El Paso City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026
El Paso City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026
The El Paso City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:01 AM in Council Chambers, with Mayor Bernard Johnson presiding. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, and discussion and action on 15 agenda items, including a data center policy framework, pothole repair practices, a charter amendment special election, and several economic development and infrastructure items. The meeting recessed at 1:36 PM and reconvened at 2:38 PM, adjourning at 6:15 PM.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously with revisions (Item 26 postponed two weeks).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Data Centers (Item 13): Multiple speakers urged the council to adopt the data center policy framework and end the 380 agreement with Meta. Speakers expressed concerns about water consumption, energy use, environmental impacts, and potential rate increases. Key speakers included Jonathan Zayan (software engineer, presented 24-page document with six mandates), Sugat Borthaker (urged further restrictions), Vanessa Almale (resident of District 1, opposed data centers), Jay Mania (organizer, shared stories of community impacts), Anna Valpierra (urged ending 380 agreement), Giselle Fregoso (electrical engineer, opposed AI data centers), Lucas Soto (17-year-old student, opposed), Diana Ramirez (Central Neighborhood Association, asked how the city reached this point), Maria Garcia (former journalist, called it a legacy-defining moment), and others. Holly Davis (Meta community development manager) spoke in favor, citing commitments to water positivity, clean energy, and job creation.
- Pigeon Trapping (Call to the Public): Claudia Contreras Siller, Josie Karen, Raul Castañeda, and others raised concerns about an individual trapping pigeons, alleging animal cruelty and lack of oversight. They requested investigation and enforcement of hunting licenses.
- Animal Services (Call to the Public): Barbara Valencia criticized the Community Return to Owner program, stating 78% of animals remained unaccounted for. Ron Como and René Corral also raised concerns about stray dogs and the Haas sheltering plan.
- Other Topics: Patricia Osman spoke about a GIMP mask and prostitution allegations; Jose Gastón Barriga urged a unified command for emergency communications; Elizabeth Crawford spoke about abortion and racism; Sandra Olivas and neighbors described safety and sanitation issues at 7001 Casaloma Circle; Celinda Cruz requested a city medical entomologist.
Discussion Items
- Item 13 – Data Center Policy Framework: Representatives Boyar Trejo and Acevedo proposed a 60-day pause on new data center negotiations, a framework for community engagement and utility coordination, and a legal analysis of existing 380 agreements. After extensive debate and amendments, the council approved a modified motion (5-4, with Mayor breaking tie) that removed the 60-day deadline and the words "all current" from the legal analysis directive. The final motion directs the city manager to develop a proposed data center policy framework prioritizing community engagement and utility providers, and the city attorney to conduct a legal analysis of 380 agreements with data centers to identify best practices.
- Item 14 – Pothole Repair Practices: Representative Trejo presented a proposal to evaluate and implement improvements to pothole repair methods, including criteria for repeated failures and stronger utility-related inspection. The motion failed 2-6, with council members noting ongoing improvements by Streets and Maintenance and the need for budget discussions.
- Item 15 – City Charter Amendment Special Election: Representative Acevedo proposed initiating a charter amendment process for November 2026. City Manager Dionne Mack estimated costs of $1.2-1.6 million. The motion failed 2-6, with council citing high costs and the need for earlier planning.
- Item 16 – Pavement Markings Contract: Approved unanimously.
- Item 17 – State Legislative Agenda: Approved unanimously. The agenda outlines priorities for the 90th Texas Legislature, including protecting local authority, securing fair state investment, and supporting public safety and housing.
- Items 18 & 19 – Public Art Master Plan and Annual Plan: Approved unanimously. The 10-year master plan (2026-2036) and 2026 annual plan were adopted, emphasizing community engagement, local artists, and diversified funding.
- Item 20 – Golf Course Operation Agreement: Approved unanimously. A 30-year concession agreement with EP Golf Co. LLC for Lone Star Golf Club includes $1.3 million in capital improvements, shifting infrastructure maintenance to the concessionaire, and increasing airport revenue.
- Item 21 – Advanced Manufacturing Incentive Policy: Approved unanimously. The policy establishes incentives for manufacturers in the Advanced Manufacturing District, including a $1.2 million allocation from the Texas Economic Development Fund for defense readiness.
- Item 22 – Advanced Manufacturing District GMP: Approved unanimously. A $26.1 million guaranteed maximum price for construction of a 50,000 sq. ft. warm shell building, infrastructure, and amenities.
- Item 23 – 380 Infill Development Agreement: Approved unanimously. A $30,554 incentive package for a fourplex at 911 Tays Street in Segundo Barrio.
- Item 24 – Accounts Receivable Audit Follow-up: Approved unanimously. The second follow-up found the Office of the Comptroller had addressed three original findings, though department-level implementation remains.
- Item 25 – Budget Transfer for Bike Improvements: Approved unanimously. $159,198.55 transferred from 2020 capital funding to resurface Virginia Street for downtown bike lane phase one.
- Item 27 – Tree Grant Application: Approved unanimously. The city will apply for a $50,000 Texas A&M Forest Service grant (with $50,000 match) to plant 250 trees in low-tree-equity areas.
Key Outcomes
- Item 13 – Data Center Policy Framework: Adopted (5-4) with amendments removing the 60-day deadline and the words "all current" from the legal analysis directive. The motion authorizes the city manager to develop a framework and the city attorney to analyze 380 agreements.
- Item 14 – Pothole Repair Practices: Failed (2-6).
- Item 15 – Charter Amendment Special Election: Failed (2-6).
- Items 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27: All approved unanimously.
- Executive Session: No action taken on legal advice regarding the February 10, 2026 temporary flight restriction notice.
Meeting Transcript
Well, good morning, everyone, and welcome to City Council Chambers. Uh Ms. Pryne, I think we're ready to get started. Yes, sir. Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the presentation of the mayor's proclamations. We began this morning with a pledge of allegiance led by Del Valle High School at the invitation of City Representative Lili Limon. We have Leonardo Gomez, Cindy Hernandez, Eva Villarrial, Jaden Jimenez, and Rocío Miranda. All right. Thank you, Mayor. The marathon folks can come on up. Proclamation, City of El Paso, Texas. Whereas the El Paso Runners Foundation was established in two thousand six and has served as a venue to promulgate physical activity, health, and fitness among the El Paso community. And whereas the El Paso Runners Foundation mission is to organize a first class marathon that promotes health and fitness in the community, brings tourism to the region of El Paso, and provides support to local and national nonprofit organizations. And whereas the Miclobe Ultra Al Paso Marathon, an annual event held since two thousand seven, is a Boston Marathon qualifier and a highlight for the El Paso running community and beyond, attracting thousands of participants from across the United States and other countries. And whereas this year's El Paso Marathon route begins and ends at historic San Jacinto Plaza in downtown El Paso, with runners taking a scenic loop course through central El Paso, going as far east as Wedgwood Drive. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Mayor and Council of the City of El Paso that February twenty twenty six February twenty-two, twenty twenty-six shall be known as El Paso Marathon Runners Day, signed by our honorable mayor Bernard Johnson. Welcome runners. It's an old joke, but I'll say it again. We'll be brief because we got to run. Your consistent partnership has been instrumental in transforming this event from its modest beginnings with approximately 900 participants into the significant community pillar it is today. Now attracting nearly 7,000 athletes. So from its inception, the El Paso Marathon has been dedicated to a triparate mission, fostering health and wellness within our community, stimulating stimulating local tourism by drawing participants to our vibrant city and providing substantial financial support to local nonprofit organizations. This mission continues to drive our efforts and define our success. The event's growing prestige is evident in its expanding reach with athletes from 46 states. And this year we've got uh eight different countries represented. We're also proud to note that the engagement of over 190 participating teams underscores the collaborative spirit of the marathon. To date, our collective endeavors have enabled us to donate close to 450,000 to various local charities. The El Paso Marathon represents far more than a single athletic competition. It's a powerful demonstration of community, unity, and collective action toward a greater good. Such an ambition, ambitious undertaking would not be achievable without the steadfast backing of the city. The generous contributions of our sponsors, and the tireless dedication of over 300 volunteers who contribute their time and effort throughout race weekend. We particularly wish to acknowledge, and I've got two of them here, the exceptional commitment of our ambassadors. The dedicated group of two 20 individuals has worked diligently for months, actively recruiting participants and passionately advocating for the event. Their efforts alone have inspired over 600 people to register. On behalf of the entire El Paso Runners Foundation, our generous sponsors, LNF Distributors, Raies Federal Credit Union, Mikel Obultra, Spine and Rehab Specialist, visit El Paso. Sarah Fresh, thank you once again, Mayor and Council, for your invaluable support. We look forward to seeing you on race day or at least at the Kids Dash. So thank you once again. Thank you guys so much. Well, well, like you, I'm gonna keep my remarks brief because I know you guys have to run. So um thank you guys for putting on this event for the past 20 years, and this is a significant event for the the city of El Paso, and you touched on it, and we know that it takes a big team to pull this off, and it includes all the volunteers you talked about, all the sponsors, so we want to thank them, thank them as well. And again, you guys are doing more than just a race, you're contributing back to this economy. 450,000 you just mentioned to local charities. So thank you guys for what you're doing. And I have one quick question. Um does the uh race start in what can you give us a little bit more on the event, when it is the times? Well, race weekend starts out with Saturday. We'll be at the El Paso Convention Center for the Sarafresh Health and Fitness Expo, which of course is open to everybody. We expect at least 7,000 people to pass through the hall.
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