OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Arlington City Council Regular Meeting – September 16, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, September 16, 2025
BodyArlington, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 16, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:41:49

Transcript — Verbatim
2:11

And we have joining us virtually, Councilmember Raul Gonzalez and our mayor, Jim Ross.

2:19

Thank you, Dr.

2:20

Odom Wesley.

2:21

I appreciate that.

2:23

Good evening, everybody.

2:25

Um, joining you from Osaka, Japan, out here making some wonderful connections and talking about business growth in Arlington and how we can get more growth coming out of the wonderful country of Japan.

2:41

Uh with that, I'm gonna invite Reverend Christian Wharton to come forward from Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church to give us an invocation, please.

2:54

Please rise.

2:57

Thank you, Mayor Ross, City Council.

2:59

May we pray together.

3:03

Source of all wisdom and compassion, we gather this evening as neighbors, coming alongside one another and working for the well-being of each and every person in Arlington.

3:15

We give you thanks for the gifts and perspectives that each person who speaks tonight will bring, and for the passion that moves people to speak, for the willingness to serve the common good.

3:28

We know that tonight's work carries weight and that choices made here touch real lives in tender places, for those choices can lead us toward mending and flourishing or toward harm, and so we ask this evening for a steadying spirit to rest upon this room.

3:51

May pride not cloud our vision, and may cynicism not close our hearts.

4:03

Grant that our conviction would be tempered with compassion, and that we would have a collective imagination, creative enough to seek solutions that will enable every person in this city to flourish.

4:41

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

5:00

I pledge allegiance to the Texas.

5:03

One state of state under God.

5:06

One and indivisible.

5:09

Thank you.

5:10

You may be seated.

5:12

Dr.

5:12

Odom Wesley, would you mind handling the proclamation for the national night out, please?

5:32

We have Chief Al Jones, Chief of Police joining me.

5:38

This proclamation is from the Office of the Mayor.

5:44

Whereas the National Association of Town Watch is sponsoring National Night Out, a nationwide crime and drug prevention program on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025.

5:59

And whereas this 42nd annual National Night Out will provide Arlington neighborhoods with the opportunity to promote and raise awareness of crime prevention programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit, and build police community partnerships.

6:18

And whereas community residents play a vital role in assisting the Arlington Police Department through joint crime, drug, and violence prevention efforts in the city and will support National Night Out with the variety of neighborhood celebrations.

6:36

And whereas residents can significantly contribute to reducing crime by staying vigilant in their communities and encouraging others to do the same, and by being aware of their surroundings and reporting any suspicious activities.

6:54

And whereas the National Association of Town Watch has ranked the City of Arlington number one for cities with a population of 300,000 or more for the past three consecutive years.

7:09

And we're striving to maintain that same distinction this year.

7:14

Therefore, on behalf of our mayor, Jim Ross, we do hereby proclaim October 7th, 2025 as National Night Out.

7:24

Let's celebrate accordingly.

7:40

Thank you.

7:42

I do.

7:43

Okay.

7:46

Thank you, uh Mayor.

7:48

Uh Mayor Pro Temp and City Council.

7:51

Uh, this means so much to us that you are taking the time to honor us as we go into this celebration of National Night Out.

8:00

National Night Out is not just a community program.

8:05

It's really about the neighborhoods, the city leadership, the police department coming together to make Arlington much stronger and much better.

8:16

As the mayor pro temp said, we've have come out number one for the last three years of uh with the National Night Out, and that's truly awesome feat for our city.

8:28

Think about this.

8:29

Last year we had over 150 events across our city.

8:34

That is truly, truly great.

8:36

That tells me that our community is engaged with the police department.

8:41

And the only way we're going to continue to make Arlington safe is if we have neighborhoods, businesses, civic leaders, and leadership working together, hand in hand.

8:54

So that's why this day is so important.

8:57

So what I'm going to ask each and every one of you to come out and celebrate with us on October 7th, because it's not just about this award.

9:08

It's really about strengthening our community and making us much better and making us or trying to make us the safest city in this country.

9:16

So again, thank you.

9:17

Thank you.

9:22

Thank you, Chief Jones.

9:24

Truly appreciate it.

9:26

Uh, if y'all weren't aware that Smart Asset 2025 recently acknowledged Arlington as the seventh safest large city in the country, and that's a credit to all of the tremendous men and women in blue here in Arlington.

9:45

So thank you so much for that.

9:47

Mr.

9:48

Buskin, speaker guidelines and general decorum, please.

9:51

Thank you, Mayor.

9:52

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.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Downtown Development██████████████████████████26%
Public Engagement████████████████████20%
Procedural████████████████16%
Public Safety████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis███████7%
Fiscal Sustainability█████5%
Community Engagement███3%
Historic Preservation███3%
Economic Development██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Arlington City Council Regular Meeting – September 16, 2025

The Arlington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting included the adoption of the FY 2026 operating budget and property tax levy, approval of a large consent agenda, public hearings on a hotel specific use permit and cemetery plot abandonment, and several first-reading ordinances. Mayor Jim Ross attended virtually from Osaka, Japan; Councilmember Raul Gonzalez participated virtually while recovering from double pneumonia. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes from August 26 and September 2, 2025 meetings (unanimous).
  • Approved appointments to the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau Board, Higher Education Finance Corporation, and Greater Texas Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corporation (unanimous).
  • Approved 30 minute orders, 8 ordinances, and 34 resolutions as part of the consent agenda, including:
    • Annual requirements contracts for crack sealing, sign posts, fertilizers, chemicals, bollard maintenance, software licenses, and equipment.
    • Construction contract for an aircraft apron at Arlington Municipal Airport ($10,441,312).
    • Engineering services modification for the airport apron ($400,311).
    • Microsoft enterprise license ($4,757,598 over 3 years).
    • Four-year computer lease ($1,346,879).
    • Forensic storage solution ($885,000 over 5 years).
    • Esports Stadium roof design contract ($180,000).
    • Ambulance contract extension with AMR, new Maximum Average Bill (MAB) of $1,795.89.
    • Professional services for pedestrian bridges in the Entertainment District ($200,000).
    • Water and wastewater rate adjustments; Green Building Performance Standards; Anthem zoning and sign plan; Downtown BID, Tourism PID, Lamar PID assessment rolls; and numerous resolutions including fee schedules, interlocal agreements with AISD and Tarrant County, and amendments to the Lincoln Square development agreement.
  • Items 8.41 (Temporary suspension of MWBE program) and 8.43 (Chapter 380 business certification program) were pulled for separate votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Larry McFarland (Arlington) spoke in opposition on multiple items:
    • 7.1 (FY 2026 Budget): Urged a no vote, arguing the budget exceeds inflation and is a "blank check." Claimed one eliminated position from one department reduced the budget by $300,000 (citing page 139).
    • 7.2 (Tax Levy): Opposed the 9.6% effective increase in maintenance and operations taxes, called for the no-new-revenue rate.
    • 7.3 (Tax Increase Ratification): Opposed ratification, noting the ordinance correctly labels it a tax increase but citizens are bearing the burden.
    • 8.16 (Airport Apron Construction): Questioned why only one proposal was received out of 1,438 notified vendors for a $10 million concrete project, suggesting narrow specifications.
    • 8.40 (Public Comment Rules): Criticized inconsistent registration requirements (in-person 30 min vs. online 90 min cutoffs) as suppression.
    • 14.1 (Fielder Square Redevelopment): Opposed the $33 million purchase of multifamily property, questioning code enforcement and the city's multi-family strategy.
  • Jeanette Shepherd (Arlington) during Citizen Participation recounted a domestic violence case with eight police visits but no warrant, calling for policy change.
  • Carol Smalley (North Arlington) reported semi-trucks parking illegally, blocking stop signs, and causing a wreck; requested enforcement help.
  • Eric Crowell (TAD board candidate) during Citizen Participation discussed the effects of the TAD market value freeze, arguing it costs taxpayers more in a declining market.
  • Sayeda Sayed (TAD board candidate) during Citizen Participation emphasized her appraisal review experience and urged taxing entities to choose their TAD director wisely.
  • A'sa Fernandez Evans (Euless) opposed the anti-discrimination chapter amendment (11.3), citing impacts on LGBTQ mental health.
  • Brent DeRaad (ACVB President) spoke in support of the Element Hotel SUP, noting high occupancy in South Arlington and need for upscale rooms.

Discussion Items

  • FY 2026 Operating Budget (7.1): Budget Manager Devon Waters presented the final reading. After public testimony, the council approved 8-1 (Councilmember Piel dissenting).
  • Tax Levy (7.2): Waters noted a tax rate of 62.98 cents per $100 valuation (18.52 cents interest & sinking, 44.46 cents general fund). Motion by Councilmember Odom-Wesley explicitly stated a 4.8% increase in the tax rate. Approved 7-2 (Piel and Hogg dissenting).
  • Tax Increase Ratification (7.3): Approved 7-2 (same votes).
  • Temporary MWBE Suspension (8.41): Councilmember Odom-Wesley argued the program remains needed due to disparities; Councilmember Hogg and others cited federal compliance and financial stability. Approved 6-3 (Galante, Hunter, Odom-Wesley against).
  • Business Certification Program (8.43): Odom-Wesley opposed because it no longer recognizes historically underutilized business certifications. Mayor Ross acknowledged federal requirements. Approved 7-2 (Hunter, Odom-Wesley against).
  • Element Hotel SUP (12.1): Applicant Gerald Alley (ConReal) and Mike Daugherty (DPG Partners) presented a 107-room upscale Element Hotel at 4560 Waxwing Drive, a Marriott brand. Councilmember Boxall criticized the western facade as "bland" and "utility" and voted no. Other councilmembers praised the design, amenities, and economic benefits (estimated $600,000/year in hotel tax). Approved 8-1 (Boxall dissenting).
  • Arlington Cemetery Plot Abandonment (12.2): Staff outlined the multi-step process under HB 2371, including ground-penetrating radar, replatting, community outreach, and a waitlist of 93 grave sites. Council declared 1,158 plots abandoned. Approved unanimously.
  • AEDC Sales Tax Revenue Bonds (13.1): Treasurer Ethan Klos presented a parameters ordinance for $70 million in bonds to fund e-sports infrastructure at the airport, sold competitively on September 30. Approved unanimously.
  • Anti-Discrimination Chapter Amendment (11.3): Continued to October 14, 2025, after two speakers registered in opposition.
  • Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Update (11.1): Approved first reading unanimously.
  • Youth Programs Standards of Care (11.2): Approved first reading unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • FY 2026 Budget Adopted (Ordinance 25-070) – 8 ayes, 1 nay.
  • FY 2026 Tax Levy Adopted (Ordinance 25-071) – 7 ayes, 2 nays.
  • Tax Increase Ratified (Ordinance 25-072) – 7 ayes, 2 nays.
  • MWBE Program Temporarily Suspended (Resolution 25-229) – 6 ayes, 3 nays.
  • Business Certification Program Amended (Resolution 25-231) – 7 ayes, 2 nays.
  • Element Hotel SUP Approved (Ordinance 25-??? first reading) – 8 ayes, 1 nay.
  • Arlington Cemetery Plots Abandoned (Resolution 25-261) – unanimous.
  • AEDC Bond Parameters Approved (Resolution 25-262) – unanimous.
  • Items 14.1 (Fielder Square) and 14.2 (Relocation Consultant) remain tabled.
  • Anti-Discrimination Chapter Amendment continued to October 14, 2025.

Meeting Transcript

And we have joining us virtually, Councilmember Raul Gonzalez and our mayor, Jim Ross. Thank you, Dr. Odom Wesley. I appreciate that. Good evening, everybody. Um, joining you from Osaka, Japan, out here making some wonderful connections and talking about business growth in Arlington and how we can get more growth coming out of the wonderful country of Japan. Uh with that, I'm gonna invite Reverend Christian Wharton to come forward from Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church to give us an invocation, please. Please rise. Thank you, Mayor Ross, City Council. May we pray together. Source of all wisdom and compassion, we gather this evening as neighbors, coming alongside one another and working for the well-being of each and every person in Arlington. We give you thanks for the gifts and perspectives that each person who speaks tonight will bring, and for the passion that moves people to speak, for the willingness to serve the common good. We know that tonight's work carries weight and that choices made here touch real lives in tender places, for those choices can lead us toward mending and flourishing or toward harm, and so we ask this evening for a steadying spirit to rest upon this room. May pride not cloud our vision, and may cynicism not close our hearts. Grant that our conviction would be tempered with compassion, and that we would have a collective imagination, creative enough to seek solutions that will enable every person in this city to flourish. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. I pledge allegiance to the Texas. One state of state under God. One and indivisible. Thank you. You may be seated. Dr. Odom Wesley, would you mind handling the proclamation for the national night out, please? We have Chief Al Jones, Chief of Police joining me. This proclamation is from the Office of the Mayor. Whereas the National Association of Town Watch is sponsoring National Night Out, a nationwide crime and drug prevention program on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025. And whereas this 42nd annual National Night Out will provide Arlington neighborhoods with the opportunity to promote and raise awareness of crime prevention programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit, and build police community partnerships. And whereas community residents play a vital role in assisting the Arlington Police Department through joint crime, drug, and violence prevention efforts in the city and will support National Night Out with the variety of neighborhood celebrations. And whereas residents can significantly contribute to reducing crime by staying vigilant in their communities and encouraging others to do the same, and by being aware of their surroundings and reporting any suspicious activities. And whereas the National Association of Town Watch has ranked the City of Arlington number one for cities with a population of 300,000 or more for the past three consecutive years. And we're striving to maintain that same distinction this year. Therefore, on behalf of our mayor, Jim Ross, we do hereby proclaim October 7th, 2025 as National Night Out. Let's celebrate accordingly. Thank you. I do. Okay. Thank you, uh Mayor. Uh Mayor Pro Temp and City Council. Uh, this means so much to us that you are taking the time to honor us as we go into this celebration of National Night Out. National Night Out is not just a community program. It's really about the neighborhoods, the city leadership, the police department coming together to make Arlington much stronger and much better. As the mayor pro temp said, we've have come out number one for the last three years of uh with the National Night Out, and that's truly awesome feat for our city. Think about this. Last year we had over 150 events across our city. That is truly, truly great. That tells me that our community is engaged with the police department. And the only way we're going to continue to make Arlington safe is if we have neighborhoods, businesses, civic leaders, and leadership working together, hand in hand. So that's why this day is so important. So what I'm going to ask each and every one of you to come out and celebrate with us on October 7th, because it's not just about this award. It's really about strengthening our community and making us much better and making us or trying to make us the safest city in this country.

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