Fort Worth City Council Meeting: June 9, 2026
Fort Worth City Council Meeting
On June 9, 2026, the Fort Worth City Council held a regular meeting. The meeting opened with special presentations honoring community leaders and organizations, followed by consent agenda items, council announcements, and multiple zoning and land-use votes. Public comment focused heavily on proposed data center developments, with many residents calling for a moratorium.
Recognitions & Presentations
- Dr. Opal Lee (100th birthday): The council recognized Dr. Opal Lee, the "grandmother of Juneteenth," with a proclamation for her life of service and advocacy, including the establishment of Juneteenth as a national holiday and her role in the upcoming National Juneteenth Museum. Her granddaughter, Promise, accepted on her behalf.
- Lake Como Neighborhood Advisory Council: Recognized for winning Neighborhood of the Year awards at the local and national levels for three consecutive years (2023–2025). Councilmember Mia Hall presented the proclamation, noting the community's food drives, after-school programs, and celebrations.
- Hip Pocket Theater (50th season): Proclaimed June 9, 2026, as Hip Pocket Theater Day. The theater, Fort Worth's oldest outdoor experimental theater, has produced original musicals and community programs since 1976.
- Osprey Bass Anglers Club (35th Annual Youth Fishing Festival): Recognized for hosting a free youth fishing festival at Greenbrier Community Center. The club, founded by military veterans, provides equipment and bait to encourage family outdoor activities.
- Dr. Gwendolyn Morrison (50 years of service): Honored for 50 years as the longest-serving board member of Tarrant County College District (elected in 1976). She highlighted TCC's record-high degrees (over 9,000) and dual-enrollment growth (90% since 2015).
- Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Lanzar Program: Recognized the sixth cohort of graduates, with nearly 60 entrepreneurs completing the program. Approximately 80% completed business plans, and over 20 new LLCs were formed.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of consent agenda (motion carried). Two speakers addressed items: Bob Willoughby alleged misuse of Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD) funds and called for a Texas Rangers audit; Adrian Smith congratulated Captain Paula Conway on a $1,116,936 settlement against former Police Chief Neil Noakes and questioned a $5.6 million water meter contract.
Items Continued or Withdrawn
- ZC 25-184 and ZC 25-205 continued to December 8, 2026.
- MNC 26-0422 continued to June 23, 2026.
Council Presentations & Announcements
- Mayor Pro Tem Flores: Reported on the Northwest Division Summer Kickoff, Memorial Day service, summer reading challenge, Modern Aviation groundbreaking at Meacham Airport, Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce luncheon, TMAC manufacturing awards, and FIFA events. Announced the Greater Northside Juneteenth Freedom Festival (June 19–20).
- Councilmember Nettles: Highlighted the Harvey Peace Community Center renovation, a court-in-community event (170 served, 550 cases resolved, 468 warrants cleared), a game room dedication at Mount Olive Baptist Church, high school graduations, a TCEQ meeting regarding Highland Hills, and Mount Gilead Baptist Church's final service. Announced Soul of Sycamore (June 20), East Side Cops vs. Community Barbecue Cook-off (June 20), and leadership training (June 13).
- Councilmember Beck: Mentioned reading to children at the Museum of Science and History, Carry the Load walk (60+ employees), Mount Gilead recognition, FIFA watch parties in Sundance Square, Artisan Circle night markets (June 13, July 11, August 8), and Pride Month events (June 27).
- Councilmember Martinez: Summarized a District 11 Town Hall (55 residents, multiple city departments), Earth Day event (over 16,500 lbs hazardous waste disposed), career expos, a public art piece at Riverside Park, upcoming meetings on railroad safety (June 15) and water/sewer improvements (June 18), and Father's Day events at community centers.
Discussion Items & Votes
CCPD Budget Amendments (MNC 26-0459): Approved a $9,720,521 amendment to the fiscal year 2026 Crime Control and Prevention District budget. Speakers Adrian Smith and Bob Willoughby questioned transparency and effectiveness of mission partners. Councilmember Nettles requested staff explanation of the application and reporting process. Motion carried.
Master Transportation Plan (MNC 26-0506): Approved the city's first comprehensive Master Transportation Plan. Speakers included Dylan Moroni (Tarrant County), Rusty Fuller (community advisory committee), Victor Vandergriff (citing regional examples), and Tara Crawford (Trinity Metro). All praised the plan's focus on systems, safety, and implementation. Councilmembers Beck and Peoples moved and seconded approval. Motion carried unanimously.
Zoning Cases:
- ZC 25-185 (Concrete batch plant, Dean Road): Denied after councilmember Flores moved to deny, citing incompatibility with adjacent residential and elementary school (Esperanza). Speakers included the applicant (Joseph Pasanisi) and opponents (Kent De Cardenas, Adrian Smith) who raised concerns about air quality and proximity to children.
- ZC 26-009 (Adult rehab daycare/educational center): Approved after the applicant described a rental property with an adult rehab daycare and kids educational center. Councilmember Nettles noted that Glen Crest would change the allowed uses. Motion carried.
- ZC 26-015 (Duplexes in Morningside): Denied after councilmember Peoples moved to deny, citing incompatibility and lack of community meeting. Speakers: Cesar Gonzalez (in favor) and Charlotte Tobias (opposed, resident).
- ZC 26-017: Continued to August 11, 2026.
- ZC 26-040: Approved.
- ZC 26-039: Approved as amended by zoning commission.
- SP-26-006: Approved.
- ZC 25-206 (vacant lot development): Approved, with councilmember Martinez noting it will mitigate issues from absentee ownership and bring jobs.
- ZC 26-013: Approved.
- ZC 26-048 (QuickTrip car wash): Approved after councilmember Nettles supported, citing QuickTrip's long presence, support from a charter school, over 60 letters of support, and added buffering. Opponents (Steve Epstein, Amelia Wheeler, Adrian Smith) argued incompatibility with nearby residences and inadequate noise mitigation. City staff recommended denial but council overruled.
- ZC 26-049: Approved.
- ZC 26-052: Approved.
- ZC 26-053: Continued to August 11, 2026.
- ZC 26-054 (Stockyards structured parking): Approved after councilmember Flores highlighted the need for parking with 10 million annual visitors. The applicant (Paul) noted that the Stockyards Inc. board initially denied but later approved after discussions.
- ZC 26-057: Approved with amendments requiring larger sites to comply with urban forestry requirements and replacing land use survey map.
- ZC 26-058: Approved.
Eminent Domain Resolutions:
- MNC 26-0475: Approved for unspecified property.
- MNC 26-0477 (Water transmission line project): Approved after councilmember Jameson read a lengthy recital of properties needed for the North Side 54-inch water main project.
- MNC 26-0479 (Sanitary sewer easements): Approved for properties on Burton Avenue to replace deteriorated clay pipe.
Other Approvals:
- MNC 26-0454: Approved.
- MNC 26-0463 (Will Rogers Coliseum management agreement): Approved, with councilmember Hill thanking staff for years of work.
- MNC 26-0489: Approved.
Public Comments & Testimony
Data Centers & Moratorium Requests (majority of speakers): Over 20 residents addressed the council, urging a moratorium on data center development until 2028. Key points included:
- Water consumption concerns (AI data centers use GPUs, not CPUs, and can consume up to 161 billion gallons by 2030 per one estimate).
- Noise pollution from cooling systems and generators (speakers cited decibel levels and low-frequency hum).
- Inadequate state regulation (Texas Water Plan does not account for data centers).
- Health impacts (asthma, sleep disruption).
- Campaign contributions: Councilmembers collectively received roughly $44,000 from Black Mountain CEO Rhett Bennett; speaker Jonathan Demarest called it a
political liability. - Several speakers referenced the Granbury experience and the need for independent environmental studies.
- Council was asked to direct the city manager to begin a moratorium process.
Other Comments:
- Bob Willoughby criticized the mayor and council, alleging corruption and misuse of CCPD funds.
- Sarah Bradford described dust and health problems from nearby construction.
- Adrian Smith advocated for restoring remote public comment.
- Manuel Mata and others raised issues of police accountability and use of force incidents.
- Conley Brewer (via video, later disallowed) urged rejection of a proposed street maintenance fee, arguing the recent $845 million bond should suffice.
- Amirick Sharma presented technical arguments against AI data centers.
- Several speakers addressed the Fort Worth ISD takeover and police actions at a protest.
Key Outcomes
- Master Transportation Plan adopted.
- CCPD budget amendment approved.
- Data center moratorium: No action taken; public comment heard but no vote scheduled.
- Concrete batch plant denied near school.
- QuickTrip car wash approved despite staff and neighborhood opposition.
- Multiple zoning cases approved with few significant changes.
- Eminent domain authorized for water and sewer projects.
- Public comment procedures: Council sustained a point of order to stop a pre-recorded video and limited group speaker time, prompting criticism from attendees.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the city council meeting. Before Mayor Parker 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 that interferes with the ability of those present to observe or to participate in the meeting without disruption or fear of intimidation, threats, or hostility. An individual engaging in disruptive conduct may be removed from the chamber and could be arrested for disruption of a meeting. Speakers who engage in disruptive conduct should could have their mic muted and be removed from the chamber and arrested for disruption of a meeting. Disruptive conduct includes yelling, screaming, clapping, or 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. The bell will sound when you have 30 seconds remaining. Before you begin your comments, please state your name and city of residence. Thank you. Thank you, Jeanette, and welcome to your Fort City Council meeting. We are hereby called to order. Tonight's invocation will be by Pastor Ben Weiss from Grace Community Church. Please rise for the invocation and remain standing for the Pledges of Allegiance. Father, we welcome you into this place. We're so grateful that you are God and you are good and you do all things well. We ask for your wisdom tonight as decisions are made, as we have conversation, we ask for unity as we gather. We ask for your peace that passes understanding to guard our hearts and guard our minds in Christ Jesus. Lord, I pray that you would direct our steps. The wisdom that you promise in James chapter one would be available for each of us today, that you would get glory from all that we do, Father. In your name we pray, Jesus. Amen. Have either of the ASL interpreters arrived. Our first items of business are the special presentations, with the first one being a presentation of a recognition celebrating 100 years of life of Dr. Opal Lee. And promise, if you'd like to join me up here, you'd be welcome to. And counsel anyone that would like to join me for this important recognition. You of course will be welcome as well. This evening we are honored to have a recognition opportunity to celebrate 100 years of life for Dr. Opal Lee. It truly is a privilege for all of us to serve on council during this time period and to recognize Dr. Lee for so many accomplishments as we continue to celebrate throughout the next several weeks her 100th year. Dr. Lee was born on October 7th, 1926. Fourth is deeply proud of Dr. Lee. Her decades of perseverance she devoted to fighting for all communities and ensuring that Juneteenth received the recognition it truly deserves as a national holiday. Her leadership has helped elevate an important chapter of American history and inspired millions across this country, earning her the presidential medal of freedom in 2024. Importantly, we all understand here in Fort Worth that her impact extends far beyond our city and far beyond the establishment of a national holiday. Most recently, she's worked tirelessly alongside our friend Jared Howard and many others to bring to fruition the National Juneteenth Museum who will be here in Fort Worth, Texas. Now very close to the beginning of construction to happening in historic South Side. We are joined tonight by her beautiful granddaughter, Promise. Thank you for being here today on her behalf. And I believe at this time we're supposed to cue a video. Is that correct? We'll do that and then have additional remarks. Thank you. As you can see from this video playing that, ladies and gentlemen, it's meant to have no sound.
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