There we go.

No, you can have some guys calling matter up to make this one.

Oh, yeah.

That's fine.

Oh, no.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Everybody, welcome to the Arlington City Council session.

It looks like we have a full house tonight.

I hope all of y'all don't plan on talking tonight, we'll be here forever.

Um, I'm gonna invite Reverend Brandy Splitzer from the Epworth United Methodist Church to please come forward for an invocation.

Please stand if you can.

Thank you for the invitation.

Let's pray.

Holy and gracious God, we give thanks tonight for these city counselors and the many city staff for the work they do on behalf of us all.

Long hours spent discerning, studying, talking with constituents, so that they can make important decisions that impact many.

We pray for them, for the process, and for the people who are affected by work done here.

We are thankful too for the example you gave us in your son Jesus.

He taught us that we are all beloved, made in your image.

He not only told us how to love our neighbor as ourselves, but showed us by loving those who did not look like him, those who did not worship or live or love as he did.

We know that he knew what we are all still trying to figure out, that we are all precious and worthy and important in your eyes, O God, and deserve to be seen as such from our fellow humans.

Ultimately, we give thanks for your abiding presence that goes before us, follows behind us, and walks alongside us as we travel through this earthly life.

In your loving name we pray.

Amen.

Amen.

Please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

Thank you.

Honor the Texas flag.

One state, under God, one and indivisible.

Thank y'all.

You may be seated.

And the good stuff involves a couple of proclamations tonight.

Right here.

There you are, darling.

Can you come on up here with me?

I got a special proclamation for this young lady here tonight.

This is Miss Sandy Mulcha Molche.

No, Mulcahi.

Mulcahi, thank you.

And this proclamation is going to read as such.

Sandy Mulkey, a sixth generation Texan and a resident of Arlington, Texas, for sixty-one years, has dedicated her life to service, leadership, and community betterment.

And whereas Sandy has served as the president of the Chi Omega Almany Chapter as a member of the Arlington Women's Club, as a Sunday school teacher at Grace Covenant, and as co-founder of Interlochen Chapel.

In addition to her community and faith leadership, Sandy successfully ran Lee Engineering Company, restored a historic hundred-year-old farmhouse west of Fort Worth in Peluxy, and has always embraced challenges with vision and determination.

Whereas Sandy and her late husband Bud, both graduates of the University of Texas at Austin, were moved during a safari in Africa to address the dire need for clean water in rural villages.

And whereas this inspiration led to the founding of Africa water wells, an initiative supported by churches in Aspen and Texas that has over for over a decade provided clean water access, rain catch and purification systems, job skills training, mobile health care, addition, addiction recovery, and Christian pastoral training across Kenyan communities.

And whereas through Sandy's tireless work, 17 pure water wells have been built in Kenya, bringing life-changing resources to villages and schools where children and families no longer suffer from waterborne illness, and whereas one principal joyful stated, no more typhoid, no more stomach aches, and less visits to the dispensary.

Clean water has changed our school.

And whereas Sandy, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, continues to embody the values of compassion, leadership, and service that inspire all who know her in Arlington and beyond.

Now, therefore, I, Jim Ross, Mayor of the City of Arlington, Texas, do hereby recognize and honor Sandy Mulcahy for her lifetime of service, leadership, and humanitarian impact, and encourage all citizens to join me in celebrating her extraordinary achievements and lasting legacy.

Folks, we are so blessed to have you in this community doing what you're doing and touching lives all over the world.

So can y'all give it up for this 90-year-old young lady.

Yep, I'm 90.

We have staff members in Kenya because I needed some numbers.

You know, I've never have really decided that that was something I needed to accumulate.

Those numbers came in this morning, and let me tell you, I was amazed and stunned at what God has done.

Yes, I'm a part of it, but I'm going to look at those numbers and tell you this.

All right, they represent eleven schools, okay.

That is like nine hundred and thirty six students, nine thousand three hundred and thirty-six students.

Okay, eleven schools, and then we have done two women's clinics, and I don't have any numbers on that.

And oftentimes, those schools will allow the villages to have clean water as well.

And so those villages, there are five of them, eight thousand eight hundred villagers with clean water.

You cannot imagine what that does for the people.

And so I don't have any data on the health clinics, but we did two of the clinics, and then there are like villages that I didn't have data on, where there are churches and just people.

What can I say?

There were people from Arlington that went with us.

We had eight teams that went to Kenya.

So I've been to Kenya nine times, and I hope to go again before God takes me home.

But uh it's amazing, and that's an opportunity for you all to support it, and that's that's incredible.

A well can cost as much as 30,000.

We have the driller is in Amarilla, and they give us a good deal.

They have two rigs in Kenya, and so they have done 14 wells for us, so 17 in all.

But there is a way to help people that don't have clean water.

We take it for granted.

Turn the spigot on, not a problem.

But they have to get water out of ditches and out of creeks.

And it causes all kinds of issues.

So thank you.

Thank you for this proclamation.

Could any of y'all say no to Miss Sandy?

I don't think so.

All right, here we go.

We're going to take a picture.

That character right there.

All right, Dr.

Godwin, come on up here.

It's not often I get to give a proclamation to a friend of mine, but this is one of those times.

Whereas chronic muskets.

Thank you.

Muscat now it's muscle and skeleton pain, how's that?

Is widespread problem around the world due to it and aging, this is what the problem is I didn't put my daggone glasses back on.

Oh, there's words on this thing.

Around the world due to aging population, increased obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

And whereas back pain is leading cause of disability, and one of the most common reasons opioid pain medical opioid pain medications are prescribed.

And whereas 36% of people live with back pain, a percentage that in Arlington alone represents 144,000 residents.

And whereas opioid pain medications have traditionally been the go-to treatment for muscus.

Why can I not say this word?

You didn't take Latin.

I didn't take Latin.

Muscular skeletal conditions, but more current research shows that they are not a good strategy for managing chronic low back pain for long term.

And whereas clinical guidelines from leading health care organizations such as CDC and the American College of Physicians now encourage patients to try non-drug treatments first.

And whereas doctors of chiropractic offer a variety of non-drug approaches to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and tension headaches, along with advice on nutrition, injury prevention, ergonomics, and lifestyle modifications for optimal health and wellness.

And whereas research studies demonstrate that patients who receive chiropractic services first may be able to significantly reduce or eliminate their reliance on prescription opioids.

Now, therefore, I Jim Ross, mayor of the city of Arlington do hereby proclaim October 2025 as National Chiropractor Month.

Are there any other chiropractors here tonight?

All right, I guess I was the only one that made it.

So there's a famous philosopher named Arthur Schopenhauer, and he said there are three stages to truth.

The first is it's ridiculed.

Second is it's violently opposed, and the last is it's become self-evident.

That's important because chiropractic was founded in 1895, and the founder of chiropractic ten years later said there are only three causes to dis ease in the human body.

You ready for it?

Traumas, toxins, thoughts, the three T's.

And though that our profession has been ridiculed and violently opposed today, those three Ts are self-evident in the healthcare system all around the world.

So we believe the power that made the body is designed to heal the body.

I've yet to see a person who was having a headache because her body was low in etc.

But we become so obsessed with these quick fixes that have long-term consequences.

We're focused on the lifespan versus the health span.

Life span is about the quantity of life.

How long do you live?

Health span is about the quality of your life.

What is that life like?

I'm not afraid of dying, but I am afraid of being dead while living.

When you look at Miss Sandy's, this woman is 90 years old, and she's still going.

She's still in the right mind, she's still able to communicate and engage and inspire people.

That's how I want to go out.

And far away from my purpose.

So choose a day, choose chiropractic, choose true health.

Thank you to the city, to the staff, to the mayor, to everyone for this proclamation, and for giving me this time.

Thank you.

Mr.

Buskin, Speaker Guidelines and General Decorum, please.

Thank you, Mayor.

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.

Any person making personal, profane, hostile, slanderous, or threatening remarks, who uses vulgar or obscene language, who engages in any other actions that disturb or are calculated to disturb the meeting, or who becomes disruptive while addressing the mayor and the city council or while attending the city council meeting may be removed from the council chambers.

All speakers shall address the city council and not the audience or city staff and shall not call out individually named members of city staff or the public.

For speakers tonight, when your name is called, please come to the microphone at the podium and state your name and city of residence for the record.

Speakers may not use music, videos, other forms of media, signs, or props.

During public hearings for zoning cases, the applicant will be asked to speak first and will be given five minutes to make a presentation.

Speakers in support or opposition of the item will be given three minutes each to make their statements.

The applicant will then be given three minutes for any rebuttal.

For all other items on the agenda, speakers will be given three minutes to speak.

If multiple speakers plan to provide the same or similar comments, those speakers may, if they so desire, designate one or more individuals to provide public comment on behalf of the group.

A bell will signal the end of each speaker's time.

In consideration of other speakers, please conclude your comments promptly when you hear the bell.

We ask that you address your comments to the mayor and council.

Thank you, Mr.

Buskin.

Do we have any appointments this evening to boards or commissions?

No, sir, we do not.

Thank you, sir.

Uh consideration of items from executive session, please.

Thank you, Mayor.

We have one item for consideration from executive session 6.1.

A resolution determining the necessity of acquiring permanent drainage and sanitary sewer easements and temporary construction easements for the public use of constructing, reconstructing, maintaining, and using drainage improvements and all appurtenances for the Marquee Circle Drainage Improvements Project.

Thank you, sir.

Do we have any speakers on this item?

No, sir, we do not.

Thank you.

I have a motion from Councilmember Gonzalez and a second from Councilmember Pham.

Please cast your vote.

Councilmember Hogg, your vote, please.

Yes.

Thank you, sir.

And the motion passes.

Consideration of minutes, Mr.

Buskin.

Thank you, Mayor.

Minutes for consideration this evening or the evening meeting from September 9th, 2025, and the afternoon and evening meetings from September 16, 2025.

Thank you, sir.

Council, do y'all have any additions or corrections?

Seeing none, Mr.

Buskin, are there any speakers on this item?

No, sir.

No speakers on this item.

Thank you, sir.

I have a motion from Councilmember Boxell and a second from Councilmember Odom Wesley.

Please cast your vote.

Councilmember Hogg, your vote, please.

Yes.

And the motion passes.

Consideration of consent agenda, Mr.

Buskin.

Thank you, Mayor.

The consent agenda this evening contains seven minute orders, three ordinances, and three resolutions.

The minute orders seek to authorize one change order number one for the construction contract for the Richard Simpson Park Phase Two Improvements.

Two, contract for the purchase and replacement of water meters.

Three, contract modification number two to the engineering services contract for the ditch improvements.

Contract modification number seven to the design of engineering control systems for city facilities.

Five rescind construction contract for Green Oaks Boulevard Pond Dredging.

Six and seven, purchase of a replacement dump truck and two excavators for the public works department and of 30 replacement vehicles for the police department.

The ordinances seek to authorize eight youth program standards of care.

Nine flood damage prevention ordinance update.

The resolution seek to authorize 11 resolution deny encore proposed rate increase.

12 division street text dot sidewalk project Cooper Street Collins Street, Collins Division, LLC.

Thirteen, Federal Aviation Administration Reimbursable Agreement for Airport Infrastructure Improvements.

Thank you, Mayor.

This concludes the consent agenda for this evening.

Thank you, sir.

Do we have any speakers on any of the items as they appear on the consent agenda?

No, sir, we do not.

Thank you.

I have a motion from Councilmember Pham, a second from Councilmember Gonzalez.

Please cast your vote.

Councilmember Hogg, your vote, please.

Yes.

And the motion passes.

Consideration of ordinances 11.1, Mr.

Keith Brooks.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

Keith Brooks, Director of Public Works.

I'm here to present item 11.1, which is the first reading for an ordinance amendment to the traffic and motor vehicles chapter to abend to amend the speed limit on Musquete Street from Division Street to South Center Street.

As we continue to monitor monitors uh pedestrian safety in downtown Arlington, one safety improvement is to reduce the speed limit on Musquete Street through downtown between Division Street and South of Center Street at the split where Musquite begins from 35 miles an hour to 30 miles an hour, matching the center street speed limit in that same area.

The section of Musquete Street, north of Division Street and beyond Randall Mill Road at the merge back at Center Street will remain at 35 miles an hour.

At this time, I will answer any questions you may have.

Thank you, Mr.

Brooks.

Any questions from council?

Seeing none, Mr.

Buskin.

Are there any speakers on this item?

No, sir.

No speakers on this item.

Thank you.

I have a motion from Councilmember Odom Wesley and a second from Councilmember Pham.

Please cast your vote.

Councilmember Hogg, your vote, please.

Yes.

And the motion passes.

We're now going to move on to 11.2.

In light of changes occurring at a federal level, the city has needed to explore modifications to a number of programs and policies, such as our anti-discrimination chapter.

It's important that we remain compliant with federal directives to protect receipt of federal funds and not subject the city to liability for additional financial consequences.

However, we must balance the need to make modifications with the need to ensure that every single member of our community feels welcome, protected, respected, and is treated with dignity.

Therefore, I'm gonna move that this motion that this item be continued until November 18th, so that our staff at the direction of mayor and council can thoroughly vet the impact of any such changes on our relationship both with the federal government and with our community.

Now tonight, before we take a vote on the motion to continue, we have at least 44 people that have signed up to speak.

And I'm gonna give everybody that wants to speak an opportunity to be heard.

We're gonna restrict the amount of time that you can speak to one minute.

Please, no comments, but one minute still adds another at least 45 minutes to an hour of city council time on this.

When we come back on the 18th, if you want to come back and speak again, you're welcome to do so then.

If you don't want to be heard tonight, you simply say you don't want to be heard when your name is called.

With that, Mr.

Buskin, do we have anybody here who would like to be heard?

Yes, sir.

We have 44 speakers in opposition.

Um our first speaker in opposition is Gray Pearson.

No, I'm not speaking in the opposition, not okay.

I'm not seeing four okay.

Mr.

Pearson.

My name is Gray Pearson.

I've been practicing law here in Arlington for 49 years.

Most of you know me.

Uh I am licensed in New York, District of Columbia, Texas.

I'm also admitted before numerous jurisdictions.

I'm concerned about this.

Here's why.

Let's start with what we agree upon.

We cannot risk our federal funding.

Number one.

Number two, the ordinance needs to conform with the law.

And surely we agree on that.

Thirdly, you have a city attorney that you pay for advice.

And if the city attorney gives you a legal opinion letter, you should carefully consider it.

Here's the problem.

You don't have a legal opinion letter.

You have a conclusion letter.

I've written hundreds of legal opinion letters.

Let's say that some can someone came in and said, we'd like to um get a true advice, is this permissible or not?

And I wrote him, no, here's my bill for 5,000.

That's unacceptable.

In this situation, the analysis of the city attorney references like equal operator commission directors, but does not cite them.

Texas law does not cite them.

I would suggest before anything that you request a proper legal opinion letter from your city attorney, which I think she is all obligated to give, that explains not just the conclusion or references laws, but gives the why.

I think that's what we've done.

I haven't seen a legal opinion letter yet.

We've we've asked for it.

That's why we're discussing it.

Well, then we're all in the for a full report as to why and what needs to be done.

Thank you so much.

Thank you, sir.

Next speaker.

Our next speaker is David Greble.

Mr.

Greble.

After Mr.

Greble is Keegan Dees.

I am a resident of District 2 and a former member of the City of Arlington's Community Relations Commission.

Four years ago, in an act of moral courage, the City Council unanimously decided that an anti-discrimination ordinance was incomplete without the inclusion of protections for sexual orientation and gender expression.

But now that moral courage is wavering.

Out of the fear that federal dollars might be withheld, you are considering eliminating those very protections you once championed.

In a story from the book of Daniel, three men were threatened with a fiery death if they did not bow their knees to an idol made of gold.

But these three men would burn before they would bow.

Their moral cur moral courage was greater than their fear of the fire.

You have not yet been faced with the demand to bow, but you are considering bowing anyway.

I encourage you to find the moral courage to stand up and refuse to change this anti-discrimination ordinance.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Our next speaker is Keegan Bees.

After Mr.

Dees is Reagan Baugh.

Sorry, I'm a little short.

Good evening, uh Mayor and City Council members.

My name is Keegan Dees.

I was born and raised in Arlington.

I still live here.

Um I also happen to be transgender.

So my very lively hood is on the line.

And I just want you to look at me.

I'm a human being.

I face this violence because I moved to unfortunately Midlothian.

They don't have an ordinance like Arlington.

And I was I was attacked.

I'm sorry.

It's tough.

I mean, we're kind of the world's punch bag right now.

And I just when you think about this, just think about the human beings you're affecting.

I mean, the American dream city.

We either stand by that and really mean it and mean it for all people and not just some.

I thank y'all for your time, and I hope you make the right decision.

Thank you, sir.

Our next speaker is Reagan Baugh.

Tiffany Dragoon.

Good afternoon, City Council members, and Mayor Ross.

My name is Reagan.

I moved to Arlington, Texas, about three over three years ago.

Um from Waxahatchie, Texas, where my best friend was transgender.

And I met the love of my life here in Arlington, Keegan Deeves, whom I've had to hear all the horrible stories that he has faced and went through when he lived in Midlothian.

A little over 20 minutes outside of where I grew up.

I moved here because I wanted to get away from that.

I've stood alongside protests where we've protested against these very things along some of y'all.

Why are we bending now?

Please make the right choices for all of your citizens, not just some.

Thank you for your time.

Our next speaker is Tiffany Dragoon.

Good evening.

My name is Tiffany Dragen.

I have lived and worked in Arlington for more than 30 years.

My husband and I have raised our three children in this community in this school district.

Um and it has been our American dream city.

So it's disheartening to learn that Arlington has fallen in line with the the discrimination and judgment of others that has taken hold of our country.

By allowing housing and employment determinations to be denied based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Arlington is giving the okay for qualified and responsible applicants to be turned away, and in doing so is welcoming intolerance.

I mentioned that my husband and I have three children.

One of them is gay.

And when this bright and enthusiastic young man returns from college in a couple of years, um to the place where he grew up with the help of teaching music in the same school district he attended.

He could be turned away from both working and living here for no reason other than the fact he was born gay.

That is more than disappointing.

It is heartbreaking.

Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Nikki Williams.

Good morning.

Well, good evening.

My name is Nike Drian Williams, also known as Nike.

I have called Arlington home for six years.

Not to brag about success, but to beg for the right to simply exist.

I am a gay man, a man of faith, a Christian, and I have survived rejection, hate, and even violence because of who I am and who I love.

I believe that this city had heart, that their love wasn't a crime.

But now that belief is being tested.

They want to take away a protection that I deserve don't deserve safety.

For what?

For loving honestly.

Tell me what part of me is dangerous.

Love without equality isn't love at all.

And if my light offends you, put shades on.

This isn't about politics.

It's about humanity, about the right to exist without apology.

So I ask you, will you stand with us?

Will you stand for justice?

Will you choose love?

Because when we choose love, we choose peace.

And that's the legacy I will leave behind.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Will Womack.

Will Womack.

After Mr.

Wellmack is Taryn Cali Palomo.

Good evening, Council members and mayor.

Thank you for allowing me to speak today.

My name is Will Womack, and I'm a uh resident of Arlington.

One of the main reasons why I moved to Arlington was because there's an abundance of riches uh when it comes to our people and our culture.

One of the um one of the things I'm most proud of is that um Arlington is consistently recognized as one of the most diverse cities in the country, currently ranked fourth among large cities by Wallet Hub this year, and the most diverse city in Texas.

That's not just a statistic, that is a reflection of who we are.

Um why should Arlington keep these protections?

Because Arlington already leads.

We are the most diverse city in Texas.

That means we are the most welcoming and we should not con and we should continue to lead from the front.

As a Christian, the core belief of my faith is rooted in the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 22.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and body, and this is the first and greatest commandment, and the second of which you shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.

And I'll also just mention chapter 25, but I'm out of time.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Taryn Callie Holomous.

He actually said it right.

My name is Taryn Cali Holomo.

I own a tax firm.

I live in Grand Prairie, but my children uh go to Arlington ISD.

Um I own a tax firm.

I am a lesbian married to um the most amazing wife ever.

And my biggest concern is where does it end?

We start with taking away basic housing and jobs from LGBT people, and next what?

Women and then minorities.

I I feel like Arlington needs to stand up and have a backbone.

That's all.

Our next speaker is Anthony Carasalis.

Anthony Carasalis.

After Mr.

Carasolis' Yasin Teznief.

Hello, man, counsel.

Um I stand here today as a person and part of the LGBT community.

Oh, my name is Anthony.

I've lived in Arlington my whole life.

I stand here today as a person and part of the LGBTQ community.

Although this vote today may not stop me from being bisexual, this revised ordinance is no less than a disgrace.

To script to strip the protections from discrimination away from my community is something I can't sit idly by and wait for someone else to speak about.

Not only this, but the excuse given to take these protections is astonishing.

Although money is an important thing for our community for it to thrive and innovate, in no world is it fair to take someone's protections away from them for said thriving and innovation.

From a young age, I was always taught to stand up for what is right, no matter how big or strong the oppression.

And to see my own elected officials submitting to a big and strong oppression is incredibly painful.

Although this is true, we can still take a stand against harmful and dangerous political pressures and vote to keep the LGBTQIA community protected by the city's anti-discrimination ordinance.

In conclusion, I urge you to think when you are voting not just about me and our peers in this room, but about our community and whether they will prosper or be held back by the next speaker is Yassine Tesnef.

Good evening.

Yes, evening.

Before I begin, I want to acknowledge the original stewards of this land that we stand on, the Wichita Comanche, Humanos, Kikko, and uh Tawakani peoples, and I especially take this uh space to celebrate the two spirit people, the original members of our very own diverse and beautiful American LGBTQ community.

I'm a proud UTA Mav, and I have called the city home since 2022.

I'm a proud, queer and non-binary Muslim.

Uh I'm a local political organizer who now serves as a board member of the Terran County Young Democrats on whose behalf I am speaking right now.

When SB 17 passed in 2023, I no longer felt safe on my own campus.

And when Arlington introduced protections for my community, I felt at least my city loves me, if not my state.

And for more than a month now, that sense of safety has been on the line, and I ask that you do not set that deep sense of insecurity that I feel and that we all feel into stone.

If in the future you do vote to strip these protections, you are participating in what history will call the normalization of fascism.

And if that offends you or makes you uncomfortable to hear, I have some news for you, baby.

And with that, I close in the name of my God, the most beneficial and most merciful.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Kim Martinez.

Kim Martinez.

After Miss Martinez is Jess Justice, good evening, Mayor and City Council.

My name is Kim Martinez.

I've been a resident of Arlington since 2005 when I moved here to take a position teaching in Arlington ISD.

I'm still teaching in Arlington ISD.

When I first moved to Arlington, I was kind of like, uh, it's okay here.

But as I lived in the community, raised my two sons here, I started to see the beautiful diversity that we have.

Um when I started going to the Levitt, I was like, wow, this place is pretty cool.

And so I am here to speak as an ally.

I am here because silence is complicity.

I am here to say that we should not be capitulating to what the federal government decides is too woke, and we need to continue the protections of all the members of our community.

The thin-skinned wannabe dictator in the White House doesn't get to call all the shots.

We're still a democracy as of right now, and we should act like it.

And this city council should stand up to that and not worry about the funds until later.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Jess Justice.

Jess Justice.

I live here in Arlington.

I've been out of work for six months.

I stopped receiving unemployment benefits two months ago.

I've been struggling to make ends meet or even find a job in this city for this entire time.

So as you can imagine, I've been doing a lot of job interviews recently.

I'm already constantly worried that hiring managers look at me and aren't hiring me because I look too queer.

Now I have to worry that they can do that legally and tell me to my face.

The way I dress and groom myself is part of my gender expression.

The language I use to mention my partner to others is part of my sexual orientation expression.

I have pride, but I have fear too.

Please remember me when you make your decision.

It may not seem like a big deal to some, but please understand my fear.

I feel my protections as a citizen of Arlington are being taken away.

What's on the line for me personally is my right to exist, to work, and to thrive within this city.

Please, please keep our rights protected.

I am only one person, but this affects my entire community.

I cannot let this possibility stand without saying something.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Katie Hayes.

Katie Hayes.

Hi, friends, I'm Katie.

Um I'm a founding member of the inclusive faith coalition of Tarrant County that represents many clergy members and religious leaders across Arlington and into Fort Worth.

I'm speaking tonight on behalf of Cantor Sherry Allen because it is one of the high holidays for our Jewish siblings, and their synagogue is celebrating Shemini at Zaret and Simhat Torah today.

So she was unable to be here.

She wanted me to say, though, on her behalf, uh, that she is the co-founder of Macam Shalanu Congregation, an open and affirming congregation, and a board member of the Justice Network of Tarrant County.

And Sherry wants me to tell you that she has an adult son who is a proud trans man who has moved away from the state of Texas and from the Metroplex and lives for now in a state where he feels safe in his existence in his work and in his relationships, but that he's told his parents, Sherry and her husband, that he no longer feels safe coming home to Texas and coming home to DFW where he was raised.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Sarah Hisson.

Sarah Hisson, after Miss Hisson is DJ Johanneson.

I'm glad I'm going after you.

Mayor Ross and City Council, it's great to see you all again.

My name is Sarah Hisson.

I've lived in Arlington since 1981.

Um I am fundamentally against stripping of protection for Arlington's queer community due to our federal government using funding to bully local governments into submission.

My honest burning question is what is your line in the sand?

Because the current administration has proven if local institutions give up an inch of our freedom, they'll take a mile.

At the moment, the important first inch y'all are considering giving up is the protection of those who can easily be scapegoated in order to justify inhumane treatment and promote social conformity through the lens of national purity.

Today, LGBTQIA plus persons are your potential scapegoats.

And what for?

Money?

Because you agree with the current unconstitutional federal playbook.

Again, where is your line?

How much is the protection and freedom of Arlington and all her citizens worth to you personally and as our civil servants?

Thank you.

Our next speaker is DJ Johanneson.

After Mr.

Johanneson is Katie O'Brien Dusan.

Mayor, members of the council, thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

My name is DJ Johanneson, and I am the CEO of the Help Center for LGBTQ Health.

I want to be very clear tonight that there is no legal reason, none, to make these changes.

The staff report recommending these changes misinterprets the law and misunderstands the guidance it cites.

In fact, the EEOC's own website explicitly states that complaints can be filed for discrimination based upon gay, lesbian or transgender status.

Furthermore, the July 29th Attorney General's guidance related to federal funding that you're worried about, explicitly states that cities should have anti-discrimination ordinances, and they should include anti-discrimination ordinance in all of their contracts with vendors.

There's a big distinction between anti-discrimination ordinances and DEI programming.

Saying otherwise is not just incorrect.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Katie O'Brien Dusan.

After Miss Doosan is Joshua Roberts.

Hello.

I was born and raised in Arlington, Texas, and I've lived here most of my life.

I'm a resident of District 4 right now.

I stand in opposition of this amendment and in full support as an ally of this community.

We need to be known as the dream city, not the discrimination city.

And last I checked, everyone in this city are taxpayers, and we deserve equal protection and equal rights.

Thank you.

Thank you, man.

Our next speaker is Joshua Roberts.

After Mr.

Roberts is Blake Cutler.

Hello.

My name is Joshua Roberts.

I live in Arlington.

I was born here, and I've lived here all my life.

I had a lot of prepared remarks this evening, but I don't need them because they've been expressed far more eloquently than I could put them myself.

However, I want to ask you: is equality conditional?

Are we going to sit here and bow to the federal government?

Are we gonna sit here and let them threaten us to cut our funding just like they've threatened other cities?

Do not cave to this pressure from these people.

Do not enable them.

Do you understand me?

Please consider the safety of your people first.

You are the bulwark against this.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Blake Cutler.

Hello, counsel.

Thank you for your time.

My name is Blake Cutler.

I have lived in Arlington all 22 years of my life.

And I just want to say if you remove local anti-discrimination protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation, you are telling me and every other queer person in Arlington that we do not belong here, that we should not feel safe here, and that the city will not protect us, and that my home no longer wants me here.

Now, if that is not what you wish to communicate, fix this, because I and everyone in this room knows that this amendment is wrong.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Amanda Rogers.

Amanda Rogers.

Ms.

Rogers.

Next speaker, please.

Our next speaker is front.

This is Ms.

Rogers.

After Ms.

Rogers is Franya Wilhelm.

Hello, everybody.

My name is Amanda Rogers.

And I am here opposing this amendment.

As you all know, that the law of our land is a constitution.

What the and why gender rights are ill and labeling people is illegal.

Sorry, right there.

All persons born are naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States.

What it doesn't say is all persons born will be given a label of gender or color of birth, and based on their gender and color will be given different rights.

All persons born who are born of parents that are U.S.

citizens become U.S.

citizens, and everyone.

So therefore, everybody here that has spoken, they're not a label.

They are a person, and according to the Constitution, which is the law of our land, says all persons born.

It doesn't say all females, it doesn't say all males.

It doesn't say all of those who think of it.

Thank you, ma'am.

Our next speaker is Frania Wilhelm.

After Miss Wilhelm is Nathan Smith, good evening, Mayor and Council.

It is totally unconscionable to leave sexual orientation, etc.

protections out of the anti-discrimination policy.

Arlington has the honor of being named the most diverse city in Texas.

Also, we have had huge turnouts at Pride Day.

Last year, 8900 participants, and this year over 15,000.

This omission must not stand.

Thank you for your consideration.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Nathan Smith.

After Mr.

Smith is Bradley Gulliford.

Hi, I'm Nathan Smith, also with the help center.

So we've talked a lot tonight about federal law, court cases, and what protections they offer.

But some are using these to say that Arlington's ADO protections are unnecessary.

But it's important to be accurate.

The Bost court ruling only covers discrimination in the context of employment law.

It is generally not considered to cover cover public accommodation discrimination.

What is public accommodation discrimination?

Let me give you an example.

A gay couple walks into a restaurant on Cooper Street holding hands.

The restaurant owner meets them at the door, looks at them with disgust, and says, We don't serve your kind here.

Most interpretations of federal law say the restaurant owner can do that.

But under Arlington's 2021 ADO, discrimination of that kind was banned.

The restaurant owner was operating outside the city's rules for businesses in doing that.

Your vote tonight as a council member answers one question.

Are you okay with we don't serve your kind here?

If so, vote for a stripped ordinance.

Our next speaker is Bradley Gilliford.

Yes, thank you for introducing me.

I'm Brad Gullifred.

I have been a part of the Arlington community for about 25 years, every day of it in our glorious district five.

As a gay man, I moved here from the cynical Northeast hesitantly.

But I was happy to see how diverse the city is.

Although we also expand our infrastructure and we have programming for our quality of life, and we need money for all of that.

I applaud your motion to continue.

And uh to uh buy some more time to look for some ways, including interpretation of title 7 to funding for all of us.

Thank you, sir.

Amen.

I'm also a taxpayer.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Whitney Lawrence.

Whitney Lawrence.

After Miss Lawrence is Andrew Campbell.

Good evening.

My name is Whitney Lawrence and I live in District 5.

I chose to raise my children here in Arlington because of what this city represents.

A place that celebrates diversity, values, inclusivity, and fosters a true sense of community.

But tonight we're at a crossroads.

Our reputation for inclusivity cannot just live in rankings or marketing slogans.

Hosting one of the largest pride festivals in the region means nothing if we are not willing to stand firmly on the side of protecting the very people we're celebrating.

I want my children to grow up in a city that doesn't just celebrate diversity when it's easy, but defends it when it counts.

That's what true leadership looks like.

Mayor Ross and Council members, your leadership in this moment matters.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Andrew Campbell.

Good evening, Mayor, Council.

My name is Andrew Campbell.

I live in Arlington.

I work in Arlington.

I am transgender.

I am bisexual.

I have a home here.

I have a family, a two-year-old daughter here.

Arlington is the American dream city.

The American dream is for everyone.

The American dream does not cave to external aggression.

It does not exclude.

Thank you, Council.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Dallas Schwab.

Dallas Schwab.

After Mr.

Schwab is Daniel Ben Velps.

Good evening.

My name is Dallas.

I live in District 4.

I want to reiterate something I heard earlier that there is a difference between anti-discrimination policy and DEI programming.

You do not need to make these changes to be compliant with the federal requirements to receive grants.

You just don't.

So I'm going to skip to the end since we have not as much time.

If you think you don't, it's because they're not sure if they can trust you.

Show them that they can trust you.

And I'll see you in November.

Our next speaker is Daniel Banps.

Daniel Van Velps.

After Mr.

Van Velps's Noah Berrier.

Hello, cancel.

My name is Daniel Bonuellos.

My friend has terrible handwriting.

But I came to Arlington in 2009.

And I've lived in multiple districts.

At the moment, I'm in District 5.

It started off as me being from the South and coming up here where on a border town, people could really easily tell I am not always looking like everybody else I'm around.

Being in New York, I was a brown one.

Being down here, I'm the gay one.

And I am not a person who's up here because I'm courageous.

I'm up here because I'm literally terrified.

Whenever you're taking these away, even now that it's suspended, there are things that are happening even down the street to 1851.

I can't imagine what pride would have been like if this was suspended at that time.

So just with that in mind, we're all really hoping that even tonight you guys can just vote no.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Noah Burrier.

Good evening, Councilmembers and Mayor Jim Ross.

Uh, my name is Noah Berrier.

I live in District 5, and I am a queer transgender man.

I have never in my whole life felt more scared and worried for my safety than I have at this current moment in our country's political climate.

With the recent rise in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation across the country, we've also seen a dramatic increase in hate crimes, violent hate crimes against queer and transgender people across the country.

It is times like now, more than ever that we need these protections in our anti-discrimination ordinance for sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please vote no against these changes.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Dominic Romero.

After Dominic Romero is Peter Rika, good evening, council and mayor.

If 9.3 of adults identify as queer, and there's approximately 406,156 residents in our city.

How do you feel about turning your back on 37,000 individuals?

The American Dream City.

It's our town's motto.

Do you still live by that phrase?

Do you still identify as that?

Thank you for your time.

Our next speaker is Peter Rika.

After Peter Rika is Jordan Walcott.

My name is Peter Ricca.

I have lived in Arlington on and off for 60 years, almost 60 years.

For every single one of you that is a veteran for every single one of you that is an attorney.

I am calling bovine scat on every single one of you.

You have sworn to protect the Constitution.

One of the things in the Constitution is the Second Amendment.

This isn't about guns.

This is about the absolute and affirmative right to defend yourself and defend others.

I believe in the Second Amendment, and you know why?

Because there are people there that have fear and apprehension of harm.

You, as lawyers, know GD well, okay?

That is starting to be assault of behaviors, and it is our duty as people that believe in the Second Amendment to protect people from fear and apprehension of harm.

For you lawyers, I am going to remind you that the law says that local municipalities do not have to cave to the government.

They are not allowed to be coercive.

You are allowed to say no.

Do it.

Our next speaker is Jordan Walcott.

After Jordan Walcott is Kate McGee.

Hello.

My name is Jordan Walcott.

I am a parent, a resident of District 5, and I'm also a lesbian.

At the September 2nd meeting, you said that we should adhere to the laws of the land while showing love, decency, and respect.

However, removing local legal protections for LGBTQ people doesn't show love or respect.

It asks us to give up real protections and trust that decency will prevail.

Respect without enforcement isn't protection.

It's just hope.

If you want our trust, protect our rights.

Because if you move forward this with this rollback, you're sending out a clear message to the queer community to my kids that we don't belong here.

Okay.

There's also no financial risk here.

Um Fort Worth paused their protections at the same time we did, later reinstated them without a single amendment.

They haven't lost a cent in federal funding.

And the 395 other cities with sexual orientation and gender identity in their list of protected classes aren't present either.

Thank you very much.

Our next speaker is Kate McGee.

After Kate McGee is Justin Gann.

Hi, City Council and Mayor Ross.

You guys, we are familiar with each other from our shared work in this city.

I've been proud to pray with you and for you on a number of occasions.

I have been so proud to grow up as a resident of District 2.

Hi, Raoul.

And I currently reside there as well.

I work in District 5 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and it's on their behalf that I am speaking here tonight.

So many other people have said it really, really well.

But I'm just here because I want my congregation members and their families to just be able to go to lunch after church.

I want my congregation and their family members to not worry that they're going to be judged for employment based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

They are not asking for anything special.

They are asking for equal protection under the law and to not be discriminated against.

After Justin Gann is Stacy Mellow.

Council members, you have said that you wish the residents of Arlington to stay as if they feel safe here.

If you get rid of these discrimination anti-discrimination measures, they will not do not delude yourselves.

If you tell them it's only because of this money, they will see that dollar amount has the amount you are willing to sell out their safety for.

After Stacy Mellow is Hunter Griffin.

Hello, Council.

We meet again.

You're telling us that you're willing to sell us out to the highest bidder.

And you know, I've stood before y'all for a multitude of different city council meetings and watch people cry, beg, plead, bear their souls to y'all to ask you to protect them and their health, their lives, and you've looked them in the face while using your vote to tell them that you don't care about what they have to say.

So frankly, I've lost faith that you'll actually care about Arlington residents, but tonight I pray, I beg that y'all prove me wrong.

Our next speaker is Hunter Griffin.

After Hunter Griffin is Brittany Garcia Dumas.

Good evening.

My name is Hunter Griffin, and I'm a resident of Arlington, Texas.

Arlington took a big step forward in 2021 by protecting LGBTQ plus residences all across Arlington.

Rolling that back is a huge mistake.

I earn I urge Mayor Ross and the City Council to um to keep these protections um keep these protections in place.

Equality isn't up for debate.

Let me repeat that.

Equality is not up for debate.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Brittany Garcia Dumas.

Hi, friends.

Brittany Garcia Dumas, born and raised here in Arlington, Texas, and I currently live in Arlington in District 5.

I'll be brief.

Removing protections from any resident in Arlington would be a huge mistake.

Removing protections from any resident here in Arlington is simply not what we as Arlingtonians do.

I know each and every one of you, and I've watched you brag about how Arlington is the fourth most diverse city in this nation.

You love it.

We love it.

So what we need you to do is say that with your vote.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Tammy Carson.

After Tammy Carson is Ash Schwa.

Tammy Carson.

Ma'am, you're gonna have to put the signs down.

You cannot use any demonstrative.

It's my it's my notes.

Um I want to read something verbatim.

Therefore, I Jim Ross, mayor of the city of Arlington, call upon all citizens, institutions, and leaders to reflect, celebrate, and recommit to the ongoing work of equality and inclusion for all, and do hereby proclaim June 2025 as Pride Month.

Um change the protection for many groups of people.

Isn't there enough hate and discrimination in this world?

I want to read a quote from Robert F.

Kennedy.

Every time we turn our heads the other way, when we see the law flouted, when we tolerate what we know to be wrong, when we close our eyes and ears to the corrupt, because we are too busy or too frightened when we fail to speak up and speak out.

We strike a blow against freedom, decency, and justice.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Ash Ash Schwab.

Hello.

My name is Ash Swan, just like the bird.

I was born and raised in District 3.

Um I went to Bowie High School for three years.

I was the president of my school's gay straight alliance.

In college, I was my school's president of the gender sexuality alliance.

First me, then you.

Every one of you share something in common with me.

You take away my rights, my community's rights.

You move a step forward to taking away your own.

First me, then you are you willing to lose your rights?

Are you willing to sell me out my community out?

Your community out.

Are you willing willing to sell out Arlington for 65 million dollars?

Is that how much we are worth to you?

How much money have we, my community made for you?

I know it's a lot.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Jane Collins.

Jane Collins.

After Jane Collins is Asia Fernandez Evans, uh, my name is Jane Collins and I live in Arlington.

Uh I was here at the last meeting when we well, not we, but the city council uh voted against DEI, and I was very upset about that.

I really appreciated the council members that argued against that.

Now here we are, we're on a slippery slope.

First we get rid of DEI.

Now we're trying to change an ordin ordinance that would protect uh LGBTQ people.

I think that this is how countries get more and more authoritarian.

They change the laws to be unjust.

And I think that it's really important that we take a stand, not just keep going along with first DEI, then the city ordinance to protect LGBTQ.

It's our duty as Americans to include everyone.

Our next speaker is Asia Fernandez Evans.

After Asia Fernandez Evans is Zach Borja.

Hi, Council members and mayor.

Um I'm here as a business owner and mental health business owner here in DFW, and as a Texas social worker.

But at the federal level, there's been a big push to make sure there are no safe spaces left for the LGBTQ community.

And we kind of are expecting our cities to be safe spaces.

And when we take away those safe spaces, we are telling people that our community isn't safe here, and that people who are want to harm us are safe here.

And not only that, it also tells us that any marginalized community, whether it's religious, whether it's race, whether it's whatever, it they have a price that you guys are willing to kind of sell out their rights for.

I'm the district director for State Representative Salman Bojani, who cannot be here today, who is asked that his words be delivered to this council.

I come before you today, not just as a public servant, but as someone who has lived the consequences of being told that my identity makes me less worthy of protection.

As a Muslim and an immigrant, I have seen how quickly people's rights can be dismissed when they do not fit into someone's definition of acceptable.

That's why I cannot stay silent today.

This amendment rolls back protections for LGBTQ residents.

It targets people who already face discrimination, people who are simply trying to live openly and safely in the place they call home.

No one in this city should be made to feel that way, especially by their own government who is meant to protect them.

Intentions do not change impact.

A vote for this amendment is not neutral.

It is a choice to make your own constituents more vulnerable to harm.

The American dream is not about deciding who is acceptable enough to deserve protection.

It is about ensuring that freedom and opportunity are extended to all, even when we do not share the same faith, the same background, or identity.

If Arlington truly wants to live up to the same name as American Dream City, then its laws must reflect its promises.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Chris Dobson.

Chris Dobson.

Our next speaker is Damian Ragosa.

After Damian Ragosa is Joanna Cardoza.

Good evening.

My name is Damien Ray Goza.

I'm a twenty twenty twenty-two-year-old transgender man.

I have lived in Arlington my entire life.

It is no secret that this proposed amendment is due to the current political climate of this country.

Being transgender in the United States in Texas no less is terrifying.

But I stand before you today as one of your constituents to remind you, sorry, that we are just regular everyday people.

We are people that deserve the same rights, freedoms, and protections as every other American citizen.

The precedent you will be setting with this amendment is huge.

It will be not be felt just here in Arlington, but all across Texas and the rest of the country as well.

The message that you'll be sending to your constituents and to people beyond is that you put money above your morals and a paycheck above your people.

Your words of acceptance and openness to us mean nothing when you are willing to cast aside our rights as American citizens to be free from discrimination because you are afraid of retaliation from our government.

How far are you willing to go?

Today it is my community.

Tomorrow it could be veterans, the physically and mentally disabled Muslims, people of color, and women.

I could go on.

Thank you for your time.

Our next speaker is Joanna Cardozo.

Good evening.

I am here tonight speaking on behalf of First United Methodist Church of Arlington's advocacy for social justice group representing 40 members.

Our group stands in solidarity with our LGBTQ plus brothers and sisters.

We oppose the suspension of any protections against discrimination for any member of our beloved community.

The United Methodist Church Social Principle teaches us to accept one another as Christ accepted us sinners.

The city of Arlington is such a diverse community where our cedar lead city leaders leadership should thrive to celebrate, appreciate, and value all members of our community.

Marginalized communities are under attack across our beloved nation.

Our undocumented community lives in fear.

Recently, an Arlington resident was the victim of a sniper outside ICE offices in Dallas.

As the city prepares to welcome FIFA to our city, would you be a beacon of light or darkness?

A city welcome to all or a few.

As many from across the world prepare to visit our beloved city and spend our hard-earned money in our local economy.

Will we be in the limelight for our welcoming culture or in the news for that one incident waiting to happen because the city did not have a policy in place?

Thank you.

Our next speaker is DeCorian Moore.

Oh, sweet mama.

Good afternoon, Council members and um Mayor Ross.

Um, my name is DeCorry and Moore, and firstly, I'm a black man.

Secondly, I'm a gay black man.

Therefore, discrimination hasn't always will follow me.

My relevance to Arlington is that I'm a grad student at UTA and I've had the privilege of being feeling protected and safe during my time here in Arlington.

But I don't know if any of my fellow students here now will be able to feel the same.

With the many communities being attacked under this political climate, the consideration of removing sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination from this order ordinance is vile, and it shows that all council members involved care more about money than is people.

If this ordinance is passed, the American Dream City should change its name to the American Nightmare City, because this city will be a nightmare for the LGBT plus people, and then who's next?

You I hope that doesn't happen had to happen, and I pray to whatever God, spiritual being or higher power you believe in that you hope the same.

I appreciate your time.

Our next speaker.

Our next speaker is Matthew.

Matthew, no last name provided on card.

Mayor Ross, City Council, thank you for your time.

Um, I think Martin Luther King Jr.

has said it best.

In the end, we will not remember the hatred of our enemies by the silence of our friends.

Sixty-five million.

It's a lot of money.

41,219 people.

It's a lot of people.

A hundred and sixty-two dollars a person.

It's a very small number.

A hundred and sixty-two dollars, that's about a grocery run for most families here in Arlington.

When this meeting is done and we all leave this building, a lot of us will go back home to our families, the people that we love.

We'll sit at our dining room tables and enjoy a meal together.

What we're asking you tonight, please don't value the food on the table more than the people who are around it.

Mayor, that concludes our speakers on this item.

We did also have 57 non-speakers in opposition.

Thank you all.

Uh I've made a motion.

Can I have a second for the continuance, please?

I have a second from Councilmember Villante, please cast your vote.

Councilmember Hogg, your vote, please.

Yes, and the motion passes.

We'll see y'all all back November 18th, I bet.

Thank y'all for participating tonight.

Seriously.

Okay, we're gonna move on down to 12.2.

Lisa Sudbury.

I understand a lot of y'all want to get out because you don't have any interest in all of the projects going on, but please try to stay quiet and keep the noise down as you exit the chambers.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

Agenda item 12.1, it's zoning case ZA25-03, 1225 California Lane.

This is a request for a straight zoning change to light industrial to allow the development of a medical or scientific research laboratory on approximately 0.476 acres at 1225 California Lane, currently zoned landmark preservation overlay, plan development for LI uses.

The location is north of California Lane and east of Medland Drive.

On September 3rd, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a removal of the planned development zoning and a reduction of the landmark preservation overlay to cover only the historic home on the property.

The intent of the request is to facilitate expanded use of the site for scientific and medical research by easing development restrictions while preserving the historic home on the property.

The property is developed with a historic home built prior to 1905 and several outbuildings.

It has been zoned LPOPDLI since at least 1996.

In 1996, the LPO overlay and the planned development zoning were added to preserve the historic nature of the property.

The LPO and PD currently require approvals from the landmark preservation commission or city council for any modifications limiting the development flexibility.

This request would remove the PD to eliminate procedural barriers to development, reduce the LPO boundary to include only the historic home and front yard, preserving its protection while allowing new development on the remainder of the site.

This enables the construction of new buildings for our medical research and laboratory facility.

We did receive one additional letter of opposition today that was emailed to you this morning.

Thank you, ma'am.

The applicant.

Come on up, sir.

Okay.

Good evening, uh, council member.

My name is uh Li Pintang, and my family and I have lived here at Artington for the past 25 years.

Um my Dayton job is a professor of bioengineering at UTA, and I'm also the colonel put you in attack.

So the summary was um very good.

So our company actually is making the um disposable uh paper-based uh diagnostic uh device for cornical womb.

So we use that to detect uh the the non-keating womb and the infective womb.

So we are at the stage that we need need to have a permanent home.

So can I move to the next it'll it'll take just a second?

Okay.

Okay.

And so it has all the building that we we think is that it's going to be good for company development.

And the property also carried the LPO.

And because there's a in the Front House, the number one is a historic house.

And behind it, there are three buildings apartment RV par installed shade.

And so when we purchase this property, this was abandoned for several years.

So we spent a while just on dollar to renovate it.

So I know we feel like it the back side of a the property that was building can be upgraded for the RD facility.

And the soul um based uh so initially the the whole LPO zoning is the whole property.

So through the discussion with the planning and zoning commission, um the suggestion based on their suggestion we'll work with city to limit an LPO.

This is a limited plan.

So allow the the backside of uh the building away from the LPO destination.

So this um allow us to to to be able to utilize the non-historic building behind it, so perhaps to build a medical device on the facility in the future.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Mr.

Buskin, any other speakers on this item?

No, sir.

No additional speakers on this item.

Thank you.

I'm gonna close the public hearing.

I have a motion from Councilmember Galante.

A second from Council Member Pham.

Please cast your vote.

Councilmember Hog, your vote, please.

Yes.

And the motion passes.

Congratulations, sir.

Thank you.

We'll move on down to 12.2, Ms.

Sudbury.

Agenda item 12.2 is zoning case PD 25 dash 12, Balfour Lofts.

Is a request for a plan development, downtown neighborhood overlay, RMF 22 for a multifamily development on property currently zoned for downtown neighborhood overlay RM12, downtown neighborhood overlay RM22 and Plan Development RMF 22 on approximately 1.605 acres of land currently developed as a Johnny Balfour electronic store and surrounding properties.

Generally located south of East Spruant Street, South of East South Street and East of Spruant Street.

On September 3rd, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zoning case PD 25-12 by a vote of 531 with the following condition.

The applicant should seek approval from the city for a design criteria manual variants to provide a gated secured entrance off Dugan Street.

The applicant applied for the variance to the DCM on October 2nd, and it was approved by public works department with conditions, and the memo from the public works department is attached in your packet.

A portion of this property came before you in June of 24 for rezoning to PDO, DNO, RMF 22.

Since that time, the developer has put together a proposal for the entire block bounded by East South, Weeks Avenue, Spruance, and Newton Street.

This proposal is for 99 multifamily units in a three-story building at a density of 62 units per acre.

It includes 67 on-site parking spaces in open covered garages and carports, and 75 on-street public parking spaces.

The amenities include open courtyard seating areas, dog park and fence run, public art and historic signage at several locations, a tenant lounge, a fitness center, pedestrian-gated entries and vehicular gated entry on Dugan, secured bike parking internal to the building.

The applicant is proposing to place the above-ground utilities underground with cooperation with Encore, as they had uh as was approved with their previous request in June of 24.

One issue noted by staff in your staff report is that they have a total of 142 parking spaces in the proposal.

However, 75 are on-street public parking that cannot be reserved for the apartment dwellers' use.

Another issue that staff has uh is for the proposed track trash operation.

Although the applicant has a plan with Republic, staff is still concerned that move in, move out trash recycling, typically associated with student housing, could be an issue.

Provisions for large dumpsters will have to be made on the multifamily site and not in city right-of-way.

It's not the intent of the developer to be student housing, however, it could be.

Thank you, ma'am.

Ms.

Moore, I assume you're doing most of the talking.

As long as you let me, sir.

All right.

Good evening.

I'm excited to present to you Balfour Lofts.

This project came before you last year while unanimously approved.

A lot of the feedback given was to tie up the whole entire block.

Well, the developers have done just that, bringing the development back before you as a completely new plan development.

The block, oh, there really is a delay.

Okay.

The block is just across from the subcourthouse.

It's bordered by Spruance, Dugan, and Weeks, and just refreshing your memory that this block was identified in the downtown master plan as an opportunity site.

Meaning it was a high priority for infill development and redevelopment to place transformative and catalytic projects on these sites that activate downtown's social vibrancy.

This shows you the existing aerial, includes the Balfour building, Arlington Urban Ministries, and a smattering of vacant single family homes.

Since the site is a redevelopment project, the developers and architects took special care to honor the site's history.

The developers looked for ways that the history could inform the new building design and incorporate certain elements from this time period.

The signage and replicas thereof will be used as public art.

Concepts of the mid-center mid-century modern, such as clean lines, radio and television frequency waves, all the way down to sunken living rooms shall be incorporated in the building design.

The result is a really unique and beautiful building, reflecting the technology in the mid-century style.

Instead of a looming flat building, you are getting a building that provides horizontal and vertical movement to create a correct captivating streetscape.

The next few slides illustrate how the streetscape comes together with the public art, the covered paseos, and the patio units on the ground floor.

In gaining the whole block, we now have a three-sided building that orients to the streets and the public realm.

We are currently parked at the RMF 22 parking standard of 142 spaces, utilizing both off-street and on-street parking.

The off-street parking is internal to the site and either tucked under building or in underneath cantilevered car ports.

We are squeezing every square inch out of this 1.6 acres in a dog run is in the median of the parking connected to the dog park.

The trash room is located on that southeast corner of the building to be concealed out of public view and out of any public right-of-way.

This slide shows the interior rendering perspective of the parking area with the dog park, the car ports, tuck under parking, trash room, and iron fencing.

I utilize these tuck, these examples of tuck under parking so that you can see that they are well lit and very open and providing much more parking spaces rather than the internal garages that were originally proposed in the original PD.

In addition, the main to the main amenity, which is access to downtown Arlington, this small site is packed with residential amenities, such as covered paseos, internal bicycle storage with charging station for e-bikes, co-working and lounging spaces, a dog run, or just to name a few.

Okay, so in meeting with the neighborhood groups, their main concern for the residents was security.

And I love that because it's neighbors already looking out for other neighbors.

The developers took this to heart as well.

And so I personally met with some of our Arlington Police Finest, and they specialize in crime prevention techniques through environmental measures.

And so we did that over a video call video call.

I walked them through uh these security features that have been proposed, which included the vehicular gate, the pedestrian gates with access control, um, and strategically placed cameras.

We also discussed potentially adding more cameras to the outside of the building and having those um being recorded of the outside parking just to provide those residents with peace of mind as they're walking the sidewalks and getting to their vehicle, but also to deter any criminal mischief.

Um and then also connecting that to APD's real-time camera system.

Those cameras are logged into and they're looked at um in real time once a call for service is made and the provides provides our officers with real-time visual data.

In relation and conversation of the trash room operation, um we are providing a trash room with four uh plus canisters to start with that'll be serviced four times a week.

Um that has the the ability to be expanded if possible to up to eight receptacles.

Um and then we can also increase service.

So if there are different peak times during the school year or whatnot, then we that can be accommodated.

Thank you, ma'am.

Okay.

Mr.

Busk and any other speakers on this.

Yes, sir.

We have three additional speakers in support and one speaker in opposition.

Our first speaker in support is Reed Buchler.

Mr.

Buchler is Daniel Box.

That look on your face said you weren't sure if you wanted to say anything or not.

Yes, read Buchler, you can move the mic up.

You don't have to bend over.

Read more Dallas, Texas.

Um yes, we're one of the developers on it, and Kennedy, depending on kind of whether or not there's additional comments, is why I signed up uh to be able to speak.

So thank you.

Miss Boxel will recognize you.

You want Miss Moore or one of these other folks up here?

Um probably uh several people.

So I'll just start with my questions and whoever can answer it can come up.

Um I I talked previously talked to uh Edward about it, and I just wanted to reiterate uh some of my points were um the dog park location.

I really wish you guys would mirror that and put it on the east end because the way you have it now, that when the the trash truck is there, it's gonna obsc it's gonna obstruct about four parking spaces.

I think if you flip it, and I know why you put it on the west end because you wanted to have something pretty to look at from that paseo, but I think uh the practical considerations over uh you know, over that is better.

Um also I wanted to uh if you would consider getting rid of the dog run, I think it's too narrow.

I think it's uh uh a misuse of space, it's just uh it just it it impedes free flow through the parking lot.

If it was wider, it might be worth it, but for the way it is right now, I don't think it's worth what you're giving up in in the openness of the space.

So I'd rather see that.

And we have a dog park downtown with a really nice long wide run.

It's not that far away.

Um the underground utilities, I just want to make sure, and I think you guys were we're supposed to make a statement tonight that you will not initiate uh not doing the underground utilities.

If for some reason the utility company cannot physically do it, that's one thing.

But you will not say that we can't do it or we can't afford it or whatever, whatever your reason is.

It has to be a physical impediment to putting in the under underground utility.

So I would like that to be part of the ordinance.

Um what else was there?

Um, and I just want to make sure that we have the dedicated delivery vehicle and ride share parking spaces.

How many of those are they?

Yes, sir.

So yes, ma'am.

We have I'm gonna circle this right here.

There are three parallel spaces that are right outside the leasing office, and so those would be for deliveries, uh ride share ride share for the tenants and things like that to come and go.

Are they dedicated?

I mean, in other words, other tenants can't park there, but that's only for delivery.

They'll have yes, they'll have signage there, yes.

Okay, yes, or future tenant parking, those types of people.

I think that's gonna be really important, especially considering your parking considerations, because I think you're gonna have a lot of on-site delivery, a lot of ride share.

That I'm hoping you do anyway.

Um I had on it.

Uh thank you.

Ms.

Moore, do you want to say anything regarding any of her issues or no?

I think that all of those can be easily accommodated.

I think we can, you know, mirror the dog park and kind of flip that around.

Um, in terms of removing the dog run, as of right now, that is incorporated into our open space percentage.

We are exceeding the required open space, which is 10%.

We are currently providing 12%.

And so I think that if we are you know willing to update the PD language to just saying we're gonna meet the PD standard of 10 percent.

I mean I'm less concerned with the percentage than then it's actual usable space.

Yes, I just want to make sure that our PD is gonna reflect we're gonna have to we're gonna lose some open space percentage in order to to accommodate that.

Thank you.

Mr.

Gonzalez.

Yes, thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Moore.

Um, I didn't I didn't bring this up when you and I spoke, so um the trash.

That's a big concern for me because that's one of the things I'm always concerned about downtown.

Um I know they're not gonna be student housing, but with efficiencies, I know what's gonna happen.

Parents will be reaching out.

I know as as a parent of three college students, I was always looking for efficiency, so that's gonna be a popular demand.

So I'm really concerned with the trash.

Yeah, you know, where is it gonna go?

You know, the big dumpsters and all that.

So can you address that?

Absolutely, yes.

And so what we're doing for those larger items, and I I apologize, my five minutes ran up, I didn't speak fast enough earlier.

Um, but we have the capacity to put in eight different dumpster canisters that would be basically emptied every other day, remembering that this is only 99 units, so roughly a hundred people, right?

Um, and then we also have provided in this area right here a temporary storage for larger items that might have been left behind or intended to be donated to Mission Arlington, and so we've created another space for those larger items to be held that would not need to be out in the open or in the public realm or to be seen in those situations.

Um of the other things I think that's really important to mention with this project is their intent is only to have 10% of their leases expiring on a monthly basis, and so that kind of eliminates that academic type of school year or that academic style lease.

You don't want to have to lose all of your residents at one particular time and then have to re-lease up your whole entire facility.

And so their intent is to to stagger their leases in that manner.

Okay, and with regards to that, I mean I have three kids, and most of them stayed in the three years, so it's like you as a parent, you don't you just want to place it safe, you know.

The price makes a difference, but it's important for that.

Yes, sir.

So I and uh you know what, and I understand about the the the trash and all that, and it's not really the the the management, it's it's the citizens that live.

That's who who makes the problem the problem.

So, you know, we just need somebody that's gonna out go out there and make sure that that you know that um sofa that you know chair that's left out there gets put up because that's you know, students do not care you know at UTA with the dumpsters around UTA, the dorms, it's bad.

Yes, it is bad.

So it's just an issue that we're having to address throughout Arlington throughout the community.

So anything that um management can do that we really would appreciate it.

So thank you.

Yes.

Sorry, I forgot one thing.

Um I just want to talk to you about the student housing issue.

Is it your intention that you're gonna have one lease per unit?

Yes, but not talking about the persons, but one lease per unit.

Yes.

Okay.

And I I don't know whether that can be included in the ordinance, but I want it on the record that that's what your intention is.

Yes.

Okay.

But multiple people can be on that lease.

Yes, multiple people, but one lease.

Yes.

Thank you.

Councilmember Odom Wesley.

Thank you, Marin.

Thank you, Nikki, for this project, and thank you all for bringing it to Arlington.

There are a lot of things that I like about this project.

And and we talked about it.

But there's one thing that gets causes me great pause.

And it's the fact that this is a three-story building, correct?

Yes, ma'am.

And there is no elevator, correct?

That's correct.

So that makes floors two and three inaccessible when you look at ADA requirements.

And I also I just cannot imagine move in and move out day with no elevator carrying furniture, etc.

up three flights of stairs.

Can you please address that concern?

Yes, ma'am.

So a lot of three stories, multifamily like this, they do not have elevators.

They put all of their uh accessible units on the first floor, and then yes, moving up furniture and washer and dryers and things like that is part of the um experience.

Okay.

Um that I think that at one point or another we have all we have all participated in that.

Um so yes, usually the the trigger is at four stories is when an elevator has to be provided.

And so we are meeting all of the ADA and the Fair Housing Acts in relation to that.

I understand that it may not be ideal for everyone.

I think when you look at this type of development anyways, um, people are making a lifestyle choice.

Um they're making a choice in where they they want to rent and what that looks like.

And so we are providing a different housing opportunity in downtown that's different than student housing.

Um so people do have choices in where they live and what they what floor they choose to live on.

It's probably not the answer you wanted, but Mr.

Buskin next speaker, please.

Our next speaker is Daniel Box.

Mr.

Box.

I don't have anything to say.

Good deal.

Next speaker, Mr.

Buskin.

Edward Manual.

Okay.

Anyone else?

Yes, sir.

We have one in opposition, Richard Weber.

Mr.

Weber, come on up.

Richard Weber, Arlington, Texas.

My main problem with this is density.

I believe this is even denser than what was approved last June.

I remember uh little speech by Mr.

Peel.

He got on a soapbox during a work session meeting, I think it was May, it may have been June, where he was speaking anti-SB 40.

I totally agree with anti being anti-SB 40.

Well, this has a density 1.7 times what the maximum is allowed by SB40.

Um what Mr.

Peel had said during his little spiel was basically people were going to be upset that these high density places were gonna be coming to Arlington, and the council has nothing to do with it.

The people can't blame the council, and it's not in their jurisdiction.

Well, this project is a difference from SB 40, because you nine people do have a say whether it gets approved or not.

This is way too dense.

62 units per acre.

Way too dense.

The correct vote is no.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Weber.

Mr.

Buskin, any other speakers?

Mayor, that concludes our speakers on this item.

We did have three non-speakers in support.

Thank you.

Mayor.

Oh, go ahead, Mr.

Hogg.

I thought that was a voice of God coming down for a minute.

And I looked up and I saw you, and I knew better.

It was it was close, Mayor.

It was close.

Um I just want to say thank you, and thank you, my colleagues for the questions.

I the number one issues I had was making sure we're very in the power lines.

I think they adjusted the parking to where it goes and the design.

Um for some of the comments, you know.

Listen, I we asked this developer to go out and say, I think this project would be better if you took the whole city block.

And when a developer goes out and actually does some things that we're looking for, I think we have to look and say thank you.

Um thank you for this project.

And uh, you know, when we talk about density and we talk about apartments, you'll know I I can't remember the last apartment I I voted for on this.

But I think we can allow density.

We can't.

We can allow density in our downtown area, our UTA area, um, entertainment district.

We can have calculated density.

I think this is a good project.

Um I think it's a good addition to downtown takes a property that didn't really have a life of what it's doing, and so I think our uh appreciate our developers bringing us forward and uh I look forward to voting for this.

So I was in a really good mood about this project till just a minute ago when Mr.

Hogg made me in to being wrong because I told Ms.

Moore there's no way she's gonna get council member hog to vote for a multi-family.

And now I'm looking at this thinking I was dead wrong.

Uh I love this project, and and I love what y'all have done.

You listened to PNZ and you listened to council, and you came back and you addressed everything.

You took the whole block in.

Is it is it a perfect case scenario?

Absolutely not, but you're you're doing some pretty incredible things with an urban multifamily development.

And even going as far as speaking with Republic to talk about the trash pickup and things such as that showed that you were listening.

So I I wish all developers would do that type of thing with the city, and I appreciate what y'all have done.

Uh with that, I'm gonna close the public hearing.

Need a motion and a second, please.

I have a motion from Councilmember Boxell and a second from Council Member Pham.

Please cast your vote.

Councilmember Hogg, your vote, please.

Yes.

Oh, my word.

The motion passes.

Congratulations to y'all.

Okay, we're gonna move on down.

12.3 was continued by the applicant to November 4, 12.4.

The sub barry.

Thank you, Mayor.

Item agenda 12.2, 12.4.

Zoning case PD 05R1 is 5301 West Pioneer Parkway.

Circuit Systems Company Inc.

Is a request for a revision to the approved development plan for limited light industrial uses on property located at 5301 West Pioneer Parkway, situated west of West Green Out Boulevard and north of West Pioneer Parkway.

On September 24th, the planning and zoning approved zoning case PD 1505R1 for a revised development plan by a vote of 801.

This company has been in business since the early 1980s.

The company's products are used on commercial and military aircraft.

Continued growth of the company has led to the need for this expansion.

They are proposing to enlarge their operation from approximately 12,000 square feet to almost 35,000 square feet on a seven-acre site.

The proposed new construction will consist of a combination of additional factory, manufacturing office, and storage space.

This proposal exceeds the original phase two proposal.

The applicant is not sticking any deviations to the development plan.

The applicant is MMA represented by Nikki Moore, and the owner is Grady King and Company.

L City represented by Grady King.

Ms.

Moore.

Hello again.

Okay.

All right.

So allow me to reintroduce you to this site in business that is along Pioneer Parkway, just west of Green Oaks and near Oak Ridge School.

Mr.

Grady King has owned and operated circuit system since 1983.

He is one and only a handful of U.S.

based first-tier contract manufacturers producing aerospace bonding jumper cables, bus bars, and grounding straps.

Their products are used in all commercial and military aircraft as well as many other aerospace applications, including the F-22 F-35 aircraft from Lockheed and the International Space Station.

In 2020 2015, Mr.

King purchased and moved to this existing building.

It was previously a Big Daddy's liquor store that had been vacant for a while with plans to expand the building in the near future as business grew.

The original 2015 plan development took into consideration the existing building, the site constraints, and excluded some uses that would typically be allowed by right in the light industrial zoning district.

Circuit systems is a very clean business.

It does not use a lot of chemicals, so there's no contamination or noxious odors.

Truck traffic is typically limited to a UPS, FedEx, or a similar size truck, which delivers a few times a month.

The existing portion of the building is approximately 12,000 square feet.

The original PD uh 15-5 approved in August of 2015 allowed for a proposed phase two expansion of approximately 9,700 additional square feet.

Since then, business has flourished, and the applicant is now requesting an additional 23,000 square feet and associated parking with this PD amendment.

The project will continue to utilize all of the existing drive approaches.

The next few slides of rendering show how the new addition will blend seamlessly with the existing building architecture and finishes which meet the city's design standards.

In our community outreach efforts, we had conversations with board members of Trinity Methodist Church, the leaders of Oak Ridge School and Arlington ISD.

None of them had any uh concerns or objections to the additional square footage.

Um Mr.

King asked actually employs a few interns, and so Oak Ridge School was um excited about maybe the opportunity of providing some interns and having some partnership in that comprehensive plan.

Aerospace is a target industry identified in the economic development strategy.

This project is example of how the city has achieved this goal of becoming a central hub for this region's growing aerospace in industry.

In summary, circuit systems is excited for the continued opportunity to do business in Arlington.

It makes good on the previous promise in 2015 to adapt and reuse a vacant building in an ideal location for low intense manufacturing use.

So I appreciate your time and attention, and I'm available to answer any questions.

Thank you, ma'am.

Mr.

Buskin, are there any other speakers on this item?

No, sir.

No additional speakers on this item.

Thank you.

Uh seeing no questions from council, I'm gonna go ahead and close the public hearing.

I do I do wanna say this is the best adaptive reuse of a liquor store ever in the history of mankind, and I'm very glad y'all made the investment in my district in this area, and I'm so happy that you are expanding and having a lot of success, and I support this project wholeheartedly.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Uh I have a motion from Councilmember Hunter and a second from Councilmember Boxel.

Please cast your vote.

Councilmember Hogg, your vote, please.

Yes.

Thank you, sir.

The motion passes.

Congratulations, ma'am.

Okay, we're gonna move on down to 12.5.

Nina.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

My name is Nina Timoteta with the City Attorney's Office.

Also in-house counsel for the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation.

So this item is for a public hearing in accordance with section 394.9025A of the Texas local government code.

Um during the 89th legislative session, um, House Bill 21 was passed and requires a lot of things, but one of the things that requires specifically is that before a housing finance corporation can issue bonds for a multifamily development, they have the governing body of the sponsoring local jurisdiction has to have a public hearing.

So that's the reason for that.

So this is in response to the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation intent to issue bonds relative to the property located at 1950 East Mayfield Road, Arlington, Texas, also known as reserve at Mayfield Apartments.

Um I'm here to take any additional questions, and we also have Luke Irvin with Chapman and Cutler as bond counsel for any questions as well.

Thank you, ma'am.

Mr.

Buskin, are there any speakers on this item?

No, sir.

No speakers on this item.

Thank you, sir.

I'm gonna go go ahead and close the public hearing then.

There won't be a need for a vote on this.

Uh 13.1, Nina.

Go ahead.

Okay.

This is kind of a continuation of the reserve at Mayfield Apartments.

So the Texas Administration Code requires certain documents to be provided to the Texas Attorney General before housing finance bonds can be issued.

Um you do have a substitute uh resolution and certificate in front of you for a resolution authorizing the submission of the general and no litigation certificate to the attorney general of the state of Texas for the issuance of reserve and Mayfield Apartment Series 2025 bonds.

Um, just to kind of summarize the certificate, um it essentially certifies that council authorized the creation of the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation.

Um, it identifies the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation board members, um, it establishes that the city council has not limited the board the housing finance corporation's ability to issue bonds, um, and finally that there are no known litigation or pending litigation or threat of litigation that would affect the status of the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation.

Thank you, ma'am.

Mr.

Buskin, any speakers on this item?

No, sir.

No speakers on this item.

Thank you.

I have a motion from Councilmember Odom Wesley, a second from Council Member Hunter.

Please cast your vote.

Councilmember Hogg, your vote, please.

Yes.

And the motion passes 13.2 Ethan.

Evening, Mayor and Council.

My name is Ethan Close City Treasurer.

Before you is a blank resolution waiting for any nominations that you may have for the TAD board.

If you so choose to nominate anyone.

Currently there are four nominations that have already been submitted to TAD.

They are Saida Sayed and Eric Kryle, who've both spoken in front of council before, as well as the two current board members, Wendy Burgess and Michael Offred.

And with that, I'm here to take any questions.

Thank you, sir.

I'll open it up, see if council has any nominations.

Councilmember Boxell.

Thank you.

Um so the four are being nominated.

Do we have to choose among them or can we just change all four?

We we don't need to do anything with them.

They are already nominated.

This is not a vote for people.

You will vote December 9th.

So they are already nominated, they will be on the ballot.

Okay, but we're voting for all four as a group.

Uh no, you're not voting at all.

Okay, I'm sorry, we're not voting.

You're just nominating people.

They have already been nominated.

You do not need to renominate them.

They are nominated by another jurisdiction for everybody for TAD.

So there's no reason to renominate them as city council.

If we have no nominations here in the two, correct.

We will not have a vote tonight.

Okay, thank you.

Yep.

And seeing no nominations, uh, we'll move on then.

Thank you, Ethan.

We'll move on to 14.

Get out of here, Ethan.

Okay.

14.1 and 14.2.

Umor, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I already missed.

We did have two individuals sign up to speak on.

Thank you.

13.2.

Uh Sayita Sayed.

And then after Miss Sayed was Eric Crowell.

You're already nominated.

Not by Arlington.

Well, there's no need for us to nominate you.

And I deserve more than three minutes because I'm waiting five and a half hours to speak tonight.

Well, I am Sayada Sayad, and my address is 6705 Sapphire Circle North Colleville, Texas, 76034.

I'm here because I am one of the candidate of Terrent Appraisal District Board of Directors.

Well, I have the complete experience, complete knowledge of duties and function of appraisal review board, commonly known as ARB.

The ARB is a vital link to the journey property owners and the entities' experience when discussing their protests with the appraisal district.

And the perfect example is July 16 ARB hearing for housing finance corporation when uh appraisal district uh ARB did not disclose to City of Arlington's attorney that that attorney is uh also the teacher for for all three board members, and uh it's a it's a potential conflict of interest right in front of them.

Uh currently, as of July 2024, the TAD board of directors appoints the members of ARB for two-year term.

I'll I will bring the clarity and understanding of ARB processes to the TAD board, helping to enhance the governance of our appraisal district.

No currently serving TAD director or the potential candidate has this kind of experience.

Since the January of 2025, I have attended all the TADS closed door entity meetings.

I attended these meetings on behalf of those entities who cast votes for my candidacy in the prior election.

They include Colleville, Crowley, Banbrook, Haltham City, Richland Health, Grapevine, Hazlet, Azul, White Settlement, Grand Priority, Forward ISD, Arlington ISD, and Everman ISD.

Going forward, my plan is to implement the recent changes by the 89th legislative session within the taxes property tax code, focusing on uniform and equal property appraisals, uniform and equal treatment to all taxing entities and the taxpayer.

The accuracy and integrity of the tax rule will be my first priority.

And uh when I said uh the 89th legislative session, especially I'm talking about as B 973, which relating to the periodic reappraisal of the uh property and directed appraisal districts to follow 23.01, which states all taxable property is appraised at its market value as of January 1st.

And it's my strong belief that January 1st comes every year.

No question asked.

I'm asking for your nomination tonight.

Please join hands with me to enhance the governance of our appraisal district.

Your support is highly appreciated.

You have 91 votes when it's time to vote.

But there are 42 cities in Tarrant County.

Six have zero votes, eleven have one vote, and one school district out of twenty-one has zero votes.

So please nominate me.

And uh give me votes when it's time.

Uh when I ran last time, I promise I will come to all entities and give the feedback, and I did it.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

All right.

Next speaker, Mr.

Buskin.

Our next speaker is Eric Crowell.

Eric Crowell, 11325, Gill Ridge Terrace, uh Fort Worth.

Mayor, you're right.

I have been nominated, so I'm not really here to seek a nomination.

I'm here just to give you guys my perspective and let you know a little bit before you do vote in December.

Um for those of you who don't know, I'm I'm a firefighter, so my schedule doesn't always allow, so that's why I'm here because it allows tonight.

But anyways, so a little bit about me.

This I'm gonna tell you what I believe.

I believe the legislature's intended for yearly appraisals.

After watching many hearings during the legislative session on property taxes and appraisals, many of the comments were directed towards this interpretation.

Two, I believe in local control, and we should always aim to solve our problems locally when possible.

It's best to avoid Austin's one size fits all approach to problem solving.

And in regard to the appraisal district, the issues we are experiencing are the result of local factors.

Three, yearly appraisals allow the homestead exemption to function as designed during an appreciating market.

And when it's a declining market, such as now, taxpayers can get the immediate impact of reduced property value.

What do I know?

I know the reappraisal plan is currently implemented, can impact bond capacity and the ability to refinance to a lower rate, thereby costing taxpayers more interest.

I know this is a political appointment, and political appointments are based on relationships with candidates.

And I know I have the desire to do this job and the desire to do it well.

So what have I done?

I spent the last 10 months attending cities and school, city council and school board meetings throughout the county to understand the challenges the reappraisal plan has placed upon you guys.

I've worked to build relationships throughout the county with various CFOs, superintendents, boards, and council members.

And finally, after reading chapter six of the property tax code, I discovered the conservation districts could participate.

That's your Terrant Regional Water District, Viridian, Kerras, and a couple others.

And now for the first time ever in 45 years, the conservation districts in the county are voting because I was successful in convincing them to participate in the appointment of board members.

I believe it brings more transparency to Tad when all the interested parties are fully participating.

So I'll just leave it at this.

For those of you don't know, I ran for this last year.

Obviously, I was unsuccessful, but I've had the tenacity to stay with it, and I believe I improved as a candidate.

Last time, last meeting I was here, I gave you guys a copy of my resume.

And if you guys have any questions for me before you vote this fall, please do reach out.

Otherwise, I just want to thank you all for your time.

Thank you so much.

Thanks, sir.

Any other speakers, Mr.

Buskin?

No, sir.

That concludes our speakers on this item.

Thank you, sir.

Uh I had a motion and a second.

Can we put those back up, Mr.

Buskin?

Or did we not get it yet?

Well, give me a motion and a second, then please.

Oh Lord, what am I thinking?

Uh everybody's got to talk and we have no nominees, so we're not gonna vote.

Now we're gonna move on down to 14.1 and two.

Mr.

Hogg, I can see you laughing at me.

I was about to ask you what we're voting for.

You're in a you're in a two-way camera here, okay.

Appreciate you, brother.

Um 14.1 and 4.2.

Well, it's not popped up here, but go ahead, long.

Um, um, the two candidates that uh I think it's on the list that we put them in to vote in uh December.

I appreciate you come back and uh try to run again.

And one thing is correct me, I'm wrong.

The TAT board directors that uh all the tax entities include all the city, include Arlington and all the independent school district, put the TAP board directly in when they vote for the tax freeze, they're putting a city in the bind for the financial shortfall, but we have to work real hard to balance the budget.

And uh if I'm wrong, uh I need someone of my colleagues corrected me.

So this November, I would uh encourage my uh colleagues to support me to nominate the people that can go in there and do what's right for all the cities in the in Terran County, and I go and try to contact all the school board and make sure they nominate the right person because I know um Cecil Allington in some school district like Castle Bear had a real bad shortfall in their budget.

So uh make sure when we nominate the TAP board director, we nominate people who can read the tax law, understand understand the tax law, and do what's right for the the citizen but arisen in the Terran County.

And thank you, Mr.

Mayor, and uh thank you to two candidate Miss Sayes and meet the crowd that um stood up and uh stand up and run, and I do appreciate and you have my support.

I'm gonna lobby not just my colleague, but for now the city and school board.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Pham.

All right.

Now we're gonna get down to 14.1 and 14.2, two tabled items that uh council has decided we can remove from our agenda and remove from the table items.

So I need a motion to remove those two items from the table items and the agenda.

I have a motion from Councilmember Pham and a second from Councilmember Goante.

Please cast your vote.

Councilmember Hogg, your vote, please.

Yes.

Thank you.

And the motion passes.

Um we have citizen participation next, Mr.

Buskin.

Thank you, Mayor.

Citizen participation gives the public an opportunity to make comments or address concerns regarding matters related to city business or affairs that are in the scope of the authority of the city council and which are not posted on the evening agenda.

However, please understand that the mayor and council are not permitted by law to respond to, discuss, or address the comment at this time.

As these items are not included on the posted council agenda for this evening.

The mayor and council may only ask clarifying questions and or direct staff to take appropriate action.

Speakers who are pre-registered will be given two minutes to make their comments, except that if 26 or more speakers have pre-registered, each speaker will be given one minute to make their comments.

Our first speaker this evening is Cheryl Bean.

Ms.

Bean.

After Miss Bean is Diana McPherson.

Good evening.

It's been a long night here.

Um so Cheryl Bean running for HD 94.

I just wanted to come and tell you that I heard almost each and every one of you express your concerns about SB 840.

And I have in fact followed up with that by getting in touch with Brian Hughes and had a nice conversation with me.

He was not aware of your concerns.

We will be discussing it further.

He's the guy who authored the bill.

Secondly, I've talked to the Greater Fort Worth Builder Association, which covers seven counties.

And if you take that up to Tad is one of the largest employers across the state of Texas.

Once again, they did not really understand your concerns.

And if we can get this where we can work in partner with them, I think they could actually help us get that bill amended.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Our next speaker is Diana McPherson.

After Miss McPherson is Paula Ruiz.

Hello, Mayor and Council.

I'm a fourth generation Arlington resident, was raised by civic-minded parents.

My father's buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., across from the Pentagon.

My mom and dad have done a lot for the city of Arlington and the County of Terrent.

I've slowly over time have not seen changes that an American dream city does not make.

A lot of police misconduct and accountability and transparency vanish before my eyes.

Not only did the situation uh solicitation of a minor re uh resortage resisting arrest and assaulting a peace officer.

He was given special privileges after being handcuffed in front, giving sips of water, and um as I saw on the body cam.

That wouldn't have happened to a regular citizen.

But I guess that's okay if you're the son of the sheriff.

I have had no influence.

I hope that Phil Sorrells, Tim O'Hare, and Bill Weyborn had no influence in the removal of part of my city's legal department.

Those who would wield oppressed do not oppress freely.

It's always the choice of one over the other.

And ultimately, who holds the power wilts the sword.

I love my country, disappointed in my local government.

I'm closing.

In closing, uh rather die on my feet than live on my knees.

Thank you.

We won that war a long time ago.

Next speaker, please.

Next speaker is Paula Ruiz.

After Mr.

Ruiz is Nicholas Cohn.

How much time do I have?

Three minutes.

Two minutes.

Okay.

I lied to you.

This is my first time to be here.

Um I I've been back and forth.

Uh I come from Fort Worth.

Um I used to live in Arlington.

And I'm glad you're not AI and uh Noran Automated System.

Um I'm I'm homeless, and uh I thank God for Mission Arlington.

Uh first Methodist.

Uh my concern is uh not the men.

Uh I I've only seen one other woman uh outside, but uh the men have been gentlemen, and they've they've helped me.

Um but it's it's the the bathroom situation.

I'm 55.

I uh I never thought I'd be in this predicament.

I I'm a workaholic and I've always had everything.

Uh God's blessed me with everything.

Um but I find myself in uh the other side of the spectrum.

And uh I have knee problems, I can't squat.

Uh and it's hard in the dark.

Um it's it's degrading, and being that we're the smartest animal in the planet, uh been given dominion over all the other animals.

Um I I know there the there's always room for improvement.

Uh and uh I've never been into government or politics.

This is my first time in a city council in front of people that make a difference.

And uh it is people that make a difference, uh not the money.

And uh thank you, ma'am.

Oh so it was about porta potties.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is Nicholas Cohn.

After Mr.

Cohn is Roy Deontay Gill.

Good evening, everybody.

My name is Nick, and I'm the new GM for Symphony Arlington.

And I'm here to personally invite you all to our first concert, which is on October 23rd.

Um just a little bit about me.

I've lived in England, I've lived in Germany, I've lived in uh the UAE, and I've had experiences, and what I've seen from all those is what's central to a great city is a great symphony orchestra and great arts.

And I've noticed with other orchestras in around Texas that they do get a good audience, and people come and are enthusiastic.

But so far in Arlington, it's a bit of it's been a bit of a struggle to get people into the um into the hall, which is just down the road, the Arlington Music Hall.

And we're just uh I'm very excited to be here and in this area.

It's been wonderful so far, and I see things are dramatic, but nonetheless.

Um, you know, I just the one thing I feel brings everyone together, regardless of your thoughts, whatever, is music, you know, and and investing in great music helps the community in such a fine way.

Because truly, you know, with certain music you can make your opinions, but with classical music and all the kind of you know, the stories, it just engages children.

They love it, and it's important to building building, you know, your city and having uh people kind of striving for uh for the kind of best things, I guess.

So I would just love again to invite you all to our first concert.

We have a we have world-class soloists.

Some of these people can go on to be very famous, and where did they start?

I started in Arlington.

You know, I mean, we're still we're a professional orchestra with no new people, but it's important that we give people the chance, have people in the community come, get to hear these world-class soloists cheap as well.

I mean, we're we're very cheap, you know, cheaper than any any other professional orchestra or I I can think of that I've ever seen from all my international experience.

So um please, if you can come and support, and hopefully we can build the word about Symphony Arlington.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, sir.

Our next speaker is Roy Deontay Gill.

After Mr.

Gill is Eddie Frisbee.

Good evening, Mayor Ross, Council members.

Uh, my name is Roy Deontay Gio.

I am a member of Phi Dosa Theta on the University of Texas Arlington.

And I'm simply showing face here to all of you to let you know that we are doing a toys for Tots Drive this holiday season.

With that being said, I am fully understanding that fraternities do not have the best outlook, but uh a fraternity here that's local to Arlington does want to give back.

Um our goal for this is to keep it within the city of Arlington, as we all know.

Um times are rough, times are hard for a lot of families, and we want to continue to spread joy no matter if it's just 43 guys uh in a group that's on campus.

We do want to make a difference, so I'm just in front of you today.

Simply let you all know that it's something that we are doing.

Um we do have upcoming events.

I do not have date specifics to give you at this time, but three of those are going to going to be at the Chick-fil-A up on Collins.

We are still working on that event, as well as the Walmart uh that is on East Randall Mill.

As well, we are looking at the event that is at Jay Gilligan's.

I'm not asking for money.

All I'm simply asking is for your presence and your support.

I'll keep you guys updated via email as much as I possibly can, whatever does come down the pipeline.

But as a representative from Valladelgtheto, we want to make a difference.

And we would like to, you know, ensure that you guys are seen as well because you guys have done an amazing job with this city.

You continue to have been doing so.

So thank you so much.

Thank you, sir.

Our next speaker is Eddie Frisbee.

My name is Eddie Brisby.

I live at uh 1617 Royal Mile in Arlington.

Moved to Arlington in 72 and lived here most of my life in and out in Grand Prairie a little bit.

But uh first I want to thank Mr.

Glunt and Mr.

Peel.

They I emailed them and I got emailed back really quick, and I really appreciate that.

Also, the planning development department, I contacted them, and I think they've called me four or five times, so I really appreciate their diligence to try to help me with this problem.

I'm writing today to express concern about a long or short-term corporate leasing residential home in our neighborhood.

Specifically, I'm referring to the property located at 1611 Royal Mile 76015, which was recently purchased with the intent of uh converting it to a long-term corporate lease.

Over the past few weeks, I've observed significant remodeling activity at the property.

Initially, I was concerned that the home might be rented out with four for four different people.

However, now it appears like an additional four rooms have been added, actually been converted.

They just made some walls in it, but changing increasing it to eight bedrooms.

Now, this is in a cultivat, very limited parking also.

Uh I checked this morning, and the only permit they have pulled so far was a plumbing permit.

And I've already talked to the planning uh and development, and they put a stop order on them, but they've done it after all these runes have been done.

They let them go ahead and finish the painting and the doing the flooring.

But uh, it looks like it's probably already finished.

The uh my concern is one, there's gonna be no parking in that cultivated now at all.

It's right by gun hood school so dear, especially like at four o'clock.

They park right down our street anyway, and it fills it up.

The second concern is if the zoning, if it's even legal to rent out eight different rooms in a residential resident, if it is, I like to try to get that changed out.

Um the okay, thank you.

Thank you.

Mr.

Buskin, any other speakers?

No, sir.

That concludes our speakers.

Thank you.

Council, do y'all have any announcements this evening?

Seeing none, Mr.

Bus can announce announcements.

Oh, go ahead.

Councilmember Odin Wesley.

Okay, thank you, Mayor.

Uh, yes, on tomorrow morning at 11 a.m.

I'll be reading to the children at the Arlington Museum of Art.

It's story time.

Just wanted to invite the children in the city, and you're welcome to join me.

Arlington Museum of Art tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock.

Thank you.

Mr.

Buskin.

Thank you, Mayor.

I'd like to remind our residents, Arlington City Council evening meetings are rebroadcast on Sundays at 6 p.m.

and on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 6.30 a.m.

The council's afternoon work sessions are rebroadcast on Sundays at 1 p.m., Wednesdays at 1 30 p.m.

and on Saturdays at 6 p.m.

You can also watch the meetings online anytime at WW.arlington tx.gov.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you all for being out here tonight.

The city council meeting is adjourned.

I think it's just very heartwarming and very fulfilling to know that people still appreciate my dad in this community and what he did.

I mean, to me, that's the greatest thing if somebody remembers you, you know, after you're gone.

It's always been an honor and privilege to me to be a part of the Vandergriff family.

But we we understand that legacy, we appreciate it, and we want to add to it.

And they would again say Arlington, because of its unique location and the quality of the people here, and I second those motions is is the reason why the city's been very successful.

I don't think that anything that has happened in Arlington would be possible without Tom Vandegriff.

And his leadership, his guidance.

Boy, just the most humble guy you ever meet.

Not me.

I was the steward.

And the Rangers were the catalyst that helped us coupled with Six Flags in being this sports entertainment complex.

And it's thriving today.

Just everything good that's happened to Arlington with because of Tom.

I know today if he was around, he probably would go park up somewhere and just watch things brought up.

I mean, he just he loved it.

He just loved seeing growth happen.

Boy, it grew and grew and grew, and it's a what a mighty oak now.

Just look around.

One word to describe Tom Vandergriff.

I think I would say visionary.

Visionary.

Optimistic.

Driven.

He was far seeing.

A true leader.

I would say hero.

I think he was a hero to a lot of people and certainly to me.

Everything optimism.

You know, we can do it.