OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Antonio City Council Meeting - January 29, 2026

City CouncilThursday, January 29, 2026
BodySan Antonio, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, January 29, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
1:09

Sa.gov Diagonal TV S.A.

1:17

Good morning, everyone.

1:18

The time is now 17 AM on January 29th, 2026, and the meeting of the San Antonio City Council is now called to order.

1:24

Madam Clerk, please call roll.

1:27

Councilmember Corps.

1:28

Present.

1:29

Councilmember Villa Gran.

1:31

Here.

1:31

Councilmember Mungia.

1:33

Present.

1:33

Councilmember Castillo.

1:35

Here.

1:35

Councilmember Galvan.

1:36

Here.

1:37

Councilmember Alderete Gavito.

1:39

Here.

1:39

Councilmember Mesa Gonzalez.

1:41

Councilmember Spears.

1:43

Councilmember White.

1:45

Mayor Jones.

1:46

Mayor Pro Tem Mickey Rodriguez.

1:48

Present.

1:49

Mayor Pro Tem, we have quorum.

1:51

Thank you so much.

1:52

I would like to invite Councilmember White to introduce today's invocator.

2:00

Thank you.

2:01

Um, it's my honor today to introduce Father Pat O'Brien.

2:05

Father Pat was born just outside of New York City to parents from Brooklyn and Queens, and he grew up as the oldest of three children in an Air Force family.

2:13

His father's military service as a Jag lawyer took his family across multiple states in four countries, including France and England.

2:20

An experience that shaped his deep appreciation for service and adaptability.

2:25

Father Pat decided to enter the seminary and studied for the Archdiocese of Denver, and he was ordained as a priest in 1989.

2:33

Staying true to his commitment to service, Father Pat has also served as a U.S.

2:37

Air Force Reserve chaplain, worked in real estate management, assisting the diocese with their real estate needs, and has been active in civic life, including service service as a Civil O City Council member and as Mayor Pro Tem.

2:51

Most recently, Father Pat was a president of the Randolph Air Power Community Council in 2016.

2:57

He was incarnated into the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

3:00

Father Pat is known for his love of family, learning, community involvement, and deep gratitude for a vocation that continues to bring him joy and purpose each day.

3:10

Father Pat, thank you for being here.

3:12

And Councilman, they did say I could say anything I wanted to, so I'm sorry for that.

3:15

But I just wanted to do a quick thank you.

3:17

I was the I ran, I was the director of operations for the Yanaguana at the time as it was transitioning with the Boons.

3:29

I'd like to say we did a good job trying to get things right.

3:32

You have a phenomenal crew down there.

3:33

Mr.

3:33

Telemantes and his crew have just taken really good care of my cousin was just here a few weekends ago and just took a random barge and said, wow, this is amazing.

3:41

So to all of you, thank you for what you've done with them.

3:44

I was gonna I'm gonna write you guys a letter, but I just figured since I'm here, I would drop say that now.

3:48

So let us pray.

3:54

Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of San Antonio, its rich history.

4:00

We happen to be just yards away from the center of where the city began.

4:05

We give you thanks for diverse people, the shared hope that binds us together.

4:09

As members of the City Council gather today, we ask you to pour out your spirit of wisdom, humility, and peace upon each of them.

4:17

Calm every anxious heart, soften every hardened edge, quiet every voice that seeks division, and strengthen every voice that seeks a common good.

4:28

Help us all to serve help all who serve here to listen deeply, speak truthfully, and to work collaboratively.

4:35

Remembering that every policy, every vote, every every debate are real people, real families, and real lives.

4:43

May disagreement never become disrespect disrespect.

4:46

May passion never overcome compassion, and may unity never be mistaken for uniformity.

4:53

Bless their work so that justice may be pursued with mercy, decisions made with integrity, and leadership be exercised with courage and care.

5:02

May San San Antonio continue to be a city known not just for its beauty and culture, but for its commitment to peace, cooperation, and the dignity of every human person.

5:14

We entrust this council, this city, and all who call it home to your loving care.

5:20

Amen.

5:23

Thank you.

5:23

Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

5:27

I plead of the United States of America which stands one nation under God and justice for all.

5:47

Item three is approval of the minutes for the City Council meetings of January 14th and 15, 2026.

5:52

Are there any corrections or edits to the minutes?

5:56

Do we have a motion for approval?

5:59

We have a motion and a second.

6:01

Please please vote.

6:21

Motion carries.

6:24

So we have a number of proclamations today.

6:27

Starting with National Wear Red Day requested by the American Heart Association.

6:38

Whereas the City of San Antonio recognizes that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, claiming the lives of one in three women each year and exceeding all forms of cancer combined, and whereas nearly half of women over age 20 live with some form of cardiovascular disease, yet many remain unaware of their personal risk factors or the ways heart disease uniquely presents in women.

6:58

And whereas women often experience different and less recognized symptoms of heart attack and stroke, contributing to delayed treatment, higher mortality rates, and long-term disability, and whereas persistent all persistent health disparities place black, Hispanic, Latina, and Indigenous women at greater risk due to inequities in prevention, diagnosis, emergency response, and access to quality care.

7:18

And whereas for more than two decades, the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Movement and National Wear Red Day have raised awareness, advanced research, and empowered communities to take life life-saving action for women's heart and brain health.

7:30

Now, therefore, I, Councilmember Jalen McKee Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of San Antonio in recognition thereof, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2026 to be National Wear Red Day in San Antonio, Texas, and encourage all residents to learn the signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke in women, support prevention and early detection efforts, and join in advancing women's cardiovascular health through increased awareness, education, and action.

7:52

We have some members of the association here.

8:04

The floor is yours.

8:06

Thank you so much.

8:08

Good morning, uh City Council members.

8:11

As the co-chair uh for the summit this year, um, I am pleased to um receive this proclamation as well as our entire team here.

8:21

Uh Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association's signature women's initiative focused on raising awareness of cardiovascular disease, which is the number one killer of women, but less than half of women are aware of the risk.

8:36

This movement empowers women to take charge of their heart health.

8:41

Friday, February the 6th is National Wear Red Day.

8:46

We urge everyone to join red for women, go red for women by wearing red and spreading awareness for all women, because losing one woman to heart disease or stroke is too many.

9:00

Here in San Antonio, the Go Red for Women's Summit gives heart disease the boot.

9:05

Uh is Wednesday, February the 11th, at the Intercontinental Hotel, where women across the community will unite to raise awareness and support advocacy and life-saving research.

9:19

Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of health-focused activations to help start their own health journeys.

9:27

This includes monitoring your blood, pressure, fitness, uh, instruction, and other engaging active activities to promote heart health.

9:38

Heart health is very important, and prevention is the key.

9:43

This means staying active, eating well, and managing your stress levels.

9:48

We encourage every woman to take action and learn more about the risks of heart disease, and join us for the Go Red for Women Summit on February the 11th, and also celebrating the national Go Red for Women on February the 6th.

10:05

Thank you so much for your time this morning.

10:08

You're gonna have the red glasses.

10:10

Thank you so much.

10:13

Thank you.

10:14

We'll make sure we're all wearing red on February 6th.

10:17

Of course.

10:18

Up next, we are recognizing Coach Popovich Day.

10:21

Um I will read this proclamation.

10:25

Whereas the City of San Antonio recognizes Greg Charles, Coach Pop Popovich and his unwavering compassion, hard work, and leadership that represents the very best of our city and humanity.

10:34

And whereas Coach Pop has taught us that reaching the pinnacle of success is more of a celebration of your dedication, consistency, and all the people who lifted you up than it is about a trophy or an individual accolade.

10:45

And whereas for over 29 seasons, Coach Pop has been a mentor to over 200 players and dozens more coaches.

10:51

He was named NBA Coach of the Year three times and has served as the gold medalist head coach for Olympic Team USA.

10:58

He is a Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.

11:00

He holds the record for the quickest ejection in NBA history, 63 seconds.

11:04

Give me some nasty.

11:06

And where is in 29?

11:08

Why would y'all do that?

11:10

Whereas in 2019, Coach Pop became the all-time winningest coach in NBA history for regular and playoff seasons combined.

11:17

In 2022, he hurt he earned the record for most regular season wins of all time with his 1,336 victory.

11:23

Coach Pop is the architect of the beautiful game that brought the Alamo City 5 unforgettable Larry O'Brien trophies.

11:29

He is only one of five coaches in the 79-year history of the NBA to have won five titles.

11:34

And whereas the City of San Antonio shall ensure there to be a Coach Pop Day here in the Alamo City every January 28th on his birthday.

11:41

This day is to be a day filled with acts of service.

11:43

It is an opportunity for the Costa Care's employees, volunteers, and other organizations, including the San Antonio Spurs, to work together to enrich our community and help others.

11:51

Some of the causes that are near and dear to Coach include shoes that fit, Haven for Hope, Champions Against Hunger, Innocence Project, and so many more.

11:59

And whereas, keep pounding the rock, Coach.

12:02

Now, therefore, I, Councilmember Jalen McKee Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of San Antonio in recognition thereof, do hereby proclaim January 28th of each year to be Coach Pop Day in San Antonio, Texas.

12:17

I'll now turn the floor over to Councilwoman Castillo.

12:20

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem, and good morning, everyone.

12:22

As we know, Coach Pop's aversion to personal celebration.

12:26

It's only fitting that Coach Popovich Day, his birthday, is centered on a day of service.

12:30

In celebration of the day of service, our District 5 staff and local volunteers turned up with the Texas Ramp Project to construct an accessibility ramp for a District 5 resident in need.

12:40

I want to give a special thanks to Justin on our team, to Cynthia Morales for organizing the event and for all the work that they both do on a daily basis to improve the quality of life for our District 5 residents.

12:51

Thank you to the City Council and staff for putting together this wonderful proclamation and to the Texas Ramp Project and our volunteers for their work.

12:59

Lastly, our team wants to thank Coach Pop for representing the very best of the City of San Antonio and the very best of humanity and keep pounding the rock.

13:06

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

13:13

Thank you, Councilmember.

13:14

Now we'll move on to points of personal privilege, turning the floor back over to Councilmember Castillo.

13:19

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

13:20

It's very fitting that today we honor Coach John Johnny Manuel Rodriguez, one rather.

13:25

He passed away on January 14th.

13:28

Johnny spent his life championing the potential of others as a dedicated special education teacher, coach, mentor, and community volunteer.

13:36

Johnny devoted over 37 years to the classroom teaching in Edgewood ISD.

13:41

He was a passionate coach mentor, preparing his students for the Special Olympics.

13:45

He was a constant source of encouragement for his family alongside his amazing wife Gloria.

13:50

He was a tireless volunteer.

13:52

Together, they lent their time to the All-American Bowl, Miracle League, Local Celebrity Basketball Games, the NAACA Final Four, and the City of San Antonio's District 5 events.

14:02

He was an avid sports enthusiast, loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pitch Pittsburgh Pirates, and the San Antonio Spurs.

14:09

He and his wife Gloria loved to travel to Chicago watching the Milwaukee Brewers or the St.

14:14

Louis Cardinals along the way.

14:16

Johnny was the happiest when he was at a baseball game.

14:19

Our District 5 team wanted to send our condolences to his devoted wife and family and friends and his teammates over at the YMCA Senior Basketball League where they would play every weekend.

14:30

So I thought it was very fitting to honor Coach alongside Coach Popovich because of their heart and dedication to service and the friends of District 5 mourn the loss and send our condolences to Gloria.

14:43

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

14:45

Thank you, Councilmember.

14:46

That was beautiful.

14:47

I'll now turn the floor over to Councilmember Via Gran.

14:51

Thank you, Mayor.

14:52

I want to uh again, it's the third annual sustainability symposium in District 3.

14:59

It's citywide.

15:00

So uh Saturday morning, if you want to get up, go somewhere that's nice and warm.

15:05

Please join us at the STEM Early College Cafeteria at 4040 Apollo Street over uh in the Harlandale Independent School District.

15:14

We will be uh talking about the climate ready 2035 implementation plan.

15:20

We'll have city departments there, there'll be light refreshments, vendors, activities, and more.

15:25

This year we're really focusing on getting the input from the city.

15:29

So if you want to talk food insecurities, you want to talk data centers, you want to talk um cleaning up the river, we will have Texas AM there, San Antonio River Authority, CPS Energy, Via Transit, and the San Antonio Food Bank.

15:45

And in addition, we will have chess to talk health equity.

15:49

Um come please join us and um let's find solutions to make sure that we can make this a better planet than we started with.

15:58

Thank you.

16:01

Thank you, Councilmember, and I see our next guest in the audience.

16:03

I'll turn the floor over to Councilmember Mungia for a point of personal privilege.

16:07

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem in keeping with the sports theme this morning.

16:10

I'm very, very proud to have our Southwoods Legacy High School Titan Cheer team with us today.

16:17

So uh just right there in the front.

16:19

Yeah, we're good.

16:20

Uh so I want to take a moment to celebrate a truly historic achievement for our community in District 4 for the first time since opening its doors in 2017.

16:28

The Southwest Legacy High School Titan Cheer team is headed to the national high school cheerleading competition.

16:34

Um it is not just a win, it's a huge milestone after years of building their program.

16:39

These athletes have officially put SLHS on the national map.

16:44

Their journey began with a standout performance at the Freeman Coliseum Regional Competition in November 2025.

16:50

Under the leadership of Coach Graham, uh they secured their bid to compete at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida in just a couple of weeks here in February.

17:00

What makes this qualification so special is the style.

17:03

They qualified in a category focused on traditional sideline cheer, something I didn't know was a thing.

17:09

Uh as senior captain Alyssa Gutieta shared, this pure style grounds them in the true meaning of cheerleading, focused on school spirit and community leadership rather than just high flying stunts.

17:21

This moment is the culmination of four years of relentless discipline and dedication.

17:25

Captain Alyssa Gutieta said it best.

17:27

She isn't just a cheerleader anymore, she is a national bound cheerleader who has helped to make history for her school.

17:34

So we still have a call to action for our community.

17:36

They are still raising money to get over there.

17:39

Uh the team is currently working to raise at least $15,000 to couple travel, lodging, and competition fees.

17:45

So I encourage everybody who's here today or watching.

17:47

If you're interested, please reach out and help these young women get to their competition.

17:52

Uh Coach Graham, Alyssa, and the entire squad, we are behind you.

17:56

Uh get out there, lead those sidelines, and show the nation what Titan Spirit looks like.

18:01

Good luck in Orlando.

18:02

And I hope y'all can do a little cheer for us to show us what you got.

18:07

Yeah, I can face us.

18:08

Okay.

18:14

Okay.

18:18

Let's rock the Titan Spirit.

18:21

Hey, let's hear it.

18:24

Let's rock the Titan Spirit.

18:27

Hey, let's hear it.

18:29

Let's rock the Titan Spirit last time.

18:32

Hey, let's hear it.

18:35

Let's rock the Titan Spirit.

18:38

Let's go, buddy.

18:42

Thank you.

18:44

Now you see why they're going to a national competition.

18:47

Uh and so we have our coach here and Principal Freeman.

18:50

Uh, would you all like to say a couple words?

18:56

Good morning, everybody.

18:57

Coach Graham here.

18:58

This is my first time.

18:59

Can somebody record?

19:00

This is great.

19:02

Pause it and stop it again.

19:04

Okay, just very excited to be here.

19:06

Um, very proud for the school to be putting them on the map.

19:09

Uh, when I got here back in 2021, I walked into the cheer studio.

19:13

I was an assistant coach at the time, and I said, we're going to nationals, and everyone kind of looked at me.

19:18

You know, that was something that I did, you know, back in my high school day.

19:21

I won't even talk about when.

19:22

But um, it it was it's a life-changing experience to be a part of something to go as a team.

19:29

Um, and so just uh dedication and discipline.

19:32

We turned the program around.

19:34

I'm so proud of the team behind me.

19:36

They saw the vision as well, and even though they were a little nervous about well, how are we gonna go and what are we gonna do?

19:40

I said, all I need for you to do is want it and win.

19:43

We will worry about how to get there later.

19:45

We'll talk about all those details once we win.

19:48

And so now we're here, and so um, like I said, just very proud to be representing not only our district, uh Southwest Independent School District, but also our city of San Antonio, the great state of Texas in a national setting.

20:00

I mean, we will be on the ESPN or uh participating uh in the ESPN uh sports arena, and so prayerfully we get to have a little clip of of who we are and what we bring uh from the great state of Texas and the city of San Antonio.

20:18

Thank you, Councilmember Via Gran.

20:22

Before you leave, if the principal can come up here too and and just introduce yourselves.

20:26

This is what I do with all the students that come because you don't know when you're gonna be here, and it's important that you say your name.

20:32

So if y'all can just introduce yourself and then if the principal wants to share at the end about how great these girls are.

20:42

Um hello, my name is Alyssa Gutierrez.

20:44

I'm the captain and I'm a senior.

20:46

And yes, this is my team.

20:49

Uh my name is Navy Solis.

20:51

I am the co-captain of the shared team.

20:56

My name is Ala Castillo.

20:58

I am a four-year veteran on the team, and I'm a senior.

21:03

Um my name is Jaslin Delgado.

21:06

Um, I'm a senior uh veteran, and I'm a senior.

21:12

My name is Raina Warham.

21:14

I am a two-year veteran and I'm a senior on the team.

21:19

Hi, name my name is Tavita Zaya.

21:21

I am a junior, and this is my third year on the team.

21:27

Hi, my name is Maximiliana DeLeon, and I'm a junior.

21:30

It's my third year on the team.

21:34

Hi, I'm the Nunes and I'm a junior, and this is my first year on the team.

21:41

Hello, everyone, good morning.

21:43

My name is Roxy Freeman.

21:44

I'm the incredibly proud principal at Legacy High School.

21:48

Now I'm gonna get emotional because in public education, I think it's we we have to bring opportunities and remove barriers for our students.

21:57

How it's gonna happen, that's up to us.

21:59

So I'm very thankful for your assistance and helping and support and creating opportunities and breaking barriers because these young ladies behind me under coach, they're so very deserving.

22:10

And I'm proud because I was some of their principals in middle school.

22:13

So I've seen them kind of come along the way.

22:15

And uh thank you very much, and we hope to make everyone city of San Antonio proud of us.

22:20

Thank you.

22:27

Thank you all so much.

22:28

And uh Councilmember White, if you could close your ears.

22:31

Uh in high school, I was a cheerleader as well, and so I know how no one's surprised.

22:39

Uh so I know how hard you guys are working, and so I want to say thank you so much for representing San Antonio so well and continue to do so.

22:45

And I know many of you are seniors, and so best of luck in college and and beyond.

22:50

Thank you.

22:55

That was all for our points of personal privilege.

22:57

Uh, items four through 24 on the consent agenda.

23:00

This means they'll be considered as a group and there will not be a staff presentation unless pulled for individual consideration.

23:05

Are there any items council members would like to pull from the consent agenda to be heard individually?

23:10

I will be pulling item eight.

23:17

All right, items eight.

23:18

Item eight has been pulled by council members for individual consideration.

23:26

Sorry, this is a new script for me.

23:30

Madam Clerk, do we have members of the public assignment to speak on the consent agenda?

23:34

Wow, no speakers signed up to speak.

23:37

Uh is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?

23:40

I make a motion to approve.

23:42

Second.

23:43

We have a motion and a second.

23:44

Um are there any highlights or concerns about the consent agenda?

23:48

Any highlights today?

23:52

Councilmember Galvon.

23:55

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

23:56

I have two highlights today for item 15 and item 16 if both Rosemary and Joseph could come to the podium right here.

24:02

Um today I'm appointing two incredible district six uh residents to some uh great boards of commissions here.

24:08

Uh first and foremost, we have uh Rosemary Gomez being appointed to the City County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs.

24:13

Rosemary Gomez is a leader in user experience and continuous improvement, who has dedicated her career to making services more accessible and effective for the individuals they support.

24:21

She's recognized for her long her strong leadership and her ability to build collaborative trust-based relationships across teens and organizations, including the incredible team, at least at the Venio Senior Center, who's doing some great work in the pickleball tournaments that we have.

24:33

Rosemary's honor to join the jointly affairs commission and looks forward to contributing to initiatives that improve the quality of life of our senior residents.

24:39

So thank you so much, Rosemary.

24:41

And please stay there and I'll come down for a picture just a second.

24:44

Joseph Nogle, uh, we're appointing him to the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy Committee.

24:48

Justin Nogle is a senior program and systems analyst at CPS Energy, where he leads uh budget analytics and management reporting.

24:54

He'll have an MBA and is currently pursuing a Master of Science and Artificial Intelligence at Purdue University, focusing on AI governance and policy.

25:02

Just looks forward to using his 15 years supply chain and financial experience to advocate for small businesses in district six, and I can't be more excited for both of you all to serve our shared community.

25:09

So one second, let me go down to take a quick picture.

25:16

So we're not all watching in silence as he takes a photo.

25:19

Uh I'll turn the floor over to council member Councilmember Castillo.

25:22

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

25:24

This morning I'd like to highlight two items.

25:26

We're celebrating the reappointment of Maria Cruz to the zoning board of adjustments.

25:30

Maria is a dedicated constituent who's very active and lives in the Palm Heights community.

25:34

And item 23, we're excited about uh grateful rather the accepting the funding for Strack to support our MIU care station at Haven, which provides on site after our acute care services in order to reduce the strain our emergency room.

25:48

So we're always very grateful to highlight uh the great work of Strac.

25:51

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

25:54

Thank you, Councilmember.

25:55

Are there any other highlights?

25:58

Hearing none, we have a motion and a second.

26:00

Please vote.

26:20

Motion carries.

26:23

Item eight was pulled by me for individual consideration.

26:26

City clerk, can you please read the caption?

26:29

Item number eight is an ordinance declaring as surplus and authorizing the sale of the site of former fire station number 24 located at 1940 Austin Highway, being a.517 acre 22,500 square feet parcel of land situated at NCB 12172 as requested by Trox Family Investments LLC for a fee of 152,000.

26:58

Funds will be deposited into the general fund.

27:01

Thank you.

27:02

I don't think we need a presentation.

27:04

I'll move to approve so that I may amend.

27:08

Okay, so I move to amend item eight by allocating all funds received from the sale of Fire Station 24 to a to be determined District 2 parks project.

27:21

Thank you.

27:22

We have a motion and a second.

27:24

Oh sorry.

27:26

That's fine.

27:28

Do we have any other question?

27:30

Yes, go ahead.

27:31

I just had some questions on the legalities of this.

27:34

Should we go into exec?

27:39

Should we, Andy?

27:41

Just on the precedent.

27:42

Sorry, Councilwoman, I didn't hear the question.

27:44

I just have a couple of questions on the legalities of it.

27:47

Of the amendment or the actual sale.

27:50

Of the amendment.

27:51

Yes, you can I think that's I'll let you know if we have to do that in exec, but I think I can probably can answer.

27:57

Okay.

27:58

How much is it gonna be that's gonna stay in the district?

28:03

Well, uh, according to the motion, uh, the the entire the entire amount will stay in district two.

28:08

Do we know that amount?

28:09

It's about 150,000.

28:10

Oh, okay, gotcha.

28:11

Yes.

28:12

I also just had a question on on the precedent setting.

28:16

Let me I think that's more it's less a legal issue.

28:19

Um actually I was gonna I was gonna punch in here.

28:27

Um the city budgets the sale of property in our general fund, um, and it's generally any property sold goes into deposit with the general fund, which is the larger pot that you all are are familiar with.

28:40

We have a our budget uh for rev our revenue budget for sale of property uh in the general fund this year is 250,000.

28:49

Last year uh we collected 725,000.

28:54

It is um it is unusual to have the sale of property uh be earmarked um like this now.

29:02

I know Councilman McKee Rodriguez, um, since he's been on council has been um interested in this project because it was uh we had a new fire station built down the street in uh off Austin Highway.

29:15

Um, but it is something that I wouldn't recommend in terms of going forward and carving up uh the sale of property or revenue and keeping it within a district.

29:25

Um I think it is um I think it is a uh a precedent that um leads to other things that um uh wouldn't be good for the city.

29:36

Yeah, and that's my concern.

29:38

Like I I um appreciate the creative thinking and I appreciate and I know that district two has a lot of needs, um, but I'm I'm more nervous about the sell well the precedent it's setting because like let's just say district one, right?

29:52

Like if something gets sold in district one and then the the precedent is at that revenue stays in district one, then the rest of the district is screwed, you know.

30:01

And so I I think we just need to think through that.

30:05

Thank you.

30:06

And I'll um I'll address that and I'll give a little bit of background, and it's a concern that I have about this process generally, is that we've been talking about this since before last fiscal year's budget was approved uh early last summer.

30:17

Uh and I conveyed to staff that I was not okay with the sale of this property uh and that I would like to use it for something else.

30:23

Uh and so I thought it was unwise for them to consider this a done deal and to include that as a part of the general fund budget.

30:31

Uh council, and I did hear uh council member uh not council member uh city manager's concern.

30:35

Uh we did take an action similar last year with uh councilman courage uh in district nine and Eric raised a very similar concern.

30:42

Uh you'll recall the transportation infrastructure committee recently had a briefing on uh the the disposition of our surplus property, and I think that was a large part of the conversation is what do we do we set a policy for situations like this?

30:55

And so, in lieu of that policy, I'm asking for an exception for this specific instance, uh, and that we and we'll continue to have that discussion so that we don't run into this issue again.

31:05

But for now, this is an asset that we're losing in district two, and I would like for uh the benefit to remain in the district.

31:14

Yeah, that I mean that makes sense, and thank you for for that context.

31:17

Again, I'm just I'm really nervous about the precedent it's setting because if if you know this could easily get to a place where you know y'all are saying, oh, the north side is selling assets and keeping the money there and and being upset when that money's not going into general funds.

31:31

So I'm nervous about the slippery slope because it could be a slippery slope.

31:36

Thank you, Councilmember Via Gran.

31:41

Thank you.

31:42

Thank you, Eric.

31:42

And I I know you've brought this up before, but I understand that uh Councilman Key Rodriguez has been following this before uh for quite a time, and he sits on a number of boards that know what we prioritize, and I'm speaking specifically about the San Antonio Housing Trust.

31:56

So there I when we talk about city cell property, the the first thing we're always asking is is is can we use it for affordability and affordable housing and things like that.

32:09

So I think in this place, I'm comfortable with moving forward with this exception because I think it's important that we do understand um strategically what we're what we're doing in District 2 in particular as it has grown.

32:25

And I think that this it be should become a larger conversation that we shouldn't just have in transportation.

32:32

I really think this conversation be should be had in planning committee as we move forward and what the needs of specific districts are.

32:40

So I'll be supporting this today, but I do think we need a larger conversation, whether that starts in B session, whether it starts in planning committee.

32:49

Um as we look at sales and purchases of property, I don't want to get I don't want housing to be lost in this process, and and that's the one thing is that that infill specifically in the inner city is key.

33:04

So I'm not sure what all is and it's affordable.

33:08

I mean it there could be housing, but it may not be affordable.

33:12

It could be used for something else.

33:13

And um I in terms of having the conversation, I know uh district three is going to have a couple of fire stations that they're gonna need to look at in the future too.

33:22

So um I appreciate that we want to work on getting money back to the general fund, and I hear um my council colleagues concern about precedent, but I think in this instant, I'm willing to support it on this specific instant, but I think we need to have a larger conversation in planning and possibly policy setup regarding this.

33:41

Thank you.

33:42

Thank you.

33:43

Councilmember Dr.

33:43

Korm.

33:46

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

33:48

I talked to Councilmember uh or Mayor Pro Tem yesterday too and shared the same thing that I was worried about the precedent that we were setting.

33:54

And I think a lot of times uh when we do in this situation, I said specifically we know district two needs more green space.

34:01

We have uh I think Councilmember Mickey Rodriguez is will never let us forget that that there is so much industrial over there and they need more green space.

34:09

Um but I think one of the biggest challenges with our budget that we have right now is we claim to have an equity-based budget, but I don't always see that.

34:17

I don't see when we're splitting up dollars that they're truly being spent based on need versus just equally across 10 district or 10 districts.

34:26

And so I think that this to me it's not just a larger conversation about what happens when we sell one piece of land that's quite frankly, it's 150,000.

34:35

This could be like a NAMP or or CIP project at least for any one of us.

34:40

But I think we consistently see equal division with these 10 with our 10 districts, and we are not all equal.

35:00

And in order to do that, we have to make sure we have good assessed need, which looks like how much green space is there in every single part, and not even just how much green space, but how what is the quality of green space and um in some areas it it might be green, but it's just or barely, but it's not being up kept pretty well.

35:13

So I think we do have to think about that.

35:16

I know um Eric has been working with those budget consultants to go through each of our departments and really look at how we're how we're spending our dollars, but I think overall we should have a larger conversation maybe with that group that came to speak to us um almost a year ago now on how we can start talking about this because I feel like I I feel like we've talked about it and said it a lot, but we're not making any moves on it.

35:41

Um and so uh I guess my request, Eric, would be that um that same consultant group that spoke to us that about each of the department budgets.

35:50

I thought they were uh very strong if they could maybe think about what would it look like to truly help us consider an an equity-based budget in different departments, whether it's parks, whether it's uh infrastructure or public works capital delivery, so that we can actually see um money directed towards need versus just district.

36:13

Thanks.

36:13

Oh, and I so I'm supporting this conditionally today that we are moving that conversation forward.

36:18

Thanks, Mayor Protect.

36:20

Thank you, Councilmember.

36:21

Councilmember Mugheum.

36:22

Thank you, Mayor Protein.

36:24

I'm also supporting this now with any conditions, and I'm not worried about what this could lead to.

36:28

I don't think we have property that we're gonna sell for a million dollars that would stay in district four or district nine.

36:34

So I don't think that's an issue.

36:36

And I welcome we had a really good discussion about this actually at the committee.

36:39

Um, and I thought there was a good amount of folks that agreed to that that you know if there's some land that is sold in one of our districts that we should be able to utilize that money in that same area, especially for parks.

36:51

So I think whatever policy we come up with, and I agree we shouldn't have something on the books.

36:55

Uh I think whatever we would come up with, this project would fit that bill.

36:59

So I'm not worried about it.

37:00

I'm happy to have that conversation on my committee or your committee, and I think we can really get to a good spot with that.

37:04

So thank you, Mayor.

37:08

Thank you, Councilmember.

37:09

Councilmember Covito.

37:11

Yeah, thank you.

37:12

And again, again, um, and sorry, I I and Jalen, I think you and I were supposed to talk.

37:16

I mean, Councilman Mayor Pro Tem.

37:19

I think we were supposed to have a conversation about this.

37:21

Um and again, I I uh I hear you obviously I'm in favor of green space and a park, but my concern is you know, as councilman, you said I think councilman courage did this, and then we're doing it again.

37:34

So I don't mind supporting the this.

37:37

I mean, obviously I I I want to be supportive of what D2 wants to do, and I want to be supportive of parks and green spaces in general.

37:44

Um, but I think we need to have a an action item and a date of when we're gonna get this policy created.

37:51

Uh whose committee, I mean, Eric, can we like assign a committee or whatever?

37:54

Because we're gonna keep doing this, we're gonna keep kicking the can down the curve uh down the road, and and then we're gonna find ourselves in um in not so such a great position.

38:05

Uh Eric, what committee would would take this up and and can we put it on an agenda?

38:10

I don't think it's a committee discussion.

38:11

I think it's a full council discussion.

38:13

I mean, that this goes to I know we're we're only we're um I hate to I don't want to sound flippant upon it, we're only talking about 152,000.

38:22

But the core of what what you all are discussing and how we deal with limited resources from a citywide perspective is is a full council conversation.

38:34

Um and I'll I'll give you an example.

38:36

We spent sixty-five thousand dollars to demo the fire station, um, because we're selling the the the raw land.

38:44

So we spent sixty-five thousand dollars to demo and then retrieve some of that expense and net out so that we get revenue.

38:53

So any I mean, just sitting here listening to the conversation.

38:57

Um anything that you all do, we should at least be covering our cost, like at a minimum.

39:03

And I and and uh uh the councilman and I talked about this right before the meeting.

39:08

Um so I really haven't given it a lot of thought, but generally a policy like that um should be a full council conversation, and we can certainly roll it into the first quarter presentation that we'll be doing in in uh February with you all, and then uh subsequently into the mid-year.

39:24

These don't happen that often um and it's it's not a property that that frankly is you can put housing on, it's not big enough.

39:33

And it's in a parking lot of a commercial corridor.

39:36

Um so that's that's one suggestion I have right now is that we at least cover our cost.

39:41

Yeah, and I I do think that um us having that policy discussion.

39:46

I think you said B s B session in February.

39:49

Is that what you said?

39:50

Yeah, and a B session in February is important just so that way we're not um again uh going down a slippery slope.

39:59

I know this is 150,000.

40:00

I know D2's in need of it, so again, I don't mind supporting and again I'm very supportive of green space, uh, but I just I don't want this to surprise us again.

40:09

Thank you.

40:10

Thank you.

40:11

Councilmember White.

40:12

Yeah, I don't have much more to add.

40:14

I I think I think Eric's Eric's right, and we need a full, we need a full council discussion.

40:19

Um, and I think the councilwoman's right too.

40:21

I mean, the precedent that it sets.

40:22

We we need some sort of clear policy here.

40:25

Uh but again, we're here today on this, and uh we'll support your motion.

40:29

Thank you.

40:29

I appreciate that.

40:30

And just to I guess close the loop on the conversation that we had at transportation infrastructure.

40:34

We already know that there's roughly 10 acres of surplus property, so it's not a whole lot to work with.

40:40

Um, but I think that conversation is primed and ready for full council, and I look forward to having that discussion at a B session.

40:46

Uh, any further discussion?

40:48

All that being said, we'll take uh vote on the amendment first.

41:04

Amendment passes.

41:05

We'll now take a vote on the main motion.

41:08

Yes, as amended.

41:20

Motion carries.

41:25

Uh next item is going to be city manager's report.

41:29

Thank you.

41:30

Um so uh today's uh spotlight video is a video of the new pre-K for SA South Education Center.

41:38

I know many of you have been there built through a public-private partnership with with Holt, um the city or the center uh stands at at a testament of what's really possible when communities come together.

41:49

Um the center was intentionally designed for young children and the adults who support them, and um the operations are going fantastic over there.

41:59

Uh Dr.

42:00

Bray and the entire team have done an outstanding job.

42:03

Um, and I wanted to uh share today's video with you all um and hopefully you all get a chance to visit it.

42:14

So this is our new South Education Center.

42:17

Here we serve 360 children ages six weeks to five years.

42:22

The building was designed to reflect the unique beauty and culture of San Antonio, lots of natural elements, a connection to the outdoors, as well as some of the vibrant colors that really are part of San Antonio.

42:37

We worked with security experts to make sure that our buildings have special glazing on the glass.

42:43

We've got security locks on everything so that it feels like a very open space, but is very secure.

42:54

Southeast San Antonio is a growing part of San Antonio.

42:57

There's lots of families with young children here.

43:00

It's also a child care desert.

43:01

And so when we were looking to build, we said we want to be in a space that's additive where we know young families need access to high quality early learning and care.

43:09

Walk into the space from the living wall that is right there at the entrance plaza to the big bright, beautiful lights as you walk in to their classrooms that have direct access to outdoors, the children and families just smiling from ear to ear, and it's really great.

43:24

Even three months in, they're still acting like they're surprised every day.

43:29

They find a new element to the building, which is fantastic.

43:32

Applications open February 1st, and so we'll be gearing up for that very soon for the next school year.

43:42

Thank you, Mayor Proton.

43:45

That is the conclusion of our business.

43:47

The time is now 10 a.m.

43:49

and this meeting is adjourned.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement████████████████████████24%
Budget██████████████████18%
Procedural██████████████14%
Public Education██████████████14%
Equity in Transportation██████████10%
Public Health█████████9%
Zoning and Land Use████████8%
Public Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

San Antonio City Council Meeting - January 29, 2026

The San Antonio City Council convened on January 29, 2026, at 9:17 AM. The meeting included proclamations, public recognitions, consent agenda approvals, and discussion on the sale of surplus property. The council approved the sale of former Fire Station 24 with an amendment to allocate proceeds to a District 2 parks project, amid concerns about precedent.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes from January 14-15, 2026 meetings.
  • Approved consent agenda items 4-24, including appointments and funding allocations.
    • Councilmember Galvan highlighted appointments of Rosemary Gomez to the City County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs and Joseph Nogle to the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy Committee.
    • Councilmember Castillo highlighted the reappointment of Maria Cruz to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and acceptance of funding for an MIU care station at Haven.
  • Item 8 was pulled for individual consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No public speakers signed up to speak on the consent agenda.

Discussion Items

  • Sale of Former Fire Station 24 (Item 8): Councilmember McKee Rodriguez moved to amend the item to allocate all funds ($152,000) from the sale of the property at 1940 Austin Highway to a to-be-determined District 2 parks project. City Manager expressed concern that earmarking proceeds sets a bad precedent for the general fund. Multiple councilmembers (Castillo, Villagran, Gonzales, Alderete Gavito, White) supported the amendment but called for a broader council policy discussion on equitable resource distribution. The city manager suggested covering demolition costs ($65,000) at a minimum. The amendment passed, and the main motion as amended was approved.

Key Outcomes

  • Decision: Item 8 approved as amended, directing all sale proceeds to a District 2 parks project.
  • Directive: Full council to discuss a policy on surplus property sale proceeds in a February B session.
  • Proclamations: February 6, 2026 designated as National Wear Red Day; January 28 designated as Coach Popovich Day.
  • Points of Personal Privilege: Recognitions for Coach Johnny Manuel Rodriguez (passed January 14) and the Southwest Legacy High School Titan Cheer team (national qualifiers).
  • City Manager's Report: Spotlight video on the new Pre-K for SA South Education Center, serving 360 children, with applications opening February 1.

Meeting Transcript

Sa.gov Diagonal TV S.A. Good morning, everyone. The time is now 17 AM on January 29th, 2026, and the meeting of the San Antonio City Council is now called to order. Madam Clerk, please call roll. Councilmember Corps. Present. Councilmember Villa Gran. Here. Councilmember Mungia. Present. Councilmember Castillo. Here. Councilmember Galvan. Here. Councilmember Alderete Gavito. Here. Councilmember Mesa Gonzalez. Councilmember Spears. Councilmember White. Mayor Jones. Mayor Pro Tem Mickey Rodriguez. Present. Mayor Pro Tem, we have quorum. Thank you so much. I would like to invite Councilmember White to introduce today's invocator. Thank you. Um, it's my honor today to introduce Father Pat O'Brien. Father Pat was born just outside of New York City to parents from Brooklyn and Queens, and he grew up as the oldest of three children in an Air Force family. His father's military service as a Jag lawyer took his family across multiple states in four countries, including France and England. An experience that shaped his deep appreciation for service and adaptability. Father Pat decided to enter the seminary and studied for the Archdiocese of Denver, and he was ordained as a priest in 1989. Staying true to his commitment to service, Father Pat has also served as a U.S. Air Force Reserve chaplain, worked in real estate management, assisting the diocese with their real estate needs, and has been active in civic life, including service service as a Civil O City Council member and as Mayor Pro Tem. Most recently, Father Pat was a president of the Randolph Air Power Community Council in 2016. He was incarnated into the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Father Pat is known for his love of family, learning, community involvement, and deep gratitude for a vocation that continues to bring him joy and purpose each day. Father Pat, thank you for being here. And Councilman, they did say I could say anything I wanted to, so I'm sorry for that. But I just wanted to do a quick thank you. I was the I ran, I was the director of operations for the Yanaguana at the time as it was transitioning with the Boons. I'd like to say we did a good job trying to get things right. You have a phenomenal crew down there. Mr. Telemantes and his crew have just taken really good care of my cousin was just here a few weekends ago and just took a random barge and said, wow, this is amazing. So to all of you, thank you for what you've done with them. I was gonna I'm gonna write you guys a letter, but I just figured since I'm here, I would drop say that now. So let us pray. Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of San Antonio, its rich history. We happen to be just yards away from the center of where the city began. We give you thanks for diverse people, the shared hope that binds us together.

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