Good evening and welcome to the city council meeting.

Before Mayor Pro Tem Flores calls the meeting to order, we ask that you please be seated and silence all electronic devices.

City Council meetings are conducted for the official business of City Council and to receive input from residents.

Members of the public attending meetings shall observe rules of decorum and shall not engage in conduct conduct that interferes with the ability of those present to observe or to participate in the meeting without disruption or fear of intimidation.

Disruptive conduct includes yelling, screaming, clapping, and other noise creating acts.

For those of you who are requested to speak, when your name is called, please come forward to the center podium.

The countdown clock is displayed on the left monitor and will indicate how much time is remaining.

Thank you, Jeanette, and welcome everyone to our Tuesday, March 10th, City Council meeting.

Tonight's invocation will be given by Father Sir Sergio Diaz from Inglesia San Miguel.

Please rise for the invocation and remain standing for the pledges of allegiance, which will be led by the Girl Scouts of Texas, Oklahoma Plains.

Today we gather with gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community of four war.

All right.

We have some special presentations that we're gonna hear today.

Let's see.

First up, I believe, is uh Councilmember Martinez.

She's gonna give a presentation of recognition to the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Points.

Good afternoon, everyone.

So I'm super excited to be here today.

As you can see, today's all about the Girl Scouts.

And so we're celebrating Girl Scout Week.

For those who may not know, we celebrate this week every year on March 12th, uh, to mark the anniversary of the very first troop meeting in 1912.

Uh that makes the Girl Scouts 114 years old this year.

That is over a century of providing uh sorry, that is over a century of providing exceptional service and Girl Scout confidence to cultivate the leadership skills that truly make the world a better place.

So behind every Girl Scout and volunteer, uh there is a dedicated team member, uh leader and staff members that are ready to help them earn the next badge, embark on a camping adventure, or organizing an impactful service project.

Now, this is a surprise.

I would like to turn the spotlight on to Becky Burton.

As we all know, an organization is only as strong as the people who breathe life into its mission.

While we told Becky we were here today for a general recognition of Girl Scouts Week, that was only a small small part of the truth.

The real reason we are gathered here is to recognize the woman who has been the heartbeat of this organization for 40 incredible years.

Becky, you have spent four decades making sure the Girl Scout Way isn't just a phrase in a handbook, but a lived reality for thousands of young women.

You have taught us all that leadership isn't about a title, it's about service.

So if you'd like to join me at the podium, please.

So I will now read this.

Uh the City of Port Worth special recognition presented to Becky Burton in recognition of 40 years of service.

Whereas, since its founding by Juliet Gordon Lowe in 1912, the Girl Scout movement has empowered generations of girls to discover their strengths, build confidence, and become leaders in their communities.

And whereas Becky Burton has devoted 40 years of service to the mission of Girl Scouting, demonstrating visionary leadership, steadfast commitment, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every girl to lead with courage, confidence, and character.

And whereas during her distinguished tenure as chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, she guided the organization through transformational growth, expanded access to leadership programming, championed outdoor and STEM experiences, and built strong partnerships across North Texas and beyond.

And whereas her leadership has empowered thousands of girls to discover their strengths, serve their communities, and become the leaders, innovators and public servants of tomorrow, creating a legacy whose impact will be felt for decades.

And whereas Becky's influence extends far beyond organizational success, reflecting a lifelong commitment to mentorship, volunteerism, and the betterment of the Fort Worth community, embodying the very spirit of service that defines this city.

Now, therefore, we, the City of Fort Worth, congratulate Becky on her well-deserved retirement and proudly join her colleagues, volunteers, alumni, and community partners in expressing deep gratitude for her four decades of visionary leadership and service.

Do you want to say a few words?

You know, this is this is just means so much to me, and I really appreciate it.

Thank you, Jeanette.

This I'm speechless, and I know I've got to pull myself together, but I'm I'm a crier and everyone knows that, so now y'all all know that too.

But this has been a tremendous career, and it it's not been a jaw.

It's just it's my passion, and I've been a Girl Scout all my life, and absolutely love what I do.

And as I'm telling people now, it is time for me to go and play.

I've worked hard and I'm gonna go play now.

So, but thank you all so much.

This means the world to me, and I love Fort Worth and Girl Scouts, and thank you.

I really appreciate it.

So we'd like to take a picture with any Girl Scouts that are out here, you know, the Girl Scouts themselves, board members, lifetime Girl Scouts, anybody Lauren?

I think you're here.

You're still here.

Dana, board member, yes.

All right, guys.

Let's look here first.

Congratulations, Becky.

Well deserved.

All right, next up, and uh Councilmember Martinez, stay up there.

I'll join you here shortly.

We're gonna recognize 30 years of the League of United Latin American Citizens, Lulac Council number four five six eight.

Okay.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

So I'd like to invite Albert Govea and all the members of Lulak Council Four Five Six Eight to join us at the podium.

For 30 years, the League of United Latin American Citizens, or Lulac Council Four Five Six Eight, stands as a dedicated advocate for the Hispanic community in Fort Worth.

As part of the oldest and largest Hispanic organization in the United States, which just celebrated its ninety-seventh anniversary, Council Four Five Six Eight is more than just our local Lulak chapter.

It's an engine for social progress, educational support, community health, and economic empowerment, where they are opening doors through their scholarship fund, fostering literacy at Fiesta de Libros, or providing for families through the Tree of Hope holiday drive.

Council four five six eight is also a true leader in supporting our Latino youth.

To celebrate this milestone and their steadfast commitment to the Latino residents of Fort Worth, we have the privilege to present Lulat Council Four Five Six Eight with a special recognition that Mayor Pertem Flores will read into the record.

Thank you, COMartinez.

And I will read special recognition.

Whereas League of United Latin American Citizens, founded in 1929, has been and continues to be a steadfast advocate for advancement, equity, empowerment of the Latino community across the United States and beyond.

And here as local Amigos Lula Council four five six eight, established in 1995 as exemplified leadership and many uh in unity for 30 years by working tirelessly to promote educational opportunities, protect civil rights, foster civic engagement, and mentor our future leaders.

And whereas through the decades of dedication, the members of this chapter have uplifted countless individuals and families, strengthen community bonds, inspired future generations to lead with integrity and celebrated our rich Latino culture.

And whereas the 30th anniversary of the Amigos Lulac Council forty-five sixty-eight is a milestone that reflects the chapter's enduring commitment to the collective achievements of its members, partners, and supporters.

Now, therefore, we, Mayor Pro Tim, myself, and Councilwoman Jeanette Martinez do hereby recognize, congratulate Amigos Lulac Council Four Five Six Eight on their 30th anniversary in celebration of this chapter's outstanding contribution to our Latino community and its legacy of service leadership and advocacy.

I would just like to thank uh Councilwoman Janet Martinez and Mayor Pro Time Carnival's Flores for this recognition.

As uh you may know uh our work very often goes goes unnoticed, and in many ways that's that's a good thing because we're not looking for recognition.

It's nice to have the recognition, but but the work is our recognition, and uh I'm just really happy that most of these people that you see behind me work every year tirelessly to make sure that our program function along with the people that donate generously.

So uh I again I I wanna thank everyone uh here for their support, and I especially want to single out my wife.

She's been here since day one.

So and uh I'll make it and coach Ramos.

I think came in on our second year of being established, and uh also family that uh without their help, we could not uh continue our work either.

And we hope that they'll take our work into the future.

Even when some of us maybe not may not be here anymore, they'll continue our work.

Uh one last thing.

One of our f we have several programs.

One of our favorite programs is uh annual tree of hope.

I rolled the La Esperanza program, and every year we have Pancho Claus, which is Santa Claus's nephew that comes out to visit the children.

Our programs at North Side.

Uh Pancho Claus is coming in a fire truck, he's coming in lower rider.

So you never know how Pancho Claus is gonna arrive, but one thing that you do know he's gonna be here for all the children.

We even have a book now that's Pancho Claus's backstory.

So again, thank you, everyone.

Guys, it's all here on three.

One two three.

Next will be items to be continued or withdrawn.

Okay.

So we've got we have uh four items to be continued.

The first uh ZC twenty-five-185 to April 28th.

Next is ZC-2504 to May 12th, and then ZC25184 to delayed till June 9th, and ZC 25-205 also to June 9th.

All these are being uh delayed at the request of the applicants.

Okay, if there are no questions on that, ask for a motion to approve the consent agenda.

Um mayor, we have one oh we do one consent.

Speaker, okay.

Adrian Smith, Adrian Smith, I am one with the people.

Um the mayor and council communication I'm speaking on tonight is a is two six hyphen zero one zero five seven.

And it is recomm it's a recommendation for execution of a uh contract for artwork totaling one hundred and ninety-one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six one hundred and ninety one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six uh dollars for fabrication delivery, installation, and contingencies for artwork at the Cindera Springs Library located at one two nine seven Avondale has the road, Fort Worth, Texas 76052.

And we know that the city has been failing when it comes to support of local arts.

So for the individual due to receive this contract, congratulations to you.

Although when I looked at the map, I didn't see the library.

So I'm assuming this library is due to come online because I didn't, I just saw empty space.

I was looking for a library when I did the Google search.

However, again, we are in support of the arts.

But let's be mindful not to forget about the Fort Worth Communities Arts Center, who was which is still waiting for its funding or answers as to which direction this city is going to go with it, considering that failures happen, nothing towards the managers who who were managing that facility, but I think it was deliberately done.

The ferries were done deliberately so this particular property can go down so that another developer can come in and develop on it.

So hopefully we can get some funding or some type of answers for the uh regarding the Fort Worth Communities Arts Center.

It's been um what, two, three years now, and it's been tabled.

You all had a commission that was established to uh answer questions to look at different options, etc.

etc.

Former counselor member, he was the head of that, Mr.

Flyer Stone, he's no longer a council member.

He was the head of that particular commission, which I felt was in direct conflict, and I felt like they deliberately allow this that the Fort Worth Community Arts Center to go under.

So hopefully you all are really considering the Fort Worth Communities Arts Center as you all continue to divvy out divvy out dollars towards art.

Thank you.

Okay.

All right, now you can start voting, please.

All right.

Motion passes.

Next will be upcoming and recent events, recognition of citizens and approval of ceremonial travel if needed.

All right, first up, we have uh councilmember Larsdorf.

Charlie.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim.

I think we just have two upcoming events.

Uh first one is April 25th from 11 to 2 at North Park YMCA.

We're gonna be having a resource fair.

It'll be our second one.

Uh so we're gonna have all of our city offices out there as well, some uh fun-to-do things out there to bring your families out.

It's a free event uh with the exception of the food truck, but uh bring your family out, it's sure to be a good time.

Next slide.

And a uh big congratulations to Parkland Neighborhood Association for taking home three awards and then being uh first runner up and two others.

So uh they're you know, showing what communities can do whenever they come together and all work together and not just beautifying their community but making it a safer place to live.

Um so congratulations to Park Glenn, and that is it.

All right, thank you, Charlie.

Next up, we have Dr.

Mia Hall.

Right now.

Thank you, Mayor Person.

All right.

To begin, um, it's been a busy, I would say 30 days since my last update.

Um, next slide, sorry.

Um started off February 14th, Valentine's Day with the annual sinker ball.

Um I'm so happy to have been joined by my other colleagues are joining them.

Um there's a photo there of that was my last my husband's last hurrah for his uh shoulder replacement.

Now he has an excuse not to go to any nighttime events or weekend events right now, but also um our library board um appointee was there, and so it was great to fellowship with so much uh Fort Worth community for a great cause.

Next slide.

Uh Crowley ISD hosted their annual Black History Bowl.

Um I see a typo there, February.

Um their annual Black History Ball.

It's a great opportunity for students to learn uh key historic facts about African American contributions here in this country and this nation.

Um they did an outstanding job this year with student performances, um, just the lineup in itself, and they included every age group down to the little pre-K students uh to do to pull off this um epic event.

So uh that's pictured there's trustee um trustee CC Watkins.

And so it was great again to attend that, have an affinity for Crowley IST, as you know.

The youth mental health conference was held at the Como Community Center on February 21st, 2026.

I was unable to attend, but we did have representation from the D6 office with Andrea West.

Hats off to them for having a great event.

Mental health, of course, impacts our youth disproportionately.

And so it was great to have to see them host this event to support our youth.

Next slide.

On February 21st, keeping the ball going, we had the Fort Worth Lynx Incorporated Boots and Bling event.

It also is a fundraiser that supports education.

They raise money for STEM and support STEM in our schools.

Had a great time there, of course, joined by my colleagues and appreciative of the invitation from Leah King, who's a Lynx.

Next slide.

Tarleton State University, which I consider to be the official university of District 6.

They're featured with Rachel Capua.

I was able to join them for their forward summit in which we were doing some strategic planning on what the next steps will be for Charlton.

It is growing.

The campus is growing, D6 is growing.

And so it was great to be a part of so join hands with others who are interested in visioning and deciding what the impact of education is gonna look like higher ed in our Fort Worth community.

Next slide.

Later that evening, same location at the Omni, just went across the hall, and we hosted the Fort Worth ISD Ace premiere.

This is actually my daytime job.

And so I'm had the uh honor of hosting this event.

I wanted to thank my colleague Michael Crane, who graciously made a donation to support uh our DJ efforts because, in case you didn't not know, you cannot use school money to pay for DJ.

And so Michael Crane stepped in and took care of that for us.

So we had more than 300 people attend that event.

We're trying to attract uh high performing educators to uh help our students uh achieve their fullest potential.

So if you know, this is my commercial now.

If you know of an educator, a teacher looking for an opportunity to serve and make a difference, Fort Worth ISD is certainly a destination uh location for them.

Next slide.

Unit United Way of Terran County, in which I have the pleasure of serving on the executive board, hosted their first gala in quite some time.

I think since I've been on the board.

Um it was a great night.

We had a great keynote speaker, um, learned a lot that night, and uh again, a great place to hear about the visioning for Fort Worth.

Um we had Rachel Capua there, we had uh the head administrator from the law school there.

So great things are coming in Terrent County and the United Way is joining hands with not only our educators and our and other um providers in our community, but great things are happening at United Way and Terran County.

On March 5th, I got to join the Girls Inc.

Celebration Breakfast.

I don't think I've missed one of those before.

Um on March 5th, um, so many great uh leaders are recognized.

Regina Williams was rationalized, uh, our own very own uh honorable Betsy Price was recognized as well.

Um another great event.

If you don't know about Girls Inc.

of Terrant County and their mission, I encourage you to get involved.

Next slide.

And this was my very first uh visit Fort Worth annual meeting.

I was I always asked the question should I go to this?

Because we go to so many different events and the schedule is always so tight.

And I was told we do not miss this for any for any reason.

So had an opportunity to say goodbye to the convention center as we know it.

Um and uh it was it was a great place to be.

It was so much history for this history teacher.

It was just great to see where we've been, where we've come from and where we're going.

Next slide.

Um on this Saturday, we visited.

We uh I had a chance to attend the mayor's uh neighborhood awards, and so I want to congratulate Rainbow Ridge Homeowners Association and District 6 for receiving two awards this year.

They were recognized as the Safety First Award and the Community Collaboration and Engagement Award.

Um, our very own Andrea West serves as the VP in all of the things that she has to do.

She's the vice president of the HOA and Derek Harrison serves as president.

They've done a great job in Rainbow Ridge, uh just building collaboration amongst their young neighborhood.

And so, congratulations to them on this honor, and we look forward to the awards that you'll win again next year.

And then, of course, I want to, I mean, I feel like this is a drum roll, and maybe confetti should fall from the ceiling.

The Lake Como community uh neighborhood advisory council won neighborhood of the year for the third, I repeat, third year in a row.

So if you were there, Como won a number of different um recognitions on that day for all of the community involvement that they have, all of the resources that they provide for their community, opportunities for their youth, the elderly, and everyone in between.

And so um congratulations to the late Como NAC again on your win.

Um and I hope that you can take it home at uh NUSA this year.

Um, and this weekend, this Friday actually, on March 13th, Friday the 13th, from 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m.

We will have office hours.

We have mobile office hours every month.

They'll be at the Chisholm Trail Community Center.

I encourage uh District 6 neighbors and residents to come out, um, meet our uh team and let us know how things are going and how we can uh stand in the gap.

And next slide for those of you who share in my excitement next week is spring break.

It's like a holiday for educators, so happy spring break, district six.

That's all.

Thanks, Mia.

Next up we have Chris Nuttles.

Councilmember Nettles.

Thank you.

I'll be brief.

Uh the first slide talks about our opportunity to represent the city of Fort Worth at Toluca Mexico City.

Um I'm a council member Elizabeth Beck.

We'll talk more about that, but great opportunity to talk all things economic development.

Next slide.

New Mitchell Boulevard Neighborhood Block Party is going to be Saturday, March the 14th from 11 a.m.

to 2 p.m.

Please uh hit the QR code and come out and enjoy.

Next slide, please.

Easter uh event is Saturday, March the 21st from 11 a.m.

to 2 p.m.

It's gonna be at the Tatiana Carr Jefferson at Hillside Community Center.

Next slide is going to be our annual cleanup day at annual Glenwood Park Scoring Cleanup, which is Saturday, April the 11 from 8 a.m.

to 12 p.m.

Come out and be a part of the cleanup.

And tonight, North Crowley will be for uh facing, I think it is Duncanville uh for the game before the state championship.

So if you haven't got your tickets, it's sold out.

You maybe can look online for that.

But we're gonna be rooting on our Fort Worth team to take it to state to the state title.

And those are all of my announcements.

Thank you.

Go Crowley, thanks, Chris.

Next up, we have council member Beck.

Uh great.

Uh, first of all, a happy women's history month, everybody.

Uh, next slide.

So it's been busy in District 9.

Um, had the opportunity to speak to the West Seventh Neighborhood Association during their spring meeting.

Um, and it's always good to be with that group of folks.

Next slide.

Uh as you can see, we all cleaned up pretty nice for the um black uh metropolitan black chamber sneaker ball.

Um not all of us council members are um shown in that photograph.

We took a vote several months ago uh that was quite uh controversial, and um in that vote, we said that we were going to continue to support the Hispanic and the Black Chambers here in the city of Fort Worth.

So my challenge to all the members on council next year is to make sure that we're doing everything we can to support those chambers in light of taking away of our um WMBE programs because this is really how we keep it alive.

Next slide.

Um the monks who you may have seen uh make national news started right here in the city of Fort Worth, and I was pleased to be there with um uh family and friends and also colleagues like Councilwoman Deborah Peoples to welcome them back to Fort Worth.

Um, I also want to thank the Fort Worth Police Department for making sure that of all of the badges that they had on their um garments that they had one of ours from home.

So thank you for that.

Next slide.

Uh long time in the making.

Uh we attended the Tobias Place grand opening with my colleague Jeanette Martinez.

It was a great day for the South Side and a great day for affordable housing here in the city of Fort Worth.

You have 288 uh units of the most deeply affordable um units in the city of Fort Worth, about a mile away from the central business district.

So that's a big win for our community.

Next slide.

Uh you heard from Councilmember Nettles, we did attend the sister cities trip to Toluca, Mexico.

It was really great.

Um, this particular sister cities trip focused on the economic bonds between our two cities, and you think, well, what do we have to tie us together?

But uh we have a pasta factory.

So Toluca and Fort Worth share in the same company.

Um and so if you have had pasta from HEB or Kroger or Tom Thumb, um, you have had pasta from La Moderna.

Um so it was really great to go with the Hispanic Chamber and um not just do the dignitary exchange but be part of um um some economic development work as well.

Next slide.

Had a really great opportunity to visit District 5 and speak to a group of students, uh Dunbar High School students about my legal profession.

They didn't have any questions about my legal profession, but I do anticipate that you will see several of them up here on this dais soon enough because they were very interested in how the city worked.

Next slide.

This last week had the opportunity to attend the West Side Village Groundbreaking.

This is a 1.7 billion dollar investment in the city of Fort Worth.

Notably, this is the largest construction of uh single user office space in the last 40 years in the city of Fort Worth.

So we're making big investments here in District 9.

Next slide.

Speaking of district nine, there's another district nine here in Texas, and for the first time in a while, the city of Fort Worth now can claim that we have our very own state rep once again.

Um had the opportunity to welcome uh Taylor new newly elected Senator State Senator Taylor Remett to um his new district office that is located just off of Jennings and the near South Side.

Okay, next slide.

For upcoming events, we've got a lot.

So Fort Worth ISD spring break is March 16th to the 20th, and for educators, it's a lot of fun.

But for those of us that answer the phone call for spring break traffic, not so much.

Um please remember that um be alert of the traffic in and around the zoo during the week of spring break.

If you can avoid it.

Um if you really want to go, purchase your tickets ahead of time.

Um, and I would highly recommend taking Trinity Metro to avoid the madness.

Next slide.

We have a meeting coming up Thursday, March 2nd, the virtual WebEx on the near Southside Street Improvement uh program for those of you interested.

Next slide.

Same evening, March 12th from 5 30 to 7 uh p.m.

at the Fort Worth Convention Center ballroom on the third floor.

We will be having our town hall for phase two of the convention center.

If you have questions or concerns, now is your time to come and speak.

So I hope to see you there.

Next slide.

Uh last but not least, we have the Fort Worth PD Central Division Safety Fair April 11th from 9 30 to 12 30 at the Montgomery Plaza Target.

Um come by, pick up some Chick-fil-A, and visit our safety fair.

Thank you.

Thank you, Elizabeth.

Next up, we have Councilmember Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

So uh District 11 has two upcoming events on March 26th.

We will be hosting a town hall meeting at the historic Stagecoach Ballroom on Belknap.

Uh so residents are invited to speak directly with city departments and get updates on updates on what's happening in their community.

On April 22nd, we are celebrating Earth Day at Black Coffee.

So we're partnering with environmental services again this year.

Uh, they're gonna bring out the CRUD cruiser.

So there'll be several uh free services that are gonna be provided on site, paper shredding, disposal of household hazardous waste, electronics recycling.

But this year we're also adding um a partnership with the drug and for enforcement administration to help you safely dispose of any old prescription drugs.

Uh, this take back program helps ensure that potential harmful pharmaceuticals do not end up in the water or in the hands of children.

So please join us.

We'll have free coffee and mini conchas for you.

Next slide.

A huge congratulations to our very own Rachel Arellano.

She was recognized, she will be recognized on April 8th as an exceptional woman of influence in the Fort Worth Business Press 2026 great women of Texas class.

So we're very excited for her, very proud of her.

Um, another other uh top honorees include Jo Elard, great woman of Texas, Lily Biggins gets the legacy award, and a Dr.

Opal Lee, Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations.

Oh, Deborah, I think you're also being recognized, right?

Councilwoman Peoples as a great woman of Texas.

Well, congratulations.

That's all I have.

All right, thank you, Jeanette.

Next will be non-consent speakers, and I believe we have two.

Yes, Daniel Heis, I think is first up.

Good evening.

My name is Dan Hayes, and I wanted to speak on the habitual nuisance ordinance.

I just wanted to say uh thank you to Benjamin Samprecht and the numerous other people who had a role in bringing this ordinance to the city council for a vote tonight.

Do anyone who thinks the city doesn't listen to its citizens?

I say this ordinance is proof that it does.

This ordinance is a direct result of a number of us in East Fort Worth consistently advocating for a way to hold negligent commercial property owners responsible for their actions.

Excuse me.

It's an unfortunate reality that places like the Eco Motel, Rockies 1 and 2, and plenty of other commercial establishments consume a huge amount of taxpayer funded resources, far more than their fair share.

These include police, fire, and ENMS, vice and detective units, code compliance, environmental services, development services, legal staff, court officers, and other departments.

And when these first responders and city staff are dealing with these blighted properties, they are not available to other taxpayers in the city.

This ordinance will force owners who are essentially just sucking the life out of their properties to pay the price for their continued negligence.

Maybe some will wise up and reinvest in their properties.

There's always hope.

So maybe have a little better quality of life.

I look forward to the results it will hopefully achieve.

Thank you.

Thank you, Dane.

Our next speaker is Ryan Burgess.

He's not speaking.

Okay, thank you, Michael.

Okay.

Next would be resolution 26-5819.

Do I have a second?

Okay.

Let's get the vote started here.

Just a moment.

Jeanette, do you show Mr.

Willoughby is signed up to speak?

Just a moment, Bob.

We're checking.

You signed up on public comments.

That's uh that yes, sir.

Mr.

Mr.

Willoughby, that is a public hearing, and you will be called when we get to the public hearing.

That that's next, Bob.

Just a moment.

Just bear with us, okay?

All right.

All right.

Now we may vote on the item, please.

Motion passes.

Next will be item 26-5831.

All right, Michael, I think you have some language to read in on this one.

Let me turn you on just a moment ago.

There you are.

Your mic's on.

Can you hear me?

Yep.

Okay.

Move to approve MNC 26-5831 with the following change.

Update the date and time of the public hearing to reflect that it will occur during the city council meeting scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

on April 28th, 2026, and revise the date for giving notice accordingly.

Okay, motion is second.

Let's start the vote, please.

Motion passes.

Next is 26-5832.

Okay.

We have a second.

Let's get the vote started.

Just a moment.

All right, cast your votes, please.

Motion passes.

Next is MNC 26-0198.

Mayor Patin, we have one speaker.

One speaker.

All right.

Mr.

Willoughby, now's your queue.

Yeah, my apologies.

I did jump the gun.

Okay.

It's on here, but Maddie's bypassed me so many times.

Okay.

Oh, it's on the screen too up there.

What do you know?

Okay.

I don't know why y'all put some of these up there and you don't put other ones up there.

I don't understand it.

That's why I put it on here so that when it's blank over there, the people can actually see what we're talking about.

Anyway, you can go ahead and start my time.

It's okay.

It's up here mainly.

So you can start my time.

Appreciate it.

Matter of fact, uh it's a lot better when Maddie's not here.

A lot more relaxed.

Okay, this is CCP defunds, Carl.

You know you don't like hearing me talk about this, and I got a big sign back there.

I didn't bring it up here.

But also, you y'all never you never answered publicly, okay?

I am working on this with the DA.

I'm getting an audit on the C CP funds, but all CC funds should be frozen until we have an audit.

Now, Carlos, I called you, I got you on FIM, you ran away.

Uh, you said let's meet behind closed doors, all that kind of stuff.

You also sent me um to Mr.

Keith Morris, which is on here too.

And Keith Morris emailed me.

And here, and it says, well, down below there anyway.

What it says, Mr.

Morris, what he did, he gave me the answer to the new rules.

Well, we're talking about the old rules.

The old rules said they couldn't get over $300,000.

Six organizations got more than that.

The ISD got 1.4 million dollars.

Rodney got $800,000.

You know, that's a lot of money we're giving here.

And I grant you, Rodney cannot produce receipts for that money to go.

I met with him.

He cannot.

And if we get an audit, that's what we need.

And Bill Sores is stopping from an audit.

Texas Rangers will come in and audit this stuff if Bill Sores, but Bill Sores, a DA, it's just I'm not going to dispute this.

I'm not going to answer.

I'm not going to do anything.

So I'm at the commissioner's court with Lisa Simmons, commissioner to work with this.

We'll try to get Bill Sores to do his job.

You're not doing yours, Carlos.

So this.

But Keeve, he says in here, now you gave me that.

He says, let me know if you have any additional questions.

Well, I did.

I called back keep.

I said, Keep, this answer is to the new one.

So y'all went ahead and passed it, but then get any amount now.

300,000 was too much to give these people, but you open it up to any amount.

So anyway, so keep he never answered questions either.

So it's a lot of not answering questions is an emission and a guilt 100% right there.

When you can't come out and be transparent, and this is our money, this CCPD funds is ours.

So and I'm not gonna let up on it.

It's been almost two years yelling about this, and uh, I'm gonna stay with it until we get an answer.

And we need an audit.

When you if you just give me a one clear audit of Rodney, let's just see Rodney, just one, okay?

Because Rodney cannot show what he did with $800,000.

I'll grant you he cannot.

And that's our money.

So you're you're misrepresenting fund.

You're not, you know what?

You should never this board is not council.

It it council removed a an independent board that used to give this money out.

And they put themselves there, and it should be a conflict of interest, too.

It should be a conflict of, and then you say you're overwhelmed and you want more, you want to raise your overwork.

Well, take yourself off these boards, Chris.

And put people there.

You can do.

So you're not overworked.

So anyway, the CCP funds answer this.

Okay.

You don't deserve a remote if you can't answer this.

Okay.

And we're moving to close the public hearing and approve the C MNC, correct?

Okay.

All right.

And we have a second.

And let's start the moving.

All right, cast your votes, please.

Motion passes.

Next will be ZC-25212.

Let's get the voting started.

Cast your votes.

Motion passes.

Next will be ZC-25-208.

Elizabeth.

I am going to move to continue this case until the next zoning meeting to give the applicant the opportunity to reach out to our council office.

Okay.

Second.

And start voting, please.

Motion passes.

Next will be ZC-25-210.

Okay, and that's D5.

And uh find my way around there.

Deborah.

Okay.

Have a second.

And let's get the voting started.

Cast your votes, please.

Everyone voted.

Uh Mia.

There you go.

All right.

Motion passes.

Next will be ZC-25-211.

All right.

D11.

Jeanette, let me get your mic on.

Go ahead.

I think we have a couple of speakers.

All right.

First up, we have Diego Pinceno.

Is he here?

It's going to be followed by Daniel Molina.

Good evening, council.

Um I'm here to uh just address some of the things that came up during P and Z and see if I could clear anything up and hopefully get a favorable decision here.

Um I don't know that one of the first things that came up with a problem with our site was the fact that we were trying to zone this for general commercial restricted in a future land use map showed it as single family residential.

I just wanted to call for just understanding the area.

The area that is in question right now is sandwiched between two heavy industrial sites, and it's a very difficult piece of land or area to realistically turn into single single family residential.

Um the heavy industrial sites are auto parts businesses and republic services.

This makes this area a very difficult site to turn into a single family residential, and it's also half of the area is in a hundred-year floodplain.

So I'm just trying, we're trying to get something moving here, see if we can you know have some sort of development in this area that seems to be like it doesn't get too much attention.

The other thing that I wanted to cover was the fact that there was some historic historic area concerns for this part of land, and if you look at the map, there is no historic area designation for the land in question, which is 5904 Etsy Street.

And then the last thing was the fact that we did not have uh at the at PNZ, we did not have neighbor support.

We do have plenty of neighbor support now.

Uh we've brought them today.

And I just want to clarify again, because I know we had some issues or some concerns about the neighbor to the west and the noise that a general commercial or uh autopot uh auto repair shop would bring.

Um just uh just something I wanted to know is that every single residential uh property around in this area is within 100 feet of a heavy industrial site.

Um the overall character of this area and land, and just part of the neighborhood is sandwiched between heavy industrial sites, and uh we don't I I would hope that we could bring some sort of development general commercial that's a lot less uh I guess a lot less not I guess a lot a lot less heavy than a heavy industrial site.

That's basically what I came over here to do is just kind of show the character of what's around us, what's the the actual area provides, and we're just trying to get something moving and hopefully I could uh you know address some of those concerns today.

Thank you, Mr.

Pincino.

Next up we have Daniel Molina followed by Daniel Haas for me.

Um thank you for taking the time.

Um like uh Diego mentioned we're a small we're small owners, the three of us.

We're not asking for a lot of changes, we're not asking money from the city.

We're not it's there's no historical history there.

The people objecting this are just looking for money from the church or the city.

We're not asking for that.

We're just asking for permission to open our businesses, and we're gonna be small businesses, as you can see.

It's 0.3 of an acre.

It's gonna be a small little shop, and there's junkyards, there's uh a waste company there.

There's only two houses as you can see, right next to where we want to put the shop.

So if you would approve it, we would appreciate it.

Um and like you mentioned Fort Worth is growing.

It's been this it's been the fastest growing city in the United States.

So we just want the opportunity to grow with the city.

We want the opportunity to have our own little business.

If you can do that and approve us, we would appreciate it.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Next speaker is Daniel Hayes.

Good evening.

Good evening again.

My name is Dan Hayes, and I am opposed to this zoning change.

I'm part of the executive board of the Gateway Park Action Coalition, but my interest doesn't start stop at the park boundary.

Gateway Park is blessed to have some of the only natural parts of the Trinity River in Fort Worth.

The property in this case sits just to the north of the park and just 500 feet from the Trinity River.

Today people appreciate the Trinity River in ways those in the early and mid-20th century did not.

A paved trail system extends through most of the city, and at times parts of it are quite crowded.

People love to be near the river.

There are many places like Clear Fork in the river district where the river is celebrated as an asset.

Others like Panther Island are working their way towards that goal after decades of past abuse.

In East Fort Worth, however, it seems that auto salvage yards and other inappropriate uses are the order of the day.

That practice needs to stop.

In this case, the property is agriculturally zoned, but yet it contains over a dozen cars, car carcasses, and three structures in violation of its zoning as of the last aerial image.

In fact, the image that was up earlier, everything on the south side of Etsy is in agricultural, but yet there's about 60 cars there.

In 2019, Streams and Valleys, the nonprofit who first advocated so many years ago for a walking and biking trail system along the Trinity, released a new master plan called Confluence.

There was a beautiful accompanying video with these opening lines.

The Trinity River belongs to all of us.

It is the reason Fort Worth was founded.

It remains our grandest civic space.

So please advocate for the river by denying this case.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Hayes.

Jeanette?

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

Um, with this being uh auto repair that's planned.

I'm concerned that uh and so close to a floodplain that it'd be runoff uh to the river.

So I'm gonna uphold zoning commission's uh denial um with prejudice uh for ZC25211 motion second.

There's no discussion, let's begin vote, please.

Motion passes.

Next will be ZC 25 213.

Okay, Jeanette, I don't think we have any speakers on this one.

Oh um, yes, I have specific wording for that.

So I'm going to move to approve as recommended by zoning commissioned with a three-year time limit.

Okay.

Start your voting, please.

Motion passes.

Next will be ZC-26-002.

Council member uh Martinez, we have a number of speakers on this item.

Uh first up is uh Ashton Miller.

It's gonna be followed by Letitia Wilburn.

Good evening, council.

My name is Ashton Miller.

I'm with Encore, address 777 Main Street in Fort Worth, Texas.

Uh, primarily just here to uh answer any questions that the council may have.

Um, but I would like to provide uh a little bit of backstory um as to why we are here today.

Uh so Encore initially purchased the property in 1966, uh, where the uh current uh substation is located.

Um in order to meet um an increase in electrical demand in the area.

Um we have a need to expand uh the current substation.

Today it has uh it's a two transformer station.

Uh what we are proposing as to replace the two transformers and add two additional transformers uh to the east.

Um and so um there were a number of residents that were um that were at the planning and zoning commission.

Um I just like to uh make mention that we did uh reach out to the president of the Echo Heights uh Neighborhood Association and we um I myself did answer uh some of the questions or all of the questions that um uh Mr.

Jones had uh related to to our application.

I believe the the main concern is just nailing down you know exactly what Encore is doing.

Um so by uh requesting a conditional use permit, um, the site plan that will be attached is is what Encore will be constructing.

Um so with that, happy to uh answer any questions that the council may have.

Right.

Janet, or council members, any questions?

I'll wait until the other speakers go.

Thank you.

Patricia Wilburn.

And she will be followed by Chris Jones.

Hi, this is my granddaughter.

She's 21 years old.

She has never been able to enjoy a moment at my home in Echo Heights.

I'm gonna ask Jeanette Martinez to deny this with prejudice.

You are a mother.

Pretty soon you would be a grandmother.

Echo Heights, according to the city, has rezoned over 100 lots from residential to industrial.

This area has become a haven of children with leukaemia, miscarriages, which is by the way, medically known as a spontaneous abortion.

Now, the state of Texas have laws against abortions, but it's okay for the city to continue to allow things in our communities that cause kids to have issues with leukemia and to be aborted.

Now, Encore, they have not met with the community.

I am a member of the neighborhood association, and they have not reached out to Echo Heights, Stop Sixth Environmental Coalition, nor have they reached out to Fort Worth and File Fort Worth Environmental Coalitions of Communities to meet with us.

Now, at the uh commission hearing, Encore said they could put up a wall for the sound.

This is area is known as Echo Heights for a reason.

You cannot put up a wall to buffer the noise from the children.

The abuse is in this community at some point.

Y'all gonna have to put your foot down and say no, just stop it.

Lufkin on February 3rd, 2026, they did the same thing in Luftkin.

Lufkin said no because of the proximity to the school and the proximity to homes.

There are mobile homes in this community.

They are right there.

There are homes in the community are right there.

Those mobile homes should be treated just the same as any other home.

Those children deserve to be treated the same.

People like me deserve to be treated the same.

I deserve to live in an area where my grandchildren can come to my home.

This is one of nine.

And she will tell you, I have never been able to host an event at my home because of the things that go on in Echo Heights.

Now you all sit up there and y'all think it's cool.

Have any of y'all ever been sick with almost a million dollars in medical bills for one event?

Not everything for one event I have, based on what's going on in that community.

What about the women that have counsels?

What about the other people that have counsels?

What about the people that have issues with kidney disease, how blood pressure and other stuff.

This has got to stop.

Y'all are gonna have to say no at some point.

And I know all of y'all are looking at me, but blood is on y'all's hand.

People are next up, we have Chris Jones followed by Caleb Roberts.

One second, I gotta be able to see.

All right, good evening, council members.

My name is Chris Jones.

I am the vice president, not president.

I am vice president of Echo Heights Neighborhood Association.

I'm here tonight to explain how our neighborhood attempted to engage with Encore and to return this matter to our membership for reconsideration.

But we were unable to complete that uh that process before tonight's vote.

The Echo Heights membership previously voted to oppose this zoning request.

After the vote occurred, Encore provided additional clarification.

Notice I said after that vote occurred.

Encore provided additional clarification regarding the zoning configuration of the property and the conditional use permit that would regulate that substation expansion.

You guys showed that on the first page where the confusion has been uh some of it registered as I, some of it registered as B.

Uh so that confusion, but they we couldn't get a lot of clarification on that.

When the executive board reviewed that information, we felt it was important that the residents be given the opportunity to hear clarification directly and ask questions before the association finalized its position.

Because of that, the executive board voted unanimously to return the matter to membership for reconsideration.

I also want to note that the zoning commission's recommendation on this case was not unanimous.

The case passed on a six to four vote during the hearing.

Commissioners specifically asked if Encore had contacted the surrounding neighborhood associations.

Their response given at that meeting was that they had not.

Following the hearing, we were informed that the councilwoman Martinez's office encouraged Encore to reach out to Echo Heights so that a discussion with the residents could occur.

Once additional clarification was provided to us, the executive board attempted to facilitate exactly that type of meeting.

We reached out to Encore.

We requested a representative to attend an evening meeting with our membership so the residents could hear the project overview and ask questions directly.

Because our bylaws require seven days' notice before a meeting will uh where a vote will occur.

We also asked respectively that Encore continue requesting a short continuance from city council so that this meeting could take place and we could have the membership come be complete in its reconsideration process.

Unfortunately, we did not receive a response to that.

There was no sufficient time remaining to conduct a meeting in accordance with our bylaws.

Because the reconsideration meeting could not occur, the prior vote of the membership remains in effect.

That reason Echo Heights Neighborhood Association must maintain its previously adopted position of opposition to this zoning request.

I do want to emphasize that our zoning association made in good faith effort to engage Encore so that residents could receive clarification and potentially reconsider the position based off of dated information.

Our goal has always been transparency and ensuring the residents most directly affected have the opportunity to be informed and participate in the process.

Echo Heights is not opposed to reliable infrastructure.

Our concern is ensuring that projects affecting our neighborhood and following a process that allows residents to be informed, ask questions, and participate meaningfully, meaningly, meaningfully before a final decision is made.

Thank you for your time.

Right.

Thank you, Mr.

Jones.

Uh, next up, Caleb Roberts, followed by Jamie Perkins.

Uh good evening, Caleb Roberts, executive director of Downwinders at Risk.

Uh I work with the Echo Heights community quite a bit.

Um, I'm here to talk about structural racism.

Uh, I don't know if I can even say that here anymore, but I'm gonna go ahead.

Um, I say structural racism because this is maybe the seventh time in three years I've been here about a zoning case to change something into industrial in Echo Heights.

Um, and the gentleman from Encore just said we have increased energy demands.

I wonder if that's because of all the industry in Echo Heights.

So it kind of builds on itself because you create industry, now you need more industry, uh you need more energy uh to maintain those industries.

Uh I know we didn't get to talk about the data center today, but that may be something coming up that they need energy for just south of Echo Heights.

Um, I'm also saying structural racism because we were here maybe eight months ago in June, uh, about a CUP then that we all came out and had uh a lot of fiery words about.

Uh we were kind of chastised for how strongly we came out on that case from members of this council.

And it was almost like the residents knew that that company was full of it.

Because to this day, that $30,000 that was supposed to be donated for air monitors, so we can know the impacts of happening in Echo Heights has not materialized.

I just talked to Dr.

Lowry from University of Texas at Dallas, and he hasn't heard anything in a long time.

That's trust eroding.

You know, like in real time.

We had a conversation about um, you know, how we're gonna respond to the federal government's claims of we can't do minority business and all these things and how that was racist.

But this issue is how racism takes place.

And I have to be honest with you all about it, because if we don't come make noise, these things just happen.

They continue, they spur.

There's an industrial growth center right there in Echo Heights with highways uh built so semi trucks can move things about this this community, but nothing for the community that is there.

Uh, I think they were saying Encore was supposed to do an environmental report where they claim to the community that they did that.

I would love to see that to see what it says.

Additionally, when you look at the zoning report by the staff, there is nothing that signifies that this community has been out multiple times to say that industrial facilities and industrial zoning is a problem.

They just say the adjacent communities are are industrial, they met with the community, but the dozens of times the community was here, and you know the the people from Echo Heights, y'all know when you see them.

There is no notice that the staff can even work on to say that there's an issue, and we have to wait a year plus for the next comprehensive plan to happen.

So, what I want to say is this is structural racism, and y'all have the opportunity to do something about it today.

Thank you, Mr.

Roberts.

Next up, Jamie Perkins, followed by Tina James.

Good evening, I'm Jaime.

I'm here to speak in strong opposition to the zoning change that would allow expansion of Encore's electrical substations.

I took the time to watch the February 11th forward zoning commission meeting where this item was discussed.

Thank you, Ms.

T for sharing that with me.

While a couple of questions were asked of Encore during the meeting, the reality is that there were not nearly enough questions asked.

And honestly, not nearly enough of the right questions were asked before recommending approval.

Because the real questions here is not just about electricity.

The real question is about fairness, accountability, and whose neighborhoods are expected to absorb industrial expansion.

Why is it that time after time it is working class communities of color that are asked to accept more industry creeping into their neighborhoods?

Why are we expanding industrial uses in these areas instead of investing in parks, green spaces, and community assets that improve people's qualities of life?

Why are the same communities that already live with the heavy impacts of industry being asked to take on even more?

This property is currently partially zoned for two family residential housing.

Instead of preserving the potential for housing or community serving development, this proposal would convert the more would convert even more acres to light industrial use.

That is a major land use shift for a neighborhood where people live, raise families, and deserve the same level of protection and planning as any other community in this city.

And here's another question.

That should have been asked.

Why isn't Encore required to meet directly with the community that they're trying to expand into?

Why are residents forced to show up here to react to a plan that has already moved through the process instead of the company being compelled to sit down, listen, and answer questions from people who will actually live next to this?

Communities deserve transparency and respect, not decisions that feel predetermined.

No one is denying that energy is necessary, but necessary.

But it's not necessary that companies get a free pass to site projects in the same communities over and over and over and over again without meaningful engagement, without serious consideration of alternatives, without asking whether the burden is being distributed fairly across the city.

Frontline community should not be the default location for projects that other neighborhoods would never accept.

The recommendation from the zoning commission should not be the end of this conversation.

This meeting should not be the end of this conversation.

It should be the beginning of deeper scrutiny into how this community is facing unjust impacts.

This council has a responsibility to ask the hard questions that were not asked before.

Who benefits from this project?

Who bears the burden?

And why is this not the right place?

I urge you to vote no on this zoning request and stand with the residents who are asking for fairness, transparency, and respect in the planning decision.

Thank you for seeing our neighborhood.

Next up, we have Tina James, followed by Anita Bryson.

All right, child.

Y'all see us here all the time.

Like you said, y'all know who we are.

But I just wanted to kind of piggyback on the situation with uh Encore.

Yeah, I do know that physical and mental health impacts the noise pollution and the potential uh potential exposure from all the uh electromagnetic magnetic fields, the EMF associated with high voltage sustainabilities and significant concerns of residents in the echo heights.

Also, the community environmental burden, our neighbors is already saturated with industrial activities, adding and expanding substation increases the overall toxin and stress on the community that already suffers from disportionated rates of respiratory issues and other pollutions in our community.

I'm asking again that we remove it with the prejudice.

In June 25th, the city council approved the conditional use for the permit for the Fed uh FedEx to operate in our community.

During that meeting, the public was told that the FedEx would provide $30,000 for the WM and Green Air Monitors, residents could see the quality in the air that we would be breathing.

The promise was not taken care of.

Because of our community already surrounded with the industrial activities, trucks, traffic, environmental pressure, the air monitors were supposed to be a trust tool and transparency from the city of Fort Worth, making sure that they followed through with what they needed to do.

The motion to approve that permit was first made by Councilman Nettles, and then second by Councilman Martinez.

But here we are today, months later, and the $30,000 cell have not been given to the city to be sent over in the Echo Heights area.

FedEx was given a response, a deadline, December the 1st, 2025.

They still haven't responded.

So how often do we trust people to come in and say that they're going to take care of our community?

And they still don't.

The city to continues to allow this to happen in the residents and ignores the conditions and permits and what happens.

We get fined, we get cited, and we get shut down.

But when a major corporation ignores the public commit commitment to tie their approvals, nothing happens.

This is not accountability.

This is not transparency.

And the community is the one that suffers.

I'm gonna ask y'all to understand that families live here, children breathe here, grandparents sit on their porches, and churches pray here.

And your community keeps being asked to carry more and more industrial burdens through our community.

I want to acknowledge Councilwoman Deborah Peoples and Councilwoman Mia Hall for standing with the residents and supporting the protection of clean air and community health.

But tonight, this is a bigger than uh two council members.

Tonight it's about the credibility of the entire council because our communities are asking three questions.

First, uh enforce the agreement required by FedEx.

Two, be transparent, tell the community why this condition has yet to be put through and the permit has still been enforced.

Three, stop the expansions of industrial in our community.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

James.

Next speaker, Anita Bryson, followed by Amen Ibrahim.

Good evening, Council members.

My name is Anita Bryson, president of Echo Heights Neighborhood Association.

Uh for decades, our neighborhood has been placed next to industrial use truck, truck, truck uh trucking corridors and facilities that have created real environmental and safety harms.

Our residents have lived with illegal dumping, poor air quality, soil contamination concerns, and stormwater runoff that causes pollution, pollutants into our streets and yards.

These are not abstract issues, they are part of our daily reality.

When this zoning case first came before our membership, residents over and women overwhelmingly voted to oppose.

When the zoning commission later heard the case, commissioners asked whether Encore had contacted the surrounding neighborhood associations.

The answer was no.

After that hearing, we were informed that Council Woman Martinez's office encouraged Encore to reach out to Echo Heights.

When additional clarification about the zoning request was later shared with our leadership, our executive board agreed that residents deserve to hear directly from Encore.

We unanimously unanimously voted to return to the membership for reconsideration.

We followed our bylaws, we provided notice, we invited Encore to attend an evening meeting so residents could ask questions and understand the environmental and safety impact implications of this project, but the meeting never happened.

And in the community that has already endured decades of environmental burdens, that lack of engagement is unacceptable.

Residents needed answers about air quality, soil conditions, stormwater runoff, equipment failures, fire hazards, and how electrical faults would be handled near homes, schools, and churches.

These are basic questions for any neighborhood, and especially for the one that has repeatedly been asked to absorb risk without transparency or protection.

Echo Heights has lived through the consequences of decisions made without community input.

We have seen what happens when environmental and safety concerns are ignored.

We will not allow that pattern to continue because Encore did not meet with our community.

The original vote of our membership remains in place.

And as president, it's my responsibility to stand firmly on that decision.

For these reasons, the Echo Heights Neighborhood Association remains opposed to ZC 26002.

And let me be clear when the city still has not followed up on the FedEx incident that put our residents at risk.

It raises a real question.

If past harms haven't been addressed, how can our community trust that future ones will be?

Echo Heights will not accept one more project, one more risk, one more burden without transparency, accountability, and respect.

Not anymore.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Bryson.

Our next speaker is Amon Ibrahim.

Is Mr.

Ibrahim here?

I think he is.

That's the last of our speakers.

Councilmember Martinez?

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

Um somebody here from zoning, zoning staff, I have a question.

It's really just one question.

Was there any opposition from residents that uh received the 300 foot notice?

Uh um, council member Martinez, what you within the 300 foot notice area.

Um we did not so we did I don't think that we know we did not receive any official any letters from anyone who were who was noticed within that area.

Okay.

Thank you.

Welcome.

Mr.

Miller.

So, you know, for those that aren't familiar with the case, um, you know, this has been an emotional uh zoning case.

Uh what is the purpose of an electric substation?

Yeah, the purpose of an electrical substation, uh, it takes the voltage from a high-powered transmission line in this case, it's the 138 KV line that's there today, it steps that power down and it directly goes into the um homes of the residences in the area, um keeps their lights on as well as the businesses within the area.

Where are those are there where are all the other substations located in Fort Worth?

I know it's not just in one certain area of the city.

Yeah, that they are substations are all over the city of Fort Worth.

Is it uncommon for a substation to be located near neighborhood?

Uh no, ma'am, it is not.

Um how often are these substations inspected?

Uh they are inspected uh monthly.

Um we do have our our district personnel that that go out and visit the site um at least once a month.

So what type of vehicles do those uh inspectors?

Typically, it's your your F250 um F 150 service type of trucks.

Um there are environmental testing that's done when you add um uh transformers, right?

Uh so were there any findings from that environmental testing?

Yeah, so we did do a phase one environmental study um on the um uh property in which we are expanding on as well as what we're currently operating, and there were no environmental concerns.

What would have happened if there was a finding?

Yeah, so if there were a finding, um we would evaluate um what the the concerns were um and then we would clean up the site uh prior to um any construction of of new electrical equipment on site.

So the new equipment that you'll be installing will be installed in phases if this is approved, and then you will replace the old equipment, correct?

Yes, ma'am.

So we will be expanding um just directly to the east of where the existing station is today.

Uh there will be uh two new transformers, uh then the ring bus equipment that connects the lines and to the transformers, as well as one additional uh control enclosure that essentially houses electrical equipment of how we communicate to a station um off-site.

Um there will also be um I just wanted to mention one new access point off of Maxi.

Um this is more modern equipment that's going to be installed, correct?

What was the difference between what's already there and what you're installing?

Yeah, so just like any kind of mechanical electrical equipment, um, it does um require constant maintenance and um the the new transformers are brand new uh transformers um that uh um are much modern, uh much more modern than what is out there currently today, um, as well as um is quieter as well.

Are they the same size?

Are they smaller?

Do they take it?

They are the exact same size as what's out there today, just more uh just updated.

Yes, ma'am.

I see um councilwoman Hall has a question, so I will wait to um all right, Dr.

Hall.

I just had a question with regards to the notice that was sent.

How many notices or how many residents received the notice within the 300 feet?

Like how many were were within that boundary?

Councilmember Hall, I don't have that information in front of me.

I don't I don't have the number.

Um that is the map.

Um, so every property owner within that bubbled area um received a notice.

Okay.

Um, and then with regards to, and maybe I missed it because I know there's been a lot of discussion.

Was there a meeting held with the residents with Encore?

Was there a meeting held with the residents?

No.

No, ma'am, there was not.

Okay.

Okay, no speaking from the floor, please.

Yeah, are you good?

Okay.

Yes.

Deborah.

Oh, sorry.

Not a meeting.

Uh it was recommended by uh councilwoman Martinez and both the president and uh someone else said that they were willing to have the meeting.

Yes, ma'am.

So um the so we did reach out to um the neighborhood um association um to address their questions.

Um not to get too personal or anything.

My I uh we did my wife and I did have our first baby uh last week, and so just timing wise.

Um I was not able to meet with the the residents.

Um there, but we did, I did reach out to um the uh neighborhood association and was provided a list of questions um from the neighborhood association in which I answered every question that was provided to me.

Sandy Demor.

Thank you.

All right, Jeanette.

Thank you.

Um, so I want to note that thank you, Mr.

Miller.

So I want to note that this substation and property has been operating as industrial for approximately 60 years.

There is very little to no traffic out of the property.

Keeping this property under residential purposes would not be appropriate with the surrounding industrial zoning.

To my knowledge, there have been no complaints or concerns about this substation prior to this zoning case.

This expansion will reduce an area uh of open space where homeless camps and legal dumping have been an issue.

Um to reiterate, my motion will clean up the zoning that should have been corrected decades ago.

My motion will ensure that if Encore ever retired this substation, no other use would be allowed, and a zoning change would be required for other development.

Therefore, for ZC26002, I move to approve with the following amended language uh to PDI excluding all uses except for an electrical power substation site plan approved.

All right, second, many discussion.

All right, let's start voting.

See who we missing here.

Uh Chris.

All right.

Motion passes.

Next will be ZC-26-007.

Right.

Chris, we have no speakers on this.

Uh move to approve.

All right.

Seeing none, let's get ready to vote.

Motion passes.

Next is MNC 26-0192.

Right.

Macy, I think you have some language to read in on this one.

Let me get your mic on just a moment.

There you go.

Thank you.

Okay.

I move that the Fort Worth City Council adopt a resolution authorizing use of the power of imminent domain to acquire 0.654 acres in permanent sanitary sewer easement and 0.192 acres in temporary construction easement from real property owned by Canary Properties LP.

The property interest is needed for public use.

The M199C Parallel SS Interceptor Project for easements to construct a relief sewer main.

The property is located at 220 Red Bud Lane in the Cornelius Connolly Survey track number 319, Terrant County, Texas.

The property interest to be acquired is described by meets and bounds and depicted by the survey exhibits attached as Mayor and Council Communication.

Okay, we have a second.

And let's get to voting.

Motion passes.

Mayor Pretend, that concludes all of the action items and gets us to public comments.

All right.

Our first speaker tonight is uh Dolores Phillips.

Followed by Erica Castellani.

Is Dolores Phillips here?

Okay.

Moving on.

Erica Kristen Tillaly.

Is she here?

Okay, moving on.

Connolly Brewer.

Council members, good evening.

My name is Connolly Brewer.

I'm a resident of District 6, and I'm here tonight to voice my opposition to the proposed city council raise, currently designated as proposition G.

One of the primary arguments for this increase is that it will foster economic diversity.

However, decades of political science data, including research in the American Political Science Review, tell a different story.

Higher salaries do not increase blue-collar representation.

In fact, research shows that higher pay often leads to fewer working class politicians as these roles become more attractive to professionalized white-collar career politicians.

Our city charter was intentionally designed around a citizen servant model, residents serving out of duty and not for a career policy salary.

By doubling your pay, you aren't just adjusting for inflation.

You're dismantling a philosophy meant to keep this body grounded in stewardship rather than professional politics.

Furthermore, we must address the cost of play in District 6 alone.

Recent winning campaigns spent between 30,000 and 40,000.

Raising the salary to 50,000 won't lower that barrier.

It's likely to raise it.

A higher prize attracts higher spending campaigns that price out the very candidates you claim to be helping.

Some will point to Dallas, but let's remember Dallas voters soundly rejected a pay raise less than two years ago.

Fort Worth should not be benchmarking against the most expensive cities in Texas, while our taxpayers are facing an $845 million bond proposal and rising infrastructure cost.

I will leave you with this.

If you professionalize these seats, you will change the very nature of our elections.

You may find that instead of fostering diversity, you have simply invited a more crowded, highly funded field of professional challengers that could complicate your very own path to re-election.

Before you ask taxpayers for a hundred percent pay bump, ask yourselves is Fort Worth better served by career politicians or by the community servants, our charter intended.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Brewer.

Next up, Bob Willoughby.

Okay, legal never called me back.

I had to check see if my beagles, my videos clear or not.

They never did call me back.

So play the video, unless it didn't clear.

That's what you said last time.

Your first employee said you would call, you're not called.

So I guess if you don't do an interview with us, then everything you said is just a bunch of lies.

That's all it is.

A bunch of lies.

Mr.

Garcias, why are you afraid to speak to me?

Lloyd.

Mr.

Garcia, why are you afraid?

You're afraid to speak to me, aren't you?

Okay.

Anyway, we'll get that up here in a minute.

And the reason I print these things up and put them out is because not to show off or anything.

Just to send a signal, it's not up there yet.

You'll see it in a minute, maybe, that there's a problem.

You wish you'll see that.

And an issue.

A problem.

Um, I don't blame our police chief, Eddie Garcia for being a coward.

What I do blame is counsel for hiring a coward for a police chief.

Now the man runs away, and you hired him.

You don't deserve a raise whatsoever.

You people I'm surprised you even got the galls that asked for a raise.

This job was meant for people to serve.

You know what?

If I was hiring someone and they didn't answer questions like y'all, I wouldn't hire them.

That wouldn't work for me.

If I hired someone and working in my company, I have I work for the Cowboys.

If my employees showed up late as many times as y'all showed up late, I would fire them.

You should be fired.

You should have a pay cut, not a raise, until you learn what transparency and respect is.

When Carl runs away about the CCPD funds, that's an admission of guilt that you want to raise.

I cannot believe, and you probably get it.

I can't believe it, but you'll probably get it.

Because I feel like I'm living in a bad sitcom, is what I'm in.

Only thing is it's reality.

Until you learn how to be transparent and answer questions.

But actually, this job's not meant for you to live here.

And you know what?

On the ballot, first things on there is your raise.

You know, and I'm glad you put, I'm glad you put terms.

Oh, wait a minute, you didn't put term limits on our did you?

That's what we wanted.

You didn't put that on the ballot from the charter.

No.

But you put what you wanted a raise, right?

And then you walk on people, you lie, and you don't answer questions.

You don't answer questions.

I sent I called your office, the lawyer.

So did my video clear?

No answer.

Last time it got pulled, you said because it was for some of the reasons it's not true.

But anyway, you don't deserve a raise.

You deserve a pay cut.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Willoughby.

Next up, Chris Wood, followed by Derek Perry.

I'm here today to urge you to allow remote speakers at city council meetings.

Four years ago, my stalker's best friend at the time broke my left arm.

Later that day, he tried to break my right arm.

Three days later, he tried to break my lower back and crack my skull.

If he had been successful at all of these attempts, I would have been bedridden for at least six months.

If I had been incapacitated and the current policy banning remote speakers was in place, I would have been unable to give input on city improvements to help stop this type of crime, such as better lighting or improved walkways.

While my experience is extreme, it highlights a broader issue that affects many residents.

Remote options increases accessibility and inclusivity by removing barriers for people with health issues, disabilities, child care responsibilities, or transportation challenges.

Participation is granted without traveling to City Hall, providing a platform for voices that are typically underrepresented in local government.

Also, residents with rigid work schedules can still participate in the decision making process.

It improves government transparency, strengthens trust, and results in more diverse and thoughtful public input.

Increased engagement strengthens local democracy by ensuring decisions reflect a wider range of perspectives.

Furthermore, other large Texas cities allow for remote speaking at council meetings, such as Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin.

Fort Worth is a growing city, and our public engagement policies should reflect that growth.

Please allow remote speakers to attend city council meetings so all Fort Worth residents can participate regardless of injury, disability, or circumstance.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Wood.

Next speaker, Derek Perry, followed by EJ Carrion.

That one over there, sir.

Do you have some handouts?

Give it to the city secretary, please, sir.

All right.

The future of Fort Worth is being shaped by opportunities we create for our children today.

Good evening, Mayor Pro Tim and Council members.

My name is Derek Perry, and I'm here representing the Hope Through Housing Foundation.

Thank you for the opportunity to share a few words about the work we're doing to support families and young people in Fort Worth.

At Hope Through Housing, we believe something simple but powerful.

Stable, affordable housing can be a platform for transformation transformational change.

When families have safe, stable place to live, parents can focus on work and financial stability.

Children have the security they need to learn and grow, and communities become stronger.

But housing alone is not enough.

That's why we provide on-site programs that help residents move from stability to opportunity and self-sufficiency.

We offer financial coaching, workforce training, and wellness programs that help residents build stronger futures.

Our most transformative work hover happens with young people.

In our Fort Worth community, the residences of Diamond Hill, we recently launched the Eric Dickerson Learning Center.

Programs like this help ensure young people growing up in Fort Worth today become skilled workforce and leaders, our city will depend on.

At the heart of the Eric Dickerson Learning Center is a powerful belief.

Every child deserves a chance to succeed.

The center provides mentorship, academic support, and hands-on learning and technology, engineering, digital media, and the arts.

It's a place where students build confidence and begin to imagine new possibilities.

For many students, it's the first place after school where someone is helping them discover their talents and see what their future is.

That's why I'm here tonight.

One way the community can support this work is through Erica Dickerson All-Star Golf Invitational, which raises critical funding for the Learning Student Center and its students.

The event begins with a celebrity dinner and an 18-hole celebrity golf tournament.

If you know businesses or community leaders who believe in investing in the future of Fort Worth and its youth, we welcome introductions to potential sponsors.

Because we when we invest in the success of our children through the Eric Dickerson Learning Center, we're not just changing individual lives, we're strengthening the future workforce and leadership of Fort Worth.

Thank you for your time and your continued commitment to the families and young people of Fort Worth.

Thank you, Mr.

Perry.

Our next speaker is EJ Carrion, followed by Liz Mendoza.

What is going on, beautiful people?

Good to see you guys.

They sent out emails, they sent out phone calls.

All of that communication was really great, informed a lot of people who were probably going to be here today, but they didn't show up because of that communication.

My recommendation in the future is that we actually allow them to still be on sign up for public comments so that if they were available today, if they took off already for work, if they wanted to share their comments still about those data centers, they could have spoke tonight at public comments and just have their names moved there.

Um so you guys can actually still hear from the public who is mad about something clearly, that it changed everything all the way back to June.

And to me, to be fair, this isn't a fight that I was aware about until last uh meeting when I came to show up.

I came to show up advocating for the salary increase because I believe more working people should be able to run for office.

And so Fort Worth is the 11th largest city.

We need to actually have a salary where working class people can run for office.

And so, but I was inspired by the Charmaines at Forest Hill, the you know, Tina James at Stop Six, Miss Weston from the Weston Gardens, or Miss T from Echo Heights.

And so I use my platform to activate and to communicate with people and clearly Black Mountain says they go out to get public comments and get public feedback, but obviously spending only 48 hours, 72 hours caring about this and creating an action network and a letter and activating with organizers, we see there's a lot of people frustrated about this.

So I really want to close with my one minute is like who do you really answer to?

Who do you really think you know lead by?

You know, the people are speaking up about things, and somehow every time when the people react, we minimize it, we minimize it, we make it harder, we make it harder.

And I just want you guys to know, you know, this is history repeating itself.

We know this happened with um right Denton County with the fracking and the oil, and they got that passed, but then Governor Abbott, you know, made a state mandate where then they had to be forced to be able to allow the oil and fracking happen.

And you're right, you know, you guys may fight for with us for data centers and say no, and then that same thing's gonna happen to you.

Um, but that's your job as municipal leaders, not to sit here and say, oh, the state told us we had to do it.

Because the Republicans on here, you guys are the ones for local control.

So if anyone should be writing a letter to Abbott and other people is you guys, because municipal power is the thing you guys should be fighting for.

And so I'm looking over the next year and a year and a half.

How do y'all respond to state things being pressed on you, like the state takeover of Fort Worth ISD?

We continue to enable them, and you guys said it wasn't for Miss Molinar is why it was okay, and where's Ms.

Mullin R today?

So listening to the state isn't always the right thing to do.

Thank you, Mr.

Carrion.

Next up, Liz Mendoza, followed by Chandler Sharp.

Good evening.

Sorry, I ran in here, so I'm catching my breath.

I was listening in.

My name is Liz Mendoza, resident of Irving, and I'm here to speak against data centers in our communities.

Data centers deplete our water, land, and energy.

They skyrocket electric bills that the working class then has to foot that bill, not the tech bros that are trying to implement these data centers.

There's argument.

So these data centers need fresh water.

And I actually had a question not that long ago asking, well, why can't we use salt water?

It's because of its eroding properties.

These data centers need fresh water.

We are taking fresh water away from drinking water away from our communities to have these data centers.

So let's all take stock and think of this when we use Chat GPT when creating AI image slop we don't need just because we're bored.

That goes for all of us.

AI is making us dumber, lazier, and leaving us without our necessary resources to survive.

So I suggest that all of us in this room we delete any AI apps and disable any AI features on our browsers and apps.

Look out for your most vulnerable communities because we're setting these data centers up in vulnerable communities.

Why is that?

So that's all to say.

Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Mendoza.

Next speaker, Chandler Sharp, followed by Adira and Amelia Goodpastor.

Good evening, Council.

My name is Chandler Sharp from District 9.

And want to build on the previous comments about the Black Mountain Data Center, and also focus on water.

So along with the negative effects that data centers have, including light pollution and noise pollution, water is also a critical, a critical thing that data centers need.

So turn up data centers, intense water usage is needed for cooling these centers, which depending on the size could be anywhere from one to five million gallons daily.

And one of the primary sources is groundwater.

A study published last year, recently saw studied cities across the nation.

And both Fort Worth and Dallas are two of the fastest sinking cities in the country, especially amongst inland cities.

And a big cause of that is extraction of groundwater too quickly.

And so these and on top of that, centers are not required to report water usage.

And the data that we have on how much water these data staters are using is highly inadequate.

And to build on top of that, the Texas state water plan does not include projected demand growth for data centers as well, which is poised to place unprecedented stress on water supplies across Fort Worth, Dallas, the state, and ultimately the nation.

So three months from now, when making this vote, take all of this consideration on how data centers like Black Mountain are gonna have negative effects on communities across Fort Worth, across the state, and ultimately the nation.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Sharp.

Next speakers, Yadira and Emilia Goodpastor.

Yadir and Amelia Goodpastor are here.

Moving on.

Next speaker.

Shakira Hussein, followed by Walla Omar.

Good evening, Council.

My name is Shabi Hussein.

Instead of trying to unpack every global crisis unfolding right now, though many of them are deeply important.

I want to focus on something that quietly connects to many of them.

Islamophobia.

When fear, misinformation, and prejudice are allowed to grow unchecked, they can lead to discrimination, violence, and even tragedy.

We see this we see this rhetoric that spreads harmful stereotypes about Muslims.

For example, political figures have openly suggested that Muslims are terrorists, that Somali communities shouldn't be removed, or that Islam should not be treated as a protected religion under the constitution.

Regardless of political affiliation, this kind of language spreads like wildfire, and it encourages people to see an entire group of human beings as a threat.

I'm sorry.

As a threat rather than neighbors, history shows us where that thinking can lead.

In 2015, three young Muslim students, I Barakat, Yusser Yusser, Abu Salah, and Razan Abu Salah were murdered in their home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Many in Muslim community believed that the attack reflected deeper anti-Muslim hostility.

In 2017, Nabra Hassanin, a 17-year-old high school student from Virginia, was murdered while walking with friends after Ramadan prayers.

She was known as a compassionate and caring sister and friend.

May God have mercy on her soul.

These tragedies are painful reminders that hateful rhetoric can have real consequences.

And here in North Texas, we have even heard public discussions about deporting, jailing, and converting Muslims, or redefining Islam so it would no longer be protected by the First Amendment.

Political scientists have said that rhetoric like this crosses a dangerous line.

Islamophobia is not just a global issue, it is a community issue.

I am a Somali black American and I am proud of who I am, the faith that guides me.

Muslims are your neighbors, your students, your co-workers.

We contribute to this community.

We care deeply about the future of the city just like everyone else.

Leadership is not only about budgets and policies, it's about protecting the dignity and safety of everyone who calls this city home.

So my question to the mayor is what concrete steps will this city take to ensure that Muslim residents are protected from discrimination and hate, and that Islamophobia has no place in our community.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Sang.

Next speaker.

Wallah, followed by Daniel Martinez Saldabar.

Good evening and greetings of peace.

I reside in District 5.

My name is Walla Omer, or as my students call me, Miss Omer, the best teacher in the world.

So as councilwoman Dr.

Hall said, we are counting down the days for spring break.

We feel it.

I teach third grade math, science, social studies, reading, and writing at a public school.

I know.

But beyond those subjects, I teach something even more important.

In my classroom, I teach my students that everyone belongs.

I teach them that every shade of pigment, every texture of hair, whether it's covered or not, every accent, every learning style, every story is welcome.

I teach my students that beneath our beautiful differences, we all share the same red blood.

We all deserve dignity.

We all deserve to belong.

Yet only five miles from my home, at the light of the world church and footworth, political and community community leaders hosted a panel called Muslims on the Menu just this past Friday on the 5th.

During that event, they discussed unthinkable ideas like deporting Muslims, jailing Muslims, and even forcibly converting them in their own words to eradicate what they described as a threat of Islam.

They reduced my faith, Islam to something degrading and attempting to redefine it as a political ideology.

The same Islam that guides me every day when I step into my classroom.

It calls me to teach with excellence, to pour with love into my students, to be kind to my neighbors, and serve my community with compassion, humility, and dignity.

I am American, I am Sudanese, I am a hijabi, I am educated, I am a law-abiding citizen.

Above all, I am human with the right to be protected and define who I am.

At Al Hidaya Academy, the mosque where I also teach, a few miles away, we recently hosted a Ramadan Iftar and invited community leaders, including Councilman Deborah Peoples.

Together we shared meals and built bridges.

During the sacred month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world are fasting, praying for peace, healing, and stronger communities.

Yet here in Texas, we are facing misunderstanding.

I stand before you today as an educator and activist and a proud Muslim American to say that I will not allow others to write my story or define my history.

I am a teacher, a believer, a neighbor, a proud American.

And I ask the leaders of Fort Worth one question.

Will you stand?

You represent in the city.

Thank you, Miss Momir.

Our next speaker is Daniel Martinez Saldavar, followed by Jaimet Perkins, uh hello, my name is Daniel Martinez Alivar, and I'm here to talk about the data centers.

And if you're allowed to you allow them to build a danger center data centers, many of our people in the community are gonna suffer who are making who are barely making enough in order to pay for the to pay for the bills of this moment.

And if you allow them, it's gonna increase taxes and many more things, way more than they can afford, and it's gonna increase and is gonna increase the um is gonna increase in homelessness because or is gonna increase in that number because people are barely or for those people that barely been able to pay for them, then yeah, I'm just gonna continue.

Don't worry.

Uh they're barely gonna be able to make it and if the Danish data centers were there, then you basically be the ruin for many of the families and people who are trying to make a living or the or to create the American dream by break in today, or essentially.

Thank you, Daniel.

Next up, we have Jaiman Perkins, followed by Alexander Stein.

Hello, my name is Jaime, and I'm here tonight to ask you to reject any rezoning that would enable the proposed Black Mountain Data Center in Southeast Fort Worth.

This project is enormous.

The proposed campus is expected to cover over 450 acres.

That's more than 340 football fields.

Once land is rezoned and developed at that scale, it permanently locks in industry into an area.

And data centers don't operate like normal businesses.

They run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, cooling systems, ventilation, backup generators, lighting, all running non-stop.

That means constant noise, constant light, and constant industrial activity.

But what makes this proposal especially troubling is where it's being placed and who it will affect.

I want to talk about some of the people who are already living with the consequences of this proposal and what it will mean to them.

Charmaine Pruitt, who has been organizing her community in Forest Hill, bringing neighbors together and raising concerns about what this project will mean for their quality of life.

Bridget, who has lived in her quiet neighborhood for more than 40 years, after decades of building a peaceful life in her community, she's now being told that a massive industrial data center operating around the clock may become her neighbor.

Sue Weston has poured years of her life, her resources, and her passion into building Western Gardens, a historic and beautiful green space that serves a commun as a community treasure.

And now that place is a at risk of being overshadowed by industrial development and Miss T, who spent years fighting against the heavy industrial burden already placed on her community, landfills, warehouses, trucky, substations, and factories.

Instead of relief, she's now being asked to fight yet another massive industrial project.

These stories matter because Southeast Fort Worth is already carrying a heavy industrial burden.

Adding one of the largest data center developments in Texas here would only deepen that burden.

It would bring increased truck traffic, pollution, and strain on local infrastructure.

And projects like this demand enormous resources, millions of gallons of water per day, and massive amounts of electricity, all while being proposed near Lake Arlington, a critical regional water supply.

The impacts won't just stop at Fort Worth's border either.

Communities in Forest Hill, Everman, Arlington, Kennedale, and Massfield will all feel the consequences of this decision.

This isn't just about a data center.

It's about whether people who have built their lives in these communities are going to be heard or whether their neighborhoods will continue to be treated as places where industry can expand without limits.

Please, I ask you to stand with residents like Charmaine, Bridget, Sue, and Miss T.

Reject any future zoning requests that would enable Black Mountain Data Center and protect Southeast Fort Worth from becoming even Thank you, Mr.

Perkins.

Appreciate your comments.

Next up, Alexander Stein, followed by Sad Dowdy.

Alexander Stein.

All right, moving on.

Sad Dowdy.

All right, moving on.

Jean Batty.

Jean Batti.

Moving on.

Messiah Homer.

Messiah Homer.

Hello, I want to introduce myself as Jamisia Homer.

Sorry for the mispronunciation.

That's okay.

Um, I am a resident of Fort Worth.

I've been here 44 years.

Um, I'm a little nervous because I didn't know who to reach out to.

Um I've went through a lot of horrendous things, unsafe, and unprotected things in Terran County over the last few years.

I've attempted to make several complaints with the local NAACP.

I spoke with Chris, which he was pretty helpful.

Um a few years ago, I had a racist issue at a job I was working for as an insurance adjuster.

I took it to the uh EEOC, and they provided me with the right to sue a company.

I did sue, and I won the suit.

Um after that, I opened up my own business, and I started to receive backlash and didn't know where it was coming from.

Um, I received several complaints on my business, which eventually I had to shut down.

Um sorry.

Uh after that, I started receiving a lot of things, attempting to sabotage my name, my character, my mental health, and didn't know it was where it was coming from.

Uh I've been watching my home, my jobs, and I didn't know if this was coming from the actual company.

I don't have any enemies or anything of that sort, so I just assumed it was from this company.

Um I go with this moment.

My mental health is being lied on.

Um, I haven't had any issues with anything of that nature.

Um the reason why I'm here is because I have a daughter who attends LSU.

This is her sophomore year, and I don't feel safe in the community.

Um I've never been questioned on my mental health or anything of that sort, but a couple of years ago, my home was intruded.

The security um on doors now are entering a code.

Someone entered my my home and I wasn't aware, and drugs were put in a couple of things in my house.

I later, maybe a couple of days later, fell and had an incident to where I was in the ICU for a few days, and they found drugs in my system, not placed there by me.

After that, I reached out to Chris and spoke with him about it and tried to um see what I could do to have an investigator to see what was going on.

I later reached out to the lawyer that helped me with the suit, and he's now looking into everything as well.

I've reached out to NAACP Lee Merritt, which is also a civil rights attorney.

And Summer, please conclude your comments.

Okay.

I'm really just looking for someone to possibly help with anything or just bring some type of awareness to what's going on.

Right.

Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you.

All right, next speaker, Adrian Smith, followed by David Martinez.

You all should have received handouts.

Good evening, Mayor Pro Tim and Council.

My name is Adrian Smith, and I am a volunteer reading a prepared statement on behalf of Keep Lake Como Beautiful.

KLCB, a program approved for life community development corporation.

I am reading the organization's approved text of record.

KLCB seat at the table campaign is grounded in one principle.

No single entity should be treated as the sole civic voice for an entire neighborhood.

In Lake Como, residents repeatedly report delayed notice, incomplete visibility and uncertainty about where neighborhood records are housed.

When communication is functionally rooted through one channel, people find out late.

Feel voices are heard, and community trust erodes.

Even when people are trying to do right, trying to do the right thing.

KLCB is requesting a process fix that the city can implement clearly.

One multiple organization distribution of city facing notice and updates.

Two, a public custodian map for records by department and project type.

And three, a standard public materials package notice, meeting materials, summary, and next step pathway.

These standards protect everyone, residents, partner organizations, city staff, and council.

These are governance, governance improvements, not personal disputes.

They strengthen collaboration while preserving recognized neighborhood roles.

Lake Como is bigger than any one table.

We are collecting stakeholder sign-ons for a seat at the table.

Campaign at bit.ly forward slash lake como table.

Thank you for your time.

And in closing, I would like to uh welcome everyone out to join to join us for the state of Lake Como Town Hall.

This is the annual kickoff for KSCB season two, porch to curve.

This Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Como Community Center, 4660 Horn Street, 10 a.m.

to 12 p.m.

And with my last 20 seconds, I just want to encourage the voices that had come out tonight.

If this is your first time to keep coming, thank you for coming.

Your voice is unnecessary.

Stay encouraged, keep going forward.

I'm with you, and know that you're not alone.

Thank you, Mr.

Smith.

Our last speaker is David Martinez.

Good evening.

2,000 feet.

Appreciate all that that was done.

I am uh deeply deeply deep concerned with the people that were here that uh were the ones on the opposite side.

Um, but we're working on that.

In fact, I have a plan to get rid of the ones that were grandfathered in already for the sex offenders.

Uh I have a plan where we can eliminate them to also uh contact me after this meeting, and I'll be able to share that with y'all.

Uh also uh, and and God bless y'all and your descendants, please.

That what y'all have done, y'all saved lots of children with that one ordinance, but we can go further.

Um so the next thing I want to bring up because I've been talking about serious things, and uh there are other matters that I would like to talk about the uh for the Native Americans.

We had a stock show uh parade, and there was a clown who got up there and uh ridiculed and insulted the Native American community.

I wish that he will never uh be a part of this uh stock show ever again, the stock show parade ever again.

He insulted the Native American community, dressed up and to insult us.

Um we don't have very much.

And what we do have, we want to hold on to it, and that's our respect.

And so I'm gonna I'm gonna make sure that he never uh shows his face at the stock show parade ever again.

Um, another thing I want to bring up is uh uh councilman Hill, Councilwoman Hill.

Uh appreciate what the the chat out of the cowgirls, all that stuff.

One of the things I wanted to bring up is uh an opportunity for the Native Americans to have their own day at the stock show.

That would be great for the Native Americans.

They have excellent horseback riders.

And if you see it, it's like Formula One Racing.

It is very exciting, it's dangerous, it's but it's exciting.

Um, I also want to bring up the thing in District 8 with the data center.

Look, I'm not gonna be a hypocrite because I have so much data on my phone and other things, and everybody else.

I don't see anybody tossing their phones out.

So I don't want to be a hypocrite, and it's in my backyard in Carter Park across the freeway.

But also uh I want to uh tell y'all also uh another thing also would bring up is so I I went against this and I posted on the Facebook page on Northside uh Facebook page.

We got 65,000 members, and I was a tech, and they're making me a target.

A national pedophile group has made me a target, but I want to tell y'all something.

Come get some.

God bless y'all.

Thank you, Ms.

Martinez, and that's the end of our speakers.

Any other business, Jeanette?

All right, we are adjourned at 10 minutes after eight.