OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Arlington City Council Special Meeting – May 27, 2025

City CouncilTuesday, May 27, 2025
BodyArlington, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 27, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Inspection software system to better serve residents, contractors, and businesses.

0:06

Working behind the scenes, a new community enhancement clean team will work hard to ensure the whole city's game day clean, including extra leader pickup and highway mowing.

0:18

Last year's enhanced core live collection will be back again this fall.

0:22

New cameras and Wi-Fi systems will help boost safety in our parks and protecting Arlington's legacy, the city making investments in historic preservations.

0:37

So much excitement surrounding Team Arlington this year.

1:27

But they're like, We they're always like telling me it's so worth it getting a show of food and a drink at once because I come fully loaded.

5:33

Okay.

5:39

It is May 27th, 2025.

5:47

And we're gonna go into a closed executive session.

1:47:21

Okay, we'll go ahead and call the afternoon session back to order.

1:47:24

We'll move on down to discuss the work session items.

1:47:28

We'll start with three point one.

1:47:30

Limuel Randolph.

1:47:32

Thank you very much, Mayor, members of City Council.

1:47:35

I do have quite a few slides to share with you, and I will move through those as quickly as possible.

1:47:41

This comes after fourteen months of work regarding the twenty twenty-five bond election, but today we wanted to talk in context with our annual capital or CIP budget.

1:47:54

And so be providing some information regarding proposed sequencing of the projects that were recently approved by the electorate.

1:50:05

Additionally, we want to ensure that our debt to ad velar ad valorum tax rate is less than 2%.

1:50:13

That our GF to debt service ratio is less than 20%.

1:50:18

And so that equates to a per capita of about 1465.

1:50:24

And so let's talk about some of the projects that are listed here.

1:50:29

So these are our stormwater projects.

1:50:31

The stormwater projects are funded through the $9.50 assessment that goes on your water bill.

1:50:39

We do anticipate a proposal to increase that another 50 cents to $10.

1:50:44

That was a five-year commitment made to advance the ability for us to address significant stormwater issues throughout the environment.

1:50:53

And so if approved, that $10 assessment would be effective on October 1.

1:51:00

And so this contributes about $26 million annually that we're able to fund for these projects through either PAGO or through revenue bonds through the stormwater fund.

1:51:13

As far as the water budget, about $86 million worth of projects that is directly funded through the water revenue.

1:51:21

And so that list of projects is here for your review as well.

1:51:30

On your place, we we have this chart itself.

1:53:05

So I think we've bringing forward something for you all to consider so you can actually make make that contract award and get it rolling.

1:53:14

But essentially what it will involve is as opposed to the pace that we've been going on our kind of uh contribution to the Tomorrow Foundation.

1:53:23

We are we've been paying that really quickly and really fast.

1:53:27

We'll slow that down a little bit, which lets us have capital funds to send to this project essentially.

1:53:34

So that's that's what we're gonna want to do.

1:53:37

It does impact our it helps us save on the operating side.

1:53:40

We've got some operating dollars that are gonna help us backfill that, and then we can proceed on that.

1:53:45

So just want to let you know, because I gotten recent inquiries regarding that, that we we would anticipate to be able to hopefully come back in the next meeting or two to award that contract.

1:53:56

And uh we'll be more specific uh in that as far as uh how we're gonna go, but it requires a little bit of some moving around of some other priorities, but basically slowing down uh a prepayment plan.

1:54:08

And in that vein, you'll you'll see a slide later that incorporates that 5.9 million dollars in into that first year of the budget.

1:54:18

And so this references the uh recent bond election, and thought this the slide was important to kind of show you the the delta between 2023 and 2025 in terms of election.

1:54:30

And so as it relates to our the street proposition, um that gained support of about five percent from 2023 numbers, and in parks, libraries, and city buildings, the support increased uh six percent uh over the that couple year turnout.

1:54:47

Uh with about eight percent uh was our voter turnout uh overall, which simply know mirrors the the county turnout.

1:54:56

Um so thought that would be information that you'd be interested in.

1:55:01

But now we we talk more specifically about the sequencing of the projects.

1:55:06

And so at your place as well, under that bond project status forum, you'll see copies of the bond sequences so you can see those in detail.

1:55:16

But just some frame of reference.

1:55:25

For example, yellow is purchase, and so funds to purchase land or buildings, pink is acquisition, purple is construction, green is design, red is design acquisition and right of way.

1:55:39

Blue is design and construction, orange is right-of-way acquisition, and then brown is annual programs.

1:55:45

But it really speaks to the different pathways to complete these projects.

1:55:59

But you'll see here listed the 2025 public safety projects initially as well as the 2018 and 23 projects that are embedded in here as well.

1:56:12

A couple of items to note, and we'll talk in a little more detail.

1:56:17

But we have the fire equipment replacements and the dispatch radio replacements that was just approved in the 2025 bond.

1:56:26

And one of the reasons that we delayed this meeting is because we wanted the opportunity to incorporate those projects within this this next year's CIP.

1:56:36

And the voters approved those projects, and so they have been incorporated in this analysis here.

1:56:54

Just as a reminder, these annual programs are programs that are established via bond funds that allow us to save cost overall because we directly contract for those services instead of embedding them in the cost of specific road contracts, thus thus decreasing our cost.

1:57:15

Addition public works and road projects listed here as well, and we'll talk a little more specifically about some of those coming up.

1:57:24

This slide here represents the total capital budget request that will be coming to you 175 million, 63 million of that is capital, and then the 26 million of stormwater, 86 million of water utilities.

1:57:40

We're also showing you uh just a rough distribution of those projects via via the map that's attached.

1:57:48

So here is the capital budget proposal of 63 million of note.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████████45%
Downtown Development████████8%
Historic Preservation███████7%
Racial Equity███████7%
Public Works██████6%
Public Safety██████6%
Economic Development████4%
Public Transportation███3%
Public Health███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Arlington City Council Special Meeting – May 27, 2025

On May 27, 2025, the Arlington City Council convened in a special meeting at 1:15 p.m. in the Council Briefing Room. The meeting included an executive session and then work and issues sessions covering capital budget development, the Arlington Cemetery ordinance, form-based code updates, unity council priorities, fee schedule adjustments, legislative updates, and committee reports. No public comments were heard during the open session.

Discussion Items

2025 Capital Budget Development

  • Lemuel Randolph, Deputy City Manager, and Ethan Klos, Treasurer, presented the proposed $175 million total capital budget, including $63 million in capital, $26 million for stormwater (funded by a proposed $0.50 increase to $10 per month assessment effective October 1), and $86 million for water utilities. The presentation detailed sequencing of 2025 bond projects, including public safety items (fire vehicle replacements, radio replacements), street reclamation, and library improvements. The city’s debt ratios remain within policy limits. Formal budget approval is expected June 10, with bond sales in August.

Arlington Cemetery Ordinance

  • Sarah Stubblefield, Planning Manager, presented the new cemetery chapter to the city code. Through ground-penetrating radar and replatting, the city identified 1,600 marked graves and 1,100 empty plots available for sale. The ordinance, required by HB 2371, sets rules for oversight, interments, transfers, and fees. Staff will conduct an outreach campaign over the summer to identify unrecorded burial rights, with a formal abandonment process in August/September. First reading is scheduled for June 10, with sales expected to open October 1.

Arlington Pilot Area Form-Based Code (FBC): Charrette Summary

  • Tharani Devi Palma and Jayashree Narayana presented the outcomes of a three-month stakeholder process and design charrette. Five character subdistricts were identified (Traditional Neighborhood, Urban Neighborhood, Corridor Mixed Use, Downtown Gateway, Downtown Core) with varying height limits and design standards. Stakeholders supported walkable, mixed-use development with appropriate transitions to neighborhoods. Council expressed strong support for the direction and authorized staff to proceed with drafting the code, with adoption expected October/November 2025.

Council Priority – Build Unity

  • Troy Williams, Chief Equity Officer, reported progress on the Unity Council’s recommendations: 40 of 57 from the 2021 report are completed, and 9 of 14 from the 2023 report are completed. New initiatives include a child care center at Fielder and Sanford, a small business expo, and grants totaling $600,000 awarded. Challenges include uncertainty over state/federal funding and legal standing. Council members praised the work and discussed the need to review strategic focus and terminology (e.g., “Unity Council” name) to ensure compliance with state law.

Adjustments to Planning & Development Services’ Fee Schedule

  • Gincy Thoppil, Director, proposed a phased fee schedule with Phase 1 effective July 15 and Phase 2 at budget adoption. Council gave approval to proceed.

Economic Development – Welcome Center Update

  • Councilmember Piel reported on the Development Committee’s discussion of a proposed showroom at Choctaw Stadium to market Arlington to business prospects. The project would be funded entirely by the Economic Development Corporation with no general fund impact. Staff was directed to develop a detailed cost proposal.

Arlington Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)

  • Councilmember Hunter reported that the AHFC board: (1) received an update on accessory dwelling unit legislation headed for approval; (2) unanimously declined to explore a partnership to deepen affordability at an existing multifamily development (benefits included social services); (3) approved a budget amendment to fund a consultant for demolition/redevelopment feasibility studies.

Legislative Update

  • Natalie Raulston, Intergovernmental Relations Manager, provided updates: HB 21 (HFC bill) and the IndyCar bill (SB 2004) are on the governor’s desk; a tiny lot bill (SB 15) was amended to a 3,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size; the ADU-by-right bill (SB 673) faced a critical deadline; SB 840 (occupancy limits) passed the House; and SB 1567 was bracketed to exempt Arlington. Also discussed: an impact fee audit requirement (SB 1883) and appraisal-related bills.

City Council External Committee and Training Reports

  • Councilmembers reported on recent meetings of the National League of Cities (housing/homelessness, clean energy, infrastructure concerns), U.S. Conference of Mayors (federal advocacy, nominating committee), United Way (new leadership, state of the district), and NCTCOG (population estimates: Arlington 413,000; regional growth from 7.8M to 8.57M by 2024).

Key Outcomes

  • Capital Budget: Formal approval scheduled for June 10; bond sales in August.
  • Cemetery Ordinance: First reading June 10; second reading June 24; sales start October 1.
  • Form-Based Code: Staff directed to proceed with drafting code; adoption target Oct/Nov.
  • Fee Schedule: Phase 1 effective July 15; Phase 2 at budget adoption.
  • Welcome Center: Staff to return with detailed cost proposal.
  • AHFC: Declined proposed development partnership; approved budget amendment for consultant.
  • Future Agenda Items: Councilmember Boxall requested exploration of alternative rating systems for multifamily properties. Councilmember Hogg requested a map of package liquor stores and a strategy to increase film production in the Entertainment District.

Meeting Transcript

Inspection software system to better serve residents, contractors, and businesses. Working behind the scenes, a new community enhancement clean team will work hard to ensure the whole city's game day clean, including extra leader pickup and highway mowing. Last year's enhanced core live collection will be back again this fall. New cameras and Wi-Fi systems will help boost safety in our parks and protecting Arlington's legacy, the city making investments in historic preservations. So much excitement surrounding Team Arlington this year. But they're like, We they're always like telling me it's so worth it getting a show of food and a drink at once because I come fully loaded. Okay. It is May 27th, 2025. And we're gonna go into a closed executive session. Okay, we'll go ahead and call the afternoon session back to order. We'll move on down to discuss the work session items. We'll start with three point one. Limuel Randolph. Thank you very much, Mayor, members of City Council. I do have quite a few slides to share with you, and I will move through those as quickly as possible. This comes after fourteen months of work regarding the twenty twenty-five bond election, but today we wanted to talk in context with our annual capital or CIP budget. And so be providing some information regarding proposed sequencing of the projects that were recently approved by the electorate. Additionally, we want to ensure that our debt to ad velar ad valorum tax rate is less than 2%. That our GF to debt service ratio is less than 20%. And so that equates to a per capita of about 1465. And so let's talk about some of the projects that are listed here. So these are our stormwater projects. The stormwater projects are funded through the $9.50 assessment that goes on your water bill. We do anticipate a proposal to increase that another 50 cents to $10. That was a five-year commitment made to advance the ability for us to address significant stormwater issues throughout the environment. And so if approved, that $10 assessment would be effective on October 1. And so this contributes about $26 million annually that we're able to fund for these projects through either PAGO or through revenue bonds through the stormwater fund. As far as the water budget, about $86 million worth of projects that is directly funded through the water revenue. And so that list of projects is here for your review as well. On your place, we we have this chart itself. So I think we've bringing forward something for you all to consider so you can actually make make that contract award and get it rolling. But essentially what it will involve is as opposed to the pace that we've been going on our kind of uh contribution to the Tomorrow Foundation. We are we've been paying that really quickly and really fast. We'll slow that down a little bit, which lets us have capital funds to send to this project essentially. So that's that's what we're gonna want to do. It does impact our it helps us save on the operating side. We've got some operating dollars that are gonna help us backfill that, and then we can proceed on that. So just want to let you know, because I gotten recent inquiries regarding that, that we we would anticipate to be able to hopefully come back in the next meeting or two to award that contract. And uh we'll be more specific uh in that as far as uh how we're gonna go, but it requires a little bit of some moving around of some other priorities, but basically slowing down uh a prepayment plan. And in that vein, you'll you'll see a slide later that incorporates that 5.9 million dollars in into that first year of the budget. And so this references the uh recent bond election, and thought this the slide was important to kind of show you the the delta between 2023 and 2025 in terms of election. And so as it relates to our the street proposition, um that gained support of about five percent from 2023 numbers, and in parks, libraries, and city buildings, the support increased uh six percent uh over the that couple year turnout. Uh with about eight percent uh was our voter turnout uh overall, which simply know mirrors the the county turnout. Um so thought that would be information that you'd be interested in. But now we we talk more specifically about the sequencing of the projects. And so at your place as well, under that bond project status forum, you'll see copies of the bond sequences so you can see those in detail. But just some frame of reference. For example, yellow is purchase, and so funds to purchase land or buildings, pink is acquisition, purple is construction, green is design, red is design acquisition and right of way. Blue is design and construction, orange is right-of-way acquisition, and then brown is annual programs. But it really speaks to the different pathways to complete these projects.

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