El Paso City Council Regular Meeting - September 30, 2025

The El Paso City Council held a regular meeting on September 30, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:47 PM, with a lunch break from 12:30 PM to 1:31 PM. The meeting included proclamations, consent agenda approvals, multiple zoning public hearings, and extensive discussion on consulting contracts and updates to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) evaluation procedures.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 22 items unanimously as revised, including: approval of minutes (Sept. 15 & 16, 2025), resolutions for consulting services (Items 3 and 4 were pulled to regular agenda), assignment of Crosswinds Entertainment District ground lease, solid waste and demolition liens, reactivation of Youth Advisory Board and Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, broadband poles on Mesa St. (Item 10 pulled), Brown St. Shared Use Path agreement, pet pantry storage license (Item 12 pulled), board appointments and re-appointments, notice of campaign contributions, disaster housing consultant award (H2O Partners, $360,635), roadside tire service bid (Industrial Tire Co., $142,500 total), and deletion of Item 39 (General Aviation Ramp Rehabilitation) per Purchasing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Ballard (item 28) deferred time to later presentation.
• Michael Clark opposed Items 29 and 31 (parking reductions at 1514 Montana Ave. and 809 N. Eucalyptus St.), arguing drastic parking cuts would burden neighborhoods and that Plan El Paso does not justify eliminating parking on car-dependent corridors.
• Call to the Public (14 speakers):
  • Elizabeth Crawford urged opposition to abortion, referencing 40 Days for Life campaign.
  • Nathan Coleman requested more transparency and accountability for Sun Metro paratransit services.
  • Marcy Chavez complained about smart meters and utility billing, demanding audits.
  • Claudia Contreras Siller alleged deceptive trade practices by a mechanic; presented evidence.
  • Ron Como criticized animal services, urging a charter change to fix stray dog problems.
  • Karen Washington presented an emaciated Chihuahua (Chico) from a home previously visited by animal control; questioned lack of cruelty charges.
  • Darlene Rincon cited recent dog attacks and poor response from animal services; called for citizen oversight.
  • Barbara Valencia detailed failed foster care system at Animal Services, with animals unaltered for years, leading to breeding; accused the city of being backyard breeders.
  • Wanda Helgeson (BorderRAC) requested rescission of ground lease termination at the airport, citing lack of communication and predetermined outcome.
  • Zion Zayt (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) supported Helgeson, noting the hangar's life-saving role in disasters and COVID-19 response.
  • Gaetano Tancredi asked for a taxi sign at a downtown location to deter illegal parking.
  • Maya Resurrection called for greater autism understanding and safety after a recent tragedy.
  • Michael Clark (second appearance) urged transparency on filling the vacant Veterans and Military Affairs Officer position.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 (Pettit & Ayala Consulting): Resolution for up to $220,000 over 2+2 years for TIRZ/PID consulting, sole source. Approved unanimously.
• Item 4 (DT Consulting LLC): Resolution for up to $250,000 over 2+2 years for economic development consulting (retainer at $150/hour). Debate over process and value; originally passed 6-2 (Acevedo, Niño opposed). Later, Rep. Chavez moved to reconsider, citing messiness; on reconsideration passed 5-3 (Chavez, Acevedo, Niño opposed). Staff committed to updating the employee's photo on the city website.
• Item 10 (Broadband Poles on Mesa St.): Resolution to install permanent Wi-Fi poles at San Jacinto Plaza using ARPA funds. Approved unanimously.
• Item 12 (Pet Pantry Storage): License agreement for 3,000 sq. ft. in former El Paso Times building for Borderland Rescue Fund pet food storage (100,000 lbs distributed in under 3 months). Approved unanimously.
• Items 24-34 (Zoning & Special Permits): All approved without dissent. Notable: Item 29 (70% parking reduction at 1514 Montana Ave.) and Item 31 (100% parking reduction at 809 N. Eucalyptus St.) both approved after presentations showing available on-street parking and neighborhood support.
• Item 35 (Museum of History Exhibit): $2,000 from District 8 discretionary funds for “Mountain of Gold” exhibit. Approved unanimously.
• Item 36 (Urban Waters Partnership): Directed City Manager to appoint a member to the Steering Committee. Passed 7-1 (Fierro opposed).
• Items 37 & 38 (Toll System Maintenance & Upgrade): Sole source contracts with The Revenue Markets, Inc. – maintenance $250,000 (1 year) and system upgrade $6,177,406.32 (3 years). Approved unanimously.
• Item 40 (Street Resurfacing Change Order): $1,559,200 increase to International Eagle Enterprises for Lomaland segment under 2022 Community Progress Bond. Approved unanimously.
• Item 41 (Fire Station 8 Renovation): Budget transfer for renovation; fire station not closing. Approved unanimously.
• Item 42 (LIHTC Evaluation Procedures): Extensive debate on amendments. Rep. Chavez added 5 bonus points for local presence (passed 7-1). Rep. Canales proposed an amendment to allow exclusive consideration of city-owned property for one location per year, which failed on a 4-4 tie (Mayor breaking tie with no). Rep. Fierro then moved to postpone to a special meeting to allow more briefing; amended to set special meeting on October 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM. Postponement as amended passed 5-4.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: All consent agenda items as revised; Items 3, 10, 12, 24-35, 37-38, 40-41; Item 4 after reconsideration; Item 42 (LIHTC) as amended by Rep. Chavez (local presence points).
• Failed: Amendment to allow city-owned property priority for LIHTC (Item 42).
• Postponed: Item 42 (LIHTC evaluation procedures) to October 6, 2025 special meeting at 9:00 AM.
• Directives: City Manager to appoint Urban Waters Steering Committee member; staff to update website for former employee photo; LIHTC policy review scheduled for special meeting.
• Votes: Notable split votes on Item 4 (5-3 final), Item 36 (7-1), and LIHTC amendment (7-1 for local points; 4-4 on city property priority).