El Paso City Council Regular Meeting – March 4, 2025

The El Paso City Council met on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 9:01 AM in Council Chambers. Mayor Renard U. Johnson presided. The meeting featured proclamations, a consent agenda, numerous action items including a major economic development agreement with Schneider Electric, and public comments focused on animal services. All votes were unanimous. The meeting recessed twice (for a family moment and to convene the Mass Transit Board) and adjourned at 12:15 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes approved: February 24 and 25, 2025 meetings.
• Resolutions (items 3–17) passed as a block, with one revision requested by the Mayor Pro Tem: item 6 (Change Order No. 3 for Taxiway Mike at the airport) was deleted per airport staff. All other items – including airport easements, concession agreements, fuel site lease, police grants (West Texas Anti-Gang Center FY26 requesting $9,132,162.40 and Operation Lone Star FY26 requesting $600,000), an interlocal agreement with Canutillo ISD for shared recreational facilities, health services agreement with Town of Clint, veterinary relief service contract increases, and board appointments – were approved.
• Item 25 moved to forefront for early consideration (see below).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elizabeth Crawford read a biblical passage from Daniel as a warning to leaders during national turmoil. No specific city business discussed.
• Barbara Valencia (Huckleberry Hound Dog Rescue) sharply criticized Animal Services’ CAPS (Community Sheltering Program), stating that of 7,319 found animal reports filed in 2022–2024, only 1,668 (about 23%) were returned to owners, leaving 5,651 animals unaccounted for. She also noted only 27 litter permit citations were issued in 2024 while only 10 litter permits were obtained, indicating lack of enforcement against backyard breeders.
• Ron Como alleged that Animal Services Director Terry Kebschull ignored state law requiring open intake, provided screenshots to the chief of staff, and called for community meetings and immediate action. He stated, “26,000 pets [in 2023] … 12 million dollar budget,” and demanded accountability.
• Megan Sisker (volunteer) defended Animal Services staff, highlighting their dedication and the overpopulation crisis. She noted that a free spay/neuter event this weekend would serve ~350 pets, with plans for quarterly events if fundraising supports it. She expressed support for the department’s efforts and progress.
• Alicia Lopez was not present.

Discussion Items

• Item 18 (District 4 discretionary funds – park bench): Representative Boyar Trejo requested $5,500 to install a bench at Joey Barraza and Vino Memorial Park honoring Cody L. Vaughn, who died in an auto accident. Approved.
• Items 19–21 (District 1 discretionary funds – solar lights and speed signs): Representative Chavez proposed three safety improvements: two solar streetlights ($10,000) at Westgreen Park for basketball players; two solar streetlights ($10,000) and two speed feedback signs ($14,000) at Upper Valley and Gomez Road intersection; and two speed feedback signs ($14,000) on High Ridge Drive. Total $48,000. Approved.
• Item 22 (IT Department presentation): Carolyn Patrick (IT Director) and Ernesto Arriola (Chief Information Security Officer) presented an overview of the department's operations, security posture, and budget needs. They highlighted managing 7,200+ computers, 1,800 mobile devices, 300+ applications, and layered cybersecurity. Key challenges: annual funding gaps, proactive lifecycle planning, AI adoption (planned Copilot implementation), and competitive IT talent recruitment. The department’s security rating is 760 out of 820 (above industry average). Computer refresh goal for FY25 is 1,000 units but funding is uncertain. No action taken; informational for upcoming March 20 retreat.
• Item 23 (vacation of right-of-way): Ordinance vacating a portion of Ninth Avenue and alley in Campbell Addition. Introduced; public hearing set for March 18, 2025.
• Item 24 (professional services for Vista del Sol Drive): Resolution authorizing $702,394.90 contract with Consor Engineers for resurfacing/reconstruction. Approved.
• Item 25 (property conveyance to Rescue Mission): Ordinance to sell 2.112 acres at 210 N. Lee St. to El Paso Rescue Mission for homeless surge capacity. Public comment by Blake Barrow explained the grant from El Paso County reduces recidivism and could have saved $10 million if available during COVID. Approved.
• Item 26 (Wildhorse Ranch conveyance): Ordinance to sell ~20.948 acres in Culberson County to El Paso Water. Approved.
• Item 27 (speed limit change on Justice Street): Ordinance adding 35 mph limit from Montana Ave to North City Limits and deleting 40 mph limit from Edgemere Blvd to South City Limits. Approved.
• Item 28 (no stopping/tow-away zones): Ordinance adding no stopping zones on Pollard Street and Truman Avenue in District 2. Approved.
• Item 29 (Schneider Electric Chapter 380 agreement): Economic Development Director Bill Allen presented a 10-year incentive agreement for a $50.3 million expansion, creating 500 new jobs (1,498 retained), with $20 million annual payroll at average $39,000/year. Total local incentives ~$3 million (city $2.1M + county) resulting in $5.577 million net tax benefit over 10 years. Council members emphasized the strong ROI and alignment with economic development goals. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous on every item brought to a vote.
• Consent agenda approved as revised (item 6 removed; item 25 moved to forefront).
• 14 board appointments and tax refunds approved as part of consent.
• Proclamations declared March 4, 2025 as Boot Capital of Texas and February 22, 2025 as Stephanie Han Day.
• No action on IT presentation; council thanked staff and noted upcoming budget discussions.
• Public comment brought forward animal services concerns; no immediate council action, but the issues were noted.
• Meeting adjourned at 12:15 PM.