Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The El Paso City Council convened on October 13, 2026, to consider a consent agenda, several regular agenda items, and public comments. Key actions included approval of consent items, adoption of an ordinance amending zoning for correctional facilities and halfway houses, adjustments to fee schedules for animal services and code enforcement, amendments to the 2026 Public Art Plan, and a resolution reaffirming a moratorium on automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. A motion for a city-initiated rezoning study in the Rio Grande neighborhood failed in a tied vote broken by the Mayor.
Well, good morning, everyone, and welcome to City Council Chambers. We're getting ready to get started. Miss Prime. Good morning, Mayor, and good morning, everyone. Welcome to the presentation of the mayor's recognitions and proclamations. We begin this morning with a pledge of allegiance, and to lead us, we have students from Dr. Sue A. Schok Elementary School at the invitation of Representative Lily Limon. This morning we have Santiago Garcia and Lali Garcia. Thank you, Mayor. Can we get everybody from the Penn project that's here and all of our ability fellows that are present to the podium? And I'll read your proclamation. Welcome. Good morning. Whereas our nation's recognition of the contributions of people with disabilities began in 1945, when Congress established a week of observance dedicated to workers with disabilities, later expanding it in 1988 to the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. And whereas this observance reminds us that disability is a natural part of the human experience, and that every person deserves the opportunity to pursue meaningful employment, contribute their talents, and build a future without barriers or discrimination. And whereas while landmark protections such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act have helped advanced equal opportunity. People with disabilities continue to experience barriers to employment, reinforcing the importance of inclusive workplaces that recognize ability, potential, and the value of every individual, excuse me, that every individual brings. And whereas for 40 years, Partners Resource Network has empowered Texas families and individuals impacted by disabilities or special health care needs by helping them understand their rights, navigate special health care needs by helping them understand their rights and excuse me, I'm sorry, helping them navigate special education and become confident advocates while the Penn Project continues this work in our region by supporting families, increasing disability awareness, and creating pathways toward greater inclusion and opportunity. And whereas here in El Paso, that commitment is being put into action through the Ability Fellows Program, a partnership between the City of El Paso, Marathon Petroleum, and the Penn Project. Through this collaboration, young adults with disabilities have the opportunity to complete paid fellowships within city departments, gain meaningful workplace experience, develop professional skills, and demonstrate the valuable contributions they bring to the workforce. And whereas the City of El Paso celebrates individuals with disabilities who contribute their skills, perspectives, and experiences to our workforce and community, and encourages employers, organizations, and residents to continue creating workplaces where opportunity is accessible. Inclusion is intentional, and every person has the chance to succeed. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso that the month of October 2026 shall be known as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, signed by the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning, everyone. My name is Julia Vera, and I work for the Office of District 3. Um, first I want to thank Mayor and the rest of the council members for recognizing October for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This month again reminds us that everyone deserves the opportunity to work, learn, and succeed regardless of any disability. That's why the Ability Fellows Program is important with for our city through partnerships again with the City of El Paso, Marathon, and the Penn Project. We're helping these young adults to gain real work experience, uh building confidence and develop professional skills. But today I am proud to introduce Estefania Garcia. She was my fellow, my intern, and she will share some words on what it was like to work for the city of El Paso. Good morning. Good morning, Mayor Johnson and Council. My name is Stefania Garcia, and I'm proud to be an ability fellows. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is important because it helps people understand that individuals with disabilities have skills, talents, and a lot to offer. The Ability Fellows Program has helped me learn new skills, gain work experience, and feel more confident about my future. Everyone deserves a chance to work, succeed, and be included. Thank you, everyone, especially District Three for supporting opportunities for people with disabilities. Thank you. Good morning. Good morning, Mayor Johnson and Council. My name is Diana Serrano, and I'm truly honored to serve as a regional coordinator for Region 19 here at Partners Resource Network and Project. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate not only the talents and contributions of people with disabilities, but also the employers, the leaders, and community partners who believe in inclusion and opportunity. On behalf of our families, the fellows, and future workforce leaders, I want to thank you. Uh City of El Paso, Marathon, and everyone that's involved for opening doors and creating pathways where abilities are recognized, value, and empowered. Every opportunity you provide truly helps build confidence, independence, and hope.