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

We are about ready to get started.

Miss Bryant?

Good morning, Mayor, and good morning, everyone.

Welcome to the presentation of the mayor's proclamations.

We begin with the Pledge of Allegiance, and this morning to lead us in the pledge, we have Regional Spanish Spelling B twenty twenty six winners at the invitation of City Representative Lily Limon.

We have Shaheli de Silva, Ferran Martinez Caloca, Constanza Garcia, Ivana Galvan Gonzalez, and Rebecca Cuevas.

Okay, Miss Bryan.

Yes, and for those receiving a proclamation this morning, your group will have up to four minutes collectively to receive the proclamation at the podium.

That brings us to the first proclamation, which is one hundred and fifth annual potentate and commanders ball.

And the proclamation reads, whereas Oro Temple number nine of the ancient Egyptian Arabic Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its jurisdictions, Inc., Prince Hall affiliated will host their one hundred and six annual potentate and commanders ball and celebration on March twenty-eighth, twenty twenty-six at the Wyndham Airport and Casino.

And whereas Oro Temple number nine and Oral Court number twenty, both esteemed charitable and nonprofit organizations, have a history of generously donating to numerous charitable causes as part of their annual projects.

And whereas the primary mission of Oral Temple number nine is to foster benevolence and cultivate goodwill within both the local community and beyond.

Throughout their tenure, Oro Temple No.

9 have actively raised funds for a plethora of charitable endeavors, including but not limited to supporting the United Negro College Fund, Child Crisis Center, McCall Neighborhood Center, Initiatives for Cancer Research, Hospice of El Paso, the Salvation Army, and AAACP, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Shriner's Health and Medical Research Foundation, providing uniforms and tools for schools, National Diabetes Research, St.

Jude's Hospital, 80 New Life Christian Home, the Ronald McDonald House, the YWCA, Transitional Living Center, and numerous other vital organizations serving the community.

And whereas in 2025, Oral Temple No.

9 exemplified its commitment to philanthropy through generous contributions to various local organizations.

This included providing cash donations to the Salvation Army, assisting with curb site donations for Thanksgiving, and supporting the National Diabetes, American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross.

Furthermore, they generously donated toys to the El Paso Child Crisis Center.

Additionally, they extended their support by donating hygiene items to the students at Texas College and serving breakfast quarterly to the El Paso Independent Living Center, a homeless shelter.

Now therefore be a proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso that March 28th, 2026 shall be known as Oral Temple No.

20, combined annual celebration, signed by the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson.

Good morning.

Good morning, man.

You guys want to say a few words?

I got a couple words.

Just a few.

On behalf of the nobles of Oral Temple No.

9 and the daughters of Oral Court No.

20, I humbly gratefully accept this proclamation from the city of El Paso.

We thank the City of El Paso for this distinguished honor.

Remain committed to continuing our work of compassion, leadership, and service throughout our great community.

You had just a few words.

Just a few.

All right.

Can we get some names and the rest of the court?

Um my name is Carl Reagan.

I'm the Luscious Pointe.

Good morning.

My name is Sean Labad.

I'm the Lustus Commander for Oral Court No.

20.

Daughter Commissioner Ramp of Oral Court No.

20.

I am Stephen Monroe, and I am the deputy of the OASIS for this great Sun City of El Paso.

I'm Noble Ned Gadson, the chief rate band of Oral Temple No.

Noble Billy Haddon, the assistant Ray Ban, Oral Temple No.

Nine.

Noble Majale McKeever, first ceremonial master.

Fantastic.

Well, thank you guys uh for all that you do for this community.

And can you tell us a little bit about this year's potent tape ball?

Yes, Mr.

Mayor.

We're going to have it at the Windham.

Uh we will have hospitality on the 27th meeting greet, and then we will conduct the ball.

The board will encompass all the other uh shriner temples from different parts of the United States to the 10.

We'll have temples from Alaska, some of our first places from New Mexico, uh Albuquerque, um, we'll have some out of Colorado, but it's the first that we have an annual board where we recognize uh our main events during the course of the year.

Very good.

And what time does it start again?

And it it will start at seven, and uh it will go to approximately twelve o'clock.

Twelve o'clock, okay.

And we will we're looking forward to seeing you, Mayor, for for for our annual we're looking forward to seeing you, Mr.

Mayor.

I hear you for our annual uh Gala that we're having this year.

You you're one of our public speakers.

So we we really like to have you.

And that's in April.

Because we're having we're bringing all of the temples in the state of Texas to Al Paso for our annual desert conference.

And you are invited to be one of our guest speakers for our public affairs.

Now that you mention it, when is the desert conference?

Mr.

Mayor.

It is April 16th through the 18th.

I think you should have it in your books somewhere.

Because we see you at Veterans Breakfast every month.

Yes.

I understand.

Well, again, thank you guys.

Thank uh Oral Temple number uh nine and the Oral Court number 20 for all that you do for this community.

You guys do so so much.

And uh as Ms.

Prime listed, there's just so many things.

The Red Cross, the um uh diabetes that goes on, American cancer, I mean goes on and on, but we cannot thank you enough for all that you do for the El Paso community.

And I'm looking forward to seeing you on April 16th, 17th, you know.

For the desert so I I've got that on my calendar, but but again, thank you guys and congratulations.

Thank you.

Oh, yeah.

Excuse me.

You'll be able to have your phone and take full resource.

All right, let's have everybody take a big step back.

We're gonna do two rows.

So if you're a little taller, let's have you towards the back.

All right, sir.

On the end, can I get you to come in the back for me on this side, please?

That's perfect.

Representative Nino, can I have you come this way for me?

A little bit more?

Beautiful.

All right, ready, big smiles.

One, two, three.

A couple more just in case.

One, two, three.

Okay, we have some phones.

Hold those poses.

Ready, one, two, three.

All right, ready.

One, two, three.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

And the next proclamation is American Red Cross Month.

Representative Rocha.

Thank you, Mayor.

I know they're all here.

While they're getting up here, Anna shared with me this morning that they're celebrating a hundred and fifteen years here in El Paso.

Wow.

So quite quite a celebration.

So I hope we hear a lot about it.

For sure.

Thank you so much.

Whereas the American Red Cross has served the nation for more than a hundred and forty-five years by providing compassionate care to those in need, delivering relief, comfort, and hope in times of disaster and crisis.

And whereas during the month of March, communities across the country recognize American Red Cross Month to honor the dedicated volunteers, donors, and staff who make this life-saving humanitarian mission possible.

And whereas in the city of El Paso, Red Cross volunteers and partners play a vital role in responding to emergencies by providing shelter, food, and essential essential services following disasters, supporting patients through a safe and reliable blood supply, and assisting military members, veterans, and their families through 24 hours support services.

And whereas the American Red Cross also strengthens our community by offering life-saving education, such as first aid, CPR, and emergency preparedness, empowering residents to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors.

And whereas these collective efforts reflect the spirit of compassion, service, and resilience that defines El Paso.

Reminding us that when we come together, no one has to face an emergency alone.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso that March 2026 shall be known as American Red Cross Month, signed by the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson.

Thank you.

Thank you all so much.

Representative Rocha, thank you so much.

Good morning for supporting us.

Thank you, thank you.

Um as Representative Rocha mentioned, we are celebrating this year 115 years in El Paso.

We have been an established chapter in this community since 1911.

And so I am hoping that all of you throughout this year will help us celebrate.

We are planning events.

We are ultimately culminating the year with a birthday party celebration at our offices, and I will make sure that all of you receive our invitation, and I hope you're able to join us to help celebrate our year.

We have been in this community helping make this community more resilient and supporting and making it safer this past weekend alone.

We were out in Canotillo with our wonderful staff and volunteers.

We installed a hundred smoke alarms in over in 38 homes.

So we had a very successful event this past weekend.

We had over 50 volunteers out there supporting us.

So we're super grateful for this community for always opening up their door for us and just grateful to be here representing and ensuring that we're delivering mission here in El Paso.

So thank you all so much for this recognition.

We truly appreciate it and are so grateful for all of you and your leadership.

So thank you, thank you.

If I could take a moment and let my volunteers and staff introduce themselves, I would appreciate that.

Absolutely.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Good morning, Corina Guerrero, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services Regional Program Specialist.

Rick Rosen volunteer.

Morning.

Franci Dupoy Chavez, and I'm a volunteer as well.

Good morning.

Charles Weaver, I'm a volunteer too.

Good morning.

Jeffrey Gilmer, volunteer as well.

Hello, Anna Kepshaw volunteer.

Good morning.

Hi, I'm Janelle, and I'm a volunteer as well.

Good morning.

Hi, uh Joyce Cordell Gilmer, volunteer.

And if I can shout out a couple of our volunteers.

Rick, for example, really headed up our event this past weekend, and so we're so grateful that the success of that event was under his leadership.

But also we'll be handing you today an event that recognizes a small cart that recognizes the hundred and fifteen years that we've been in El Paso, gives a little bit of our chapter history and how we started, but most importantly, a chapter pin that I hope you all will proudly wear.

And it is uh specific to this chapter, and it does say El Paso.

And this was created by with the help and support of Joyce Cordell.

So really grateful for all of our volunteers for all the support that they offer us.

Thank you.

Very good.

So you guys have been in El Paso since 1911, right?

Yes, sir, because of the Mexican Revolution.

So we were here helping both American and Mexican soldiers who were wounded.

Uh and we were just crossing international lines to help support these these soldiers.

Yeah, well, I I did a little research and I found out that the American Red Cross was founded in 1881.

Correct.

By Clara Barton and um who had the nickname of Angel of the Battlefield.

And in addition to the disasters that you guys respond to, uh what most don't know is that uh the American Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of all the uh nation's blood, and that's roughly every two seconds someone in the U.S.

needs blood.

So, in addition to the disasters that you respond to, you guys are out saving lives.

So thank you for all that you do, and congratulations on on the uh since 1911 being here.

So congratulations to all.

Thank you, thank you.

We appreciate you.

Thank you.

Representative Fierro.

Thank you, Mayor.

You know, thank you all for all you do for our community and for addressing this disasters without fear.

You're you're there, and I'm sure that if God forbid I would I'm ever part of uh the other side of a disaster, but I'd sure look for those red vests if I was.

Um your alarms that you you put on the fire alarms in seniors' homes and and homes.

Thank you for doing that for our community.

That's a huge safety message.

And and lastly, congratulations and tapping into Joyce Cordell's talent.

She's an amazing person, and I had the opportunity of of uh working besides her at the community college, and she did a fabulous job.

Thank you.

We appreciate having her around and and representative Fierro, we appreciate you.

For those of you who don't know, Representative Fierro uh donated for the first time at our blood drive this last year.

We truly are grateful to him.

Wait a minute, and and I got on a poster.

You did.

He's at national recognition for that too.

Wow.

So thank you, Representative.

We appreciate you.

Thank you.

Well, that is awesome.

Representative Rocha.

Thank you, Mayor.

I just want to recognize Charlie.

Uh he introduced himself as Charles Weaver, but he has the most deployments within the American Red Cross here in the region, or in this chapter.

You're at 18, Charlie.

18.

That guy raises his hand every single time there's a disaster anywhere in the United States, and that gentleman goes to it.

Straight to it.

On a national level, we recognize that Charlie will always raise his hand to help support.

So we are again grateful for the volunteers that we have here.

Charlie is one of the most awesome ones that we have who actually uh deploys at every national disaster that needs support for us.

He went to Alaska most recently and Montana.

So Charlie is one of our volunteers that deploys often.

Wow.

Yeah, and yeah, congratulations, guys.

It goes off 1969.

You want to live in a company.

Perfect.

If I can put it in the appearance, that's adorable.

I know my lighting.

I got this.

Thanks, guys.

No, that's not.

No, that's not.

I'm sorry for shopping them down.

You know, the mic is okay.

It's always new stuff.

I guess it is the one handing.

Right.

All right.

So we're gonna do two rows.

If you're a little taller, let's have you right up against the dais towards the back.

A little taller, yeah, you're good.

Perfect.

Ma'am, on the end, can I get you to come right here in the front with them, please?

Perfect.

And then let's have everybody take a step back for me.

Beautiful.

And then ma'am, I'll have you come over just a little bit more.

Actually, can I have you guys switch?

No, no, not you, sir.

I'm sorry.

I'm in the black.

Yes.

There we go.

That looks good.

Okay.

Ma'am right here.

Can I have you come out just a little bit for me?

That looks good.

Oh no, Representative Roach.

You're good.

You guys are good.

Okay, reps all look great.

All right, on the count of three.

Ready?

Actually, sir, right here.

I'm having a little heart.

Perfect.

All right.

Ready, one, two, three.

Sorry, guys, just want to make sure we see everybody.

Okay, I've got 15 phones.

I like when they laugh like it's a joke.

And we all know that's new.

I think I forget.

One, two, three.

Okay.

One, two, three.

She wasn't joking.

Now they know I was serious.

One, two, three.

Thank you.

Ready, one, two, three.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thanks, guys.

And I get up there from our workshop for two.

Are we good?

And the next proclamation is International Women's Week.

Representative Trajo.

Thank you, Mayor.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

How are you?

Good, good.

I'm going to go ahead and read the proclamation.

Happy, happy women's month, ladies.

Yes.

Whereas International Women's Week is observed annually in March in conjunction with the International Women's Day to celebrate social, economical, cultural, and political achievements of women across the globe.

And whereas women throughout history have demonstrated extra extraordinary leadership, resilience, and determination to overcome barriers and expanding opportunities for future generations.

And whereas women in El Paso contribute daily to the strength and vitality of our community as educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, healthcare professionals, advocates, caregivers, and leaders across every sector.

And whereas Via Maria located in a segundo barrio provides long term transitional housing for women experiencing homelessness whose children are not currently in their care, offering a safe, structured and supportive residential community where women can transition from crisis towards stability and long term self sufficiency.

Whereas Via Maria operates a 8800 square foot hacienda style facility serving 22 residents at a time, providing private living spaces, daily meals, transportation assistance and coordinated access to medical behavioral health and social services.

And whereas through a solistic model of integrating housing and intensive care management, counseling, employment readiness, financial literacy, education and trauma informed support, Via Maria serves 65 to 75 women annually, many of whom are survivors of domestic violence, trauma, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, incarnation in incarceration and prolonged poverty, and supports them in rebuilding stability and working towards family reunification when possible.

And we're under the leadership of executive director Maria Gutierrez, also known as Connie, Via Maria continues to strengthen the cycle of stability and community leadership by empowering women to achieve independence and in many cases return as volunteers and staff to serve others.

Whereas Via Maria exemplifies the belief that when a woman heals and achieves stability the positive impact expands beyond the individual to strengthen families and the broader El Paso community.

Now therefore be it resolved by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso hereby recognizes and honors Via Maria during International Women's Week and commends it its unwavering commitment to empowering women restoring dignity and strengthening our community thank you good morning.

Thank you so much and we are here meeting you all of you especially you mayor well all of you guys thank you so much.

Our founder Sister Helen and I think before saying what I'm going to say I would like them to introduce and then I will go ahead and give uh a little talk that works good morning my name is Jacqueline Adame and I'm the administrative assistant.

Good morning my name is Veronica's Andrew Nazar and I'm a resident of Ivan Maria Good morning good morning Jessica Hamp resident Good morning good morning and thank you for this recognition I'm Sister Helen Santa Maria founding director of Maria Good morning thank you.

So we have a great team working for women where we are women only women working for women and uh during this month's women's month Villa Maria is deeply honored to be recognized by the City Council.

Thank you Cynthia Boyar Trejo for recognizing us thank you all of you for um and you are recognizing us thank you so much for our commitment to serving women in our community who are experiencing homelessness we accept this recognition with gratitude and humility knowing that it represents not only our work as an organization but also the resilience courage and strength of the women we serve every day across our community and throughout the nation the number of women experiencing homelessness continues to rise economic stability lack of affordable housing domestic violence mental health challenges and many times substance use disorders disproportionately affect women particularly women of color and women living in poverty many of the women that come to Villa Maria they arrive after experiencing trauma family violence incarceration or prolonged financial hardship some have children who are not currently in their care and we are working with them towards reunification and homelessness among women is often hidden women are more likely to experience invisible homelessness staying temporarily with friends moving between unstable homeless um homeless um unstable environments I'm sorry or remaining in unsafe situations to avoid living on the streets while their

Some have children who are not currently in their care, and we are working with them towards reunification.

And homelessness among women is often hidden.

Women are more likely to experience invisible homelessness, staying temporarily with friends, moving between uh unstable, homeless, um, homeless, um, unstable environments, I'm sorry, or remaining in unsafe situations to avoid living on the streets.

While their homelessness may not always be visible, access uh keeps women keeps not having enough access to consistent health care, rebuild family uh relationships, or it's difficult for them to pursue education.

Housing stability is the foundation upon which all other progress is built.

And at Villa Maria, we believe that every woman deserves not only shelter, but dignity, structure, and the opportunity to rebuild their life.

Our long-term transitional housing program provides a safe and supportive environment where women can move from crisis to stability.

Within our home, residents receive individual individualized case management, access to employment, readiness support, financial literacy, education, mental health, and recovery services, and guidance towards permanent housing.

Now I'm going to ask uh our case manager to speak about what is what she does directly with the women we serve.

Okay.

Thank you so much.

Good morning.

Good morning.

How do you follow that, right?

Yeah.

Um, I had just put just a little something together.

Um, the work that we do, it's not easy.

It has just to sit to pain, to sit with pain to hold space for trauma and to walk alongside women and their families during the most difficult chapters of their lives.

But it's also some of the most powerful and transformative work that I've sorry that I've ever been a part of.

Every day we witness courage, we see women choosing safety, we see mothers rebuilding for their children, and we see resilience that humbles us.

The women we serve are the true heroes.

Their strength inspires us constantly.

Thank you for believing in the importance of our mission and for providing the resources that allow us to create safe spaces for hit for heading healing and growth.

This award belongs to every survivor who chose hope, every colleague who chose compassion, and every advocate who refuses to give up.

Thank you so much.

So we are honored to be celebrating International Women's Week with you guys, and um thank you for bringing being that bridge from a crisis to confidence and from uncertainty to stability.

And each of you carries strength that we could we we may not always be able to see, but you do it.

Uh you do provide strength that tomorrow can look different than yesterday.

And again, thank you guys for all that you do, and we are so so proud of you.

And uh representative.

Thank you.

Uh Mayor, I'm not sure if you've had a chance to visit Villa Maria, but it is right in the heart of downtown on Oregon Street.

Um, I had the privilege of being on an acts retreat where Sister Helen was our spiritual director, and as part of our service, we went down to Villa Maria, and we prepared breakfast for the ladies on a Saturday morning.

And it was a really interesting request because we asked them what they would like to have, and they said, like, no cereal, no oatmeal.

They said bacon, lots of bacon.

And so we left there smelling like bacon for the whole day.

And so, Sister Helen, are you still open to having groups come out on a Saturday morning and fix breakfast?

We'd love to do it.

Our office would love to do it.

Very welcome.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor, very much.

Congratulations, sister.

You outstanding job.

Representative Chavez.

Thank you, Mayor Johnson.

Welcome to City Hall.

Thank you for being here and congratulations for the work that you're doing.

So I know that I've said it before, but I actually went to Loreto Academy for 12 years.

I'm a product of the Sisters of Loreto, a product of Sister Helen herself, a force to be reckoned with.

Um I'm so grateful for everything that you contributed to towards my life, and just to be able to be here today in this room with you is very moving for me, Sister Helen.

Thank you so much for having educated so many of us, and also now for helping so many women that are in dire need in our community.

I know that you've been doing this for decades now.

So your sacrifices are seen and appreciated.

God bless you always.

Again, thank you guys for your leadership and everything that you're doing for the community.

We're going to take some pictures here.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And the next proclamation is National National Transit Employee Appreciation Day.

Representative Rocha.

And I can definitely confirm that that is what happened.

Wow.

Amanda of his word.

Who's driving the buses?

Okay.

Here we go.

Look at this.

Look at this.

Wow.

It's amazing.

Wow.

Good to see you all.

Ready, sir?

I am ready.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mayor, City Council.

Whereas the efficient functioning of public transportation system is vital to the well-being and connectivity of our communities, and whereas the dedicated Sun Metro employees play an indispensable role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the city's fixed rapid transit, paratransit, and streetcar services.

And whereas in May twenty twenty six, Sun Metro's director, Anthony DeKaiser, will receive recognition from the Texas Transit Association as the twenty twenty-five outstanding public transportation general manager.

And whereas in twenty twenty-five, more than five and a half million passenger trips were provided, utilizing approximately one hundred buses and more than fifty routes connecting all regions of El Paso.

And whereas transit team members exhibit the commitment, professionalism, and resilience by starting their days before the sun rises and finishing them long after the sun is set, including working weekends and on or around holidays.

And whereas, in addition to meeting stringent safety requirements, transit team members must demonstrate customer service, patience, empathy, and understanding to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for community members and visitors.

And whereas National Transit Employee Appreciation Day provides an opportunity for us to express our gratitude and recognize the hard work, dedication, and contributions of transit employees each year on March 18th.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the City of El Paso that March 18th, 2026 shall be known as National Transit Employee Appreciation Day, signed by the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson.

Good morning.

Morning, Mayor, City Council.

So you know, Transit Employee Appreciation Day provides us an opportunity to express our gratitude and recognize the hard work and dedication and the contributions of transit employees to the City of El Paso.

It has been a unique year for Sun Metro.

We were dealt a significant blow, a tragic event that changed the core of Sun Metro forever.

But we endeavored to persevere.

We adjusted operations to fit conditions.

We returned services to normal operations in a two-week period.

All Sun Metro employees rose to the occasion and returned service to normal operations.

They also ensured reliable, dependable transit service to the city of El Paso.

They maintained a 91% on time performance for fixed route and paratransit.

They increased ridership of the streetcar 48% after increasing ridership by 168% in the years previous to that.

They purchased and are receiving 52 buses and 52 lift vehicles, excuse me, 55 lift vehicles costing over 60 million dollars.

They reduced vacancies by 3.6 percent, while reducing our turnover rate by 11.5 percent, which is 26 percent lower than the industry average.

They reduced the budget by 5.8 million dollars and increased the buttons balance by 11.3 million.

In addition, they were awarded the outstanding Sun Metropolitan Sun Metropolitan Transit System of 2025 by the TTA.

We were also recognized and awarded by the U.S.

Department of Veteran Affairs for our contribution and unwavering support, providing veterans in the City of El Paso free rides.

All this while dealing with the wrenching tragedy that changed Sun Metro.

These people here with me today are but a sample of Sun Metro employees working diligently, whether it's in an office, whether it's in a shop, or whether it's on the road, or like the maintenance who conducted split operations in the elements every day for over a year.

They make it happen every day, before the sun comes up and long after the sun goes down.

They are the ones who endeavored to persevere.

They are the ones that make this happen.

Safe, dependable, public transportation.

That is why we are here proclaiming National Transit Employee Appreciation Day, particularly for the employees here in the City of El Paso, Sun Metro.

So I want to thank the mayor and the city council, especially you, Representative Roza for bringing us up to today, bringing this forward.

And I also want to thank Nicole Cody, the deputy my deputy city manager, who facilitates success for Sun Metro, and Dion Mack, the city manager for support and guidance.

Within Sun Metro, I'd like to put a special thanks out to my deputy, Jerry DeMoro, to my assistant director, Claudia Garcia, to my other assistant director, Dwayne Arnold, and to everybody that works every day to make sure 5.5 million people a year get to and from their destination safely.

Thank you to the city's employees of Sun Metro.

Very well said.

So again, I'm just gonna add my congratulations to the many, the mechanics, the the phone operators, the bushwashers, the drivers, the administration, everyone.

We just want to say thank you for all that you do.

And Anthony, congratulations on receiving the Texas Transit Association 2025 outstanding public transportation GM.

That's huge.

Thank you.

That is huge.

Congratulations.

We're proud of you.

And I will cut the rest of my comments so we can at least let everyone swing by the mic real quick and introduce themselves.

I will I just want to say one more thing.

That the award that I got is because of them.

Last year we were awarded an award for the the transit uh best transit for for Texas because of them.

This year, this award is because of them.

Without them, nothing happens.

And that's why I want to put a shout out to my people.

So I'm I'll let them come up.

Before they come up, Representative uh Fierro.

Thank you, Mayor.

Anthony, it's no surprise that you and your team uh are receiving this award.

No surprise at all.

Mayor, I had the opportunity to go to Austin and testify with with um Mr.

DeKaiser.

And I have never been around a more passionate, data-driven individual whose focus on the bottom line, but won't let it affect customer service.

It was such an honor to spend 13 hours sitting there waiting to testify.

That wasn't as much fun as is as being with Danny.

So it's no surprise that that you, Anthony, and your team, each and every one of them, um, are receiving this award.

Thank you, Mayor.

Yeah, congratulations.

You can come up.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Uh my name is Jorge Melendez.

I'm a support specialist three, and I've been with Sun Metro about six months.

Very good.

Good morning, Gerardo Hernandez Pardo, uh, IoT project manager, been with Sun Metro for about a year and a half.

Yeah.

Good morning.

Good morning, Council.

Mayor, uh Rudy Reyes, I'm the Grant Project Manager of Sun Metro.

Been with Sun Metro for three years.

Good morning.

Good morning, Dean Norte Carlos, project manager, seven months at Sun Metro.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mayor and Council.

My name is Adriana Zifuentes.

I'm an administrative analyst, and I've been with Sun Metro for four years.

Good morning, Mayor, City Council, Juan Aleman, Special Project Manager.

I've been with Sun Metro a little over two years.

Good morning.

My name is Luis Rodriguez.

I'm a proud transit operator in the best city in El Paso.

Thank you.

There you go.

Morning, everybody.

Uh Luis Carabeo.

I am a transit operator.

I have been with uh the department for the six months.

Wow.

Good morning.

Uh David Garcia.

I'm the customer and business uh business and customer service assistant manager.

I've been with Sun Metro for five years.

Wow, good morning.

Good morning.

Morning.

My name is Alfredo Murillo.

I'm a fleet maintenance lead technician.

Been with uh Sun Metro for 24 and a half years.

Wow.

Good morning.

Mayor, City Council.

My name is Luis A.

Hernandez, and I'm a lead technician at Sun Metro.

Been there for 32 years.

Wow.

Congratulations.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Is that Sembrano, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator?

I've been with Sun Metro for about a year and a half.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Good morning, Council.

My name is Jennifer Cortez, and I'm the strategic initiative specialist for Sun Metro.

I've been with Sun Metro for 11 months.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Joey Barra, been with Sun Metro for uh 12 years.

I'm a transit schedule writer.

Good morning.

Good morning, my name is Robert Mendez.

I'm the Transit Senior Service Planner.

I've been with Sun Metro going on eight years now.

Wow.

Good morning.

Uh good morning.

My name is Carla Garcia, have been working for Sun Metro for three years, and I am finance.

Good morning.

Good morning, Erica Saavedra.

I've been with Sun Metro for three years as well, also finance.

Good morning.

Good morning, Joseph Gonzalez, rookie on the team.

Been here for three months.

Oh wow.

Good morning.

Hi, Victor Carabeo, Special Projects Manager.

I've been with San Metro for four years and with the city for almost 10 years.

Wow.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I am a transit operator and I have been with Sun Metro for six months now.

Good morning.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Uh Jaime Gates, uh streetcar maintenance supervisor, six months.

But with the city for sixteen years.

Wow.

Good morning, Mayor Council.

My name is Mary Martinez.

I've been a tr I'm on the transit supervisor on the fixed route side, been with the city nine years going on 10.

Wow.

Good morning, everyone.

My name is Arnie Chavez.

I work with Al Pasol Streetcar.

I've been with the city for eight years.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm assistant director of transit operations.

I got a bird eye view of watching all of these employees in actions.

It's amazing work that they do.

Um it's really an honor to be part of this team and working on Anthony's direction.

And I do want to say thank you for all of the support that this body, this committee right here supports in all of the city leadership supports the Sun Metro.

Thank you.

Very good.

Good morning.

Good morning, Jerry Mero, Deputy Transit Officer.

I've been with Sun Metro for three years with the city for seven.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm Claudia Garcia, who's been director for Penny Nandy Bummer.

Being with San Metro for 28 years.

Wow.

So there's one person that didn't come up here and and introduce themselves.

And I would just like to give a shout out to her and have her come up here even though she didn't come up here.

But Sun Metro has a lot that they have to do, and a lot of things and a lot of it deals with contracts and other things that touch the legal realm.

So almost everything we do to push forward, we need our lawyer.

And we have a great lawyer.

Hi.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm Joyce Garcia.

I'm the assistant city attorney that supports Sun Metro.

And I've been with the city for about three and a half years.

Good morning.

That's the team, huh?

That's the team.

And we appreciate everything that you guys do.

The city council does, mayor and support in Sun Metro.

Um it takes a whole team.

It's not just Sun Metro.

It takes the whole management team of the city to work in conjunction with each other to push things forward and and helping each other making sure the right decisions are made as we move forward.

So again, thank you so much for your support.

And Anthony, congratulations to you and the team.

Congratulations, guys.

Thank you.

Representative uh Canales.

Really quick, Anthony.

A lot of people in the room.

How many employees total at Sun Metro?

There's about six hundred and fifty employees and about another two hundred contractors.

So altogether eight hundred plus employees that we manage.

And you couldn't bring everybody today because lots of them are to be out in the field, right?

Somebody had to drive the bus and and make sure that they were operational and and then run actual operations.

So there's a lot of lot of leaders that didn't make it down here, but I'm sure they're watching it and and they're a big part of the team for sure.

Yeah, I just wanted to make sure we got a congratulations to everybody who's not here today because they're uh they're working hard or they're uh maybe resting up and in uh preparation for their shift later on.

So thank you.

Thank you.

I spot Nicole Nicole.

Yeah, I I thanked her, but I didn't see her fear back there.

So so my deputy city manager helps facilitate everything we do.

She is the sounding board for where we go, and she gives us the direction for where we we need to go.

She tells us move a little bit left, move a little bit right, but keep going forward.

And so for that again, I I thank her for her leadership and everything she does to support Sun Metro.

Like I we're blessed to have her.

Good morning.

Good morning, Man Council Nicole Cody.

I just want to thank the amazing Sun Metro team.

They're incredible people working every day to support this community, and we thank you for your continued support.

Thank you.

You're very welcome.

Now, Anna, how we do this.

That's good.

Um, on this end, can I get you to come over here behind Representative Rocha, please?

And then, sir, right here, can I get you to step right next to us, Nicole Cody?

Beautiful.

All right.

Uh, Anthony, can I get you to move just a little bit that way?

Perfect, and then your face is right there between.

All right, nobody's hiding from me.

Sir, in the teal, can I get you to kind of position your face just like right there?

You go.

And say perfect same.

You, sir, and the nice vest.

Right here?

Just kind of put your face right.

There you go.

Okay.

And then we got to think even thinner.

Let's bring it in a little more.

We're all friends.

We all work together.

It's great.

All right, we're looking good.

Ready, big smiles.

I just can't see you, sir.

Let's have you come over here to this side for me, please.

And then on this side, just bring it in tight.

There you go.

All right.

Big smiles.

Ready, one, two, three.

Sure.

Ready, one, two, three.

Okay.

Yes, and then with some phones.

Oh, nice on a point five grade.

There we go.

One, two, three.

Anybody else?

Thank you.

I have time to talk another one.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Okay, Miss Prime.

The next proclamation is La Fe Cesar Chavez Day.

Representative.

We have another large group of visitors this morning.

Come forward, please.

Sorry, you're fine.

No word.

These are all students from La Fep School.

Move forward.

Come up to the front.

This is a proclamation of the city of El Paso, whereas Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe, El Paso's award-winning federally qualified health center, honors the legacy of civil rights icon Cesar Chavez by championing our region's health, education, cultural arts, and well-being via its El Paso Countywide Network.

Chavez probably served his nation in the U.S.

Navy and later co-founded the United Foreign Workers Union alongside fellow activist Dolores Huerta.

Together they mobilized farm workers, students, and other community members to defend the humanity, health, dignity, and labor rights of our Campesino brothers and sisters.

Cesar's leadership stands to this day as a shining beacon for human rights, fair wages, equality, and social justice around the globe.

And whereas Cicer suffered firsthand the inhumane working conditions and low wages of farm worker life.

He committed his activism to leading a nonviolent movement for safe and fair working conditions, decent housing, voting rights, and the outlawing of child labor and harmful pesticides for these workers.

He taught us that these workers are the men, women, and families whom we should all thank for the food on our tables.

And whereas César's César's teachings live on throughout La Fey and its upcoming La Feparatory School Children's César Chavez March, an event honoring his heroic struggle for us all at 9 a.m.

this Monday, March 31st, on would have been Chavez's 99th birthday.

La Fep School's children and teachers will march in his name throughout El Paso's historic segundo barrio neighborhood.

These students, future leaders of our city and country, will peacefully demonstrate for their communities' well-being and their own rights to a quality education and better future, just as La Fay's children have done each year since our school opened its doors in 2007.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso that March 31st shall be known as César Chávez Day.

Que viva la causa y que viva César Chávez.

Viva.

Good morning.

We want to see us, Mr.

Mayor Council.

Good morning, everyone.

Uh, my name is Estela Reyes Lopez, and I am the public information officer for Centro de Salud Familiar La Fey and for the La Fe Preparatory School.

We are deeply honored and grateful to each of you, to our mayor for this proclamation, to Representative Limon for taking the leadership to help us guide uh organization and uh through this process.

Thank you so much.

I am joined this morning by some of the leadership of our school, and I'll ask them to step up and introduce themselves, and I'll ask our students to each come up either to this microphone or to the one here to my right to state their name and their grade.

Thank you so much.

And first step, please.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Kathy Davila.

I am the school principal at La Fey.

I've been there for three years, and we are very honored to be here.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Ivan Mendoza.

I have the honor of serving as a first grade teacher at La Feparatory School.

Um I'm current I'm on my current second year, and um I also serve as the spelling bee coach for my school.

Very good, thank you.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is William, and I'm a fruit reader.

Good morning, William.

Good morning.

My name is I am Ford Grade.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Leo, and I'm in third grade.

Good morning.

Hello, good morning.

My name is Eduard Cordero, and I am in fourth grade.

Good morning.

Hello, good morning.

I'm Era Herrera Diaz.

I'm from Fort Grade.

Good morning.

Good morning, I'm Kelsey Olivas, and I'm in third grade.

Good morning.

Hi, I am Margaret Morinar.

And I am third grade.

Good morning.

Good morning, my name is Sophia, and I'm in fifth grade.

Good morning.

Hello, good morning.

My name is Ivana.

And I'm fifth grade.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Drimen Diaz, and I'm in fifth grade.

Good morning.

Hi, good morning.

I'm Adriana Almeida, and I'm from fifth grade.

Good morning.

Good job, guys.

Mr.

Mayor, Council, uh, on behalf of our chief executive officer, Mr.

Salvador Valcorta, we thank you.

We are grateful for this recognition, not only of our school and our organization, but of these students and what they have done each year since our school was founded by Mr.

Val Corta.

And we had the very first Cesar Chavez Children's March.

Um I would love to tell you that as far as I know, we are not the only school in the United States of America that has a children's Cesar Chavez March.

But if there's another one out there, I would love somebody to give me a call and let me know because we are leading that charge because it's important that our students, our little ones, grow up with the legacy and the lessons of César Chavez and others who marched and stood with him.

And it is vital that we keep those names that we keep Cesar Chavez's name loud and proud and recognized in our history books, in our daily discussion of current events in our leadership of social justice.

And La Fay is very proud to be a part of that.

Thank you very much.

We hope you have a wonderful day.

That is awesome.

So congratulations, you guys.

We love it.

So I, you know, in addition to all the great work that uh Cesar Chavez has done, uh, one of the things I learned is that he helped lead the Delano Grape strike, the national boycott in the 1960s.

Yes, where millions of Americans step uh stop buying grapes to support uh farm workers' rights, and this boycott helped improve the the pay uh and working conditions for so many.

And he also taught us that dignity at work is dignity in life, and that ordinary people united with purpose can create extraordinary change.

So I really like that.

So congratulations on this beautiful day, and thank you for bringing the kids out and go lafe.

We love you guys.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Have a wonderful day.

Yeah.

I know their introductions are so good.

I'm just kidding.

I'm just kidding.

All right, that looks good.

Let's go ahead and have you guys come on over this way for me, please.

Okay.

On this end, can we bring it in a little tighter for me, please?

That looks good.

Okay, and then to the two kiddos in the front.

Can I get you guys to take a little step back from me?

Just so we're all in a little line.

There we go.

That looks good.

Can I get you guys to come in this way for me?

Okay, perfect.

All right, we look great.

Can you guys show me your really big smiles?

Oh, fantastic.

Are we ready?

Big smiles.

One, two, three.

All right, one, two, three, and keep those smiles because we got some cell phones that I gotta take some pictures on.

Ready?

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

Are those smiles getting bigger?

Oh my goodness, they're awesome.

There we go.

Last one, the biggest one yet.

You ready?

Ah, there we go.

One, two, three.

Thank you.

Yeah, it is.

Not me.

Those kiddos are so happy.

Thank you so much.

Okay, Miss Fryn.

Yes, sir.

Good morning.

This is a meeting of the El Paso City Council for Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026.

Mayor Johnson is present in presiding in Council Chambers along with Mayor Potem Chavez.

Representative Acevedo, Representative Maldonado Rocha, Representative Boría Treco, Representative Nino, alternate Mayor Potem Piero, Representative Limon, and Representative Canales.

It is 10.14 a.m.

Well, everyone, please silence your electronic devices so as not to disturb the meeting and rise for the invocation delivered by El Pasopoli senior chaplain, David Mayfield.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mayor Johnston.

Council, thank you once again for the opportunity to come and pray for this council and for our city.

And with that, I invite those present to join me as I pray.

Heavenly Father, as we gather today in the council chamber, we pause to reflect on what it means to lead with humility, compassion, and a heart for service, not for power, but for people.

Help us to remember the dignity of every person who crosses our streets and the humanity of every family seeking safety and opportunity.

In our decisions, especially in these times of heightened political focus and midterm elections, may we put the common good before partisan gain and the well-being of families, workers, and children before all else.

I ask your blessings on this city council as they wrestle with complex issues, immigration, public safety, economic opportunity, and justice, so that their leadership advances peace, fairness, and hope in every neighborhood.

May their decisions honor both the unique identity of El Paso and the shared future we strive to build with our neighbors across the Rio Grande.

Grant us courage to do what is right when it is hard, wisdom to seek unity when division tempts us, and grace in every step we take together.

Amen.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chaplin.

And Ms.

Pryne, as we did yesterday, we're gonna honor the victims that were shot in Austin, Texas, as well as our men and women in uniform that are in harm's way.

So I would like to ask that everyone in council chambers take a moment of silence to honor the victims in Austin and our men and women that are in harm's way and our service members that we we lost here the other day.

Thank you.

Ms.

Bryan?

Thank you, Mayor.

That brings us to public comment on consent agenda and regular agenda items for those that signed up to speak at 10 a.m.

The first person is Michael Abud.

Michael Abud.

Elizabeth Langerbaum.

She signed up to speak on item 24, which is directing the city manager to refrain from renewing any existing agreements or entering into any new agreements with Flock Group Inc.

Good morning, ma'am.

You have three minutes.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Beth Long and Baugh, and I'm a mother of two, excuse me.

And I'm a mother of two first responders living and working and raising families here in El Paso.

I wanted to briefly speak with you all today about the Flock Auto Theft and Recovery Program that is currently being used by the El Paso Police Department's auto theft and recovery unit to track recover, to track and recover stolen vehicles throughout our city.

As an ordinary citizen, I am fully supportive of the El Paso Police Department's Auto Theft and Recovery Systems Unit Initiative to use the Flock system in our community to help safely put an end to auto theft.

Unlike previous auto theft and recovery techniques and methods, the flock program is designed to provide safety for officers and citizens while recovering stolen vehicles.

I'm aware that there has been some objection to using the FLOC program because it can cause privacy concerns due to FLOC being linked to local, state, and nationwide offender networks.

However, for those who are concerned about maintaining the offender's privacy, the Flock program collects the objective evidence police need to solve a crime, which includes plates and vehicle information.

FLAC does not use facial recognition technology that other agencies and American retailers are currently using to capture offended offenders and deter crime.

For example, Walmart is currently using AI powered cameras that identify and alert to known shoplifters using facial and license plate recognition before the individual even enters the store.

In El Paso, when car thieves are caught and identified, only their basic information is entered into law enforcement agency databases, which then can be assessed by other law enforcement agencies and departments throughout the United States and possibly the world.

We must remember crime does not respect jurisdictional boundaries.

In closing, I just want to say for those of you who break the law, or excuse me, for those who choose to break the law, we have chosen the behavior and they have chosen the consequences.

Thank you for listening and thank you for your time.

Thank you.

The next speaker is David Espino.

David Espino.

Erica Heise.

Good morning.

Morning.

Morning.

Hi, good morning, um, Mayor and Council members.

Thank you for having us.

My name is David Espino, and I am here to ask you to not renew uh the contract with Flock Safety by voting yes on agenda item 24.

I want to clarify that this opinion is not one against police and our local law enforcement.

The debate is not whether with that whether we want stolen cars recovered or violent crime solved.

The real question is more nuance and impactful to our citizens and our future.

Do we want to normalize permanent searchable tracking infrastructure for everyone who drives in this city?

We are often told by supporters of this technology that there is no expectation of privacy in the public.

But this confuses two things visibility versus surveillance.

Yes, license plates can be seen, but no individual, officer, or a private citizen has ever had the ability to reconstruct 30 days of your of our movements in seconds.

The scale has changed, and so should the constitutional analysis.

In Carpenter versus the United States, the Supreme Court recognized that long-term track uh long-term location tracking alters the relationship between citizens and state.

It is not about a single observation, it's about aggregation.

Thirty days of movement of data for an entire population is not traditional policing.

It is infrastructure.

The flog user agreement also includes a perpetual and irrevocable use of data collected to improve their services and data.

There is a known phrase that magnifies this issue.

The internet never forgets, in other words, digital content, posts, images, and data can persist permanently.

While locally we may lose access to the data here, we have a 30-day window to be able to use the data that is collected.

This data is stored somewhere and it will be stored somewhere forever.

You may lose access to the data that is more than 30 days old.

However, this data will be in the hands of a private company to whom we publicly never went into agreement to give data to, and a private company that in the end has capital interest and an inherent, an inherent predisposition to surveillance.

I'm asking you to consider proportionality.

Public safety matters, but so does precedent, because once surveillance infrastructure becomes normalized, it does not roll back.

It expands.

The decision is not about technology, but about the long-term relationship between the people and the government.

This technology does not yet have legal safeguards.

Policies, yes, laws, no.

Please take a slower more cautious path with this technology.

AI is getting out of hand.

This is the technology that is powered by AI data.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Erica Heise.

Erica Heise.

Followed by Orlando Gordova.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Erica Heisey, and I am an El Paso resident.

I urge our city management not to renew any existing agreements or enter into any new agreement with Flock Group Incorporated, operating as Flock Group Safety.

Flock works to collect personal data, not keep our residents safe.

Songton, Virginia, terminated its contract with Flock because its CEO's political rhetoric alienated officials.

Flock is not bipartisan.

Linwood, Washington canceled its contract with Flock because it was discovered that they were providing federal and out-of-state access to personal data.

Flock is not secure.

Evanston, Illinois has ordered the removal of Flock cameras due to unauthorized immigration enforcement access.

Flock does not follow the law.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, recently put a pause on Flock from fear of Trump administration surveillance.

Flock cannot be trusted.

El Paso can and should take suit in removing Flock cameras and canceling their contract with Flock.

The Flock system captures license plate data on all vehicles, not just suspects.

All without warrants or court oversight.

Please remove Flock cameras from our community.

Doing so will eliminate mass data collection of innocent citizens.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Orlando Cordova, followed by Juan Ortiz, Shaylen Cohen Jones.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm here to echo the statements given by David and the person just before me.

Let's keep it short and simple.

Those who would uh give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Y'all know who said that?

Y'all should right?

Benjamin Franklin.

Fought uh he fought for these liberties that we have for these rights that we have.

This is the Fourth Amendment right.

This is not something we should just easily overlook.

So as she claimed, as she noted, Flock has given more information than they claim.

They take more information that they claim, and they're gonna keep this information.

So if that doesn't worry you, um I don't know how you're gonna sleep at night in the future seeing what the results will be.

Hopefully, this doesn't end up like Minnesota here in El Paso.

We know we have a lot of illegal or not illegal, undocumented people here.

So I just don't want things to get ugly, and I've urge you guys to make the right decision.

So go ahead and do not renew the contract, Flock.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Juan Ortiz.

Juan Ortiz will be followed by Shaylin Cohen Jones.

Good morning.

Morning.

Are you one or which one is it?

Because I know I work too a moment.

From Casa Carmelita.

Yeah, I'm from Casa Carmelita.

Also speaking on item 24.

Might as well be a pseudonym, right?

Good morning, Juan.

So I'll be brief.

Good morning.

But I just want to good morning.

I I wanted to echo what everybody was saying so far.

And hello, City Council.

I'm here to say to ask you to reconsider use of flock cameras today.

Technologies need strong guard guardrails to ensure technologies don't inherit the biases of their creators.

My son is a computer engineering major, and he tells me routinely many examples of these, and they can be found readily.

Issues such as stereotyping, mix misconstruing information and mistakes in identification are common.

Algorithmic stereotyping is still stereotyping.

It's still discrimination.

These technologies are new, many untested.

Our communities already commonly surveilled, more so than other communities in the United States.

We are routinely subject to facial recognition technologies and license placed readers on the border disproportionately from other Americans.

And prolonged collection of personal data is always a threat to our constitutional rights, especially in times where our constitutional rights are being violated.

We commonly see misuse of technologies nowadays with immigrants and activists being monitored and tracked disproportionately.

I ask you to reconsider the use of these technologies to the full extent of the repercussions are fully understood.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The last speaker on item 24 is Shailin Cohen Jones.

Ms.

Jones Star 6, please to unmute your telephone.

Shailyn Cohen Jones.

Good morning.

You have three minutes.

Hello, good morning.

Yes.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak.

I'm joining community today and also urging you to end all flock contracts.

Please don't renew any contracts.

Please don't enter into any new ones.

Data obtained by the Electronic Frontier Foundation showed clear reviews of the Flock system by agencies logging hundreds of searches related to protest activity within the span of a year.

The not just potential but proven threat that flock poses to constitutionally protected activity is chilling.

It threatens people's privacy and their personal lives.

It also threatens things like completely above board humanitarian aid work and constitutionally protected protest activity.

Besides this documented abuse of its technology, even in cases where agencies may follow or follow through with their word in terms of not um sharing data with other agencies or not using it for such purposes.

It's also been documented to be used both directly in collaboration with uh local law enforcement agencies and in unauthorized capacities by um federal immigration enforcement agencies like Iceland Border Patrol.

Um again, they're documented records of law enforcement agencies, both directly sharing access to flock data with federal immigration enforcement agencies as well as unauthorized access to data by agencies.

Um I think that we cannot trust a technology that has this kind of history of usage and what it catches in its surveillance dragnet has the potential to end proven history of expanding what is criminalized, and that again is not limited to their stated law enforcement um goals.

It expands into every corner of our community and threatens many, many aspects of our privacy.

Um again, I urge um the city to consider thank you, Ms.

Joan.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

The next group of speakers is signed up to speak on item 25, which is a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign an advanced planning agreement between the city of El Paso and the state of Texas, acting by and through the Department of Transportation for the design of reconstruction project.

I tend DEC Plaza Project.

The first speaker is Laila Mayorga, followed by Jimena Guerrero, Joe Gudenrath, Julio Munoz.

Good morning.

You have three minutes.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mayor and Council.

My name is Layla Mayorga, and I'm here today in support of item 25.

First, I would like to thank Senator Cessal Blanco and our state delegation for their leadership in securing 10 million dollars in state funding to support the design phase of this project.

So as a young professional who is continuing my education and slowly building my career here in El Paso, I care deeply about how our city grows.

So many people my generation often feel that they need to travel elsewhere for major concerts, festivals, or unique weekend experiences.

There is a perception that exciting opportunities exist outside our city, and that narrative influences how young adults think about their future here.

The downtown deck plaza has the potential to shift that perception.

By creating a dynamic multi-use public space, we expand opportunities for live music, cultural events, businesses, and regional attractions that bring both residents and visitors downtown.

That activity is going to naturally strengthen small businesses by supporting our local artists, local restaurants, and it's going to stimulate economic growth.

Just as importantly, this project is going to create a space for connection.

It's going to offer a safe, welcoming environment where people can step away from their screens, spend time outdoors, meet others, and build a stronger sense of community here.

Public spaces like this are where relationships are formed, ideas are shared, and where resources can become more accessible.

I will be working alongside County Commissioner Sergio Coronado to host a pop-up event at Gallegos Park during the Parks After Sunset event on June 5th.

I encourage the community to attend, enjoy a free movie, and take the opportunity to learn more and ask questions about this project.

Thank you for listening and your time.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Jimena Guerrero.

Followed by Joe Gudenrath, Julio Muñoz, Diego Reyes, Patrick Butler Repp.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Hi, good morning, Mayor and Council.

My name is Jimena Guerrero, and I am here in strong support of item 25.

First, I want to sincerely thank Senator Cesaro Blanco and our state delegation for their leadership in securing 10 million dollars for low funding for the design phase of this project.

That investment sends a powerful message about what downtown El Paso means to our region and to our future.

As someone who grew up in far, far East El Paso, working downtown always seemed so cool.

Downtown represented an opportunity to me.

It felt like the place where things happened.

Now having the chance to actually work here, build relationships here, and be part of its growth feels full circle.

It's more than just a job location.

It's a dream I once had as a kid, and now I get to live out right here at home.

For years we've talked about brain drain and the difficulty of keeping young professionals in El Paso.

I've had those conversations with friends who wondered whether they needed to leave to find an opportunity.

And I'd be lying if I said I didn't have these doubts myself, wondering if building a future here would mean limiting my options.

But projects like the Dyke Plaza remind me why staying matters.

They show that we are investing in vibrant and connected spaces, and that if we want graduates, our entrepreneurs and creatives to stay and build their futures here, we have to continue creating a city that they feel proud to grow with.

I'm also here in strong support of public parks and green spaces.

Parks are the foundation of community because they allow us to feel like little kids again.

Carefree and safe.

But even more importantly, parks create belonging.

They are where civic life happens.

I would hate for us to miss this opportunity.

Techstart is going to reconstruct I-10 in downtown El Paso with or without a park.

If we choose without, we will be left with a large gap in the center of our city.

Instead of bringing people together, it will keep neighborhoods divided.

We have the chance to build something that connects us, and we shouldn't let it pass us by.

It's a movie event, so we'd love for the community to come enjoy the movie, have some snacks, and ask questions about the project if they want more information.

Thank you so much for your time and for your continued commitment to strengthening the heart of our city.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Joe Gudenrath, followed by Julio Munoz.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Morning, Mayor, City Council, City Staff.

My name is Joe Gutenrath, and I'm the executive director of the El Paso Downtown Management District.

Today I'm here to speak in favor of item number 25, and this very important step towards a revitalization or the realization of the Deck Plaza over I-10.

I too want to thank Senator Blanco or state and our state delegation for making this step possible, and for 10 million dollars needed for this step.

What a what a great investment in this community.

Everybody who has been involved in this effort to date, including yourselves knows the long road ahead of us to take the Deck Plaza from a bold vision for our community to a reality that shapes the ongoing development of our city.

But as you can see from the great speakers before me, the momentum is growing.

The momentum is growing here at City Hall, to the county courthouse, the state legislature, the business community, and the neighborhoods of El Paso.

As people learn what is possible for our community, the impact this project can have as we've seen in other communities, and how the Deck Plaza will reconnect the downtown and uptown communities.

The excitement continues to build.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Julio Munoz.

Julio Munoz Tarsix, please to unmute your telephone.

Good morning.

You have three minutes.

Good morning, Mayor and Council.

My name is Julio Munoz, and I am here today to respectfully ask for your support of item 25.

First off, I want to sincerely thank Senator Stefan Blanco and our state delegation for their leadership to secure 10 million dollars in state funding to help with the design phase of what will be a transformational project.

The agreement between the City of El Paso and the Texas Department of Transportation enables the project team to begin the design phase of the deck structure.

That design work is crucial if we are going to successfully build over I-10 and transform that space into something meaningful for our community, a net positive for the city, if you will.

Coming from an architectural background, it bears mentioning that design is not just cosmetic.

It is for structural feasibility, public safety, traffic performance, long-term maintenance costs, and uh placemaking all intersects.

Deck parks across the country, such as Clyde Warren Park in Dallas and the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston have catalyzed hundreds of millions in private investments and increased uh adjacent property values while improving public life.

So we have an opportunity here to do the same in El Paso.

Just last fall, I volunteered to join the Deck Plaza Foundation at Shock the Block.

I really enjoyed talking to El Pasoans from across the city about the future of downtown El Paso.

And those El Pasuans are excited about the amenities that will be at the park, ranging from outdoor amphitheater for concerts and um festivals to larger spaces for farmers markets, recreational sports, and much more.

Furthermore, I do commend the foundation for their work to get more El Pasoans involved for the in the project, like myself, and to be at major events uh answering questions and talking to the community.

Now, it should be made explicitly clear that reconstruction on I 10 is going to happen with or without the building of the deck park.

However, we should give our city the opportunity to reconnect the areas that were divided decades ago, unlock new economic opportunity, and create a public destination that supports health, our culture, and our overall quality of life.

Decades from now, when families gather into space, this council will be remembered as the one that shows connection over division.

Approving this item keeps the project moving forward and built on the momentum that we have already created.

This is an investment in long-term urban resilience, economic vitality, and city cohesion.

So let's not miss that moment.

Therefore, I respectfully ask again for your support of item 25.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Diego Reyes.

He will be followed by Patrick Butler Rabb and Manny Rodriguez.

Good morning.

Hi, good morning.

Hi, good morning, Mayor and City Council.

Um, my name is Diego Reyes, and I'm here in support of item 25.

Um I'm a second-year architecture student at El Paso Community College, and in school, we've been learning about the importance of these urban spaces and what they can do not only socially but financially as well.

Um the Deck Plaza can be not only a hub financially but also socially, and these gathering spaces are innate to us humans.

We all need some sort of gathering in our lives.

And this deck plaza is a wonderful opportunity at such a unique time.

Um, as previously mentioned, the reconstruction of I-10 will happen with or without the Deck Plaza.

But the Deck Plaza gives something, it's like a light at the end of the tunnel.

Um, and it's something that I'm very passionate about.

I'm very passionate about um urban planning.

Um it's so amazing that it's happening here in the city of El Paso.

Um I'm forever grateful to be born here in the city.

Um I hope to spend the rest of my life here.

And I really hope this project comes to fruition because I do believe it will have a very amazing effect on our community.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Patrick Butler Repp, followed by Manny Rodriguez.

Good morning.

Good morning, Council.

Um I'd like to say thank you again for having me speak today.

Um I'm a resident of Sunset Heights, which is directly adjacent to where the proposed deck plazas would be built.

And I walked here today.

Um I enjoy walking.

I like El Paso.

Um I came here almost 15 years ago as a student and did not know much about El Paso, but I really do love this community.

And I'm here not so much in my professional capacity as the CEO of Southwest Strategies and my co-partners here as well.

But I'm here in my probably most profound responsibility, which is that I'm a parent.

I have a little girl, some of you know me personally, you see me with my child.

Um, this is her.

So I'll put this up.

She uh she's my whole world.

And when I came here as a student, I was not a parent.

And I remember the difficulty of walking from Sunset Heights, which is the first community I ever lived in in Texas where I came from in South Carolina, down into downtown.

And I remember thinking, wow, like I just dodged a semi truck, I dodged this, I dodged that.

I'd really love to participate more, but it seems a little risky.

Now that I'm a parent and I have to walk my daughter to the baseball stadium or to see the soccer team, or to go to La Nube, which we went to over the weekend, it's all the lunar new year uh festivities.

I still have the same concerns I had 15 years ago, which is tough.

Um I won't take you too much time, too much of my time, but the other thing I was gonna say is that the choice uh for me, it seems like it's a choice whether our children will inherit debt and tax levels that would be unsustainable and truly shocking to the conscience, or whether they will inherit a beautiful series of deck parks, new levels of opportunity and walkability that will sustain El Paso into the future with our potential, our real potential that we don't even maximize.

Um I think that it's true that we have to keep our debt under control.

I'm not immune to property taxes or any of the other taxes that anyone faces here, but I do believe that the debt plaza has to be built.

And I'm thankful for Senator Blanco for getting the 10 million dollars to get us started to get us the bricks laid in the road to get us down the path to getting there.

Um the other thing I would say is that I grew up in a situation that was not ideal.

I grew up in South Carolina and we had residential segregation where we had huge highways, huge roads that intersect the downtown where I live there.

And I would not like to see that continue here when TechSot's gonna build a highway anyways.

I think that we don't need a bigger gap than already presently exists.

We need something to show our children and to bring families here that they can really be proud of.

Um I'm hoping that council does take into consideration the opinions of people in my position.

I'm also a renter.

I live in an apartment, I'm not a homeowner, and even I want the deck plaza.

I talked to my neighbors, and we agreed on very little, but on this we did agree.

Thank you so much, and y'all have a good day.

Thank you.

The final speaker on item 25 is Manny Rodriguez.

Good morning.

Hi, good morning.

Uh good morning, Mayor, City Council members, and city staff.

Ma my name is Manuel Rodriguez, and I'm here today on behalf of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce, where I proudly serve as its government affairs manager.

Uh the El Paso Chamber is proud to voice our support for agenda item 25 authorizing the advanced funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the structural design phase of the I-10 Deck Plaza.

This project represents more than a transportation investment.

It is indeed a strategic economic development initiative with long-term benefits for our downtown core and the broader region.

For decades, I-10 has served as both a vital transportation corridor and a physical divide uh through the heart of our city, downtown.

The deck plaza uh concept presents an opportunity to reconnect neighborhoods, expand public space, and unlock new infill development opportunities.

All uh great initiatives that the El Paso Chamber is proud to support uh over the existing infrastructure.

Uh projects like this are proven tools for attracting private investment, supporting small businesses, and creating destinations that enhance El Paso's landscape.

From a business-community perspective, continued reinvestment in downtown El Paso is essential.

Um a vibrant downtown supports workforce attraction, tourism, and entrepreneurship while strengthening the city's tax base.

The deck plaza aligns directly with the chamber's priorities around economic competitiveness, smart infrastructure, and sustainable growth.

We also recognize and appreciate the city's proactive approach in leveraging state and federal partnerships.

Um I would also like to echo uh lots of the comments that uh some folks uh uh said earlier today about thinking our our state delegation to help us secure uh external funding for for this uh uh for these sorts sorts of opportunities.

The advanced funding uh agreement before you today allows El Paso to move forward with project design while maximum while maximizing outside funding and maintaining local control, an approach that reflects sound fiscal stewardship and long-term planning.

Importantly, this project builds upon years of coordinated efforts to revitalize downtown and complement existing investments in housing, arts, culture, and mobility.

It sends a strong signal that El Paso continues to think boldly about its future and is willing to invest in projects that generate lasting returns for residents and businesses alike.

So, on behalf of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce and its uh and its 682 members, we respectfully encourage council's approval on this item, and I look forward to continuing our partnership as this transformation as this transformative project move uh moves forward.

Thank you for your time, uh, your leadership and your uh commitment to building a stronger and better El Paso.

Thank you.

Thank you.

That brings us to call to the public.

The El Paso City Council is local government body charged with serving the citizens, and the meetings must be focused on the meeting at charge.

The 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 15 members of the public that signed up to speak.

The first person is Juan Ortiz.

The other Juan Ortiz.

Good morning, Juan.

Ms.

Mayor, good morning, city staff, good morning, council.

My name is Juan Ortiz.

I'm a U.S.

veteran, almost 41 years of service.

Retire here in El Paso, stay here in El Paso with my family, and became a pigeon trapper as a hobby.

Keep me away from my PTSD.

Um I do uh free community service.

I have put traps all over El Paso County, whatever they need me.

First, people didn't believe it was completely free, and now my list is tripled.

People waiting for me to put traps and remove their pigeons.

Well, three minutes is not enough, already down to one uh to two.

But I want people to uh search in the internet for these three topics.

Number one, diseases that fural pigeons can spread to humans in Texas.

I'm not going outside Texas.

Let's deal with Texas first.

So check on that one.

Diseases.

I'm not gonna cover it because it will take five, six uh ten minutes on it.

This is the furrow pigeons can spread to humans in Texas.

Anyone can Google that one.

The next one roof repair cost due to furrow pigeons in Texas.

You can find that in the internet.

It'll give you amount of money and and many examples on video of damages.

And as many people now here in El Paso, Texas.

Uh last year we lost what, three, four uh gas station fuel pump roofing due to the damage created by pigeons.

People say wind or water.

Yes, pigeons create a rust.

The pigeon poop has an asset with the rain spread out.

All the weldings or screws get damaged, and the uh gutters get uh clogged with the pigeon poop and nest.

Then rain comes, and another day of rain, you can hold to 500 500 to 800 pounds of water on those awnings on the roof, and they will collapse.

They'll come down.

They could come down on people whose fuel and tanks.

And it's a lot of money.

It costs a lot to repair.

Uh number three.

Parks and wildlife code.

There's a very important seventeenth February.

People were standing here talking lies because they don't know the lack of knowledge on on these matters about pigeons.

So parks and wildlife, they have a code.

And on section 64.002, paragraph B.

Bravo, not alpha.

Alpha, non-games, that you cannot trap, you cannot abuse, you cannot do nothing.

Yes, okay, I got it.

But then go keep reading.

Bravo.

A mention by name, Feral Pigeons.

Maybe kill, maybe trap, maybe destroy the nest, maybe destroy the eggs, it might kill the babies.

Because they have to be eradicated from Texas.

Okay.

That's it.

Two seconds.

One second.

Thank you.

Thank you, the next speaker is Claudia Contreras Siller.

Miss Siller's topic is birds are God's creation.

She will be followed by Marcy Chavez.

Good morning.

Good morning.

God bless our army, our law enforcement.

Animal cruelty is a felony.

I am the type of person that if I see an injured bird, I'll go from east to country club to save it.

I have taken more than 20 injured pigeons to our only wildlife rescue, Josie Caram.

She was here two weeks ago.

She has received recognitions here, and she asks for an ordinance to keep these clandestine businesses accountable.

Just like local businesses.

We need them to have a business license.

Okay.

They're saying that it's Texas law to eradicate them.

That's also a law.

I couldn't find it.

And here's a picture.

With a trailer full of pigeons.

You guys can ask for the records of how many persons have called because these persons, these trappers are going into our neighborhoods or parks.

I'm receiving emails, messages.

Hey, they're coming.

I call the police on them.

I found out a month ago.

I'm an animal advocate.

I've been here for a year, and I'm ready to start seeing results of my time.

You know, I've been here a year asking for you guys to educate the city about animal cruelty, not only about pigeons, but for cats.

I found out about this a year ago.

And our only Texas, I'm sorry, our only wildlife rescue stated that she received uh an email from Texas Parks and Wildlife, and this persons need a license.

Okay.

I love the birds.

I'm a Mexican.

We feed the birds.

Every time I show this picture to someone, it doesn't matter the generation, they get scared.

Okay.

So I wanna encourage the people to start calling 311 whenever you see people managing a lot of birds in residential areas.

Okay, they're not supposed to be managing 1200 pigeons in a house.

You see them, call 311, please.

Also, uh these people are trapping our birds underneath the freeways.

They're putting people in danger.

Uh the person that was here just right now, she he called me a coward on next door.

I'm here, and just as he walked in this building, is the same way our pigeons walk into the traps to be murdered.

Stop the massacre of our birds now.

Thank you.

God bless you.

The next speaker is Marcy Chavez.

Miss Chavez's topic is pigeon trapping.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Um, I just uh very new on this uh story, which I find very disturbing, because that's the reason why we have city inspectors codes, you know.

Where are they?

If this is a problem, like the gentleman said.

I also have seen them viral where there was individuals catching or trapping pigeons and making chicken out of them.

In other words, telling the people that it was chicken when it wasn't chicken.

We talk about diseases and all these monstrous things about pigeons.

Well, I want you to know that they're also God's creation, and you have no authority to just be trapping a whole bunch of or thousands of pigeons and deleting them from life.

Because you will be accountable with our father, and that's the reason why I'm here.

I'm normally known most of you.

And you know, I work very hard doing advocacy with a whole bunch of different problems that we have in the city, not just uh like pigeons, also cats, dogs that are abandoned, you know, malnutrition or whatever.

And all they do is make money, they don't even care about or have any compassion of you know, as a pet or whatever.

If it's not money making, they don't even take the time, you know, to do their job.

And everybody is so fed up here in the community of El Paso, you know, while millions of dollars are spent in other areas, and you're not taking care or servicing the right way the way it should be to the community or you know, the animals, and that's why I'm here.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Ron Como.

Mr.

Como's topic is exercising his constitutional rights to the rescue 1983 Animal Services.

He will be followed by Lupe Hernandez Lucero.

IT will need the elmo, please.

Just go out.

Sorry.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Well, another fine Tuesday, and here we are again.

So I don't know if you could see what I put there.

No.

There they are.

That's a perfect example of where we're at.

These are numbers.

They're negative numbers in adoption, return to owner, and rescue poll from the city of El Paso Animal Services and the implementation of Haas.

Add those numbers up.

That many living, breathing, dogs and cats didn't go out the front door because of the top number.

And because the community is not supporting the shelter.

They don't like being treated like they're putting them out of their way.

We've had this conversation with the city before, and the same person that said you didn't have a toxic work environment said that there was no problem with that either.

Which we get.

Also reported to me as animal cruelty that was happening at the facility.

Up to and including the killing of a puppy.

Was anything done?

Anyone know anything about it?

I wouldn't have known about it if people hadn't called me upset about what was happening.

This is going on in your shelter.

I mean, several of you have talked to me, and you aren't happy with what's happening.

Why haven't you stepped up and done something?

Why?

You know, you're leaving the community at risk.

The operations that we've been using at the City of El Paso Animal Services since 2020 has put a clear and present danger on the community, their pets, and the strays of El Paso, and you all don't do anything about it.

Why?

Who's in control?

Who's making the decisions?

Because they're horrible.

They're dangerous.

You're putting the community at risk.

If I could get you a look up for just a second, I think you and I need to do a public debate about animal services.

You bring best friends propaganda, I'll bring what the community has to say.

And you and I can talk it out in more than three minutes.

Because you're ASAC.

The picture above says you're supposed to take care of all animals, not just the ones in the shelter.

So 50,815 didn't get the support they were supposed to get because you all think best friends is the best thing in the world to do.

Managed intake is illegal in the state of Texas, and you all obviously ignore it.

You have done nothing.

What did you do to stop people from getting taxed?

Thank you, Mr.

Como.

You've reached three minutes.

The next speaker is Lupe Hernandez Lucero.

Her topic is crisis in El Paso on DWIs.

She will be followed by Veronica Diaz and Maria Ayala.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning, members of El Paso City Council.

My name is Lupe Hernandez Lucero.

I am co-founder of Sober Streets Movement.

And we are the voices of our loved ones.

Today I stand with families whose lives have been shattered by impaired driving.

Instead of planning birthdays, we plan funerals.

Instead of watching our children grow, we visit graves.

Every time a loved one is impacted, we're constantly reminded of what has happened to our lost loved one and what the next family will be forced to endure.

How is our community supposed to feel safe being on the streets of our loved, beloved city of El Paso, Texas?

The crisis in El Paso is real.

370 DWI arrests in just two months.

That's six per day.

This excludes arrest by sheriffs and horizon PD.

Real numbers are growing higher.

My repeat offenders drive dozens of times before caught.

Every DWI is preventable.

Every repeat DWI is a system failure.

Our families share roads with drivers who may be intoxicated right now.

Shared responsibility, prevention starts before a crash happens.

Texas law holds alcohol serving establishments accountable for over serving intoxicated patrons.

Council review requests, liquor liability compliance, responsible beverage service training, patterns of repeat over service, ID licensing flag systems, offender accountability, ignition interlocks for all DWI convictions, vehicle impoundment for repeat offenders, stricter license suspension enforcement, flag IDs, enforcement tools, increase DWI task force funding, support severity checkpoints, chemical testing and all serious crashes, legislative advocacy, lower BAC to 0.05%, stricter felony, penalties for fatal DWI, zero bond in fatal cases until court review, local transparency, audit alcohol service establishments, public repeat offender data, declare DWI a public safety crisis, meet with impacted families, council members, choose courage over comfort.

We're not here for politics.

We're not here.

We are here for protection.

We are here for prevention.

We are here for lives that can still be saved.

This is not about party lives.

This is about human lives.

This is about families who should still be a whole.

This is about making sure no other mother, no other father, no other child has to stand where we're standing today.

City Council, stand with Sober Streets Movement, stand before our legislators, demand meaningful change in our laws.

Use your voice.

Thank you for your time of leadership and commitment.

Please stand with the Stober Streets movement.

Not tomorrow.

Not so much.

But now the next speaker is Veronica Diaz.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Can you hear me?

Yes.

Yes.

Okay.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

I stand before you today not only as a grieving mother, but as sorry.

Uh, but as an advocate for legislative reform.

The current DWI statutes in El Paso and across Texas are insufficient to deter repeat offenders and protect innocent lives.

The data and lived experiences of families in the Sober Streets movement demonstrates that our laws are not functioning as an effective determent.

Law enforcement officers are actively arresting impaired drivers.

However, without meaningful statutory consequences, arrests alone will not reduce fatalities.

This is a legislative failure, not a policing failure.

Other states have adopted stronger preventative frameworks.

Utah lowered its legal blood alcohol concentration limit to 0.05%, setting a national precedent for proactive deterrents.

Arizona enforces some of the strictest ignition interlock and sentencing requirements in the country.

These policies reflect a commitment to public safety over convenience.

Their laws should be considered to be mirrored in our city.

We respectfully propose the following legislative reforms to be advanced in Austin.

blood alcohol concentration limit to zero point zero five percent setting a national precedent for proactive deterrents Arizona enforces some of the strictest ignition interlock and sentencing requirements in the country these policies reflect a commitment to public safety over convenience their laws should be considered to be mirrored in our city we respectfully propose the following legislative reforms to be advanced in Austin number one lower the legal BAC limits reduce the legal BAC limit in Texas from 0.08% to 0.05% to align the evidence based deterrence standards number two bond reform for GWI offences establish a minimum bond of 1500 for felony DWI offences require a zero bond eligibility for any DWI offense involving a fatality until formal indictment and trial setting number three felony reclassification reclassify intoxication manslaughter from a second degree felony to a first degree felony when aggravating factors are present including fleeing the scene or the presence of minors mandatory chemical testing require automatic and immediate toxicology testing in all crashes involving serious bodily injury or fatality elimination of probation in fatal DWI cases prohibit deferred adjudication or probation for defendants convicted of DWI offences resulting in death strengthening enforcement of Texas dam shrimp sorry Texas Dram shop act these reforms are not rooted in emotional alone they are grounded in deterrence theory recent cases on our community illustrate urgency just like these from this weekend thank you Missy as you've reached the three minutes Mariayala signed up to speak but she's opting out that brings us to Douglas Thompson thank you guys we just want to say thank you counsel please hear our loved ones voices and thank you our law enforcement for standing by us because they see every scene accident that happens they see it our first responders please support them we don't need more lives taken thank you guys the next speaker is Douglas Thompson no what happened there there's a photo I think up here Velasquez Miss Velasquez signed up to speak regarding Texas gas rates are too high should we be followed by by Peter Cornelius and for this we will be following the translation with a word the app if you scan the QR code on the monitors you can follow along yes Miss Velazzi Riza que stay young presented but if no hablo for me at the initial but the pagar the 35 quarant el gas in the temporary inverno the 80 85 dollars because 139 dollars when the three person in the unit familiar creo que no soy persona quizás para muchos arees con la misma dinero no es culpa de ustedes no es culpa de nadie de los presentes ni de los ausentes tampoco is culpa me de my disconsiderado no sé si puedan ayudarnos no nada más a mi familia sino at the familias que gasto electric no porque no podamos endeudarnos para pagarla sino porque quiero evitar un consum electrical y de gas para my economia moderna como quizás muchos ofrece moderna pero yo le digo necessitamos ahorrar que me estén cobrando a mí a todos ustedes porque no soy la única vuelvo y repito pero creo que debería ser un aumento a todo lo que utilizamos pero más justo no es lo único que nos sube el gas del agua

But yo le digo, necessitamos ahorrar.

Y de esta manera que me están cobrando.

A me atreves, porque no soy la única, vuelvo y repeat.

Pero creo que there is un aumento ato lo que utilizamos, pero más justo.

No es lo único que no sube el gas del agua, la luz.

Siendo todo lo que consumimos.

Consider can we visit the logo.

It's a my interest propio.

Either much can vener, porque for not saver English no noscu.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Peter Cornelis Holder.

Peter Cornelis Holder.

His topic is arbitrary gas rates.

He will be followed by Rodolfo Parra Jr.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Peter Holder.

And I'm going to speak about a hike in the gas pill.

I'm using my numbers, but there are many other victims out there that have similar experiences.

For 2025, my average gas bill was $59.

My general gas bill 26 was $74.

The delivery charge on it was $1.3.

The cost of gas was $28.

Between January and February, my use of gas went from 62 to 84 CZF.

That's less than 30% increase.

However, my gas bill went up more than double to $169.20 cents.

The cost of gas went from $28.74 to $65.51.

That is an increase of more than 100%.

The cost of delivery went from $1.3 to $77.

That is an increase of more than 7,000%.

I contacted gas service supervisors.

The Texas Railroad Commission left a message under Mayo's Facebook messenger.

No results and no answers.

The gas company is a monopoly.

I cannot choose where to buy my gas.

Basically, they ask me to hand over my wallet.

I expect the city to protect me and my fellow citizens from this kind of abuse, and especially from future abuses by the gas company.

Howdy, folks.

And this is my colleague Patrick Rabb, he's the president of the organization.

And we just want to let you all know about this project we just launched.

We did this back in 2018 as a grassroots pro uh group, but now we have official status and our official organizations we're trying to do it right this time.

The idea is it's a month long scavenger hunt.

People can sign up their teams two to eight, and the idea is to promote the beauty of their border, uh, everything that makes us unique, everything that makes the border really cool, and also get a little civic engagement going, and hopefully just get some fun.

Uh so yeah, folks sign up, two to eight people to a team, friends, families, co-workers, whatever it is that you want.

There's a list of activities.

We're right now at 92, and it's everything from civic engagement to hiking, just anything that has to do with the border.

Um, the sugar houses on there, fighting the B 52 bomber.

I'm sure most people don't even know us out there.

Uh we have 22 donors.

All of them are local from the Chihuahuas to the locomotives to Western Playland and a bunch of restaurants.

Winner take all teams participate in these activities, they accumulate points for these activities.

The points are divided by easy to heart, easier easy peasy, the medium ones like going to museums and things like that are called uh LFG, let's freaking go, and then the harder ones are no mommy's way, like go vote today is a no mommy's way activity.

Because it's time you have limited time.

Uh winner gets the grand prize.

Um we're gonna have weekly prizes as well for teams who get the most points for that week.

And we're gonna have random activities that pop up throughout the month, and we're just hoping you guys can help us promote it.

Um we're just trying to get the community out, trying to get people into the community, trying to get that sentence of there's nothing to do here in El Paso, trying to eliminate that a little bit because there's a lot to do here.

Uh sometimes it's just a little hard to find.

So we have flyers, also have a memo.

There's a link tree, it's called LinkTree.com backslash EP Hunt 2026.

You'll find the links to sign up your teams to sign up as sponsors or partners.

We're currently looking for partners from nonprofits and organizations so we can add their activities to increase civic engagement.

And um, we also there's also a memo, highlights everything.

You'll find that on the link tree as well.

This kind of just goes over what it is, what the past one looked like, just a little more in depth.

And then I have some flyers here if you guys are interested.

It has uh QR code that will take you to the link tree.

There's also a website, the website has all the rules, has all the activities, everything is listed on the website.

So uh a lot of people here today are saying they love this community, so really hoping to see some folks sign up some teams by the end of today, and hoping we get some of you on board as partners and get some promotion.

I think some of my colleagues might have already reached out to some of you via email and a text message to you as well.

Uh so hopefully we can catch you on board.

Um, the whole idea is just promote the community, nothing else.

Okay.

Rodolfo, would you give that to Miss Prime?

Yeah, let me get uh let me count them out properly.

Oh, and since I saw eight seconds, businesses that participate are gonna have this QR code on there, and we like I said, we have 22 businesses so far, and still counting everything from spas to restaurate.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Philip Sullivan.

Mr.

Sullivan's topic is skate park maintenance and repair.

He will be followed by Josie Rivera.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mayor, City Council, City Staff.

Thank you guys for uh hearing us out.

Um I just want to say uh the I commend everyone who's come up here and talk and speak in front of you all.

It's it's a little bit nerve-wracking.

This is my first time, so I also have a somewhat of a lighter topic.

Um I do want to say that I am against the uh flock program and Jupiter.

I think both of those need to be canceled.

Just want to put that out there first.

But my main topic is the skate uh community.

I've been part of the El Paso Skate Park Association since 2007 uh under Paul Zimmerman.

He did a lot of work, got us a lot of really good skate parks, but unfortunately, a lot of them need repair and maintenance.

Um this is something that kind of like is goes beyond your normal general contractor's work, it's a little bit specialized.

So the parks and rec department does a fantastic job keeping the parks clean.

Um they definitely take care of graffiti and things like that.

The graffiti is terrible at the parks, it just brings a bad vibe and bad activity in general.

You know what I'm saying?

So there's some specialized parts of the park that need to be fixed.

I've I've worked for uh three different skate park companies now California Skate Parks, Evergreen, and uh Spawn Ranch.

I actually uh was involved with building the three county parks that just happened.

Uh Estrella, Awadulce, and Gallegos, so they're saying they're gonna have a uh event at Gallegos.

I actually built that with one of the skate parks there.

So yeah, I definitely um have noticed that even the skateboarders don't really know what needs to happen to these parks.

So they'll go in the like bondo patches and do things that it's not really correct and end up chipping out and stuff.

Um I'm just kind of offering maybe I can help you like as a consultation for you guys, or maybe we can partner.

We do have an LLC, and we also have a nonprofit called the Chuco Fresh Foundation.

Our LLC is called Fletch.

That's what most people in the skate community know me as.

Um I I could definitely partner with you guys.

Maybe we can do some sort of contracting work to help you guys uh patch some of the the major concrete work that needs to be patched.

Um, what happens with the coping?

That's the special part of the part where you grind on with your board.

Um, a lot of the metal coping gets rusted just because natural elements and uh a lot of the skaters will put wax on it.

That's traditional skateboarding, but wax usually is water-based, a lot of the the waxes, so they'll also contribute to rusting, like it'll be good for a session or so, and then afterwards it leaves a big rusty patch.

So um what needs to be what needs to be done is we need a good amount of material.

Um we're gonna need quite a bit of supplies as far as like paint, concrete patchwork, like cement all, um, different materials and tools.

Uh this could be a good avenue maybe for uh volunteer work, maybe giving people some community service hours as well through the nonprofit.

Um I don't know, maybe I can reach out to you guys individually or something if you guys are interested.

Um, but yeah, I think this is a good opportunity for us to collaborate.

It could be in everyone's benefit because Parks and Rec doesn't really know what to do.

A lot of the skaters don't even know what to do, but the parks are deteriorating and they need they do need some work for sure.

But yeah, thank you guys for hearing me out.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Josie Rivera.

Josie Rivera.

We'll move on to Elizabeth Crawford.

Miss Crawford is joining by phone, and her topic is United Nations Down syndrome appreciation day and abortion.

Go ahead, Ms.

Crawford.

You have three minutes.

Good morning.

Thank you.

Good morning.

In the Book of Lamentations, words that were spoken by the Prophet Jeremiah regarding the tragedy of Jerusalem when it was captured by Babylon.

Though directed at Judah's situation, the initial words certainly have application to the situation in our own nation.

Lamentations chapter two arise, cry out in the night in the beginning of the watches, pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord.

Lift up your hands toward him for the life of your young children.

The United Nations has declared March 21st, World Down Syndrome Day.

March 24th, International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning growth human rights violations and for the dignity of victims.

There's a glaring contradiction here.

The United Nations advocates and advocates for abortion.

Yet one of the main target groups of abortion are babies in the womb diagnosed with down syndrome.

In Western Europe, nations such as Iceland and Denmark, the numbers come close to 100% than the high 90 percentile abortion rate for Down syndrome babies.

In the United States, the percentage is given between 60 and 90 percent of Down syndrome babies are aborted.

Many of these abortions involve the gruesome late-term abortion procedures as Down syndrome is often not detected until later in the pregnancy.

It's important for us to take note that the Nazi regime in Europe also targeted people with Down syndrome.

Dietrich von Hoffer, who was outspoken and was killed by the Nazis for speaking out, had this famous quote silence in the face of evil is itself evil.

God will not hold the skill list not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act.

In Las Cruces, New Mexico, the construction of a mega abortion center is again proceeding.

It had been put on hold temporarily due to contractors withdrawing.

Now it's proceeding again.

The reality is that many of the customers of this new abortion center will be ladies from Texas and specifically from El Paso.

Again, I I would just read the quotation from Lamentations chapter two.

Arise, cry out in the night in the beginning of the watches, pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord.

Lift up your hands toward him for the life of your young children.

Thank you.

And the final speaker is Patricia Osman, also joining by phone.

Ms.

Osman's topic is transparency, rights of citizens, and then due influence and ethics violations, municipal code violations allowed by city paid individuals.

Good morning, Miss Osman.

You have three minutes.

You can hear me, correct?

Yes.

Okay.

Everybody likes to read.

So quotes.

So I'm going to do the same from two different books.

First is it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

So everybody voting should really consider this.

Because donations, a man to put in your discretionary fund.

All count as that.

But also from a different book, Dash Food Nation.

The automobile industry, however, was not content simply to reap the benefits of government subsidized road construction.

It was determined to wipe away railway competition by whatever means necessary.

In the late 1920s, Journal Motors secretly began to purchase trolley systems throughout the United States, using a number of corporations, trolley systems in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Montgomery, Alabama, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, El Paso, Texas, in Baltimore, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.

More than a hundred trolley systems in all were purchased by GM and then completely dismantled.

Their tracks ripped up, their overhead wires torn down, the trolley companies were turned into bus lines, and the new buses were manufactured by GM.

Now the irony of a hundred years later that this corporate greed is still paying off in Old Paso, who Rablo Cadillac, a GM corporation, is also receiving tax dollars for purchasing.

Corporate greed.

Camel, I threw a needle.

But aside from that, let's think about the fact that some of our members today on the diet are going to vote on the Dick Plaza.

District 2 representative Alexander Anello.

Just our recent panel.

Representative worked for Papua Del Norte Corporation.

Her husband work for current district two representative.

So I would I would ask all the public to question.

How many of the people in the diet that are going to vote for the debt plaza?

So that this passable north a project who seeks to get the management contract for the debt plaza.

Ms.

Osman, we're not on that item about the debt plaza.

It doesn't matter.

This is all about ethics.

So how many of these people are seeking to then subsequently work for Al Castle Don Lorte?

Or maybe the board of like or somebody else.

Thank you, Ms.

Hosman.

You've reached the three minutes.

Okay, Ms.

Prime.

Yes, sir.

Will council like to recess at this time for Mass Transit?

So move.

Second.

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

Is there a motion to adjourn?

So move.

Second.

All those in favor?

Aye.

Anyone opposed?

And the mass transit department board meeting has been adjourned at 11 38 a.m.

Okay.

Ms.

Bryan.

Is there a motion to reconvene?

So move.

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

All in favor?

Aye.

Anyone opposed?

The meeting is back in session at 1138 a.m.

Council for the rules of order.

No use of personal cellular devices nor personal communication should take place on the day while the meeting is in session.

Once you obtain the floor from the mayor, you will have up to 10 minutes for debate.

It may speak twice per debatable motion.

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

For those of you joining through teams, please make sure that your microphones are muted to reduce any background noise.

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.

Mayor Pro Tem.

Thank you, Ms.

Prime.

I make a motion to approve the consent agenda with the following revisions.

Page six, item 15.

Move to the regular agenda for Representative Acevedo.

Page 9, item 25.

Revise for Capital Improvement Department.

And that revision is to strike out the amount of 584,321 dollars and replace with 561,000.

Page 9, item 26.

Revise per purchasing and strategic sourcing.

And that revision is to the funding source to strike out airport capital taxiway and project and replace with airport enterprise fund.

Ms.

Prime, what was the item on page six that we were moving?

It was item 26, the revision.

Yes, the revision is to the funding source from airport capital taxiway project to airport enterprise fund.

Okay, but aren't we moving an item from the consent to the regular that was a board appointment?

The reappointment of Edward Escudero is moving to the regular agenda for representative Acevedo.

Okay.

Uh Representative Canales.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, I'd ask that we move items seven and nine to the regular agenda for discussion as well.

Thank you.

Okay.

Representative Chavez.

Thank you, Mayor.

For the record, I'd like to say that for item 17, I did receive a campaign contributions from one of the owners of Bravo Cadillac.

Representative uh Piero.

I also received the campaign contribution regard to item 17 as well as uh I did too from Bravo Cadillac Representative um Trail.

Thank you.

I also received a contribution representative Acevedo.

Mayor, sorry, um I guess I moved item 15 to the regular agenda to state that I had a campaign contribution.

But since everyone's doing it now, can we just leave item 15 on the consent and I'll disclose the contribution that I've received um $2,000 from Edward Escaleto for my campaigns.

Okay.

Represent Canales?

No.

Okay.

Representative uh yes, I also would like to for notation that I also received a contribution from Raymond Palacios in regards to the item number 17.

Okay.

Representative any more.

Okay, the only other ones is item number 13 in the consent agenda from CEA group.

I received a campaign contribution as well as one from Edward Escodero.

Okay.

Representative Rocha.

Thank you, Mayor, for notation, Ms.

Pine.

I also received a campaign contribution from uh Raymond Palacios and Ed Escudero.

Thank you.

Okay.

Representative Trejall.

Thank you, Mayor.

I also received a contribution from Ed Escudero.

Thank you.

Okay.

Representative Bierrell.

Okay.

Representative Representative Nino.

I also received a contribution from Edward Escudero.

Okay.

Representative Chavez.

Thank you, Mayor.

I also received a campaign contribution both from the owner of CEA and from Ediscudero.

Okay.

For items 13 and 15.

Thank you.

Okay.

Representative Limo.

And for clarity, Mayor, I did not receive a contribution from any of the people listed on the agenda today.

Okay.

Thank you.

You good?

Oh, yeah.

Okay.

Okay.

Any other discussion on the consent agenda?

There was a motion and a second, Miss Prime.

We do have public comment from Ms.

Osman.

She signed up for several items.

She signed up for item four, a resolution to approve a change order for project.

And Miss Prime, just so I'll know it it says in person at the time, it's also via phone.

She she says she was having car trouble and requested to speak by phone instead.

Okay.

She signed up for item four, a change order to contract 2024 0557.

Airport 5 note intersection remediations.

Item 5, which is a deductive change order for contract 2023, uh airport reconstruction of taxiway G.

Item number six, which is a deductive change order for airport relocation of taxiway M for item number eight, a resolution to submit a grant application for the West Texas Anti-Gang Center, FY27 for item 10, which is the solid waste liens, and for item 12, a an agreement for professional services for municipal solid waste engineering services to three firms.

Go ahead, Miss Oscillo.

Ms.

Prime, do can we take these together?

Do we have to take them separately?

You can take them together since the vote is one vote.

Okay, sir.

We'll take them together.

Okay, that works on the consent agenda.

Go ahead, Miss Osman.

Okay, there is also item number seven, but really quick on four, five, and six.

I just want to point out that uh Jordan Foster owners uh started by Paco Jordan, Paul Foster, Darren Rudy.

They're receiving collectively for 49 million seven hundred and thirty thousand dollars.

Yet Paul Foster still gets subsidies from the city the Chihuahua Stadium that we put the bill on.

Um Operation Loan started because I did sign up for seven and twelve and seven and seven and eight.

Both of those have something to do in regards to immigration.

If people on the diets were unaware, there was a lot of conversation in regards to operation loan store in citizens.

They didn't catch this one, had come in numbers, stating that they were not happy on El Caso being part of that.

Now, mind you, we had a lot of people getting killed on our streets because of Operation Lone Star.

Crashes in various forms.

This is the bad for El Paso.

But go ahead, keep taking the blood money.

In regards to 10.

What's amazing is that I have on numerous occasions spoken front of you all that these lien are for people's home in from 300 to the highest of like 2,000 yard cleanups.

A lot of times, sometimes it's the alley.

Set up a program for volunteers in fifteen hundred dollars to clean the for citizens to clean up city properties, but you won't do that to help citizens not have a lien on their property.

That is shameful.

And I think that because you know what you have 400K for a swallowed away contract, yet you want volunteers, Alpaso tax paying citizens to do volunteer work for taxpayer paid work.

So our employee getting tax dollars aren't doing that.

You want the volunteers to do that, and then you still stick citizens with me.

The shamelessness of it all is just disgraceful.

And I mean then again.

Should speak to that shamelessness.

That's it on the consent agenda then.

Okay.

Okay.

All right, Ms.

Brown, we have a motion and a second.

Yes, the motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, seconded by alternate mayor Pro Tem Fierro to approve the consent agenda as revised.

Okay on that motion, call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay, Ms.

Brian, let's take item number seven out of the consent agenda.

Yes, sir.

Item item seven.

Is a resolution authorizing the city manager does it need to submit to the public safety office of the state of Texas grant application five four zero seven one zero two for the state of El Paso Police Department project identified as Operation Lone Star Grant FY27 to provide financial assistance to the City of El Paso requesting $500,000.

No cash match is required.

Representative Fierro.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um thank you.

You know, it's it's my understanding that folks is there a motion to oh sorry, motion approved.

Is it okay?

Representative Fierrel.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um I'm sorry, Mayor.

Go ahead.

So my understanding is that part of this these dollars are for overtime.

Yes, that's correct.

Uh Representative Fiero.

This uh grant we received this financial assistance uh from the state for the last 12 years, and it allows the department to conduct uh uh overtime operations to address uh transnational gangs and uh organized criminal activity.

So that would enhance essence save taxpayers dollars, mil maybe millions of dollars.

Okay.

And it allows officers to spend more time in the street keeping our streets safe.

Yes, sir.

We specifically have a task force that addresses uh uh any vehicle crimes, burglar vehicles, theft of vehicles, uh other criminal organizations that obviously are involved in in the theft of vehicles and burglary, but also other type of uh criminal activities.

So it allows us to put officers in extra uh duty assignments to uh combat those organizations.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you for all the work you do for our community.

Thank you, Representative Field.

Representative Canalis.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um as I've explained several years in a row now.

Um, you know, I I have no particular issue with the performance of the police department nor or anything under this grant.

Um I I do have an issue with the operation loan star program as a whole and the way in which these funds are appropriate appropriated through the legislature and and uh the the particular program administered by the governor's office, and so uh I haven't supported these for several years.

I have supported you know millions of dollars of other grants, um including other grants administered through the through the this this same office in the governor's office.

Um but but I do uh intend to not not vote in favor of this one today, and I just wanted to explain myself.

Thank you.

Representative Acevedo.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um so I I haven't been a fan of Operation Lone Star.

My constituents have been really worried about it as well.

Just uh recent and recent um weeks, there was a pretty bad car chase that happened in my district around the Dula Rosa Yandal area, and it had nothing to do with the Paso Police Department.

I know that this was DPS, but I want to get clarity on this because when you look at Operation Love Stor, I'm not supportive of that at all in terms of what they're doing in the community.

I'm supportive of what El Paso Police Department is doing, right?

Sorry.

Um and I I have trust in in the officers that are protecting us, keeping us safe from the city perspective.

So when I look at Operation Lone Star, and this is a grant, I understand that you're using $500,000 for overtime.

Can you give me more of a sense on what kind of things you're doing with that overtime?

And if any of that is border enforcement, um, you know, apprehending migrants, stuff like that.

Absolutely.

No, thank you, Representative Sevedo.

It's very important that to distinguish that many agencies from across the state, including uh some agencies in in our area uh receive funding from the state.

But that's independent.

Whatever they use that funding for for what whatever type of uh enforcement they use it, that's independent from what we use it for.

We use it for uh uh proactive operations.

Um they include uh but not limited to direct patrols, uh surveillance, gang and fugitive warrant roundups.

Uh we use counter-auto theft measures and uh joint task force operations with other law enforcement agencies, but our focus is mainly like I mentioned, it's to um deter, reduce auto thefts, uh burglary of vehicles, and uh other criminal activities.

Um transnational gangs operate in our area, uh unfortunately.

Uh Mexican cartels operate in our area, unfortunately, but that's why we have to uh stay on top of this extra enforcements to really focus on those uh criminal organizations that are uh uh operating in our city and keep our our theft of vehicles, vehicle crimes down, and this additional funding, like I said, other agencies might use it for whatever, but we use it for this type of law enforcement state law.

We do not uh do any immigration uh enforcement whatsoever or get involved in any investigation on that.

And and so part of I I reviewed the backup and the application is is on there, and there's a lot of information on there that there was some reassuring aspects of it.

So one of them was investigative capacity, not boots on the ground.

So I interpret that to mean that you're not going to be apprehending migrants at the border.

Is that correct?

Absolutely not.

It's it's a reference in the application to a border because we we're a border city, right?

So there's a lot of corridors, highways, uh streets that uh uh criminal organizations uh uh operate, and and obviously uh but that's references because we're a border city, but no, no, in no way any immigration enforcement uh whatsoever.

And is that why we're there's um objective outcome measures?

And on there it says number of adult apprehensions transferred to U USB P custody made by grant funded peace officers target level zero.

Yes, sir.

Is that why you put it at zero?

Yes, sir, correct, because we're not uh uh focus or enforce or investigate any any related crime that went or any related investigations that has to do with immigration.

We leave that to the federal authorities.

And you did it again where it says number of minor juvenile apprehensions, you also put a zero.

Yes, sir, that's correct.

So you really want to focus on car thefts, um drug activity that might be happening.

And what does human smuggling mean in the sense of this grant?

Obviously, I know what human smuggling is, but more in in the sense of I I think somebody, a member of the public might think, well, that sounds like immigration enforcement because that also kind of happens at the border.

So can you kind of define that in this?

Yes, absolutely.

So so that's very good question, Representative Sevedo.

So the state law, there's uh uh uh a lot of laws that pertain to contraband, uh illicit money, uh weapons, uh uh other type of contraband drugs, but also there's a state law that uh we're we're we're sworn to do to to uh enforce and it's human smuggling as well.

So there is a state law that uh addresses that.

Uh should our officers are in their operations and and uh which they do come across in a state crime, we will enforce that.

But the focus on this again I can stress enough, it's for uh automobile uh type related crimes, and this is why the task force that works on this are specifically uh working operations for for that, those state crimes and not not necessarily human smuggling.

Okay.

And then on the application it also says information slash intelligence sharing with other entities.

Can you give me an example of what that looks like?

Yes, sir.

We share uh there's a lot of local police departments and and uh state uh uh like DPS that law enforcement that we share uh information, Horizon, Socorro, uh uh Anthony, a lot of our surrounding communities.

Uh somebody mentioned earlier that uh uh organized uh theft rings, they don't operate within just uh the west side of town, east side of town, they operate all over the city and the county and through other communities.

So we do share those information when we see that a crime trend is developing, or we see that repeat offenders, the uh theft ring that it's uh the uh burglarizing or stealing vehicles, uh we do share that information with our local and state uh law enforcement partners.

Okay, so it would be maybe a crime is happening and you saw it and now they're entering another jurisdiction, you're sharing information with that other jurisdiction, like an like a police department um that's outside of El Paso or the Sheriff's Office, something like that.

Absolutely, yes, you're very correct on that.

We share information on repeat offenders that are uh they they might go uh to county jail or they go to jail for a year or so and they come out and and before you know it again they're they're committees.

So we share that into intel on uh repeat offenders on theft rings that are continuing to do their own.

Okay, and the the last thing that I wanted to ask is is there any way that data can be shared with counsel on what you're doing with this money?

Obviously, you're you're spending it on overtime, and I understand why you're doing that, but thanks to that overtime, we recovered 30 cars.

We apprehended something, you know, that data were in this last year that you were doing it.

I think that would tell a better story on this, and it would ease at least for me that this money is being used to recover cars or get drugs off the streets, stuff like that.

Um I just want a little bit more information on this, because I think the data is important to me.

We will share that with you how many arrests were made during this operation, weapons recovered, drugs uh recovered out uh taken out of the street.

We will definitely share that information with you.

Okay.

I appreciate it.

Thank you.

Representative.

Thank you, ma'am.

Chief Talamantes, um, as you know, I co-signed on an item that's on the agenda today.

And in reflection, I saw these various grant applications.

And aside from looking at backup, I really didn't have a lot of information.

I think that Representative Acevedo has asked some excellent questions and things that normally in the past we would have been able to ask during agenda review.

My ask of you uh and Chief Basillas would be that as grant applications come up, if you would please take the time to brief us on it.

I'm always available and would be happy to to hear it from you uh so that I could ask the questions that are so important.

Ummigration is a top concern.

Um you share that you share information with other other agencies, and um you stated police, surveillance, uh I mean you sheriff's department, things like that.

But what would you do if and I would imagine that you're the person in charge of this or oversees this grant?

What would you do if I gave you a directive that said you must share this information today?

What would you do?

We we got policies uh that uh prohibit that, uh Ms.

Limon.

So uh of course I would immediately refer this to uh our chief and and uh our legal right, but uh we've never been in a situation up a hypothetical like that.

Uh uh we follow strictly the state law enforcement only state law and our procedures uh back that up as well.

And and I hope, just like you said, that it never happens, but we must be vigilant and we must be cognizant that this could happen and ensure that the back door is always locked and secured so that we don't have it.

Um I would simply ask that um if this were to come through, obviously your chain of command would be the chief uh city manager and and the mayor, um, that at some point in time we as a council were also informed uh of the process, any um request, uh any violations, anything having to do with that.

Um, because it's it's easy to look at it and say, or you know, there's half a million dollars for overtime, but in the long run, is that really um you're looking out also to the entire community and just not part of the community.

Thank you, sir.

Okay, thank you, Mr.

Thank you, Mayor.

Any further questions on this item number seven?

Ms.

Prime, we have public comment on seven.

Ms.

Osman signed up for item seven, Ms.

Osman, star six to unmute your telephone.

Go ahead, Ms.

Hosman, you have three minutes.

So I'll do it stay.

Um like Mr.

Antaleto pointed out.

Would it also state is sharing of information?

If y'all are unaware, ECLU has a large write-up in regards to operation loan star in all the human rights violations inhumane tactics that have been used because of the program.

So although you're following state guidelines, understand that those state guidelines are violating human rights.

That is just a fact.

The breakdown on how that 500 and it's just 500 500,000 plus for overtime.

I would assume y'all are going to get a breakdown of that.

That's only a portion of the funds, I believe.

So are the other portions of those funds continuing to burn El Paso into even a greater police state than what it has already become.

There are already enough lawsuits that taxpayers have to pay out because El Paso P D you've got human rights violations in El Paso PD.

And you're using funds from the state.

Now you're gonna vote, you're gonna go ahead and approve this because that is what you do.

But understand when lives are lost because of this money, it is also on you.

And it's on the taxpayers that then have to pay those loss of life lawsuits.

Because you decided to approve this and take Abbott's blood money.

But I'll watch you approve it.

Just like the last council did as well.

That's it for seven.

That concludes public comment on this item, Mayor.

Representative.

Just one more thing after I'm finished.

And I think maybe Representative Acevedo touched on this, the possibility of maybe a quarterly report, what was done, what's been happening, just so that we can kind of follow along.

It doesn't need to be a briefing.

Those points that the grant requires us to do, just to highlight if that would be possible, if it's possible.

Absolutely, Ms.

Moon.

We'll put a report uh right away for you all, uh comprehensive report that you have uh uh this week.

Okay.

Thank you, Chief.

Any further comments on item number seven?

Thank you, Mayor.

Okay, Miss Pry.

The motion was made by alternate mayor pro tempiero, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez to approve item seven on that motion, call for the vote.

And the voting session, and that motion passes seven to one.

Representative Limon voting nay, the remainder of council voting aye.

The motion carries Mayor.

I clicked the wrong button that move to reconsider.

Okay.

Move to is apologies.

Okay, there's a motion to reconsider.

Okay.

There's a motion and a second to reconsider item seven.

All in favor?

Anyone opposed?

We're back on item seven.

Okay, let's take item number seven, Ms.

Bryan.

Okay, this is a resolution authorizing the the grant application for the project identified as operation lone star grant FY27.

There's a motion.

Is there a second?

Seven.

Okay, there's a motion and second.

There's a motion made by alternate mayor pro ten fear, seconded by representative Limon.

And this is to approve item seven.

On that motion, call for the vote.

And the voting session, the motion passes six to two.

Representatives Limon and Canales voting knee.

Okay.

The sec item number nine, Ms.

Pry.

Yes, sir.

Item number nine is a resolution authorizing the grants administrator designated to apply, submit, accept, reject, alter, terminate grant applications, agreements related documents on behalf of the city to the Office of the Governor of the State of Texas.

Grant application number 5185403 for the El Paso Fire Department project identified as FY2027 Border Zone Grant Program to provide financial assistance to the City of El Paso requesting 242,245 with no cash match.

This is required to purchase vehicles and equipment needed for emergency response services associated with security and rescue activities.

Okay, is that okay?

Representative Canalis.

Thank you, Mayor.

I just had a quick question on this one.

Um in the description, it says the grant funding will help provide vehicles and equipment that allow local first responders to better protect and serve the El Paso community.

Um that makes total sense.

It's that's mostly reflected in the the grant narrative as well.

Um this funding through this grant, uh it's uh it's basically the same language.

Um there's one sentence at the end of the grant description that uh threw me a little bit, and it says these security and rescue activities include activities associated with organized crime.

And I was wondering what the involvement of the fire department is in combating organized crime.

Morning, Mayor Council, Assistant Chief Silva Pascal Fire Department.

So the Border Zone grant from the Officer of the Governor is uh it's eligible for fire departments throughout the border to do the their unique challenges that they have, and it provides their uh specialized teams with equipment and resources that are uh related to being on the border.

Um as far as organized crime, that's not what it's intended for.

This grant is intended specifically for vehicles for search and rescue.

Um our USAR team, urban search and rescue team, downtown, the water rescue team throughout the canal.

Um that's all it's for is for egress to get them the patients out of the area.

Um also to go and search for them in a quicker response.

Okay.

Yeah, mostly so this is language that's remnant from the grant language, but uh doesn't apply in the specific case based on the intended uses of the funds from the fire department.

That is correct.

Okay, thank you.

Okay.

Is there further discussion on this particular item number nine?

Representative Lamont?

And so has the grant already been submitted?

No.

No.

Can that language be struck?

Um I can ask with our legal team if we can.

Yeah, yeah.

If you want to speak, I think we can make it still now or just that's firm that we can get that done.

Thank you very much.

And it will get done.

Thank you.

Do we do we need a motion from council on this, Ms.

Pryne?

To strike that to amend it.

Yes, please.

Yes.

So I'd like to make a motion motion.

Do you want to amend this to the strike?

Okay.

Yes, and like to make the motion to strike the language referenced right now, which is and I don't have it in front of me.

I can read it.

Would you read it, please?

Sure.

These security and rescue activities include activities associated with organized crime.

Second.

Okay.

And what is that language?

Is it on the resolution or the agreement or other?

Uh neither it's on the grant application form part A.

So on the actual application itself, you want us to uh remove that language.

Yes.

And Chief, let me just ask, just to make sure I'm clear here.

So if the fire marshals had a um organized group that was lighting fires and and buildings and doing things like that, by eliminating this, does that exclude that?

No.

That's a good question.

I I would think this one is more uh aimed towards search and rescue, but definitely we could use these vehicles for other things, especially egress, um, if we need to get into tight spots.

Um thank you, Mayor.

Okay.

Um representative.

This question is I don't not sure it's for Mrs.

Mack or for Omar.

Um we have a fantastic great uh uh grants department and their success rate is really high.

Is this in your personal opinion?

Would this affect the opportunity the grant being approved?

I don't believe so.

Just talking to Eric, who is the legal advisor there.

This is language that was actually written in by the department, and so it doesn't appear to be within the reso or any other place within.

And so we'll see if we receive any feedback once we receive direction from council and there's any clarification that's needed, we'll bring it back to you.

Okay, represent Dino.

Thank you, Mayor.

My question was going to be in regards to the backup.

How it says grant information form.

Is that an internal form?

Or is this okay?

So this is an internal form.

This is not the actual application that is submitted to the comptroller.

So this is no, this is not the complete application.

Okay.

I just want to get the clear.

Okay.

I think we've got to do that.

So we'll build out a whole grant based on the recommendation from council that we'll soon receive.

So I believe the amendment is to strike any language that refers to organized crime in the grant application.

That specific sentence.

Okay.

There's a motion and a second, right?

I didn't hear the second on the amendment.

There's a motion from Representative Lamont.

No, she made the motion to amend.

Okay.

Oh, you didn't see it.

I didn't hear a second.

Okay, there's no second.

Okay.

We're back on item number nine.

Okay.

Okay.

Representative.

Okay.

Any further discussion on item number nine?

Okay, Ms.

Pry.

Yes, the motion was made by Representative Limon, seconded by alternate Mayor Pro Tem Piero, and this is to approve item nine on that motion.

Call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay.

And Ms.

Bryan, I believe that believe brings us to the first reading of the ordinances.

That's correct.

These are items 19 and 20.

Mayor make a motion to move on the first reading of the ordinances.

There's a motion and a second.

And then uh Ms.

Bryan, call for the vote.

Yes, a motion was made by Representative Limon, seconded by alternate mayor Pro Temp Piero to approve the introduction of ordinances.

Items 19 and 20 on that motion.

Call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay, we're gonna move to uh the public hearing second reading of the ordinances.

But I just want to remind council that you have an opportunity to speak up to 10 minutes, two times as we start going a little bit further.

Okay, Ms.

Prime, let's take item number 21.

Would you like to take 21 and 22?

They're real estate items in District 7.

Let's take them together.

Yes.

Yes, sir.

Item 21 is a public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of real property owned by the City of Al Paso to Eli Ramos Investments LLC for the purchase price of 168,000 for a property known as 8821 Alameda Avenue in Al Paso, Texas.

Item 22 is a public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of real property owned by the City of El Paso to Arnulfo Figueroa and Sandro Baladez for the purchase price of 2020 50 dollars.

Property no legally described as a portion of track 4C and KA track 4-Clock 38 Islet a grant in the City of Al Paso, Al Paso County, Texas.

All right, there's a much second.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Mayor and Council.

This first item is on the property sale agreement for 8821 Alameda Avenue.

So this item was brought to council in September of 2025, where council vetted the surplus property and approved it for listing in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code Section 253.014.

The property was marketed via a broker and listed for at least 30 days on a multi-listing service.

The property itself consists of.52 acres.

Zoning is C3H commercial historic.

It was listed on October the 8th.

The proposed buyer is Eli Ramos Investments LLC.

The appraised value was 128,000.

The purchase price is 168,000 plus closing costs.

We did receive four offers, and we are recommending to sell the property to the highest offer.

Representative Lima?

Yes.

Can you please give can you please give us the boundaries on this property?

It's difficult to s to read it on the map here.

One second, Representative.

They're bringing the presentation back up for me.

Okay.

It's not the cross feeds.

All you have is 8821 Alameda.

But Alameda runs from downtown to the city through the city.

Let me get you that information when I get back, Representative.

Oh okay.

Okay.

Thank you.

Okay.

For the next item is for a property sale agreement for Winchester and Pendale, property identification number 140408.

And this property was brought before council in July of 2025.

The council vetted this surplus property and approved it for listing.

In accordance with the Texas Local Government Code Section 253.014, the property was marketed via a broker and listed for at least 30 days on that multi-listing service.

The property is on the corner of Winchester and Pendale.

The size there is 0.92 acres.

It's zoned R4 residential.

It was listed in July of 2025.

The proposed buyers are Arnulfo Figueroa and Sandra Valades.

The appraised value was $200,000, and the purchase price is $22,050 plus closing costs.

We did only receive one offer, and we are recommending that we sell it to the highest offer.

Okay, Representative Lumont.

Mary Lou, and looking now at the map on slide three, you'll notice how there's that straight vertical line.

The area to the left is that city property as well or not.

The area just to the left of the yellow high area.

I don't have that on the map, Representative, but I can go back and find out for you.

I don't believe so, but let me confirm that for you.

Thank you.

Okay.

Any other questions on items number 21-22?

All right.

Ms.

Bryan.

Yes, sir.

The motion was made by Representative Limon, seconded by alternate mayor Tempier.

And this is to adopt the ordinances on items 21 and 22.

There's no public comment on that motion.

Call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay, let's take item number 23, please.

Yes, sir.

Item 23 is discussion in action to request that the city manager and city attorney provide a quarterly report to mayor and council on the status of the balance owed by Donald J.

Trump for President Inc.

campaign.

The report should include the balance owed interest and copies of invoices sent on a monthly basis to Donald J.

Trump for President Inc.

This item was placed by Representative Limoy.

Okay.

There's a motion second.

Representative Limon.

Thank you, Mayor.

I I place this item on the agenda and would have a trivia question for you.

So what do these cities, and I had to write it down because this is a lot of information.

I wrote actually some notes.

What do these cities have in common?

Let's see if you can figure it out.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, St.

Cloud, Minnesota, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Erie, Pennsylvania, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Battle Creek, Michigan, Tucson, Arizona, and El Paso.

What could possibly we all have in common?

All these communities are owed approximately 1.6 million dollars from the Trump campaign.

And while 1.6 million does not represent the total amount owed to the city of El Paso, it certainly is a collective item.

The original bill rendered to the campaign back in 2019 was $569,000.

$569,000.

And that was for a 2019 rally.

And unfortunately, we carry the title of having the largest single unpaid bill by the Trump campaign.

Today, because of interest rates, that amount is a little over $600,000.

And while the campaign has tried to pass the cost to civil service, the burden rests on the campaign, not on the organization that's charged with simply protecting the candidate at that point.

In 2019, a rally was held at the Coliseum, and expenses related to the use were paid in full about four hours before the rally was scheduled to begin.

But please don't think for one minute that the campaign was responsive and paid up front.

Before noon, the El Paso Sports Commission president, Brian Kennedy, called the campaign and said if you do not pay up front, your rally will be canceled.

They received a check.

The city does not have the ability to collect upfront because the event resources are fluid until the last minute when the plane departs.

In 2020, the city hired an outside law firm to attempt to collect funds related to this charge.

And they were unsuccessful.

And since then, on several occasions, the city has submitted a bill requesting payment.

But I believe it's been more than a year or two since that took place.

And so my motion today is to simply ask that the city manager and the city attorney provide a sequence of perhaps quarterly billing to reflect on the interest that is owed to the city.

One of the things that's really risk of great importance is that we pay our bills when they are due.

And it seems contrary that we would have a major campaign of a now sitting president who owes these communities more than a million and one and a half million dollars.

We are the ones with the largest amount, and by no means, by no means should we let this ride and simply say he's not going to pay and let it go away.

I think that we need to be the thorn in his side that we remind and remind and remind the campaign, which is still very active.

He believes he's going to have a third term.

And so that campaign is still active.

They have the money.

And as much as he files lawsuits in the millions and billions, I think that our amount of a little bit over $600,000 would be quite beneficial to this city.

And I had spoken to Ms.

Neiman, and maybe Josette, you have any something else to share on this topic, please.

Good afternoon, Josette Flutters from the City Attorney's Office.

I believe you probably do have the most updated information.

Thank you.

Thank you, Joseph.

And so we can either stand on our feet or we can fold today.

And so that is a request that the city manager and city attorney provide a quarterly report to Mayor and Council on the status of the balance owed by the Donald J.

Trump or President campaign.

Okay.

Thank you, Mayor.

Any uh Representative Chavez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um in January on the 15th, the FORAC committee had a follow-up audit that was presented to us regarding accounts receivables.

I I I think uh Ms.

Money, who's in the audience today will recall that presentation.

Um I think obviously it is concerning that we are owed that money, Ms.

Representative Linemont, but there are many others also that owe us money.

So I don't I know that you we are trying to be fiscally responsible and ensuring that we receive what's owed to us, but there is a process I believe that's followed through our legal department in terms of collecting payments for anybody who owes us money.

Um I think that process is after 90 days.

There are three notices.

Pass two bills are sent to the legal department for collection, past two amounts are reviewed monthly.

Um department directors are aware of how soon account receivables are being turned over.

And uh from what we were told at that meeting for FOAC on January the 15th, uh the city is doing everything to mitigate risks and everything we can to collect what's outstanding.

Um we didn't specifically speak on the debt from the campaign from Trump, but I do believe that the city is is doing what they can in terms of collecting the funds.

I I know that we've received an update at that time to FOAC, and I know that every department is willingly giving us information if we if we ask for it.

I just I I don't know.

I don't I don't know who the contact person is there.

I don't know if Representative Lamont has an idea on how we're going to really collect this money, because again, there's a lot of outstanding debt.

We have a lot of uh accounts receivables that are due that we're working towards collecting.

So this is just one of others.

Thank you, Mayor.

Representative Lamont.

I do not have a direct contact, but I know that the chair for the Republican Party who was scheduled to speak today was not here.

I know that he has stated that he has a direct uh contact with the uh uh the campaign.

Um even uh a simple Google search would probably identify that information.

Um there may be other outstanding uh bills.

I think that we're limited for discussion on this particular item today.

Thank you.

Yep.

Okay.

Uh seeing no further discussion on this particular item number 23, Ms.

Prime?

We do have a public comment we do.

Yes, sir.

We have Ms.

Osmond.

Ms.

Osman, Star 6, please to unmute your telephone.

Go ahead, ma'am.

You have three minutes.

Uh before I start with the Trump issue.

Uh Mayor, I really gotta appreciate the fact that you Ms.

Prime about the fact that I'm not in chambers.

Glad to know you missed me, or maybe you're just relieved I'm not there.

Um but either way, in regards to Trump and the 600K he owes.

Ms.

Ling Moon pointed out all the cities.

What what she didn't point out, and perhaps because politics isn't supposed to be involved, is there also democratic cities?

Um I'm sure that is on purpose.

Why we have not been paid uh on a border city, also on purpose.

One thing I didn't hear is is a lawsuit has there actually been a lawsuit filed because y'all do liens and y'all file lawsuits all the time for other debts that are owed.

Has a lawsuit been filed against his campaign in regards to these funds that are owed, or we're we're just not trying to rock the boat because God forbid, you know, he do to El Paso what he did to uh the twin cities.

So I'm just kind of wondering where that is at in regards to lawsuits.

I didn't hear any of anybody question whether that was actually the case.

Uh Ms.

Charles did mention you know there's a certain procedure, but I didn't other than actually sending out the debt in the invoice, I didn't hear that there was a lawsuit filed.

So if somebody could clarify that, I'd be really interested to know.

Thank you.

Okay, Ms.

Prime, we have uh representative uh uh.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um Ms.

Mack, was all of counsel given their report that uh Representative Chavez referred to from FOWAC?

I think generally um Representative Chavez is just talking about the strategy in terms of accounts payable for this particular item.

We have been building billing annually, and so the last bill went out February 2nd.

But no, Ms.

Chavez said that FOWAC got a report, received a report.

I remember seeing one on 380s and slow payment, but I don't remember seeing one on outstanding um uh account payables.

I think the accounts payable was last meeting.

Last meeting.

Okay.

So we'll we'll get it in in the near future.

So it was posted as backup in the at the last meeting, right?

We did the accounts payable.

And you'll send it to our offices in the near future.

Are you requesting accounts payable?

We usually get no, no, we usually get reports from FOWAC.

Um, I was on FOAC, we got we would distribute stuff through the chair.

So yeah, please.

Okay, we'll do that.

Thank you.

Okay.

Representative Rocha.

I I just have a quick question.

Uh Ms.

Mack, are there any other uh campaigns that owe money besides this one?

No.

No.

Is there anything in place that would prevent later on down the line guardrails for this to from happening again?

Like the rally, let's say has to be held on government property, or they have to pay up front, or um you know anything like that.

Is there anything in place at this time?

So we haven't went into any other issues in terms of people reserving our space for any reason that's allowable under those space rentals.

Um we've received prompt payment.

Um there are some uh interlocal agreements in terms of law enforcement that clarify who pays for what, and so we haven't seen this type of issue.

Okay, thank you, ma'am.

I appreciate it.

Okay.

Ms.

Prime?

Yes, sir.

The motion was made by Representative Limon, seconded by alternate mayor pro Tempiero to approve item 23 on that motion.

Call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes 721.

Representative Boy Andrew voting nay.

The motion does pass.

Okay.

Uh council, can we take item number 30 next, and then we'd have to go on to executive session.

Item 30 is discussion and action on selection of the chief internal auditor.

I would need a motion to retire and take executive session.

Second.

There's a motion and a second to retire to executive session.

All in favor?

Aye.

Anyone opposed?

And the city council of the city of El Paso may retire to executive session pursuant of section 3.5a of the El Paso City Charter and the Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.

Sub Chapter D to discuss item 30, discussion and action on selection of the Chief Internal Auditor under 551.071 consultation with attorney and 551.074 personnel matters.

It is 1233 p.m.

Yes.

Okay, Miss Bryan.

Council, is there a motion to reconvene?

Motion.

Second.

There's a motion and a second to come out of executive session.

All in favor?

Aye.

Anyone opposed?

The meeting is back in session at 1.44 p.m.

We're on item 30.

Mayor, I move to lay item 30 on the table.

Okay.

Second.

There's a motion and second to lay item 30 on the table.

Yes, there's a motion and a second to table item 30.

All in favor?

Anyone opposed?

The motion carries.

Mayor would like to make a motion.

Representative?

Sorry, sir.

Mayor would like to make a motion that we recess for lunch for one hour.

So come back at 245.

34 245.

245.

There's a motion to break for lunch until 245.

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

All in favor?

All right.

Anyone opposed?

The city council meeting is in recess at 1.45 p.m.

for one hour, and we'll reconvene at 24.

I'm going this way.

Okay, Miss Bryan?

Council, is there a motion to reconvene?

So moved.

Second.

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

All in favor?

Aye.

Anyone opposed?

The meeting is back in session at 249 p.m.

Okay, Ms.

Bryan, let's take item number 24, please.

Yes, sir.

Item 24 is discussion and action directing the city manager to re refrain from renewing any existing agreements and or entering into any new agreement with flock group Inc.

operating as flock safety for the provision, operation, or use of automated license plate recognition technology and to refrain from utilizing future grant awards or city of El Paso funds to contract for similar technology.

For clarity, this item does not pertain to user operated handheld or vehicle mounted license plate readers for parking enforcement or similar uses.

This item was submitted by Representatives Canales and Limo.

Move to approve.

There we go.

There's a motion and a second.

And just to remind council you have ten minutes to talk.

Upwards to ten times two times.

You can speak twice for two times.

Okay.

Represent Canales.

Thank you, Mayor.

I I think it's very important to have a good conversation about this item today.

And those conversations have been really thoughtful and professional, so I appreciate the seriousness with which they've uh engaged on this issue.

Um my understanding as a result of those discussions was that the existing contract would be allowed to expire at the end of the grant period.

Um last week I learned that the police department had decided to move in a different direction and now wishes to renew with Flock, and that's their prerogative.

But with uh decision of this magnitude, uh I think it warrants an open discussion with the council.

Um I want to be abundantly clear.

I have particular issues with Flock as a company and with their specific technology.

Um I don't question the good faith of the police department.

They've been open to having the conversation uh with me repeatedly.

I believe them when they say that they believe in this technology, and I I don't deny that Flock can be an effective tool uh for for investigations for the police department.

And I'm also not dismissing the safeguards that that they describe, and I'm sure we'll hear more about those later.

Those safeguards appear solid on paper.

Um but I I think our role as policymakers too is is is to evaluate not just the benefits of something like this, but the risks and to look carefully at the documented outcomes both in our city but also in other jurisdictions that have adopted the same system uh with similar guardrails on a similar time frame as us.

And when we do that, there are many real examples of issues from just the last few months and even the last few weeks that I think we we can't ignore.

Um I want to run through a few of them.

In May 2025, a deputy with the Johnson County, Texas Sheriff's Office conducted a nationwide search across more than 83,000 flock connected cameras uh tied to an investigation involving a woman who had allegedly undergone an abortion.

Although it was publicly described as a welfare check, uh court records and reporting later indicated it was connected to a criminal investigation into that abortion.

Uh the query reached across state lines and into jurisdictions in states such as Illinois and Washington State where abortion is legal.

Uh Illinois officials later stated that the access violated the protections adopted by the state government.

Uh in August 2025, a state audit conducted by the Illinois Secretary of State found that U.S.

Customs and Border Protection had accessed automated license plate reader data from the City of Evanston police department without the city's knowledge and in violation of Illinois state law.

And local departments had safeguards in place similar to what we have here, meant to ensure compliance with that law.

Uh despite those protections, unauthorized access still occurred over an extended period of time.

And after an investigation, the Secretary of State ordered that access be shut off, and the City of Evanston deactivated its cameras and terminated its contract.

After allegedly using Flock to track down individuals for personal reasons, including stalking an ex-partner.

And in Mountain View, California, just a few weeks ago in February 2026, the police department shut off Flock cameras after discovering that federal agencies had accessed locally collected license plate data without permission.

And this case is this this isn't limited to individual cases of misuse where Flock wasn't directly involved.

So in Colorado, investigative reporting revealed that Flock had allowed federal immigration authorities to directly access local license plate tracking data through a pilot program that they entered into quietly with CBP.

The program was wasn't disclosed publicly at the time, including to Flock's customers whose data they were using.

And Flock initially denied it after it was initially discovered.

Flock later acknowledged that the federal access uh had happened and paused their pilot program.

Um but that episode I think raises really serious questions about Flock's transparency and integrity and whether local governments are always fully informed about how their data might be used.

Uh the city of Denver agreed, and in response, they ended their relationship with Flocks just two weeks ago at the end of February 2026.

All of these cases differ pretty greatly in the facts, but they share a really common theme that safeguards described at adoption of this technology and included in the contracts and policies did not prevent unintended access or misuse.

And it's it's hubris, I think that that there might be a thought that this couldn't happen here.

And I'll I'll say again very clearly, I this isn't a dig at at our police department.

From their perspective, I can understand the feeling that Flock is a powerful tool.

But that power is precisely why I think we need to be wary.

Once a system like Flock is connected to a national network at a national scale, the scope of its risks and the potential consequences of failures of the system scale up together with the geographic reach.

When data that's collected locally becomes part of a vast interconnected network, I think the margin for error only uh grows.

And El Paso is a community both at the international border and at the state line with New Mexico.

And movement across jurisdictions is really routine here.

Uh community trust in police directly affects the reporting of crimes, the willingness to cooperate with law enforcement investigations, and and ultimately the outcomes that we see from our public safety work.

And the question before us is whether continuing and perhaps expanding our participation in networked uh ALPR infrastructure like Flock is appropriate for El Paso at this time, a time when other cities have or are actively reconsidering their own participation in the wake of the documented that I mentioned earlier and and many others.

Um for me, Flock just is not the right fit for El Paso.

And based on the clearly documented bad experiences that we've seen in other jurisdictions and the particular considerations of our community and our location, I I believe ending our relationship with Flock is the prudent course of action, and I hope the council can give the issue some serious consideration because I think it the moment deserves it.

Um with that I have a small amendment to offer to account for some operational needs, and Ms.

Prine, I'm sending that to you now.

Um I move to add the following language after does not pertain to the languages ALPR technology, excuse me, that used for the collection of tolls, including but not limited to by the International Bridges Department or to.

So that the full sentence, the final sentence reads as follows for clarity, this item does not pertain to ALPR technology used for the collection of tolls, including but not limited to by the International Bridges Department, or to user-operated handheld or vehicle-mounted license plate readers for parking enforcement or similar uses.

Um again, the International Bridges Department uses uh ALPR technology to uh identify vehicles that are crossing the international bridge for the purpose of paying tolls.

They asked for some special uh special mention here to make it clear that we weren't referring to them either.

Um that that was my motion.

Okay, is there a second to his motion?

Okay.

Is there a comment on the amended motion?

Okay.

Ms.

Bryan, call for this vote on the amendment.

Could you read it back, please?

And I and I did send it to council.

So the motion was made by Representative Canale, seconded by Representative Limon to amend item the motion on item 24 to include the words ALPR technology used for the collection of tolls, including but not limited to by the International Bridges Department.

Or to I think that those were the words you want to add, right?

And this the party will be added after the words does not pertain to.

So that'll the last sentence will read for clarity.

This item does not pertain to ALPR technology used for the collection of tolls, including but not limited to the by the International Bridges Department or to user-operated handheld or vehicle mounted license plate readers for parking enforcement or similar uses.

Okay.

Ms.

Bryan, call for the vote.

Yes, sir.

On the amendment.

Call for the vote.

In the voting session?

And the motion passes 523.

Representatives Chavez Rota Piero voting nay, the remainder of council voting aye, the motion carries.

Okay.

Representative Lamont.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um I want to acknowledge the fact that I am co-signing on this item.

One of the biggest risks that take place in this arena is the misuse of data.

There are incredible immigration risks involved with this.

And Representative Gonales has certainly given us a good listing of all these different cases.

And that data is shocking.

Shocking to think that someone would have access to misuse the data.

It is my understanding that while we have the control of the data for 30 days, after the 30 days, that data is stored in the flock servers.

And so that data is still available.

And I bring the same question I did earlier.

What if ICE were to say you must release this data?

Even though the data originally was ours for 30 days, the data could be in the hands of someone that would be willing to share it.

The understanding on the contract is that block cannot sell the data, but if they were mandated to share it with others, then that is certainly something that would be a problem.

Actually, several meetings.

I got to meet with Officer Longenbaugh, oh, who told me that he was the person who oversees this department.

And it really is auto theft, because the funding for this originally came as a result of legislation that was designed to prevent catalytic converter thefts.

And then it moved into the camera of the license plate readers.

He additionally told me that there were a limited number of people that had access.

But then I dug deeper.

So once you get the audit, what do you do with the data?

And he indicated that he reviews it and then it's passed on to his supervisor.

And then after that, it would go up to the assistant chief.

The question that maybe was a little bit nebulous was, and then what is done with that data?

Because I can guarantee that that we get a lot of reports that many times we may not have the opportunity or the time to look at it really, really closely.

This morning when Chief Dalamantes was doing the presentation, I stressed I remember an agenda review having the opportunity to ask all these questions related when an item was presented to council, and that was the day before our meeting.

So number one was open up the door and say, whenever there's any grants, any items like this, will you please come and and share with council?

For me, there's a lot of questions that I would like to ask.

Primarily also, I don't expect to have the flock report on my desk.

That's way out of my arena.

But that I would have the confidence to say that someone is looking at it, someone is conveying it, someone is making some alterations or restrictions or whatever the case might be.

So I think that I think that while we continue with Flock that some mechanism needs to be incorporated.

The thought that anyone would willingly share information that's restricted like this and use it in an inappropriate way.

I was also told that that could lead to, of course, a variety of of penalties, but the ultimate one would be termination.

But what good would that do at that point in time?

If someone had been hurt, if someone had been deported, if someone had been terrorized, which unfortunately is what we are seeing happen today.

You can be you can be a U.S.

citizen and still be arrested and put into a camp and let the things sort out later on.

It is a very serious situation for all of us to be in, and especially those of us that come from Mexican American roots.

I am I understand fully the good that a license plate reader can do.

I I fully understand it.

I received a call this morning at 7.30 in the morning from a friend, Patsy Stallworth, who told a story two days ago, someone stole her car.

And so she shared this, and I thought, oh my gosh, here it's it's appropriate to this.

And she told me that she reported it, that everything that she needed to do, and within two hours, she was called and said and told, not said, and told, your car has been found, it's in Northeast El Paso.

Bring your keys, bring an identification, and you can pick up your car.

That is a positive, meaningful way to do this.

But when there is a door that can be opened and can be manipulated, then at that point in time, I'm I'm very good to say we really need to review this.

In the ideal world, we would have license plate readers that were strictly controlled by the city and not by another entity.

And even we could come down that the so-called leadership in the state could say, give us the data, and we may have to do that.

But my concern is that immigration issue, and it's an immigration issue because, like I said before, it can affect all of us.

It doesn't matter if you are a U.S.

citizen or not.

We can be arrested, we can be placed somewhere, and it'll take days and the the help of an immigration attorney to get us out of that situation.

I may carry my global entry card, I may carry any kind of identification, my passport, but unfortunately, they're not logical people, they're not thinking logically, they're reacting to this horrible situation that we're living in.

And so, Mayor, thank you very much for the opportunity to to speak and to present this.

Thank you.

Representative Piero.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um Ms.

Mack, is there somebody from the police department that can answer some questions?

Oh, I didn't know the chief was here.

Welcome, Chief.

You know, uh in all transparency, these issues that Representative Knollis brought up, um, have any of them happened in El Paso?

There's no documentation that any of these these horror stories have happened in our community.

No, sir.

You're not sharing data with immigration with no one else.

No, sir.

Now, you know, so let's talk about that for a second.

If we're going to share horror stories, then we need to share the other side of the stories.

In in Austin, the Austin community, uh, the Austin Community Council, the Austin City Council took action to replace Flock to actually to end the contract like we are talking about here.

Correct.

Uh Governor Abbott in all his wisdom brought in his own system.

Correct.

That's though that data is not shared with us in the Austin Police Department.

I'm not sure, but like the interstate system now.

Right.

So, it might be understanding is the states, right?

And uh DPS handles all that system.

We don't know what they're doing with the information, we don't know who they're sharing it with.

I don't know.

But that's my point.

This and this to me is just one more tool that your your department has to keep our community safe.

Yes, and our officers safe.

And your officers safe.

You know, it I I think that we need to focus on what keeps our community safe, what keeps our officers safe.

And I would hate for us or this council to make a uh decision that that's gonna hurt our community in the long run.

I I'm I'm looking at some data here, and it um you could help me with the timeline.

But it says arrest, there's been 70 arrests tied directly to the flox system for various uh criminal offenses.

Correct.

There's been 60 vehicles at 600,000 in recovery.

Yes sir.

It's to me, Mayor, and the story that that Representative Lamont just brought up, I mean these are prime examples of this is a tool that not only the Chief Basillas's team needs, but we need as a community keep us safe and to granted it will probably take a my vehicle be 61 and probably $100 to add it to the 6000 but it's still a tool that we need in our community.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chief.

Thank you.

Representative Chavez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Good afternoon, Chief.

Good afternoon ma'am.

I I do have a few questions for you.

Did the people uh the council members who put this on the agenda contact you prior to placing this on the agenda.

Uh we have been in discussion with uh Representative Canales for probably uh about a year since uh the uh we went into a contract uh back in May so we've been discussing it about the LPR's uh and his concerns about the action I couldn't find my but but uh this actual item no ma'am and and I want I want to point that out because in Spanish we have a saying hablando se entiende la gente which means basically when you speak to one another you can understand each other better.

Yes I know you did come to my office after this was posted on the agenda and we had uh a a really good conversation regarding it and I and I can um you know be sensitive to the to the examples that Representative Canales has talked about in other cities but for this uh for all intents and purposes today I want to focus on our city on El Paso and how you're using the flock system.

Um a few months ago there was a shooting in my district in District one I think that you're aware of that shooting yes ma'am can you tell me how the flock cameras helped you in solving that case so um we had a road rage incident uh uh the incident that you're talking about we had very few leads that uh uh we had on that just general basic excuse me just general basic uh information that an officer is able to obtain at the scene and the investigators so as the uh the case was transferred to the detectives to start the investigation they had a description of the of the vehicle so the uh the the system the uh LPR flock system takes a description thank you takes a description uh of that vehicle and we were able to take that and analyze that information and cut the down the investigation and make the arrest of the individual basically in weeks and I truly believe that if we didn't have this system we would have the shooter still out in our community our detectives will still be working it uh maybe working it through crime stoppers or those type of uh uh traditional leads but we would still be uh working it without this system enhancing the ability for our detectives to follow up on this crime and I believe the the person that committed this road rage incident at 4 p.m in a neighborhood lived outside of our state limits right so that's why the flock cameras was so important so that we're from New Mexico yes so that we could identify where that person traveled and it actually took uh a few days I think from what I understand to to locate this individual um but I think the flock cameras from what I know were essential to solving this particular crime and take a violent offender off the streets thank you chief I had the opportunity to meet uh Danny Danny was the victim in that in that road rage incident yes ma'am um he got shot multiple times he was traveling with his son Evan home from school evan is uh fifth grader um at API SD and um he he nearly died from that road rage incident I know that he was helped by some people that stopped to help him and they did render aid I know that our first responders and I want to thank uh Chief Killings your your your team showed up at the scene quite quickly but he nearly died and he went through several surgeries regarding that road rage incident his wife Reva is is a stage four cancer uh patient currently right now and I had the opportunity to visit them this December um along with some people from the Westside Regional Command Center Chief and I was very grateful for them um helping helping us uh in that initiative but I I want to personalize this story because sometimes we think of systems that we've implemented as you know generalities uh generally speaking it's gonna help us with this generally speaking it's gonna help with that in this case it helped uh Danny Reva and Evan to solve a crime um and to make a community a community in my name in my district uh district one feel safer thanks to the technology that's put in place so while I understand that maybe other cities have issues using these cameras for me particularly I I can't go back to Danny and say we're gonna remove a system that basically helped solve this crime uh and bring justice to you and your family correct so uh I will not be supporting this item today and I will be continuing to support the use of flock cameras for the city.

Correct.

So uh I will not be supporting this item today.

And I will be continuing to support the use of flock cameras for the city.

Thank you, Chief.

Representative Canalis.

No, go ahead.

Um I have a bit of a preamble, Chief, to set up some questions that I I have for you that I think are relevant to the discussion.

Um I'm looking at the 2024 grant application to the motor vehicle crime prevention authority, specifically the the Senate Bill 224 uh catalytic converter grant, um which is listed as the authorized uh funding source for the for the contract with Flock that the the const the council uh approved the submission for in 2024 in June.

Um there's no mention of Flock in the application.

So there are some line items grouped into different subcategories.

Under the subcategory of professional and contract services, there are no line items.

Um, equipment there are line items for the purchase of 35 quick deploy LPR cameras in an amount of 437,500, two vehicle mounted LPRs with tablets in the amount of 35,000, and four LPR trailers in an amount of 240,000.

Um the narrative description of that line item reads uh as follows.

License plate readers, LPRs provide valuable data that equates to investigative leads and can help identify hot spots and subjects responsible for thefts.

It will also enable the task force to take proactive measures to prevent future incidents of thefts from occurring.

Twenty-four quick deployment cameras will be used at three international ports of entry leading southbound into Mexico.

The task force is asking for the following LPR equipment for this purpose.

35 quick deploy LQ6 model LPR cameras with five years of service, two mobile LPRs that can be mounted on unmarked vehicles.

That includes a tablet and two three L5F cameras with five years of service, and four LPR trailers that are battery and or solar powered with five years of service.

Those LQ six model LPR cameras are a specific model made by Motorola.

They're intended for quick mobile deployment, not like permanent networked installations.

Um model uh LPRs.

Uh a memo provided to the council in late December 2025 indicated that the city had entered into an uh into a contract with Flock funded by that N V CPA catalytic converter grant program, and that a total of 150 FLOC ALPR cameras had been installed beginning May 16, 2025.

Um I'll repeat again under that subcategory of professional and contract services, there were no line items for contract services.

So I guess my questions are as follows.

How did the 35 quick deploy LQ6 models become a contractual service agreement with Flock providing 150 units?

And what part of this 2024 application uh gave the direction for a contract with Flock and was the use of the contract's funds uh was the use of the grants funds uh to contract with Flock for their services compliant with the the terms of the grant application that we submitted and and the council's direction on uh the submission and use of those funds.

So under the current contract that we have with uh um with Flock, it is listed in there, the Flock LPR system at uh $712,000 uh is in the grant application.

Is that from the 2024 MVCPA?

This is the current one that we're under.

Right, but the the memo provided to the council said that it was the 2024 Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority grant that funded the initial installation of the Flock cameras.

Yes, sir.

This is uh August 26, 2024.

I mean, I'm I have it up in front of me.

I I'm not seeing that listed as a line item.

Can you let can you tell me which page number perhaps?

There is no page number, but I I can walk it over to you if you want to see it.

Um yeah, again, I I I'm I've pulled up the backup that's still posted online from the from the meeting.

Uh I I do see page numbers, page two of seven and three of seven are the description subcategory, MVCPA funds, cash match, total, kind of the line items of what each item is being funded at.

On this page, it's page three, but there's no page numbers on it.

Can you count seven?

Yeah, no, I mean um I I guess we'll have to reconcile that because I'm I'm I'm I'm looking at the backup from that meeting.

Same same meeting, I take it.

That's the uh let me see June 2024, a June 2024 City Council meeting.

Sure.

So I'll introduce uh Lieutenant Poras.

Uh he's the uh lieutenant over uh uh um uh auto theft uh on here.

Okay.

Uh reference uh what you're talking about on the current application.

Mayor city council, uh my name is Ricardo Porras.

I'm the lieutenant, like uh Chief said, in charge of the motor vehicle crime prevention authority grant.

Uh I'm the one that wrote the grant.

And uh you are correct, that's what the narrative says.

However, uh MVCPA was having issues at that time, and what the chief is showing, and I guess relating to you is the most current I guess application that we have in the system as of yesterday.

I printed up this application yesterday.

It's uh submitted, and I don't know about um yours, uh Representative Canales, but this one is dated uh submitted by Elda Rodriguez Hefner on 826 24 at 1201.

Is that correct?

Uh this is this is pre-submission, so this is what was presented to the council for approval.

Okay.

So uh during that time um the issue, you know, with with those cameras came up.