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

Ms.

Pryne, I think we're ready to go.

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, we have the Young Women's Leadership Academy at the invitation of City Representative Lily Limon.

And the Academy was ranked number one high school in El Paso by U.S.

News and World News, and ranked number 40 in the state of Texas.

This morning joining us, we have Ella Mendoza, Eloise Blanco, Jailin Sierra, Gibrana Marine, Mikhaila Olivas, and Yanitza Contreras.

Great, awesome.

All right.

And thank you, Principal Melinda Villalobos, on bringing your students this morning in on the distinguishments.

We continue with the mayor's proclamations.

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

The first one is Fort Bliss Boss Day.

Representative Chavez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Good morning.

Welcome to City Hall.

If you want to uh stand at the podium, I'll go ahead and read the proclamation and then we'll be able to hear from you.

You can all come to the front if you'd like.

Thank you for coming.

Welcome.

The proclamation reads, whereas the city recognizes the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice of the United States Army soldiers stationed at Fort Bliss, whose service strengthens our community, our state, and our nation.

And whereas the Fort Bliss Boss program provides meaningful opportunities for recreation, community involvement, and personal and professional development, ensuring soldiers have access to positive outlets, leadership experiences, and support networks that contribute to mission readiness and a strong army community.

And whereas the Fort Bliss Boss program demonstrates exceptional commitment to volunteerism by supporting El Pasoans fighting hunger, participating in monthly community cleanups with Visit Al Paso, and partnering with El Paso Rescue Runners, thereby strengthening the bond between Fort Bliss and the surrounding community.

And whereas the Fort Bliss Boss program stands as a model of excellence across the army, embodying the highest standards of service leadership and community partnership.

Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso, honoring Fort Bliss Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, Boss, December 2nd, 2025 shall be known as Fort Bliss Boss Day, signed by the Honorable Mayor Bernard Johnson.

Congratulations.

If you could all introduce yourselves and say a few words, there's enough time.

Well, thank you all for coming to City Hall.

Um, as we like to say, uh, Fort Bliss is El Paso and El Paso is Fort Bliss.

Um we thank you for keeping our community safe, our country safe, and for being such an integral part of our community.

Um above that sign over there, you'll see a flag that General Taylor so graciously came and gifted to us.

So we're very proud to see that flag every time we're in this room.

And we thank you for your presence here today.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And the next proclamation is Grayer El Paso Association of Realtors Geparte.

Representative Nino.

If the honores can make their wills away to the front, and I I have a quick uh well, they have a quick recap video.

If IT can bring up the video as they make their way onto the podium, please.

Hi, everyone, this is Belma Briffa with your governmental affairs communications and marketing directors.

Hi, my name is Tina.

Great things happening for 2025.

Hello, my name is Salmon Sai though.

Gabby Casada, the affiliate.

Hi, I'm Patrick Suttle, the head of the building task force.

Hello.

I am Alex What President.

Hi, my name is Karen Polanco, and I'm hello everyone.

Fernando, your education chair of 20.

Hi, I'm Scott Winton.

Hello, my name is Sacredo.

I'll be also remote.

Hi, I'm I mean Soto, I'm all sky post us.

Hello everyone, my name is Michael Crossbow.

Hi, I'm DJ Mora in our 2025.

Hi, I'm Angela and Show Memory.

Thank you guys for being here this morning.

Um, you all have collaborated and worked with all of us this year, and 2025 flew by, but thank you for all the work.

So it's an honor to read this proclamation for the city of El Paso, Texas.

Whereas the Greater O Paso Association of Realtors, GEPAR, has long exempl exemplified leadership, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to serving the residents of El Paso through advocacy, education, and civic engagement.

And whereas under the direction of Chief Executive Officer Tony Delgado, 2025, President Thelma Brifa and the dedicated members of the governmental affairs committee, Gepar has gone beyond the traditional scope of real estate profession to straighten public understanding of property rights and local governments.

And we're asked through 2025, Gepar members actively participated in community meetings across all city council districts, including city hosted town halls and neighborhood forums to educate residents on their rights and responsibilities under Texas law.

And we're asked through citywide series of outreach efforts and educational sessions.

And whereas these efforts helped countless El Pasuans gain confidence in navigating the property appraisal system, strengthening the trust in public institutions, and reinforce the value of civic participation in shaping a more informed and equitable community.

And whereas the City of El Paso commends the Greater El Paso Association of Realtors for its continued leadership, partnership, and dedication to empowering residents to education, advocacy, and service.

And whereas the City of El Paso commends the Greater El Paso Association of Realtors for its continued leadership, partnership, and dedication to empowering residents to an education, advocacy, and service.

Now therefore be a proclaimed by the mayor and the city council of El Paso, celebrating GEPAR for the exceptional contributions to our community advocacy, property rights education, and public engagement in benefiting the residents of O Paso.

December 2nd, 2025 shall be known as Greater El Paso Association of Realtors Day, signed by the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson.

Thank you so much.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mr.

Mayor, City Council members.

I see uh Mr.

Mayor is a little transparent this morning.

That's all right.

So my name is Tony Delgado.

I'm the CEO and association executive for the Greater El Paso Association of Realtors, also known as Gephar.

So it's a pleasure to be here.

Let me start by saying what an honor it is uh for our organization to be recognized in the community and by each and every one of you through this proclamation.

We really appreciate it.

This was a great year.

This was a year, yeah.

If I start out back when actually I took this position two and a half years ago, I had the vision to really want to help our community out, especially when it comes to the property tax.

And I want to thank each and every one of you because you all shared that vision with me and invited us in to go to your community meetings and start to educate the public and to help them understand the property tax system in the appeal process.

And we've had countless of things, you know, from all of your constituents that it was really helpful for them.

It wasn't always what they wanted to hear, but they appreciated the fact that you helped them to understand the system and how it works and what can be done for them.

So we thank you for that.

You know, it's it's an honor uh for our you know the community to be recognized, for us to be recognized for what we do in the community.

I often say that when it comes to realtors, we're about so much more than just representing buyers and sellers in real estate transactions.

We're huge advocates for private property rights and we're huge advocates for affordable housing.

And some of the ways we do this, we don't do it alone from the local level.

We also participate heavily with at the state level with Texas Realtors at the national level with the National Association of Realtors.

And there's one thing that I've come to believe and know, and that's that we're stronger together.

And when we when legislation comes around every two years, especially in our state, and especially when we're talking about property taxes, we are heavily advocating for that.

And it's not just our local association, but through the state, we're talking about over 140,000 members.

Here in El Paso, we're probably the I think I believe we're the largest trade organization with over 3,000 members.

Also at the state level, over 140,000 members, and at the national level, at 1.4 million members.

So there's no doubt in our mind that we can do so much more together.

So how do we do that?

You know, you know, the proof is in the results.

We were heavily advocating for all of us, not just those that are in the market to buy or sell real estate.

It's we're always looking out for the community's best interest, this public's best interest.

So we heavily advocated that we needed to do something for affordable housing and we needed to find a way to bring down on the property tax side.

So as many of you know, if you received your tax bills this year, you'll see that the exemption on the school portion has gone from 100,000 to 140,000 discount.

That played huge.

And if you're disabled or over 65, that exemption has gone up to 200,000.

So what does that mean?

Well, if your market value or your assessed amount is 200,000, that means if it's your just your homestead and you have your homestead exemption, you're only going to pay taxes on 60,000 on the school side.

If you have the homestead and the over 65 are disabled, that means you're going to pay in your market value or assessment amount was 200,000.

That means you're going to pay zero tax on the school side.

So that's really played, you know, huge dividends, and we thank you because it's we couldn't do this alone.

And I tell you, when I think alone, I want to recognize that we have some people with us today, some of our GEPAR members and our Gepar staff, which I'm so proud to represent.

And at this time, too, I'd like to call up our 2025 president, Thelma Briffa.

Hi, everyone.

I just want to thank uh the city council and the mayor for recognizing us and our realtors and our staff really do work really hard, but I think Tony said it best.

And so thank you so much.

Thank you guys very much.

Merry Christmas, happy new year, and God bless you.

Thank you, Tony.

Does anybody else want to introduce themselves this morning?

Yes.

Come on up.

Don't be shy.

Come on.

Hi, I'm DJ Moran, your 2025 Secretary Treasurer and 2026 President Elect.

I'm your 2025 Secretary Treasurer and 2026 President Elect.

Good morning.

My name is Monica Behanano, and I work in the finance department.

Good morning, I'm Christina Blanco, and I work in the MLS department.

Hi, I'm Lisa Narvell, and I work in the membership department.

Good morning, I'm Isela Martinez, and I'm the executive assistant.

And I'm Ernesto Garcia, and I don't get an office anymore over there, I get an office here now.

So I'm Madison Moore, and I'm a realtor.

Well, thank you all for coming this morning.

We appreciate you being here.

We appreciate you having gone to all of our district meetings and informing our community about you know their their tax roles and and how they can basically navigate that that long and arduous process that everybody goes through at the beginning of every year.

So we appreciate your presence here and in our community and always keeping us informed and engaged.

Thank you.

I don't know if anybody else has something to add this morning.

Thank you all.

And the next proclamation is Bishop Mark Sites and Border Migrant Advocates Day.

Good morning.

If you all could come forward, please.

We have a nice large group today.

It's not every day that someone from El Paso receives an international award.

And that's exactly what's happened here.

So I will read the proclamation from the city of El Paso.

Whereas Bishop Mark Seites of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso has dedicated more than a decade to advocating for the dignity, rights, and protection of migrants and their families along the U.S.

Mexico border.

And whereas Bishop Sites prophetic voice, pastoral letters, and defense of vulnerable communities have brought national and international attention to the humanitarian challenges facing migrants.

And whereas Box Christi International, a global Catholic peace movement based in Brussels, has recognized Bishop Seit's extraordinary commitment by awarding him the twenty twenty-five Pax Christi International Peace Award.

And whereas, in addition to Bishop Sites, Pax Christi International has also granted special recognition to three organizations serving migrants in the El Paso Ciudad Juarez border region, each of which has demonstrated exceptional dedication to humanitarian assistance and the defense of human rights.

Annunciation House, which for over 40 years has sheltered hundreds of thousands of migrants, Hope Border Institute, which provides research, advocacy, and accompaniment rooted in Catholic social teaching, and Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Advocacy Center, which has helped more than 50,000 migrants and asylum seekers navigate the legal system and fight to keep their families united.

And whereas the collective work of Bishop Sites and these organizations stand as a strong example of compassion and action, especially as border communities confront rising global displacement, increased humanitarian need, and policies that target migrants, faith leaders, and humanitarian humanitarian workers.

And whereas our efforts uplift the spirit of our border community and embody the very best of El Paso's tradition of hospitality, solidarity, and service to those in need.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso that today, December 2nd, 2025, shall be known as Bishop Mark Seitz and Border Migrant Advocates Day.

Congratulations, Bishop.

Well, thank you so much.

We really appreciate this recognition.

We were very surprised to receive this international recognition that came our way.

But I think first of all, we should point out that while we have been involved in this work directly, this award is an award to our community.

This is a recognition of El Paso being El Paso.

And the city as well as the county have been very directly involved in this work.

So the award itself recognized the diocese.

There are others that could be could be named that were all part of this response.

When much of the rest of the world was beginning to panic, El Paso, in support of an uns in support of Annunciation House, came, stepped up, beginning with the churches, I think, and then the broader community organizations with the assistance of the city and county.

We quietly stepped up and began to provide food, shelter, and support to the many hundreds of needy families and individuals who were being released to us every day.

There was a mantra.

No one left on the streets.

And we largely carried that out.

There were some who turned out, it turned out wanted to stay on the streets, but we served, we were ready to take in everyone.

The response of our welcoming community caught the attention of not only our nation, but as we see in this award, the attention of the world as a model, an alternative narrative, you might say, of how a healthy community can respond to the stranger in its midst with kindness and charity as we work for a more just society.

I'm very grateful for this recognition.

Thank you so much.

And before we begin with the No, go ahead, let's do the introductions.

Introductions.

Good morning, uh Mayor Pro Tem, Council, Representative Limon, thank you for this proclamation and recognition.

I'll read a snippet of our remarks.

My name is Marisa Limon Garzan, the executive director of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center.

This community that we humbly stand with has been doing this ministry, this vocation for over 40 years, some going on 50 years and probably since time immemorial as people have migrated across the world.

So what we shared with our award, you know, recognizers with Pax Christi International was this.

Greetings from the US Mexico borderlands.

It's an immense honor to receive a special recognition by Pax Christi International and the Peace Prize bestowed upon the Catholic Diocese of El Paso alongside Annunciation House and the Hope Border Institute.

We're en route to stand alongside you, but the U.S.

government shut down made flight travel unruly and delayed.

We are with you in faith and in spirit.

We humbly accept this recognition alongside such esteemed peers.

Our mission calls us to stand in solidarity with the poor and to defend human rights.

Basic tenants of the gospel that are now viewed as radical and oppositional in the United States.

Edna Maldonado and Mireia Sierra are our envoys to receive this recognition.

Over the course of five years, they have stood at the breach of U.S.

government policies on migration at the southern border.

They are wayfinders whose only material needs are a folding table, two chairs, some phones, and Wi-Fi, along with a commitment to accompaniment and the strength to bear witness to the horrors inflicted upon migrants and refugees.

They did so throughout the migrant protection protocols, Title 42, the MPP windown, and CBP 1, policies impacting thousands of fathers, children, mothers and sisters navigating violent bureaucracies and the threat of imminent danger.

Edna and Mireia are instruments of God's peace, and they embody the best of Las Americas.

We accept this recognition in honor of the steadfast work of faith at the southern border by our Mexico program.

In closing, we ask for your blessings and prayers as the United States faces down a state committed to violence and terror, using Jesus as a mascot to prop up their hate.

We recognize the scourge of U.S.

involvement around the globe and how many of your countries have borne the brunt.

We have so much to learn from your peacekeeping efforts in the face of such violence.

Please show us your ways.

May God continue to bless you and keep you.

Thank you.

Dylan, good morning.

I had the great honor of going to Italy and receiving this award on Bishop's behalf, along with Bishop Tony Salino.

I'm incredibly grateful for for your recognition in addition to this recognition of the work that we have collectively been doing as a community.

And I think Marisa really said it best, as did the bishop, that this is a recognition of our community, our collective community, and the work that we do together every single day.

Truly, we are unique, we are special.

And I think, and this is what I said when we were in Italy.

I think that the reason for the what makes us special is that everything that we do, we do out of love.

We do it for out of love for each other, out of love for people we don't know, out of love for our neighbor, out of love for our community, and out of love for those around us.

So thank you all again for this for the recognition.

Um and especially um uh representative Limon, I have to thank you again for your wonderful daughter.

I I have no doubt that you know how incredible she is.

Um, but time and time again, she shows up for all of us and is an incredible advocate for us all.

Um, and so I I thank both you and uh Mr.

Limon for for the incredible daughter that you raised and gave to our community.

Thank you.

Uh good morning, everyone, good morning, members of council.

Dylan Corbett with the Hope Water Institute.

Uh, let me just echo uh the words of thanks uh from this group.

It's a wonderful privilege uh to be part of this group.

I think it's providential that the award was for multiple organizations recognizing the bishop's leadership, uh, but was also to many of our organizations, and I think that that speaks volumes to our community community because we can only do this through partnership uh and and partnership is only possible because it's born out of solidarity and it's born out of a love, which I think are defining characteristics of this community.

Um, and also your leadership.

We've worked with many of you over the years.

I want to I want to thank you, particularly Councilwoman Lyon for her leadership in putting forward this proclamation, but also her leadership on this issue on the issue of of making sure that our community remains a welcoming community over many years.

Uh Representative Canales and other representatives with whom we worked uh for many years.

Thank you for your leadership uh in protecting our heritage, our identity as a welcoming community and everything that you do to make this community a community that welcomes, protects, promotes, and integrates uh people on the move.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Pat, would the rest of you come up and introduce yourselves?

Pat, we'll start with you.

Good morning and thank you.

My name is Patricia Reda, and I'm the Chancellor for the Diocese of El Paso.

Good morning.

My name is Christopher Sandoval, I'm the director of community and capacity for Las Americas immigrant advocacy center, and former director of Las Americas, Mexico.

Good morning.

My name is Jose Limon.

I'm a member of the board of Estrella del Paso.

I am a father.

Good morning, everyone.

My name is Swendy Lopez, and I'm a development associate with Estrella del Paso.

Good morning.

My name is Imelda Miner, and I'm the legal director at Estrella del Paso.

And I see David in the back over there.

David, come up, please.

Introduce yourself.

Good morning.

I'm David Mills of with Eden Performing Arts.

We're a nonprofit that's uh dedicated to the multicultural celebration of our community.

We're currently working on a project which we've done for the last three years called uh a tribute to our lady of Guadalupe, which I think fits very neatly into what we've talked about this morning.

Thank you.

Uh thank you so much for being at City Hall Representative Canales.

Thank you.

I know we've gone long, so I'll be brief, but um, you know, I'm someone who believes in radical love for your neighbor, regardless of the situation that they find themselves in, and and I think indeed the situation you find yourself in.

Um and so I I couldn't let the moment pass without saying thank you to all of you for the tremendous work that you do.

It is, I think, uh, at least in what I've seen with my own eyes, uh, the the greatest example of that that radical love for our neighbors here in El Paso.

So thank you, thank you very much.

Representative Limo.

Thank you.

So as we close, and we we've taken a little bit, perhaps a little bit longer than than usual, but this is such an incredible topic.

Ruben Garcia could not be with us today, but if there's an image in my mind of the migrant situation, it is of Ruben, that cold December day, walking from the bus station in that area and walking to Annunciation House into the other locations, leading the way in darkness and cold, and just offering that warmth that exudes from them.

And Bishop Sice, there's two images in my mind that always, always will stay.

And the first one is when you walked across the bridge hand in hand with that little girl who was finally able to come across asylum seeker with her family.

There was so much joy in your face, and I could just tell that in your heart you were beaming as well.

And then the third one, Bishop, is the the mass at um at the wall, where you held up the pictures of Jacqueline and Felipe, our two children that that had died while in custody.

Those are the images that I think of when I think about all of the situation, the migrant.

All of you have done an exceptional job in our community.

We're very proud, and we thank you for being with us today.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I think that that sums up our gratitude uh for the work you're doing for our community.

I always think back of of a song that uh we often hear in church with what whatsoever you do for the least of my people that you do unto me.

And so we move forward with a lot of pride in the work that you do with our community.

So thank you so much for your commitment, your service, and your love.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And then I looked at them and I was like, okay.

And then I looked at them and I was like, okay, I'm not sure if you're not the final proclamation is the thirty-fifth anniversary of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Welcome everyone.

Thank you.

I'll let everybody nice to see everybody's face.

Good morning.

So let me go ahead and read this.

Whereas the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has served as a cornerstone for business development, entrepreneurship, and cultural advancement in the El Paso region for thirty-five years.

And whereas since its founding in nineteen ninety, the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has remained steadfast in its mission to be the leading advocate for small businesses, including minority women, and veteran-owned enterprises.

By providing access to resources, education, and opportunities while celebrating and honoring the richness of Hispanic culture.

And whereas the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has worked tirelessly to foster economic growth through mentorship, leadership, development, advocacy, and collaboration, strengthening the bonds between business and community.

And whereas for thirty-five years, the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in connecting businesses to opportunities, including customers, contracts, capital, training, and learning experiences, helping shape a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous regional economy.

And whereas the values of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, leadership, empowerment, inclusivity, cultural pride, service, and collaboration reflect the spirit, resilience, and entrepreneurial drive of the El Paso community.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso, recognizing and celebrating the 35th anniversary of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, commending its decades of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the success of small minority women and veteran-owned businesses.

The City of El Paso extends its deepest appreciation to the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for its enduring dedication to building a stronger, more prosperous, and more connected business ecosystem for all.

The City Council expresses gratitude to the founders, past and present board members, staff, partners, and thousands of entrepreneurs who have contributed to the chamber's legacy, and celebrates the continued impact the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will make for generations of businesses to come.

November 14th, 2025 shall be known as the 35th anniversary of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, signed by the Honorable Mayor Reynard Johnson.

Council, good morning.

Thank you so much for recognizing the impact that the El Paso Hispanic Chamber has made in our community for 35 years now.

My name is Glace Gonzalez, and I am honored to serve as a new CEO of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber.

Although I've only been in this role for two months, I can tell you what a what a different community the El Paso Hispanic Chamber truly is.

I mean, from day one, our founders reach out to me and to offer their support.

These founders had a vision to create a safe place for minority-owned and for small businesses and entrepreneurs to be able to create and grow.

And so it's an honor to stand here today with our board, with our diplomats and our staff, and receive this proclamation.

So from the outstanding support of our founders who reached sorry, I said that already.

Together, we will keep building together an inclusive and more vibrant economy future economic future for our region.

Thank you so much.

Good morning, City Council.

My name is Frank Spencer.

I'm chairman of our beloved Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

35 years ago, a group of visionaries believed in something bold, the economic power and potential of the Hispanic business community.

And today the vision is alive.

And every entrepreneur who we've helped turned an idea into a thriving business.

Twenty years ago, almost to this day, I walked into this chamber with nothing more than a dream.

A few dollars in savings, no connections, no roadmap, just hope.

But the chamber opened doors, it connected me to mentors, resources, and opportunities I didn't even know existed.

That experience changed my business, and it's changed my life.

So standing here today as chairman isn't just an honor.

It's full circle.

This chamber believed in me when my business was just an idea.

Now it turns it's my turn to believe in others.

Over the past 35 years, the Hispanic Chamber has been a bridge connecting small businesses to capital, education, and opportunity, linking businesses and government and extending our reach across borders through binational partnerships.

To our members, corporate investors, partners, and our incredible staff, thank you all.

And to our CEO, Gladys Gonzalez, thank you for your leadership, your energy, and your vision for what comes next.

The first 35 years were about building a foundation.

The next 35 years will be about expansion, innovation, technology, and collaboration across industries and borders.

Because when small businesses grow, El Paso grows.

And we're just getting started.

Thank you all.

Good morning, City Council.

My name is Antonio Rico, and I'm the incoming chair for 2026 for El Paso Hispanic Inbrokomers.

I was also uh product of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber Commerce, but many, many moons before Frank.

I just realized that I've been involved with the chamber for over 25 years out of those 35.

It is exciting to be the one that is going to kick off the next 35.

Although I can assure you I will not be around to see it all the way through, but I definitely committed to making sure that at least the beginning, it is strong, as it's always been, and it is full with new people, younger leaders that we definitely need.

We thank all of you, the CD, our community leaders, past uh board members, all of our membership, and especially our staff has been so dedicated and unwavering when it comes to delivering the type of services that we that we offer.

Again, thank you very much for this great recognition, and we'll see you in 35 years.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Does everybody want to introduce themselves?

Thank you.

My name is Itzela Ragon, and I'm in the membership manager.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm a proud diplomat.

My name is Rosalyn Thornton.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Cynthia Lopez, and I am programs and events specialist.

Thank you.

Good morning, Council.

My name is Jessica Orozco, and I am the programs and events manager.

Good morning, Council.

My name is Lori, and I'm the finance manager.

Good morning, Council.

I'm a proud diplomat member.

My name's Pet Sinojos Castillo, Castillo Agency.

Good morning.

My name is Sandra Luceto, and I am proud diplomat representing Builder Source Appliance Gallery.

Thank you.

Good morning.

My name is Elimadrano, and I'm a proud member of the uh diplomat of the chamber representing Western Tech.

Thank you.

Good morning, everyone.

My name is Amanda Avila.

I'm a proud diplomat representing Western Technical College.

Thank you.

Good morning, everyone.

My name is Denise Aguilar.

I'm a proud uh diplomat, and I'm also representing Western Tech.

Good morning, Vaughn Washington.

I came on at the same time that Frank Spencer did, so we both got 20 years in the game.

Proud to be a board member and executive board member.

Thank you.

Good morning, everyone.

Good morning.

How's my chamber doing?

Welcome.

Good, good to see you guys.

Yeah, Representative Lemont.

No.

That's one of the things that we're going to do.

Okay.

Representative Treyhoe.

Thank you.

Congratulations, everyone, for the 35 years and this new era, new leadership.

Many familiar faces.

I've been a member of the chamber off and on for like 20-something years as well.

So you all are doing amazing.

Keep up the good work and happy 35th.

Thank you.

And like many of you, I started at this chamber.

I'm gonna age myself here, probably 20 years ago.

And um, as we know, the uh Cindy Ramos, who is lives in all of our hearts, uh, was very instrumental in in helping guide me and mentor me uh through my businesses and the things that I've done.

And this chamber has done a really, really great job with all the small businesses, women-owned businesses, and everything that you guys do.

And this chamber has done a really, really great job with all the small businesses, women-owned businesses, and everything that you guys do, and this next chapter, the next thirty-five years are gonna be incredible.

So I can tell you, you know, being a past uh chairman of this chamber, you know, put your seat belts on.

You got a great leader here with you now, and you got a great board.

So congratulations and sky's the limit.

Congratulations, guys.

Are you all ready for a picture?

Yes, eating my vegetables.

I should be going any day now.

You know, I've been saying that for the last thirty years.

And you never give up, and that's what I love about you.

We'll get started for anything.

Okay, Ms.

Pine, I think we're ready to go.

Yes, Mayor.

Good morning.

This is a meeting of the El Paso City Council for Tuesday, December second, twenty twenty-five.

Mayor Johnson is present and presiding in council chambers along with Representative Acevedo, Representative Nino, alternate mayor pro tempiero, representative Limon, and Representative Canales.

We begin this morning, and Representative Borietre who is also present.

We began with an invocation delivered by El Paso Police Chaplain, Robert Hemp Hill Jr.

Good morning.

Good morning, everyone.

Please join me at this time for the invocation.

Great master wisdom and guidance.

As we gather here today for the December City Council meeting, we pause to express a gratitude for the many blessings of the community has received throughout the year.

We ask that you grant us the wisdom and clarity needed to address the agenda items before us.

May our discussions be productive, our decisions be just, and our actions focus on the common good for all citizens of the people that we serve in the city of El Paso, Texas.

During this reflected season, we're reminded of the importance of unity, compassion, and the shared hope for a bright future.

Help us to listen to one another with open hearts and respect our differences so that we can work together in harmony, even when we have honest disagreements.

This we ask in your name.

Amen.

Thank you.

I'm going to ask everyone to remain standing.

We're going to honor a moment of silence for Alicia Chacona, who was a friend to so many, a great city icon, and uh just a terrific leader and just a wonderful, wonderful individual who we recently lost.

So please join us in a moment of silence.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chaplin, and thank you, Mayor.

And for the record, Representative Maldonado Rocha was also present at 10.03 when the meeting convened, and Mayor Pro Tem Chavez joined the meeting at 1006.

That brings us to public comments.

This morning we don't have anyone signed up for comment on regular agenda items.

So that brings us to call to the public.

City Council meetings are public meetings under the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Public comment is an accommodation and not a requirement of City Council.

All persons in attendance are expected to display civility and decorum that is respectful to other persons without the use of insulting, profane, threatening, or abusive language.

Public comment will not be used for personal attacks, nor may any member of the public use this forum for political statements or campaigning.

Please note that during call to the public, the city council may not deliberate or decide any subject that is not on the agenda.

However, council may propose that a topic brought forth be posted on a future agenda.

This morning we have four members of the public that signed up to speak.

The first person is Miss Elizabeth Crawford.

Her topic is Hanukkah and Abortion.

Good morning, Miss Crawford.

You have three minutes.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Thank you.

Um I'd like to read a quote from Stephen Hawking, the scientist and atheist.

His quote was religion is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark, to which John Lennox, who is an Irish mathematician, bioethics, ethicist, a Christian from the University of Oxford responded.

Atheism is a fairy tale for people afraid of the light.

Our most basic beliefs about God and life manifest themselves in crisis situations.

The woman who is in an unexpected, unwanted crisis pregnancy, if she believes there is not a God who sees and cares, will very possibly run to an abortion center to eliminate that so-called clump of cells.

The woman in that same situation who believes in her heart that there is a God who sees, knows and cares, will choose to trust God and obey, even if it means a damaged reputation or economic hardship.

She knows that the life of that little one is created in God's image and worth every bit of sacrifice.

One of my favorite advent carols is entitled Ocomo Kumim Manuel.

It's presented as a cry of the Jews in what we refer to as the 400 silent years between Malachi and Matthew.

The account of Hanukkah reminds us that though God was in many ways silent in those years, though he seemed absent.

He was still very much at work behind the scenes.

The Lord providentially saved the Jews from destruction during the times of Maccabees.

Despairing of the Hebrews in these perilous days paved the way for the advent of the Messiah, Jesus, the promised Savior, about 170 years later.

In John 10, we're told of Jesus in Jerusalem in the temple at the feast of dedication, which is Hanukkah.

In that event, Jesus spoke of those who follow him as being the light of the world.

He said, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand.

As we should see the light all around us as we hear the music of Hanukkah, the advent season.

We are reminded that to believe in the light is to have a life transformed by that light.

Jesus said, I am the light of the world.

He that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of light.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Claudia Contreras Siller, and her topic is animal rights.

Good morning.

Hi, good morning.

I want to thank Ms.

Rocha for hosting the World Cafe event and Ms.

Mac and everybody who was there two weeks ago, so we could like discuss the qualities the next director needs to have.

Also, I want to take the moment to say thank you to the past director.

He was very professional and caring all the time.

To be loved, to be fed, to be cared for.

And that's pretty much it.

I want to discuss the next qualities the next director needs to have.

We we made teams in the meeting we had two weeks ago, and some of the words were brave.

He has to have communication skills, experience with animals, fighting animal cruelty, and everything that has to do with animals.

I want to set the bar very high and say to the people that are applying that that money is sacred because it's for the our animals, it's for our cats and our dogs, and the next director needs to have the qualities to lead the biggest campaign of adoptions, war against animal cruelty and education.

Some people think that a lot of animals are gonna be put to sleep at the beginning.

So let's say animal services takes in all the animals and they're gonna have to be put to sleep a lot.

But like there's like qualifications that animal needs to have, like the ones that are running loose, that's a definitely yes, but the ones that can stay in a home for the meantime, they need to stay with someone that is gonna foster them because the more animals animal services takes in, the more animals are gonna be put to sleep.

And some people think it's only at the beginning, but if the community doesn't change the way they care for the animals, it's gonna be euthanasia left and right.

So please, I want to encourage uh for the next director to be brave, most of all, to fight animal cruelty, to team up with uh El Paso Police Department, and also I want to encourage the public to always have a sharp ear and always be looking out to report animal cruelty, uh active animal cruelty to 911 and to the animal cruelty unit 915-212080 311 Monday through Sunday.

Uh, and I want to say I love the police department and animal services.

I value them a lot, and I value all the leaders because there's a lot of things that uh taking into consideration that the public eye do not see.

Thank you, everybody.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Laura Ochoa Todd, and her topic is El Paso Water Utilities Customer Deposits.

Good morning.

You have three minutes.

Good morning.

Good morning, mayor.

Good morning, City Council.

Doesn't want to.

It answered, no.

Utility companies in Texas generally keep your deposit indefinitely, as they are required to refund it under specific conditions.

Your deposit must be refunded with the interest after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments, or it will be applied to your final bill when you close your account.

So I contacted the PUC, Public Utility Commission, and what they told me was it was not in their hands because the city of El Paso owns the El Paso Water Utility.

I then called the El Paso Water Utility to return our deposit since I have paid consistently since approximately 1994 on my current property.

They told me they will only return our deposits as after we close our accounts.

In the meantime, El Paso Water Utilities is making money from our deposits instead of us.

So with all due respect.

Since you're working for us as citizens of El Paso.

And support to address the El Paso water utilities about changing their policy.

I feel that after a year of consistent on time payments to the El Paso water utilities, we should get our deposit money back.

Thank you respectfully, Mayor.

Thank you.

You've reached the three minutes.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The final speaker is Eddie Chavez Jr.

And his topic is water rates.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

City rep manager.

How are you doing?

I saw you the other day.

I guess you didn't recognize me.

I don't know how you come.

That's Eddie.

Come on.

Anyways, before I forget, I want to tell you something.

We have a famous lady that people have forgotten or overlooked.

Mrs.

Wally Shed, who used to, I don't know, some of you know her.

She used to come here.

She's my adopted mom.

I mean, she was gonna come today, but she decided not to.

But one of the things I remember, she wrote five books.

She just finished her fifth book.

You have to read it.

In one of uh the chapters, she talks about when she she just loved Jeff uh John F.

Kennedy when he came to El Paso.

I don't even think he was running for, I think it was a senator or something.

And she came and with she does it better than me.

Once you get something, you gotta, and she's not she's not Irish, she's just German, I guess.

But she went into the um I think she was staying a speech in in uh um Cortez Motel.

And she brought two dozen roses to give to him.

And but the main thing that I want to tell you is when she got there, she slipped him a little note in his pocket and gave him a kiss.

Well, you don't want to know what that that uh note said and it's published, and she has proven by another uh times that she wrote it.

It says, ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.

Remember all that.

You guys have gone, you know, we voted you guys in, but God put you in the this position because you were have special talents.

So use them, please.

We need you guys, but anyways, enough of that.

Um, the water.

Uh I do want to know who's keeping an eye on the budget for the water department.

You know, when Tommy Gonzalez got these overhead tanks, I told him I was raised in the in a farm with my uncle sometime back.

We used to have an overhead tech, but just for to give pressure for the housing.

But you know, we lived on uh Wickham Street, and one day uh water backup busted, it was only six thousand gallons, but it did so much damage.

I can imagine if one of those tanks with a million gallons would break.

It's just something to think about.

But the budget on on the I think nobody's watching them.

I don't know if city manager or the mayor go to their meetings, but I've been against them having those uh backup generators which are just sitting there, then they cost over a million dollars.

Who's gonna get that when they sell it?

There's a lot of things everyone.

Hey, you want to get me?

I I'll do it for free.

I'll go and look them over.

I don't mind.

I've done other things.

And uh before my city, Ms.

Wellish had behind me and got with me.

I'll do it.

Thank you all for all your service.

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving.

Thank you, Mr.

Javis.

Thank you.

That concludes call to the public.

Okay.

That brings us to the consent agenda.

All matters listed under the consent agenda will be considered by city council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion unless separate discussion is requested by council members.

Prior to the vote, members of the audience may ask questions regarding items on the consent agenda.

When the vote has been taken, if an item has not been called out for separate discussion, the item has been approved.

Council may, however, reconsider any item at any time during the meeting.

Okay.

And council for this meeting and for all council meetings, no use of personal cellular devices should take place on the day as while the meeting is in session.

Once you obtain the floor from the mayor, you have up to 10 minutes for debate and may speak twice per debatable debatable item.

Please speak into the microphone and refrain from slide conversations while the meeting is in session.

For those of you joining us virtually, please mute your microphones to reduce any background noise.

Mayor Pro Tem.

Thank you, Ms.

Prime.

I make a motion to approve the consent agenda with no revisions.

All right, we have a motion and a second.

Any discussion.

Okay, Ms.

Bryan.

Yes, sir.

The motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, seconded by alternate Mayor Pro Tempiero to approve the consent agenda.

On that motion, call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

That brings us to page number five to the introduction of ordinances.

These are items 10 to 14.

Okay.

Is there a motion?

Okay.

There's a motion and a second.

Ms.

Prime.

Yes, sir.

The motion was made by Representative Limon, seconded by Mayor Alternate Mayor Pro Tempiero to introduce the first reading of ordinances.

These are items 10 to 14.

On that motion, call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay, let's take regular agenda item number 15.

Yes, sir.

Item 15 is a public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of real property owned by the city of Al Paso to Dr.

Roberto Moreno for the purchase price of 130,000.

Such real property municipally known and numbered as 331 West Missouri in Al Paso, Texas.

Okay.

Good morning.

Is there a motion to approve this item?

Move to approve.

Okay.

Second.

Okay.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Would you want to walk us through your presentation?

Absolutely, sir.

Good morning, Mayor and Council.

Mary Louis Spinoza, real estate division for the record.

Okay, so this property, this is for the sale of property 331 Missouri.

Counts prior council action in December of 2024.

City Council awarded a contract to the real estate manager for the real estate management services to our broker in September of 2025.

We took this into executive to vet the surplus properties and got an approval for listing.

And in accordance with the Texas local government code, the property was marketed for more than 30 days on multiple listing platforms.

And today we are here to seek approval for the selling of the property.

It's 0.14 acres.

It is appraised at $90,000 to the buyer Robert Dr.

Robert Moreno for a purchase price of 130,000.

Questions?

Any questions?

All right, Miss Prime, we have a motion and a second.

Yes, sir.

The motion was made by Representative Canales, seconded by Representative Oretrejo to adopt the ordinance on item number 15.

On that motion, call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay, the stake item number 16.

Item 16 is a public hearing of an ordinance vacating a portion of a 60-foot drainage easement north of Los Mochis Drive and west of Interstate 10.

Motion to approve?

Second.

Okay.

I have a motion and second.

Can we see the presentation on this one?

Most definitely.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Mr.

Mayor, members of Council Kevin Smith of Planning Inspections.

IT, will you please vote the presentation?

IT is the presentation right under the one you have highlighted.

Yes, thank you.

Okay, appreciate that.

So this item is a request to vacate a an easement in Northwest El Paso.

Here's an aerial view of the subject property.

It is a drainage easement located west of I-10 and uh north of Los Moches.

This easement does extend into the county of El Paso in the ETJ.

Um that is to be done by a separate item with the county, but the area in orange that is fully orange is the area proposed to be vacated here in the city of El Paso.

It is a 60-foot drainage easement, and it is the utilities are no longer needed at this location, and the applicant is requesting it to be vacated.

Um it's approximately 0.69 acres in size.

Here is a survey.

The City Planning Commission did recommend unanimous approval of this as well as staff does recommend approval of this vacation.

Um be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Any questions on this item?

All right, thank you.

Ms.

Bryan?

Okay, appreciate it.

Thank you.

The motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, seconded by Representative Nino to adopt the ordinance on item number 16 on that motion.

Call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay, let's take item 17.

Item 17 is discussion in action on a resolution determining the city of El Paso's voting allocation for candidates to the El Paso Central Appraisal District Board of Directors.

Okay, is there a motion to approve?

Motion to approve.

Second.

All right.

There's no presentation on this one.

It's just the allocation of votes on the central central appraisal district.

Any discussion?

Okay.

Ms.

Ms.

Bryan?

Would the motion?

Yes, sir.

The motion.

Representative.

Yes.

Would the motion include the names of the selected people or not?

The resolution, yes.

The resolution was in the public.

Okay.

One representative.

Thank you.

Yes, I think it's important to, you know, we're doing this resolution, but it's important to name the two people that receive the highest number of votes, and it's Tanny Berg and Jackie York.

Jackie York, that's correct.

All right, Ms.

Bryan.

Yes, sir.

The motion was made by Representative Maldonado Rocha, seconded by Representative Limon, and this is to approve the resolution on item 17.

On that motion, call for the vote.

Representative Fiero.

Thank you, sir.

In the voting session, and that motion passes unanimously.

Okay, let's take item number 18.

Representative Chavez.

Item 18 is discussion in action on a resolution authorizing the expenditure of district one discretionary funds in an amount not to exceed $5,000 to support initiative events and meetings for district one.

Funds will be used to support current and future programming for youth, seniors, families, athletic activities, community engagement efforts, community meetings, and other district events, including signature events.

Authorization is also requested for the purchase of related items such as food and drinks, including including but not limited to water, refreshments, snacks, prizes, recognition, or award items, and event supplies and materials.

Events will take place at various community locations, including but not limited to city parks, Doris Van Dorian Library, Don Haskins Rec Center, and the West Side Regional Command Center.

Motion to approve.

Second.

All right.

Any further discussion on item number 18?

Okay.

Ms.

Prime?

Yes, sir.

The motion was made by Mayor Pro Tim Chavez.

The motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez seconded by Representative Nino to approve the resolution on item 18 on that motion.

Call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay, let's take item number 19.

Item 19 is discussion in action to authorize the expenditure of district five discretionary funds and an amount not to exceed 5,000 dollars for initial costs related to the new adopt a street program, which serves a municipal purpose of improving the visual impression of the community and promoting community interest in the beautification of the city of Al Paso.

This is representative Nino's item.

Representative Nino.

Motion to approve.

All right, there's a motion and second.

Any further discussion on item number 19?

All right.

Call for the vote, Ms.

Bryan.

Yes, so the motion was made by Representative Nino, seconded by Representative Borrio Trejo to approve item 19 on that motion.

Call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay.

Let's take item number 20.

Item 20 is discretion in action on agreement number 2022-0924 with target solutions learning LLC DBA vector solutions to provide vector solutions software, a training management system each fiscal year as governed by the city council's approval of the annual city budget.

Okay, is there a motion to approve this item?

To approve okay.

Any further discussion?

There's no presentation.

Okay.

Ms.

Prime?

Yes, sir.

The item was the motion was made by Representative Ganales, seconded by alternate mayor pro Tempiero to approve item 20 on that motion.

Call for the vote.

Voting session is open.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay, let's take item number 21, please.

Item 21 is discussion and action on the award of solicitation 2025-0510R, stop loss to Aetna Life Insurance Company for a one-year term and an estimated award of 5,987, 728 dollars.

Motion approved.

Second.

Okay, there's a motion and a second.

Uh representative Acevedo.

Can can we just get an explanation on what this is?

I was looking through the backup and there's no presentation, so I'm seeing something about in an add an inadequate competition survey was conducted.

So I could just have more information on this.

I'd appreciate it.

Hi, yes, good morning.

Good morning.

Paula Salas with purchasing and strategic sourcing.

Yes, there was an inadequate competition survey.

We only received two proposals.

And our process is if we get any or under three proposals or bids, we have to do the inadequate competition survey just to see why proposal or offers did not submit their offer.

So we reach out to a number of group of the invitees that we send it out to.

And the results are in the memo.

Did you have additional questions on that?

Um it was M Wins group and Aetna that that submitted something.

Right.

We just had two uh proposals.

And I guess what I'm not fully understanding is why didn't you get to three?

Good morning, Calvin.

I see what purchasing is strategic sourcing department.

So our process it is to contact those viewers that review the solicitation when it was posted.

Uh so we surveyed them to see why they didn't get to respond to our solicitation.

So we cannot really predict how many were gonna how many responses were gonna.

I guess so after we're just trying to see what preventing them from responding to our solicitation.

Yeah, I'd be curious to know more information on this just because last year when we awarded the contract to Aetna for I forget, I think it was another five years.

Blue Cross Blue Shield was disqualified on what I thought was a it was a different uh solicitation, it wasn't I totally get it, but it's still insurance, right?

And so I'm I'm thinking that I thought it was a technicality how blue cross was was disqualified.

And so I I didn't I I'm wondering if that prevented them from also bidding on this or others just because of what happened last year.

And I voted against the the contract for Aetna.

I I don't think they provide good service.

Um I could go on and on and on.

But um I'm just kind of wondering if we we kind of messed up relationships, and that's why we only got two solicitations instead of at least three.

Okay.

Yes, uh under your in your backup, you also have the view lists of uh the vendors or suppliers that were uh reviewing the solicitation and I don't see them uh as uh one of the viewers either.

So right, yeah, I I see them, but I'm just wondering like is this more of a purchasing issue again that people are not going through our process because it's so complicated, and I I think we're gonna learn a lot with the consultant in the coming months, but just overall, I I haven't been satisfied for Aetna for a while.

So this gives me some better context on what happened here.

So appreciate it.

Thank you.

Representative Canalis.

Thank you, Mary.

Yeah, I'll just say for what it's worth.

Blue Cross Blue Cross Blue Shield doesn't provide stop loss insurance for large providers, only small providers.

So this is outside of their uh outside of their business.

Um I mean, I think there's all kinds of reasons why someone might not bid on a stop loss insurance policy for a large organization.

I think there's a handful of uh insurance companies that provide that kind of service.

Is that correct?

I mean, you know, there's Cygna and Berkshire Hathaway and Aetna and seven, you know, a few, but not you know, it's large companies that can insure against this kind of larger potential claim that comes through stop loss.

I mean, am I am I off base, Miss Wiggins?

Good morning.

Good morning, Mary Wiggins, uh Chief Human Resources Officer.

And just to give a little bit further explanation, you know, stop loss is like a totally different animal.

Um so generally for most of our insurances, we go out for three to five years.

I mean, it's a lot of work to go through an RFP.

Um so we we do generally do them for longer terms of time, but for this particular one, and we used to do it for stop loss, but for this particular one, um our consultants have recommended that we go out every year because it is it's very isolated, there aren't that many companies that do it, and so because there aren't that many companies, then our rates tend to be sometimes a little bit higher.

So we go out and we want to be more competitive.

If we do five years, then there then they can just keep going up in rates every year.

So we go through an RFP process every year to try and get competitive rates and to get them down.

Um we were you know very lucky this year that they did pass through a zero percent um increase.

Uh and and I can tell you in my history of doing this, I've never seen it.

Um but you're you're you're right, there aren't that many that that that bid on it, you know, but it's it's kind of a not as not all insurances do it, and it's even more difficult if they're not doing your insurance.

Um it is not as fluid as if they are if that makes sense.

So for example, um course Aetna is gonna bid their insurance company because it's more seamless.

Other companies, it's more difficult, so it's probably gonna cost a little bit more because they're a third-party vendor coming in to provide this service.

I'm not sure if that gives you any more context, but I guess maybe Josh for anyone from the public who's interested in insurance and wants to understand what we're doing.

Like stop loss insurance, uh the the city is a self-funded uh provides self-funded insurance.

So when our employees have a you know medical claim, um the city is paying out that claim, this stop loss this uh stop loss insurance protects us against a large catastrophic claim, right?

If an employee had suddenly five million dollars in medical expenses, um this insurance kicks into uh above a certain threshold so that the city isn't on the hook for paying the entirety of the of the claim.

Correct.

So Aetna, for example, is the employee's insurance.

This that we're awarding is our insurance.

So because we're self-funded, we're paying all the claims.

And so this is setting a cap as to what we're going to pay for that each individual employee out of pocket.

So it's just kind of it's us having that insurance policy that that we're not gonna pay over a certain amount.

And our stop loss insurance is employee by employee, it's not an aggregate policy, correct?

So we is it an aggregate stop loss policy?

I believe we have well it's definitely a space specific for 400,000.

I can't remember if it's an aggregate as well, but I know that it's a specific issue.

Specific is 400,000.

And we can choose our different deductible levels.

And so in the past couple of years, we actually have raised the deductible amount to be able to be able to handle the increase in premiums.

Right.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thanks, Mayor and Mary, to have a zero percent increase during times like this.

That's incredible.

Correct.

I mean it's usually double digits.

Absolutely.

At least.

Absolutely.

Okay.

So we have a motion and a second on item number 21.

Any further discussion?

No, thank you.

All right, Miss Bryan.

Yes, sir.

The motion was made by alternate mayor potem Pierre, seconded by Representative Limon to award the solicitation on item 21 on that motion.

Call for the vote.

And the voting session?

And that motion passes unanimously.

Council, is there a motion to adjourn?

So moved.

There's a motion and a second to adjourn the regular city council meeting.

All in favor?

Aye.

Anyone opposed?

And the regular city council meeting for Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 is adjourned at 1040 a.m.

Council, please remember we have mass transit at 11 30.

Oh we did it.