El Paso City Council Meeting Summary – April 28, 2026

The El Paso City Council convened on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10:21 a.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting began with several proclamations honoring community members and organizations, followed by public comments, a consent agenda, and extensive discussion and voting on key items including a towing ordinance, data center legislative advocacy, and the renewal of the Flock ALPR camera program and related grants. The meeting adjourned at 6:21 p.m.

Proclamations

• Mayor Renard Johnson and Council recognized Israel Rivera for his selfless act of helping a fellow runner at the Boston Marathon; the star on Franklin Mountain was lit in his honor.
• Recognized Bart Reed and the Comic Strip comedy club for its 40th anniversary, the longest-running comedy club in Texas.
• Proclaimed April 28, 2026 as "El Paso Alumni Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated Delta Day" in honor of the sorority's founding and service.
• Proclaimed 2026 as the 800th anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis of Assisi.
• Recognized National Travel and Tourism Week (May 3-9) and highlighted the expected $75 million economic impact from the BTS concert weekend.
• Recognized the El Paso Elites flag football teams for their performance at the 2026 Youth Flag Football World Championship in Orlando, Florida.

Consent Calendar

• On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, seconded by Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Fierro, the consent agenda was approved with revisions moving items 43 and 44 to the regular agenda. Item 23 was also moved to be considered with item 64. The consent agenda passed unanimously.
• The first reading of ordinances (items 47-52) was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Several speakers addressed the council on the proposed towing ordinance (item 56). Small towing business owners expressed support for reform but asked that the ordinance not harm legitimate operators and requested more transparency and opportunity to join the city's rotation list. Speakers opposed predatory towing but urged council to ensure the ordinance did not unintentionally put small businesses out of business.
• Multiple residents spoke in opposition to items 23 and 64 (Flock ALPR program), citing privacy concerns, potential for data misuse, and the need for strict oversight. Speakers referenced Flock Safety's patent for facial recognition, changes in terms of service allowing data sale, and unauthorized access by Flock employees. They urged council to let the current contract expire and issue a competitive RFP.
• Several community members spoke in support of item 63 (data center legislative advocacy), urging council to oppose data centers due to water consumption, environmental impact, and lack of public benefit. Many called for breaking the Chapter 380 agreement with Meta.
• During Call to the Public (60 minutes allotted), speakers raised issues including noise ordinance violations, animal services, bus route changes, airport lease disputes, data centers, and street light repairs. Council took no action on these items.

Discussion Items

• Item 43 – Purchasing Assessment Consulting: Award of contract to Calyptus Consulting Group ($94,880) to assess the city's purchasing department. Approved unanimously after presentation and questions about local input.
• Item 44 – Federal Lobbying Services: Award of contract to Forward Global U.S. Inc. ($200,000 for initial year, plus option). Discussion included concerns about the firm's past branding and controversies. Motion to postpone failed 6-2; final vote to award passed 7-1 after a motion to reconsider and amend. Council directed staff to provide evaluation criteria for the renewal option.
• Items 53-54 – Water and Sewer & Drainage Refunding Bonds: Jeff Tepsick (CFO, El Paso Water) presented ordinances authorizing issuance of up to $438.5 million in water and sewer revenue refunding bonds and up to $80.25 million in drainage utility system refunding bonds. Approved unanimously.
• Item 55 – Property Sale: Ordinance to convey 2.72 acres at 313 Pendale to Martina Armendaris for $345,000. Approved unanimously.
• Item 56 – Towing Regulations Ordinance: Chief Victor Sarud presented an ordinance prohibiting solicitation of towing business at traffic accident scenes (Class C misdemeanor, up to $500 fine). Extensive discussion on impact on small businesses, rotation list (currently 5 vendors), and enforcement. Motion to postpone for 30 days failed 5-4. Ordinance adopted 6-2.
• Item 62 – Water Quality Solicitation Disclosure: Representative Canales proposed directing the city attorney to draft an ordinance requiring commercial solicitations related to water quality to include a clear disclaimer that the business is not affiliated with the city or utility. Approved unanimously.
• Item 63 – Data Center Legislative Advocacy: Representatives Chavez, Nino, and Fierro's item to amend the city's state and federal legislative agendas to include advocacy for data center incentive and regulatory frameworks, including state sales tax exemption reform and federal transparency standards. Approved unanimously after discussion on the need for proactive engagement at state and federal levels.
• Items 23, 64, 67 – Flock ALPR Program and Grants: Chief Talamantes presented data on the Flock system's impact, showing reductions in auto theft and catalytic converter thefts. Council heard extensive debate on privacy, data control, contract terms, and potential alternatives. After multiple motions and reconsiderations, council amended the item to remove specific reference to Flock from the grant application language, directing staff to apply for LPR technology grants without naming a vendor. The grants (requiring $693,334 for catalytic converter grant and $2,084,428 for task force grant) were approved on a 5-3 vote.
• Item 65 – Parvovirus Vaccine: Sole source purchase order to Alanco Animal Health for $396,000 over 3 years for canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody vaccine. Approved unanimously.
• Item 66 – Eaton Corporation Chapter 380 Amendment: Karina Brasgalla (Economic Development) presented an amendment adjusting the property tax rebate cap to reflect updated 2025 appraised land value (from $13M to $39M). The city will collect an additional $677,000 over the incentive term. Approved 7-1.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved as revised.
• Item 43: Purchasing assessment contract awarded to Calyptus Consulting Group.
• Item 44: Federal lobbying services contract awarded to Forward Global U.S. Inc. after reconsideration (7-1).
• Items 53-54: Water and sewer/drainage refunding bonds authorized.
• Item 55: Property sale at 313 Pendale approved.
• Item 56: Towing solicitation ordinance adopted (6-2).
• Item 62: City attorney directed to draft water quality solicitation disclosure ordinance.
• Item 63: City's legislative agendas amended to include data center advocacy.
• Items 23 & 67: Grants for LPR technology (catalytic converter and task force) approved with amendment to remove mention of Flock (vote 5-3).
• Item 65: Parvovirus vaccine purchase order approved.
• Item 66: Eaton Corp Chapter 380 amendment approved (7-1).