Killeen City Council Meeting – February 17, 2026

The Killeen City Council convened on February 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers for a work session and regular meeting. Key topics included an update from the Killeen Economic Development Corporation (KEDC), a strategic planning presentation for the Killeen Public Library, approval of multiple resolutions and contracts, and a discussion on renaming a street to honor Bettie Ann McLaurin. The council also ordered a special election for the vacant District 2 seat.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes of the January 20, 2026 regular Council meeting.
• Financial Governance Policy: Readopted the Financial Governance Policy, including the Investment Policy, with two changes: increasing the capitalization threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 and adding items to the senior citizen utility bill assistance program.
• Airport Infrastructure Grant: Authorized the City Manager to sign an agreement with TxDOT Aviation Division for an FAA Airport Infrastructure Grant ($178,750) for design-build box hangars at Skylark Field.
• Ground Lease at Skylark Field: Approved a ground lease agreement with RD Aviation, LLC for a 180x300 sq ft hangar, with lease rates starting at $0.04/sq ft for the first 36 months, increasing to $0.05/sq ft with CPI adjustments thereafter.
• Utility Easement at Regional Airport: Authorized an agreement and easement with Oncor Electric Delivery Company to provide power to the commercial office building at Killeen Regional Airport.
• Interlocal Agreements with Fire Department: Approved interlocal agreements with Temple College and Central Texas College for paramedic and EMT student ride-along programs, with no cost to the city.
• Fire Station 5 Design: Authorized a professional services agreement with Martinez Architects, LP for A&E design and management services for Fire Station No. 5 construction, in the amount of $810,000.
• Termination of Conditional Use Permit: Approved staff’s determination that the conditional use permit for 308 East Avenue D (previously for a bar) is terminated, as the property has been used as a photography studio since 2023.
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Support: Approved a resolution of support with a $500 fee waiver for RST The Madelyn, LP’s application to the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs for affordable senior housing on Clear Creek Road. The development would include 1-bedroom (approx. $760/month) and 2-bedroom units (approx. $900/month) and is the developer’s first project in Killeen.
• Special Election: Approved an ordinance ordering a special election on May 2, 2026, to fill the vacant District 2 Council seat. Filing opens February 18 and closes March 3, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Fonino questioned the legality of ordering a special election for a seat that is not technically vacant due to holdover provisions. He also criticized KEDC for focusing on recruiting foreign companies rather than creating jobs for Killeen residents, stating that local graduates with technical certifications cannot find work in the city. He urged redirecting economic development efforts toward businesses that generate local employment and sales tax.

Discussion Items

• KEDC Update (PR-26-005): Tyler reported on recent activities including tree clearing at Wolf Technology Park, awarding of brokerage and professional services RFPs to Headwater and Kim Group, launch of a new EDC website on February 23, participation in a foreign trade mission to Korea (Inter Battery Korea trade show), and a schedule of recruitment events for 2026. Upcoming community events include a Third Thursday mixer at Workspace USA on February 19 and the first Forging Central Texas Industry and Growth Summit on May 21.
• Library Strategic Planning (DS-26-018): Tiffany McNair and consultant Garrett Mason (via Zoom) presented the draft five-year strategic plan (2026–2030). Key findings from a peer analysis of 10 libraries: Killeen Public Library (KPL) serves the fourth-largest population but has the lowest e-materials per capita, lowest total operating revenue per capita ($11.60 less than the average of peers), and the fewest total square footage per capita. KPL ranked 11th overall among peers, beating the average in only 8 of 44 measures. Planning priorities include improving communication (standalone website/social media), expanding community engagement and partnerships, developing needs-based programming, and exploring facility expansion or a new branch in southwest Killeen. Council discussed funding challenges, potential grants, and low-cost improvements such as murals and flexible space design. Councilmember Alvarez emphasized the need for honest conversation about funding quality-of-life amenities.
• Vehicle Wash Facility Annual Certification Program (DS-26-016): Ms. Mesher reported that the program, adopted March 2024, requires annual inspection and certification of all car washes. Of 28 active facilities, 25 are in compliance, 1 has repairs in process, and 2 are non-compliant with open code enforcement cases. Council noted the city has no authority to limit the number of car washes as they are permitted by right.
• Street Renaming in Honor of Bettie Ann McLaurin (DS-26-017): Staff proposed co-naming North 8th Street from Veterans Memorial Boulevard to Rancier Avenue as “Bettie Ann McLaurin Memorial Boulevard” at an estimated cost of $1,758. The location was chosen because the McLaurin family donated a Boys & Girls Club site on that street. Councilwoman Gonzalez expressed gratitude on behalf of the family.

Key Outcomes

• The agenda was approved 6–0 after a motion to move item 15 (Library Strategic Planning) to follow item 1.
• The entire consent agenda was approved 6–0.
• Council provided a motion of direction (unanimous) to staff to add the co-name to North 8th Street.
• The meeting concluded with remarks honoring Mayor Debbie Nash-King on her last meeting.