Arlington City Council Regular Meeting – April 22, 2025

On April 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM, the Arlington City Council convened in regular session at City Hall Council Chamber. All nine council members were present. The meeting included special presentations, approval of a large consent agenda, four public hearings (two approved, two continued), and a resolution concerning the redevelopment of Ben Thanh Plaza. Citizen participation featured two speakers on airport community engagement and traffic issues.

Special Presentations

• Former Councilmember Sheri Capehart presented the 24th annual Animal Essay Contest winners (12 students from grades 3–6), each receiving a $100 savings account from Spring Creek Barbecue and EECU, plus a Kindle Fire.
• Mayor Ross proclaimed April 21–25, 2025 as National Community Development Week. Adam Powell (United Way CEO) and representatives from multiple nonprofit organizations accepted the proclamation.
• Mayor Ross proclaimed April 24, 2025 as Judge Stewart Milner Day, honoring the retiring Chief Judge of Arlington Municipal Court for 33 years of service, including 27 years as Chief Judge.

Consent Calendar

The council approved, by a 9‑0 vote, a consent agenda containing 20 minute orders, 3 ordinances (final readings), and 11 resolutions. No items were withdrawn. Key approvals include:

• Annual requirements contracts for fire sprinkler systems ($50,000), glass replacement ($75,000), plumbing ($200,000), automatic gate repair ($75,000), temporary IT personnel ($753,520), pavement markings ($884,425), pavement leveling ($413,120), and speed cushions ($62,084).
• Construction contract for Entertainment District Sidewalks Phase 2 ($2,143,204) and engineering services for Phase 3 ($591,000).
• Change orders for the Julia Burgen Park Trail Connection totaling $24,416.36.
• Purchases: resale items for Parks and Recreation ($1,781,200), 18 vehicles for various departments ($1,458,357), NetMotion VPN software ($57,750), furniture for Fire Station 8 rebuild ($179,844), vehicle wraps for police ($62,915), lighting control system at Arlington Municipal Airport ($110,000), flooring at Human Services Center ($95,000), 17 mobile archer barricades for police ($122,188), and two ammonia feeders for the water treatment plant ($137,250).
• Ordinances (final reading): Zoning change to Planned Development for Light Industrial at 7505 US 287 Business Highway (PD25‑1); Specific Use Permit for a telecommunication tower >75 ft at 2300 SW Green Oaks Boulevard (SUP24‑10); and amendment to the Fire Prevention Code to authorize fees from hazardous material incidents.
• Resolutions: Fee resolution for hazardous material incidents; reprogramming $25,341 in PY2024 CDBG funds from Taste Project to Goodwill Industries for CDL training; acceptance of four TxDOT STEP grants (Operation Slowdown $14,642, Click It or Ticket $12,567, Commercial Motor Vehicle $89,524, Comprehensive $286,750); authorization of competitive sealed proposal for Expo Center roof replacement; approval of AEDC second modification for E‑Space architect services ($5,634,639); and compensation adjustments for City Attorney, City Auditor, and City Manager (resolutions 25‑099 to 25‑101).

Public Hearings

10.1 Alternate Sign Plan ASP25‑1 (1111 AT&T Way / National Medal of Honor Museum) – Staff presented the request for a 150‑ft flagpole. No public speakers. First reading approved 9‑0.

10.2 Zoning Case PD18‑13R1 (101 South Center Street) – The applicant (Paris Rutherford of Arlington City Center LLC) requested removal of phasing requirements for live‑work units to allow flexibility between residential, live‑work, or non‑residential use based on market demand. Two speakers (Corey Houston, business owner and tenant; Doug Hafer) supported the amendment, noting that vacancies harm downtown businesses. First reading approved 9‑0.

10.3 Zoning Case PD24‑40 (Anthem) – The applicant requested a continuance to May 27, 2025. Council voted 9‑0 to continue.

10.4 Alternate Sign Plan PD24‑40‑ASP (Anthem) – The applicant also requested a continuance to May 27, 2025. Council voted 9‑0 to continue.

Discussion Items

11.1 HKT Management Corporation – Resolution Authorizing Performance Agreement – Josh Mejia, Economic Development Specialist, presented a resolution for a performance agreement between the Arlington Economic Development Corporation and HKT Management Corporation for the redevelopment of Ben Thanh Plaza in the International Corridor. Staff recommended approval. One non‑speaker registered support. The resolution was approved 8‑0 with Councilmember Piel abstaining (Resolution 25‑102).

Public Comments & Testimony

Two citizens spoke during Citizen Participation:

• Cheryl Litke (Mansfield, TX; Airport Support Network volunteer for AOPA at Arlington Airport) praised airport manager Trent Ballard for recent initiatives, including the first open house in over 25 years, and urged continued support for the airport as a community business engine.
• Brantley Henshaw (no city stated) spoke about multiple concerns including a previously shut‑down road, city light pole issues, and traffic enforcement suggestions. The mayor noted his remarks were not fully coherent but allowed him to speak.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of April 8, 2025 meetings (9‑0).
• Approved entire consent agenda (9‑0).
• Approved first reading of Alternate Sign Plan ASP25‑1 (9‑0).
• Approved first reading of Zoning Case PD18‑13R1 for 101 South Center Street (9‑0).
• Continued Zoning Case PD24‑40 (Anthem) and Alternate Sign Plan PD24‑40‑ASP to May 27, 2025 (9‑0 each).
• Approved Resolution 25‑102 authorizing performance agreement for Ben Thanh Plaza redevelopment (8‑0, one abstention).