City Council Regular Meeting – November 18, 2025

The Killeen City Council met on November 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. to discuss and vote on a range of items including presentations on downtown revitalization, a quarterly economic development update, energy procurement, fire department equipment financing, multiple zoning and annexation matters, and an update on the Anthem Park development.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from October 21, 2025.
• Approved Resolution RS 25182 casting 218 votes for Kenny Wells (of the city's 2,000 total votes) for the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County Board of Directors for 2026.
• Approved appointments to various boards, commissions, and committees, including: Rakia Stanu (Animal Advisory Committee), Mr. Benton (Audit Committee), Johnny Frederick (Capital Improvement Advisory Committee, community representative), Josie McKinney (Heritage Preservation Board).
• Authorized the city manager to review energy proposals from L5E LLC and execute a contract for the best value.
• Approved Ordinance OR 25014 authorizing the issuance of a $3.5 million Limited Tax Note for 150 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs), awarded to Mesero at an interest rate of 2.699745% (received 9 bids).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Edmund Cochran: Criticized the reappointment of Bruce White to the Housing Authority without review, alleged lack of council attendance at senior center and parks meetings, questioned spending on conferences, and raised concerns about city hall conditions.
• Michael Fernino: Advocated for waste-to-energy technology, argued that Killeen lacks high-paying manufacturing jobs due to over-zoning for residential, and said downtown revitalization does not replace economic opportunity.
• Melissa Brown: Opposed B3 zoning for a 1.477-acre parcel (PH 25066) near a school, urging adherence to the comprehensive plan’s neighborhood business designation; also opposed the R3F zoning (PH 25068) arguing citizens want less multifamily housing; on the disannexation item (PH 25070), she agreed with the petitioner that the city has failed to deliver promised services.
• Peter Stanonick (applicant for PH 25066): Explained his request for a hair salon, noted costs for sign and PDF subscription, and stated it meets the comprehensive plan.
• Dylan Wyison (petitioner for disannexation): Explained the history of annexation and promises of water/sewer infrastructure, offered to build utilities at his own cost with some city compensation, and expressed willingness to continue negotiations.
• Halford Dudley (resident): Stated he has received no city services beyond fire protection since being annexed in 2008.

Discussion Items

• Texas Main Street Designation (PR 25026): City staff reported that Killeen was officially accepted into the Texas Main Street program on November 7, 2025. The designation follows a rigorous evaluation process, with over $15 million in private investment spurred by city grants, 1,000+ volunteer hours, and 85,000 in sponsorships. Killeen is the only Main Street city in Bell County and one of 31 in Texas with both Main Street and Certified Local Government status.
• Texas Downtown President's Award (PR 25027): The Hack's Western Wear Building, renovated by Southern Roots Brewing Company at a cost of $1.2 million, was awarded the Texas Downtown President's Award for best economic game changer (population over 50,000). The brewery accounts for 10% of downtown visitors, created 22 jobs, and has become a catalyst for further investment.
• KEDC Quarterly Update (PR 25028): The Blue Acre project closed on property, adding 170,000 sq. ft. of industrial flex space; MCI expanded from 13,000 to 25,700 sq. ft. and from 40 to 150+ employees; new branding revealed; 16 RFIs answered this quarter; upcoming events include a biannual luncheon and an economic development summit.
• Energy Proposals (RS 25184): An energy consultant warned of rising ERCOT demand (projected to double by 2031) and recommended locking in electricity rates from 2032 to 2038 at ~7 cents per kWh to avoid potential 11–15 cent rates. Council discussed the need to hedge against volatility.
• Anthem Park Update: Staff reported that Dave & Busters has opened, but the full build-out requires significant traffic improvements at multiple intersections due to already congested levels of service (Level F). The city is working with TxDOT and Killeen-Temple MPO on alternative intersection designs at Stan Schlueter and I-14. The developer’s existing 12.7 million dollar TERS reimbursement may need to be increased.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 5-0.
• PH 25065 (rezone 400 Liberty St from M1 to R3A) approved 5-0.
• PH 25066 (rezone 1.477 acres from A to B3) approved 5-0.
• PH 25068 (rezone 805/807 W Ave I from B5 to R3F) approved 5-0.
• PH 25069 (amendment to PUD at Janelle/Clear Creek) approved 5-0.
• PH 25070 (disannexation of 126.71 acres) disapproved 5-0; council directed staff and petitioner to continue negotiations and return with details on costs and feasibility.
• No vote was taken on the energy item (remained in discussion); Anthem Park update was informational.