OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Fort Worth City Council Meeting – March 10, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, March 10, 2026
BodyFort Worth, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, March 10, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:10:49

Transcript — Verbatim
1:00

Good evening and welcome to the city council meeting.

1:03

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

1:12

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

1:17

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.

1:50

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

1:56

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

2:02

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

2:16

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

2:24

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

2:31

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.

2:47

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

5:02

All right.

5:03

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

5:07

Let's see.

5:07

First up, I believe, is uh Councilmember Martinez.

5:13

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

5:31

Good afternoon, everyone.

5:33

So I'm super excited to be here today.

5:35

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

5:37

And so we're celebrating Girl Scout Week.

5:39

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.

5:48

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

5:53

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.

6:07

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.

6:24

Now, this is a surprise.

6:25

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

6:29

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

6:35

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.

6:43

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

6:52

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.

7:02

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

7:07

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

7:23

So I will now read this.

7:25

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

7:31

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.

7:43

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.

7:57

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.

8:14

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.

8:27

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.

8:41

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.

9:00

Do you want to say a few words?

9:06

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

9:10

Thank you, Jeanette.

9:12

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.

9:20

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

9:25

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

9:32

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

9:36

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

9:38

So, but thank you all so much.

9:40

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

9:45

I really appreciate it.

9:48

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?

9:58

I think you're here.

9:59

You're still here.

10:00

Dana, board member, yes.

11:03

All right, guys.

11:04

Let's look here first.

11:46

Congratulations, Becky.

11:47

Well deserved.

11:52

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

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement█████████████████████21%
Procedural███████████████15%
Environmental Protection███████████11%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Youth Programs███████7%
Land Use Planning███████7%
Economic Development█████5%
Racial Equity█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Fort Worth City Council Meeting – March 10, 2026

The Fort Worth City Council held a regular session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, beginning at 6:02 PM and adjourning at 8:10 PM. Mayor Mattie Parker was absent; Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores presided. The meeting included special presentations, approval of a 52-item consent agenda, several resolutions and ordinances, a public hearing on the Crime Control and Prevention District budget, 11 zoning cases, and a condemnation resolution. A total of 29 public speakers addressed the council on consent items, zoning cases, and general public comments.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved (10-0) the Consent Agenda containing 52 items, including:
    • Acceptance of a $124,103 voluntary contribution from Tarrant Regional Water District for Public Improvement District No. 23 (Panther Island).
    • Reallocation of $214,931 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for Wi‑Fi, public events, and IT infrastructure.
    • Approval of the project and financing plan for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 18 (Walsh Ranch TIF).
    • A developer funding agreement with D.R. Horton – Texas, Ltd. for intersection improvements at Avondale Haslet and Wagley Robertson Roads ($1,129,570).
    • A $191,896 contract with artist Susan Narduli for artwork at Sendera Springs Library.
    • Numerous water, sewer, and street infrastructure contracts and change orders.
  • One consent speaker, Adrian Smith, spoke on the artwork contract, expressing support but also urging the council to address the future of the Fort Worth Community Arts Center.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Conly Brewer (District 6 resident) opposed Proposition G (council pay raise), arguing higher salaries attract career politicians and increase campaign spending.
  • Bob Willoughby spoke against the CCPD budget amendments, calling for an audit of expenditures and alleging lack of transparency.
  • Chris Wood urged the council to allow remote public speaking at meetings, citing accessibility for residents with disabilities, childcare needs, or rigid work schedules.
  • Derek Perry (Hope Through Housing Foundation) promoted the Eric Dickerson Learning Center and requested sponsorship for a golf invitational to support youth programs.
  • EJ Carrion advocated for working-class council pay but criticized the council's handling of data center zoning and urged stronger local control.
  • Liz Mendoza, Chandler Sharp, Daniel Martinez Saldivar, and Jaime Perkins opposed the proposed Black Mountain Data Center in Southeast Fort Worth, citing water consumption, noise, light pollution, increased utility costs, and cumulative industrial burdens on vulnerable communities.
  • Shukri Hussein and Wala Omer addressed Islamophobia and requested concrete steps from the city to protect Muslim residents from discrimination and hate.
  • Jimecia Homer described personal safety concerns and asked for investigative assistance regarding alleged harassment and intrusion.
  • Adrian Smith (Keep Lake Como Beautiful) requested process improvements for city communication and records access for neighborhood organizations.
  • David Martinez spoke on behalf of Native American community, requesting a designated day at the stock show and condemning a parade clown's offensive portrayal.
  • Several additional speakers registered but were not present when called.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 26-5831 (Veale Ranch PID): Council Member Crain moved to amend the public hearing date from April 14 to April 28, 2026. The resolution as amended passed 10-0.
  • Ordinance 26-5832 (Habitual Nuisance Commercial Properties): Adopted 10-0. Daniel Haase spoke in support, emphasizing that negligent commercial property owners consume disproportionate public safety resources.
  • Public Hearing – M&C 26-0198 (CCPD Budget Amendments): Approved 10-0, authorizing $66,480 in adjustments and $1,852,296 in amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 Crime Control and Prevention District Budget. Bob Willoughby spoke in opposition, demanding an audit and transparency.
  • Zoning Cases:
    • ZC-25-184, ZC-25-205, ZC-26-004: Continued at applicant request to future dates (June 9, June 9, and May 12, 2026, respectively).
    • ZC-25-185 (Concrete batch plant): Continued to April 28, 2026.
    • ZC-25-208: Continued to April 28, 2026, at the applicant's request.
    • ZC-25-212 (6605 Dan Danciger Road): Approved 10-0 (from CF to ER).
    • ZC-25-210 (2104 R.W. Bivens Lane): Approved 10-0 (from UR/SSO to A-5/SSO).
    • ZC-25-211 (5904 & 5908 Etsie Street): Denied with prejudice 10-0, upholding the Zoning Commission's recommendation. Supporters (applicant and Daniel Molina) cited small business opportunity; opponent Daniel Haase cited proximity to the Trinity River and existing code violations.
    • ZC-25-213 (120 Riverside Drive & 3115 Chenault Street): Approved 10-0 with a 3-year time limit for a conditional use permit for retail sales and a hydraulic shop.
    • ZC-26-002 (Oncor Electric substation expansion, Echo Heights): Approved 7-3 (Peoples, Hall, Nettles dissenting) as amended to “PD/I” excluding all uses except an electrical power substation, with site plan approval. Multiple residents and advocates (Letitia Wilbourn, Chris Jones, Caleb Roberts, Jaime Perkins, Teena James, Anita Bryson) expressed opposition, citing cumulative environmental burdens, lack of community engagement, and past unfulfilled promises (e.g., FedEx air monitors). Council Member Martinez offered the amendment to limit the use.
    • ZC-26-007 (2928 Burton Avenue): Approved 10-0 (from PD1342 to A-5).
  • M&C 26-0192 (Eminent Domain for Sanitary Sewer Easement): Resolution adopted 10-0 authorizing condemnation of 0.654 acres permanent easement and 0.192 acres temporary construction easement from Canary Properties LP for the M‑199C Parallel SS Interceptor Project.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda approved 10-0 (Mayor absent).
  • Resolution 26-5819 (Employees' Retirement Fund trustees) adopted 10-0.
  • Resolution 26-5831 (Veale Ranch PID) adopted as amended, moving the public hearing to April 28, 2026; vote 10-0.
  • Ordinance 26-5832 (Habitual Nuisance Commercial Properties) adopted 10-0.
  • Public hearing on CCPD budget amendments closed and M&C 26-0198 approved 10-0.
  • Zoning decisions: 4 cases approved, 1 denied, 4 continued to future dates.
  • ZC-26-002 approved with restrictive amendment (7-3); dissenting council members cited community opposition and environmental justice concerns.
  • Resolution 26-0192 authorizing eminent domain adopted 10-0.
  • The meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.

Meeting Transcript

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.

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