Arlington City Council Regular Meeting - June 10, 2025
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Arlington City Council Regular Meeting - June 10, 2025
The Arlington City Council held a regular meeting on June 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. Mayor J. Ross presided, and eight councilmembers were present (Councilmember A. Piel absent). The meeting included special presentations, a consent agenda, public hearings, consideration of ordinances, and citizen participation. All items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously. Key actions included the renewal of the Downtown Business Improvement District, first readings of several zoning changes, and authorization of bond issuances.
Consent Calendar
- Approved 13 minute orders, 4 ordinances (final reading), and 8 resolutions unanimously. Items included:
- Renewal of maintenance contract for operable walls at Esports Stadium and Expo Center (Allied Airwall, $450,505)
- Annual IT hardware contract ($2,205,000), software contract ($3,190,844.17), botanicals and turf supplies for golf services ($300,000 total), and demolition/abatement services ($400,000)
- 2025 Reclamation and Miscellaneous Concrete Program ($10,055,759.75)
- Ditch improvements (Rocky Canyon and Gibbins) contract modification ($136,100)
- Green Oaks Boulevard Pond dredging ($2,598,011.95)
- Main Street water and sewer improvements ($4,381,138.85)
- Three-year software agreements for vendor compliance ($238,385) and police citizen engagement ($175,126)
- Five-year lease for 22 fleet vehicles ($1,017,634)
- Final reading of Transportation Chapter amendment (parking during special events, fine up to $500)
- Final reading of Parks and Recreation Chapter amendments (multiple definitions and regulations, fine up to $500)
- Right-of-way abandonment of a portion of Bob Duncan Drive
- Zoning Case PD24-36 (901 Debbie Lane) for self-storage facility (two non-speakers in support)
- Adoption of FY2025 capital budgets for various departments, water utilities, and stormwater utility
- Resolution expressing intent to reimburse certain capital budget expenditures
- Interlocal agreement with Tarrant County for parking lot repair at 401 W. Sanford Street
- Grant application for solid waste implementation ($200,000 for recycling dumpsters at multi-family housing)
- Easement acquisition for Marquis Circle drainage improvements
- Earnest money contract to purchase 23.42 acres from Arlington ISD at 2424 Hedgeapple Drive
Public Comments & Testimony
- Chris Wood (Fort Worth) expressed frustration with Six Flags Over Texas, citing high parking costs ($38, not posted), long wait times, ride closures, and poor customer service. He stated that city staff intervention prompted a response, but promised free tickets were not delivered. He criticized Six Flags for prioritizing profits over people.
- Saeda Sayed (North Richland Hills) raised concerns about the Tarrant Appraisal District’s notification process, stating that 22,000+ property owners received incorrect postcards with a late apology and a June 2 protest deadline. She noted that the county’s market value declined 8% on average, and the board decided not to reappraise, shifting the burden to property owners.
- Raven Ray (Arlington) advocated for affordable housing, stating that rents have doubled or tripled since the early 2000s while wages stagnated. She urged the council to take action for safe, stable, and affordable housing, describing the situation as a matter of basic human dignity.
- Abdul Shawani (Arlington business owner for 28 years) complained about the lack of a sewer line to his property, despite repeated inquiries. He also criticized the city for not having a commercial recycling system, noting that stadiums and hotels send hundreds of tons of recyclable waste to landfills. He asked whether Arlington is comparing itself to industrialized cities or third-world countries.
Discussion Items
- Proclamations: Mayor Ross proclaimed June 16-22, 2025, as National Pollinator Week and June 14, 2025, as United States Army 250th Birthday Celebration Day.
- Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Renewal (10.1): Gus Garcia, Director of Economic Development, presented the resolution. A petition signed by owners representing 52% of acreage and 62% of appraised value supported the renewal. The estimated annual cost is $671,816 for maintenance, beautification, marketing, security, and economic development. Three non-speakers registered in support. The public hearing was closed, and the resolution passed unanimously (8-0).
- Zoning Case PD25-05 – 901 East Arkansas Lane (Take 5 Oil Change) (10.2): Richard Gertson, Assistant Director of Planning, introduced the applicant Nikki Moore. The proposal rezones a half-acre site from Community Commercial to Planned Development for an auto service center. The existing gas station/convenience store will be demolished and replaced by a 1,723 sq. ft. building with three drive-through bays. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 7-0-1. Councilmember Hunter expressed support. The public hearing was closed, and the first reading passed unanimously (8-0).
- Zoning Case PD24-25 – 1700 East Bardin Road (Townhomes) (10.3): Richard Gertson introduced the applicant Ambarin Sawja, who proposed a 6.2-acre rezoning to Planned Development for 42 townhome lots, with a commercial corner (gas station, convenience store, retail pad). The development includes a neighborhood gathering space, children’s play area, and open space. A traffic study showed reduced trips compared to commercial use. Five letters of opposition were received. Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 6-3. Councilmember Boxall made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Pham. The first reading passed 7-1 (Councilmember Hogg voted nay).
- Zoning Case PD24-03 – 201 and 205 Slaughter Street (Cottage Community / Short-Term Rentals) (10.4): Richard Gertson introduced applicant Will Moncrief, who proposed a 1.27-acre rezoning to Planned Development for 28 cottage units (six 4-unit and two 2-unit) intended for short-term rental use. Units range from 292 to 472 sq. ft., below the 600 sq. ft. minimum for cottage communities. The site includes a resort-style pool, cabanas, bar and grill, pickleball court, fire pits, and yard games. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 9-0 with stipulations on tree preservation (38% preserved) and street furniture. Councilmembers Boxall, Galante, and Hunter expressed support, noting the project’s uniqueness and potential as a model. The public hearing was closed, and the first reading passed unanimously (8-0).
- Zoning Cases PD24-40 (Anthem) and PD24-40-ASP (Alternate Sign Plan) (10.5, 10.6): Both were continued to the June 24, 2025, council meeting at the applicant’s request.
- Bond Issuances (11.1): Ethan Klos, Treasurer, presented two ordinances for first and final reading: (a) Water and Wastewater System Revenue Bonds, Series 2025, up to $53 million, with Fitch AAA and Moody’s Aa1 ratings; (b) Municipal Drainage Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 2025, up to $14 million, with Fitch AAA rating. The ordinances were approved unanimously (8-0).
- Arlington Cemetery Ordinance (11.2): Sarah Stubblefield, Strategic Initiatives Manager, presented the first reading of a new chapter establishing cemetery operations, including burial rights, interments, fees, and sales. The cemetery was donated to the city in 1883, and due to a 2023 state law (HB 2371), the city can now sell burial rights. Approximately 1,100 unoccupied plots are available. The ordinance passed unanimously (8-0).
- Administration Chapter Updates (11.3): City Attorney Molly Shortall presented the first reading of amendments to align the city’s administration code with voter-approved charter amendments, covering quorum, meeting times, roles of Mayor Pro Tempore, and definitions. The ordinance passed unanimously (8-0).
- Notice of Intention to Issue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2025 (12.1): Ethan Klos presented a resolution authorizing publication of notice to issue up to $12 million in certificates of obligation for airport projects (west side hangar/apron and bridge access). The resolution passed unanimously (8-0).
Key Outcomes
- All consent agenda items were approved unanimously (8-0).
- Downtown Business Improvement District renewal: Resolution 25-144 approved unanimously (8-0).
- Zoning Case PD25-05 (901 East Arkansas Lane): First reading approved unanimously (8-0) for an auto service center.
- Zoning Case PD24-25 (1700 East Bardin Road): First reading approved 7-1 (Councilmember Hogg dissenting) for townhomes with commercial corner.
- Zoning Case PD24-03 (201 and 205 Slaughter Street): First reading approved unanimously (8-0) for a cottage community with short-term rentals.
- Zoning Cases PD24-40 and PD24-40-ASP (Anthem): Continued to June 24, 2025.
- Water and Wastewater System Revenue Bonds (up to $53 million) and Municipal Drainage Utility System Revenue Bonds (up to $14 million): Ord. 25-044 and 25-045 approved on first and final reading (8-0).
- Arlington Cemetery Ordinance: First reading approved (8-0), with implementation expected in October 2025.
- Administration Chapter Updates: First reading approved (8-0).
- Notice of Intention to Issue Certificates of Obligation (up to $12 million for airport): Resolution 25-145 approved (8-0).
- The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
Meeting Transcript
Well, he said, I think what is that? Well, good evening, everybody. Welcome to the Arlington City Council meeting. It is June 10th. Man, this year's going quick. Um, I'm gonna invite Christian Warthen from St. Andrew's United Methodist Church to please come forward and lead us in an invocation. Please stand if you can. Thank you. May we pray together. One who calls all people, beloved, as we gather on this evening to address the cares and the concerns and the plans that folks have in their wisdom discerned to bring before the city council, we pray. God, that you would give us wisdom. Grant that those who have given of their time and their energies to prepare for this evening will be given the correct words to speak. Grant that those plans that are laid before us will be inclusive of people no matter their age, their race, their income. Grant that we will listen well and lean in with curiosity. Grant that we will honor the belovedness in one another as we do the work to better this community. It is in your name we pray and ask all of these things. Amen. Amen. Please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. One nation under God, individual with liberty and justice world. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to the Texas. One state under God. One and indivisible. Thank you. You may be seated. Melissa Walker. There you are. Come on up. We're gonna make you miss pollinator. I know. Well, I'm the bee queen or something. You're the bee queen queen. Or the queen bee or all right. They call me all kinds of names. A couple of proclamations tonight. Whereas pollinator species such as moths, butterflies, bees, beetles, and other insects are essential partners in producing much of our food, much of our food supply, and they provide significant environmental benefits that are necessary for maintaining healthy, diverse urban and suburban ecosystems. And whereas the public works department's stormwater education specialist and the Arlington B City USA committee created the pollinators of Arlington identification program in order to identify pollinator species found within the city. And whereas this program utilizes the iNaturalist application to gather and store species data collected throughout Arlington and currently has 739 community volunteers who have made 15,204 pollinator species observations since October 1, 2021. And whereas in last year, another 214 pollinator species were identified in Arlington, including a hundred and twenty-seven species of moths, eight species of butterflies, 16 native bee species, and 63 species of pollinating beetles, flies and wasp bring in the total number of identified pollinator species to 1,01. And whereas in addition to identifications, the city's the city provided eight pollinator presentations in the annual moth night at the Sherry Kate Park Nature Preserve and partnered with Tarrant County College Southeast to educate the public about habitat conservation and reduction of pestified pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer use. Now therefore, I Jim Ross, mayor of the City of Arlington, do hereby proclaim June 16th through 22nd, 2025 as National Pollinator Week. Now I gotta say that I'm happy to help with moths and butterflies, but keep me away from the bees and beetles and wasp and all of those. Okay. Be careful what you say, because I do want to announce that moth night will be July 23rd. And we're going to do it at Webb Community Park this year. So if you want to come check out some Maws, eight about eight o'clock, you can come out and check out some moths. They don't stain.
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