Killeen City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting – May 5, 2026

The Killeen City Council met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers for a work session followed by a regular session. The meeting included presentations, approval of consent agenda items, discussion of several policy matters, and public comments. Mayor Riakos Adams presided, with councilmembers present (vacancies noted). The meeting adjourned after addressing all agenda items.

Presentations

• Proclamation PR-26-009: Recognizing the week of May 3–9, 2026 as Municipal Clerk's Week. Presented to City Secretary Laura Calcote and staff.
• Proclamation PR-26-010: Recognizing May 5, 2026 as Silver Star Service Banner Day to honor families of wounded, injured, or ill veterans. Several veterans and family members joined at the front.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was approved unanimously (4-0) with the removal of item 6 (Animal Advisory Committee appointments). The following items were approved without separate debate:

• RS-26-066: Technology equipment for Rosa Hereford Community Center ($235,265 from CDBG funds).
• RS-26-067: Phase 2 outdoor warning siren capital improvement project – purchase and installation from Federal Signal ($250,486.30).
• RS-26-069: Expiration of four Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) per Code of Ordinances Sec. 31-456(e)(1)(A).
• RS-26-070: Amendment to FY2026 agreement with Killeen Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) – increase of $215,000 for economic development services (total FY26 appropriation $1.1 million).
• RS-26-071: Granting electric utility easement to Bartlett Electric Cooperative for Highway 195 Ground Storage Tank.
• RS-26-072: Award of Bid No. 26-24 for Pavement Marking Services to D.I.J Construction, Inc. ($473,664).
• RS-26-073: Authorization to apply for Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Grant (continuation of Flock camera program; estimated $300,000 total with $250,000 grant and $50,000 city match).
• RS-26-074: Agreement with Target Solutions for water damage repair at Stonetree Golf Course Clubhouse ($137,676, fully covered by TML insurance).

Public Comments & Testimony

Four citizens spoke during the public comment period:

• Dr. Sue Croft – Expressed support for accountability in economic development, questioning the measurable return on the KEDC $885,000 base funding before approving an additional $215,000. Urged the city to consider building in-house economic development capacity rather than outsourcing to KEDC.
• Anka Nagu – Spoke on the Animal Advisory Committee removals, requesting that the three members (especially Brianna Rosales) be given an opportunity to explain their absences before removal. Noted that one member had requested virtual attendance but was denied.
• Brianna Rosales – Defended her attendance record, explaining that she had requested a virtual option due to work schedule conflicts and experienced a flat tire on the day she missed her third consecutive meeting. Stated she is now available to attend in person or virtually.
• Melissa Brown – Opposed the Parcels in Trust program, citing concerns about return on investment, staff burden, and prior losses on city-managed properties. Also criticized the pavement overlay plan, arguing that Turkey Trot Road lacks curb and gutter and will require repeated repairs, and that Swanner Loop is primarily used by the business park and should be funded by KEDC.
• Michael Fanino – Opposed the KEDC funding increase, calling the organization a “failed bloated entity.” Suggested reducing KEDC’s budget and allowing competition. Also addressed animal control administration issues and encouraged council to focus on fixing the Animal Services department.

Discussion Items

• DS-26-035: FY2026 ADA Remediation – Ms. McNair presented a plan to remediate accessibility issues at city-owned polling locations, City Hall, Senior Center, and Rodeo Grounds. The City Hall dais modification (seating for nine) is non-compliant; council was informed that the city manager will move back to the staff box to restore compliance. Estimated total remediation cost: $434,000 (funded in FY26 CIP). Public meetings on the ADA transition plan are scheduled for May 12, 2026. Staff will return in July for adoption.
• DS-26-036: Parcels in Trust Program – Ms. Mesher presented the program to foreclose on tax-delinquent abandoned properties (approximately 114 identified; 35 meet eligibility criteria). The city aims to partner with KISD, Bell County, and CTC to transfer unsold properties into a trust for low-to-moderate income housing development. A revitalization coordinator position has been reclassified and is being advertised. Councilmember Alvarez expressed strong support for the program, noting long-standing neglect in north Killeen.
• DS-26-037: Pavement Overlays for 2026 – Mr. Zegers provided an extensive presentation on the city’s street maintenance program. The city maintains 566.24 centerline miles of roadways. The current street maintenance fee generates $4.3 million annually, which is insufficient to achieve the target Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 77. Three funding scenarios were presented: Scenario 1 (current $4M) would let PCI drop; Scenario 2 ($9.38M/year) would achieve the goal. Proposed 2026 mill-and-overlay projects by district were listed, with backup streets if funds allow. Council discussed communication with residents about parking removal before work begins. Councilmember Gonzalez noted that a federal infrastructure bill could open new funding avenues for maintenance.
• DS-26-038: May 12, 2026 Special Meetings – Ms. Calcote outlined the two special meetings: a 4:00 PM canvassing session (quorum of two councilmembers) and a 5:00 PM meeting for ordinance canvassing, oaths of office, and election of mayor pro tem. Councilmembers Kendrick and Gonzalez will perform the canvassing.
• DS-26-039: Executive Search Firm for City Manager – Council discussed 11 proposals. After narrowing, a motion of direction passed (4-0) to invite the following four firms for interviews: Affion Public, Clear Careers, Government Professional Solutions (GPS), and Strategic Government Resources (SGR). The next council will conduct interviews.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (4-0) with item 6 removed. All expenditures and authorizations listed above were approved.
• Animal Advisory Committee Appointments: After hearing from Brianna Rosales, council voted to appoint Christy Wilbanks and Scotty Hilder (citizen and animal welfare reps) and to retain Brianna Rosales, not declaring her seat vacant. Motion passed (4-0).
• ADA Remediation: Staff directed to proceed with the remediation plan using available FY26 CIP funds. Council requested regular updates on the overall ADA compliance status (including the terminated DOJ settlement agreement) and the transition plan.
• Parcels in Trust: Staff will continue implementation; the revitalization coordinator position is advertised. Council expressed support for the program.
• Pavement Overlays: The 2026 overlay list and backup streets were accepted as presented. Staff will coordinate public notifications. Council urged continued advocacy for additional state/federal funding.
• City Manager Search: Four firms selected for interviews; direction given to staff to arrange interviews for the incoming council.
• Special Election Canvassing: Set for May 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.