OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

El Paso City Council Regular Meeting – September 3, 2025

City Council — Wednesday, September 3, 2025
BodyEl Paso, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, September 3, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 6:01:37

Transcript — Verbatim
0:21

Well, good morning, everyone, and welcome to City Council Chambers.

0:25

We're going to get started.

0:27

Miss Prime.

0:28

Good morning, Mayor, and good morning, everyone.

0:31

Welcome to the presentation of the mayor's proclamations.

0:34

We begin this morning with a pledge of allegiance.

0:37

And to lead us this morning, we have students from Canutio High School and Northwest Early College High School at the invitation of Mayor Pro Tem Alejandra Chavez.

0:46

This morning we have Mason Gossett, Elias Ocon, Mia Valle, Moises Aguirre, Lee Nazam, and Bianca Macias.

3:48

Okay, Miss Prime, we're ready for the first proclamation.

3:51

Yes, sir.

3:52

That brings us to the mayor's proclamations.

3:53

For those of you receiving a proclamation this morning, your group will have up to six minutes collectively to come up to the podium and receive your proclamation.

4:02

The first proclamation is one hundredth anniversary of Cathedral High School.

4:18

Thank you, Mayor, for the opportunity to do this proclamation.

4:22

It's always an honor to work with schools in our city, especially exceptional schools like Cathedral High School is.

4:30

And it's always nice to see our friend Spanky, principal, former assistant principal at Eastwood High School, trained very, very well.

4:39

And our friend Irene Pistela over here and sees four outstanding young men.

4:45

The proclamation reads as follows.

4:57

Established by the Christian Brothers.

5:00

And whereas Cathedral first shared facilities with the El Paso Community Center until 1940, when the high school assumed the entire building.

5:10

It's home to this day.

5:12

And whereas Cathedral opened in 1925 with 45 students and celebrated its first graduating class in 1927 with seven young men.

5:24

Since then, Cathedral has graduated more than 8,700 students who have gone on to serve their community with distinction.

5:34

And whereas Cathedral is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of El Paso and remains the only private boys' preparatory school in this binational region, conducted in the Lesalian tradition.

5:49

Whereas a La Salian education seeks to enrich each student's cultural, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual development, preparing them for leadership and service.

6:01

Whereas Cathedral was among the first schools in El Paso and in Texas to offer early admissions dual credit college courses through the El Paso Community College, and continues to lead the way in producing Gates Millennium Scholars and other distinguished graduates.

6:20

And whereas from its humble beginnings in 1925, Cathedral High School now enters its second century with the same enduring mission to help young men become the best version of themselves.

6:34

And whereas recognize and come in Cathedral High School on its 100 years of excellence, faith and brother brotherhood, and honor its lasting contributions to the people of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez.

6:49

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso that September 3, 2025, shall be known as Cathedral High School 100th anniversary, signed by the Honorable Mayor Bernard Johnson.

7:10

Good morning.

7:11

Good morning, sir.

7:12

Thank you.

7:13

Thank you, Lily, for those kind words.

7:15

Good morning, Mayor Johnson and members of the City Council.

7:19

On behalf of Cathedral High School, we'd like to thank you for this very special honor.

7:23

It was back on September 8th, 1925, that Cathedral opened its doors to the El Paso community by the Christian brothers and the Catholic diocese.

7:32

Our first graduating class graduated seven students in 1927.

7:37

Since that time, we have proudly graduated 8,730 students.

7:43

These graduates have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, judges, educators, businessmen, as well as many other successful careers.

7:54

What truly sets Cathedral apart is a profound sense of brotherhood that defines our community.

8:00

Our young men grow together, not just academically, but personally and spiritually.

8:06

At Cathedral High School, students just don't receive an education.

8:10

They become part of a lifelong family.

8:13

It's a place to thrive, to lead, and most importantly, a place to grow.

8:21

Cathedral continues to mold young men to be the best versions of themselves.

8:25

They enter the lure and they leave to serve.

8:28

This year, Cathedral continue to celebrate the many traditions that define our campus.

8:33

Next week we have the homecoming celebration week with the lighting ceremony and the burning of the sea.

8:39

We will honor our golden grads, our 50-year honors, class of 1975, the Damalada, which is a dinner dance, a dinner celebration given by our alumni.

8:50

The Cathedral Bazaar on October 10th, 11th, and 12th.

8:53

Our annual Irish run will be done in March with a culmination in the 100-year gala on January 24, 2026 at the Starlight Ballroom.

9:02

At this time, I'd like to I'd like uh my four young men to introduce themselves.

9:10

Hello, my name is Jackson Ivey.

9:11

I'm a senior at Cathedral.

9:15

Good morning.

9:16

My name is Anteo Ceballos.

9:17

I'm also a senior.

9:18

Good morning.

9:20

Good morning.

9:21

My name is O'Cornel Soto, and I'm a junior.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing████████████12%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Procedural██████████10%
Zoning and Land Use█████████9%
Animal Welfare██████6%
Fiscal Sustainability██████6%
Economic Development█████5%
Public Health████4%
International Bridges████4%
Summary of Proceedings

El Paso City Council Regular Meeting – September 3, 2025

The El Paso City Council met on September 3, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, consent agenda, first readings of ordinances, public hearings, and several regular agenda items. The council approved the consent agenda as revised, unanimously passed most items, and engaged in extensive debate on housing anti-displacement strategies, a memorandum of understanding with Sunland Park, and budget transfers.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved as revised (unanimous): Items 1–15, including approval of minutes, resolutions for airport agreements, interlocal agreements, and board appointments. Items 42 and 43 were moved to the forefront of the regular agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Item 36 (Anti-Displacement): Several speakers from Comité de Familias Unidas de Chamisal (Brittany Medei, Semeli Diazlan, Raymond Suriya) expressed urgent need for anti-displacement protections, citing 93% renter population in Chamisal, rising rents, and lack of community input. They requested that the community lead the planning process. One speaker opposed studying the item, suggesting cap on spending.
  • Item 42 (MOU with Sunland Park): Marco Grajeda (Deputy City Manager, Sunland Park) and Alberto Jaramillo (Councilor, Sunland Park) spoke in support, emphasizing regional collaboration. Richard Dayoub (lobbyist) supported but urged equity and transportation improvements. Susan Martinez (Aquita Neighborhood Association) raised concerns about Frontier Road project and requested details.
  • Item 43 (Budget Transfers): George Savala (House of Vision) requested clarification that ADA on-demand funds remain standalone. Several speakers (Elizabeth Crawford, Claudia Contreras Siller, Ron Como, Chris Veles, Barbara Valencia, Marisol Sanchez, Darlene Rincon) addressed animal services issues, criticizing management, live release rate metrics, and lack of spay/neuter programs. Sylvia Tombowski and Gus Rhodes reported fraudulent contractor experiences. Patricia Osman criticized data centers and transparency.
  • Item 27 (Lincoln Park Ordinance): Hector Gonzalez (lowrider event organizer) objected to newly added proof of insurance requirement for each vehicle, calling it unnecessary and potentially discriminatory.

Discussion Items

  • Item 27 (First Reading – Lincoln Park Ordinance): Discussed amendment to allow vehicles at Lincoln Park for cultural events. City Attorney clarified insurance clause protects park turf. Council agreed to work with stakeholders before second reading.
  • Items 28–33 (Public Hearings – Zoning and Special Permits):
    • Item 28: Rezone from R-F to G-MU (north of Talbot Ave) – approved unanimously.
    • Items 29 & 30: Rezone to C-2 and special permit for ballroom at 3101 N. Lee Trevino – approved unanimously.
    • Item 31: Rezone to C-3 for auto sales at 3113 N. Lee Trevino – approved 6-2 (Fierro, Limon nay) despite staff recommendation of denial; council noted illegal operation but accepted CPC recommendation.
    • Item 32: Special permit for planned residential development at 7233-7235 Dale Road – approved unanimously.
    • Item 33: Rezone from R-3 to PR-II and C-1 (North of Montoya Ln) – approved unanimously.
  • Items 34 & 35 (Repealing Ordinances): Repealed ordinances creating AmeriCorps Seniors Advisory Council and Greater El Paso Civic Convention and Tourism Advisory Board – approved unanimously.
  • Item 36 (Anti-Displacement Strategies): Introduced by Rep. Canales. Council debated scope, cost, and history of discrimination. Amendment by Rep. Maldonado-Rocha to create an anti-displacement task force with broad stakeholder representation and district community meetings – passed 7-2 (Chavez nay). Main motion then passed unanimously.
  • Item 37 (NALEO Sponsorship): Rep. Fierro moved to use $5,000 District 6 discretionary funds for sponsorship of NALEO training event in El Paso – approved unanimously.
  • Item 38 (Short-Term Rental Report): Rep. Maldonado-Rocha motion to direct staff to report within 60 days on safety issues and state of short-term rentals, in coordination with Short-Term Rental Alliance – approved unanimously.
  • Item 39 (Contractor Feedback Meeting): Reps. Maldonado-Rocha and Chavez motion to host open meeting with local contractors within 60 days to improve procurement processes. Amendment to coordinate with stakeholders and hold follow-up meetings – approved unanimously.
  • Item 40 (Flight Software Procurement): Non-competitive procurement for OAG Aviation software, 3-year term $145,646.62 – approved unanimously.
  • Item 41 (Economic Development Agreement – Ferveret Inc.): $875,634.84 TED Fund incentive for immersion cooling tech company, requiring 30 jobs – approved 6-0-1 (Limon abstained, Nino absent).
  • Item 42 (MOU with Sunland Park): Approved unanimously, historic agreement to coordinate development within 1,000 feet of state line.
  • Item 43 (FY 2025 Year-End Budget Transfers): Approved as amended. Council voted 5-3 to delete transfer of $3.6 million unspent bond proceeds to debt service (amendment by Rep. Boyar Trejo) to allow further review and potential use for Veterans Pool project. Remaining transfers (investment interest for ballpark, animal services, economic development, IT, facility repairs; ADA on-demand consolidation) approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda approved as revised (unanimous).
  • Items 28-33 all approved; Item 31 approved 6-2.
  • Items 34-35 approved unanimously.
  • Item 36 approved unanimously after amendment.
  • Items 37-40 approved unanimously.
  • Item 41 approved 6-0-1.
  • Item 42 approved unanimously.
  • Item 43 approved as amended (amendment passed 5-3; main motion passed unanimously).

Meeting adjourned at 3:56 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Well, good morning, everyone, and welcome to City Council Chambers. We're going to get started. Miss Prime. Good morning, Mayor, and good morning, everyone. Welcome to the presentation of the mayor's proclamations. We begin this morning with a pledge of allegiance. And to lead us this morning, we have students from Canutio High School and Northwest Early College High School at the invitation of Mayor Pro Tem Alejandra Chavez. This morning we have Mason Gossett, Elias Ocon, Mia Valle, Moises Aguirre, Lee Nazam, and Bianca Macias. Okay, Miss Prime, we're ready for the first proclamation. Yes, sir. That brings us to the mayor's proclamations. For those of you receiving a proclamation this morning, your group will have up to six minutes collectively to come up to the podium and receive your proclamation. The first proclamation is one hundredth anniversary of Cathedral High School. Thank you, Mayor, for the opportunity to do this proclamation. It's always an honor to work with schools in our city, especially exceptional schools like Cathedral High School is. And it's always nice to see our friend Spanky, principal, former assistant principal at Eastwood High School, trained very, very well. And our friend Irene Pistela over here and sees four outstanding young men. The proclamation reads as follows. Established by the Christian Brothers. And whereas Cathedral first shared facilities with the El Paso Community Center until 1940, when the high school assumed the entire building. It's home to this day. And whereas Cathedral opened in 1925 with 45 students and celebrated its first graduating class in 1927 with seven young men. Since then, Cathedral has graduated more than 8,700 students who have gone on to serve their community with distinction. And whereas Cathedral is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of El Paso and remains the only private boys' preparatory school in this binational region, conducted in the Lesalian tradition. Whereas a La Salian education seeks to enrich each student's cultural, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual development, preparing them for leadership and service. Whereas Cathedral was among the first schools in El Paso and in Texas to offer early admissions dual credit college courses through the El Paso Community College, and continues to lead the way in producing Gates Millennium Scholars and other distinguished graduates. And whereas from its humble beginnings in 1925, Cathedral High School now enters its second century with the same enduring mission to help young men become the best version of themselves. And whereas recognize and come in Cathedral High School on its 100 years of excellence, faith and brother brotherhood, and honor its lasting contributions to the people of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso that September 3, 2025, shall be known as Cathedral High School 100th anniversary, signed by the Honorable Mayor Bernard Johnson. Good morning. Good morning, sir. Thank you. Thank you, Lily, for those kind words. Good morning, Mayor Johnson and members of the City Council. On behalf of Cathedral High School, we'd like to thank you for this very special honor. It was back on September 8th, 1925, that Cathedral opened its doors to the El Paso community by the Christian brothers and the Catholic diocese. Our first graduating class graduated seven students in 1927. Since that time, we have proudly graduated 8,730 students. These graduates have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, judges, educators, businessmen, as well as many other successful careers. What truly sets Cathedral apart is a profound sense of brotherhood that defines our community. Our young men grow together, not just academically, but personally and spiritually. At Cathedral High School, students just don't receive an education. They become part of a lifelong family. It's a place to thrive, to lead, and most importantly, a place to grow. Cathedral continues to mold young men to be the best versions of themselves. They enter the lure and they leave to serve. This year, Cathedral continue to celebrate the many traditions that define our campus. Next week we have the homecoming celebration week with the lighting ceremony and the burning of the sea. We will honor our golden grads, our 50-year honors, class of 1975, the Damalada, which is a dinner dance, a dinner celebration given by our alumni. The Cathedral Bazaar on October 10th, 11th, and 12th.

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