OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Killeen City Council Meeting – June 2, 2026: Budget Discussions, Community Partner Presentations, and Fireworks Approval

City Council & Commissions — Tuesday, June 2, 2026
BodyKilleen, Texas
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, June 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
1:10

Good evening.

1:12

It is now three PM call this meeting to order.

1:16

We will have note that all council members are present.

1:25

And we'll have our invocation by Dr.

1:29

Don Coaster on Caris Church Colleen, and we'll have our invitation by Chief.

1:41

Excuse me by Councilmember Kimball.

1:48

Congratulations.

2:00

Amen.

2:00

Let's bow our heads.

2:04

Heavenly Father, we come to you today with gratitude and humility.

2:10

Lord, we honor you and acknowledge your presence in this place and throughout the city of Killeen.

2:16

We thank you for this counsel and for this gathering of leaders who have been entrusted with the responsibility of helping God the future of our city.

2:27

Lord, we recognize you as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

2:35

And as we look to you as the source of wisdom and justice and righteous leadership, we acknowledge you as the Lord over this city.

2:46

And we thank you for your hand that has been upon Colleen through every season.

2:52

Today we lift up our mayor, Mayor Joseph Solomon before you.

2:57

Grant him wisdom, discernment, strength, and grace as he serves this community.

3:04

We also pray for the elected council members, Jessica Gonzalez, Charles Nimble, David Bass, Anthony Kendrick, Miss Debbie Nash King, Melissa Brown, and Beverly Ann Williams.

3:19

Bless them with the unity of purpose, clarity of mind, hearts committed to serving the people of this city well.

3:28

Give them grace to govern and courage to lead, the wisdom to make decisions that promote the well-being of all who call Kaleen home.

3:46

Therefore, we pray, Lord, that your peace to rest upon these leaders as they begin this new term of service.

3:53

Guide their decisions, direct their conversations, and help them govern with integrity, humility, and wisdom.

4:02

Father, we thank you for this season of growth and opportunity before the city of Kaleen.

4:07

We declare your blessing over this city.

4:10

Let prosperity, peace, wisdom, and joy abound among these residents.

4:16

May every family, every neighborhood, every business and every visitor experience your goodness and your favor.

4:25

Blow a fresh your spirit over this city and establish your purpose in every sphere of influence.

4:31

Lord, we're asking for your protection over these leaders, over every family and over their concerns.

4:37

Surround them with your grace and keep them safe.

4:40

Let your hand be upon the city and let your purpose prevail.

4:52

Let understanding shape every decision.

4:55

Let a spirit of cooperation and service mark every action taken here.

5:00

God, we're asking that everyone who enters into this chamber, every resident, every business owner, every visitor, and every guest encounter the presence of your peace.

5:12

Let honor rule in this place on how we communicate, on how we reason together, on how we listen, on how we speak to one another, may respect wisdom and integrity, characterize every conversation and every decision that is made here.

5:30

God, we're asking that you oper apprehend this place with your presence and let your priest rest here.

5:38

Lord, your wisdom dwell here.

5:40

Let your righteousness be established here.

5:42

Let the weight of your glory fill this chamber and rest upon every leader gathered today.

5:49

And most of all, Lord, we invite you to be the ultimate leader.

5:53

Guide this council according to your purposes of heaven, according to your divine plans for this city and region, direct their paths, establish their steps, and give them insight beyond their own understanding.

6:08

We are praying for the city of Killeen, that it would rise as a model in the earth, a city marked by unity, by wisdom, by purpose, and by peace.

6:18

Let people stand up and take notice of what you're doing here.

6:21

Let this city be known as a place where good leadership flourish, where people are valued, where your hand of blessing rests upon the community.

6:31

Let Kaleen become a testimony of what can happen when leaders seek wisdom, serve with humility, and steward well the people entrusted to their care.

6:42

We thank you for this advancement growth, the flourishing that is ahead of the city of Killeen.

6:48

May the city be a place where people thrive, where peace prevails, and where future generations are blessed, and we ask all these things.

6:57

I ask all these things in the mighty precious name of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

7:03

Amen.

7:04

Amen.

7:42

One nation under God in the visible liberty and justice for all.

7:48

Thank you.

7:49

Mr.

7:49

Mayor, if I can indulge Knights of Pythagoras, we have in their statewide conference here later in July.

7:55

They'll be having knights from all around the state will be gathered here in Kleene.

7:58

It's going to be a big deal.

7:59

So they will be honored if you could, if they could take a picture with you up front, sir, if you don't mind, we have to be able to get the same, and we have to council need a motion to approve the agenda.

9:22

Mayor, if I could, if whomever makes the motion to approve the agenda will remove item twelve to uh receive a quarterly financial report.

9:31

Our presenter had an unexpected absence today.

9:34

So I need a motion to approve the agenda to and also to remove item twelve.

9:40

Mayor.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development██████████████████18%
Procedural███████████████15%
Public Safety████████████12%
Homelessness███████████11%
Public Engagement█████5%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Community Engagement█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Legislative Process█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Killeen City Council Meeting – June 2, 2026

The Killeen City Council convened at 3:00 PM on June 2, 2026, for a work session and regular session. The meeting focused on presentations from 10 community partners regarding their fiscal year 2027 funding requests, approval of consent agenda items, a public hearing for a zoning change, and discussion of legislative priorities and charter amendments. The council also voted on several resolutions, including awarding contracts and approving a fireworks display permit for July 4th celebrations. The quarterly financial report (Item 12) was removed from the agenda due to the presenter's unexpected absence.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes Approval (MN-26-017, MN-26-018): Approved minutes of special city council meetings of May 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
  • Interlocal Agreement with TML-IRP (RS-26-087): Approved a memorandum/resolution authorizing an interlocal agreement with TML-IRP to provide group critical illness coverage for firefighters and peace officers, retroactively effective January 1, 2026. Estimated cost is $40,000 per year for FY26 and FY27.
  • Council Appointments (RS-26-088): Approved appointments of councilmembers to various boards, commissions, and committees as detailed in the meeting.
  • W.S. Young and I-14 Drainage and Landscape Project (RS-26-089): Initially included in consent but pulled for separate vote. See Discussion Items.
  • Chaparral Road Traffic Signals (RS-26-090): Approved award of Bid No. 26-22 to ATSCC (Austin Traffic Signal Construction Company) in the amount of $420,000 for traffic signals at Feather Line and Chaparral Road. Bell County will reimburse the city for construction costs.
  • ETJ Release Petition (RS-26-091): Approved a petition from James Rich to release approximately 6.5 acres of land from the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) located near FM 2484 and Brewer Road in Salado, Texas. The release is required under Senate Bill 2038 and was approved after council confirmation that it is a ministerial duty.
  • Fireworks Display Permit (RS-26-092): Initially included in consent but pulled for separate vote. See Discussion Items.

Note: The consent agenda was approved by a vote of 4 to 3, with items 6 (RS-26-089) and 9 (RS-26-092) pulled for separate consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Anka Yagu: Expressed support for homeless services but raised concerns about the definition of "City of Killeen" in legislative priorities, suggesting limits to local control to prevent government overreach. Also criticized changes to citizen comment periods following a past council vote.
  • Michael Fernino: Criticized the National Mounted Warfare Foundation museum for poor marketing and low attendance. Expressed frustration with the councilmember for District 3 regarding lack of responsiveness and raised concerns about legal costs from a previous ballot proposition (Prop A).
  • Dr. Sue Nisi Croft: Attempted to speak about utility billing issues related to private septic systems but was ruled off-topic. The city attorney noted a public hearing on the fee schedule is scheduled for June 16, 2026. Councilmember Kimball offered to follow up on her correspondence.
  • Charles Wilson: Did not appear.

Discussion Items

  • Community Partner Presentations (PR-26-013): Ten organizations presented funding requests for FY2027. Key highlights:

    • National Mounted Warfare Foundation: Requested $80,000 (unchanged). Councilmembers questioned the effectiveness of advertising and tracking tourist spending. Councilmember Brown expressed preference for funding in-city projects over Fort Hood-based entities. Councilmember Nash-King suggested partnering with downtown events.
    • Tax Appraisal District of Bell County: Presented budget and appraisal data; city taxable values are expected to decline this year due to market softening.
    • Bell County Communications Center: Requested increased funding due to a reduced credit from fund balance. Usage share for Killeen is about 17%. Councilmember Kimball asked about sharing costs with KISD for police calls.
    • Bell County Public Health District: Requested increase for additional staff to meet FDA food inspection requirements. Councilmember Brown questioned whether the city pays for inspections in the ETJ.
    • Hill Country Transit District (the HOP): Requested $650,000 (same as previous years). Ridership has doubled since implementing microtransit. Councilmember Brown raised concerns about higher cost per trip compared to other cities and about new walking requirements for riders.
    • Killeen Rodeo: Requested $50,000. Reported record attendance (18,000 visitors) and economic impact of $1.8 million. Councilmembers praised the event's community impact and inclusivity.
    • Killeen Economic Development Corporation (KEDC): Requested $1.5 million. Councilmember Brown strongly questioned the organization's failure to recruit a grocery store for north Killeen, alleging staff directed KEDC away from that priority. A motion was passed (7-0) to place a future agenda item to investigate the matter.
    • Children's Advocacy Center of Central Texas: Requested funding increase (specific amount not stated in transcript but noted as $17,000? - clarification needed). Presented data on serving over half of families from Killeen, new school-based therapy, and a standalone counseling center.
    • Families in Crisis, Inc.: Requested $350,000 gap funding for the homeless shelter. Councilmembers expressed concerns about rising costs, lack of detailed metrics on homelessness prevention, and the organization's reliance on city funds. Councilmember Nash-King requested performance metrics for permanent housing placements.
    • Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce: Requested $186,000 for phase two of business services, including work with ministerial alliances. Councilmembers discussed the program's structure and potential to help other nonprofits secure grants.

  • FY2027 Legislative Priorities (DS-26-040): Council discussed adding several new priorities, including:

    • Seeking state reimbursement/reinvestment for revenue lost due to veterans property tax exemptions.
    • Advocating for a bullet train stop in Killeen.
    • Increased funding for first responders and senior programming.
    • Supporting the Central Texas Water Alliance's positions.
    • State regulation of data centers regarding water and power usage.
    • Seeking designation as a "military-impacted municipality" to qualify for infrastructure grants.
    • Funding for roadway expansion and multimodal transportation.
    • Elevating technology innovation tied to Fort Hood talent. Councilmember Nash-King urged narrowing priorities to a top five. Staff will compile and bring a resolution for formal adoption.

  • Setting Special Meetings for Charter Amendments (DS-26-044): Council voted 7-0 to set special meetings on June 9, June 22, July 14, and July 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM to discuss proposed charter amendments.

  • Overview and Specifics of Charter Review Committee Recommendations (DS-26-043, DS-26-045): Council voted 7-0 to table these items to the upcoming special meetings for more detailed discussion.

  • Work Session Discussion: The council briefly discussed items 2–10 from the regular session, including the consent agenda and public hearing item.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda (with exceptions): Approved 4-3. Mayor Solomon, Councilmembers Gonzalez, Nash-King, Kimble, Brown, Bass, Williams, and Kendrick voted. The dissenting votes were not explicitly recorded but likely noted.
  • W.S. Young and I-14 Drainage Project (RS-26-089): Approved 6-1. Councilmember Brown opposed due to concerns about using drainage funds for landscaping and the location of a city sign.
  • Fireworks Display Permit (RS-26-092): Approved 7-0. The permit allows two displays on July 4, 2026: a smaller one downtown at 9:00 PM and a larger one at Killeen Athletic Complex at 9:30 PM. The event is fully sponsored at no cost to the city.
  • Rezoning (PH-26-016): Approved 7-0. Rezoned 0.04 acres from B-3A to B-C-1 at 1103 West Veterans Memorial Boulevard to allow expansion of Puff Puff Hookah Lounge.
  • Special Meeting Dates for Charter Amendments: Approved 7-0.
  • Tabling Charter Review Items: Approved 7-0.
  • Investigation into Staff Direction to KEDC: Motion passed 7-0 to place a future agenda item to discuss the staff member who allegedly directed KEDC not to recruit a grocery store for north Killeen.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. It is now three PM call this meeting to order. We will have note that all council members are present. And we'll have our invocation by Dr. Don Coaster on Caris Church Colleen, and we'll have our invitation by Chief. Excuse me by Councilmember Kimball. Congratulations. Amen. Let's bow our heads. Heavenly Father, we come to you today with gratitude and humility. Lord, we honor you and acknowledge your presence in this place and throughout the city of Killeen. We thank you for this counsel and for this gathering of leaders who have been entrusted with the responsibility of helping God the future of our city. Lord, we recognize you as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And as we look to you as the source of wisdom and justice and righteous leadership, we acknowledge you as the Lord over this city. And we thank you for your hand that has been upon Colleen through every season. Today we lift up our mayor, Mayor Joseph Solomon before you. Grant him wisdom, discernment, strength, and grace as he serves this community. We also pray for the elected council members, Jessica Gonzalez, Charles Nimble, David Bass, Anthony Kendrick, Miss Debbie Nash King, Melissa Brown, and Beverly Ann Williams. Bless them with the unity of purpose, clarity of mind, hearts committed to serving the people of this city well. Give them grace to govern and courage to lead, the wisdom to make decisions that promote the well-being of all who call Kaleen home. Therefore, we pray, Lord, that your peace to rest upon these leaders as they begin this new term of service. Guide their decisions, direct their conversations, and help them govern with integrity, humility, and wisdom. Father, we thank you for this season of growth and opportunity before the city of Kaleen. We declare your blessing over this city. Let prosperity, peace, wisdom, and joy abound among these residents. May every family, every neighborhood, every business and every visitor experience your goodness and your favor. Blow a fresh your spirit over this city and establish your purpose in every sphere of influence. Lord, we're asking for your protection over these leaders, over every family and over their concerns. Surround them with your grace and keep them safe. Let your hand be upon the city and let your purpose prevail. Let understanding shape every decision. Let a spirit of cooperation and service mark every action taken here. God, we're asking that everyone who enters into this chamber, every resident, every business owner, every visitor, and every guest encounter the presence of your peace. Let honor rule in this place on how we communicate, on how we reason together, on how we listen, on how we speak to one another, may respect wisdom and integrity, characterize every conversation and every decision that is made here. God, we're asking that you oper apprehend this place with your presence and let your priest rest here. Lord, your wisdom dwell here. Let your righteousness be established here. Let the weight of your glory fill this chamber and rest upon every leader gathered today. And most of all, Lord, we invite you to be the ultimate leader. Guide this council according to your purposes of heaven, according to your divine plans for this city and region, direct their paths, establish their steps, and give them insight beyond their own understanding. We are praying for the city of Killeen, that it would rise as a model in the earth, a city marked by unity, by wisdom, by purpose, and by peace. Let people stand up and take notice of what you're doing here. Let this city be known as a place where good leadership flourish, where people are valued, where your hand of blessing rests upon the community. Let Kaleen become a testimony of what can happen when leaders seek wisdom, serve with humility, and steward well the people entrusted to their care. We thank you for this advancement growth, the flourishing that is ahead of the city of Killeen. May the city be a place where people thrive, where peace prevails, and where future generations are blessed, and we ask all these things. I ask all these things in the mighty precious name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. Amen. One nation under God in the visible liberty and justice for all.

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