Killeen City Council Regular Meeting - August 19, 2025

The Killeen City Council met on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. All council members were present except Mayor Pro Tem Adams and Councilwoman Cobb. The meeting included presentations, a work session, citizen comments, public hearings, and regular session actions. Key topics included an update from the Killeen Economic Development Corporation (KEDC), a presentation on grocery store interest, various zoning and land use amendments, and adoption of a stopgap ordinance to comply with new state legislation.

Consent Calendar

• MN-25-021 & MN-25-022: Approved minutes of the July 22 and August 5, 2025 meetings.
• RS-25-128: Authorized a $300,000 subrecipient agreement with Families in Crisis, Inc. for Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) to assist homeless or at-risk households, funded through HUD HOME funds. The program provides up to 24 months of rental assistance for households at or below 80% area median income.
• RS-25-129: Approved Contract Amendment No. 1 with Kimley Horn and Associates for the Featherline Road Reconstruction Project ($82,173.76) to extend a 12-inch water line along Stagecoach Road to WS Young, funded from water/sewer bond funds.
• RS-25-130: Approved Change Order No. 1 with Jerdon Enterprises, LP for the Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Improvements Project ($86,542.00), funded from child safety funds.
• RS-25-131: Denied an operating authority to Limo Company due to lack of proof of insurance; recommendation to refund the $300 fee was discussed.
• RS-25-132: Approved a three-year professional services agreement with Schlueter Group for state legislative representation at $100,000 per year, with a two-year renewal option.

All consent items were approved 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sean Price: Questioned the need for a lobbyist (RS-25-132) and cost overruns on construction projects; stated he would address the budget at the public hearing.
• Melissa Brown (multiple items): Opposed the FLUM change at 5500 Rose Garden Loop (PH-25-045) citing broken promises on development, traffic, and drainage; questioned the purpose of a B4 zoning for a trade school; criticized the lack of community input on comprehensive plan amendments; raised concerns about the small lot ordinance (PH-25-050) regarding parking and cost.
• Gary Pearce: Questioned the water/sewer fund balance showing equal revenues and expenses ($52.4M), noting past surpluses; was informed that the budget is balanced by design and includes transfers and payments in lieu of taxes.
• George Spears (new resident): Expressed concerns about high salaries and requested clarity on the budget approval timeline.
• Resident (Rosewood area): Opposed the FLUM change (PH-25-045) citing incomplete amenities (no community center, unusable dog park), traffic congestion, and safety issues at the Rose Garden Loop intersection. Asked for traffic control devices.
• Pedro Quintero (applicant, PH-25-045): Supported the change to residential mix, arguing it would revive the area; noted that a previous traffic impact analysis (TIA) recommended a signal and turn lanes but staff at the time declined the signal.
• Melissa Brown (on PH-25-046, 047, 048, 049): Opposed rezoning 3413 Old FM 440 (PH-25-046) to B5 due to incompatibility with existing homes; supported PH-25-048 (rezoning to SF2) as a density reduction.
• JT Hahn (Central Texas Home Builders Association): Urged flexibility in the small lot ordinance to avoid mandating alleys, which add cost and reduce affordability. Supported options like front-loaded parking or no garages.
• Dylan Wyattis (developer): Argued that the alley requirement for lots under 50 feet is too restrictive and discourages affordable housing; suggested allowing creative designs without mandating alleys, such as shared driveways or surface parking.
• Charles Amundson (builder): Stated that building two streets (road and alley) for a 30-foot lot is not financially feasible; advocated for no alley requirement.
• M T Ze Walles: Suggested building up (elevated parking) as an alternative to alleyways, citing examples from other cities.

Discussion Items

• KEDC Update (PR-25-020): Tyler reported on new tenants at the Killeen Business Park (St. Michael's Learning Academy, MCI), progress on YouSam (ribbon cutting in September), Workspace USA, Blue Acre development (four buildings, 175,000 sq ft), Dong Jin Sunakim's foreign trade zone status (expected fully operational Q1 2026), and Wolf Technology Park marketing. The EDC responded to seven state RFIs and assisted 20+ projects. A new website, branding, and a fiscal year 2025-26 marketing plan are in development. Councilmembers noted the importance of community engagement and transparency.
• Grocery Store Presentation (PR-25-021): Carl Sherman (Carl Sherman Group) presented on attracting a grocery store to north Killeen, citing $393.8 million annual grocery leakage out of the city. He emphasized his experience and relationships at the state level. Councilmembers questioned his approach versus local efforts, profitability challenges, and what his firm would do differently. Mr. Sherman highlighted the need for a fresh grocery study and professional representation at trade shows. No action was taken; the item was for discussion.
• Fiscal Year 2026 Budget (PH-25-043): Finance Director Ms. Tangeland presented the proposed $297 million budget (9.7% increase from FY25). Changes from the preliminary budget included a 1% COLA, new positions (4 police officers, 1 sergeant, 1 assistant city manager, 1 deputy fire chief, IT security manager), and other adjustments. The general fund is balanced; water/sewer, solid waste, and drainage funds are also balanced. A second public hearing was held; the council set September 2, 2025, as the date to consider adoption.
• Zoning and FLUM Amendments:
  • PH-25-044 (108 & 110 West Elms Rd): FLUM change from Residential Mix to Regional Commercial for a future vocational trade school. Approved 5-0.
  • PH-25-045 (5500 Rose Garden Loop): FLUM change from Regional Commercial to Residential Mix to allow additional two-family homes. Disapproved 4-1 (Cobb absent, Solomon voted no, others voted yes) after extensive public opposition and council concerns about broken promises and traffic.
  • PH-25-046 (3413 Old FM 440): Rezone from R-1 to B-5 to unify split zoning. Approved 5-0.
  • PH-25-047 (554 58th Street): Rezone from R-1 to B-3 for a food truck park. Approved 5-0.
  • PH-25-048 (Nina Drive and Ricks Road lots): Rezone from R-2 to SF-2 for single-family homes. Approved 5-0.
  • PH-25-049 (909 Bellaire Drive): Rezone from B-1 to R-1 to revert to residential. Approved 5-0.
  • PH-25-050: Ordinance amending Chapter 31 (Zoning) to comply with state laws (SB 840, SB 15, HB 24). Provisions include new signage for zoning changes, parking requirements for small lots (less than 50 feet must have rear-loaded off-street parking), mixed-use allowances in commercial districts, and small lot regulations (minimum 30-foot width). After debate, the council approved the ordinance with an amendment changing the alley requirement from lots under 50 feet to lots under 40 feet. Approved 5-0 (Cobb absent). Staff was directed to bring back additional design options from developers by the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• KEDC Update: Received as information.
• Grocery Store Interest: No action; continuing discussions.
• Budget: Second public hearing held; adoption scheduled for September 2, 2025.
• FLUM Change (Rose Garden Loop): Denied 4-1, reflecting resident opposition.
• Zoning Amendments (PH-25-046 through 049): All approved unanimously.
• Chapter 31 Zoning Ordinance (PH-25-050): Approved with amendment (alley required for lots less than 40 feet, down from 50 feet). Staff to collaborate with development community for alternative options and report back September 2.