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

Miss Prime, we're ready to go to work.

Good morning, Mayor, and good morning, everyone.

Welcome to the presentation of the mayor's proclamations.

We begin this morning with a pledge of allegiance.

Okay, we're gonna ask the uh El Paso Police Department to give us a hand.

Okay, Miss Bryan.

That brings us to the first proclamation.

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

The first proclamation is Freeway Lady Keglar's International Friendship Bowling Tournament.

Okay.

Representative Fierro.

Mayor, thank you for the opportunity to read this this morning.

Ladies, welcome.

Whereas the city of El Paso is proud of its strong and enduring relationship with the United States Armed Forces, anchored by its presence of Fort Bliss and many service members and veterans who call our city home.

Whereas Armed Force Day provides an opportunity to honor the courageous men and women who served in all branches of the United States military, recognizing their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our nation.

And whereas the Freeway Lady Keglers, I had to practice that mayor, bowling club established in 1994, has selected OASIS Bowling Lanes on Saragosa Road in the City of El Paso as its host site for their tenth annual international friendship bowling tournament.

Whereas this tournament, held in conjunction with the Armed Forces Day, reflects a deep patriotic spirit by bringing together the enjoyment of international sports with the heartfelt appreciation of our military committee.

And whereas this event welcomes participants and visitors from across the region, including New Mexico, Mexico, while showcasing the El Paso rich culture, strong sense of community, and steadfast support for those who served.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the City of El Paso, recognizing and welcoming the Freeway Lady Kegglers International Friendship Bowling Tournament of our city.

Furthermore, the City of El Paso commends the organizers for their tribute to the Armed Forces Day and encourage all residents to celebrate and support this special event on May 16th at Freeway Lane.

Now, May 16th shall be known as Freeway Lady Kegglers International Friendship Bowling Tournament, honoring Armed Forces Day and the city and El Paso's military community.

Signed the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson.

Welcome later.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Mayor Johnson and representatives of City Council.

My name is Nancy Peters, and I'm so honored that we could be here today to receive this proclamation.

When we decided to host our tournament at OASIS, we did not realize at that time that it was actually falling on Armed Forces Day, and what a perfect day to honor both our armed forces and our bowling, our traditional bowling.

Our tournament is going to be very patriotic in its theme.

We have the American Legion is going to be having our POW MIA table there.

We have the an active duty soldier singing the national anthem, and an all-female color guard made up of veterans, which will be posting the colors.

Our theme throughout the whole tournament is patriotic, and we are even wearing the logo of our um the patriotic, our veteran capital of the United States.

At this time, I would like to introduce our our cat our president of our organization, and she's going to tell you a special thing we're going to be doing at our tournament.

But thank you so much for this proclamation.

We do appreciate it very much.

We got it.

Good morning.

Thank you.

I'm Gigi.

I'm president of the Lady Kegglers.

On Saturday when we're hosting our tournament, we will have a lot of the veteran services out there to explain to anybody that comes in and offer their services.

And we will also be putting up a wall of honor with family members that have been in the service to honor everybody there.

We'd like to invite you all to come down and see the wall of honor and see what we're putting on.

Very good.

Thank you.

If I might add, I did forget.

We do have multiple veteran service organizations that will have tables at our event.

So please, the VFW, American Legion, Women Veterans Group.

So there'll be information, and we're rich in our military history here.

So we want this to be not just a fun bowling event, very competitive bowling event, but a very um informational event as well for our community.

So come on out, enjoy Armed Forces Day and help us celebrate.

You got it, thank you, Nancy.

You're welcome.

Representative Piero.

Thank you, Mayor.

You know, ladies, first and foremost, thank you all for your service and for everything you've done to allow us to be here in this the freedom and here in the United States.

So we can never thank you enough for that.

But secondly, I don't know if you realize this, but oh um, this bowling alley is in District 6, which is a very fine district, and let me I may add the heart of the of our city, but it's also there's a survey that's conducted every year, and one of the things that came out was district six is a friendliest uh in the city.

So welcome to District Six.

Oh my god.

Well, Nancy, there's some there's some other ladies there with you.

Do they want to introduce themselves?

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Carmen Antunis.

Good morning.

My name is Tracy Gunther.

Good morning.

My name is Melody Sanchez.

Good morning.

My name is Margie Sparson.

Good morning.

Well, I got some questions about the tournament.

Okay.

So it's the 10th annual.

When does it start?

What time?

Our tournament will begin actually the registration for our ladies.

This being an international tournament, we rotate the tournaments throughout the different centers in the Southwest.

So it's made up of teams from what is New Mexico and from El Paso.

Um our tournament starts at 8 o'clock registration at Oasis, and the ladies will come in and start checking in.

Um it's very competitive.

So we have brackets where they actually pay money to see if they compete against each other on the side.

Um we'll have coffee and pastries, and that's where our veteran service organizations will have tables set up, provide information.

And if there are any other VSOs out there that still want a table, there's room.

So come see me.

Um at 8:30, we'll have our opening ceremonies.

Um that's when we'll have the posting of the colors with our all of all female veteran color guard, um, headed up by Eloisa Cox, very involved, um, retired veteran here in our community.

Um, the singing of the national anthem.

We'll start be headed up by Miss Kanina Niles, she's an active duty specialist at Fort Bliss.

And then we have our POW MIA table by the American Legion out of Horizon City.

Our practice will start actually.

Our district rep for from the county will be presenting us with a resolution from your same area.

Um, so she'll be coming out, Miss O'Geen, and um so we'll be having her there, and we encourage you all to join us.

Um, we serve, we have six games, our ladies bowl six games to start.

The top bowlers in each area of each qualifying division move forward.

So there's 40 ladies that will move forward to the semifinals, then the top 20, then the top 10, and then the top of each division.

It's a long day.

There could be a number of nine games bold.

Um, so then there's trophies, and this year our team has chosen to have very patriotic trophies.

They're purposeful trophies, but they're all very patriotic in nature.

So from what from the beginning to the end, it's a very patriotic theme.

Um, we're just tickled about it.

And the wall of honor that Miss Gigi, our president decided to to do all of our our veterans that are our veteran bowlers and their family members, our pictures are gonna be displayed.

So it's just it's just an all-around patriotic um emotional day because a lot of them are gone.

Yeah, um, but uh me being a drill sergeant, my picture will be up there too.

Um, but anyways, so that kind of gives you a rundown.

But it's uh it's a long day, um, but a fun day, and but very competitive.

These ladies are very competitive bowlers.

Oh my god.

So that that keeps keeps uh me and art out of the company.

And the bowling starts at nine o'clock, yes.

Very good, very good.

So and it's truly international.

You have folks coming from Juarez and where else do they come from around the region?

There's teams from New Mexico from Alamogordo, Las Cruces.

Um, it just depends on if they haven't enough teams put together.

But um, it's it's that's why it's international because they come from Wadison.

Very good.

And you guys were established in 1995, our team, our our club was the freeway lady Keglers, the freeway lanes has been gone for quite some time.

But we keep the tradition, and that's I love it.

We're still freeway.

I love it.

Well, congratulations, and again, thank you for all that you do for the military community, and congratulations on your event, and maybe we'll come out and see how you guys ball.

You can throw the first ball there.

That might be a little embarrassing.

Yeah.

I need I'll need the bumpers for sure.

But thank you guys and congratulations.

Thank you.

And the next proclamation is 20th anniversary of the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation.

Representative.

Thank you, Mayor.

I have the honor of reading this proclamation.

I can't believe it's 20 years the MC is so important, and I'm lucky to have it in my district.

So I'll read the proclamation and then we'll hear from uh MCA leadership.

Proclamation City of El Paso, Texas, whereas proud members of the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation community in El Paso are gathering to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of this impactful organization.

And whereas the MCA found founded in 2006 exists to ensure that the healthcare needs of the Paso North Air region are met by fostering the growth of a robust life sciences ecosystem, advancing healthcare education and workforce training, and supporting the commercialization of biomedical research and innovation.

And whereas originally headquartered in downtown El Paso, where they were working towards building a campus incorporated into the city of El Paso's comprehensive plan, they envisioned a health care center of excellence in the heart of the city, a home to a medical university, teaching hospitals, community clinics, and biotech research parks, a life science hub that would provide advanced quality health care, trained medical professionals, and create skill, high-skill, high wage jobs.

And whereas the MCA's vision was recognized as a four hundred and forty-acre medical and biotechnology campus in South Central El Paso, nestled between the Rio Grande and the Franklin Mountains, and is now home to institutions such as Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, University Medical Center of El Paso, El Paso Children's Hospital, UT Health, Houston School of Public Health, the VA Wellness Center, the Cardwell Collaborative, and numerous state, county, and city organizations dedicated to advancing health.

And whereas the MCA collaborations and relationships within the region are strong, lasting and rooted in the many shared accomplishments in the community.

MCA's leadership through its clinical trials program, the innovation center named for the Melinda and Meyer Marcus Foundation, STEM Innovation Lab and Infrastructure Developments current and planned on the MCA campus, formed the core programs in developing the community's medical center along with its campus partners.

And whereas the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation, headquartered in the Cardwell Collaborative, is an integral part of the MCA campus, connecting with the university's businesses and entrepreneurs across the Paso Norte region and beyond with the shared vision of healthcare innovation and economic prosperity.

And whereas the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation has demonstrated a sustained commitment to strengthening the local economy by fostering innovation, cultivating talent, and supporting a vibrant life sciences focused campus.

And whereas its initiatives have strengthened the local ecosystem, increased access to quality health care, and enhance the city's position as a hub for innovation and investment.

Now, therefore, be a proclaim by the mayor and council of the City of El Paso recognizing and commending the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation for its vision, leadership, and transformative impact on the City of El Paso's economic future and community well-being.

Signed the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mayor.

Good morning, City Council.

My name is Carlos Ortega, and I'm the president and CEO CEO of the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation.

On behalf of the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation, we are sincerely honored and grateful to stand here today and receive this official proclamation recognizing MCA's 20th anniversary.

It is a very meaningful affirmation of the economic development work MCA has pursued in contributing to the development of a medical center in our community and catalyzing the life sciences ecosystem in our region, bringing together health care, medical education, research, and innovation to improve the lives and our standard of living.

Over the past 20 years, what began as a bold vision to create a center of excellence for health care and life sciences has come to life through MCA's programs.

Today, the MCA Medical Center campus stands as a powerful example of what collaborations, innovation, and commitment can achieve with the city's partnership and collaboration with our campus partners, Texas Tech Health, UT Houston Health, University Medical Center, El Paso Children's Hospital, and the Veterans Administration.

We are especially grateful for the city's trust in the MCA as a beneficiary of the impact fund grant.

This investment has not only strengthened our capacity to serve, but has amplified our impact, creating opportunities, advancing economic development, and fostering innovation throughout the community.

This proclamation recognizes not just the organization, but the collective efforts of MCA staff, its board, partners, donors, and countless individuals who have believed in our mission.

It truly reflects what a private public partnership can achieve.

We are proud to be a part of a community that believes in advancing health care, investing in education and workforce development, and creating opportunities that improve lives across the El Paso do Norte region.

We remain committed to strengthening partnerships, supporting innovation, and continuing to build a future where El Paso is a leader in health and life sciences.

We thank you for your leadership, your vision, your partnership, and today's honor.

Thank you.

Now, Carlos, you have a team there with you.

You want to introduce you I'd like to have uh our staff members come up and introduce themselves.

Please.

Good morning.

Hi, good morning.

I'm Emily Gomez, and I work with the Innovation Center.

Nancy Lowry, senior director of the Innovation Center.

Good morning.

Good morning.

No Mapodaka.

I work with uh infrastructure group at the MCA.

Good morning.

I'm Monica Peña.

I'm the controller at the MCA.

Good morning.

My name is Javier Cárdenas, Director of Engineering.

And Jackie.

She's over there.

Good morning.

Hello, I'm Jackie Laeta of Public Relations with MCA.

Good morning.

Well, good morning, you guys, and again, congratulations on 20 years.

It doesn't seem like 20 years.

Yeah, it uh it's gone by fast.

Yeah, it has come.

There's still a lot more to do.

Yeah, a lot more, but the the MCA area has grown.

And can you tell us what the foundation is working on, or are there any funding trials, or what are you guys working with?

Well, you know, there's always the clinical trials work that's going on that's continuous, and and the objective there is to continue to expand it by bringing clinical trials to the area.

We are uh have access in our community to cutting edge cutting edge research and cutting edge health care uh techniques.

Uh then the innovation center, we're always uh building and teaching and coaching and mentoring people that have ideas and innovation and uh uh are looking to advance translational research.

We just had uh uh our uh scientific poster session.

I believe we had 31 researchers there, present their posters.

Representative Limon was there to to see that happen and all the people that were there.

It's fun when you sit across and you listen to these researchers and innovation and scientific research that they're working on, which we hope at some point to bring it into a translational research stage for commercialization.

That's what the MCA wants to do in its innovation center.

Let's commercialize this stuff, let's create opportunities, let's create companies uh that are then gonna be have employees and and uh and uh add to the business community, and then you know there's the STEM.

That's the fun part is the STEM camps and the kids that come into our building.

Uh Mary Ann Mihades had that up.

And so those are the kinds of things, and then the infrastructure group.

We've got you know plenty of acres to continue to develop, continue to build buildings.

We think the Fox Cancer Center there on campus is gonna be significant and be a real catalyst to continue to develop uh buildings and and uh real estate infrastructure that's gonna be necessary again to continue to build that medical center campus.

So those are the kinds of things that are going on.

Well, Carlos, thank you guys for all that you're doing, and it's exciting times, especially in health care and the clinical trials that you guys fund and support.

And like you said, there will be a company that will come out of that.

There will be research that will help this community, so we can't thank you guys enough.

Twenty years.

We can't do it without without the city.

I mean that that's it.

Well, thank you so much.

Your help, your vision, your leadership.

Yeah.

Well, 20 years, we've got to get 20 more years.

Absolutely.

All right, congratulations.

Congratulations, guys.

Representative Lamont.

Well, we have a I just wanted to comment that I I had a wonderful time.

Mayor, this is like um science posters, unfamiliar elementary, middle school, and high school, and some college, but let me tell you, these were way over my head.

But I did have three intelligent conversations with three of them.

It's unbelievable, just totally unbelievable.

Thank you for the invitation.

I love going to visit.

Well, we're we're great, we're very grateful that you came and hope that that you enjoyed it.

But these are real scientists.

Uh, this this these are real scientists that are doing work in our communities.

Texas Tech, uh, UTEP, the Burrell College of Medicine, uh Community College, and so it these are real scientists.

Fantastic.

Thank you, Carlos.

Congratulations, guys.

Thank you.

Not at all.

Are we ready to go in the front?

I was like, I'm gonna just make my life easy.

All right, can we get everyone to take a couple steps back right towards the dance for me?

And the next proclamation is fiftieth anniversary, Eastwoods 1976 State Champion State.

Representative.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Nineteen seventy-six.

Well, nineteen seventy-five, Mayor, I began my teaching career at Eastwood High School.

So yeah, I'm over fifty.

A little bit.

Just a little.

And I'll tell you the story that as a rookie teacher, the principal stands out in the hallway recruiting people to do a lot of strange things and things that the uh seasoned teachers won't do.

And I was asked by Mr.

Bradley to shap around.

I mean, the kids were almost as old as I was at the time, but I was a chaperone to something that I had no idea what it was.

It was a basketball game in Austin.

Little did I know that I would be a tiny little part of that history.

So let me share with you.

The proclamation of the city of El Paso, whereas in 1976, the Eastwood High School Troopers won the UIL class 4-A championship by defeating John Tyler High School, 74 to 62 after finishing the season with a record of 31 wins and three losses, and whereas starters Gilbert Shepard, Daryl Molicks, Jim Bowden, Tim Crenshaw, and Steve Walking played their finest games under the leadership of Coach Bobby Leslie, assistants Gary Pippen, and Steve Henry, and trainer Jerry Homberg.

And whereas three key players, Gilbert Shepard, Jim Bowton, and Tim Crenshaw were named to the all-tournament team.

And whereas four key managers and trainers, David Jabley, James Fennell, Eddie Barber, and JB Ryan were always present with their support and enthusiasm.

And whereas as of twenty twenty six, they are still recognized as the last El Paso Area Boys basketball team to win a UIL state title.

And whereas Coach Leslie had 10 reserves ready to help the starters, players Mike Chapman, John Abbott, Ernie Colorado, Eric Smith, Mickey Torres, Deela Fever, Jerry Thompson, Doug Rutter, Jerry Crampin, and Bob Guthrie were champions too that made history in 1976.

And whereas the troopers defeated top ranked Victoria High School in overtime by 69-67 to move to the state final.

And whereas the city of El Paso continues to celebrate your victories of 50 years ago.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the City of El Paso, recognizing these outstanding athletes' exceptional work, May 12th shall be known as Eastwood High School, UIL State Basketball Champions Day, signed by the Honorable Mayor, Renard Johnson.

Congratulations.

Don't be bashful.

Gary, Gary was there as one of the assistant coaches.

You want to step forward, Gary?

And we also have the principal of Eastwood High School and some players and a trainer.

Gary.

Good morning, Coach.

Good morning.

I would like to have each one of these gentlemen behind me come up and introduce themselves.

Okay.

And I'll talk.

Okay.

So I'm Gilbert Shepard.

I was the point guard.

Yes.

Yes, Gilbert.

Good morning.

Jerry Olmberg, nationally certified state licensed athletic trainer.

Good morning.

My name is Doug Rutter.

Good morning.

My name is Mr.

Rudy Macias, and I serve Eastwood High School as a principal.

Good morning, Robert Robletto, and I get to serve Eastwood High School as principal.

And I'm Gary Pippen, and I had the great luck and fortune to be the assistant coach to Bob Leslie, who is no longer with us, but in my opinion, he's probably the greatest high school coach ever to come out of El Paso.

This group of young men that are being honored today, and it's really interesting because the first two groups, it was 20 years, and with this group it's 50 years.

And that's pretty amazing when you stop and think basketball has changed a lot.

When these young men played and played so well, you realize no three-point line, only two referees.

Five games to win the state championship.

Only El Paso High School is the only other El Paso team to win the state championship.

Today the highest classification is 6A.

Back then it was 4A.

This group of young men, it's real hard to put into words because Bob's first year at Eastwood was 1966.

He got me up there in 67.

And then I went in the Army for three years and came back in 73.

And it was this group that I had on my JV.

Well, as freshmen, they struggled.

I think they won a couple games.

That was all on the JV.

We won about 16.

The next year, when they were juniors, they went down to the last game of the year, but Tim Crenshaw, one of our best players, busted his ankle so he didn't make it.

And then the next year, three seniors, two juniors started for us, and then we had a tremendous bench.

And I never will forget because Bob Leslie never liked to talk about what his plans were.

But when I got back out of the service, he pulled me aside and he says, you know, he says, I think this group of people that we have is going to be a special group, but I never heard him say that before.

And so that's the way it turned out.

Each year they got better and better and better.

They played basketball all the time.

He didn't have the camps, the clinics, the traveling teams, the personal coaches.

We had outdoor courts, indoor courts, open gym.

That's all we could do.

And these kids lived in the gym.

And they played together at both ends of the court, but they really hated to lose.

And it seemed like if somebody needed to step up, it was Gilbert Shepard, it was Tim Crenshaw, Daryl Mullocks.

I mean, you name it, it was a total team effort.

And this was probably before most of your time.

But when Eastwood High School opened, there was a comedy show on TV called F-Troop.

And it was about a bunch of bumbling troopers.

Well, that was Eastwood when it first started.

Everybody wanted to play Eastwood to build up their win record, but that all changed over time.

And this group is just an outstanding group of young men, four still live in El Paso.

Two are here today, Doug Rutter, Gilbert Shepard, Jim Bowden, Tim Crenshaw both live here, the rest go out of town, and they couldn't be here.

But to have Representative Limon who used to be at Eastwood make this proclamation to thank you all for signing off it and whatever.

It was a tremendous honor.

It's a tremendous honor.

It'll never be forgotten.

One other thing.

Eastwood has a brand new gym.

And I just found out this past year, it's very nice.

If you've never been to it, Eastwood and Bel Air probably have the two nicest gyms in town.

But I asked about the seating in Eastwood's gym because it's theater seats.

And then I did a double take when they told me how many seats.

1,976.

Wow.

Thank you for mentioning.

Well, Coach, that is that was uh you walked us through a great story there, and uh congratulations and to know this is the only El Paso, Texas team to win a UIL state uh championship 50 years ago, and I know to to many of you it doesn't seem like it was that long ago.

And coach, can you can you kind of walk us through that day which you were thinking going into overtime and winning by two points?

Take us back.

Well, you know, that season, the season before we came close, and there was a couple landmarks of that thing.

But when you get into the state tournament, it's winner go home.

So we won the Bidester game, we beat Isleta, we beat Arlington Sam Houston and Wichita Falls for the regional, and then we end up playing at that time number one rank Victoria, who had an all-state player that was very good.

Well, again, no three-point line.

And so our kids battled and battled and battled, and uh everybody that played knew what was on the line, and it got down to crunch time, and our kids made the big play, and Bob made the right choices out on the court, whatever, and it was just amazing.

Now, when it got to the championship game with Tyler John Tyler, that was a different ball game because they had a 6'9 kid, and our tallest player was Daryl Mullocks, about 6'3, 6'4.

And the kids played a great game.

But the interesting thing about that championship game is our five starters played the whole game.

They never came out, and they won the state championship, and it was amazing, and everybody went crazy, and it was just an unbelievable time.

I don't care what the sport is, whether it's boys or girls or individual or team, any state championship at any level is something to be really proud of because it doesn't happen very often.

And El Paso's had a lot of individual state champions, state champions in soccer, wrestling, whatever.

Hadn't been too many in basketball, but this was the last one 50 years ago.

Thank you.

Wow.

Thank you, coach, and congratulations to the team on your 50th anniversary and the 1976 state championship day.

We're glad to celebrate this with you.

Congratulations.

Thank you for having me.

Mayor, one one final thing that I wanted to share was, and you'd you'd be pleased to hear this that one of the young men that was on the bus that I chaperone just happened to be Dana Petard, General Petard in the future.

So very happy to see that.

And so tonight, take a moment and look up at the mountain, for the star on the mountain will be lit in your honor to reflect, shine on forever, Eastwood High.

I don't know if that's okay.

Yeah, okay.

Oh, it seems like we can see that.

I think I know that I don't have a copy of it.

I saw a moment.

So you're good, you guys.

Oh my god.

The next proclamation is police week.

Thank you, Mayor.

It's an honor to read this proclamation today.

As they make their way up here, I'm going to start reading the proclamation.

It says proclamation for the city of El Paso, Texas.

Whereas since the first recorded death in 1786, more than twenty-four thousand law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Killed in the line of duty, including two thousand seventy-eight from the state of Texas.

And whereas the names of those dedicated public servants are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial for officers killed in previous years, engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC.

And we're asked by a joint resolution approved October 1st, nineteen sixty-two, Congress authorized pres and President John F.

Kennedy proclaimed May 15th of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of those who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Further designating the calendar week in which May 15th falls as police week.

And whereas in the city of El Paso, the state of Texas, and every American community, law enforcement officers with the O Paso Police Department are committed to the preservation of life and property, risking their lives to protect us from those who have who have who would defy the law, providing law and order and service the cause of justice.

And whereas the City of El Paso and the City of Texas honor the heroism of all of our law enforcement officers, especially those who had given their lives so that others might be might might live, asking God's blessing for the lives and families of their friends they leave behind.

Good morning, Chief.

Good morning.

Thank you very much for this proclamation and recognition.

Yesterday you heard from Mr.

Martin about the uh humanitarian side of police officers externally for the public out there every single day.

Every officer knows when they take the oath of office that our city clerk, uh Miss Prime, gives at every graduation.

And once that badge is pinned on their chest, that they have taken the oath to put the others first before them.

There's a reason why the badge is larger than the name tag on the officers' uniform, because they're putting others first.

I'd like to introduce uh Lieutenant uh Lynn Picard.

Um this is the humanity on the inside of the department.

Um, what her and her officers do, they're this is all collateral duty.

This is not their duty assignment uh on taking care of those uh families that have lost uh officers throughout the history of the El Paso Police Department.

So I'd like to introduce uh Miss uh Lynn Picard, Lieutenant Lynn Picard, to introduce her.

She has some words to say, but also she'd like to introduce her staff, both sworn and civilian.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Um, Lieutenant Picard, as uh Chief said, I oversee the honor guard team.

Um our funeral committee are the ones that set this whole police week by doing different events for the fallen officers and their families.

We started off yesterday with cemetery cleanup.

Today, the proclamation.

Thank you guys for having us.

And then on Friday, we're gonna have the fallen officer, police officer memorial, which is gonna be at Chuck Henrich Park at 9 a.m.

You guys are welcome.

And before I close off, I'll let them introduce themselves.

Perfect.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Good morning, um, Officer David Amparan, Chairman for the Paso Police Department Funeral Committee.

Good morning, New York City Council Funeral Committee, Cynthia Ginyaga.

Good morning.

Good morning, Hastrid Mann, funeral committee board member.

Good morning, girls funeral committee member.

Good morning, Elisabeth Gallardo, funeral committee member.

Good morning.

Good morning, Valerie Valley, Funeral committee member.

Good morning.

Good morning, Gabriela Dominguez, funeral committee member.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mayor.

City Councilman 5 minutes.

Sergeant Miguel Cuunya.

Thank you.

Good morning, Sergeant.

Good morning, Officer Martinez, part of Honor Guard.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm Officer Reyes, part of the Honor Guard team as well.

Good morning.

Chief, there's a lot more brass out there.

They're being bashful on us.

Good morning.

I'm Commander Jason Johnson.

I'm the commander of the Peppa Hills Regional Command Center.

And Commander, before you leave.

Congratulations.

Thank you, sir.

You were just uh let me make sure I get the University of Chicago Police Leadership Academy.

That's correct.

Yeah, congratulations.

Very well done.

Appreciate it.

Good morning, Mayor.

City Council.

Good morning.

Assistant Chief Briones.

I have the honor to work with this great opposition, civilians.

Thank you very much.

Good morning, Council.

I'm just here to support our female committee and uh our honor guard that do a great job and appreciate you all here.

Thank you so much.

Good morning.

Chief, did we get everybody?

Alright, again, congratulations, you guys, and thank you so much for what you do for this community.

I'm gonna go back and just give a little bit of history, but most may not know that the El Paso Police Department is one of the oldest departments in Texas.

It dates back to the 1800s.

You used to be horseback back then.

But again, today we're here to to say thank you.

And the loss of one uh officer's life is one too many.

And we cannot thank you for what you're doing to keep our community safe.

And you know, again, we we we appreciate you more than you know, we just want to say thank you and congratulations.

So today's your day.

Enjoy.

Congrats.

And the final proclamation is celebration of bagpipes for day.

Representative Limon.

Oops.

Oops.

Mayor, oh I'm uh I am uh very happy to share the wealth.

Okay, good.

And so Bel Air High School is in the in her inches.

Okay, her district.

I we did the the legwork, and we're very happy to have him here today.

Thank you.

Perfect.

Yes.

And thank you, Rep Limon for the for the opportunity to read this proclamation.

I really appreciate it.

Good morning, Highlanders.

Whereas Bel Air High School and the Bel Air Classic Highlander Clan Alumni Group are excited to announce a celebration of bagpipes 4 event at Bel Air High School on May 16th, 2026.

This year's event is designed to reflect the unique history of bagpipes at Bel Air.

It will include a salute to our military service personnel and will highlight the important role bagpipes have played throughout the centuries.

The celebration will feature various local bands and artists, including the El Paso Police and Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps, and Bel Air's own bagpipe band.

And whereas this year's event will be a music festival held in Bel Air's courtyard and will feature popular local bands, artists, food trucks, and booth activities from 1 30 p.m.

to 9 30 p.m.

And whereas the inspiration for the Highlander mascot and an accompanying bagpipe band in El Paso was recognized originally by a U.S.

soldier stationed in Canada during World War II.

That soldier's name was J.

M.

Hanks, who was the Isleta Independent School District's superintendent of schools and was activated to serve during the war.

And whereas throughout the decades, Bel Air's Pipe and Drum Corps kept the dream alive by providing the sound of bagpipes at football games, music festivals, parades, international competitions, graduation ceremonies, presidential visits, and the raising of flags and presentation of the colors around the El Paso area.

And whereas John Estes came to El Paso in the early 1960s after being recruited to a high school in the highlands of El Paso's Lower Valley and was given the mission to build a tradition of a bagpipe band at Bel Air High School, which now is one of only a handful of public high schools in the U.S.

and possibly the only public high school in Texas with a bagpipe band.

And whereas funds raised from the celebration of bagpipes for event will support the John Estees Scholarship Fund, which benefits Bel Air High School's music programs and will help a deserving piper or drummer continue their education after graduation.

The scholarship is also designed to bring attention to the rich tradition of the bagpipe band and raise awareness of the importance of the band's contributions not only to Bel Air High School, but to the city of El Paso and the Southwest.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Mayor and Council of the City of El Paso that May 16th, 2026 shall be known as Celebration of Bagpipes 4 Day, signed by the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Are we okay?

I can we can hear you.

Very good.

My name is John Watson, and I'm a 1971 graduate from Bel Air.

And I'm sad to say that it took me more than 50 years to understand the history of the bagpipes of Bel Air.

When the 71 grads were doing our 50th reunion, we found it was during COVID, we had to cancel it, so we took made a call to the 72 graduates, said, let's do this together.

When we were planning the 72 71 reunion, we we heard a rumor the bagpipe band has was non-existent.

They were dissolved, and we said that's not possible.

They played for presidents.

We marched 50 some odd bagpipers.

It was a history that we just took for granted.

The classes said we got to do something about that.

And so 72 and 71 raised the first year after that, and presented a check to Bel Air for more than $20,000.

We had one football player that gave us $17,000 on his own.

He said, when I went out on the field, the bagpipes inspired me to really fight, like a Scottish Highlander would fight.

And if you know anything about bagpipe history, Scottish Highlanders are the most fierce fighters known to mankind, and bagpipers usually led in World War One, World War II, a single bagpiper without weapons would lead uh soldiers into battle.

So we we wanted to save that tradition.

The first year we raised $20,000.

We presented that to the to the band in the high school.

The second year we had a concert.

Third year, we decided let's make this a few music festival for El Paso to see the entire uh reason we have a bagpipe band.

This year is the fourth year.

It's going to be a full music festival in the courtyard.

We want everybody from El Paso to come be a bagpipe warrior.

I'm pleased to have two bagpipe warriors standing beside us here as students because in those years during COVID, there was about three to four students that kept the spirit alive and kept the tradition going.

I consider them bagpipe warriors, and I think today we've probably got 14 or 15 bagpipers.

And we're excited to say that the tradition is still alive at Bel Air.

Come join us.

It starts at 1 30 to 9:30.

We're going to also be celebrating, recognize the military.

The first armored divisions uh brass band will be joining us, and we've got bagpipers from the El Paso Fire Department with us.

We're going to actually have bagpipe people sending us videos from around the world.

Mexico City send us a video.

They've got a bagpipe band, uh Highlander High School in West Milford, New Jersey, is sending us a video and congratulating the guys what work they're doing.

So we're thrilled to be here.

Thank you for the proclamation.

Come be a bagpipe warrior on Saturday.

And Lily, thank you for the star that you're raising or lighting for Bel Air and remembrance of the bagpipe band.

And I'm going to turn it over to the other guys here.

Good morning.

We actually, if we want to, we want to scare you if we can.

Well, I was wondering, yeah, can we?

Do you want to get ready to go, Kylie?

We'll we'll uh get up front.

Let's try to get up.

Oh, equally, yeah.

So this is Zeno and Kylie, and they're gonna play something for us, I think, and try to lead us into battle for Saturday.

So we appreciate the effort.

Wow.

Wow.

That was incredible.

That was amazing.

Yeah, it really was amazing.

Wow.

I just want to say one more thing that I'm the what I'm most excited about this year in particular.

John Estes is still alive.

John will be with us at the celebration.

And we'll also have some of his first students from nineteen sixty-two that's going to join us at the celebration of bagpipes.

So it's going to be an exciting time, and we want to keep this tradition alive at Bell Air, and hopefully El Paso and make this a bigger and better thing each year.

So thank you, guys.

All right, and John, give us the dates again.

So we're excited about that because there's such a military connection between bagpipes and the military leading people into needing warriors into to battle.

May sixteenth starts at one thirty.

We're going to have the Sage Land uh folklorical group kick us off, literally, or figuratively.

And we end up with Rhapsody at eight o'clock, kicking off the final band.

But we're having a celebration of the bagpipes portion where we'll have our dignitaries.

Lily will be there to say a few words.

And uh other dignitaries, and we're going to have that at six fifteen, which will run for about an hour and a half with bagpipes only from El Paso.

The Empire Pipe Band is going to be there, and we'll do a masked band, and we've got videos from around the country and North America, if you will, of bagpipe bands playing for us as well.

So we're excited.

It's going to be a great time.

Sounds like a big celebration.

It will be, we hope.

And congratulations, you guys, on the celebration of Bagpac's uh day.

We're proud of you.

Congratulations.

You did wonderful.

Thank you guys.

Okay, Miss Fryn, I think we're ready.

Yes, Mayor.

Good morning, everyone.

This is a meeting of the El Paso City Council for Tuesday, May 12th, 2026.

Mayor Johnson is present and presiding in Council Chambers, along with Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, Representative Acevedo, Representative Madonna Dorocha, Representative Boyatrejo, Representative Nino, Alternate Mayor Potem Piero, Representative Limon, and Representative Canales.

It is 1006 a.m.

Will everyone please silence our electronic devices so as not to disturb the meeting and rise for the invocation.

And this morning the invocation is delivered by El Paso Police Chaplain, Rabbi Levi Greenberg.

Good morning, Rabbi.

Good morning, Mayor.

Council members.

Before I begin the invocation, I will do an act of charity by giving a dollar into the charity box.

Sovereign of the world, look favorably upon the honorable mayor, the members of this honorable council, and all of us gathered here this morning in person and online.

Bestow upon us all the joy of life, good health and prosperity.

Bless these distinguished individuals who have been chosen to make laws and decisions for our city with wisdom and understanding in their noble pursuit of justice and equality.

This is not only a civic responsibility, but also a holy endeavor.

Our tradition teaches of seven universal laws given to mankind by God through Noah, including the instruction to foster a moral society governed by law.

These laws also include the importance of serving God alone, respecting God's name, and the prohibitions against murder, theft, adultery, and cruelty against all living creatures.

Next week, the Jewish community will start celebrating the two-day festival of Shavuot, the anniversary of the revelation at Sinai, which occurred 3,338 years ago.

During that historic event, God communicated the famous Ten Commandments as they are recorded in the Bible.

These Ten Commandments contain lofty theological messages as well as obvious and self-understood prohibitions against murder and theft.

This teaches us that trust and faith in the Almighty are truly genuine only when it is evident in our everyday behavior.

Conversely, the constant awareness of the Supreme Divine Being is what can truly motivate a life of morality and purpose.

About an hour ago, we proudly proclaimed this recognition and our commitment to unity and justice in our nation's pledge of allegiance, one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

It behooves us to reflect on the statement in God We Trust printed on our currency to appreciate that all our success is a blessing from above, and we ought to utilize these blessings to spread goodness and kindness, one routine action at a time, thereby fostering unity and friendship, preparing the world for an era of true peace and tranquility.

Please God, give strength to our elected officials to be cognizant of your presence, and that they have the ability to elevate the quality of life for everyone in our region, and to inspire us all to come together in unity.

That we truly care for our peers, for society, our environment, and work together to make our world a better place for all.

May our borderland region serve as a beacon of light, strength, and moral courage as we do our part in preparing the world for an era of global peace and tranquility.

May this occur speedily in our times.

Amen.

Okay, Ms.

Prime.

Yes, Mayor, that brings us to public comment on agenda items for those that signed up to speak at 10.

We'll begin with Miguel Escoto.

Mr.

Escoto signed up to speak on item 29, which is an ordinance amending Title 18 by delaying chapter 18.46 landscape in its entirety and adopting a new chapter 18.46 landscape.

Mr.

Escotto.

Miguel Escoto.

I don't see him coming forward.

Is Jay Mania here?

Mr.

Mania also signed up to speak on the same item.

Good morning.

You have three minutes.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'll be quick on this one.

I sign up to speak again.

Um I just hope that you all understand what this entails and how much it's going to affect the future of shrubs and green spaces in our community.

We already have four or five data centers targeting us.

The last thing we need to do is cut back on trees and shrubs.

So please consider uh not going forward with this.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good morning, Mr.

Escoto.

We have three minutes.

Good morning.

Hello.

Good morning, Council.

Yeah, I would also like to share my concern with this item.

And I ask for you to delay the vote to fix the ordinance before adoption and to protect shade, trees, and water wise landscaping.

This is not a trivial issue.

We're talking about what can be a very substantial carbon footprint that we are reducing.

It's not a trivial issue, and we do want to voice that we're paying attention that it's really important issue.

Especially as it relates to our climate goals.

So this institution has spent a lot of time, hours, millions of dollars to create a climate action plan.

And I'm sure a lot of us, I'm sure a lot of you are very proud of this climate action plan.

Um, I know a lot of us are, and so what we ask is for you to respect the intentions of this plan and keep in mind carbon reduction measures like these that are fairly simple.

It's a lot easier to do this than a lot of other things.

So please consider that.

Respect the spirit and the intent of the climate action plan.

Thanks.

Thank you.

The next speaker, Lupe Luceto.

Lupe Lucero signed up to speak on item 32, which is uh action directing the city manager in coordination with the city attorney to prepare and present to city council a comprehensive overview of driving while intoxicated data in the city of El Paso within 45 days.

Lupe Lucero.

She will be followed by Aileen Diaz de Leo.

Go ahead, Miss Luceto.

You have three minutes.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mayor.

Good morning, Mayor City Council.

My name is Lupe Hernandez Luceto, founder of Sober Streets Movement.

We're here today for a community.

This issue is not about statistics, it's about families.

Children, victims, and entire community living with the consequences of impaired driving.

Line item 32 is an important step forward because driving while intoxicated impacts countless families across El Paso every single year.

Behind every DWI arrest, a crash, injury, and death is a mother, a father, a child, a friend, a co-worker, or a neighbor whose life may never be the same again.

We are families, survivors, mothers, fathers, children, and neighbors whose lives have been forever changed because of impaired drivers.

We stand before you not asking for sympathy.

We're demanding change.

Our pain is real, our losses are real, and the danger on our streets is real.

Our community has been, has seen families lose loved ones, survivors, suffer lifelong injuries and injuries, and children grow up without parents because of a preventable impaired driving incidents.

The emotional, financial, and psychological damage reaches far beyond the crash itself.

Entire neighborhoods carry these losses.

We can no longer afford to lose another loved one to our impaired driving.

We cannot continue having discussions without action.

Our community has heard enough promises.

What we need now is leadership, accountability, and change.

I strongly support the city, directing the city managers and city attorney to prepare comprehensive overview of DWI data in El Paso.

Develop a citywide anti-DWI strategy, and advocate for strength, stronger anti-WI priorities at the state level legislative level.

But this effort must include direct community involvement.

Victim advocacy organizations, public health experts, law enforcement, schools, and families personally impacted by DWI tragedies.

Data is important, but action's what saves lives.

We need stronger prevention and education, more support for addiction and mental health services, increased awareness campaigns, safer transportation alternatives, mandatory ignition interlock devices for offenders, and accountability measures that truly protect the public.

Our state across the country have already adopted stronger anti-DWI laws, and El Paso should push Texas lawmakers to follow those examples.

States like Arizona, Utah, Virginia, and Tennessee have implemented tougher penalties, mandatory ignition interlock requirements, stricter enforcement, and stronger repeat offender laws.

Thank you, Miss Luceto.

You've reached the three minutes, ma'am.

Please do something.

We need our community to stand up.

Enough is enough.

No more victims.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Aileen Diaz Leon, followed by Claudia Contreras.

Siller, also on the same topic.

Good morning.

You have three minutes.

Good morning.

My name is Eileen Diaz de Leon.

I'm here today because my little sister Angelique Diaz de Leon was killed by an intoxicated driver, January 1st of this year, 2026.

Angelique was 18 years old when she was killed.

She just turned 19.

We celebrated her 19th birthday, March 29th without her.

Angelique didn't drink, she didn't smoke, she was responsible, honest, and so full of life.

She graduated high school with her associate's degree and was already enrolled at Pima Medical Institute, working towards becoming an occupational therapy assistant.

She's the heart of our family, the most caring giving soul you can imagine.

She was kind, confident, smart, goofy, and genuinely happy.

She was so mature for her age, yet still so innocent and pure like a child.

She was close to God, she valued life and showed up for everyone she loved.

She wasn't just my sister.

She was a daughter, a Thea, a best friend, and a girlfriend.

I wish I had more time to speak about her because three minutes is not enough.

But today I'm here on behalf of my family and everyone who loved her because this man didn't just kill Angelique.

He killed a part of all of us.

This was not an accident, it was not a mistake.

This was a choice, a choice to drink and drive so severe that it took Angelique's and many others' lives, yet somehow still comes with barely any real consequences.

Right now, our community is accepting the bare minimum.

This is not just about grief anymore.

This is about a failure to protect the very people you are responsible for.

You might say this is a community issue, but you, the mayor, the district attorney, our city and state representatives, the chief of police, prosecutors, judges, the people in leadership are part of this community.

And if the people in charge cannot fully recognize the seriousness of this crisis, how are we supposed to expect true accountability for the people who commit these crimes?

What is being taught is that you can drink and drive, pay some fees, maybe do probation, then go home.

Why are offenders given chance after chance when Angelique didn't even get one?

You tell us you support us, and I appreciate that.

But support without action is just empty words.

Action means no probation for DUI cases involving death, mandatory jail time with no bond for cases involving death, real consequences for first-time offenders, mandatory jail time, not a few hours to sleep off the alcohol, longer license suspensions and penalties strong enough to actually make people think twice before getting behind the wheel intoxicated again.

I'm tired of hearing that nothing can be done because of the system or the constitution.

What about the rights of the victims?

What about Angelique's rights?

Her life was taken, and somehow it feels like the person responsible is still the one being protected.

And if judge juries are continuing to hand out light sentences, then they need to be educated.

It is the responsibility of leadership to make sure people understand the true impact of these crimes and devastation they leave behind.

The responsibility should not fall on grieving families who are already shattered.

At our last meeting, April 27th, there had already been around 700 UI arrests.

Today that number is already reaching the 900s in less than a month.

The numbers keep rising because people are not afraid of the punishment.

Increasing arrests just to release people back into the community is not solving the problem.

It is enabling the cycle to continue.

Do something about it.

We need leaders who are brave enough to finally put innocent lives before the comfort of offenders.

I wish I could wake up tomorrow and hug Angelique through the and see her walk through the door to go back to the beautiful life we had, but we can't.

So the least we can do is fight for change.

Thank you for hearing us and for being here truly.

But to my sister's life hearing us, thank you, man.

The next speaker is Claudia Contreras Siller, also on the same topic.

She will be followed by Manuel Barraza.

Good morning.

Thank you.

Whoever presented uh item 32, and I think it's gonna take a long time for the city uh attorney to present it to the city manager 90 days, it's three months, and this is happening every day.

People are dying, very often, and also it's uh you guys need a lot of organizational and corporate communication.

Not only our city manager should be coming up with a plan, all of you should be coming up with a plan.

Talk to our first responders, to the paramedics, to the police officers.

I'm sure all of them already have some solutions.

Please review their solutions, their tips, and also the family's tips.

Um the 19 is gonna be two months since a beautiful angel was taken away from this earth.

A week ago, I was holding her father crying in tears.

He's a veteran of war, and I saw the pain, and it's not the first family I saw in pain because of the decisions of a drunk person that decides to get drunk and drive.

Also, I wanna say that this movement is leaded by Jesus Christ.

I was I've been here a year and five months advocating for our animals, and this is the movement that has the most uh sincere and selfish like non-selfishness, and that's why I like to support them.

I went to their to their protest outside the courthouse, and that was a protest with an intention.

It's pinned in the real fit fum, and I want to thank them and also the communication partners that they're backing them up.

Please listen to whatever they have to say, and also have in mind that that not everybody has the is fighting the same battle.

This is the battle that has to be fighted, you know, before it reaches one of our family members.

Okay, please do whatever you have to do to escalate it, write a letter to the governor to the president.

We need to go all the way to the top.

God bless the police.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Manuel Barraza, Manuel Barraza.

I don't see him coming forward.

Celia Lopez.

Good morning.

Buenas dias.

Okay.

Okay, or everyone can follow along using the QR code on the screens through the wordly app.

Yo ya yo soy la mamma de Mario.

I love to undado borracho.

And so you solamente voy a leer.

Look, you would learn again, and me gustaria que yo voy a leer aquí no está scritto in esas carpetas.

Dicen que no sabemos lo que tenemos afecta.

El corazón de nuestra familia de nuestro desafio siempre fue una mediador para la paz y el amor.

Cada vez que lo visitaba de San Antonio, it was a lot of saludarme con una brasileva amor honesto andado para mi alma.

It's incredibly doloroso that the home responsable of that tragedia, junto con su familia, no has mostrado la compassionada disculpa, con la madre de Mario, los hermanos ofrece homens.

Aunque no les doy un dano, the actions would have been consequences.

In este caso, the consequences of Tomaruna se sent mucho.

L scribo because I create my legs con respect to the conduction in state of everied that are strictly.

Un soldado or este.

El também fue soldado, pero nunca lo hizo.

No es justo.

Gracias, Senora Lopez.

Gracias, thank you.

The next group of speakers signed up to speak on item 34, which is a lease agreement between the city of Al Paso and Carl L.

Robinson Heat Retreat for the property located at 5509 Will Ruth Avenue.

We'll begin with Guillermina Campos.

Guillermina Campos she will be followed by Carlos Sainz, Julia Curtin, Theodora Hug, Jessica Kell, Ivan Rosales, and Mary Hyde.

My supplica is para que ustedes tomen in cuenta que tantas son las necesidades que tenemos in this edificio donde hacemos therapias aquaticas, donde hay muchos eventos in el verano para todos los niños que salen de vacaciones, para los adolescentes que van ando andas actividades.

Existe el veteranos, pero está ahorita in reparation.

Honorable consejo que les permite a esta agrupación nueva, que nos mantengan abierto, notam para nosotros, sino también para toda la adolescencia, para todas las que ya orpo salen de vacaciones andarcimiento.

The next speaker is Carlos Sainz.

Carlos Sainz will be followed by Julia Curtin, Theodora Hug, Jessica Kell.

Good morning.

So you have three minutes.

Good afternoon, good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

You remember me.

Uh I'm here in reference to that article in the YMCA deal thing.

We would like more transparency also as to what, when and how, and more support from our representatives.

I know Miss Treco has been involved.

We need the other gentleman involved also.

And just like the ladies, it helps a lot of us.

A lot of families down from five point areas all the way to Chaparral.

The other topic is the border, border tech or the plaza deck with all this money being spent.

You guys can refer that to the YMC.

To speak only on item 34, you will be invited to speak again when we go to call to the public.

This is for item 34 only.

Sorry about that, but yeah, this reflects the YMCA and expenditures and how to have them open.

Very, very important for all of us in the Northeast.

And again, I state we need a support from our two city representative.

That's just one.

I'd really appreciate it.

And I need the support from all of you in reference to the YMC.

Get the funding, get the grants, as you guys have done in other situations.

There's grant money out there.

So please, if you can help us.

Thank you.

She will be followed by Theodora House.

Good morning.

You have three minutes.

Good morning, sir.

Good morning, Mir.

Good morning, Council members.

My name is Julia A.

Curtin, and I am a proud resident of Northeast El Paso.

A mother and a member of the Aqua Coalition, advocates for quality urban aquatics of Northeast El Paso.

First, I want to sincerely thank the city staff and community leaders for listening to and honoring the voices of Northeast residents throughout this process.

It truly means a lot to our community to feel heard and to have a seat at the table.

This is a good example of what partnership looks like.

I am here today in strong support of agenda item 34 regarding the lease agreement with the Carl L.

Robertson Heat Retreat.

This proposal represents more than a building, it represents partnership, hope, and investment in Northeast El Paso.

Over the years, our community has lost several aquatic and wellness spaces.

Families, seniors, and youth have felt those losses deeply.

For many residents, the bowling family YMCA is not just a facility, it's a community lifeline.

It is preventative health care.

It supports healthier lives and helps address challenges like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease through wellness and activity.

In fact, more than 15% of adults in El Paso County live with diabetes, higher than both the Texas and national averages.

At the YMCA, I witnessed preventative health care in action, a full parking lot, inside a hub of activity, seniors exercising, friends connecting, families building healthier lives together.

It reminded me that places like this are essential, essential community spaces.

As a mother of a competitive swimmer, I know firsthand how aquatics can change lives.

Swimming gave my daughter confidence, discipline, friendships, and opportunity.

It also changed my own health and well-being for the better.

What makes the proposal so meaningful is that it reflects true partnership, a nonprofit step forward, willing to invest in facility in the facility, preserve public access, retain staff, and work alongside the city to keep this resource alive for the community.

The Aqua Coalition believes in solutions-focused collaboration.

We believe in partnership with the city.

So hear us.

We believe in community stewardship.

We want a seat at a table.

We want our voices reflected in the decisions that shape our community, including efforts like the parks and recreation master plan.

We need our voices recorded.

We want to be heard.

Good morning.

Good morning, major.

Good morning.

Good morning, everybody.

Good morning, everybody.

I want to try.

Good morning, Mayor Council members.

I am Mrs.

Tildahag, a Northeast resident of more than 40 years.

I am also the voice for the many citizens that could not attend today's meeting.

We have watched this center grow into like to grow into a life line for hundreds of families in the northeast in the northeast.

This is not just about the building.

It is about the programs, the staff and the troll families have built since 1960.

Communities become stronger when different generations work together.

All the residents share wisdom from years of experience.

Middle aged folks provide leadership, and research, young people, bring fresh ideas and energy.

Like you guys.

Children remind us to stay hopeful about the future.

If we don't act now, we lose more than a center.

We lose a community, nucleus, a safety net, and a symbol of the Paso's commitment to family unity in the Northeast.

Your legacy for future generations.

Request for the family center to prevail in the Northeast area with the help of your support and reserve capabilities, envision in the Northeast, with the help of your support and resource, capabilities, and the Northeast, where every child has access to safe learning spaces.

That is our future.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayo.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Jessica Kell.

She will be followed by Ivan Rosales and Mary Hyde.

Good morning, you have three minutes.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Can you hear me?

Okay.

Good morning and after uh mayor, city council, and city staff.

My name is Jessica Kell, and I'm here to urge you to vote yes on item 34.

First, I want to tell you a little bit about my story.

For two years, parents of Northeast Sea Devil Swim Team had lived in an exhausting routine during driving across the city just so our kids could practice.

Veterans Pool, the only indoor public pool in the Northeast had been closed.

As a triathlete, I felt that loss as well.

There was nowhere nearby to swim, nowhere for our kids to grow.

Opportunities might have been lost.

A handful of parents met to share our stories.

They ignored emails, unanswered calls, and the feeling that individual voices weren't being heard.

We realized that concern without structure does not lead to progress.

We organized and formed the Aqua Coalition.

We discovered that accessibility to aquatics wasn't just a swim team issue, it was a community-wide need that touches every generation in the Northeast.

From learn to swim programs from our high school swim teams, our senior citizens who use it for therapeutic purposes.

We envision a community that is informed, engaged, and empowered to advocate for itself, where equitable access to resources such as aquatics is a standard and where public projects reflect the collective voice and needs of the people.

This resolution to authorize a lease agreement with the Carl L.

Robinson Heat Retreat for the former YMCA property represents a real tangible step forward, restoring aquatic access to our community in the Northeast.

This is an opportunity to invest in our youth and our families and help for our seniors and for the future of our side of town.

A yes vote on item 34 shows that the city is listening.

It shows that you recognize the urgency, the need and the ability of this property to keep serving our community.

It shows that you value transparency, partnership, and equitable access to aquatics, which is what our residents have been asking for.

Loudly and continuously.

We are not here to make demands, we are here to be part of the solution, and today, the solution is clear.

On behalf of Aqua Coalition, on behalf of our Northeast seniors and families, I respectfully urge you to vote yes on item 34.

Thank you for your time and your service to our community.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Ivan Gosales, followed by Mary Heights.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mayor, members of City Council.

My name is Ivan Rosales.

I am a proud resident of Northeast El Paso, a swim parent, and a member of Aqua Coalition, advocates for quality urban aquatics.

I urge you to vote yes on agenda item 34 and approve the lease that will allow the Carl L.

Robinson Heat Retreat to continue operating the facility formerly known as the Bowling Family YMC.

Northeast El Paso has been overlooked for far too long.

We are a community of more than a hundred thousand residents, yet we still fight for basic resources others take for granted.

With veterans pool closed, this is the last pool serving not just Northeast El Paso, but Ford Bliss families and Chaparral.

Our children deserve a place to swim.

Our swim teams deserve a place to practice.

Our seniors deserve a place to stay active and connected.

For veterans and residents with disabilities, aquatic therapy is a lifeline.

If this facility closes, we lose far more than a pool.

We lose a place of healing, opportunity, and belonging.

I've had the privilege of meeting the founders of Carl L.

Robinson Heat Retreat, who have also founded and founded other successful organizations and nonprofits.

They've dedicated themselves to serving youth, strengthening our community, and in every interaction, I've seen integrity, compassion, unwavering commitment to the Northeast.

That's the kind of commitment we need.

They are not asking the city to solve this problem, they are stepping up and bringing a solution.

Saving one pool and one facility will not solve the crisis in the Northeast, but it is a start.

Today, you have a choice.

Stand with families, seniors, veterans, and children who rely on this resource.

Vote yes on item 34 and show Northeast El Paso that we still matter.

Thank you.

The final speaker is Mary Heights.

Okay, thank you, ma'am.

Thank you.

That concludes a public comment on the agenda items.

We now move to call to the public.

The El Paso City Council is a 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 form 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.

They will each get three minutes.

The first person is Elizabeth Crawford, Miss Crawford, star six, please to unmute your telephone.

Ms.

Crawford's topic is my body, my choice, the rallying chat.

Thank you.

Good morning, thank you.

A young Texas uh legislator and seminarian is very publicly going around saying that the position for abortion and the Bible are compatible.

Really?

My body, my choice is the mantra of the radical feminist agenda.

This is completely the opposite of the method of the Bible.

Romans chapter 12.

The Apostle Paul wrote, I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your body, the living sacrifice, wholly accessible to God, which is your reasonable service.

This is a Christian life.

Christianity is based on the supreme sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Instead of selfishly asserting my body, my choice.

Jesus went to the cross of Calvary and love.

He gave his body, his choice in sacrificial love to redeem sinners and save them.

My body, my choice is selfishness, his body, his choice is Christianity.

No matter what people may say in the name of religion, we need to check what God's word truly said.

Romans 12 1.

The Apostle Paul again, he wrote, I defeat you therefore, brethren.

By the mercies of God, that you present your body the living sacrifice holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable survey.

Thank you.

If you have a good day, thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Claudia Contreras.

Ms.

Siller's topic is clause against cruelty.

She will be followed by Ron Como, Alfredo Arellano, Maria Elena Weiss.

Good morning.

Hola, good morning.

So I'm wearing a shirt from Animal Services.

It says clause against cruelty.

I want to give thanks to them because they're the ones that go and fight animal cruelty.

I've been here since I knew 30 dead cats were appearing dead.

I spoke to the sanitation person, he told me 30 dead cats a day are appearing dead.

At that time, I had moved around 300 dead animals out of the streets, and I said 30 a day.

That's too much.

That's 10 days, like in my trajectory of years.

So that's what pushed me here.

Also, I'm gonna say it again: the city needs to be educated on how to report cruelty, on how to report owner negligence and sick animals and animals in danger.

They need to dial 911 if it's act of animal cruelty.

Not a lot of people know where to dial.

I get calls every other day about a lot of stuff.

Also, I want to give a huge shout out to the animal cruelty unit to the real fit fan for posting all the pro-cat stories that are posting also to the firefighters, and this keeps us motivated and to have hope because not everything has to be bad against like cats.

I used to feed an alley in Ochoa Street.

I used to feed a lot of cats.

The mechanic destroyed my car, so I couldn't go.

All of the cats are dead.

There was the same people killing the cats.

Next thing I know about that street that someone was burnt alive there.

So don't be deceived.

Animal cruelty goes hand in hand with family violence with murders.

So if you see someone treating bad a cat, uh poisoning a cat, you report it, please, guys.

Dial 311, 911 for active animal cruelty, and please buy this beautiful shirt by the animal services.

Um, I had a dream.

I could buy my way to heaven when I woke up.

I spent it on the cats, so that's my mission, and that's a lot of people's mission.

And if you go in the streets and you start feeding animals, you start seeing their suffering, you're gonna find a purpose.

And we cannot be attacking animal services because they're the ones that are seeing all this animal suffering.

Please uh do everything possible uh to keep advocating for the animals, a cat, it's the same as a dog.

If you see an animal inside of a hot car, call 911.

Don't wait, don't be afraid.

God is watching, and whoever um commits animal cruelty, God is gonna hold them accountable in the final day of judgment.

All the honor and the praise to Jesus Christ.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Ron Cuomo.

Mr.

Como will be followed by Are Yano?

Mr.

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

Good morning, Ron.

Morning.

How's everybody doing today?

Hey, first of all, I want to say, thank you for the open doors and the conversations that we've had over the last four weeks.

It's a great improvement.

I'm hoping this will continue.

Um I want to bring up a small fact, not really small.

Two weeks ago, I talked about Moorhead in completing more days.

When I walked out that door, there was people standing under the TV screen.

They're from that district.

They thank me for bringing up the fact that Moorhead's not what Moorhead was supposed to be.

They felt like they'd been lied to because there was all these community meetings discussing what was going to happen and what they felt about the shelter in that neighborhood.

They feel like they were just blown off.

So I kind of gave them a hint on what happened and who was responsible.

Hopefully, this will go a little further at the rallies later on this year.

Next thing I want to discuss the we always discuss the constitutional rights into the rescue 1983.

These guarantee animal advocates to be able to come up here and speak the truth about what's happening at the shelter and in our city.

But yet, our city has violated our employees, our volunteers, and our rescues rights by signing NDAs.

The rescue contract of the city of El Paso line number five is an NDA saying that we can't say anything bad about the shelter.

That's a violent direct violation of our civil rights.

When we signed the best friends embedded program, everybody was told that there's an NDA, which is in the contract, and not only could you not say anything bad about best friends, which is so easy to do, we couldn't say anything after three years of them being here.

Now, that is a direct violation of our civil rights.

Now I lay bets that the employees and the volunteers also have the same contracts with NDAs in them.

Because it seems like people are afraid of letting the truth out about what's happening.

I mean, I was told because I was on ASAC that I couldn't speak bad about best friends because we had an NDA.

Didn't work out very well for her, did it?

I speak the truth.

I speak what I can prove.

I sent you all information.

Hopefully, you read it.

It discussed the church that's being investigated by the FBI that was best friends, and they closed it because I made more money doing animals.

I send you these things for information so you know who you're dealing with, not because I'm bored and have nothing better to do.

You need to understand who you're working with.

For what four years, 11,000 less trays were picked up in our shelter, and yet all we heard was is the shelters full.

The shelter was full, but not a dog's.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Alfredo Arellana.

Mr.

Adellano's topic is mental health crisis response reform and use of force accountability in El Paso.

Good morning, Alfredo.

Good morning.

Mayor, uh, council members, Alfredo Arellano.

I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner here in El Paso, my hometown that I love.

I'm here to talk about uh the law enforcement response to psychiatric emergencies.

It's police week.

Sorry, I had to bring this up, but this is not an anti-police uh, you know, presentation.

I want to be clear, mental illness is not a crime, yet when we orchestrate a response for police to intervene, patients get charged with offenses.

I'll give you examples.

A psychiatric emergency crisis is a time for careful response.

Um, you are aware of multiple lawsuits, settlements made through the years due to excessive use of force and death resulting by law enforcement.

Let me give you a quick history.

August 2024, X FBI agent throwing rocks at Franklin High School, EPISD officer responds, shoots and kills them.

He had a rock.

Don't know how big it is, but they had a rock, shot and killed.

May 5th last year.

I, as a provider, orchestrated a call with emergence, the El Paso Police Department 911, the family to pick up one of my patients who was mentally ill, needed to go into the hospital.

The crisis response team did not respond.

Police responded.

Instead of ending up in the hospital, he ended up intubated for five days in a medical surgical hospital.

Two months ago, he was picked up for charges for assault.

July of last year, you're aware.

Xavier Gonzalez, crisis on I-10.

Okay, on his knees, asking for help.

He didn't deserve to have four officers on top of him.

He died by homicide.

Two weeks ago, my patient, 74 years old, high functioning individual, going through a crisis, picked up by the police.

Family called, he's attacking my sister and the wife.

Police charges him for domestic abuse.

Okay.

Ended up in a psychiatric hospital.

Had to turn himself in $10,000 later, and court hearings.

You know, he'll be without charges.

We're better than this.

Okay.

We need training.

We also need transparency.

Because what's appalling is when the police department tells us that homicide is a medical term.

When you kill someone, that's murder.

There's no talk about what are the results of the investigation.

What's happened with uh my patient?

The family has asked for a quite ask so please uh council member.

I volunteer my time, education, change the standard, training, and hold people accountable.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Maria Elena Weiss.

Maria Elena Weiss.

Okay, I heard.

Thank you.

Uh Ashley Candelaria.

Ms.

Candelaria, star six, please to unmute your telephone.

Miss Candelaria's topic is speaking on the importance of mental health and connection to DUI, DWI, public safety issue in El Paso.

Yes, ma'am, we can hear you.

You have three minutes.

Okay, perfect.

Uh good afternoon or good morning.

Uh, Mayor, City Council, and community members.

My name is Ashley Ganaladia.

I'm here today to because we need to have a more honest conversation about the connection between mental health, substance abuse, and the growing number of drinking and driving tragedies in our community.

Let me be clear.

Mental health is not an excuse for drinking and driving, and people must absolutely be held accountable for the decisions they make.

But accountability and prevention can exist at the same time.

Right now, we continue reacting after tragedy happens instead of investing more into prevention, awareness, education, and accessible resources for people, before people reach dangerous situations.

So many people in our community are struggling silently with stress, trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.

At the same time, resources are difficult to find.

Conversations around mental health still carry stigma, and many people do not seek help until they are ready in crisis.

We cannot continue saying a mental health matters while doing the bare minimum when it comes to community education and accessible support.

I'm asking this council to focus on real prevention efforts, including city-led awareness campaigns focused on mental health, substance abuse prevention, and responsible decision making, partnerships that provide safe ride options during high risk weekends and holidays, expanded access to mental health and substance abuse resources, community outreach that makes people aware of tools and support available before a tragedy happened, greater transparency and collaboration between city leadership, law enforcement, school, businesses, advocates, and the district attorney's office.

These tragedies are happening so frequently that many people are becoming desensitized to them.

But should devastate a community is starting to steal routine.

That is unacceptable.

And possibly did their leadership willing to treat this as the serious public safety and community health issue it has become.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Carlos Sainz.

Mr.

Science's topic is DEG Plaza.

He will be followed by Jesus Moreno, Daniel Reyes, Jay Mania, Sugar Cortecor.

Good morning, sir.

You have three minutes.

Good morning.

I'm back again.

Uh this is in connection with it's also two parts.

It refers to the YMCA and the DEG Plaza.

With all due respect.

And we wasted a lot of money.

Here, let me start with a statement.

As the last time I was here, there was a reference and percentages of the deck plaza for the citizen.

Sir, can you speak into the microphone?

As one in it or not.

The percentages right now is stated by the news media, seventy-two or seventy-one percent of the population does not want the DEC Plaza.

If the city wants it, let's put it to a vote.

Let the citizens vote on it.

Period.

And you should this is a lot of money's been spent, grant money has been applied, gotten for the deck plaza.

In retrospect, we can also find grant money for the YMCA.

For our people, for the people of the YMCA for all these people.

From again from five points all the way to the Northeast area and further beyond.

I mean, it can happen.

I know there's money out there.

I know there's grant money out there.

We just need the right people to uh secure that money, apply for the grant.

There is money.

So I asked the council or whatever bodies, uh, to acquire it.

Do the research and find the money.

If you're able to find grant money for the deck plaza, you're able to get money for the YMCA.

And also you could also, instead of the 16,000, you can get a dollar rent money from it, like you had for the past 30 years, I guess.

You don't need you didn't have that money coming in the 16,000 for the rental before.

So what's the difference?

Keep up with the one dollar rent, and that's it.

And help us.

Help the community.

Help all the Northeast, Central, and Northeast.

And yes, these are statistics that were given to me by the news media at 71%, sir.

I didn't rely on other apps to give me the percentages.

So, and that's why I provided you copies of it, so that you can see that I'm not making up stuff.

And when I when I talk, I basically have the stuff in my hand.

Okay, so please help us.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Jesus Moreno.

Jesus Moreno will be speaking on the Federal Trade Commission and public comment.

Good morning.

So you have three minutes.

Good morning.

All right.

Good morning, Mary Council.

How's everyone doing today?

Good, awesome.

Okay.

I'm gonna send you all an email in regards to what I'm gonna speak about, just so you have more context.

Right here, I'm speaking about the Federal Trade Commission.

They are gonna have public comment for some issues that are coming up.

There's a deadline that's gonna be happening May 18th.

Uh that's in regards to online food and grocery feeds.

And the Federal Trade Commission is seeking public input on a proposed rulemaking to address misleading fees and charging for food and grocery items order through online delivery platforms.

The commission is soliciting feedback on whether such a rule is needed to prevent unfair or deceptive practices.

Share and to share your perspective on proposed online food delivery service regulations.

Um, this is coming from the Aspen Institute.

I'm sure you all are aware, but please please please share this with your constituents and with any stakeholders that you have or are ready to submit quality public comment items.

They're seeking quality, not quantity.

Of course, if you all have anybody who wanted to submit something, please send it over.

They're also supposed to be speaking on gas and energy affordability.

Uh it's the request by the gas industry associations to extend two energy conservation standards compliance deadlines by more than three years.

And then on FMLA, they're also seeking public input for this.

It's to propose guidance on clarifying how to determine joint employer status under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

And the proposal is also including amendments to the regulations implementing the family and medical leave act.

Again, when we speak about all these issues, whether it's your fees and groceries and energy and affordability, uh, let's give the citizens some hope.

Um, I'm sure you all understand the the costs and fees implied on everything that's in our daily lives.

But when we speak about a call to action or you want to have something uh a say in what's going on, I understand this federal administration isn't very welcoming towards any of that, but let us at least give some chance and hope to your constituents and really give a sense of fighting back and actually you actually advocating on behalf of your people and anybody in the crowd as well.

Just reach out to the representatives.

They have the information and they will, of course, let us know if you have any questions.

Again, this is from the Aspen Institute.

This is public comment on Federal Trade Commission regulations.

Again, a lot of these companies and conglomerates have a lot of deceptive practices.

If you all are tired of having to pay these fees, I really recommend you go through this and submit your comments.

That's quality and has lots of research involved.

With that being said, I welcome any questions, but please feel free to reach out.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Daniel Reyes.

Ms.

Prime, before we go on, I just want to acknowledge Mayor Cook who just joined us.

Good to see you, Mayor.

Good.

Mr.

Reyes' topic is data centers.

Good morning.

Hello, yes.

Um, thank you.

Thank you all for having me.

Uh, my name is Daniel Reyes, and I'm coming as simply a concerned community member on the topic of data centers.

Uh, I want to start off with a very simple anecdote.

Um, about two, three months ago.

Uh I met a gentleman, and he was complaining about how much he hated El Paso and how much he couldn't wait to get out of here.

And so, me as a person who loves El Paso, um, asked, I simply asked him where are you from and uh what brings you to El Paso, El Paso.

Um he said that he's from Taos, New Mexico, and he's here in El Paso as a construction worker at the Meta Data Center.

So that surprised me because it was my understanding that Meta was supposed to be creating local jobs here, and I think that speaks to the mountain of lies that we've been fed uh concerning data centers in general.

Um so job create local job creation has been overstated.

Um, financial benefit to the region has been overstated, and energy usage has been way understated, uh, including uh gas, electric, water, all that has been way understated.

And on top of all that, my big concern is I don't see the benefit of AI.

It's growing, it doesn't need our help.

AI is a fast moving industry.

Um, I don't think that we need to give it any extra push here, give it any extra tax breaks, uh, give it access to our region, um, the resources of the Southwest.

Um, and I don't want to live in a world that's overrun by some fake, soulless AI art, AI videography, AI music that's robbing from real artists.

So, um I am urging you guys to please break the 380 agreement with Meta.

Please put a moratorium on future data centers, and I urge the public service board to break the agreement with Meta.

Thank you guys very much for your time.

The next speaker is Jay Mania, followed by Sugar Portacar, Eduardo Hernandez, Mia Gonzalez, Miguel Escoto, Mr.

Manya's topic is also Meta Data Center.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Um, Jay, I'm a member and organizer with Money City People's Project.

Uh spoke here several times over the past few months, as have my colleagues and fellow community members who are just as upset and scared about what our city is becoming as I am.

By now, I hope you all understand how incredibly toxic and controversial these data centers are.

I have yet to find a community around the country who has data centers built and running at full scale that feel positive about living in close proximity to them.

Folks are getting sick, lows and aquifers are depleting, and people are becoming increasingly desperate.

This week in Georgia, it was revealed that a data center accidentally took 30 million gallons of water more than it was allowed.

For years we have been told to conserve water, not to waste electricity for what our kids still sit in hot classrooms across EPISD.

Across all of our local school districts, teachers are having to use their own money to buy supplies.

I know several teachers in EPISD who have to bring their own AC units to their classrooms because the heat is so unbearable.

Water mains are breaking around town left and right, leaving people without.

Our air quality was just rated one of the worst in the country.

And the group that you all have trusted to shape economic development in El Paso as you should have called arms against us and called all of us a virus because we're concerned.

This is what your community is going through.

The audacity that it takes to allow Meta to show up here, not have to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes, despite using more energy than the entire region, while the families that you represent are barely getting by and settling for inadequate public funding and decaying public schools.

It's pitiful.

Like I said last month, we're asking you to fight.

We elected you.

We need you to fight first.

If you want to see communities who are represented by local governments that cater to billion dollar companies at the expense of their people, I encourage you to go to the Premium Basin.

They're pumping all the money in the world out of the ground there, and the people are still sick.

Public funding is abysmal, and children are significantly more likely to develop chronic lug issues and cancer.

Whoever doesn't vote to break the deal will go down for our allowing our beautiful desert city to become nothing more than an extension of the Permian Basin, a hot, dusty, and polluted place that people think twice about starting a family in.

Because billionaires are allowed to come there and take every drop of profit that they can.

Listen to the people who voted you into a position of power, use that power and break the deal.

The next speaker is Sugat Fortecar, also speaking on the Meta Data Center, followed by Eduardo Hernandez, Mia Gonzalez, Miguel Escoto.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Uh morning, Mayor and Council.

Uh, my name is Surabortiker.

I live in District 8, represented by Chris Canales, and I'm a graduate student here at Utah.

I'm here to demand that El Paso City Council break the 380 agreement with Meta and all associated companies, two, put a moratorium, put a moratorium on all data center development in the city or county of El Paso, and three, or to public service board to break the agreement with Meta.

In both the short and long term, these data centers will unequivocally destroy El Paso, both environmentally and financially.

Our current consumption at our current consumption, not with any data centers or anything, we are about 30 years uh from running out of from completely running out of water, uh, both from the Rio Grande as well as the Waco and Messiado Suns.

Do you all understand what that means?

30 years like you know, in 30 years, that means that the majority of El Pasoans being priced out of living care completely.

Because if we're gonna come in water in from hundreds of miles away, you know that 99% of El Pasuans cannot afford that.

Simply.

Um, if you all let the data a data center be built, you will bring that date forward by decades.

Which means that the mass and my the mass immigrations of El Pasuans out of the city will come 10 to 20 years earlier, if not more.

All the tax revenue in the world will not save you, nor will it save us when our water runs out.

Please do your job as our representatives and your duty as El Pasoans to oppose bringing in the data centers completely.

Break the 380 agreement with Meta, put a moratorium on data center development, and make the public service board break their agreement with Meta.

Please save El Paso.

Thank you.

Next speaker is at Bravo Nantes.

Mia Gonzalez.

Good morning.

Good morning, Council.

My name is Mia Gonzalez, and I'm here to speak against the deal that the city has made with the meta data center.

I have attended all of the meetings that the city and the community have had regarding the data centers in El Paso, and one thing is for certain.

Our people do not want this data center in our region, and more importantly, no one wants to subsidize these developments if there are really no benefits to our economy or community.

These centers are exploiting our resources and banking on the fact that our leadership and people are too ignorant to realize what is going on or what is at stake.

Do we want that as our legacy as a city?

Can our finite resources handle this?

The answer to both of those questions is no.

I do not want my hard-earned taxes to support this billion dollar company that cares nothing about our beautiful city.

They wish to run us dry and then up and leave when it's no longer beneficial for them.

But I have to ask, where will we go?

When there's no more clean water, when our skies are lit up through the night because of the light pollution that these centers emit, when our people can't sleep because of the unsettling noise that these centers give off.

These very things have been happening in cities across the country.

This is not some theoretical understanding of the situation, this is real.

You all live here, and this will catch up to you too.

If the goal is to invest in this community and create a sustainable future where people can continue to thrive and actually build families here, then we cannot move forward with keeping these data centers here.

I urge this city council to break the 380 deal with Meta.

We need a moratorium on future data centers, and we must urge the public service board to break their agreement with Meta.

If you do not take the proper action to address this crisis, we are watching, and we will have no choice but to vote you out come November.

So thank you for your time, and I hope you seriously consider what your community is telling you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The speaker is Miguel Escoto.

Also speaking regarding the Meta Data Center, he will be followed by Omar Galache.

Good morning.

Morning, City Council.

Um, Miguel Escotto from District 2.

I'm one of the thousands of El Pasuans that are begging you to do something and not make excuses.

I want to talk about air pollution and what cancer can be caused by these data centers.

Since 2020, I have visited the Permian Basin oil fields to document emissions from the oil and gas industry.

I co-founded an environmental watchdog group called Oilfield Witness, and I worked with certified thermographer Sharon Wilson.

She uses a optical gas imaging and OGI camera to visualize emissions from the oil and gas infrastructure.

I have seen pollution from pipelines, refineries, and importantly, gas plants.

Data centers require gas plants.

A gas plant causes cancer.

A gas plant emits volatile organic compounds or VOCs like benzene and toyulene.

I have witnessed through the optical gas imaging camera pollution from El Paso Electrics gas plants, the Rio Grande gas plant in Sunland Park, the Newman gas plant in the Northeast, the Montana Vista gas plant in the Far East.

Pollution is invisible, but it impacts our health dramatically.

I am mealing I am emailing all of your offices, oil fueled witness OGI videos that visualize emissions from an existing data center in Memphis, Tennessee, the XAI data center.

That's very similar to the one that Meta wants to create.

The Meta Data Center will double the amount of pollution in our city.

The Meta Data Center wants to double the amount of pollution in our city.

I want you all to absorb that reality.

This is not normal.

You're not permitting a warehouse or a new business or a garage or a bar.

This can will fundamentally impact the air that we breathe.

And it doesn't matter if you were present December 2023, when the vote which sold out El Paso to Meta happened.

It doesn't matter.

What matters is that you're in those seats today.

What matters is what you do with your power right now.

And we're pleading for you to be brave, for you to break the 380 agreement, and we won't take your excuses.

It's not an exaggeration to say that your inaction can lead to El Pasuans getting sick, developing asthma, and even developing cancer.

Do something.

History will not forgive you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The final speaker is Omar Galache.

And his topic is epilepsy.

Good morning, you have three minutes.

Good morning.

Good morning, honorable mayor, members of the city council, and members of the public.

My name is Omar Galache, and I am here today, not only as a constituent, but as someone who's personally living with epilepsy and advocating for families across the El Paso border region who continue facing major gaps in neurological and epilepsy care.

I first want to sincerely thank the city of El Paso and previous councils for publicly recognizing epilepsy over the years throughout Purple Day proclamations and epilepsy awareness month resolutions.

That recognition matters, and I appreciate it.

But for families living with epilepsy, awareness alone is not enough.

People living with epilepsy do not know when their next seizure may happen.

Many live with constant uncertainty involving employment, transportation, education, independence, emergency care, access to specialized treatment, and long-term quality of life.

Just last week in Washington, DC, more than 120 epilepsy advocates from over 35 states gathered on Capitol Hill during the Epilepsy Foundation's public policy institute to meet directly with Congress regarding the bipartisan National Plan for Epilepsy Act.

An increased federal support for epilepsy programs, research, suited up awareness, seizure response education, and specialized care access.

That national movement is exactly why I began bringing this issue before our local government here in El Paso.

At the federal level, Democrats and Republicans are now working together through the bipartisan National Plan for Epilepsy Act.

Senate Bill 494 and House Resolution 1189, led by Senators Eric Schmidt and Amy Klobishar and Representatives Jim Costa and Greg Murphy.

This issue goes beyond politics.

It is about public health, disability access, emergency preparedness, medical infrastructure, and quality of life for our community.

Our region has already made important progress.

University Medical Center in Texas Tech Health El Paso recently achieved designation throughout the National Association of Epilepsy Centers as a level four adult epilepsy center, the highest level of epilepsy care available.

That achievement did not happen overnight.

It took years of advocating.

Years of institutional development, specialized staffing, epilepsy monitoring, capability, medical collaboration, and demonstrated regional demand.

And respectfully, that achievement should be viewed as the beginning, not the finish line.

El Paso remains medically underserved in neurological and epilepsy care.

For years, I have continued advocating publicly for strong stronger epilepsy infrastructure and support in our region.

I have personally emailed members of the council and the mayor's office and pro a proposed resolution framework supporting the development of a regional epilepsy initiative and task force to help begin formal coordination around this issue.

I would also like to involve the city of El Paso and the broader work of already taking place nationally, so our region is not left behind as these conversations continue to grow across the country.

As these discussions continue nationally in Washington.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I can't have another minute.

What's that?

I can't have another minute.

You guys okay.

Forgive me a minute.

Go ahead.

I appreciate you guys.

As these discussions continue nationally in Washington, DC, I intend to continue engaging with lawmakers, advocacy organizations, healthcare leaders, and medical stakeholders.

So El Paso is included in future conversations surrounding epilepsy policy infrastructure, research, and funding opportunities.

I respectfully ask the city council to continue supporting epilepsy awareness efforts and begin exploring what a coordinated long-term regional epilepsy initiative and task force could look like through collaboration with UMC, Texas Tech, Epilepsy Foundation Texas, local neurologists, public health leaders, and community advocates.

For over a decade, El Paso has acknowledged epilepsy publicly.

Now we have the opportunity to build something meaningful around it, and I will continue advocating for that goal.

I respectfully ask council to place this matter on a future agenda and work with regional medical partners towards establishing a comprehensive regional epilepsy center.

Thank you sincerely for your time, your leadership, and your consideration of this important issue.

Appreciate you guys.

Thank you.

Council, that concludes call to the public.

For the rules of order, no use of personal cellular devices, nor personal communication should take place on the dais while the meeting is in session.

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

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

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

Okay.

That brings us to the consent agenda.

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

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

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

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

Mayor Pro 10.

Thank you, Ms.

Prine.

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

Page 13, item 34, take the item at 11 a.m.

per real estate.

Page 10, item 29, postpone two weeks per representative Acevedo.

Page 13, item 37, delete per municipal court.

Page 13, item 34, take the item at 11 a.m.

for real estate.

Page 10.

Item 29 postpone two weeks per representative Acevedo.

Page 13, item 37, delete per municipal court.

Okay, Ms.

Prime, so that revision, the the additional one is not on the sheet.

Do we receive that from representative Acevedo after we had to stupid at the sheet, sir?

Okay.

So if we please represent Fiero, thank you.

Ms.

Prime, if we disagree with one of the items being deleted, we'd vote no on the you can ask that that item be taken separately.

That revision be taken separately if you would like to.

We're gonna take that one separately.

Thank you, Mayor.

Which is what item again.

On the second one she mentioned, item number what is the one.

29 postpone two weeks.

Thank you.

So we're taking 29 separately.

Yes.

All right.

There's a is there a second to approve.

Second.

Okay.

And we do have public comment on items seven and eight.

Is Mr.

Carlo Science here?

Carlo Sainz.

He signed up to speak on items seven and eight.

I don't see Mr.

Science coming forward.

Okay.

Ms.

Prime, call for the vote.

Yes, sir.

The motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez.

Seconded by alternate Mayor Pro Tem Piero to approve the consent agenda with the revisions to take item 34 at 11 a.m.

and to delete item 37.

On that motion, call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay, let's take the the one item.

Ms.

Prime.

Okay, item 29.

The revision on item 29 is to postpone the item for two weeks.

Okay, is there a second on this item?

Second.

Okay.

Oh, I need motion first.

I mean quote, okay, Miss Prime, read to us what we're doing again.

So we can this one is a request from Representative Acevedo, and this is to postpone the public hearing of the ordinance for two weeks.

This is item 29 to postpone it for two weeks.

Okay.

Representative Acevedo.

So I just wanted to explain a little bit more on why I'm asking for another two weeks.

I talked to Miss Mac a few minutes ago.

Um I've been asking for a red line for this, and there's no red line, and it's making it really difficult for me to understand what these changes are because there's no comparison from what they were doing before to what they're doing now.

And the presentation in the backup is not very clear to me in terms of how they're saying this is what was before and this is what's after.

So I I feel that we need to have more information in that sense, and that's why I'm asking for this postponement for two weeks.

Mayor can't represent Le Mon.

Mayor, can I just explain something?

Yes, ma'am.

Representative Acevedo.

The I asked staff for a red line, but if you look at the caption of the ordinance that is being proposed, the entire chapter on landscape is being deleted.

So we traditionally don't provide a red line because it would make no sense to give you a side-by-side comparison because it's literally being deleted and the new one is being written in its place.

So I would defer to staff in order to explain to you what those comparison is.

And we've had conversation.

We've had conversations over the last weeks, but I couldn't even get the prior one.

Because I I understood that there was a whole deletion.

But I was asking for the original document before we got to the deletion.

So the current current version of this section is in the city code, which is accessible online, and you can pull up that provision specifically.

Good morning, Mr.

Mayor, City Representative Stony de la Cruz Planning Inspections Department.

Just to clarify, we did have initial briefing where we did mention to all the representatives that because the landscape ordinance was a major reorganization of existing components of the ordinance, plus amendments that we had in coordination with our development community, the Office of Sustainability, and multiple stakeholders that we weren't providing a set of red lines.

So the issue with providing red lines is that multiple sections of landscape quote were relocated to where it flowed better, and that's why it was difficult to provide those red lines, and that that's exactly why we moved with the deletion of the existing ordinance and the replacement of the new.

Okay, Represent Canales.

Thank you, Mayor.

On the question of the postponement, I'd ask perhaps that we uh in instead of postponing now, could move this item to the regular agenda.

Sure.

See the presentation, and if there are lingering questions at that point, it might be uh a better time for the council to make a decision on whether or not to postpone the item.

Alright, is there a second to do this?

Well, I think we we have a motion on the floor.

You would just postpone the question.

Postpones.

So they could just and now you're saying move it to the regular agenda.

Yes, but it would be a new main motion, I think.

So uh, Miss Prime, what do we do here?

Let's let's see if we can get this order.

So I will wait and I can make a motion.

There we go.

Let's let's take this first.

You're making the motion to postpone it to the regular agenda.

No, I can't make that motion that motion is not in order at the moment.

Okay, we we have to we have to vote on the Ms.

Prime, get us organize here.

You have to vote on the postponement.

Okay, let's do that.

The motion that's currently on the floor.

Okay, we're gonna do that first.

Ms.

Lamon.

Representative Lamont.

Thank no, thank you.

That's okay.

Um I I think it's really important uh for us to streamline and when items like this come up.

I had an opportunity to meet and had a briefing, extensive briefing on this item, and taking the time to do that in advance answers a lot of the questions that we have.

So I know that I will not be in support of postponing this.

Representative Fiero Mayor, I have to agree with my colleague uh representative Lamon.

We were briefed.

Um all our questions were answered, and um, I don't see any reason to postpone it.

Okay, so Ms.

Fry, we're gonna call for the vote on this.

And voting in favor of it is to postpone it.

Voting against it is to deny the motion.

That's right.

Okay, Ms.

Brian, call for the vote on the motion to postpone for two weeks, call for the vote.

And the voting session, and that motion fails 721.

Representative Acevedo voting eye, the remainder of council voting.

Okay.

So we can motion to the beginning of course, Cord Representative.

Um I this is procedurally a little interesting, but I'd like to move item 29 to the regular agenda.

Sure.

You just want to table the the remainder of action on item 29 until we get to that item, correct?

Because it is on the regular agenda.

Oh, it is on the regular agenda, correct.

Yes, of course.

Never mind.

Yes.

Okay.

Alright, we're good, right?

We're gonna vote.

We're gonna vote on the controlling.

Okay.

So mayor, at this point, would you like to go to item 34?

We're gonna take item number 34.

Okay, and after item 34 is mass transit.

Yes.

Item 34 is discussion and action on a resolution authorizing the city manager designed to execute a lease agreement between the city of El Paso and Carl L.

Robinson Heath Retreat for the property located at 5509 Willrooth Avenue, El Paso, Texas, 79924 for an initial term of five years with two options to renew one year each at a rental amount of twelve thousand dollars per year, the total contract value being eighty-four thousand dollars.

Representative Trail, would you like to make a motion to approve?

Motion to approve.

All right, Mary Lou, we'd love to see a presentation.

Good morning, Mayor and Council Mary Louis Spinoza with the real estate division for the record.

This item is regarding the lease agreement for the property located at 5509 Will Ruth.

Before we get started, I would like to bring up to the podium and introduce Mr.

and Mrs.

Osterlin, please.

Good morning.

How is everybody today?

Kind of filled up the room a little bit today, huh?

Um so uh we met with some of you already.

We're really excited about this potential partnership with the city.

Um my husband and I currently own a nonprofit youth program just up the road from uh the Will Ruth facility.

Um it's focused on the youth of basketball.

Uh we shared that with some of you already.

Uh we sent emails to kind of tell you a little bit about ourselves and what we do.

Um we are very, very proud of the work we've done in the past couple years with that nonprofit youth program.

Um our our athletes are thriving, they're getting opportunities, they're getting exposed outside of El Paso.

Um, scouts, coaches, all that good stuff.

They're looking at them, and we're putting El Paso on the map.

Um the I want to be honest, the the YMC, the the the building at Will Ruth, we never stepped foot in there.

My husband and I, I'll be completely honest.

We've never seen the facility, we didn't really know much of what was happening in there.

Um and when news broke that the Y was going to be closing and there was a lot of uh outcry from the community.

A lot of groups, uh constituents, coalitions, just so many people reached out to both my husband and myself, parents in my program, asking if there was anything that we could do to save it, keep the doors open, partner with them, just anything.

And we were flooded with so many messages.

Um so we looked into it.

We visited the facility, we spoke with a lot of the members that are here.

Um they shared their stories with us.

It was very moving.

Um I'm not gonna exaggerate when I say these members rely heavily on that facility.

They do.

This is literally their lifeline.

And um, listening to their stories and and their pleas, we just we made the commitment and said, hey, we can make the impact that we're doing on a larger scale.

We can expand so it's multi-generational.

Um, so we're reaching um, you know, all the families in the northeast and the broader El Paso community.

Um our plans for the facility will keep, we want to keep it um very much similar to what the Y offered.

Uh, we want to ensure that it's senior focused, that our youth does not, you know, we we don't forget about our youth that the the leadership programs there, the sports there, um, stay intact.

So we've done everything in our power.

We've been very proactive about um keeping all the programming there as best as we could under our nonprofit.

Um I also want to share we tried working with the Y in trying to get a transition uh so that the members are who we prioritize to keep those doors open so those the services are still available to them.

So we we attempted to uh try to work with them.

Uh we were able to be successful to purchase uh the facility equipment at the facility.

We did that last week.

We were very proactive about that, so that way the members had access to the equipment that um that they're used to.

We spoke with instructors, we spoke with employees, we guaranteed uh uh job security for the employees that wanted to stay there and continue the mission because a lot of the members are attached to the employees.

Um so we offered that job security, we offered um members the exact same um uh programming that they were receiving for their wellness with aquatics to their dance classes.

So, what we want to do is we want to keep those resources open in the northeast, okay.

The northeast is so near and dear to to myself, to all of us here, um, and and it's uh it's a vital uh facility that we have to make sure stays open for the community.

So uh we hope that um we have the support of of everybody today, and we won't let the city down in this partnership if you give us the opportunity to elevate that facility and keep it keep it going as it was.

Um, and I'll close with the name that we went with, which is uh the Carl L.

Robinson Heat Retreat.

And quickly, um, we my husband and I never met uh Mr.

Robinson, but when news broke out about this potential uh partnership with the city, a lot of uh different groups reached out to us and shared their stories about what Mr.

Robinson did when he served on city council as well as his programs with the underserved, feeding the hungry, and um, as these stories were were funneling in, my husband was like, wait a minute.

When I was knocking on doors when I ran for school board, I remember knocking on the Robinson family door, and his son uh speaking with my husband about the Browns.

My husband's originally from Ohio, he's a Browns fan.

They were they were sharing their stories about Ohio, and um his son told my my husband, you know, we're trying to get recognition from my dad.

He did this, he did that, and if you're ever in a position to to do that, will you do that for me?

And my husband tells him, I'm just running for school board, I'm a nobody.

I don't think I'll ever be in a position to do that.

So when this happened, it was like wow, it's almost like a you know, meant to be type of thing.

So we said what you know, when when they were asking us to name maybe the community garden that we're bringing back and things like that after him, we said we're gonna do one better.

If he impacted the northeast this much, and that facility, he did a lot a lot of work out of that facility.

His kids went to that facility, they relied heavily on that facility.

So we decided to honor him in that way, but keep a piece of our nonprofit program, the heat, uh, still connected to the to what we want to build there.

So, anything I'll say?

Thank you very much.

I think I took all the time.

Good morning, good morning.

How are you doing?

Good job.

I'm doing well.

So Wakeville, I'll pass a veteran of the year, I gotta say that.

Also, representative here for the Northeast.

I'm a transplant, meaning that I moved here as a travel nurse, and I was told don't move to the Northeast, it's ghetto.

For real, for real.

And then I found a real estate person that said, You move where you want to move.

I said, I just want my toys to have a house, not me, my toys, my motorcycle, my everything.

So we found a place in the Northeast.

Love the Northeast, have been fighting and buying and doing everything, not just for veterans but for the community of the Northeast.

My thing is with the vision that Sarah and Robert have for the real roof facility, it could not have been a better name than Carl L.

Robinson.

Carl L.

Robinson, if you know, just like they said, he stood for everything El Paso, but definitely had a yearning for anything Northeast.

You could be hungry, whatever time, he would come for you, feed you, take you to the store, buy you groceries on his answer machine.

You cannot reach me.

I'm not making the Northeast better.

That was his sound on his voicemail to you.

We get up at five o'clock to go to the convention center, serve people just to say we represent the Northeast.

Come have food, come have a clean t-shirt for Thanksgiving.

Having a place in the Northeast that's gonna be viable for all the seniors.

I'm a senior, may not look like a little mainly, but seriously, when you're talking about seniors and their children and grandchildren that have lived and been invested in this facility for all of these years, it's only fair that a facility be rehabilitated, revised, rejuvenated, and then be allowed to have the Northeast citizens and residents have a place to call their own.

She don't think I know this, but I made a quick reference to heat.

It is for health, education, activity, and togetherness.

And that's what we are.

And before I finish, I want to do one thing because Carl Robinson's son Anthony did message me, and his message to me was just please keep please keep them in mind, and my dad in mind, and please let them get it done.

Me and my dad are a part of that YMCA.

He enrolled me in the after school program, and I used to go to the summer camp at the YMCA.

They taught me how to swim at the YMCA.

And we played dungeons and dragons with the nerd kids at the YMCA.

And my dad was the coach of our basketball team at that Northeast YMCA.

That's a historical place to me and a big part of my childhood.

He was also involved with the Special Olympics back then in the 80s.

Thank you very much, Anthony Robinson.

So just letting you know from the old people to the young people.

Please let this come to fruition.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good morning, Marila.

Good morning, Mayor.

Let's get to this.

This property is sitting on five acres of land zoned R4 residential.

It is currently occupied by a tenant asking for or that has a nonprofit discounted rental rate.

And so the let's talk about the eligibility criteria for that.

To be a eligible for a nonprofit discounted rental rate, the nonprofit has to have a 501c tax exempt status, and they have to submit a formal request to the city with documentation including of the proposed public benefit and annual work plans that include benchmarks and performance measures.

They also must pass the constitutional compliance rule that is state mandated, and that is to serve a public municipal purpose.

The city has to retain control to ensure that that purpose is met, and the city, of course, has to receive the benefit provided.

The proposed terms for this lease agreement, again, the tenants are the Carl L.

Robinson Heat Retreat.

The building size is 37,387 square feet.

The discounted rental rate is 12,000 a year, with an initial term of five years with two options to renew of one year piece.

The market rental rate for the record on this property is 447,963, and operating expenses totaling $54,211.15 cents per year.

Additionally, up to 12.5 million long-term capital exposure that will be seen through a performance-based structure with investment milestones within the first three years.

The strategic outcome for this is that it would maintain service to the community in the Northeast.

It would leverage private capital for public infrastructure and protect high value city assets without direct exposure.

Staff's recommendation is to lease the property to the proposed tenant in accordance with these terms.

Questions.

No, this is fantastic.

We've got this thing is lit up like a Christmas tree here.

We're gonna start with a motion.

We are in done.

But we're gonna start with comments from Representative Limon first.

She's gonna go last.

I'm gonna go last.

Yes, oh yeah.

How do you speak read?

Thank you very much.

This is what a true public private partnership looks like.

Two sides, not just one side.

And you will serve as the poster child of that.

What a true private public partnership looks like.

I cannot thank you enough.

Carl was a good friend of mine.

I I just I served on counsel with him, uh, remained friends throughout, and I am just so happy and honored that his name is back up on the marquee somewhere.

Um I stand ready to help in any way that I can.

Um I want to buy the first membership that you have.

Uh, or number seven, either one, either one, uh, congratulations to both of you, uh young couple stepping forward.

What a great gift for not only for Northeast El Paso, but for the whole city.

Let this be the example that we will continue to follow throughout when we have people standing.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Representative Chavez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Well, first, I I want to just congratulate the Northeast.

Congratulations.

Uh District one and district four, uh, we're representative Trejo and our district sisters.

Um, our districts about in on Transmountain, actually.

So we did a video there last year, and I know that well, we both came into office at the same time, January 2025.

So we've gone through the ups and the downs, and I am just so happy for Representative Trejo for the entire Northeast.

I am extremely grateful to the Austerlins for stepping up out of your own uh goodness of your heart, really, and bringing this to the community.

What what a beautiful gift this will be to the entire Northeast.

And I know I've said it many times, but I'll say it again today, Representative Trejo.

When one of us wins, we all win as a city.

So congratulations and blessings to all of you.

Thank you.

Representative.

Thank you, Mayor.

This is a huge deal for the Northeast.

Um Rep Boy Trejo and I get to share the Northeast, and that's always something that I really appreciate.

And I also want to thank Rep Boy Trejo for all that you've been doing to get us to this point.

I want to thank our city manager or city attorney staff.

They've spent countless hours getting us to today.

There were many, many months of work of trying to see what we could do to save the YMCA.

And I I saw them really go above and beyond to save that organization.

And you know, a few weeks ago I I was a little upset that the narrative that that came out was that we were taking the YMCA out.

We did everything in our power to keep them there.

And once that didn't work out anymore, we had the Osterlands come and say that they wanted to get this property and now we're here.

And this is how fast the staff worked.

I mean, it was probably four or five weeks of work to get us um a contract that we're hopefully going to pass today.

And so I I'm just really thankful you've done so much for the Northeast.

I I think both of you are a Northeast institution.

What you've done with youth and sports is a really big deal, and I really appreciate what um you do with with the heat.

Now you're gonna have another place to continue your legacy of impacting the Northeast in a positive way.

Um and when we were meeting about this last week, you told us that you were gonna help during this transition and you're not gonna make an a penny off of this.

And I know you didn't wanna come and say like praise yourself, because like that's kinda weird and it feels weird when you're praising yourself, right?

But I wanna praise you.

And I think you're amazing.

So my constituents have really been impacted by this, you know.

Um the the closure of of this or the potential closure of this was a big deal, and you know, my constituents start at Hondo Pass, so they're not really saying, well, I can't go over there because that's district four.

Um and I live in district two, right?

And so this is so impactful throughout the entire Northeast, and I really wanted to be clear on that and just thank you so much.

So um I think you're also gonna save jobs that could have been lost.

So I wanted to put that out there and I really look forward to everything that you're going to do at that facility and make it grow and I I have nothing but appreciation for both of you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Representative.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, you know, community is extremely important, and here in El Paso, we truly are all all our family.

A few months ago, uh there was a lot of uncertainty.

I know that I had a conversation with uh representative.

Um, you know, because I I felt for the Northeast of what was happening, but you all have brought a lot of hope and partnerships and you guys have brought community together again.

So thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.

And I know how hard also Rep Dreho has been working to ensure she continues to advocate for the Northeast, and I think that's extremely important to share with the members of the community that your representative has been fighting hard to advocate for your district and ensure that there was this community space.

So thank you, Rev Trejo, for for doing that, and to the Australands.

Um, and to the Australians, thank you also for stepping up and and bringing this together and also all of our city staff, city manager, city attorney, uh, for making this a reality and getting us here.

So I'm happy to support this item.

Thank you.

Representative.

Thank you, Mayor.

Representative Trejo, congratulations.

And Mayor, I I know you had uh a little bit to do with this and and you had uh lost a little bit of hair with all the stress having to go through this.

Um but thank you for for keeping it together and keeping the facility open for all these great citizens from the Northeast.

But I I need to share with you, I was a little bit nervous, and thank you all because you you really saved Representative Lamont.

Um since the passing of our friend Carl Robinson, um she has been looking for a way to honor him and get his name in the Northeast.

And she was about ready to start tagging his name all over the Northeast.

So you so you saved her.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mayor.

Represent Canales.

Thank you, mayor.

Um I'll try to avoid being repetitive.

I I couldn't let the moment pass without saying thank you both for stepping up to to take this over.

I I think you know, we ended up in a situation that wasn't good for anybody.

Um, and I don't think that was uh due to anyone's bad faith.

I mean, I think that the very clear that the YMC the YMCA uh was in a little bit of trouble um financially and and with their ability to upkeep that facility.

Um we as my colleague representative Acevedo said, you know, desperately wanted to keep the facility open and to work with them.

Um and really you all uh performed a miracle for us in in showing up at the eleventh hour to uh to to keep the facility open because uh, you know, we all understand how important it is for the community in the Northeast, particularly given uh the the lack of other options at the moment for uh that kind of recreational facility.

So um we're really overjoyed that this is the end result of what started off as a as a pretty difficult situation.

Um, and really that's thanks to uh the Australian family and uh you know Trejo and the work of our wonderful staff.

To the city, I mean it's a partnership.

I I think it's important for the public to understand that uh the situation at the Willrooth facility was not a doing by the city.

Um you guys tried, and with us working with you guys, uh my husband and I can honestly say that the city did everything in their power to keep those doors open.

Um their hands were tied, you know.

They're they don't own the why, they don't have powers over the why.

They had you know no say in that decision, and I think there's a lot of misinformation to that extent.

Um, so what's important is that the broader public needs to know that the city tried everything to see what they could do to keep those doors open, and I will tell you they gave us this opportunity, uh, met with us really quick, they expedited everything to to try to ensure that that those doors stay open, that we can get information to the community.

Um, so I think it's really important that we uh we we understand that the city did everything in their power uh to keep it open, and they've they've accomplished it because they've entered into a partnership with us.

Should this all go well, and um the doors are gonna stay open, and I think the the public needs to be aware of that.

And so I'll say what I'll say one final time.

We're we're we're so grateful to you for your role in that.

Um, really the the star role in that and uh I I think that we'll have uh long and fruitful partnership there at the facility.

So thank you so much.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Representative Rocha.

Thank you, Mayor.

I just want to say thank you.

Personally, thank you very much for for the offer and for coming in and saving such a vital important resource for the community.

Congratulations to the Northeast.

I look forward to seeing the new.

I look forward to seeing the new signage go up.

So please uh, you know, congratulations again to everyone involved in this in this wonderful, wonderful uh process that took place to keep this facility open.

Representative Trejo.

Thank you, Mayor.

This is amazing.

Thank you all for showing up.

Thank you, Australins, for coming forward.

Thank you, Debo for being diligent and finding a way to honor Carl.

So I want to uh share a few words in support of this partnership and my experience with the Australans.

They have consist consistently stepped forward and are a blessing to our community.

Last year during the floodings in the Palomino and Lira Mimi neighborhood, I called them for help, and they responded immediately.

They brought their family and their team to clean and disaffect homes, to haul debris, and to assist the families in need, most of whom were seniors.

When we organize community cleanups, they join us, recruit volunteers, youth and parents to join us, and they get their hands dirty picking up trash and pulling weeds.

They have been people that I and our community can count on with a simple phone call.

So when they called and asked if if uh when they called me and shared that they wanted to find a way to continue services and programs at the Y uh facility, I was ready to do what I could to support their efforts because I know their heart for this community and their commitment is genuine.

Many in the Northeast community also know the Australens.

They have received over 5,000 signatures from residents who wanted to see their efforts move forward.

My office shared a surveys and received hundreds hundreds of responses and support.

And we've also, as a council, have received numerous emails asking to preserve this these services.

I have shared many times that the Northeast is like family.

We are a community that shows up for one another, extends a hand when help is needed, and we care about our neighbors, and that is exactly what I saw with the Australans way before this item came before council.

We have had numerous conversations about the facility, and during one of those conversations, I asked if they would be willing to name the facility after Carl Robinson, who we've already shared how important he is to this community.

And I I thank DeBo also for working so diligently to honor him.

And they immediately said yes when it was asked if this would if they would be willing to do this.

So, you know, my fellow my fellow council members and mayor, this agreement will preserve recreation and wellness opportunities in Northeast for our residents, and uh keeping a city owned facility active, maintained, and a public service.

The Australands are prepared to continue community services, make significant private investments into this facility, and assume operational responsibilities, maintenance, and hire existing staff, some of which they've already hired and maintained program, which is so important.

They're committed to they're committing approximately 2.2 million toward critical repairs and improvements over the next three years, including roof, sewer, HVAC safety, and ADA related work, and there is so much more to share with their vision and commitment to this community, and I can hardly wait to see what they what they have to be able to put this together.

So I respectfully ask for your support.

I trust the people before us and their commitment to our community.

Thank you for stepping forward.

All right, Miss Prime, before we take I know we have public comment, I just want to add a few things and say, Northeast showed up.

Yeah.

We are Northeast.

That's awesome.

Miss Mr.

Boe.

I would just like to say a serious thank you to our councilwoman Trajo.

Yeah.

Uh we don't always agree, but we do get it done.

Um, and one thing about it, Northeast is not ghetto.

Northeast is no longer the redheaded stepchild.

You're gonna see us do great, wonderful, exhausting but exasperating and enormous things because of the Australans and because the citizens in the Northeast.

And I know a lot of you already know the family members of Carl L.

Robinson, but we have them here in our audience.

I just want them to step forward, please, because some of them are online long distance, and some of them are physically here in our audience, and we just want to make sure that they see the love still going on for their family member Carl L.

Robinson, good after good morning.

My name is Melvin Douglas, and this is my daughter Tammy, and we are representing the Robinson family, and uh just want to thank the uh mayor and the council members for allowing us to come up and say a few words, and also to thank the uh the leaders of the organization that's putting it together, not only because of the name of Carl, but what Carl represented, and we know who he put his best foot forward, trying to do the best that he could for the Northeast and for the city and also for the county for that matter.

And uh he put it in there and he tried to do the best that he could, and just like Debo was saying that message that he had on his phone, he was always out about the community business.

So uh just wanted to uh come up and say a few words on behalf of the organization and our family's appreciation for them adopting the name of Carl L.

Robertson.

So uh finally, I just want to say heat retreat.

Let's get hot.

I love it.

Uh so I think we do have some, but again, you know, I'm a product of the Northeast, so my family's been there since the late 60s.

So I'm you know, absolutely.

Yes.

This is a proud moment for me as well because I grew up, you know, in the Northeast, going to Arlington Park, Nations Tobin.

I could go on and on and on, but that is still my home, and I was there this weekend making chars with my mom over Mother's Day.

But let this be the model of what can be done when you work with the city and you work with good partners to get things accomplished, like Sarah and Robert.

We cannot thank you guys enough for what you're doing and how you're stepping up to lead this community uh in a time like this.

Also, we have to acknowledge Carl Robinson.

I mean, he has touched so many lives.

Uh this is just a small representation of who he's touched throughout his career, not only here in the city, but also in in the county.

I can also tell you that the name for some reason seems like it's always been there.

You know, the Carl Robinson Heat Retreat.

I don't think.

Oh, I forgot the L.

Carl L.

Robinson Heat Retreat.

I don't know what is any other name now.

You know, this is it.

So congratulations, and and this is such a good day for the wonderful, wonderful people of Northeast El Paso.

And last but not least.

There you go.

And last but not least, I want to thank Representative Trejo for Yes, please.

Representative Trejo, when she heard the Y was closing, she went to work.

She rolled up her sleeves and went to work.

And look what happened.

So, telling us it can't be done, it can be done.

So, what a great day for El Paso.

Congratulations to everyone.

All right, we're real close to some real big noise happening, but we got public comment first.

Yes, Mayor, we have Miss Crystal Johnson, she's in the in the queue.

Ms.

Johnson star six, please to unmute your telephone.

Crystal Johnson.

Good morning, ma'am.

You have three minutes.

Can you hear me?

Yes, ma'am.

Alright, thank you so much.

Good afternoon, or I think it's afternoon.

I'm in Florida.

Um, my name is Crystal Johnson, I've always stated, and I'm the meet from the late great Carl Robinson.

Carl L.

Robinson.

It is my pleasure to represent the rest of the Robinson family who are also online.

And in doing so, we just want to thank you all for the honor that you have bestowed upon my uncle.

Um, he loved this city.

He we heard about the Northeast District all the time, and so we definitely appreciate that.

This makes us proud that his legacy will continue to live on and be remembered in your city.

We hope that when uh doors are reopened or not reopened or when everything is completed and they do a ribbon cutting, that we will we will be invited um to come in person so that we can um you know represent the family to the fullest extent.

So again, I thank you, I thank you, I thank you.

Um I've met a few of you all when we were there for his uh services, and so we definitely appreciate you guys.

Um, continuing to honor him as much as possible.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Mari P.

Caton.

Muddy P.

Caitlin.

Good afternoon, you know.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Mr.

Mayor and City Council representatives.

Um, my name is Marie P.

Caton, and I'm here as a Northeast resident, a mother, and someone who has watched our side of town fight for resources and that other parts of El Paso we see without question.

I want today, I want to speak in strong support of Robert and Sarah and their effort to take over and preserve the Northeast YMCA facility, and urge you to vote yes on item 34.

What the OSAR lands are doing is not a business move.

It is a selfless act of service to a community that has gone without far too many many times.

They are stepping up because they see a need for our seniors, for our youth, for our families, and they are willing to fill that need with no ulterior motives.

Giving them training, mentorship, structure, and opportunities they would not have had otherwise.

Mr.

Olsterland serves as a school uh school board trustee, and from the moment he was elected, he got to work.

He didn't wait, he didn't make excuses.

He immediately began advocating for better conditions, better resources, and better outcomes for the students and families of EPISD District 5.

And Sarah, she has been the backbone of their youth programs.

She works tirelessly to make sure kids receive proper coaching, exposure, and support.

She's the kind of leader who shows up early, stays up late, and puts her heart into every child who walks through their doors.

These are the people who have already proven their commitment to the city.

Allowing the Ulster Lands to take over the Northeast Y means something bigger than just keeping a building open.

It means our seniors will still have a place to gather, exercise, and stay connected.

It means our youth will have safe programs, mentorship, and activities.

It means families will have a community hub instead of another empty building in the Northeast.

For too long, our side of town has watched facilities close, programs disappear, and opportunities shift elsewhere.

This is a chance, a rare chance to say yes to a solution that is already on the table, a solution that costs the city nothing, but gives the community everything.

The Osterlands are not asking for special treatment.

They're asking for a fair chance to serve the Northeast.

I urge this council to support this effort and recognize the good they have already done.

Thank you for your time and thank you for considering what is what this means to the Northeast.

That concludes public comment there.

Okay, something magical is getting ready to happen here.

So Miss Prime.

On that motion call for the vote.

I need to be watching the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Congratulations, guys.

Oh, it's gonna hold everybody.

I know.

Wait, we can yes, let me take a picture with them and then we're gonna squeeze everybody in.

Okay.

So I mean, we are thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

Very, very emotional.

Just by the same.

So we're gonna take it in the rotumbo, right?

Yeah, I think we're gonna go.

You'll have to have information.

I don't know what I don't want to look at.

Okay.

Let's go outside.

I think we're just going to try to do it.

Council, we need you on the dais, please, so we can continue the meeting.

We need two more on the dais, please.

The meeting is still in session.

Thank you so much, Ms.

Lemon.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Justin.

Thank you so much, members.

We've lost a quorum.

We need two more members of council on the dais, please.

We've lost quorum.

We need two more members of council, please on the dais.

I see representative Fierro approaching the dais.

And Representative Canales.

Okay, we've we've regained a quorum.

Mayor, would you like to recess for Mass Transit at this time?

Yes, please.

Is there a motion to recess?

So move.

Second.

There's a motion and a second to recess a regular city council meeting in order to conduct the Mass Transit Department Board meeting.

All in favor.

Aye.

Anyone opposed?

And the meeting is in recess at twelve sixteen p.m.

Adjourned at twelve twenty-nine p.m.

Thank you.

Okay.

Move to reconvene the uh regular city council meeting.

Okay, thank you.

There's a motion and second to reconvene.

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

All in favor?

Anyone opposed?

The meeting is back in session at 12 29 p.m.

Repair.

I moved to recess for one hour for lunch.

Returning at uh 1 30 p.m.

Okay.

There's a motion and second.

There's a motion and a second to recess the city council meeting for lunch.

All in favor?

Anyone opposed?

The meeting is in recess at 12 30 p.m.

and we'll reconvene at 1 30 p.m.

Okay, Miss Brian, I believe we're ready to get started again.

Yes, council.

Is there a motion to reconvene?

So moved.

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

All in favor?

Aye.

Anyone opposed?

The meeting is back in session at 1 32 p.m.

And Miss Brian, I believe we're on item number 25.

We're on the first reading of ordinances, Mayor.

Oh, mayor make a motion.

We move on to first reading of ordinance.

Okay.

All right.

Ms.

Brian, there's a motion and second.

Yes, sir.

The motion made by Representative Limon, seconded by Representative Fiero to approve the first reading of ordinances.

These are items 18 to 24.

On that motion, call for the vote.

Oh, okay.

Is it not?

First reading of ordinance.

First reading of ordinance is representative.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

In the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Representatives Boya Trejo and Canales not present.

Okay.

Let's take item number 25.

Yes, sir.

Items 25 and 26 are related.

Would you like to take those together?

I'm afraid to, but yes.

Thank you.

Item 25 is a public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of real property owned by the city of El Paso to EP.

Araya properties LLC for the purchase price of 799,129 for the property legally described as lot 26, Block 3, Keystone Business Park, in addition to the City of Al Paso, El Paso County, Texas.

Item 26 is the public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of real property owned by the City of El Paso to EP Araya properties LLC for the purchase price of 352,531 dollars.

Property legally described as lot twenty-five, block three, Keystone Business Park, in addition to the city of El Paso, El Paso County, Texas.

Okay.

Okay, there's a motion second.

And I don't see Mary Lou.

And I know we have two presentations.

Nicole, you want to take it?

Okay.

If IT could bring up the presentation for 25.

And 26.

Hello?

Nicole Cody.

Oh, there's Mary Love.

Mary Lewis on item 25.

25.

This item is the second reading of an ordinance for a property sale of 4160 Donovan.

Okay, in September of 2025.

Give me just a second.

I'm a little winded.

It took a little longer than I expected.

I also read item 26.

So if you want to take it.

Item 26.

Yes.

Okay.

So in September of 2025, we brought this item to council.

It was vetted as surplus property and it was approved for its listing.

In accordance with the Texas local government code section 253.014.

The property was marketed via broker and listed for 30 days on that multi-listing service.

Okay, uh the property is 1.91 acres in size.

Zone C4.

It was listed on January 20th.

The proposed buyer is EP Araya Properties LLC.

The appraised value is $653,475 and 60 cents.

The purchase price is $799,129 plus closing cost.

We did receive two offers, and we are recommending to sell this property the highest offer.

Okay.

Yes.

Okay.

Representative um Chavez.

Thank you, Mayor Mayor, and thank you, uh Mary Lou.

I know we've had discussions about this, so I just want to go on record.

Um I'm in favor of this the sell of this property, but I did come to know that this property was being used as a tree farm by our parks and rec department.

So I think um we had a discussion about identifying a different spot for those trees.

Is that correct?

Yes, ma'am.

Okay, so the Northwest Corral will have a tree farm still in the area, basically.

That is my understanding, yes.

Okay.

That's great.

Thank you so much.

Of course.

Okay, let's take item twenty-six.

Item 26 is the property sale of a property located be on the corner of Donovan and Kappa, property identification number 87412.

This property was also brought to council in September of 2025 and was vetted as vetted as surplus property and approved for its listing.

It was listed in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code, Section 253.014.

The property was marketed via a broker and listed for the 30 days on that multi-listing service.

It is 1.49 acres, zone C4 SC.

It was listed on January 20th, 2026.

The proposed buyer is EP Araya Properties LLC.

The appraised value for this was 336,844.

With a purchase price of 352,531 dollars plus closing costs.

We did receive two offers, and we are recommending to sell this property to the highest offer.

Okay, any questions from Mary Lou?

Thank you, Mayor.

All right.

Sure.

The items are for the public purpose that we vote on them independently.

Yes.

That's fair.

Thank you.

So let's take item number 25 first, Miss Prime.

Okay, for item 25, we have a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, seconded by Representative Limon, and this is to adopt the ordinance on item 25.

We do not have any public comment on that motion.

Call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Okay, let's take item twenty-six, please.

Is there a motion?

Second.

There's a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, seconded by Representative Boya Trejo, and this is to adopt the ordinance on item 26.

And Miss Prime, not to get technical on you, but didn't the motion and second from earlier that covered 25 and 26.

It did, but we took that we disposed of that motion.

Oh so okay, that's fine.

Okay.

We up.

There is no public comment on that motion.

Call for the vote.

And the voting session.

And that motion passes unanimously.

Now you see why I said let's take them separate.

Yes, sir.

Let's take number 27.

Item 27 is a public hearing of an ordinance granting a special permit to allow for a site setback reduction on the property at 3305 Hiawatha Drive.

Motion approved.

Okay.

Good afternoon.

Hi, good afternoon, Mayor and Council with some water with planning and inspection.

So item 27.

Uh it's actually an appeal to city council from the the session of the City Plan Commission of a denial recommendation for a special permit request for 3305 Hayawata.

The request, by the way, it's to uh was to reduce the site setback.

So staff and C Plan Commission did recommend denial the special permit for the following uh reasons.

The the structure that was built doesn't comply with the existing special permit that's already was granted back in the 90s for the area where this property is located.

Uh it's inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, and it hasn't been demonstrated that the uh existing construction complies with building requirements, building code requirements.

So the property is located south of Edge Mere and east of George Theater.

So we can see here in the aerial.

Uh, it is a panhandle lot, so it's kind of in the middle of the block uh behind all these other uh single family homes.

Uh existing zoning is R3, which is a single-family uh zoning district.

Um technically, mostly allows only single-family homes.

Uh so there's, as I mentioned, there's a special permit for a planned residential development that was actually uh granted back in 88 by city council.

And what this did, it was a bigger area uh that was owned back then by a developer, and they decided to they decided how they will they wanted to develop this area.

Uh so before they did the subdivision, they laid out the parcels, and technically they said the required setbacks at that time to make sure that entire area, this little area cannot match everything uh when once they started building.

So here we have the site plan.

Uh so there's an existing single-family home.

Uh so what happened is that uh at least as far as we know, back in 2024, uh, code enforcement went and issue a notice of violation.

So apparently what happened is, and you can see here on the site plan in yellow uh and in red, that there was an addition to the home that was built without permits.

So they issued the notice of violation, and then at that time the the applicants kind of uh were working on with that, having to try to legalize this, trying to fix the issue.

Um there were some discussions with uh our department with planning inspection about how what options existed to to legalize it.

Um so one of the things uh after discussions was that they could request a special permit to try to legalize things, and really the big issue is that portion in red, it's a side yard encroachment.

So per city code, they require to have five feet of separation between the property adjacent uh and whatever they built, and that's what they don't have.

Uh so that's kind of the other thing.

So back in 2025, uh, and it's actually August, a year after the the they got cited because of the construction without permits, they actually decided to continue on requesting the special permit.

So this special permit that you know they're asking to appeal the decision from City Count uh City Plan Commission.

Uh, it's actually that's when they submitted, and we've been going at this since then.

Uh also I want to kind of mention there's other structures that also don't have permits.

Uh so technically those also they will need to get permits for those things.

So again, the the requirement here, what they're requesting is they have a five-foot setback.

They have to comply uh because of what they built.

They only have 1.6 feet, and that's what they're asking to reduce that setback to what they have.

Here we can see some elevation.

So maximum height is about 26 feet, and this is kind of a two-story or it may not be a to store, but it's just too tall.

Uh, and here in yellow is obviously an entire edition that was built without permits.

Here we have the side plan superimposed on aerial imagery.

Uh and they said it's a it is a panhandle lock, so it has kind of access through this long uh deep driveway through other homes.

Uh so technically, this is and this is a picture kind of showing the entrance to that home.

Uh so this is a driveway, looks like an alley.

That's the actual driveway to to get back to the home, and this is obviously the home once you enter, you're within the property.

So you can see right there on the right, that's the two-story addition that was built.

It's kind of showing a picture, and it was kind of hard to obviously take a good picture because it's too close, but kind of shows how close it is to the property line.

Property line typically will go through the middle of the rock wall, uh so through the high ridge of the rock wall, that's kind of the property line.

So again, the requirement is a five-foot separation from any construction.

And this is kind of an aerial view from Google Earth.

Kind of showing you uh the relation to all the neighboring properties.

Uh so as I mentioned, uh, everything surrounding because it's kind of in the middle of the block, they're all single-family homes, uh, and then the same zoning R3, and they're all kind of part of this special permit for planned residential that was granted back in 88.

Uh, this property doesn't fall within any recognized neighborhood association, so there was no notice to any of them.

Uh obviously the city staff did provide notices to all property owners running 300 feet uh once we started going to public hearings.

Uh we did receive two calls of inquiry about once we start going through hearings, uh, but no one really we had no communication in opposition or support to this request.

Uh this is kind of the notice map, so you can see that we notify 77 uh properties and property owners.

Uh so I want to kind of touch on this a little bit, uh, because it has come in the past from city council.

So there's some consequences about building without permits, uh, especially with this request.

Uh so one of the things that uh an applicant or property owner will have to do is first they will have to resolve a lot all land use violations.

Uh so in this instance is the setback.

So they're encroaching uh into that setback.

So there's two options, obviously.

Uh obviously it's going through the special permit.

If it gets uh denied, technically, what they will have to go is go back to the addition they built, and they will have to modify to comply with that setback.

Um the other one is if the special permit is granted, uh technically that allows them to keep that encroachment, and then the next step in either case will be to continue with build building permits.

Uh again, the addition was built without permit, so they still need to, whatever the case is, unless they remove the entire thing, they will still need to get building permits.

Uh so in order to get those building permits, obviously they have to submit for uh get approval for the building plan, so they will have to create uh the building plan, submitted to to the planning inspections or the one stop for review and make sure that we can approve them.

Uh, one of those things is because it's already existing, uh, they may be required to provide engineer assessment of the structure, make sure it was built safe.

Uh at this time, obviously, we don't know how it was built.

It hasn't been uh inspected because again it was built without permits.

Uh, so again, they won't need to submit for for permitting.

The city will review, make sure everything is in compliance, at least in the plans on paper, and then after that, they will be required obviously to uh request inspection.

So the city will go and inspect, make sure that everything that's built complies with the plans that got approved, and once everything is approved, then they will be required to get a certificate of occupancy that will technically state that the building is safe to occupy.

And then after this, uh, because there's again a code violation, uh actually the the owners have been to court already.

They will need to resolve that those that outstanding municipal court case.

Uh so we want to make sure uh that it's clear.

Any for any legalization of any encroachment, uh, they need to get the certificate of occupancy.

So even if the council approves right now a special permit, doesn't mean everything is legal at this time.

They still need to go through permitting and everything and get that final certificate of occupancy.

So again, just to go back to the recommendation.

So uh city staff and the city plan commission recommended denial of this special permit.

Again, because uh the structure doesn't comply or the property doesn't comply with the existing special permit that got was granted back in 88.

It is inconsistent with the goals of Plan No Paso, and it still needs to be demonstrated that the construction was technically solid.

And with this that concludes my presentation.

Thank you, Mayor.

Mayor, the reason I asked for a motion to approve and ask this council to consider a special permit, is that it's not they still have to go back, get the permits.

They still have to go back correct or or come into compliance with the municipal court.

They still have to go back and get engineering to to ensure that the addition is uh engineered secure or safe.

So there's there's a lot of hoops that they still need to go through to be able to continue to live in the house the way it is, and it has to be safe and it has to be legal.

Uh, those are two things they have to comply with right away.

Um there was no complaints from any of the neighbors in regards to um the the building, and and so that was the reason that I I brought this and and uh supported it in the hope that you'll consider uh supporting it also.

Thank you, Mayor.

Okay, yeah.

So just to be clear, what are we voting on?

Uh so it's uh a special permit, and we do have some conditions in the in case you you'll like to uh move moving to uh approve.

Uh so it's technically a special permit granting uh the setback reduction.

So one thing I like to know though on this item is uh we would like to make sure that to be careful about making precedent.

I've we've heard from from city council before having bringing items that are technically, you know, people build without permits and they're trying to legalize it after the fact.

Uh what happened on in this specific instance is one of the neighbors actually wanted to build something.

So when they came to request kind of to build the same thing at the city, uh we did kind of tell them it wasn't permitted and they couldn't do it, and that's technically how all this came came to light.

Uh and that's why the violation started, you know, uh city started focusing on that violation.

Okay.

Representative Lamont.

I I have a big problem because anytime we set a precedent, it's so hard to reel it back.

Um I have a case in my district where a homeowner built on an easement, and it's just been almost impossible to get it back into some sort of compliance.

Um I don't know all the particulars on this case, but I do have a big concern with that because I think we're setting your department and you all up.

I can just imagine someone coming in with a similar case and saying, Well, you let so and so go through, and why are you not letting me do it?

And I don't know if that's a proper thing for us to be doing.

Kevin.

Good afternoon, uh representatives mayor uh Kevin Smith with Planning Inspections.

So that is one of the concerns from staff as we look at it, we have setbacks for a reason.

One of the main uh reasons we have setbacks is just for safety.

Um years and decades ago, we didn't have setbacks or many communities didn't, and so we saw issues with fires and earthquakes that really damaged and uh spread pretty quickly.

As Luis mentioned, um, we did have a uh actually the neighbor come before us and ask for a similar request.

So it is it is something to consider as council considers this.

Uh again, this process does allow for a path to compliance.

Uh any special permit or any zoning action is not a given, and each applicant we make sure they are aware of this, um, whether staff recommends approval or denial, at the end of the day, that responsibility and that action lies with city council.

So it does create a precedence, and there are repercussions to building without permits.

As Luis mentioned, I want to make it very clear is that no building permits are submitted as of yet that I'm aware of.

They have not been approved, and so they still have to submit those regardless of the council action today.

At the end of the day, our codes are built for the health safety and depending on the findings, and the permits that come before us, they're reviewed with that same intent and inspected.

And anything that is not designed or constructed will but have to be modified to meet our code requirements.

Representative Chavez.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you to the platting and inspections team.

I I also have something similar in my district where someone built something without permits.

And again, just like with representative Limon, it's it's created a big concern for the residents in that area, which may be different than in this case specifically, but it's still something that's done in an improper way, right?

And um in Spanish we say, perdón que pay permiso, which basically says it's it's easier to say sorry than to ask for permission, and we don't want to be setting that precedent from my opinion, just because of the experience that I'm having in my district.

Um and the legal department's involved and a lot of other people are involved, and it's just been very difficult to remedy something that these people have done and and created a problem in that neighborhood specifically.

So uh I do have a uh difficult um problem supporting um the approval of this if the recommendation from CPC and planning and inspection is is not to move forward with it.

You know, if I might just to anyone who's listening who may be looking at this, just again come see us at the planning inspections department.

We will tell you what are the ability to path to achieve this.

It may be achievable, it may not be.

We'll give them guidance.

The main thing is just to come talk to us, and it's a whole lot easier to do it that way.

We can give proper guidance.

Otherwise, it's uh it's sometimes a lengthy process as we know.

Sometimes this takes to get to be compliant.

So please, anyone out there and members of the public and please let your constituents know, uh, members of council, that just please come talk to us, and we'll we'll be able to give you the guidance you need to uh within the confines of our code.

Thank you.

Representative Rocha.

Thank you, Mayor, and and thank you all for for the presentation.

Uh I know I very similar to what my colleagues are saying, I had a situation where it was actually an a neighbor that called in to report her neighbor for the improper building, and you she that that neighbor came to us once she was was given the citation to square everything away.

Here's a question though.

This came before the CPC on January 29th.

Is that correct?

Correct, January 29 of this year.

Of this year.

And so what um what the path forward is to get a special permit, or the path forward is to, could they have done anything between now and January January 29th and now to come into compliance?

So the only path technically to compliance will be to get rid of that encroachment, that violation, which again is uh they're required to have that those five feet of separation.

So they can technically have uh modify already the structure.

Uh so technically, well, let me kind of rewind a little bit about what how the process goes.

So they need to submit for a building permit to request that building permit, submit the plans, those get reviewed.

If everything is in compliance, when we reviewing those plans, then we issue the permit, and then they're they're good to go technically to go build whatever, and then obviously it gets inspected and and so on.

Uh obviously in this instance, uh they're still not complying.

Uh that encroachment still exists.

So the only solution for them, again, and I have mentioned earlier was to either remove it, modify it to remove that encroachment, and then continue with the building permit, or or wait for this special permit to be granted so they can continue as the NICL as it is and get those permits approved.

I mean uh plants approved.

So those are the options.

So let me ask you what are the dangers of having that encroachment so close.

So one of the the issues is obviously is it's too close to the to the neighboring property.

Um again at this time obviously we don't know whether it's sound and safe.

Um it will fall on the neighboring property, uh, it could fall under obviously on the under the resident.

Um one of the other things that I think Kevin mentioned was uh fire safety.

So if in case there's a fire, it could jump over to the next property.

Uh and it's like one of the things I mentioned, obviously, this property is in the middle of the block, right?

It is surrounded by other homes.

Uh so that's kind of one of the other dangers that will need to be reviewed.

The city does have obviously uh some requirements per the building code about how to fire proof and those things, those are obviously modifications that they may be needed, require if it continues, if it is obviously gets approved.

Um again at this time we're not sure uh it could be still they may need to do major modifications to the structure.

At this time we don't know because we have not looked at it.

Okay, thank you.

I appreciate it.

You're welcome.

Representative.

Thank you, Mayor.

And just for clarification, the motion on the floor is a motion to approve the special permit.

Is that correct, Ms.

Bryan?

That is correct.

It's to adopt the ordinance granting the special permit.

Okay.

Um question for staff.

Thank you for your presentation.

Um I think Kevin mentioned that they still need to submit their plans regardless of council action.

Is that correct?

Yes, sir.

So if if this is approved, they will have to submit the um required permits and get reviewed and um inspected, obviously.

If this is denied, um they will have to scale back the structure to be within the setbacks.

So that would obviously be a couple of feet.

Um, but still, no matter whether this gets approved or denied, building permits still need to be issued to our department.

Uh, those have to be reviewed, approved, and then we have to look and make sure it's properly built.

So I'm trying to get clarification in regards to say that the special permit gets approved today.

They still submit the paperwork and the plans, but they still don't meet the code.

What happens then?

It it's possible.

I don't want to say one way or the other.

Again, we have not reviewed nor inspected any of it, so it's unclear whether they meet code or not.

If they do not meet code, there they may have to demolish some of the structure.

Um again, if it's not structurally sound, that structure may have to get modified.

Um it's it's not only for the neighbors, but it's also for their safety of themselves, any guess they may have on that on that uh property.

So either or they possibly would have to do some sort of setback depending on the plans that get submitted.

And I think the issue here is that the plans haven't been submitted, so you haven't been able to review them.

Correct.

And so again, we at this time we do not know what what those may be.

Gotcha.

Okay.

So the the main thing is and make sure council understands is this is just one of the steps along the process.

The council action here, whether it gets approved or denied, the next step would be submit building permits and then go through that process with our our plan review team and eventually on the inspections.

So even if the special permit was to be denied, they still have an opportunity to submit the permits and correct their action and get the actual either apply for a special permit or an actual permit in order for them to be within requirements.

The only thing if it is denied, then they will have to scale back the structure to be within that five foot setback.

So they would have to take off you know a couple of a few feet.

Okay.

So even again, if we were to grant the special permit, they would still be required to submit the plans, it would still be vetted through planning and inspections, and you would still make the determination, should it be fit?

Correct.

Okay.

No further questions, Mayor.

Kevin, I got a quick question.

Maybe this is a holistical question, but that's a significant size structure.

And there looks like there was an electrical contractor, roughing contractor, drywalls.

No one took a permit out.

No one took a permit out.

Okay.

And unfortunately, Mayor, we've seen this also happen where full structures haven't built without permits.

Uh I'm not gonna I say anything about the contractoring company, but um, as we tell them, is they have to submit permits.

Understand the property owner is responsible at the end of the day for anything built there, but obviously the the contractor frankly should know better.

Yep.

Understood.

Ms.

Prime, we have public comment on this item.

Yes, Mayor Representative Rocha.

Thank you, Mayor.

One one quick question on that.

Is the contractor licensed?

For the structure.

Again, I I'm not sure who built it.

Uh uh again when it comes in, as Luis mentioned, one of the requirements may be for an engineering assessment that would have you done by a professional engineer.

Okay, thank you.

And wait, Kevin, now that Representative Rocher mentioned that, is there penalties for contractors that build without getting permits?

So the the main one we have is as was mentioned on the slide is um the property owner maybe assess the double fee for any permits.

A contractor is triple feed, triple fee, triple fee to the contractor.

Again, if we're not able to ascertain who that contractor was, then I would fall on the property owner.

Okay, perfect.

Ms.

Brian, believe we have public comment.

Yes, we have Arturo Ramirez followed by Marisan Ramirez.

Good afternoon, Mr.

Ramirez.

You have three minutes.

Yes, we are the owner of the facility, but I mean we were just told that uh we don't need any permit.

I was back then.

Now, I'm seeing all of you all feel like uh a criminal, which I am not, and I'm trying to do everything as at best.

Uh we did uh pay for the special permit when when we were asked to, and I thought we were gonna move forward ever then, and we have the receipts and we have the the plans, the pictures that it was done there.

We hire a professional uh at this time, and we just want to move forward.

I mean, of course I'm not gonna build something that is gonna damage my my family, which I'm the homeowner.

Uh that's my retirement home.

Uh that's not my investment, that's my life.

I dedicated just for we dedicated that time for our house to be built well.

Uh and like I say, we were we're coming from a mumbo home to a house is a big big different picture, but we were all like dumb to tell the truth for not following up with uh life and safety and all that.

But uh like I say I I've been trying to I've been going to court so I'm not hiding.

I'm doing my best to not do it again.

Like for example, we just did the roof roofing on my of the entire house, and this this time we went and asked for a permit, which we already know.

And that's that's the for my new new generation.

I'm gonna tell them and tell them to make sure to be safe and sorry.

Like she says, so that hit me hard because uh that's where my heart is coming from, from way down there.

So please take uh help us out.

Like I say, if if I need to bring it down or bring it down, but if I took it off, where am I gonna sleep?

Because like you say, it's not like uh it's not a two two story house, it's combined.

So if I take everything like I say, I I don't know where you can sleep.

Thank you.

Okay, thank you.

Okay, Marisan Ramirez.

You come or don't put my family juntos.

Disculpenme, but you created Thank you, Mayor.

And I don't know if staff could answer this question.

Has there been previous permits that have been granted?

Like for example for the roof.

So I cannot uh confirm right now, but I know that we typically will issue permits for re roofing because that's kind of safety hazard, right?

We don't want anyone to just it's leaking and it continues because they cannot get permits because there's another issue that they have to fix first.

So that's typically something we'll allow to have them uh obtain just for the roofing.

So in order to get a permit for a roof, what are the requirements to satisfy that type of permit?

Would someone be able to clarify that?

I'm trying to understand if we did issue a previous permit for a roof, but then we're not approved.

You know, essentially if this special permit doesn't get approved, I'm trying to understand at what point do we submit or approve certain permits and we don't when it doesn't the whole structure itself is not up to code, is what I'm trying to get to.

So good afternoon everybody, Daniel Chavida with planning and inspections.

So I can tell you in general for roofing permits, it could be obtained by a contractor or a homeowner to install the new roof covering.

So roof permits does not include the structures, it's just the covering of an existing roof, either repair, uh existing uh roof covering material or install a new one.

Okay.

Okay.

And we don't know if there has been a previous permit that was issued for the roof for this specific home previously.

I'm not for the question.

Representative, I'm gonna let us then I'll come back to you.

Okay.

They did receive a roof permit, it looks like in September of this past year, and was double feed.

Um so they they did already pay the double fee on the roof permit, uh, while they have the other one pending.

So um it shows as already closed, and so I I take it the re-roofing already happened.

That's all I have to do.

Okay, mayor, this is um, this is one of those really difficult cases where it's really really hard.

You know, which way do you go?

My gut reaction is we don't want to stay the president, you know, we're gonna be strong, go buy it.

And then as I listened to them, they were basically robbed.

If a contractor came in and did the work without a permit or permits, is that correct?

The construction that took place there that we know.

Kevin, no?

No.

Okay, let's see.

So uh again, um the it be it's a private matter, basically.

Um when a structure is built, they need to require uh obtain a permit if there is a contract between the homeowners and a contractor, whoever that may be, that's a private matter that the city would not get involved in.

Okay, um, but we just have our our portion that we can can uh can enforce on our end.

Well let me ask, senor Ramirez, taking una pregunta para ustedes.

Okay, pero esa persona sacó un permiso para ser el trabajo.

Pero realmente ustedes no supieron si era cierto or not.

No, porque le dimos el contrato andamos un terreno special or la location que mention was como quien dice desde el principio, so la casa así no más, he isuna casa y la compramos.

Okay, momentos Kevin, was this um so this is a property within the within the city, and was the was the original building constructed by a contractor, or was it just a self-made house?

I don't have the information.

Most more than likely it was a contractor.

But obviously, this this was years ago when this area was um initially developed.

Um IT, can you pull up the presentation please?

So this is the um IT, can you pull please display the thank you?

Um this is the original approved special permit from 1997, so um this area has been at least planned for uh a little bit over almost 30 years.

And the area is in red is the subject property.

Dijo, este terreno, you found a certain y pues dijimos que sí.

Este terreno iba a ser un desague.

Lo que lo que él nos explicó is que ese terreno iba a ser un desague.

Pero alrededor de ese terreno compraron otra otra companías.

Entonces, al momento de ya ellos comprar el desaguar, por eso es que el terreno de nosotros tiene un callejón solamente para nuestra casa, y el de la casa de la vecina que quería construir igual que nosotros tiene la misma entrada.

Porque ese terreno como ya no lo pusieron lo podieron hacer desayue, la Company de Tropicana, lo emparejaron y lo partieron a la mitad y lo vendieron así.

Entonces, desde un principio, ese terreno nos dijeron que tenía un permiso especial para construir ahí.

Por eso es que es un terreno differente.

Okay, pero pero entonces la construction de su casa fue por Tropicana Home.

See, correct.

Alright.

And then it was sold.

Yeah, if I might some more of planning inspection for the record.

So we did start the check the subdivision plat.

That's when the developer looks into how they're gonna split the properties and the lots.

At that time that's when they decide whether it's gonna be a drainage point or not.

So after checking, there was there's no indication that was the case.

And so that that extension.

Yes, so I think you're referring to the the driveway, that's how they connect to to the to the road.

Um per city code uh for development, every property technically is required to have legal access to uh from a road from public right away a road, right?

So they have to can technically have some front edge so they can legally access without having to go through other people's property.

Uh so that that's what we call them panhandle lots, um, and and that's their their legal access to go to that to the back.

Oh that's that's that's very interesting.

Um, so let me let me see if I understand.

If we vote no, what happens?

So if the the appeal gets denied, uh what happens is the the owner will have to go and modify again.

Let me let me see, bring the side plan really and go through the permits and request.

IT, can you please put the presentation?

So technically the entire request is for that uh red slever.

Uh so if it gets denied, technically what they have to do is modify and remove that portion in red.

Uh and then they can continue with the permit for everything in yellow.

Um, so that's technically what will happen if it gets denied.

How deep is that?

So that's probably I believe it says uh there they have one point six of separation.

Uh they require five feet.

So that's about uh three point four feet into the setback.

Um, entirely sure about the the square footage.

Um, yeah, we don't know yet, but we can check on that.

But it it's technically just 3.4 feet going into that that setback.

Okay.

Ustedes entending lo que l'itual and existence.

So just to help clarify things, uh, and think mostly for them is we're not requesting that they demolish everything.

Again, IT can you pull up the presentation really quick?

Um, so what was built everything yellow and red was what was built with apartments.

So technically from the city perspective, the only issue is the portion in red.

Uh so they will have to remove that.

Everything else, they need to go through the permitting for that.

They can't keep it.

They don't need to remove everything.

So they could keep it again, but one of the things that we kind of uh kind of uh cautioning about is we don't know whether any modification will be required.

It's always possible they can keep it as it is.

It was maybe built correctly, it's possible it's not, and they will have to technically take everything down, and if they want they can rebuild.

Um but again the right now what's at stake from city council is that portion in red, that's what it's being requested.

Okay, thank you, Luis.

Señor, de novo, este voto is no ahora, um van a tener que solicitarlos permisos, pero para ser as solicitudes va a tener que hacer contratistas professionales.

See, yo sé, pero quiero que entiendan uhana tener que hacer eso.

Uh si el voto isultan la misma situation, porque van a tener que sacar sus permisos realmente.

La cosa is de que cuando se agan esas evaluations, is possible que se puede hacer nada más lo cortito que se pasaron.

But si no es possible, puede ser, no creo, no sé, yo no sé.

Um pero tiene eso is look ating.

Desgraciadamente una persona con la que los puso in este problema.

Um estamos aquí para decir que van a tener que tumbar su casa completamente.

Adelante.

Okay.

Okay.

Thank you, Mayor.

No problem.

No worries.

Um, Kevin, couple questions that sparked.

So this this particular home is sitting in there kind of at an angle.

Yes, sir.

And the corner that's in question here is how far from the center of the rock wall.

Uh IT, can you pull the presentation, please?

If you look at like slide 11 or 10.

Yes, on slide five, it is a little bit set back.

Um the closest point again is about 1.6 feet from the rock wall.

Um, it is a little bit to the uh to the rear of the property, if you will.

Um, as you look at it, uh it is um at an angle.

Um, so as it goes further out, it gets in compliance.

Uh a little bit, yeah.

And so the picture here, like this one, this one here is the closest point, but it um it is fairly close.

Okay, and she said that they're good with the did the neighbors complain.

Um actually the neighbor is how we f found out from what I understand is the neighbor came in asking for a similar issue or an addition, then this one got identified.

Code enforcement went out there and saw that there was a violation and uh structure bill.

Okay, representative.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh I wanted to ask you specifically about this like some that you pulled it up.

So this entire wall would need to be demolished and brought in about three and a half feet to be in compliance.

Um it is probable, yes, if if this is denied.

Okay, again, it just has to be within that five feet.

Anything within that five feet would have to be removed.

So move the wall in about three.

Do we know what's behind that wall is that the living room or I'm not sure.

Um again, we haven't seen plans the property will say.

Okay.

Um so she brought up that they could do a firewall and be in compliance, is that true?

Uh that is one of the options.

Um again, that would have to be looked at during building permits, but again, um that is one thing that may be required.

Um again, we we don't know yet.

Um if this if this is approved, that will more than likely be a requirement.

I think Danny can chime in.

I mean, Chabina with the planning inspections again.

So the last one we want is farther encroachment.

So it's not gonna be building a new firewall, it's modifying the existing to meet the fire separation requirements.

Okay, so that that would happen if we vote yes, and if we vote no, they have to demolish the wall and bring it in three and a half feet to be five feet with the setback, correct?

Correct.

Do we know the length of that wall that we're seeing in that picture?

It's more or less about 10 feet.

10 feet.

Okay.

Okay.

I I think that answers what I have.

Thank you.

Representative.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um Kevin, I believe.

We Tropical Canada Home came up um, but they built the home originally.

They did not do the addition.

Am I correct?

Uh I am I'm not sure who built the addition, but it sounds like Tropicana Homes built the uh one story parcel that we're portion that you can see there um on the screen and on the left.

Okay, just I just want to clarify because I wasn't sure you brought up somebody brought up Tropic County home in that they didn't do the addition, they did the original building.

That's my understanding.

Thank you.

All right, Kevin.

Before you go, if they if we if council votes yes, what are they doing?

So if council approves the special permit, and I will go to this to this slide here, I think is the best way.

If council approves this special permit, the next step would that would allow the encroachment to take place.

The next step for them would be to submit for building permits and go through the building permit process.

Okay, and again, no matter the outcome, we're we're here to help the them guide them through the process.

If this is denied by city council, the portion in red would have to be removed and scaled back to be at least five feet away from the property line.

Okay, and building permits would still have to be submitted, and that process would need to be completed.

Okay, we're gonna sum the representative chavez and then we'll thank you, Mayor.

Um I guess I'm I'm in a bind, Kevin, and I would just like to understand.

So the neighbor went to you because she wanted to also do an expansion of her home, and then that's when you realized that the neighbor was not in compliance and had done this additional um part of the home without any permits.

Is that right?

That is my understanding, and once staff found out about this, code enforcement was sent out, it was evaluated, and that's when it was confirmed.

So then let's let's just say we approve this.

I'm I'm just wondering what the process would be.

So the neighbor would come back to you and say, You're approved my neighbor, I want to do the same thing.

So what would happen then?

And uh again, there's an option for them against staff, even though we may recommend denial of that request, they can submit it and it would go through the process of requesting this again.

They can do an addition as long as it meets within the required setbacks and allowances.

But if it is something like this, it would come back before council, and the neighbor would have to come in a similar process.

So again, that's a concern from staff is just secreting the precedence, yeah.

Um here.

And I guess that's where I'm torn, right?

Because I I definitely sympathize with the couple.

I mean, I definitely think that they were misled, possibly from a contractor.

Um, I don't think that they had any wrong intentions in what they did.

Um, I know that for the most part, I don't think the neighbors are upset about it.

I'm I'm just worried about the precedent that it sets.

And and unfortunately, I think council is aware of how many times this happens throughout the city.

Yep.

And it happens in every every district, and it's it's unfortunate.

Some have to go to the before the zone board of adjustment, others, um, like this one, it would be city council, right?

And I think um it's it's important to be fair, and I don't know what we would do with the neighbor now if she were here, she or he would come back and say, I want to do the exact same thing with the exact same amount of setbacks or you know, conditions or whatever they ask for.

I don't know, but that that's where I'm kind of um having trouble here.

Thank you, Kevin.

Representative, in the mayor, I let us not overlook the fact that an unscrupulous contractor did this work fully knowing the boundaries, the setbacks.

How do you just go out there and build something that close to another wall?

And that person or persons are nameless and maybe continuing to do business in this city, and I have a big problem with that.

Uh I have a really really big concern with that.

A yes vote will mean that they will have the opportunity to proceed obtaining permits to determine if the or to get to get the property into compliance or to get that permits.

Not a guarantee they would get it.