Plano City Council Regular Meeting - April 13, 2026

The Plano City Council convened its regular meeting on the evening of April 13, 2026. The meeting began with an invocation and pledges, followed by proclamations and presentations. Major agenda items included the unanimous approval of the consent calendar, a detailed public hearing and approval of a zoning change for an independent living facility, and a lengthy public comment period covering school safety, immigration fraud, and community harassment.

Proclamations & Presentations

• National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Mayor John Munns read a proclamation declaring April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Plano. Representatives from Foster Friends, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and Empower were recognized.
• Citizens Government Academy: The Spring 2026 graduating class of the Plano Citizens Government Academy was honored for completing the 10-week program.
• LEED for Cities Gold Designation: The city celebrated achieving a LEED for Cities Gold designation. A video featuring community members was shown, and Director of Environmental Health and Sustainability Rachel Patterson and her staff were presented with the award.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously by an 8-0 vote. No items were removed for individual discussion.

Discussion Items

• Zoning Case 2025-13 – Watermirror Independent Living Facility: The Council conducted a public hearing on a request to amend Plan Development District 189 to permit a 250-unit independent living facility on a 6.3-acre lot at the southwest corner of Park Boulevard and Ohio Drive. Staff Presentation: Planner Christina detailed the proposal, which includes a five-story, 65-foot building. She compared this to the by-right development allowed under Senate Bill 840, which would permit a 45-foot multifamily building with a 25-foot setback. The applicant proposed a 120-foot setback for portions over two stories, enhanced landscaping, and a dog park. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 5-2 vote. Public Testimony:
  • Trevor Armstrong (Applicant): Expressed support, highlighting design changes made in response to neighborhood feedback, including a multi-layered containment system and acoustic panels to mitigate construction impacts on an adjacent Montessori school.
  • Gene Goodwin (El Dorado Park Resident): Spoke in favor of the project, stating the developer worked well with the community.
  • Mary Nelson (El Dorado Park Resident): Spoke in opposition, raising concerns about the five-story height, increased traffic congestion, safety and evacuation plans for seniors, affordability, and the impact on the long-standing single-family neighborhood. Council Deliberation and Vote:
  • Council members discussed the implications of Senate Bill 840, noting that a rejection could allow a denser, closer development with fewer community benefits.
  • Traffic analysis showed the senior facility would generate similar traffic to a health club, less than an office building.
  • Privacy concerns were addressed with the design's clerestory windows and limited units on the fifth floor facing Ohio Drive.
  • Councilmember Kerr made a motion to approve the ordinance, with an amendment modifying screening language to apply to common areas only. The motion was seconded by the Deputy Mayor.
  • Outcome: The motion passed unanimously (8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

The public comment period featured several speakers addressing pressing community issues:

• Disability Abuse Case: Lestia and Alvin Nelson detailed the alleged physical abuse of their disabled daughter, Sanaya, by a teacher at Plano Senior High School. They stated the abuse was captured on video and substantiated by Adult Protective Services, but the Plano Police Department delayed investigation for 303 days, resulting in a grand jury no-bill. Mr. Nelson described the alleged actions, stating the teacher bent her fingers behind her head, cracked her toes, and lifted her by the neck. They argued the city failed to protect a vulnerable citizen and demanded accountability.
• H1B Visa Fraud and Ghost Offices: DJ Horan spoke about zoning violations and fraud related to ghost offices and H1B visas. He urged the council to audit certificates of occupancy, enforce residential zoning codes, and establish communication with federal investigators.
• Harassment of Muslim Families: Mohammed Hasni and Hal I addressed the harassment of a Muslim father and his daughter following a widely circulated viral video. They stated the video gained 2.5 million views and spread misinformation, causing the family significant trauma and fear for their safety. They called on the council to take a stand against harmful narratives and protect the community's integrity.
• Personal Rights and Technology: Crystal Curry raised a personal issue regarding her cognitive and biotechnology data, appealing for help from the council and Congress.
• Removal from Commission: Bill Lyle spoke on the upcoming two-year anniversary of his removal from the Plano Planning and Zoning Commission, criticizing the council's process and calling out Councilmember Maria.
• Council Response: Following the public comments, a council member addressed the chamber, stating the city's strength lies in its diversity and condemning bigotry. The council pledged to stand in solidarity with affected residents.

Key Outcomes

• Zoning Case 2025-13: Approved the amendment to allow a 250-unit independent living facility with modified height, setback, and screening standards (Vote: 8-0).
• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (Vote: 8-0).
• Community Concerns: The Council heard calls for investigations into the Plano Police Department's handling of a disability abuse case, H1B visa zoning violations, and community harassment. No formal actions were taken on these topics during the meeting.