Arlington City Council Meeting Summary - January 6, 2026

The Arlington City Council convened on January 6, 2026, beginning with an invocation by Reverend Matt Hart and a Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting featured proclamations honoring the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) industry cohorts and Assistant City Attorney Joshua Skinner's IMLA Local Government Fellows designation. A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to public hearings regarding fare restructuring for Handy TRAN and on-demand services, a zoning appeal for a 252-unit multifamily development, and several routine ordinance amendments. The Council also heard extensive public testimony on stormwater drainage issues affecting the Preston Wood West neighborhood and general citizen concerns regarding property maintenance and policing.

Consent Calendar

• Approved a resolution to acquire a street right-of-way easement at 2201 East Division Street for the Entertainment District Sidewalk Phase Three project (passed 5-0).
• Approved minutes from December 9 and December 16, 2025 (passed 5-0).
• Approved a consolidated agenda including four minute orders, one ordinance, and nine resolutions covering:
  • Software maintenance for public safety computer-aided dispatch (sole source).
  • Grounds maintenance for downtown and municipal facilities.
  • Engineering services for PER and PFAS mitigation at Pierce Birch Water Treatment Plant.
  • Construction contract for 2026 miscellaneous stormwater.
  • Zoning cases PD 25-10 and 7819, 7827 South Cooper Street (PD). Note: Transcript confirms these were part of the consent agenda list, though specific outcomes for individual zoning cases required separate public hearings later in the agenda.
  • Settlement of the lawsuit Leonore Ortega v. City of Arlington.
  • Fee adjustments for planning and development services.
  • Amendments to Library Service Policy and usage fees.
  • Fifth Amendment to the Lincoln Square Master Development Agreement.
  • TxDOT Fiscal Year 2027 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grants.
  • Contract for Sister Cities Arlington. (Passed unanimously with no objections).

Public Comments & Testimony

On Handy TRAN and On-Demand Fare Restructuring (Item 11.1)

• Speaker Positions:
  • Support for Fare Increases:
    • Peter Otz: Expressed full support for the fare changes, comparing the convenience of the new ride credit bundles to toll tags. Supported cost increases as a necessary reflection of rising expenses.
    • Steve Brooks: Expressed agreement that rates should increase to keep up with the cost of living, acknowledging that prices are higher across the board.
  • Opposition and Concerns:
    • Jameer Beatty (new resident, group home): Expressed opposition to the rate hike, fearing it makes transportation unaffordable for those on fixed incomes. Highlighted the specific financial impact of a 50% increase ($2 to $3) for daily users and raised concerns that proposed route changes (eliminating the Arlington circumference limit) could strand vulnerable residents. Requested a tiered pricing system based on income.
    • Jane Collins: Expressed strong opposition to fare increases for senior citizens, stating that her fixed income ($2,100/month) is insufficient to cover housing, food, and medical needs, let alone increased transit costs. Suggested that fixed-income residents should pay nothing.
    • Dennis James: Expressed opposition, stating that a 50% fare increase is unaffordable for his reduced fixed income after his wife passed away. Argued that the City can afford the service without raising fares to maintain a lifesaving service for seniors.
    • Gabriel Wynne: Expressed opposition to the fee increases and the removal of traditional monthly passes in favor of bundles, arguing that residents should have the choice of both. Stated that Arlington's fares are already higher than comparable systems in other cities like Cincinnati.
    • Dr. Crystal Joy Turner: Expressed strong opposition on behalf of her disabled mother. Argued that the fare increase forces painful choices between essential transportation and other basics like medicine or food. Called for a reduced fare option, a hardship program, or a gradual phase-in.
    • Jess McMahon: Expressed concern and opposition regarding the removal of ride passes and the price increase, stating that the city is failing residents who rely on the service. Expressed disappointment in the decision.
    • Yassine Taznip: Expressed opposition, characterizing the fare increase as a "tax on working people." Argued that the city should prioritize affordability and accountability over increasing mobility costs.
    • UT Student (unnamed): Expressed opposition, stating that raising prices on the only public transportation option in a major city without a full public transit system is detrimental to residents.
  • Clarification on Non-Profit Assistance:
    • Councilmember Hunter: Inquired if a hardship option was explored. Director of Transportation confirmed a non-profit program exists where riders can be connected to organizations like Mission Arlington for temporary assistance, though it is not actively advertised due to cost and eligibility requirements.

On Zoning Appeal PD 25-16 (Item 13.1)

• Speaker Positions:
  • Opposition:
    • Tanner Smith: Expressed opposition, citing inadequate traffic impact mitigation (specifically the Myers Street intersection with Sublette) and insufficient drainage planning. Highlighted concerns that the development would draw students out of the Arlington school district to Kennedale and add congestion to an area already experiencing new construction.
    • Timothy Hardeman: Expressed strong opposition, recalling that the Planning and Zoning Commission had already denied the proposal. Cited the area's history as a deadliest hotspot for the Arlington Police Department in 2024, increased speeding and crime on Myers Road, and the saturation of new apartment units in the immediate vicinity.
  • Applicant Response:
    • Nikki Moore (Applicant): Stated that the primary concern raised by neighbors was traffic. Presented new traffic data and engineering analysis as justification for the appeal. Stated that new information regarding traffic light timing adjustments and TAD-funded roadway improvements merited a public hearing.
  • Councilmember Clarifications:
    • Councilmember Boxell: Expressed continued significant concerns about the project but supported granting the public hearing to review new data. Noted that the applicant had agreed to most staff recommendations except for leaving frontage for commercial use.
    • Councilmember Galante: Expressed a willingness to grant the hearing and return the case to the Planning and Zoning Commission, provided the Commission can address the new data and community merits.
    • Councilmember Hogg: Expressed skepticism regarding traffic mitigation claims and stated opposition to the density of a single-family neighborhood. Indicated a likely "no" vote regardless of the outcome of the hearing.
    • Assistant City Attorney: Clarified that while remanding to PNZ is a legal option, it is only advisable if the applicant intends to change the scope of the project significantly. Noted that without specific changes, the Council might reach the same conclusion after the process.

On Citizen Participation

• Brian Burkhalter: Expressed opposition to policing practices, citing a specific incident that led to his homelessness. Argued for equal enforcement of drug laws and an end to racial profiling.
• Rojo Mehuero (Rojio Mepuero): Expressed a position in favor of sustainable building materials and the mandatory use of native plants in new developments to support pollinators and water recharge. Advocated for developers to include designated pickup and drop-off zones for ride-share services.
• Patrick Kelly: Expressed concern over the degradation of the Randolph Hill Park Nature Preserve. Requested action on proper tree removal techniques to prevent further damage to post oak trees and addressed issues with loud, unmuffled vehicles near his property.
• Residents of Preston Wood West (Jeff Morris, Stephen Daniels, James Brace): Expressed a collective plea for City Council intervention regarding stormwater management. They stated that private HOAs cannot mitigate upstream flow issues causing erosion and home damage, and they are requesting city leadership and engineering direction to solve the infrastructure problem rather than assigning blame.

Discussion Items

• Handy TRAN and On-Demand Fare Restructuring: Director Alicia Winklebleck presented data showing that 52% of trips fall in the $0-$4.50 range (or to CenterPort), where current or lower fares would apply. The proposal includes increasing Handy TRAN fares from $2 to $3 and on-demand fares from $3-$5 to $3-$8 based on distance. It also proposed replacing monthly passes with non-expiring ride credit bundles.
  • Council Deliberation: Councilmembers discussed the economic necessity of raising fares to match operational costs (approx. $17-18 per ride) versus the impact on low-income residents. While no variable pricing based on income is legally permitted, the city currently subsidizes free rides for qualified individuals through non-profits.
  • Outcome: Council approved the fare restructuring and bundle conversion to be implemented on March 2, 2026.
• Zoning Case PD 24-27 (301 East Randall Mill Road): Applicant Nabeen Khamampadi proposed three townhomes on a 0.233-acre site. Minor discrepancies in lot size were noted but deemed acceptable due to the required right-of-way dedication for a future road expansion.
  • Council Deliberation: Councilmember Gonzalez raised concerns about trash bin placement. The applicant confirmed bins would be stored in garages. Council approved the project unanimously.
• School Zone Ordinances (Item 12.1): Director of Public Works Keith Brooks presented an ordinance to adjust school zone times and one-way street directions around Joey Rodriguez Junior High and other schools to improve traffic flow. Councilmember Boxell suggested reverting partial one-way restrictions on Thorpe Street at the former Carter Junior High site.
  • Outcome: The ordinance was approved. Staff agreed to investigate adjusting Thorpe Street traffic patterns.
• Fire Code Amendment (Item 12.2): First reading of an ordinance to require third-party inspection compliance reports and establish a fee for collection.
  • Outcome: Approved on first reading.
• Zoning Appeal PD 25-16 (6,001/6,041 US 287 and 6,016 Myers Road): Applicant Nikki Moore appealed the Planning and Zoning Commission's denial of a 252-unit multifamily development.
  • Deliberation: Council debated whether to grant the appeal based on new traffic data. Councilmember Galante supported the hearing to allow the applicant to present data and return to PNZ. Councilmember Hogg opposed the vote, citing lack of trust in the project's impact despite the appeal process. Councilmember Boxell supported the hearing to review new information.
  • Outcome: The motion to grant the appeal resulted in a 2-2 tie (Councilmembers Galante and Boxell voted yes; Councilmember Hogg and Mayor Ross voted no; Councilmember Gonzalez abstained or recused? Correction: Transcript indicates a tie vote resulted in the motion failing). The motion failed due to the tie.

Key Outcomes

• Fare Restructuring Approved: Handy TRAN fares increased to $3/ride. On-demand fares adjusted to $3-$8 based on distance. Monthly/weekly passes replaced by ride credit bundles starting March 2, 2026.
• Zoning Approval (PD 24-27): Planned Development for three townhomes at 301 East Randall Mill Road approved.
• Street Traffic Ordinances: New traffic management plan for Joey Rodriguez Junior High zone and school zone times approved.
• Fire Code Amendment: Ordinance to mandate third-party inspection reporting fees approved on first reading.
• Zoning Appeal Denied: The appeal for PD 25-16 (252-unit multifamily) failed by a tie vote, upholding the Planning and Zoning Commission's denial.
• Right of Way Easement: Acquisition of easement at 2201 East Division Street approved.
• Announcements: Dr. Odom Wesley announced the "Advancing the Dream" MLK Jr. celebration (Jan 16-19). Mayor Ross noted the rebroadcast schedule for council meetings.