El Paso City Council Regular Meeting

The El Paso City Council met on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 9:05 AM in Council Chambers and virtually. The meeting included proclamations, consent agenda, public hearings, and discussions on several key items. The meeting recessed at 11:24 AM and again at 12:52 PM, reconvening at 1:13 PM, and adjourned at 4:54 PM. Mayor Renard U. Johnson presided.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the April 1, 2025 regular meeting.
• Approved a Memorandum of Agreement with Texas A&M Task Force 1 for water rescue program (through March 31, 2030).
• Approved solid waste liens (Districts 1, 4, 8).
• Approved street name change from Boggiano Drive to Sanfeliz Hill Court (District 1).
• Approved tax penalty waivers for two properties (Districts 1, 2).
• Approved a resolution requiring all budget transfers and procurement awards over $1,500,000 to be placed on the regular agenda (moved from consent, passed 6-2).
• Approved termination of Contract No. 2023-0168 with TE of El Paso, LLC for Autocar parts and service.
• Approved board re-appointment of Scott Winton to the Regional Renewable Energy Advisory Council.
• Approved tax refunds over $2,500.
• Noted campaign contributions to Mayor Renard Johnson.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patricia Osman (item 8, consent threshold) opposed raising the threshold to $1.5 million, citing past ethics violations and corruption in city contracts.
• Lisa Turner (item 8) expressed suspicion about the change, arguing it could hide large contracts from public scrutiny.
• Tyler Grossman (Executive Director, El Paso Fire and Police Pension Fund) spoke in support of HB 4591, noting the fund is ranked #2 among billion-dollar funds in Texas and that the bill is permissive, not mandatory.
• Paul Thompson (retired firefighter) supported HB 4591, stating it would not cost the city and that the 2007 bailout was due to past inaction.
• Wesley Lawrence (union member) supported HB 4591, emphasizing the need for fair retirement benefits for first responders.
• Lisa Turner (on HB 4591) opposed the bill, arguing it removes the voters' voice and could lead to budget cuts.
• Richard Amsteter (on items 18/19) questioned the clawback provisions and the city's ability to protect its investment if the land is pledged for loans.
• Patricia Osman (on items 18/19) raised concerns about the non-compete clause and the history of the project.
• Lisa Turner (on items 18/19) questioned the non-compete's impact on future large venues and the accuracy of the market size estimate.
• Melissa Santos (Food City Supermarkets, on item 16) opposed the grocery coupon ordinance, stating it would be impossible to implement due to manufacturer limits and frequent changes.
• Jose Reyes (Food King employee) said employees help customers access digital coupons and that printing coupons could lead to losses.
• Matt Corbin (Director of Marketing, Food King) noted digital coupons have increased redemptions from 200-500 per week to 11,000, and that many customers are helped in-store.
• Lisa Turner (on item 16) supported the ordinance, citing food insecurity and the need to ensure low-income families can access discounts.
• Marisa Nunez (on item 16) urged support for exploring the ordinance.
• Amanda Palacios (on item 16) emphasized that digital coupons can exacerbate food insecurity for seniors and those without digital literacy.
• Various speakers during Call to the Public addressed animal cruelty, homeless encampments, and property damage near Myrtle Street, and religious topics.
• Bruno Vasquez (AIA El Paso, on item 17) supported the Deck Plaza project as a transformative investment.
• Patricia Osman (on item 17) opposed the project, citing safety concerns about a tunnel and the city's high debt burden.
• Matthew Guzman (on item 17) shared a personal story of how downtown improvements have made El Paso more attractive, urging continued investment.

Discussion Items

• Item 8 – Procurement Threshold Increase: The council debated raising the consent agenda threshold for procurement and budget transfers from $500,000 to $1.5 million. City staff presented that 23 items (17% of last year's procurement items) fell between $500,000 and $1.5 million, all of which were approved. The resolution passed 6-2, with Representatives Acevedo and Boyar Trejo voting no. Some members expressed concern about reducing oversight, but others noted the change would improve efficiency and that any member could still pull items for discussion.
• Item 14 – Support for HB 4591 (Fire and Police Pension Fund): Representative Lily Limón moved to support the bill, which would allow the pension board to initiate cost-of-living adjustments and contribution increases without going to voters, though council could still approve or deny. The bill faced strong opposition from several council members and city staff. Staff argued it would remove voter safeguards and could lead to future taxpayer bailouts. The pension fund executive director countered that the fund is healthy and the bill is permissive. After public comment and debate, the motion failed (no official tally, but Mayor stated the motion failed). The council committed to further work sessions with the Financial Oversight Advisory Committee (FOAC) and stakeholders.
• Items 18 & 19 – Notes Live/venue Amendments: The council considered amendments to the Chapter 380 agreement and contract of sale for a 12,500-seat entertainment venue at Cohen Stadium. Key changes included increasing the minimum investment from $80 million to $100 million, expanding the site from 17 to 20 acres, adding a local hire preference (El Paso First), and addressing title issues related to unexploded munitions and antiquities. The non-compete clause (Section 4I2) and first right of refusal (Section 4I3) were debated. An amendment to strike the first right of refusal passed 7-1. An amendment to strike the non-compete clause failed 2-6. The main motion to approve with the first amendment passed 6-2 (Representatives Chavez and Acevedo voting no). The company stated that striking the non-compete would be a deal breaker.
• Item 37 – 2024 Prevailing Wage Rates: The council adopted updated prevailing wage rates for building and heavy/highway construction trades. The rates were developed through a joint survey with the county, using 2022-2023 payroll data. The building rates increased from 40 to 42 classifications, and heavy/highway rates increased from 26 to 40 classifications. The motion passed unanimously.
• Item 16 – Grocery Price Fairness Ordinance: Representative Josh Acevedo proposed directing the city manager and city attorney to draft an ordinance requiring grocery stores that offer digital coupons to also provide identical physical coupons. The proposal cited that 33% of El Paso households earn less than $40,000, 1 in 4 lack internet access, and 39% of seniors over 65 do not own a smartphone. After extensive debate and two amendments (one to change to a presentation, one to define “grocery store”), both amendments failed. The original motion failed 3-5 (Representatives Acevedo, Niño, Canales voting aye; others nay).
• Item 17 – Deck Plaza Update: Staff provided an update on funding strategies for the Deck Plaza project, estimated at $207 million (including amenities). The city’s proposed contribution is $35 million, with $25 million from the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, and potential state and federal funds. The TIRZ #5 board approved a statement supporting the project. No action was taken; the update was informational.
• Other Items: The council approved letters of support for a new USPS facility in Far East El Paso (unanimous), purchased two properties near the convention center for expansion, and authorized a grant application for the Fort Bliss SHIELD study. The first readings of several zoning ordinances were approved.

Key Outcomes

• Item 8 (Procurement Threshold): Passed 6-2. Effective immediately, procurement and budget transfers over $1.5 million must be on the regular agenda.
• Item 14 (HB 4591): Motion to support the bill failed (no formal tally, but motion failed). Council will continue discussions via FOAC.
• Items 18 & 19 (Venue Amendments): Passed 6-2. The first right of refusal was struck; the non-compete clause remains. The company will close on the property by end of April 2025.
• Item 37 (Prevailing Wage Rates): Passed unanimously. New rates effective April 15, 2025, for all future city construction contracts.
• Item 16 (Grocery Coupon Ordinance): Failed 3-5. No further action.
• Items 29-32 (Ambulance Franchise Extensions): Passed unanimously.
• Item 13 (USPS Support Letter): Passed unanimously.
• Items 35 & 36 (Property Purchases): Passed unanimously. The city will acquire 320 W. San Antonio ($2.45 million) and 301 W. Overland ($2.34 million) for convention center expansion.
• Item 38 (Fort Bliss SHIELD Grant): Passed unanimously. The city will apply for a $360,000 federal grant with a $50,000 local match.
• Items 33 & 34 (Zoning Changes): Passed unanimously. 523 Giles Road rezoned to C-1C for an indoor sports facility; property north of Stan Roberts Sr. Ave. rezoned to R-5 for residential development.
• Item 27 (Tierra del Este Trail): Awarded to LDCM Solutions, LLC for $893,623. Passed unanimously.
• Item 28 (Autocar Parts): Sole source contract awarded to TE El Paso, LLC for $1.14 million over three years. Passed unanimously.

Note: The meeting included multiple proclamations for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros, Hiking Safety Week, Riot Ten Week, and Education & Sharing Day.