El Paso City Council Regular Meeting – September 15, 2026

The El Paso City Council met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers, City Hall, and virtually. The meeting included mayoral proclamations, public comment, consent agenda, and action on several ordinances and resolutions. Key decisions included approving a motion to remove all Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras from city property within 60 days and directing the City Manager to refrain from entering into future contracts for fixed networked ALPR technology without Council approval. The Council also approved the El Paso County 911 District FY 2026-2027 budget, reallocated $2.5 million in HOME funds from a first-time homebuyer program to affordable multifamily housing, and adopted ordinances updating tattoo studio regulations, public utility communications, and floodplain administrator qualifications.

Consent Calendar

• Approved with revisions (striking and replacing language on item 19, correcting ordinance citation on item 21, adding co-sponsor to items 25 and 26). Items 7 and 16 were moved to the regular agenda. The consent agenda as revised passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 25 & 26 (Flock Safety ALPR cameras): Multiple speakers urged removal, citing Fourth Amendment concerns, privacy risks, and lack of transparency. One speaker noted Flock software runs on outdated Android 8.1 with no security patches; another reported nationwide misuse by law enforcement. A speaker from Sembrando Esperanza Coalition supported the items and offered volunteer help for removal.
• Call to the Public (non-agenda): 31 speakers addressed various topics:
  • Several speakers criticized El Paso Animal Services for suspending rescue partner Pause of Promise after they raised concerns about animal care; asked for independent investigation and restoration of partnership.
  • One speaker reported children going hungry and food banks receiving only coffee creamers; urged Council to address food insecurity.
  • Others discussed library fees for non-residents, EMS optimization, racial disparities in policing, and the need for transparency in city contracts.
• Public comment on consent items: A speaker questioned broad authority for city officials to sign “any necessary documents” (item 6), and another criticized donating $1,000 for a dance event while children go hungry (items 9 and 10).

Discussion Items

• Item 7 – Substantial Amendment to HOME Program: Staff proposed reallocating approximately $2.5 million in unfunded HOME funds from a first-time homebuyer program to affordable multifamily housing, citing a median home price of $279,000 vs. a maximum allowable purchase price of $226,000 under federal rules. Council discussed the need for first-time homebuyer support and alternative programs. The resolution passed unanimously after being moved from consent.
• Item 16 – Change Order #3 for Landfill Project: Approved a $123,989.25 change order for a fire department connection system at the Greater El Paso Landfill. A discrepancy in completion dates was clarified; the motion passed unanimously.
• Item 20 – Helistop Special Permit: Second reading of an ordinance granting a special permit for a helistop at Fire Station 35 (12230 Pine Springs Dr.). One public commenter raised safety concerns about power lines and nearby neighborhoods. The permit was approved 7-1 (Representative Acevedo dissenting).
• Item 25 – Removal of Flock Safety ALPR Cameras: Council debated the legality of removal within 60 days given contract terms (Section 10.1 prohibits city removal). An amendment was added allowing bagging/covering cameras as an interim measure for an additional 30 days if full removal not possible. The item passed unanimously.
• Item 26 – Ban on Future Fixed ALPR Contracts: Directed the City Manager to refrain from entering into any contract for fixed networked ALPR cameras unless authorized by Council. An amendment added language allowing the City Manager, Police Department, or a Council member to bring forward a proposal for future consideration. The item passed unanimously.
• Item 27 – El Paso County 911 District FY 2026-2027 Budget: Presented as flat revenue; using rainy day funds. Approved unanimously.
• Item 21 – Tattoo Studio Registration Amendments: Ordinance requiring inspection before license issuance, specifying inspection hours (12 PM–5 PM), and allowing denial for refusing entry. Passed unanimously.
• Item 22 – Public Utility Communications Ordinance: Requires utilities to present filings to Council at the next available meeting. Amendments corrected language; passed unanimously.
• Items 23 & 24 – Floodplain Administrator Amendments: Changed qualification from Texas licensed professional engineer to Texas certified floodplain manager (aligned with HR job specs). Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Flock Safety Cameras (Item 25): Approved directing the City Manager to remove all Flock ALPR cameras from city property/right-of-way within 60 days; if not possible, all cameras must be bagged/covered within 60 days and fully removed within 90 days. Vote: unanimous.
• Future ALPR Contracts (Item 26): Approved direction to refrain from entering into contracts for fixed networked ALPR cameras unless Council authorizes; City Attorney to draft a binding resolution within 30 days. Vote: unanimous.
• HOME Fund Reallocation (Item 7): Approved reallocating $2.5 million from first-time homebuyer program to affordable multifamily housing. Vote: unanimous.
• 911 District Budget (Item 27): Approved FY 2026-2027 budget. Vote: unanimous.
• Public Safety Regulations: Adopted ordinances for tattoo studios, public utility communications, and floodplain administrator qualifications. All passed unanimously.
• Note on Auto Theft Data: Chief Petty stated that since the Flock system was shut down, auto thefts increased 62%.
• Correction on Contract Process: The City Manager clarified that the Police Chief followed internal policies when initially entering the ALPR grant; the new process requires Council direction.