Killeen City Council Regular Meeting – December 2, 2025

On December 2, 2025, the Killeen City Council held a regular meeting at City Hall (101 N. College Street) beginning at 3:00 PM. All council members were present (7 members, with Councilmember Cobb attending via Zoom). The meeting included presentations, a work session, consent agenda, public hearings, discussion items, an executive session, and final resolutions. Key actions included approval of a nuisance vehicle ordinance, a rezoning for a downtown bar, a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for the city manager, and placement of two future agenda items.

Presentations

• Killeen Star Award (PR‑25‑029): Mayor Pro Tem Adams presented the award to Miss Janie Free, recognizing her extensive volunteer service with Girl Scouts, KBI, RHI Texas, and other community organizations.
• Bell County Child Safety Check (PR‑25‑030): Bell County Tax Assessor‑Collector (with Commissioner Whitson, Commissioner Minor, and County Treasurer Evans) presented a check for $185,998.68 to the city. This annual allocation comes from a $1.50 fee per vehicle registration (333,600 vehicles registered in FY25, totaling over $500,000). Since 2001, Bell County has distributed $9,685,141.98, with Killeen receiving over $3.4 million.

Consent Calendar

All consent items were approved unanimously (7‑0):

• Minutes of the November 4, 2025 regular and special meetings.
• Quarterly investment report (ending September 30, 2025).
• Award of RFP 25‑38 for generator acquisition/maintenance at Fire Station 4 to The Brandt Companies, LLC ($837,000), funded by FEMA hazard mitigation grants.
• Interlocal agreement with Hill Country Transit District for public transportation (budgeted $650,000).
• Professional services agreement with Landscapes Unlimited for Stonetree Golf Course irrigation system renovation ($2,669,640.29), funded by bond proceeds.
• Ordinance consolidating four appeals/adjustment boards into a single Board of Adjustment (9 members with specific expertise requirements).
• Ordinance adopting 2024 International Building Codes, 2024 International Fire Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code, effective January 1, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

On nuisance vehicle ordinance (PH‑25‑071):

• Melissa Brown opposed the change, arguing it could negatively impact service members, that the new "nuisance vehicle" definition is subjective, and that the city already targeted her. She also claimed the ordinance no longer exactly mirrors state code and questioned the lack of a judicial warrant (City Attorney clarified an administrative warrant is obtained).
• Council members discussed protections for deployed soldiers; City Manager Reynolds and staff committed to sharing the ordinance with Fort Hood leadership and working with vehicle owners before towing.

On rezoning for a bar (PH‑25‑072):

• Melissa Brown opposed making the property a permanent BC‑1 zone, suggesting a conditional use permit (CUP) instead to prevent an unlimited number of bars downtown.
• Michael Fanino expressed no opposition to the bar itself, but asked what the city had done to set the applicant up for success, noting the lack of disposable income in the community.

Discussion Items

• Work Session: Council briefly reviewed agenda items 3–12; no final action taken.
• Quarterly Financial Report (DS‑25‑054): Presented by Mrs. Tangelen. Key highlights:
  • General Fund: $129 million in revenues (103% of budget), $126.7 million in expenses (95% of budget), ending fund balance $36.7 million.
  • Water/Sewer Fund: 97% revenue, 95% expenses, balance $11.1 million.
  • Other funds: Solid Waste, Drainage, Aviation, Golf Course, Hotel Occupancy Tax (STR collections still challenging), Street Maintenance.
  • Citywide staff turnover: 15.93%; police/fire fill rate ~90%.
• Investment Report (RS‑25‑185): Presented by Mr. Scott Gruber. The Fed cut rates by 0.25% in September and November; a third cut expected. Portfolio weighted average yield: 4.20% (down from 4.27% in June). Year‑to‑date interest income: $11.3 million.
• Councilmember Future Agenda Items:
  • RQ‑25‑010: Killeen Children’s Museum and Immersion Center Initiative (placed on future agenda by 7‑0 vote).
  • RQ‑25‑011: Original Fire Station #1 (Avenue D) Request for Proposal (placed on future agenda by 7‑0 vote).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 7‑0.
• Nuisance Vehicle Ordinance (PH‑25‑071): Public hearing held; ordinance approved 7‑0. The ordinance amends Chapter 18 to define “nuisance vehicle,” allow administrative warrants, and fine violators; effective immediately.
• Rezoning (PH‑25‑072): Rezone 301 East Avenue D from B‑5 (HOD) to BC‑1 (HOD) approved 7‑0. Applicant plans to operate a speakeasy‑style bar.
• City Manager Evaluation (RS‑25‑189): After executive session (4:48 PM – 5:32 PM), council approved a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for City Manager Cagle. Vote: 6‑0 (Councilmember Cobb absent).