Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Killeen City Council convened on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers for a combined Work Session and Regular Session. The meeting lasted over six hours, concluding with adjournment at approximately 11:28 PM. The council addressed 34 agenda items, including approval of consent items, consideration of major contracts and policy changes, three public hearings on zoning, and the appointment of a new city manager. Total spending authorized exceeded $31 million, with the largest single item being a $21.2 million 10-year agreement with Axon Enterprise for public safety technology, drones, and license plate readers.
Citizens addressed the council during both the agenda-item comment period and the public hearings. Key speakers and positions included:
Economic Development Policy Readoption (RS-26-157): The council discussed amendments including targeted industry recruitment and updated roles for KEDC. Councilmember Brown raised questions about adding direct roles for other entities and removing the annual audit requirement. Councilmember Nash-King expressed discomfort with approving without more discussion. The item was tabled to the next regular meeting (November 3 or 6, 2026) by a 7-0 vote.
Master Marketing Agreement with Verta Wireless (RS-26-158): The council authorized an exclusive five-year (with five one-year renewals) marketing agreement to construct monopole cell towers on city property, with 30% of subtenant rents paid to the city. City Manager Cagle cited financial benefits and incentives for co-location. Councilmember Brown dissented, arguing for a competitive bidding process and noting changes in proposed sites after agenda publication. Motion passed 6-1.
Emergency Medical Services Interlocal Agreement (RS-26-159): Approved unanimously (7-0). The agreement formalizes KFD as backup EMS for unincorporated Bell County, with a $750-per-call reimbursement plus patient billing. Officials noted it would reduce KFD’s out-of-city call volume and improve city response times.
Change Order for Parks, Fleet, and Evidence Storage Buildings (RS-26-160): Unanimously approved (7-0) a $1,741,508 change order for three city facility projects (parks maintenance, fleet maintenance, police evidence building). Increases covered demolition, grading, asbestos abatement, tariff-related inflation, and design changes. Total project cost now $25.6 million.
Axon Enterprise 10-Year Agreement (RS-26-161): Unanimously approved (7-0) a $21,153,653 contract consolidating existing Axon products (tasers, body cameras, ALPR cameras) and adding drone-in-a-box systems, outposts, and training. Chief Lopez provided extensive presentation on public safety benefits: 28% decrease in motor vehicle thefts (185 from 258), faster drone response times (under 2 minutes vs. 5-6 minutes for ground units), and transparency measures (public drone flight map, audit controls). Privacy safeguards were emphasized; council members expressed confidence in the city’s policies.
Appointment of City Manager (RS-26-162): After a nationwide search, the council voted 6-1 to appoint Dr. Marie Peoples as Killeen City Manager. Councilmember Brown voted no, citing concerns over the compensation package ($260,000 base salary, 720 hours sick leave, $15,000 relocation, $10,500 housing allowance, etc.) and the candidate’s limited municipal management experience. Dr. Peoples defended her record, stating the firefighter union censure was a tactic and that the credit card audit showed policies worked. Other council members cited her vision, criminal justice background, and big-county leadership experience. Dr. Peoples thanked the council and expressed eagerness to start.
Interim City Manager (RS-26-163): Unanimously approved (7-0) the appointment of Assistant City Manager Lori Wilson as interim effective October 10, 2026, until Dr. Peoples begins.
Public Hearing – Rezoning to B-5 (PH-26-034): The council approved (6-1, Brown dissenting) rezoning a suite from B-3A to B-5 for a social club/poker room at 4008 E Stan Schlueter Loop. Staff noted the surrounding properties are all B-5.
Public Hearing – Rezoning to B-C-1 (PH-26-035): The council disapproved (motion passed 5-2) rezoning a suite at 311 E Stan Schlueter Loop from B-5 to B-C-1 for a lounge with on-premise alcohol consumption. An adjacent property owner opposed due to noise/vibration; 30% of property owners within 200 feet opposed.
Public Hearing – Rezoning for Emergency Shelter (PH-26-036): After an initial motion for straight R-3A rezoning (without conditions) failed 4-3, the council passed (7-0) a motion to rezone from B-3 to R-3A with a conditional use permit (CUP). Staff-recommended conditions: indoor accommodations 24/7, 24/7 staffing, at least one part-time licensed social worker, replacement of rear wooden fence with solid screening device, and CUP expiration/repeal provisions. Extensive testimony highlighted both neighborhood opposition and shelter need; applicant Pastor JT Hahn of Armor of God initially sought R-3A without conditions but ultimately accepted the CUP.
Action on Remaining Discussion Items: The council voted unanimously (7-0) to table DS-26-090 (EV chargers), DS-26-091 (cemetery expansion), and DS-26-093 (KISD land purchase for affordable housing) to the next regular meeting.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It's now five o'clock. On Thursday, October eighth. I call the city council meeting to order. Let the record show that all council members are here with the exception of Mayor Pro Tim Gonzalez and Councilmember Kimball. Let me state this. Uh in order to make the council chambers more accessible, the speaker cards have been moved to the back wall of the room near the double doors. Please submit the forms to the duties city secretary, and your name will be called in order. So the cards are in the back. The implication will be given by Mrs. Jennifer Beasley, and the pledge allegiance will be given by Councilmember Bass. Good afternoon. Father, we thank you for who you are. You are a loving God, forgiving God, and a God is full of grace. We thank you, Father, that you are a God of decency and in order. And we thank you for things happening today decently and in order, because you are a God of peace. We thank you for knowing who will be sitting, Father, in the audience, God. And we even thank you on today that all motives, Father, and all intentions, Father, of the people. It is so, and so shall it be in Jesus' name. Amen. Mayor. I believe Councilmember Kimball may be on Zoom participating. Okay. So for the purpose of the roll call, he is present. Let the record show that council member Kimball is on Zoom. Thank you. The applicants for the requesting zone on white willow court, council. Items OR 26-018 has requested to withdraw their requests from tonight's agenda. The applicant for the requested zoning, rezoning on white willow court. And that's item OR 26-018 has request to withdraw their requests from tonight's agenda. Council. In addition to that, with your approval, Council, I would like to move item DS 26-092. Acknowledging interim city manager Kent Cagle's retirement and service to the city of Galene to write out their citizen comments before the consent agenda. Thank you. Council, I need a motion to approve the agenda with the changes as stated. Councilmember Nashke. Council member. Councilmember Brown.