Good evening, everybody.

Welcome to the Arlington City Council meeting.

I appreciate everybody coming out tonight.

It is December ninth of twenty twenty-five.

Uh you'd think this is Black Friday at the mall as many people came out here.

Uh so I'm gonna invite Rico Holland from the Forward Life Church to please come forward for an invocation.

If you can, please stand for the invocation.

I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray.

I thank you for everything that's on the agenda tonight.

I pray, Father, that ideals will be heard, felt, and understood, and that the exchange, Lord, will be clear.

Father, we pray that everything goes well tonight, Father, and that we will be able to go forth as a community as a city for all of our citizens, Father.

Let us keep in mind that it's all about one another, Father, and us being governed under you.

And we pray, Father, for the leadership here tonight.

We pray for everyone who's presenting tonight, Father, and has something to share.

I pray, Father, that everything will be clear in this particular meeting.

In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

Amen.

Please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance in America.

One nation.

Liberty.

Honor the Texas flag.

I pledge allegiance to the safe, honor God.

Thank you, you may be seated.

Alex Whiteway, where'd you hide?

Right here, sir.

There you are.

Y'all, it's Mr.

Alex Whiteway.

He is the director of our water department, and we have some awards we're given out, aren't we?

I'll let you do it.

All right, well, welcome everybody.

So Arlington Water Utilities recently announced the winners of its 2025 Value of Water Mini Poster Contest.

The annual contest as Arlington students in pre-K through fourth grade to create artwork illustrating how water is essential for Arlington residents and the environment in our city.

The annual art contest is made possible through the collaborations of Arlington Water Utilities, Arlington Public Library, River Legacy Nature Center, and Tarrant Regional Water District.

Entries for the contest were accepted from September 2nd through October 13th, 2025.

Then a team of judges from the sponsoring organizations chose one winner in grades pre-K through fourth grade.

Prizes included books, science kits, passes to Arlington swimming pools, and tickets to the art and science of Arachnitz exhibit at the River Legacy Science Center.

In addition to their work, students were asked to describe their drawings and why water is important to them.

So I'm going to ask our marketing coordinator, Tracy Peterson, to come up here and she's going to kind of read uh why they love water so much.

This is like one of the fave my favorite things I get to do at a council meeting, so I really love this program.

So Tracy, please come up and we're gonna pass out some certificates.

When I call your name, if you can come up here and bring your family and if your teachers here, bring them too.

Any friends who came along with you so we can all get a picture with the mayor and Mr.

Whiteway.

So we're gonna we're gonna start with our pre-kindergarten winner, and that is Naomi from Wood Elementary in Arlington.

And she said, water is important to keep the city healthy.

I like to play and swim in the water.

Congratulations.

She said, I love animals and sea animals and plants and trees, but without water, they would be gone.

And that's why water is important in my life.

Our first grade winner is Luke from Wimbish World Language Academy.

Luke said, I drew water falling from the sky to give us water to use every day.

Water is important for me because it helps me in many areas of life.

Our second grade winner is Natalie, also from Wimbish World Language Academy.

She said the earth in my drawing represents how water connects us across the world through big and small moments of life.

Our third grade winner is Brianna from Benzie Elementary.

She said water is important for all living things because it helps them live and grow.

I drink water every day.

And our fourth grade winner is Augustus from Mary Moore Elementary.

And he said water is important in my life because without it I would not be able to do some of my favorite things or drink.

We need water to live.

Thank you.

That is some special stuff.

We are so blessed to have all of them here.

Congratulations to each and every one of y'all.

You did such a wonderful job.

Okay, let's get back to work.

Front rows.

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 for 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, the 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 to boards or commissions this evening?

No, sir, we do not.

Thank you, sir.

Consideration amendment minutes, please.

Thank you, Mayor.

Minutes for consideration this evening are the special meeting from November thirteenth, 2025, and the afternoon and evening meetings from November 18th, 2025.

Thank you, sir.

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

Um I think my is can y'all hear me okay?

Yes.

Yes, sir.

Uh Mr.

Buskin, can you find someone get Mr.

Hog those hearing aids again, please?

Yeah, I think it's working.

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

I'll get back on track.

Seeing none, Mr.

Buskin.

Do we have any speakers on any of these items?

No, sir, we do not.

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

Please cast your vote.

The motion passes.

Consideration of consent agenda, Mr.

Buskin.

Thank you, Mayor.

The consent agenda this evening contains 13 minute orders and nine resolutions.

Two and three annual sole source contracts for the support and maintenance subscription for e-builder software and for software licensing maintenance in support of the records management system solution.

Four renewal of annual requirements contract for grounds maintenance of the entertainment district.

Five annual requirements contracts for the purchase of library materials and related services.

Six sole source annual requirements contract for digital media online services.

11 construction contract for four four new dynamic message signs in the entertainment district.

12 negotiate and execute a contract for electricity supply.

13 consent to assignment of the requirements contract for supplemental vehicle services.

The resolution seek to authorize 14 resolution approving FY2026 tax roll.

15 resolution expressing intent to reimburse certain capital budget expenditures.

16 A and B adopting the capital budget for public safety and water utilities for the City of Arlington for fiscal year 2026.

17 nomination for Terrent Appraisal District Board of Directors Vacancy.

18 all cash contract of sale with Arlington Cattle and Pecan Company Incorporated and the estate of Cecil Frederick Turner, deceased, 3901 West Mayfield Road.

19 authorize the competitive seal proposal procurement method for the renovation of the LZ Otum Athletics Center.

20 development plan PD 07-5R4-DP13 C2A townhomes.

21 Airport FY26 T Hanger Rates.

Thank you, Mayor.

This concludes the consent agenda for this evening.

Thank you, Mr.

Buskin.

I'm going to pull two items from the consent agenda.

I'm going to pull 7.17 and 7.20.

And Mr.

Buskin, do we have any speakers on any of the remaining items on the consent agenda?

No, sir, we do not.

Thank you, sir.

I have a motion from Councilmember Gonzalez.

A second from Councilmember Galante.

Please cast your vote.

And the motion motion passes.

Council on 7.17 on the nomination for Terrent Appraisal Board of Directors vacancy.

There is a version before you that identifies the individual CIETA SIED as our nomination for the TAD board on that.

Yes, Mr.

Mr.

Mayor.

I will make a motion to approve to put Miss Sayada Sayed for the vacancy position that left by former Councilmember for Wood, Mr.

Allen Blaylock.

And we have discussed today, and we all agree to uh nominate her to uh for the city of Arlington.

Thank you, Mr.

Fam.

I have a motion from Councilmember Pham.

A second from Councilmember Hogg.

Please cast your vote.

And the motion passes.

7.20.

We've had a request from the applicant on this to continue it until January 27th.

So I'll make a motion to continue it to January 27th.

Can I have a second, please?

I have a second from Councilmember Galante.

Please cast your vote.

Councilmember Gonzalez, your vote, please.

And the motion passes.

Oh, this has been asked to continue until December 16th.

That's correct.

So we'll move on down to 10.2, then, Ms.

Thhoppel.

Thank you, Mayor.

Item 10.2 zoning case PD 25-15.

Yes.

Yes.

Item 10.2 zoning case PD 25-15 is a request for rezoning from residential estate RE to a planned development PD for residential medium density RM12 zoning with a development plan for eight townhome units.

The site is currently vacant, approximately 0.654 acres in size and is generally located east of South Cooper Street and north of West Turner Warnell Road at 1119 Dan Gold Drive.

The proposed development includes eight three-bedroom town home units with two car garages in each unit.

All of the proposed units will be street facing along the future Grind Street extension.

On November 12, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of this case with a few aesthetic considerations, which the applicant has complied with and updated their plans accordingly.

This evening we have Georgie Zhang from Zhang Adams Realty presenting the case for us.

We also have Joy Stanton from Dishu Terry Stanton and Associates for questions.

Thank you, Mayor and Council.

My name is Georgie Zhang.

I live in Arlington, Texas, and I am honored to be able to come up here and present this case on the Mountain View edition.

This development is an opportunity for us to create a housing product that's desperately needed.

This is a four-cell product.

It's in conjunction with the Tarrant County Development Corporation, which it's subsidized, allowing us to build something brand new that becomes an attainable housing model for people to purchase.

A little bit about the project as described as Ginsi did so well.

It is a three-bedroom, two-bath town home.

It shares a single wall.

These homes will be 1,600 square feet.

They will have gated backyards, nice little backyards.

We actually even could have taken up more space, but we wanted the children that are going to live in these homes to have a place to play.

They also will have a two-car garage.

We're going to actually build these properties and sell them for 137 dollars a square foot.

And anybody who knows what the cost of real estate is these days, you can't buy anything.

Those are prices from 1990.

And the reason this is able to be done is through the partnership and the grants that Tarrant County Development Corporation is putting into this project.

One other point I do want to uh point out is we are going to require all the buyers to go through the Arlington First Time Home Buyer Program, which educates these buyers about owning a home.

It also gives them up to 25,000 in grant funding for down payment assistance.

So essentially, these buyers will be able to learn what it takes to be a homeowner.

They're going to have assistance to get into the home, and they're going to be in a home ownership opportunity, probably paying less than they would if they're renting an apartment.

This afford the affordability and funding mechanism of this is going to come through the additional funds that are going to be provided by development, the Terrant County Development Corporation to the tune of over $50,000 a unit is being subsidized.

So a lot of people talk about affordability and workforce housing and attainable housing, but nobody, it's a real hard problem to solve.

This is actually a model to solve it.

And we're going to build eight of these units.

We're going to have a line of people waiting for them, and we hope to prove out that this is something that we can do, put people in nice new homes that are that are easy to maintain with with good building materials, insulation, and not high maintenance upkeep.

In this area, you know, I'm a big believer in home ownership, so these are for sale.

These will not be allowed for ambassador purchases.

The grants that tag along with these, the 25,000 down payment or assist down payment assistance, it's a forgivable grant over time.

So I'm sure you guys are all aware of how that works, but it does keep the homeowners in the home for a significant amount of time.

So we like that.

We we believe it brings stability to the area.

And now they've got their own properties, which they're putting their time, their energy in taking care of their homes.

So and a lot of times this will be the first time people have a chance to really start building wealth for their family.

This is an opportunity for families who never thought they'd own a home to actually own a property.

So you can see I always like given the visual of the top down because we've taken a piece of land that is currently not even it's it's non-conforming to its current zoning.

It's less than an acre.

It cannot be an estate home, and it is right next to a business.

And if you look behind the next door, if you look top down, you will see all the business to the side and to the front.

There is some redevelopment going on in this neighborhood.

We believe this will be a catalyst to continue that.

This is what we're gonna put in there.

We're gonna build a nice product through the recommendations of the planning and zoning uh commissioners.

They showed us some different things, some aesthetically pleasing things.

Add iron, add a few things that dress this up a little bit, especially along Dan Gould.

So these are what the street will look like, these are what the properties will look like.

There are added touches that you may not realize that are an expense to builder developer, such as the windows and the garages.

So it's not just some flat garage door, but they've done everything they can to make these as nice as possible and keep it within the profile that we can to sell it to the individuals who need this.

This is another view.

If you'll this will be down the Dan Gould side, so they added an additional porch and the iron that will go down Dan Gould.

Another big win for the city is the continuation of Grimes Street.

That is going to be an expense picked up by the developer.

That's a street that needs to come in.

There is congestion on Dan Gould going up and down.

There's no other way out.

So to get to Cooper Street, that's that's what you're gonna do.

We're actually gonna ease some of that by putting in this this roadway for the city.

And with that, I'm happy to answer any questions.

Thank you, Councilmember Gonzalez.

Yes, thank you, Mayor.

Ms.

Zang, thank you so much for bringing this product.

Um that's something that's needed, as you mentioned.

It's so easy to find problems, but finding solutions is the hardest thing.

Uh I want to thank Mr.

Price also for bringing this in because homeownership is important.

And I I'm very fortunate to be able to talk to students in high school and colleges.

And the first thing I ask is how many of you have the American dream of owning a home.

And they mostly all raise their hand, but when you ask them how many believe they're gonna attain that goal, very few hands go up.

And this is exactly the kind of product that we need to find more and more of.

And I just want to thank you.

I'm looking forward to it because that whole area uh is close to Slim High School.

And I I see I used to I saw kids grow up in those streets when there was still dirt roads.

So I'm really excited, and I'm very happy to tell Mr.

Price thank you for bringing it back.

Thank you so much.

I certainly will.

Councilmember Hogg.

Yeah, thank you, Mayor.

Uh Ms.

Sang, thank you for coming back with this.

Because I know last time when we thought there needed to be more with it, um, it was not the best feeling when you don't get your vote, right?

And that's hard.

But um, let me just say thank you for I think we have a better product now, a better layout, better everything of what's done, and I do think it'll be a catalyst for that area.

So I I just want to say thank you.

Anytime a developer is willing to come back.

Um that's a big deal to all of us, and we know how important that project is.

So and I think we've come back with a better product, so I appreciate all your support.

And it took a little longer than your plan, but we appreciate you coming back and getting it.

Well, I'm gonna we're gonna with your blessing tonight and next week.

We have to actually deliver these before we're well.

My builders in the room, he'll probably kill me, but um, we'd like to deliver them for school uh 2026 start of school.

So we will move quickly and get this done.

This will not be a project that will sit, it will move quickly.

Councilmember Boxel.

Uh thank you, Ms.

Zang.

Uh, as the others have said, this is a great improvement over the last proposal, and this is exactly what this area needs.

And I really appreciate the touches that you guys put on on the um on the Dan Gould side.

That's really gonna make a difference on that end unit, uh, a house, but all the the units look very nice, very clean and uh just nice lines, nice roof lines.

I really appreciate it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I love everything about this project.

So just thank you and ditto what everybody else has said on here.

Mr.

Buskin, any other speakers on this item.

Yes, sir.

We have one additional speaker in support, Tracy Winkles.

Thank you, Council.

Sounds like everybody loves this project, Tracy.

I don't think if you get up here and say something that changes their minds, it's gonna be all your fault.

I will um I I promise you I will not tie up your time lot much, but I wanted to say thank you, Mayor and Council members for providing me the opportunity to exercise my rights and share my opinions with you.

I thank you each for your service and commitment to our city.

We live in a city with very few products and parcels of land that provide opportunities such as this.

And I thank you for taking the time to consider a project that will provide a redevelopment to an area that's gonna need some redevelopment over time.

So, with that, continue helping people reach the American dream and own their own home.

Thank you, ma'am.

Mr.

Buskin, no other speakers, sir.

No, sir.

No additional speakers on this item.

We did have three non-speakers in support.

Thank you.

I'm gonna close the public hearing.

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

Please cast your vote.

And the motion passes.

Congratulations.

We're gonna move on down to 11.1.

Mr.

Ethan Close.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

In front of you at your place is the votes that we discussed earlier this afternoon for the nominees for the TAD board.

It's the distribution of one vote for Michael Alfred, 53 votes for Wendy Burgess, 33 votes for Eric Cryle, and four votes for Sayed Is.

If you have any questions, I'm here to answer them.

Thank you, sir.

Mr.

Pham, do you have something to add?

Well, uh, this afternoon session, we uh uh the mayor and uh all my colleagues, we discussed all the vows for these candidates uh that be put on the uh uh Terran County appraised the district board of directors and uh the people we assign to vote to send uh the uh candidates that cared about a city can do what's right for our city, and uh that won't put us in uh financial trouble that we just uh fiscal year 26.

So uh I would make uh I would like to make the motion uh to approve uh uh the the vote for the uh candidates for the uh TED board of directors.

You're a little bit slow on the gun there.

Councilmember Gonzalez made a motion to approve on that, but that's okay.

We'll we'll let you get credit for it later.

Uh any other speakers on this, Mr.

Buskin.

No, sir.

No additional speakers on this.

Thank you.

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

Please cast your vote.

The motion passes.

12.1.

Gary Packin.

You're not Gary.

I'm not, but good evening, Mayor and Council.

My name is Ashley Woolnow.

I'm the animal services manager, and this evening I am bringing an ordinance first reading for consideration to amend the animals chapter of the city code.

The purpose of this ordinance is to establish fees to recover costs incurred by animal services for two specific areas.

Owner requested euthanasia of dogs and cats and services related to public nuisance animals.

On August 15th, the Animal Services Board discussed the proposed fees and supported staff's recommendations as what um as will be presented on December 16th, 2025.

The proposed amendments include the following key updates.

Uh, we are updating the department's designation for animal services within the code.

The animal services manager and deputies have been officially assigned to the parks recreation and culture department.

The proposed section 3.07 would authorize the animal services manager to perform owner-requested humane euthanasia for dogs and cats.

Owners requesting service will be required to pay the associated fees.

Importantly, upon delivery of the animal to the animal services center, the owner is divested of ownership and the animal becomes property of the city.

The proposed sections 9.09 authorizes the animal services to accept seize impound inspect register and euthanize public nuisance animals under the Article 9 of the Animals Chapter.

This new section also authorizes the collection of costs incurred by animal services for managing these public nuisance matters.

If approved, the ordinance will become effective January 1st, 2026.

Do you have any questions regarding the proposed ordinance amendments?

Mr.

Buskin, do we have any other speakers on this?

No, sir, we do not.

Thank you.

Can I get a motion and a second, please?

I have a motion from Councilmember Pham.

A second from Councilmember Galante, please cast your vote.

The motion passes.

We'll move on down to 12.2.

Elizabeth Kayler.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

For you is the first reading of an ordinance that would reinstate the anti-discrimination chapter of the code of ordinances, which is currently temporarily suspended.

In addition, due to the evolving nature of federal grant requirements and court orders pertaining to state preemption, the pre proposed ordinance provides for suspension of any provision of the chapter that is determined to be in conflict or preempted.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

All right, folks.

We're going to address the elephant in the room tonight.

And uh we obviously have a full house in here.

Our overflow area is also full.

So Mr.

Buskin will call three names at a time.

Because of the number of speakers that we have tonight, your time will be limited to one minute.

Please be respectful of that time.

When the buzzer goes, please go ahead and take your seat and allow the next person to come up and speak.

I want to give everybody that wants to speak an opportunity to speak.

The last thing that I'll say on this is let's please be respectful of people who have differing opinions of us.

That's what Arlington is really all about.

So none of the boos or cheers or anything.

I mean, just be respectful of each other.

Uh I don't think that's too much to ask.

With that, Mr.

Buskin.

We have speakers.

No?

Yes, sir.

Okay.

Let's get let's get the first three going on this.

Yes, sir.

We have 34 speakers in support and 11 speakers in opposition.

Um, our first three speakers in support are Jason Shelton, Dwayne Edwards, and Nathan Smith.

Good evening, everybody.

Um, it's always an honor to stand before you all.

And you all know tonight I come to you as the former chair of the Arlington Unity Council.

And for five years, that was a tremendous honor of my career.

And over those years, for four of them, you all, as members of City Council, charged us to address matters related to our LGBTQ community here in the great city of Arlington, Texas.

And we had a number of recommendations that address challenges that various communities faced.

And you all rubber stamped all of them over the years, and we are very thankful and supportive of that.

Over those years, one of the great learning lessons that we had from the LGBTQ community, and it was a constant theme that we heard, which was don't let us take steps back.

Let's continue to move forward, or at the very least, just keep things as they are.

Tonight's ordinance is one that takes us back if we don't reinstate.

We must do so to make everyone feel comfortable and well.

You know, I heard you, sir.

Bad when I'm like you, I can talk.

So it's all good.

Go on back, please.

Next, sir.

I know y'all heard me.

I heard me.

Even Mr.

Hogg heard me.

Yes.

And I want to thank each and every one of you for your service to the city of Arlington.

Thank you.

That said, this is a step backwards.

I do not believe that this is what Arlington needs nor wants.

And I hope that's apparent tonight.

Sometimes we have to stand up to the bullies.

If it's the money issue as a taxpayer, I'm here to say I'd rather see my taxes go up than to not provide discrimination policies that protect people.

They are there for a reason.

And I wish it was a perfect world where we didn't have to have it, but it's not.

So thank y'all.

Thank you, sir.

Hi, I'm Nathan Smith with the Help Center.

Let me quote Dr.

Odom Wesley.

Quote: We've come too far to go back.

Lots of other city leaders agree.

Birmingham, once the scene of one of the nation's most barbaric violence against civil rights protesters, currently has LGBT protections in place.

Milwaukee, witness to the Black Knight Brawl in 1961, where LGBT patrons of a gay bar successfully defended themselves and the bar after being violently assaulted.

Milwaukee also has LGBT protections in place.

We could go on, but you get the point.

I'll be blunt.

I have no idea why you started us down this path.

I'm familiar with decided reasons, but you've been handed legal opinions outlining how funding is not at threat and seeing how none of the eight other cities in Texas with Soghi protections have followed you down this road.

So take Dr.

Odom Wesley's eloquent words to heart.

Don't back.

Thank you, sir.

Our next three speakers are Kelly Tillman, Peter Rika, and Lauren Dillard.

Can I ask also as y'all come up to the mic, please state your name and what city you reside in just for the record here?

Thank you.

Kelly Tillman, I reside in Alito, Texas.

Good evening.

I'm Kelly Tillman.

I'm the Chief Clinical Officer for the Help Center for LGBTQ Plus Health.

As you consider this item tonight, I thought it might be helpful to share a little bit about my experience of our organization when I represent them at conferences nationally.

I serve on a national circuit, often speaking nationally at conferences.

Because of my position at HELP and because of HELP's national reputation for delivering world-class health care, I speak often at these conferences.

In doing so, I make it a point to include a photo in my slideshow of our Arlington clinic, Arlington Pride, and our close relationship with the city, and it's a centrality to the success that we have.

I'm often approached by colleagues who are so amazed that I work within a city of Texas that is so supportive of my patients and my patient population.

If Arlington withdraws discrimination protections from the LGBT community, I expect those conversations with my national colleagues will change greatly.

I'm not sure how this will impact Arlington's reputation as an inclusive, vibrant city.

Regardless, help to stand and do our wonderful work for our patients.

You guys made a little bit of progress relative to where you were.

You're still a little behind.

If you search transgender, you will find over 200 books by dozens of authors.

Now I know individuals would like to see those removed.

I point out the 7,000 references in our university library.

Their nursing accreditation.

Seven.

Thank you, sir.

Hello, I am Lauren Dillard, um, Arlington, Texas.

Thank you all for this opportunity to speak today.

Um, my opinions do only represent myself today and no organization or company that I may work with.

Just want to say that for the record.

I come before you because I believe in what Arlington can and must be.

A city that lives up to the promise of being an American dream, where residents and visitors feel welcome and safe.

We are not and should not be scared or act as though we are a lukewarm, wishy-washy middle child.

We are bold and we should lead and set the tone as we continue to grow on the national stage.

Suspending or weakening anti-discrimination chapter, what's in a very real message that some people's rights are negotiable, that their safety and dignity are up for debate.

If we oppose this, we might as well change our slogan to the American Nightmare City.

Send a clear message.

Arlington does not tolerate discrimination.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Mr.

Buskin, next speakers.

Our next speaker is Amanda.

I apologize if I mispronounce this rounds.

Tyler Ray Magera and Zoe Wilkerson.

Amanda, what was the last name?

I'm gonna make you do it again.

Looks like round side.

Rogers, Amanda Rogers.

That's close enough.

Are you Miss Amanda Rogers?

Well, come on up.

Whether or not this is actually you, we're gonna make it you, okay.

Rogers, no dean.

Good evening.

My name is Amanda, and I am from I do live in Arlington.

Arlington is a community that claims to be built on fairness and belief that every person deserves equal treatment under the law.

In any effort to remove or weaken anti-discrimination protections for the LGBTQIA community is not only morally wrong, it's fundamentally unconstitution.

The Constitution promises equal protections for all.

That promise does not come with a disclaimer, it does not say equal protections for some or unless discrimination in all aspects is a direct violation of Arlington City Council board members' oath that you took.

The LGBTQ community residents of Arlington, our neighbors, friends, co-workers.

They contribute, we contribute to our schools, businesses, public safety, and culture.

We deserve the same safety, respect, and opportunity as every other citizen.

Opening discrimination against any group, we are the to open the door just to all groups.

I'm sorry, and that is something the Constitution and we as a community cannot allow.

Protecting LGBTQIA isn't about politics, it's about humanity.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor and Councilmembers.

I'd like to start by uh quoting uh executive.

Tell us who you are and where you're from, please.

My name is Tyler Romagar.

I live in Arlington.

Thank you.

Um I'd like to start by uh quoting uh an executive order issued by President Trump uh titled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the federal government, which states, quote, across the country, audio logs who deny the biological reality of sex have increasingly used legal and other socially coercive means to permit men to self-identify as women and gain access to intimate single sex spaces and activities designed for women from women's domestic abuse shelters to women's workplace showers, close quote.

The ordinance in question this evening does just that.

In our very own city, just a few weeks ago.

Thankfully, the official strongman organization disqualified Jamie Booker, having been unaware of his biological makeup beforehand, and Crown Thompson has a true winner.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you.

Zoe Wilkerson, Arlington, Texas.

Lifetime Arlington, Texas resident.

I have also been in your shoes listening to these LGBTQ uh discussions, and so I am so thankful for your time and grateful for the attention that you are so clearly giving tonight as we have all these speakers.

I have been a member of Leadership Arlington, I have been a volunteer with Arlington boards and commissions, and I am also the director of an organization serving the trans and LGBTQ community.

The reason for that is because I'm a part of the trans and LGBTQ community.

I have the skills to be in this position because of the work that I've done and the opportunities that have been provided by the city of Arlington.

I ask that you uh reinstate this anti-discrimination chapter to ensure that I will continue to have these opportunities in the future.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Mr.

Buskin, next group of speakers, please.

Yes, sir.

Our next three speakers are Katie Duran, Damian Rayosa, and Tammy Carson.

Katie.

Hi, Katie O'Brien Duzan.

I was born, raised, and live in Arlington, Texas, District 4.

If you oppose this ordinance, what you're saying to other families, parents, kids, people.

You can be born in Arlington, Texas, but based on who you are, you can't stay here.

And that is messed up.

And that's very difficult for people and for families to plan their life and live here.

We are the dream city, we're not the discrimination city.

And we started this session tonight by citing the Pledge of Allegiance, where we said liberty and justice for all.

We didn't say for some.

We didn't have exclusions.

And that's what we need for Arlington.

Liberty, justice, and the freedom from discrimination for all.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Next speaker.

Next speaker is Damian Ray Goza.

After Damian Ray Goza is Tammy Carson.

Good evening, Council members.

My name is Damien Ray Goza.

I'm a 23-year-old transgender man.

I currently reside in Arlington as I have my entire life.

I would say it's good to see you again, but I wish it were under better better circumstances.

This time, however, I would like to use my time to honor the life of Kier Lepre Cartier, a black transgender woman who was murdered here in Arlington on September 30th, 2021.

She was 21 years old.

She was fatally shot in her car for the sole reason of existing as a black transgender woman in this country.

Now you either have to live under a rock or you simply do not care if you don't do not see the rise in hatred, hostility, and violence towards my community in this country.

Just this year alone, we have lost 58 transgender people, 27 to violence, and 21 to suicide.

Removing my community from the list of protected classes will only embolden evil individuals to commit heinous acts, such as the murder of Kier.

Do the right thing and do not let her death be in vain.

Please keep the ordinance as it is.

Thank you.

Next speaker.

I'm Cammy Carson, Arlington resident since 1975.

I'm a homeowner, taxpayer, and an ally.

And Arlington is making the news tonight.

The dream city is poised to make history as the first city in Texas to deny protection to the marginalized community.

Our family, our friends, our neighbors, your constituents.

Why is this even up for discussion?

We're talking about human rights.

So please show compassion with the decision this decision.

Show that you actually do care about the citizens of Arlington and reinstate the protections.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Our next three speakers are V Cameron, Noelle Colpert, and Gabe Reeves.

My name is V Cameron.

I reside in Arlington, Texas.

I'm a gay and trans man and an advocate for LGBTQIA people of faith.

I never face the violence and discrimination my peers from other cities have faced, and I recognize that as a great privilege.

My environment nourishes my interests, gave me a safe place to plant my roots and grow, and it taught me to adore the diversity of my neighbor.

It was a blessing to watch Arlington Pride grow from a small gathering to a massive celebration.

I was proud to watch my mayor proclaim silence, apathy, and complacency in the face of discrimination are never acceptable.

I never believed my local government would make the cowardly decision to get rid of our protections.

And I am proud to see you listening to the courageous voices of my peers.

Godspeed.

Thank you.

Next speaker.

Hello.

My name is Noel Colbert, and I am from Arlington, Texas.

I am here speaking to present another perspective.

Well, not festivals, the World Cup.

It's important to consider that.

Is it a good idea for the federal government to cut funding when we have such an important event coming up?

And if you were to protect transgender rights and LGBTQ rights in general, is there really such a threat of them taking it away considering that they have so much to lose?

Because what it comes down to it, these people care about money.

And I think that if they would like to do something that sabotages themselves, it would look very, very badly on them.

And I think to a certain degree, there is not so much to worry about regarding them making a risk on their part like that.

Thank you.

Next speaker.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

My name is Gabe Revis.

And uh first and foremost, I'm a proud uh resident of Arlington, lifelong resident of Arlington, and I'm proud of all the people that have shown up here tonight to stand up for our neighbors.

Uh, we all share the vision of Arlington as the American dream city, a place where opportunity is available to everyone, regardless of who you are or who you love.

Uh but that vision requires us to clearly and definitively state that discrimination has no place here.

Uh that's why I'm here to fully support the anti-discrimination ordinance as currently presented before for tonight, including protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.

This is a clear, just policy that reflects the best values of our city, one that should not have been suspended or have to be fought for to be reinstated.

Human rights are human rights.

Tonight is a moment for moral clarity.

You've heard from countless residents, and you'll hear from countless more businesses and advocates who are here asking you to protect their neighbors.

I as elected leaders, your responsibility is to hear from those voices and respond to the human need.

Thank you, sir.

Our next three speakers are Reagan Baugh, Keegan Dees, and Erica Obe.

Hello, I'm Reagan Baum, uh member of District One.

I want to thank you all who uh received my email and responded back.

Um, I also want to make it apparent that you can't sit here and gaslight these members of the community because you don't believe that their issues are not issues when we're um like here, taking away from our time, our family, our work, telling you why it matters.

When you haven't been in your home and had um a terrorist group knock on your door because you have a trans wreath hanging on your door for support of your community members, or you can't don't have to sit here and uh make a plan if you need to use the restroom when you take your brother out to a high school football game.

Or you don't have to sit here and uh make a plan if you need to use the restroom when you take your brother out to a high school football game.

Um Jesus also said, love everybody.

Love thy neighbor, not love thy neighbor if they believe the same as you.

If they look like you talk like you.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor and City Council members.

Um, my name's Keegan Dees.

Um, I'm born and raised in Texas, um, Arlington.

Um may remember me from last time.

Um, like I said, I face this discrimination.

Um this entire state is after me, and they don't even know me.

They don't know my heart, they don't know the human being I am.

I am not the monster the media makes me out to be.

I'm a kind person.

I would help anyone.

I would get anyone the shirt off my back if they needed it.

Even the people who want to say very hurtful and hateful things when they don't even know me.

I really, really, really hope you'll have a heart.

And just hear everyone, hear the pain, hear their experiences.

This is our lives on the line, and I don't want to have to leave my home.

I don't want to have to love.

Thank you.

Right.

Hello to the council.

I'm Erica Obi, and I'm a student at UTA.

Today I'm speaking for the restoration of the original 2020 ordinate 2021 ordinance, exactly as it is.

No matter the intention, removing a group from an anti-discrimination ordinance opens the door to harm against that group.

People looking to work, live, and invest in Arlington may choose not to because of this change.

And people who are already already within this community may seriously consider pulling away.

I believe that that will add up to a much larger long-term blow to the city.

Especially considering the chaos and inconsistency of this administration, I do not think complying in advance is the solution.

Considering all this scrambling is coming from an executive order, I'd imagine that there would be considerable questions to be answered about executive overreach.

I would like to bring attention to countless cities in Texas, especially Fort Worth, who are facing the exact same issues with their diversity equity and inclusion inclusion programs.

Nevertheless, their anti-discrimination ordinance is still up, and that includes and it includes sexuality and gender.

Thank you, ma'am.

Our next three speakers are David Greble, Dallas Schwab, and Alison Carson.

I am David Grable, resident of District 2, former member of the uh Arlington Community Relations Commission.

I stand in awe of our trans siblings who come to this podium these last few months to speak their truth to you, even at the very risk of their own reputations in their lives.

I ask you tonight to honor that courage by approving the restoration of the anti-discrimination ordinance.

I ask you to honor their courage by standing firm and supporting that ordinance against any pressure from any outside organization, from any funding source, from any legal position.

I ask you to honor their courage and embrace them as the beloved residents of the city that they are.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

My name is Dallas.

I live in District 4.

The first time we did this vote back in October, I almost called a good friend of mine from District 5 to see if he wanted to join me.

He was the first friend I made when I moved to Arlington.

He cared a lot about these kinds of issues, and it meant a lot to have a friend in town who was also gay.

And I was already too late.

His name was Eli.

These kinds of policies go beyond legal implications.

You are telling people who is worthy of protection.

And when you tell someone they are unworthy, they just might believe you.

Also, your funding was never actually threatened, and you have wasted a lot of my time.

Mr.

Buskin.

Our next speaker is Alison Carson.

Hello, counsel.

My name is Alison Carson.

I was born and raised here in Arlington, Texas, and I still reside with my wife who I met here in Arlington.

We have both been members of an organization organization called GSA or Gender Sexuality Alliance.

We were both involved in high school and in Tarrant County College until the recent pass of the DEI.

Uh while organizations that we found very close to our heart that fostered the community that we now call home and that we have found most of our friends has been threatened by previous legislation.

Now our safety, our housing, our ability to find jobs in this economy, the ability to find a well-paying job, let alone the ability to find somewhere that's going to accept a same-sex couple into a housing situation is now being threatened.

And it is very disheartening to see that it's even under consideration.

Our next three speakers are Lydia Bean, Christine Taylor, and Mary Elaine Benton.

Good evening.

My name is Lydia Bean.

I'm a small business owner, and I live in North Arlington.

I'm here to ask you to restore the full protections of the non-discrimination ordinance, and rolling back protections for the LGBTQ community would not just be morally wrong, but it would also be bad for business.

Let me share just one small story that explains why I think this is the case.

Some in New York City, LA, Kansas, you name it.

And I was flying them to uh, you know, one shared location so we could have an on-site retreat, do some planning, do some bonding.

And I made the pitch that we should have this retreat in Arlington, Texas.

And central to my argument was first of all, it was central.

We could fly into DFW airport.

Um, but also we had a non-discrimination ordinance that protected all the men members of my team, which was by race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

Thank you.

Good evening.

I'm Christine Taylor.

I live in Arlington, Texas, and I'm a proud graduate of Sam Houston High School class of 91.

That school taught me that in the halls of Sam Houston there are no strangers, and that you love everyone, whether their culture is different, their sexuality is different, their religion's different.

It doesn't matter.

They taught me to teach, and for 17 years I had the privilege of being a public school teacher, and I taught those same lessons to every child that walked in my room until 2023 when I walked away from my dream job because I was in the school board to the South that came after my LGBTQ kits.

And let me tell you, when you were sitting in a classroom and your kids are crying because they don't feel safe.

Nothing kills a dream faster.

I have a transgender daughter, and I remember coming home when all that was going on and telling my husband, thank God we live in Arlington.

And now I'm God, do we need to leave it?

Please bring it back.

My wife and I are committed to creating a safe space where everyone, especially those in the queer community, can feel safe, seen, and connected.

Because even with protections in place, nearly half of queer adults report discrimination in the workplace.

One in three is harassed in public, and over 40% have faced housing discrimination.

Removing these local protections would not make Arlington neutral.

It would make it unsafe.

But keeping them sends a powerful message that our safety is not negotiable and that we all deserve dignity and equal treatment in this city.

My father was a police officer for 35 years, and the oath he took was to protect everyone, not just the privileged.

We are here asking you to use your power and position to do the same.

And regardless of this vote, Fool's Kava House will always be a welcoming, affirming, and safe place for all.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Our next three speakers are Philip Plouble, Rachel Gole, and Chris Dobson.

Hey guys, uh Philip Lubo, Arlington.

I just wanted to speak as a healthcare worker who seems that the threat to my friends is real, and I need those things to be understood.

People who identify as LGBT are five times more likely than non-LGBT people to be victims of violent crime, including assault and sexual violence.

It's something I've seen.

The youngest was 16, and it was bad.

Um if we deny someone protection based on who they love or how they identify, we are harming them, and that's neglect.

As a nurse, I stand for health care inclusion, and as part of the city who've got a new home and family here.

I think we should all stand for the right of everyone to live and love without fear of retribution.

Thank you.

And I'd ask you, please stand up about this.

Thank you, sir.

Next speaker, Mr.

Buska.

Rachel Golet.

Rachel.

Good evening.

My name is Rachel Gole.

I live in Fort Worth, and I'm the Southwest Community Mobilization Manager at Keshet, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing LGBTQ plus belonging in Jewish communities.

And our work calls us to live our Jewish values out loud, including pursuing justice and to not stand idly by in matters impacting our communities.

And these are also my values as a queer Texan.

History has shown us that excluding certain groups from discrimination protections can lead us down a dangerous path.

Just as I shouldn't be denied service at a restaurant for being Jewish, I should not be turned away for being queer.

The city should reinstate its policy that identity-based discrimination of any kind is unacceptable and protect the brave people in this room and in this city.

I also want to share as a side note that my wife and I uh have been longtime seasoned ticket holders for the Dallas Wings, goings since they arrived at College Park Center.

And fans deserve to breathe easy, knowing that there is an anti-discrimination ordinance protecting our entire community.

So please vote in favor of preserving our LGBTQ plus protections, and thank you for standing up for us.

Thank you, ma'am.

Chris Dobson, Arlington, Texas.

Um, I don't think anybody in this room is happy that their lives, their dignity is on the line for whatever federal grants that y'all are talking about.

Would those federal federal grants make you remove protections for your children?

You know, we had second-class citizens in this city before 1965 when we integrated.

The people that are interested in that can look up the documentary The Hill that Arlington put out.

We do not need to create a second class of citizens again.

That sort of persecution will not end here.

Federal executive orders have no power with y'all, state executive orders have no power with y'all.

It is what is in your heart that will decide tonight whether we make second-class citizens again.

Our next three speakers are Omar Jimenez, Whitney Rodriguez Rodrigue, and Jessica Gameker.

Anakin.

Good evening, Mayor Ross and Council members.

My name's Omar Jimenez from Dallas, but I have connections to Arlington.

My sister lives in District 3.

My other sisters in law lives in District 3, and I am also uh board member representing LULAC Council 4871, the first LGBTQ council, and the entire Lulak organization.

But the thing that I did want to bring up to y'all is imagine if this ordinance is not adopted, and we have the World Cup, and I know all of you are excited to have the World Cup here.

What message does that send to the entire world that the city of Arlington decided to get rid of their anti-discrimination ordinance?

People are already concerned about even coming to the US for FIFA, and they don't even want to come because of our political climate right now.

Much less we're going to lose out on the economic impacts that this city and the entire region is going to have when FIFA comes.

So I encourage all of the council members to adopt the original ordinance.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

My name is Whitney Roderick.

Um, I am in place five, and I want to begin by uh urging you to reinstate this as is, but I want to be honest.

This resolution does not erase what we as Arlington citizens have been experiencing.

It does not wash away the sadness and disappointment many of us felt when the protections that safeguard people's humanity were suddenly suspended.

This process has reminded us that in our city, some still treat civil rights as negotiable.

But the hopeful part is here.

Arlington voters will soon have the chance to elect leaders who will fight for the rights of all citizens.

Leaders who genuinely represent and respond to their communities.

We will remember how it felt as we sat by and watched our leaders debate whether some of our neighbors deserve protection.

The dream city should be a place where everyone is valued, protected, and free.

And in May, we have the opportunity to choose leaders who will do that.

Thank you.

Jessica Anaker, Arlington resident.

I am here as a person with disabilities, born neurodiverse and live with others I've gained over my life.

Being part of the disability community means that any one of you have the opportunity to join it.

It's real and it shapes your life.

But the LBGTQ plus community, they're born that way.

But there's an intersection that that matters.

The fact is, LBGTQ people are disabled, seniors, part of this community.

Excluding them doesn't just leave them out, it leaves everybody out.

Too often, people who are different, they hide themselves because our world does not accept them.

A community, community can only be a community if everyone is accepted.

I ran across this quote today, and I thought it was very appropriate from Jackie Robbins from the city that built the first public place for disabilities.

Thank you, ma'am.

Our next three speakers are DJ Johanneson, Marie Clark, and Sharon Clear.

Mark Clark.

I apologize, Mark Clark.

Mayor, members of the council, my name is DJ Johanneson.

I am the CEO of the Help Center for LGBT Health and live in Arlington.

The language before you tonight reflects months of good faith, hard fought, and sometimes very difficult conversations, and we support its passage.

The city attorney and I disagree on the facts, but we were able to come together and find an agreement that worked for both sides.

This ordinance preserves the fully inclusive protections adopted in 2021 while addressing the city's concerns about federal funding.

So if that was truly the issue, this should be a very easy vote.

If you vote in support of this ordinance, you are voting to protect every single resident in Arlington.

If you do not vote in support, you are voting to deny every single man, woman, child, black, white, because this ordinance is just about GET.

Thank you so much.

My name is Mark Clark.

I was born in Odessa, Texas in 1950.

I'm 75 years old.

I'm a proud Texan.

I'm gay.

Inclusive, diverse, great place to live.

So please don't make me leave, because I guarantee you I'm not the only one that will.

And it's just it's just not right.

You know, we shouldn't even have this discussion to begin with.

This human values.

I've lost friends, I've lost lovers, I've lost parents, I've lost a lot of people because of human rights violations.

So just remember that from a proud Texan.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Hello.

My name is Sharon Clear.

I'm originally from Georgia, but I'm in Dallas here to advocate for myself and everyone else in this room and in the entire world.

I believe we as a community and as people should come together and make everyone feel safe.

I feel the tension in the room.

My heart is beating fast.

And I know you can feel it too.

And it's not a question of right or wrong, it's a feeling in your heart.

You look away from my eyes because you can't really face me because you know in your heart the right thing to do would be making the children feel safe for people everywhere in this entire world.

Please do the right thing.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Our next three speakers are Brigitte Brady, and then our first two speakers in opposition, Kathy Arocha and Roger Defrang.

My name on that, not on that, Peter Opps.

What's your name, sir?

Peter Opps.

Peter Otts.

I'm gonna I'm gonna mentally put you on that list right now.

I don't know what happened to your name, but we'll make sure Mr.

Bus can get you up in here.

Thank you, sir.

Please do.

Yes, please.

Good evening.

My name is Bridget Frady.

I'm a nurse and serves here in Arlington.

Please reinstate the anti-discrimination ordinance.

Arlington is the dream city.

It is not the discrimination city.

This has been said already tonight.

Human rights are human rights, period.

We are all stronger together.

All of us.

We are stronger together.

You represent us.

And we need you to be strong for us.

You are all recognized for instating this anti-discrimination clause in the first place.

Awards were given.

And I'm curious if you're going to be giving those back.

If it is taken.

And who are you going to give those to discrimination again is hate.

Hate has been thank you, ma'am.

Thank you.

Kathy Rocha, Arlington residents.

As you all consider the reinstatement of this ADO, it's important that we stay grounded in facts and common reasoning.

We all we can all agree that every person deserves equal rights, protections, and those safeguards are already firmly in place under the existing federal law.

To date, there have been no documented complaints or reports or of law-breaking discrimination occurring in our city.

There are differences in world views.

However, that's not the same as law-breaking discrimination.

The recent Arlington Strikes Out survey used hypothetical questions, but it unintentionally created the impression that law-breaking discriminations are happening here in Arlington, and they're not.

Re-establishing the city ordinance that cannot override state and federal laws and that extend beyond federal guidance guidelines could unintentionally place at risk approximately $55 million in federal funding, and that funding supports essential programs such as housing assistance for roughly 4,000 residents and some or LBGTQ themselves.

Thank you.

And I don't want to give anybody any additional rights.

So I urge all of you to vote no.

And let's move forward and follow the law that's protected by the federal government that happened in 1964, 65.

When I was taking civics.

Thank you very much.

Thank you for your service.

Thank you, sir.

Mayor, our next three speakers are Tonda Sykes, Jonathan Science, and Janet Matern.

Good evening.

My name is Tonda Sykes, and I live in Mansfield, but I have history in Arlington.

I've lived in Arlington for 40 years, and I work in Arlington.

I hear the pain and the passion in all these proponents of this reinstatement.

And I I also think I hear some misinformation or misunderstanding.

And I believe that none of this, this ordinance would change any of those federal programs as long as the city itself remains in compliance with the EEOC.

Religious organizations will will still be exempt if it's reinstated.

Both sides already have adequate protection here under existing federal laws.

Section 1.06, both sides win in this one.

Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor Ross, members of the council.

My name is Jonathan Sines, a licensed attorney.

I've been licensed for 20 years in the state of Texas.

I'm from Austin.

I run a nonprofit organization called Texas Values, and I specialize in this area of law.

We have a board member from Tarrant County who also has a business here in Arlington.

I'm here to help you with this situation and encourage you if you want to move forward with reinstating the ordinance that you remove the words sexual orientation and gender identity.

These words put you in direct contradiction with new Texas statute, two new laws that just passed, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, and also the women's Bill of Rights.

The ordinance with these words in it is also inconsistent with federal law.

It's not true that cities don't have policies that um accurately reflect male and female.

Odessa has done that just recently.

And also the city of Houston found themselves on the wrong side of this issue.

6139, the voters pushed back.

But look, it's not necessary.

State and federal law already cover protections for discrimination that for the other classes that you concerned about.

Thank you.

My name is Janet Mattern.

I live in Fort Worth.

I am speaking on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Terrant County.

We are a nonpartisan organization and do not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

We support equal rights and protections against discrimination for all persons, regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

We are encouraged that the city of Arlington is proposing to rescind the previously proposed revisions to the city's anti-discrimination ordinance.

We also ask that the council remove verbiage that could alter these protections.

Any change made must be conducted with full transparency and have city council approval.

We urge you to maintain the established protections for all residents against discrimination.

Thank you, ma'am.

Our next three speakers are Darrell Montgomery, Jonathan Petagon, and Susan Bobbinger.

Hello, my name is Daryl Montgomery, and I'm a longtime resident of Arlington.

Honorable mayor and council members, uh, if you choose to reinstate the anti-discrimination ordinance, I strongly encourage you to remove the words sexual orientation and gender identity.

There's no need to duplicate federal and state protections within Arlington's ordinances.

And I respectfully ask for your consideration.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Hello, I'm Susan Bobbinger.

I've been in Arlington resident for 35 years.

And I thank you for the opportunity to speak to this group this evening.

I think I have heard a lot of pain tonight.

I don't hate anybody in this room.

I have love in my heart.

I love Arlington, and I want the people in Arlington not to be discriminated against.

I believe we have laws that already protect that.

And I uh I am here to oppose the addition because right now, as I've heard from a legal perspective, the um the representation of the verbiage that's currently in it would cause a conflict with federal grants, and that would hurt the city of Arlington.

I know you're not wanting to hurt the city or the community.

And I love that.

Thank you.

Hello, my name is Jonathan Petty John.

I'm a citizen of Arlington.

And I'm a professional photographer.

If sexual orientation and gender identity are uh included in the policy, when I exercise my conscience and decline to photograph homosexual ceremonies, I will find myself being investigated by the city of Arlington.

City resources would be required by ordinance to be directed to persecuting me because of my Christian faith.

Adding these categories isn't about protection, it's about forcing citizens to adopt an ideology that violates their conscience.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Our next three speakers are Lyndon Davis, Elizabeth Gomez, and Joshua Hendrickson.

Lyndon Davis, proud resident of the city of Arlington.

And I really thought I was coming up here to ask the council for recognition of fiscally conservative National Auditors Day.

But you know, in looking at that, I'm sitting here thinking, wait a second, even though I've brought my suggestions for zero-based budgeting to you guys on numerous occasions, and y'all have basically looked at me and said, Yeah, let them go away.

Um in this particular case, I can't say that I've been discriminated against.

I can't say that I've been denied any opportunity just because I'm a fiscal conservative, just because I believe in balanced budgets.

You know what?

I think it's probably the same for everybody else that lives in this city.

We have a great city.

Let's keep it that way.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, sir.

Elizabeth Gomez.

Well, I'm the bottom of the barrel, so here we go.

I'm Elizabeth Gomez.

Um I've been member here uh resident since 1987.

I'm District Four.

I have four daughters and a son who went to Arlington ISD, and they're very successful.

Um did a good job so far.

I just want to recommend that the Arlington City Council remove the terms sexual orientation and ginger gender identity from the ordinance in order to comply with the federal directives, as well as newly enacted state laws such as the Texas Women's Privacy Act, the SBA, which went into effect last week.

Um I don't see what the big deal is.

Um I hope y'all don't even reinstate it, just let it be gone.

We we already have the federal protections, and um I know we are the city of dreams, but we're also the city of the Amber Alert.

It's it's always so embarrassing uh when someone brings that up.

Um since everyone's bringing up our past.

Um so anyway, that's all I have to say.

Yeah, thanks.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Joshua Hendrickson.

All right, sure.

All right, the name's Joshua Hendrickson here on behalf of my speaking in opposition here on behalf of my boss, Cheryl Bean, is running to represent Arlington in HD 94.

Particularly the opposition is into the sexual orientation and the gender identity sections.

One, as many before me have said previously to piggyback off them, this would be in conflict with both federal and state law, particularly SB 8, also known as the Women's Privacy Act, and two, the 14th Amendment Section One already guarantees equal protection under the law for all, so this would be redundant.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you, sir.

Mayor, that concludes our speakers in opposition.

We did have one additional speaker in support, Peter Ots.

Come on up, sir.

My name is Peter Otts.

I have been in Arlington since 1957, with the exception of a decade.

I am a gay man.

I moved back to Arlington because I chose this city as my home.

I am proud of this city and what it has become from 50,000 people to a third of a million.

That's absolutely wonderful.

It is beautiful, it is a healthy city.

I can live anywhere I want to pretty well.

I chose Arlington because of how it conducts itself, how my neighbors love one another and treat each other with respect.

Sure, there are squabbles, but by and large, we love each other.

Most of us are old.

We have money to spend.

We go to restaurants, we pay taxes.

If we are not welcome here, other cities are more than happy to have us.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you, sir.

Any other speakers, Mr.

Buskin.

No, sir.

That concludes our speakers.

We had 78 non-speakers in support and six non-speakers in opposition.

Did we miss anybody out here that would like to speak, sir?

Come on up.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Trog.

I'm sorry, I thought I was signed up to speak, but maybe don't worry about.

We're gonna make up the rules as we go if that's okay.

Okay.

Um, uh, my name's Robert Oliver.

Um, I'm gonna make this quick for the sake of everyone present.

Um I believe not reinstating these protections would be an act of exceptional cowardice and or bold face-faced hatred.

Frankly, I don't know any of you.

I like to think better of somebody I haven't spoken to yet, but I've been wrong before.

Uh frankly, I'd probably be removed from this meeting if I said anything else about how fucking furious I am that I have to come here to try and defend the rights of my friends and neighbors.

Um I would like to remind you all that your job is fundamentally to support your constituents and the interest of your constituents, and pretty much by definition, allowing discrimination against your constituents is not doing that.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any other speakers that we missed?

What are you waving at, Jason?

Somebody over here was.

Oh, I can't see you way down there.

You gotta stand up and wave at me, huh?

Come on up here.

Come on.

All I saw was Jason waving.

I thought he wanted to talk again because he wanted to sit down last time.

Hello, everyone.

My name is Lizzie Burrell.

I live in Arlington.

I remember when I first moved here.

When people saw me, oh, you live in Fort Worth.

You live in Grand Prairie.

They didn't assume I lived in Arlington.

That was the stance that people had when I moved here.

Now that I've been here, nobody assumes I live not in Arlington.

Arlington has come a long way.

My point is if you change this, what are we saying?

Are we going back to the bias that existed in the past?

Some people may not remember that.

But as a black female of my age, I know what it was like to live in places that they didn't want to.

I felt like Arlington at one point had that bias, such as the point, no public transportation.

Arlington's come a long way.

Let's not go back.

Thank you, ma'am.

All right, folks.

One last time.

I miss you too.

Come on.

Are y'all doing this to me on purpose?

Just messing with you.

Y'all just sort of sandbagged a few speakers out here just waiting to be the last one, right?

All right.

All right.

Uh hi, I'm Tim Smith.

Uh uh, I've been in Arlington since 87.

Uh, you know, I came here mainly to uh support my friends and family in Arlington.

You look around, you see a lot of different people.

You wouldn't be able to identify, are they gay, trans?

I'm I'm a white, uh straight guy, you know, from the South.

I love the South.

I love how much we're together, we support each other.

Arlington made a statement about that when they passed this the first time.

Collected accolades.

Um, you know, there may be some federal laws that cover some of this, but we make a statement.

We made the statement.

Okay, we have made that statement.

We're making a statement if we take this protection away.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

I'm afraid to ask if I missed anybody else.

Okay.

You too.

Come on.

Come on up here.

Is there a couple more?

If I missed y'all, will you just line up behind this podium here?

So I don't have to keep asking.

I'll just keep letting you talk as long as you're lined up here.

I'm Andrew Sykes.

I'm a resident in Arlington.

Um, you heard my mother speak earlier in opposition.

I'm here to speak in support.

Um, as some others have said, discrimination is hate.

Um, some others have talked about how we already have uh legislation or we already have wording and uh federal documents about this.

Obviously, those are under attack, that's why we're here.

Uh at a local level, we're here to say discrimination isn't okay, hate isn't okay.

Uh my mother is confused about some things.

People have misinformed her about some things.

Uh, as far as funding and things, it sounds like y'all have talked about that a lot.

It sounds like y'all have come to some agreement, so I don't think that should be any reason uh to have any problem here.

So if y'all love people, if y'all care about Christ's love, I'm not religious anymore, but I know a lot of y'all are y'all.

If y'all care about Christ's love, if y'all care about love and humanitarianism in general, vote in support.

There's no discussion that's needed beyond that.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Rua.

I'm a sophomore in high school.

I live here in Arlington.

I've I have a lot of friends that are trans, I'm gender fluid and a lesbian.

I have friends who are every kind of like version of LGBTQIA.

Getting rid of the anti-discrimination chapter makes me scared.

I'm scared that I won't be safe in my school anymore.

I'm scared of that.

I don't want to be.

I want to be.

I want to feel safe in my classes.

So please don't.

Don't change it.

Don't get rid of it.

Please.

I bet of you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Hi, my name is Savannah Torres.

I reside in Grand Prairie.

Um, I am a queer female, but I am also a Christian.

I grew up in the Christ umbrella.

Um, I was taught love thy neighbor.

That has always stuck with me.

Um, as a queer Christian, I am one to spread that same message, and I don't think um redacting this would uh spread the message that Christ himself spread.

Um it's kind of sad that we have to talk about this.

Um people are just trying to live their lives.

I don't think that's a crime.

Um love is love, and I think everyone should have the right to that.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Folks, I'm gonna do something a little bit different tonight.

Normally I get a little screen pop-up of counsel who want to speak.

I have a sneaky suspicion that nearly everybody's gonna want to say a word or two.

So I'm gonna start with council member Galante down to my right over here and see if there's anything you'd like to add before a vote is made.

Well, thank you, Mayor, for the opportunity.

I compliment everybody to to coming over here tonight.

We see um everyone respecting each other, giving uh their opinions, voicing the concerns.

Arlington, no matter how the vote goes tonight, Arlington, it's gonna be stronger than ever.

The ordinance that was in place for almost five years, had zero incidents, zero complaints.

It's not gonna change no matter how it goes, we're not gonna change.

Because it's not a federal law, state law, any municipal law that is gonna change who we are.

It is that is gonna change how we treat each other with dignity and respect.

So being a minority, I know very well what it is.

I'm a Latino no Hispanic.

If you know any Latino no Hispanic, raise your hand.

See how I'm a minority?

Only two or three.

Raise the hand.

And I've been discriminated when I came to the country I was immigrant, and I've been discriminated several times because of the color of my scheme, because my funny accent that I still carry, right?

Because of my choices, because of my economic status.

I've been discriminated.

I know how it feels.

And I love you all.

I'm here.

It's been the honor of my life to represent all of you.

It's been the honor of my life.

Yes, uh, some somebody said all of us.

I represent all Arlingtonist.

100%.

And I'll make sure that I'll protect everybody from any state or federal guidance that divide us.

I'm here to unite.

I'm not here to divide, regardless of how my vote is or my colleagues and how we decide.

I appreciate the effort and the commitment.

Of loving each other and walk together to a better Arlington.

Thank you.

Mr.

Buscom, we may have to put a time limit on council, too.

Mr.

Gonzalez.

It was just under a minute.

Look at that.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Mr.

Galante.

I generally appreciate everybody sharing their thoughts and concerns.

Arlington is one of the most diverse cities in the country because we welcome everyone.

I was raised a Christian myself, and to love everyone and everyone.

That means all.

I know I keep hearing the word all.

All is all.

I don't care what you look like, what you feel, all is all.

That has not changed.

We all believe in the protection that federal state laws already provide for all, as was mentioned earlier, the Pledge of Allegiance, justice for all.

You know, the federal, you know, the Pledge of Allegiance does not say gender identity, gender expression, it says for all.

And that's what all means, every one of us in this room.

You know, removing this language will not remove the protection from the city's anti-discrimination ordinance for anyone, including the LGBT community.

I hate to hear you all think that you're not welcome or you're afraid to walk in the streets.

Like Mr.

Galante, I was discriminated against.

I moved here in 1980.

There was hardly any Latinos here.

I had bell bottom pants, long hair.

I did not fit in.

But you know what?

I felt comfortable at UTA in the city of Arlington, and I chose to stay here and raise my family.

My stance since day one in Arlington is that we should stay out of socially controversial issues because they divide the city.

Look at this room.

We should all be together.

Sadly, simple differences in opinion can lead to allegations of hate and labels like prejudice or being woke.

I've heard from conservatives who think that we should include specific warming wording, and from liberals who do not believe it's necessary.

All vast majority of which support housing residents in need.

Those are the people that need this money.

State and federal directors make demands on local control, which we don't like.

I mean, that's even state of Texas does that to us.

As long as we take funds, we are subject to those demands.

We are elected to make sure Arlington is the safest city for our residents and visitors with exceptional fire and police, traffic that runs smoothly, great streets, great neighborhoods, economic development, which improves includes employment opportunities, ensuring safe water, pick up trash and recycling, beautiful parts and recreation opportunities, while ensuring the taxes we all pay in our state are being used wisely and bringing value to every resident.

That's to all everybody gets great neighborhoods, everybody gets straight streets, and that's what I was elected to do.

So thank you for being here, and please know we want to keep the community together.

So whatever happens tonight, please know that I love you.

And I know many of you can be nodding your head or whatever, uh, one way or the other, but I do love you all and I appreciate y'all.

Thank you.

Ms.

Hunter, do you have anything tonight?

Well, I want to thank everyone for coming tonight.

Um, you know, like anyone, everyone said I've faced discrimination myself.

Um, so I definitely um want to thank you guys for being here.

We took an oath to not only protect the assets of the city, we took an oath to protect every single citizen in this room, every single citizen in this city.

Um we're all, every single person up here takes that to heart.

And no matter what decision is made tonight, just know that we care and we want the best for the city.

So thank you.

Mr.

Peel.

Thank you, sir.

Ms.

Boxel.

Thank you.

I do appreciate everyone coming out here, and I recognize the passion that everybody brings to this issue.

Um I think that that shows that you care about this city and you care about each other, and you cared enough to show up tonight, and I really appreciate that.

Um, I do have a statement.

Um, this was a really difficult decision for me.

It wasn't easy, but the more I looked at this, and believe me, we looked at this up one side and down the other.

But the more I looked at it, the more I noticed that this ordinance is just plain bad policy.

It's bla bad policy, irrespective of any executive order, irrespective of whatever words are used or whatever words are left out, irrespective of the possibility of federal funds being withheld.

If you really get down to it, it's a symbol, it was a symbolic gesture when it was passed in 2021, and it was well intentioned, but it was symbolic.

So from the very beginning, from the very inception of this, it was unenforceable at the city level.

As a lot of people have noted, it is enforceable at the federal and and at the state level.

But it's really unenforceable here.

We can't enforce federal law at the city level.

So of that, the way I looked at it, and a lot of you mentioned protections.

You have the protection the same as we all do.

And we and as some of my colleagues have said, and myself included, I've been discriminated against.

How many people here have not been discriminated against?

Everybody knows how it feels.

Everybody know it.

It is not good.

It feels terrible.

But we have the protections under our federal and state laws.

We can't enforce those at the city level.

So in closing, no one on this council or in city government condones or advocates for discrimination.

So I'm asking the city tonight, my colleagues, to declare a formal resolution stating that our fervent disavow of discrimination against any citizens.

And that's what we have here.

We have an ordinance that is we we have an ordinance that's a resolution.

It's not really an ordinance because an ordinance without enforcement is not a law.

So we really have a resolution already, but I'm asking my colleagues to put in a formal resolution because that's what this should be.

It's it is a symbolic gesture, but it shows that what we stand for.

And we need that.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Mr.

Pham, do you have anything you'd like to say?

First, I would like to thank you, everyone come out tonight and uh and um speak on uh the issue, and I know most of you guys are very compassionate uh uh about this, and uh I I I feel the same like you guys, this our city, we're not discriminating anybody.

We the foremost diverse city in the nation, and we're number one in the state of Texas.

And regardless of how the vote turn out deny, we're not gonna discriminate against anybody because discrimination is wrong.

I came to this country 50 years ago, there's people don't like me, they don't want me to be here.

But I look at it like hey, they don't they dislike me.

That's okay, because it's free country, you know.

You you can hate me for free, and I'm okay with that.

I don't have a problem, you hate me.

You know, but in the day, I love everybody.

We all got children, you know.

So uh I love you guys, and uh I should I just want everybody regardless of how to vote, turn out you and I just work together, and we be like the mayor always said we better together.

So, like I said, uh I'm not discriminating anybody.

I serve in United State Army when President Obama say gay can open freely.

I didn't have no problem, because you know uh my command in chief tell me that's the way it is, and I don't have problem with uh for 31 years, I never got a problem with gay soldiers, anybody think different or live live a different lifestyle working with me.

Long you a soldier, you you you work together, you get a mission to come, I can care less because I I love all of my troops, so like I love all of you guys.

And you know, the citizen Arlington uh voted for me and to serve everyone that didn't vote for me to come to get to be elected and serve this group and not that group, uh you know.

So uh, like I say, we got how the vote come out tonight.

I still love all of you guys, and thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Pham.

Mr.

Hogg, do you have anything to add, sir?

I do, Mayor, thank you.

Um, and let me just say to this crowd, thank you for being so polite tonight, because honestly, we don't get that every time, and it shows a lot about this audience, and and everyone was very respectful of other speakers, and that's the tone we need to set as an organization, and I appreciate all of y'all doing that, um, even if we disagree on items.

I got to Arlington in 1978, the day I was born.

I'm born and raised in this city.

I've lived here my entire life.

After college, I chose Arlington, and then even more importantly, after my wife chose me, um, our family chose Arlington.

And I get to raise two young daughters and a wife here in this town.

This town means a lot to me.

And it's a very diverse town.

And I think our entire council embraces that.

And we support it.

And look at this council.

We're a very diverse council.

And we embrace that.

Who's gay?

And we support it.

Sorry, you've just taken away all the polite things I just said about the audience.

So honestly, you don't know.

And it shouldn't matter.

Right?

Because I can tell you we have council members up here who have family members in that.

So let's be polite, sir.

I'm doing doing what the mayor normally does on the audience.

You're doing a fine job of it, and I'll just let you keep going.

This came up because our legal department tries to protect the city of Arlington in the most format.

It was grants, federal administration is why this came up.

Would it have been easier to just ignore it and go on 100%?

We wouldn't have to be spending this time talking through this.

But then throughout the whole process, I have not run across on countless emails, phone calls, discussions, one person that believes discrimination should be welcomed.

Everyone believes in anti-discrimination.

We need to state that anti-discrimination has no place here.

That is important.

But then this is about governance and how we state anti-discrimination is not welcomed here.

I don't have a problem with the ADO.

The ADO has a couple of basic pieces in it.

The problem is with the anti-discrimination chapter.

And what I found out is most people have not read the anti-discrimination chapter at all.

The chapter in my prevent in my opinion provides false protections.

And we hear a lot of people saying this.

Since 2021, there's been no investigations, no cases, and no even inquiries.

So we need to say, how does we remove that?

That's if it does pass.

If it doesn't pass, I believe we need to bring back an anti-discrimination resolution in the form.

Because I've heard multiple people say out here, it's about giving our statement, our values, and we should do that.

We should say discrimination is not welcome in Arlington.

And we should follow that.

And I can tell you here in my colleagues here in residents.

And we all ran for office to make these hard decisions.

Thank you, sir.

Dr.

Odom Wesley.

Thank you, Mayor.

And thank you for this opportunity for me to restate what I have always stated as my position regarding discrimination.

I have zero tolerance for discrimination because of my history, because the history of African Americans, especially in this country, because the history of discrimination against anybody where you try to make them feel like they are less than, not as good as, not welcomed, not included.

One researcher calls it othering.

And several of you have stated how that feels.

Then from the 64th Civil Rights Act and all that had proceeded in the civil rights movement.

But evidently, that was not enough.

Because in 2021, George Floyd was murdered.

And cities all across the country were establishing racial task forces.

And cities all across the country were establishing racial task forces, they were looking at this issue, they were trying to bridge this divide, and even though the law was on the books, there was still discrimination in our faces on TV.

So the council in 2021 decided there was a need to make a declaration in Arlington to declare to all who are here, all who might come here, that we do not tolerate discrimination.

We needed to make that statement in 2021.

This ordinance is a result of that.

We still need that statement today.

Because even though there are laws on the books, you can't regulate people's hearts, and you can run into a person who feels like you are out of place.

In this cast system that we have in this country, we've all been relegated to a wrong on the ladder.

And when you get out of your place, there's somebody, maybe nearby, to remind you where you really belong.

That's discrimination.

And we want people to know that in Arlington, that's not okay.

So I think it's still needed.

It was needed in 2021.

It's needed in 2025.

We talk about our diversity, and of course I think that's a great thing, but I think we need to do more than just tolerate it.

We want to celebrate it.

And everybody should feel comfortable celebrating their diversity.

In this city, we don't have any power or authority over any other city, any other space, any other group.

But in Arlington, we want to be able to continue to brag that we're the American dream city, and we're the city where everyone can pursue their dreams.

And we don't even get to tell you what your dream ought to be.

That's freedom.

So we welcome freedom.

Again, my position is zero tolerance for discrimination in all of its forms.

So I absolutely support reinstating.

I never supported suspending it in the first place.

So folks.

And it hasn't been easy, you know, the, in my opinion, the very basic foundation of real democracy lies in public service.

And not all of my colleagues agree with me, but I can tell you they believe in public service.

In today's world where elected officials have a tendency to put party over people, that matters, because I don't believe that we're experiencing that here in Arlington.

Those of you who don't know me may look at this and go, Lord, we know where he's voting.

The problem is you can't tell anything by looking at us on this.

When I became mayor, I look at my world through the eyes of a sixty-five-year-old white heterosexual Christian man.

If I want to know what it's like to be black, I should probably ask the black community.

If I want to know what it's like to be Latino or Asian, or Muslim or Jewish or Hindu, or gay or transgender, I should probably go to them and ask them.

So we formed advisory councils that I meet every month and talk to people who don't look or believe or necessarily love like I do.

As a Christian, I believe that God gave us two important commandments.

The first one is to love the Lord thy God with all your heart.

And the second one is to love your neighbor as God would love your neighbor.

God didn't say love your neighbor if your neighbor happens to look like you, or love your neighbor if your neighbor worships like you, or love your neighbor if your neighbor loves like you.

God said, love your neighbor.

Two of the most important things that we can do as human beings is love God and love our neighbors.

I don't disagree with Mr.

Hogg when it comes to the enforceability of this chapter.

He and I take different approaches to get to the same conclusion sometimes, but that's the nature of the beast.

That we have to let our community know here in Arlington that listen, you matter to us.

Is my little sophomore back there still?

You break my heart, hon.

You absolutely break my heart.

When I look and I see children in Arlington suffering like this, and I sit up here and I think, what are we doing when it comes to whether or not we should reinstate those rights?

We've already added the language that helps protect the city on this.

This is no different than what Fort Worth has done.

What are we doing?

What message are we sending our children?

So I would not be able to live with myself if I didn't vote yes on this ordinance.

I fully intend on doing so, and I respectfully ask my colleagues up here to search your heart and vote yes on this ordinance.

With that, I'm going to ask for a motion and a second.

I have a motion from Dr.

Odom Wesley, a second from Councilmember Hunter.

Please cast your votes.

Just to clarify, Mayor, this is yes to reinstate.

Yes to reinstate.

The motion fails.

Hold on, y'all.

Please, let's be respectful.

The motion has failed.

Consequently, the anti-discrimination ordinance will remain suspended until further action by counsel.

I fully understand the disappointment of members of this community.

However, I assure you all that in spite of the vote tonight, the City of Arlington remains committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable community for all residents and ensuring that no one individual faces discrimination in our city based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religious differences, or any other characteristic.

I pledge to each and every one of y'all that we will continue to collaborate with community leaders, council members, and city staff to reach a solution that is palatable to all.

Together, we can create an environment where our differences are respected, not feared or belittled, and where all residents have the opportunity to thrive.

Tonight is a prime example of such an environment.

I thank you all for coming out and sharing your voices tonight and desiring to make Arlington a welcoming place for all.

Please, please, please.

Be respectful and patient as we work through these extraordinarily difficult issues.

I will promise you that we are not done.

I am not done.

None of our council members are done.

We will continue to work with the community and with each other.

With that, Mr.

Buskin, citizen participation, please.

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 ordering staff to take appropriate action.

Hold on, Mr.

Buskin.

Y'all please, I don't mind if you're gonna exit, but let's keep the murmur down.

Let's be respectful.

We still have some more speakers that are going to participate tonight.

Thank you.

Mr.

Buskin, please.

Speakers who have 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.

Mayor, we have two speakers this evening.

Our first speaker is Paris Embry.

Paris Embry.

Paris Embry.

Oh, there you are, Hunt.

Okay.

If you get Mr.

Defrang to get out of your way, we could be able to get on with this.

Roger Linton, he's your responsibility, please.

Good evening.

My name is Paris Embry, and I'm a resident of Arlington since 2002.

I live in a very nice neighborhood of single-family homes that have that have with have HOAs, and some of them don't have HOAs.

There are multiple parks within walking distance, sidewalks throughout.

Every home has a two-car garage.

Schools are highly rated, recreation centers are great.

You know, we have a wonderful city, right?

I love my neighborhood.

Over the years, the neighborhood has matured and upgrades have been made to homes to maintain or potentially increase their value.

Yet the value of the neighborhood is being diminished by commercial business vehicles using the neighborhood streets and driveways as commercial business and boat parking lots and storage areas.

Commercial business vehicles are parking on the streets overnight, and boats are being stored in front of and beside homes.

Commercial businesses, commercial business vehicles include 18-wheel or tractor trailers, scissor lift trucks, large RVs, buses, some of the other vehicles that are commercial purpose vehicles, include large pickup trucks with business advertisements on them, tractor trailers, ATT, locksmiths, power washing, signage installers, and concrete installers.

The residential subdivisions were never intended to accommodate or allow for commercial business vehicles or boat parking.

It can be difficult to traverse the streets and to back out of driveways and see around turns.

Parking lots for business and vehicles, trailers, boats, and other vehicles are available within the city or close by.

Businesses that have fleet vehicle vehicles also provide parking for their fleets.

As a resident of Arlington, I feel the need to highlight this situation and employ the council to commit to maintaining the value of our residential neighborhoods.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, ma'am.

Next speaker, Mr.

Buskin.

Our next speaker is Vanessa Strength.

Um, hello.

I want to thank you for your service.

Okay, I guess.

And ma'am, I I'm sorry for the discrimination that you I can't imagine.

Um, the discrimination, yes, you do discriminate.

I'm a disabled American, and also the 1996 act of violence against women.

I have survived multiple violent crimes, including extreme childhood abuse, satanic ritual abuse, human trapping at the hands of my mother.

Okay, you won't do anything for I've been poisoned, sexually assaulted, I have been robbed.

Now they got my dog.

That's where I draw the line.

I fostered my dogs from my house and get expedited.

I was doing a ticket to work program when this all started.

Okay, you know why?

Because I'm a category three targeted individual, because I'm an aware target.

And the reason is because I'm a political activist and I've been in the news all over this country.

And there are veterans that are proud, retired veterans that are proud of my name.

Amber Hagerman's case, we'll get some work done on it.

January 13th, nice 30 years, and my brother will get a headstone.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Mr.

Buskin, any other speakers?

No, sir, no additional speakers.

Thanks, sir.

Counsel, do you all have any announcements for tonight?

Dr.

Odom Wesley.

Thank you, Mayor.

I just wanted to publicly thank uh the city of Arlington and my colleagues, uh, the entire community of all of your kind expressions of sympathy as we celebrated the life of my dad, former Mayor LZ Odom.

It was a it was a life well lived.

96.

Blessed years.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Mr.

Buskin announcements, please.

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 www.arlington tx.gov.

Thank you, sir.

With that, folks, thank you for being out here tonight.

Thank you for your patience.

City Council is hereby adjourned.

Throughout this matchup.

Um, they're very physical, especially 23.

Um, I don't know what he ended up with, but we we knew he was gonna score some points tonight.

But uh we did a decent job on him.

Uh, for how good he is.

We didn't double him all night.

Uh we wanted him to beat us.

Like we we didn't want the other guards to get off, so uh we play one-on-one.

I we knew he was gonna score some points because he's a good player.

And last night in Evansville, the Mavericks won against Evansville 84 to 76.

As they prove to a four-on-one record, the Mavericks take home court.

There will be November 29th as the take on Stephen F.

Austin for the International Day inside the College Park Center.

Back to the desk.

Thank you, Sergio, for that sports update.

That's all we have on this final edition of UTA Spotlight for the semester.

To stay up to date with us, please follow us on Instagram at Math Media GTA.

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a highlight.

I'm Rafeta Garcia.

And I'm Kaylin Blessinger.

Thank you so much for joining us.

See you next semester.

We have a new limited visiting exhibit here at River Legacy Nature Center.

It is called the Art and Science of Rachnids.

Supported by our annual partners and Meta.

When you come into the Discover Room, you get to weave a web with arachne and learn about the Terra-Tella dance using some musical instruments along the way.

We have something for all from a reading corner where you get to learn about arachnids, and we also have an area where they get to build their own spider and learn about the mobility.

So we have many different kinds of arachnids here.

We have scorpions, we have whip scorpions, we have new world tarantulas, old world tarantulas.

We have some insects on display where you can compare and contrast the main differences between an insect and an arachnid.

We do have a lot of spiders here for families to come and learn about.

Unfortunately, spiders they get a bad rap.

And so we want families to come here excited and wanting to learn about why they're important.

This is a limited time exhibit, and we're excited that it's here.

We're open from 9 to 5, Monday through Saturday, so this exhibit is here until February 28th.

Art and Science of Arachnids is here for you to discover because of your support.

So thank you and hope to see you soon.

And I make you the right size hoop and the right weight hoop, nothing too heavy.

And then we learn some news and then you turn on some music and you have fun.