OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

El Paso City Council Regular Meeting - May 13, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, May 13, 2025
BodyEl Paso, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 13, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:28

Good morning, Mayor.

0:30

Good morning.

0:31

Good morning, El Paso.

0:32

Good morning, City Council.

0:34

Miss Prime, we're ready to go to work.

0:36

Good morning.

0:36

If everyone will please take their seats, the meeting can be get started.

0:45

Good morning.

0:45

This is a meeting of the El Paso City Council for Tuesday, May 13th, 2025.

0:50

Mayor Johnson is present and presiding in Council Chambers along with Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, Representative Acevedo, Representative Maldonado Rocha, Representative Boyatrejo, Representative Nino, Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Fierro, and Representative Limon.

1:05

It is nine oh two AM.

1:06

Will everyone please silence your electronic devices so as not to disturb the meeting and rise for the invocation delivered by El Paza Police Chaplain, Rabbi Levi Greenberg.

1:19

Good morning.

1:22

I brought my own today.

1:24

So I'll start off with an act of charity.

1:31

Sovereign of the world, look favorably upon the mayor and the members of the city council, and all of us gathered here today, and bestow upon us all the joy of life, good health, and prosperity.

1:48

Bless these distinguished individuals who have been chosen to make laws and decisions for the citizens of our city with the wisdom and understanding in their noble pursuit of justice and equality.

2:01

This is not only a civic responsibility, but also a holy endeavor.

2:21

These laws also include the importance of serving God alone, respecting God's name, and the prohibitions against murder, theft, adultery, and cruelty against all living creatures.

2:34

Grant us all the wisdom to appreciate your kindness in gifting us a new day with new opportunities to bring more goodness and kindness to our world.

2:46

After Passover, the festival of redemption, there is a Jewish tradition to count the days until the anniversary of the revelation at Sinai, which occurred seven weeks after the Exodus.

3:00

After the Israelites were granted their freedom, they joyfully counted down the days until they would be told of their responsibilities at Sinai, how they would play an integral part in perfecting our universe together with all that exists.

3:22

Time is our most precious commodity, and it is up to us to make every moment count, to utilize our time to bring healing and joy to others, thereby bringing peace and tranquility to ourselves and the entire world.

4:02

Thank you, Rabbi.

4:03

And this morning to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, we have students from Congressman Silvestre and Carolina Reyes Elementary at the invitation of Mayor Pro Tem Chavez.

4:12

We have Ivana Bong, Giovanna Vong, Malakai Borgas, Luciana Edmunds Torentino, Mayley Smith, Jaden Webster, Ian Rubio, Marlene Lawrence, Jack Young, and Mika Dominguez.

6:50

All right.

6:57

There we go.

7:00

Three.

7:02

And then our partner just take a step back for you a little bit.

7:16

Great.

7:17

And then come a little step over our clear community.

7:25

All right.

7:32

There we go.

7:33

That was great.

7:34

All right.

7:35

Ready?

7:36

One, two, three.

8:29

Congressman Sylvester Reyes and Catalina Reyes Elementary here this morning.

8:34

And also they got a mayor's challenge coin, so they're part of my teams of excellence.

8:39

So uh we want to thank them for coming out.

8:41

That was a real treat.

8:42

Miss Bryan, our proclamations.

8:44

Yes, sir.

8:45

For those of you receiving a proclamation, your group will have up to six minutes collectively to speak at the podium.

8:51

That brings us to the mayor's proclamations.

8:53

The first proclamation this morning is National Police Week.

8:56

Representative Nino.

8:59

Thank you, Mayor.

9:07

So proclamation for the city of El Paso, Texas.

9:10

Whereas since the first recorded death in seventeen eighty-six, more than twenty-three thousand law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and have been killed in the line of duty, including including two thousand one hundred and six from the state of Texas.

9:26

And whereas the names of these dedicated public servants are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial for officers killed in previous years, engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC.

9:40

And whereas by joint resolution approved on October first, nineteen sixty-two, Congress authorized, and President John F.

9:48

Kennedy book proclaimed May 15th of each year, peace officers memorial day.

10:02

And whereas in the city of El Paso, Texas, and every American community, law enforcement officers with the El Paso Police Department are committed to the preservation of life, property, risking their lives to protect us from those who would defy the law, providing law and order and service the cost of justice.

10:21

And whereas the City of El Paso and the state of Texas honor the heroism and the of our law enforcement officers, especially those who have given their lives so that others might live, asking God's blessings for the family and friends they left behind.

10:36

And whereas in the 152 year history of the El Paso Police Department, 35 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty, paying the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the El Paso community.

10:49

And whereas in the city of El Paso, Texas, during police week, the name the nation's flags will be flown at half staff on peace officers memorials day under public law 103-322 as amended.

11:02

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and the council of the city of El Paso, Texas, that the week of May 11 through May 17th, 2025 shall be known as National Police Week, and that May 15th, 2025 shall be known as El Paso Police Officers Memorial Day, signed by the Honorable Mayor Bernard Johnson.

11:24

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement█████████████████████21%
Procedural███████████████████19%
Animal Welfare███████████████15%
Public Comment████████████12%
Tourism Promotion████████████12%
Public Safety████████8%
Youth Programs██2%
Internal Audit██2%
Public Transit██2%
Summary of Proceedings

El Paso City Council Regular Meeting - May 13, 2025

The El Paso City Council convened on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 9:02 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, adoption of new rules of order, a consent agenda, public hearings on zoning and franchise items, and reports on tourism and animal services. Council also approved resolutions for federal grant applications and discretionary fund expenditures. The meeting adjourned at 12:46 PM.

Proclamations

  • National Police Week (May 11-17) and Police Officers Memorial Day (May 15): Recognized the 35 El Paso officers killed in the line of duty. Speakers included Police Chief, funeral committee members, and union president.
  • Coach Tony Harper Day: Honored the legendary basketball coach with 1,159 victories. Former players spoke about his mentorship.
  • International Internal Audit Awareness Month: Recognized the Institute of Internal Auditors El Paso Chapter (150 members, 56 certified internal auditors).
  • Mayor Walter Miller Day: Recognized former Horizon City mayor for his 27 years of service and role in the city's 300% population growth.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (item moved to regular for discussion): The consent agenda was adopted with one item (Item 15 – Security Guard Services contract) moved to the regular agenda at the request of Representative Acevedo.
  • Items included approval of minutes, excuse absences, interlocal agreements (TxDOT police services, UMC mobile stroke unit maintenance), tax waivers, contract termination (Midwest Veterinary Supply), board appointments (Debó Wakefield to Women’s Rights Commission, Gladys Guzman to Americorps Senior Advisory Council), tax refunds, campaign contribution notices, and procurement awards (security services, park restroom cleaning, generator maintenance, animal disinfectant).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Rules of Order (Item 1 / 24): Several speakers opposed moving public comment to 10 AM, arguing it would reduce the impact of testimony. Patricia Osmond cited concerns about limiting citizen rights; Mike Abud urged that comments be heard during items. Amber Perez thanked council for the compromise allowing choice. Lisa Turner warned of Open Meetings Act violations. Carol Cassidy called the proposal a threat to free speech.
  • Call to the Public (non-agenda):
    • Elizabeth Crawford spoke against Planned Parenthood and abortion.
    • Danielle Brissett and Frank Ladios described escalating safety and sanitation issues in the McGoffin Historic District (open drug use, threats, stabbing on April 18). Mr. Ladios offered to donate property at Myrtle and Noble for a police substation.
    • Ron Como criticized the city’s animal shelter policies, referencing a PETA article.
    • Claudia Contreras Siller urged more funding for animal cruelty enforcement and police.
    • Carol Cassidy opposed the city’s debt level and urged fiscal responsibility.
  • Item 40 (I-10 Deck Plaza grant): Bruno Vasquez (AIA El Paso) supported the project and offered pro bono architectural assistance. Eddie Chavez opposed, calling it a "white elephant" like the trolley.

Discussion Items

  • Adoption of Rules of Order (Items 1 & 24): City Attorney Karla Nieman presented revisions to streamline meetings: public comment on consent and regular agenda items moved to 10 AM; call to the public remains at 10 AM with a 60-minute aggregate limit; public hearings retain separate comment periods. After debate, Representative Acevedo successfully amended the rules to give the public a choice between speaking at 10 AM or when the item is heard (vote 5-3, with Chavez, Rocha, Fierro voting no). The main motion as amended passed 7-2-1 (Limón, Acevedo, Trejo, Niño, Canales, Fierro, Chavez in favor; Maldonado-Rocha and Boyar Trejo opposed; one absent). Representative Limón’s separate item (24) was deleted.
  • Contract Award – Security Guard Services (Item 15, moved from consent): Managing Director Ben Fyffe explained the 103.64% increase ($601,336.92) due to additional armed security for festivals and museum exhibitions (e.g., Frida Kahlo exhibition). Approved unanimously.
  • Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Annual Report (Item 27): Representative Canales presented six recommendations: 1) Continue Westside Adoption Center conversion, 2) Expand mobile microchip scanner program, 3) Enhance public education on pet ownership, 4) Develop comprehensive spay/neuter program, 5) Implement structured adoption follow-up (Petzel platform), 6) Strengthen trap-neuter-return for cats. The shelter took in 23,000 animals in 2024; 2,400 are in foster. Committee attendance was 98%.
  • FY25 Tourism Development – Destination El Paso (Item 28): President/CEO Jose Garcia and Brooke Underwood reported $2.3 billion annual economic impact from 3.8 million visitors, 73% hotel occupancy (leading state/national average), and 32,000 hospitality jobs. Highlighted marketing efforts, convention development (finalist for LULAC national convention), film incentives, and El Paso Live facilities (400 events, 400,000 attendance). Received the 2025 Gene Phillips Hospitality Award.

Key Outcomes

  • Rules of Order adopted as amended (effective next meeting). Public may now choose to speak at 10 AM or when the agenda item is discussed.
  • Consent agenda approved (Item 15 moved and passed separately).
  • Discretionary fund items approved:
    • $1,500 for water safety gear (District 5 – Rep. Niño).
    • $1,000 for movies in the park refreshments (District 1 – Rep. Chávez).
    • Acceptance of donations: $2,500 (Schneider Electric), $500 (Rio Vista Behavioral Health), $5,000 (Jobe Materials) for District 1 community cookout.
    • $1,000 each from Districts 3 and 6 for pet pantries and microchip scanners at libraries (Reps. Maldonado-Rocha, Fierro).
  • First reading of ordinances (Items 29-31) approved unanimously (zoning changes and rideshare zone amendments). Public hearings set for May 28.
  • Public hearings and second readings (Items 32-37) approved unanimously:
    • Rezoning 1814 & 1818 Arizona Avenue to Apartment/Office with special permit for 50% parking reduction.
    • Special permit for infill development at 903 Park Street (100% parking reduction).
    • Rezoning 8700 Pell Way to R-4 Residential.
    • Rezoning near Zaragoza and North Loop to C-1 and C-2 Commercial.
    • Granting non-exclusive solid waste franchise to Rio Grande Waste Services.
  • Budget transfer for Fire Station 16 renovations approved.
  • Community Project Funding grant applications authorized:
    • $5 million for Segundo Barrio Safe Streets Project ($4M federal, $1M city match).
    • $5 million for I-10 Deck Plaza Project ($4M federal, $750K city, $250K from Deck Plaza Foundation).
  • Meeting recessed 11:30-11:33 for Mass Transit Department Board meeting.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning, Mayor. Good morning. Good morning, El Paso. Good morning, City Council. Miss Prime, we're ready to go to work. Good morning. If everyone will please take their seats, the meeting can be get started. Good morning. This is a meeting of the El Paso City Council for Tuesday, May 13th, 2025. Mayor Johnson is present and presiding in Council Chambers along with Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, Representative Acevedo, Representative Maldonado Rocha, Representative Boyatrejo, Representative Nino, Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Fierro, and Representative Limon. It is nine oh two AM. Will everyone please silence your electronic devices so as not to disturb the meeting and rise for the invocation delivered by El Paza Police Chaplain, Rabbi Levi Greenberg. Good morning. I brought my own today. So I'll start off with an act of charity. Sovereign of the world, look favorably upon the mayor and the members of the city council, and all of us gathered here today, and bestow upon us all the joy of life, good health, and prosperity. Bless these distinguished individuals who have been chosen to make laws and decisions for the citizens of our city with the wisdom and understanding in their noble pursuit of justice and equality. This is not only a civic responsibility, but also a holy endeavor. These laws also include the importance of serving God alone, respecting God's name, and the prohibitions against murder, theft, adultery, and cruelty against all living creatures. Grant us all the wisdom to appreciate your kindness in gifting us a new day with new opportunities to bring more goodness and kindness to our world. After Passover, the festival of redemption, there is a Jewish tradition to count the days until the anniversary of the revelation at Sinai, which occurred seven weeks after the Exodus. After the Israelites were granted their freedom, they joyfully counted down the days until they would be told of their responsibilities at Sinai, how they would play an integral part in perfecting our universe together with all that exists. Time is our most precious commodity, and it is up to us to make every moment count, to utilize our time to bring healing and joy to others, thereby bringing peace and tranquility to ourselves and the entire world. Thank you, Rabbi. And this morning to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, we have students from Congressman Silvestre and Carolina Reyes Elementary at the invitation of Mayor Pro Tem Chavez. We have Ivana Bong, Giovanna Vong, Malakai Borgas, Luciana Edmunds Torentino, Mayley Smith, Jaden Webster, Ian Rubio, Marlene Lawrence, Jack Young, and Mika Dominguez. All right. There we go. Three. And then our partner just take a step back for you a little bit. Great. And then come a little step over our clear community. All right. There we go. That was great. All right. Ready? One, two, three. Congressman Sylvester Reyes and Catalina Reyes Elementary here this morning. And also they got a mayor's challenge coin, so they're part of my teams of excellence. So uh we want to thank them for coming out. That was a real treat. Miss Bryan, our proclamations. Yes, sir. For those of you receiving a proclamation, your group will have up to six minutes collectively to speak at the podium. That brings us to the mayor's proclamations. The first proclamation this morning is National Police Week. Representative Nino. Thank you, Mayor. So proclamation for the city of El Paso, Texas.

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