OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

El Paso City Council Meeting Summary (November 4, 2025)

City Council — Tuesday, November 4, 2025
BodyEl Paso, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, November 4, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:42:10

Transcript — Verbatim
2:33

Miss Bryan?

2:34

That brings us to the first pro proclamation, and it is Texas Space Coalition, Space Day El Paso.

2:41

Okay.

2:44

Representative Nino, you're gonna handle this one, but we'll let them get a chance to come up, right?

2:49

And for those of you receiving a proclamation this morning, a group will have up to four minutes collectively to speak at the podium.

2:58

Perfect timing.

3:01

Welcome to City Hall.

3:04

Okay.

3:04

Thank you all.

3:05

And uh thank you for your time and attention.

3:07

Uh Tech Space Coalition is uh immensely interesting.

3:10

He's gonna read you a quick proclamation.

3:12

Yeah.

3:12

Thank you.

3:13

Thank you.

3:13

Thank you for being here.

3:14

So proclamation for the city of El Paso, Texas, whereas the Texas Space Coalition is hosting Space Tech El Paso Step 2025, November 4th and through the fifth, that the UTEP Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center and the O Paso Community Foundation Foundation Room.

3:33

And we're a Space Tech El Paso twenty twenty-five, a premier space event in the Southwest brings together space leaders from academia, industry, and government to drive innovation, create connections, and highlight the abundant and talented El Paso workforce, pro-business environment, outstanding quality of life, and a wild wide open West Texas skies.

3:56

And whereas Texas Space Space Coalition as a nonprofit neutral integrator is building a space focused ecosystem to launch research and ignite workforce and economic development for the betterment of El Paso and the region.

5:00

We have companies as far as Houston up from Colorado uh from Albuquerque coming in uh for a conference.

5:04

We've got university uh representation from Houston, Alpine, Dallas, uh Albuquerque, uh Los Cruces and Las Cruces, and uh and of course here in El Paso.

5:18

And uh we're just really excited to uh show off this uh beautiful city in the in the beautiful region.

5:23

Very good.

5:24

And when does the uh the event start?

5:27

All right, this evening uh hosted at uh UTEP's advanced manufacturing and aerospace center from six to eight will have a welcome reception where we get to show off this crown jewel of uh state investment for uh the region, the uh 29 labs and ninety-three thousand square feet, uh some really amazing students are gonna give tours and uh show off what they're up to.

5:48

And then on Wednesday the fifth, from uh uh we'll open up for some some coffee and social and network at uh 730 at the El Paso Community Foundation, and then a full day of uh keynote speakers, uh panels, and uh social uh networking in order to uh create connection for the El Paso community.

6:08

Great, and and can you tell us a little bit more about the space coalition about incubating startups and all the things that you guys are are doing for Texas and space?

6:17

Excellent.

6:18

Well, we are uh we are honored to be a partner with the city as an entrepreneur serving organization under the Boss program.

6:24

Uh, we had our first opportunity to brief uh federal grants through the small business innovation research grants with uh Pioneers 21, one of our partners.

6:33

And uh we're looking for more opportunities like that.

6:36

As we're bringing uh companies in, uh a couple more today are making, or one in particular today is making a decision about uh moving uh an office from Colorado to uh we hope El Paso El Paso.

6:48

Yeah.

6:48

Uh it's it's leading right now, and we're excited about that.

6:51

And um we're uh we look to offer those services to both introduce uh local companies to the space industry and the space industry to all that El Paso has to offer.

7:03

Yeah, well, I I you know I'm very appreciative of the great work you guys are doing.

7:07

And as you know, I I often talk about that, you know, if you're gonna go to space, you have to come through El Paso because we have SpaceX and we have Blue Origins to our to our east there.

7:17

So go into space, you have to come through here.

7:19

So I think uh this is just the beginning of some really good times for you guys.

7:23

Mayor Johnson, thank you so much for your support, and it wouldn't happen without the great support from civic leaders like yourself and the rest of the city.

7:30

Your economic development team has been spectacular.

7:32

Thank you.

7:33

Well, you're very welcome and congratulations.

7:35

Thank you.

8:27

Uh Senator doesn't want to pass that.

9:41

And the next proclamation is Radford School's one hundred and fifteenth anniversary.

9:48

Representative.

9:50

Thank you, Mayor.

9:51

I'm really excited to read this proclamation and to see some great friends in the audience for this.

10:01

So I'll read the proclamation and then you could speak, Mr.

10:04

Castrita.

10:06

Proclamation Cigar Paso, whereas the proud members of the Radford School community gathered to celebrate the 115th anniversary of this treasured El Paso institution, whose legacy has shaped generations of leaders, scholars, and citizens.

10:20

And whereas founded in 1910 as the El Paso School for Girls, Radford stands as the oldest private school in El Paso.

10:27

From its earliest days, it welcomed the daughters of American ranchers as well as young women from Mexico, whose families sought refuge from the turbulence of the Mexican Revolution and entrusted Radford with their education and future.

10:39

And whereas the school's first home, two modest residences along the Rio Grande gave way in January 1918 to a striking new building in the Austin Terrace neighborhood.

10:50

Designed in the elegant Spanish Renaissance style, the three-story structure featured a graceful central patio, reading and reception rooms, dining halls, student and faculty quarters, and a soaring living room crowned by a circular window overlooking the city and the Franklin Mountains.

11:06

Above its arched entrance, the school's enduring Latin motto, disco o servum, I learned that I may serve was proudly inscribed, a guiding principle that continues to inspire Radford students.

11:18

And whereas renamed the Radford School for Girls in 1931, the campus flourished through successive expansions in 1937 and 1956.

11:27

With the momentous transition to coeducation in 1976, Radford broadened its mission and became one of the premier independent college preparatory schools in the Southwest, serving a diverse student body and instilling a spirit of service, excellence, and resilience.

11:41

And whereas the historic old residence now, Roderick Hall enders as both the cornerstone of campus life and a living testament to Radford's rich heritage, symbolizing more than a century of perseverance, growth, and community impact.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development█████████████13%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Veterans Affairs█████████9%
Homelessness█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Public Safety██████6%
Workforce Development██████6%
Education█████5%
Procurement Processes█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

El Paso City Council Meeting Summary (November 4, 2025)

The El Paso City Council convened on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to review seven proclamations recognizing local organizations and milestones, address public comments on municipal services and civil rights, and deliberate on a series of agenda items including zoning changes, procurement reviews, workforce development initiatives, and significant property acquisitions. The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of resolutions to pursue a major state grant for homelessness services and to authorize the purchase of three properties for convention center expansion.

Consent Calendar

  • The Council approved the entire consent agenda unanimously without modification. This included routine administrative items such as the acceptance of the proclamation for the Texas Space Coalition's "Space Day El Paso 2025" and the 115th anniversary of Radford School.
  • Proclamations were also issued for: the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee's 10th anniversary, Epilepsy Awareness Month for November 2025, and El Paso Veterans Small Business Week (November 3-7, 2025).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Abortion Rights: Elizabeth Crawford expressed support for the anti-abortion stance of a terminally ill teenager, Jeremiah, urging leaders to prioritize eternal values over temporal concerns.
  • Animal Services:
    • Ron Como expressed full opposition to current "no-kill" programs led by Best Friends and Austin Pets Alive, advocating for a return to the 2015 no-kill plan and stricter enforcement of stray dog definitions under Texas Health and Safety Code.
    • Barbara Valencia expressed strong opposition to the current ASAC committee, accusing leadership of accepting bribes from Best Friends and failing to advocate for strays who suffer on the streets.
  • Airport Land Use: Wanda Helgeson expressed concern and opposition regarding the City's termination of a ground lease for a hangar used by Border Rack, stating the termination was improper and ignored the organization's good-faith efforts to cure defaults.
  • Neighborhood Associations: Patricia Osman expressed opposition to current city policies regarding neighborhood associations, arguing they strip tax-paying citizens of their First Amendment rights and allow for the rubber-stamping of contracts and zoning changes without proper public notification.
  • Water Quality: Eduardo Chavez expressed the position that alkaline water is beneficial for hair growth and health, sharing anecdotal evidence from personal experience and friends, though he noted the information was provided as a public announcement rather than a sales pitch.

Discussion Items

  • Zoning Proposals (Items 8 & 9):
    • Item 8: Staff recommended approving a rezoning from General Mixed Use (GMU) to Neighborhood Commercial (C1) for property south of Ardcraft. Positions: Council supported the move, provided conditions to ensure connectivity and limit consolidated bars.
    • Item 9: Staff recommended approving a rezoning from Single Family Residential (R4) to Apartment (A2) for property at 4806 Atlas Avenue. Positions: Council supported the multifamily development to align with the post-war land use map, subject to site plan reviews.
  • Weed Abatement Lien Process (Item 10):
    • Proposal: A motion to direct the City Manager to review the solid waste lien process to ensure ample notice for property owners was amended to remove language about extending the time period.
    • Positions: Representative Rocha expressed the position that the current process provides ample time (average 586 days) and that resources should be focused on streamlining documentation rather than adding delays. Representative Limon and others expressed concern about notification gaps for uncontactable owners, but agreed that the review should focus on improving transparency and documentation of outreach efforts rather than altering statutory timeframes.
  • Purchasing Department Review (Item 11):
    • Proposal: Council voted to hire a consultant to assess the Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing Department for best practices and compliance.
    • Positions: Council unanimously supported the initiative. An amendment was approved by the Council expressing a position that the consultant must incorporate feedback from recent community forums (Construction and Professional Services). Public commenters expressed mixed views: Patricia Osman expressed opposition to the process if it does not address alleged internal ethical violations and kickbacks within the department, while contractors Angelica Rosales and Joe Rosales expressed full support, viewing the review as long overdue and necessary for transparency.
  • Workforce Training (Item 12):
    • Proposal: Council directed staff to mobilize partners to develop an Advanced Skills Development Center in the Northeast, aligned with incoming Meta data centers.
    • Positions: Representatives supported the initiative to address skills gaps in the Northeast. Representative Pierre briefly expressed a position favoring immediate partnership with existing entities (Workforce Solutions, Western Tech) over establishing a new physical center, but withdrew the motion after clarification that the item was a process to identify funding and partners, not a commitment to a new facility.
  • Veteran Entrepreneur Program (Item 13):
    • Proposal: Council directed staff to establish community partnerships for a veteran entrepreneurship training and mentoring program.
    • Positions: Council unanimously supported the initiative to consolidate existing resources into a holistic "one-stop-shop" model for veterans, leveraging partners like Pioneers 21.
  • Convention Center Expansion (Items 15, 16, 17):
    • Proposal: Authorization to purchase three properties from Links Industries Limited totaling just over $3.1 million, funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds.
    • Positions: The Council expressed a position that the expansion is critical for economic competitiveness against other Texas cities. Representative Limon expressed strong concern and financial opposition regarding the high cost of one specific apartment building (Lot B) compared to the parking lot (Lot C), feeling the taxpayer is being exploited, but voted in support after clarification that the property owner made improvements and the cost was appraised. Representative Nino and Canales supported the use of HOT funds for tourism infrastructure.
  • Homelessness Grant (Item 18):
    • Proposal: Authorization to submit an application for a $15 million state HCC grant to fund the "El Paso Helps" collaborative, requiring a $500,000 cash match from the City.
    • Positions: Council members expressed full support, viewing the investment as a high-value lever to secure $30 million total in resources for the homeless population. Representative Limon specifically praised the rapid turnaround and the strategic pivot from fighting the federal government to securing state support.

Key Outcomes

  • Zoning: Adopted ordinances to rezone property at 5200 S. Park Ave (south of Ardcraft) to C1 and 4806 Atlas Ave to A2, both unanimously.
  • Procurement Audit: Approved the solicitation for a consultant to review the Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing Department, including an amendment to mandate community feedback integration.
  • Workforce Development: Directed the City Manager to appoint a staff member to develop a Northeast Advanced Skills Development Center, approved 7-1.
  • Veteran Support: Directed staff to establish a veteran entrepreneurship program through community partnerships, approved unanimously.
  • Property Acquisition: Approved resolutions to purchase 311 West Overland, 315 West Overland, and 0.2107 acres on West San Antonio Avenue from Links Industries using Hotel Occupancy Tax funds, approved 6-1 (Representative Limon voted nay).
  • Homelessness Grant: Authorized the submission of the application for the $15 million Healthy Community Collaborative grant to support the El Paso Helps project, approved unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

Miss Bryan? That brings us to the first pro proclamation, and it is Texas Space Coalition, Space Day El Paso. Okay. Representative Nino, you're gonna handle this one, but we'll let them get a chance to come up, right? And for those of you receiving a proclamation this morning, a group will have up to four minutes collectively to speak at the podium. Perfect timing. Welcome to City Hall. Okay. Thank you all. And uh thank you for your time and attention. Uh Tech Space Coalition is uh immensely interesting. He's gonna read you a quick proclamation. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being here. So proclamation for the city of El Paso, Texas, whereas the Texas Space Coalition is hosting Space Tech El Paso Step 2025, November 4th and through the fifth, that the UTEP Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center and the O Paso Community Foundation Foundation Room. And we're a Space Tech El Paso twenty twenty-five, a premier space event in the Southwest brings together space leaders from academia, industry, and government to drive innovation, create connections, and highlight the abundant and talented El Paso workforce, pro-business environment, outstanding quality of life, and a wild wide open West Texas skies. And whereas Texas Space Space Coalition as a nonprofit neutral integrator is building a space focused ecosystem to launch research and ignite workforce and economic development for the betterment of El Paso and the region. We have companies as far as Houston up from Colorado uh from Albuquerque coming in uh for a conference. We've got university uh representation from Houston, Alpine, Dallas, uh Albuquerque, uh Los Cruces and Las Cruces, and uh and of course here in El Paso. And uh we're just really excited to uh show off this uh beautiful city in the in the beautiful region. Very good. And when does the uh the event start? All right, this evening uh hosted at uh UTEP's advanced manufacturing and aerospace center from six to eight will have a welcome reception where we get to show off this crown jewel of uh state investment for uh the region, the uh 29 labs and ninety-three thousand square feet, uh some really amazing students are gonna give tours and uh show off what they're up to. And then on Wednesday the fifth, from uh uh we'll open up for some some coffee and social and network at uh 730 at the El Paso Community Foundation, and then a full day of uh keynote speakers, uh panels, and uh social uh networking in order to uh create connection for the El Paso community. Great, and and can you tell us a little bit more about the space coalition about incubating startups and all the things that you guys are are doing for Texas and space? Excellent. Well, we are uh we are honored to be a partner with the city as an entrepreneur serving organization under the Boss program. Uh, we had our first opportunity to brief uh federal grants through the small business innovation research grants with uh Pioneers 21, one of our partners. And uh we're looking for more opportunities like that. As we're bringing uh companies in, uh a couple more today are making, or one in particular today is making a decision about uh moving uh an office from Colorado to uh we hope El Paso El Paso. Yeah. Uh it's it's leading right now, and we're excited about that. And um we're uh we look to offer those services to both introduce uh local companies to the space industry and the space industry to all that El Paso has to offer. Yeah, well, I I you know I'm very appreciative of the great work you guys are doing. And as you know, I I often talk about that, you know, if you're gonna go to space, you have to come through El Paso because we have SpaceX and we have Blue Origins to our to our east there. So go into space, you have to come through here. So I think uh this is just the beginning of some really good times for you guys. Mayor Johnson, thank you so much for your support, and it wouldn't happen without the great support from civic leaders like yourself and the rest of the city. Your economic development team has been spectacular. Thank you. Well, you're very welcome and congratulations. Thank you. Uh Senator doesn't want to pass that. And the next proclamation is Radford School's one hundred and fifteenth anniversary. Representative. Thank you, Mayor. I'm really excited to read this proclamation and to see some great friends in the audience for this. So I'll read the proclamation and then you could speak, Mr.

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