership, as several students have expressed interest.
- Councilmember Pham also requested that City Hall lights be used to honor allies of the Vietnam War on April 30 (15th anniversary of the war's end), with colors representing the U.S., South Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand.
Key Outcomes
- No formal votes were taken during the afternoon work session.
- The Anthem development case (PD 24-40) was continued to May 27.
- Staff will prepare an ordinance on parks chapter revisions for first and final reading, pending council input.
- The Municipal Policy Committee will continue discussing the cemetery ordinance fee schedule and operator agreement at its May 13 meeting.
- Legislative staff will provide maps and additional information on SB 840 to council.
- The city manager and staff will study the feasibility of increasing fines for heavy vehicle parking in neighborhoods and expanding the micro-mobility program.
- Council will receive information on opposing bills for resident engagement by April 24.
- The meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, we're gonna go ahead and call the afternoon session to order it. We're gonna go into a closed session. Okay, we're gonna go ahead and call the afternoon session of the city council meeting to order. We're gonna move on down the three point one. There you are, sir. Come on up. Dr. Andy Bone. Good afternoon, Mayor Ross. Good afternoon, Mayor Ross, members of council, city manager. It is a privilege to come. And I've met most of you, but not all of you, and so I thought it might be helpful if I came and introduced what soon I won't be able to say as the new kid on the block. Um, but uh I wanted to come and give you an update on your community college. And so let's jump right in. So every um campus of Tarrant County College, we have six campuses across Tarrant County. Um every campus has a set of what I would call flagship programs for the South Campus, uh, heavily focused on the trades, uh, engineering, Trinity River campus, downtown Fort Worth is really centered in on healthcare, the Northwest campus on public service, the Northeast campus, the film industry, as well as uh dental and EMS, um, and a heavy transfer emphasis, our Connect campus, which is our completely online campus where degrees can be completed online or individual courses, they manage all that for us district wide. Um, and then for your campus here in Arlington, um our flagship programs are the culinary arts, hospitality management, nutrition and dietetics, IT and specifically cyber security, an engineering transfer uh program, and our first choice program, which is a program where we serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Um at our campus, um, we are a very heavy um transfer orientation. About 70% of our students uh come to us with the intention of transferring to one of our great four-year partners. Enrollment continues to um increase year over year. Um last year and this year we'll serve about 12,000 students in totality for the year. Um, if you look at what's on the on the graph here on the slide, um, those are fall head count numbers as of census date. So very early in the semester, we were just short of 950 students. Overall, as a college in the fall semester, we served about 48,000 students, and about for back to the Southeast campus, about a third of our students are dually enrolled students. If we look at some of the statistics, um, if we look at specifically the Arlington ISD, um, about 17 percent of the students are um enrolled in uh dual some form of dual credit at the high schools, um early college high schools, PTACs, um another 18 percent will attend TCC in their fall immediately after high school. And when you look at that in totality, um that's about 30 percent of either high school students and or recent uh high school graduates are being served by uh the Southeast campus. If we look at some of the statistics for um our community, um about a third of Arlington residents um have earned an associate degree or higher. Um that is a specific focus of ours as a college district wide and definitely um at the Southeast campus. About 14% of our residents have earned less than a high school diploma. Another 14% have earned less than an associate degree. So when you look at that, those two numbers specifically, that's about 110, 11,000. That's a prime sweet spot for Tarrant County College, either at our campus or another one of the campuses. If we look at um our early college and dual credit um partnership with Arlington ISD, um really good things are happening. Really good things are happening. This year, we're serving over 1,900 students in a partnerships between the Ireland and ISD and TCC Southeast. About 52 percent, if you look at recent years, about 52 percent of students, high school students involved in dual credit, will earn a 15 credits or more. Now, why is that important? That's important because uh from a state funding standpoint, the college community colleges in general, the performance funding model has changed from being what I would call input oriented, in other words, how many students are coming, how long do they stay with us, to a model which is very outcomes driven. Do they earn a credential from us? Do they earn a certificate or do they earn an associate degree? Or are they high school students that earn 15 credits or more from a dual credit relationship? Or our um these students who earn 15 credits or more with TCC and then transfer to a four-year school. Going back to the to the 15 credits of as dual credit students, why is that important? We fund um we charge zero dollars uh for tuition for Terrent County residents to take high school courses through TCC. So zero dollars. The way we're able to fund that historically is with backfill with some state funding that would have been paid on an input model. Today it's based on an output model. So our ability to continue to do that is um well, it really means we need to have more students earning 15 credits or more before they leave high school, and that becomes a critical partnership point for us together with Arlington ISD. Again, the numbers are showing we're doing a good job. About 52% looking at recent years are earning that 15 credits or more.
openpublica.com