Killeen City Council Meeting - May 6, 2025

The Killeen City Council convened on May 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem presided due to Mayor Nash-King's absence. The meeting included a work session, regular session with consent agenda and public hearings, discussion items, and ended with an executive session. Key actions included approving multiple contracts and agreements, conducting public hearings on zoning and street renaming, and receiving reports on arts, marijuana enforcement, and legislative updates.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent agenda (items RS-25-064 through RS-25-076) by a vote of 6-0. Significant items included:

• RS-25-064: Authorized $333,782.32 for Special Events Center roof repair with QR Quick Roofing.
• RS-25-065: Approved agreements with Texas DPS and TxDOT for an automatic license plate reader system, funded by a $400,000 grant and $100,000 in city matching funds.
• RS-25-066: Approved $773,500 for HVAC retrofit at Fire Station 9 via Brandt Companies.
• RS-25-067: Approved $895,350 for Audio/Visual equipment for the Emergency Operations Center.
• RS-25-068: Authorized $135,000 for pump replacement at Pump Station #5 with Pump Solutions, Inc.
• RS-25-069: Rejected all bids for a control valve replacement project due to inconsistencies.
• RS-25-070 through RS-25-072: Approved a build-to-suit lease with CSI Aviation ($22,500/month, 10-year term, 3% annual increase), a design/build agreement with Synergy Commercial Construction ($5,184,833.30) for a new office complex at Killeen Regional Airport, and a professional services agreement with Garver, LLC ($125,000) for owner representative services. CSI is expected to create 35 new full-time jobs with an average salary of $95,000.
• RS-25-073: Granted naming rights to First National Bank Texas for the Family Recreation Center for $60,000/year for 7 years (with two optional 7-year renewals); city retains 80% after commissions.
• RS-25-074: Approved a one-year Memorandum of Agreement with Killeen ISD for shared facility usage, allowing the city access to school gymnasiums and fields, and KISD access to city facilities with a $10,000 fee waiver at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center.
• RS-25-075: Reallocated $4.15 million from Westside Regional Park funds to five park projects: Bunny Trail Passive Recreation Park ($46,600 for design), West Killeen Natural Area Trail ($52,200 for design), Goodnight Ranch Community Park ($1.862M for design/construction), Saddle Ridge Pocket Park ($213,000 for construction), and Purser Heritage Hike and Bike Trail ($1.58M for playground/restroom, $396,200 for splash pad).
• RS-25-076: Approved a fireworks display application for July 5, 2025, at the Killeen Athletic Complex.

Public Comments & Testimony

Several citizens addressed the council on various agenda items. Key comments included:

• Melissa Brown criticized the roof repair cost and the naming rights agreement, suggesting the city was undervaluing its assets. She also opposed the FLUM amendment (PH-25-018) and the street renaming (PH-25-022), and raised concerns about the KISD shared facilities agreement.
• Michael Fernino accused the mayor of lack of transparency and criticized the marijuana enforcement ordinance as a waste of taxpayer money. He also opposed the street renaming as a vanity project.
• Sean Price questioned costs, contract terms (e.g., liability for roof damage), and requested clarification on the license plate reader system. He also inquired about HOA requirements for new developments.
• Gary Purser urged the city to use local contractors for design-build projects rather than out-of-town firms. He later withdrew his FLUM amendment request (PH-25-018).
• Multiple residents opposed the rezoning for townhomes (PH-25-019), citing traffic, drainage, and inadequate police/fire services.
• Numerous citizens opposed renaming Bunny Trail to A.L. Davis Trail (PH-25-022), citing financial burdens on residents and businesses, and suggesting alternatives like naming a park or trail.

Public Hearings

• PH-25-018 (FLUM amendment at 5310 Trimmier Rd): Staff recommended disapproval; Planning & Zoning voted 3-2 to disapprove. After public testimony, the applicant requested withdrawal, which the council approved unanimously.
• PH-25-019 (Rezone 21 acres near Wells Fargo Drive to R1 and RT1): Staff and P&Z recommended approval (3-2). Despite resident opposition, the council voted 4-0-1 to approve (one abstention/opposition). The RT1 portion (townhomes) will serve as a buffer between commercial and single-family homes.
• PH-25-020 (City-initiated rezone 1301 Harris Ave from B5 to R3A): Staff and P&Z recommended approval (5-0). The council approved unanimously.
• PH-25-021 (City-initiated rezone 10 properties on Liberty Bell Loop from B5 to R1): Staff and P&Z recommended approval (5-0). The council approved unanimously.
• PH-25-022 (Rename Bunny Trail to A.L. Davis Trail): After extensive public opposition, a motion to disapprove passed 4-2, effectively defeating the renaming proposal.

Discussion Items

• Arts Commission Annual Report: Presented by Chair Joe Miller. The commission funded 10 organizations with $271,751 in grants, supporting 26 events. They requested continued hotel/motel tax revenue support and noted plans for a poet laureate program.
• Marijuana Enforcement Ordinance Annual Report: Chief Lopez presented 2024 data showing increased marijuana-related stops and arrests, with persistent racial disparities (African Americans overrepresented). The department proposed a marijuana diversion program to reduce arrests and promote equity.
• Banner Sign Ordinance Discussion: Council discussed regulating feather/swooper flags. Staff presented options from neighboring cities. Council directed staff to draft a revised ordinance with a simpler fee structure and clearer definitions, aiming to balance business needs with aesthetics.
• 2025 Legislative Update: The Schlueter Group provided an update on the state legislative session, including the school voucher bill, disabled veteran property tax exemption reimbursement, water funding, and bills preempting city authority. The city’s lobbying firm continues to advocate for Killeen’s priorities.
• May 13, 2025 Special Meetings: Announced canvassing of General and Special Elections at 4:00 PM, followed by a 5:00 PM meeting to approve canvass results, administer oaths, and elect a new Mayor Pro Tem.
• Media Relations: Councilmember Boyd briefly discussed the importance of fair and balanced media coverage for the city's reputation.
• Executive Session: The council met in closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding pending litigation (State of Texas v City of Killeen and Bell County v City of Killeen regarding marijuana enforcement).

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda (6-0), authorizing multiple contracts and agreements.
• Approved PH-25-019 (rezoning for townhomes) on a 4-0-1 vote.
• Approved PH-25-020 and PH-25-021 (city-initiated rezonings) unanimously.
• Defeated PH-25-022 (street renaming) on a 4-2 vote.
• Withdrew PH-25-018 at applicant's request.
• Directed staff to draft a revised banner sign ordinance.
• Received annual reports and legislative update; no action taken.
• Scheduled special meetings for May 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
• Adjourned to executive session at 8:34 PM.