Killeen City Council Regular Meeting – January 21, 2025

The Killeen City Council met on January 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Debbie Nash‑King presided with Councilmembers Jessica Gonzalez, Ramon Alvarez, Michael Boyd, Jose Segarra, Joseph Solomon, and Riakos Adams (arrived later) present. Councilmembers Nina Cobb and Riakos Adams were initially absent; Councilmember Cobb arrived during the meeting. The meeting included a work session on agenda items 2–10, a regular session, public hearings, and an executive session for the city auditor’s annual evaluation. The final vote tally on all motions was 6‑0.

Presentations

• PR‑25‑001 – Killeen Star Award: Presented to Mr. Jonathan Mamad, a U.S. Army veteran and entrepreneur who founded a printing company employing disabled veterans and the Suicide Prevention and Intervention Network (SPIN). He was recognized for his downtown revitalization investments and community service. No action required.

Consent Agenda (Items 2–8)

• MN‑25‑003 – Approval of January 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous).
• RS‑25‑009 – Award of RFP 25‑03 to Sportsman Solutions for city park facilities sponsorship agreements. The consultant will receive a flat commission fee of 20% of gross revenue; the city retains 80%. Scope includes asset inventory, evaluation, market study, sales execution, and fulfillment. Councilmember Boyd noted the program can fund park improvements; Councilmember Segarra asked about revenue estimates (approx. $50,000–$100,000 per facility for naming rights). Staff clarified historically named facilities (e.g., Lions Club Park) are excluded.
• RS‑25‑010 – Procurement of computer hardware from GTS Technology Solutions in the amount of $209,795 to replace aging PCs (714 of 1,167 computers exceeded lifespan). Funded through the IT line‑item budget.
• RS‑25‑011 – Agreement with Jamail & Smith Construction, LP for maintenance and repairs of the transfer station tunnel in the amount of $882,114.74. The project will modify the tunnel to a funnel‑type design to improve trash flow and reduce wear on equipment.
• RS‑25‑012 – Memorandum of Understanding with Workforce Solutions of Central Texas for a temporary job placement program. The program is funded by a $400,000 federal grant through the Texas Workforce Commission. The city will provide two‑week internships (80 hours) for “second chance” individuals; program costs (salary, insurance, safety gear) are covered by Workforce Solutions.
• RS‑25‑013 – Land Purchase Agreement with Brightspeed of Texas, Inc. for approximately one acre adjacent to the existing Tower Hill Lane water tank site, for $73,000. The property will be used for a new 1.5‑million‑gallon elevated storage tank to support the upper pressure plane and future growth.
• RS‑25‑014 – Addendum No. 1 to the waste disposal contract with Bell County WCID No. 1 to allocate debt service for the 38th Street Treatment Facility improvements (Series 2025 bonds). The addendum modifies the December 14, 2023 restated contract.

The consent agenda was approved 6‑0.

Public Hearings

• PH‑25‑003 – FY2025 Budget Amendment: The amendment carries forward unspent but committed funds from FY2024, including $508,000 for general fund POs, $270,000 for ARPA non‑CIP items, and various grant funds (CDBG, HOME, etc.). City Finance Director Tanglin explained these are encumbered funds for goods/services not yet received. The public hearing included comments from residents (Mr. Price, Ms. Brown) questioning debt levels and the carry‑forward process. The ordinance was approved 6‑0.

• PH‑25‑004 – Comprehensive Plan Implementation Matrix Amendment: The amendment updates target dates and responsible departments for action items in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Development Services Director Mesher reported that 66% of implementation items are complete or in progress. An online dashboard (killeen2040.com) tracks progress. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 8‑0. Public comment raised concerns about frequent revisions and lack of execution on some items. The ordinance was approved 6‑0.

Discussion Items

• DS‑25‑001 – City Auditor Briefing: City Auditor Mr. Grady presented his second annual year‑in‑review, summarizing completed audits: Abandoned Properties (recommended a land‑bank program), Water Meter Replacement Program (recommended exploring grants to accelerate the 10‑year replacement cycle), and Killeen Convention & Conference Center (KCCC) Mixed Beverage Operation (recommended inventory management improvements). He also reported on follow‑up audits for KVI, developer fees, animal services, and accounts payable. Upcoming audits include CDBG grants, police seizure funds, street maintenance fee, small assets, short‑term rentals, warming/cooling stations, tourist fund, and Stone Tree Golf Course. No council questions; the item was for information only.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (Items 2–8): Approved 6‑0.
• PH‑25‑003 Budget Amendment: Approved 6‑0.
• PH‑25‑004 Comprehensive Plan Amendment: Approved 6‑0.
• DS‑25‑002 / RS‑25‑015 – City Auditor Evaluation and Compensation: Council convened in closed session (executive session) at 5:12 PM under Texas Government Code §551.074 to evaluate the city auditor. Upon reconvening, Council approved RS‑25‑015 granting the city auditor a 4% COLA raise. Motion carried 6‑0.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after the vote.

Meeting duration: Approximately 2 hours (3:00 PM – after 5:12 PM).