San Antonio City Council Meeting – June 11, 2026: Army Birthday, Philippine Independence, Bond Committee Debate, and CPS Energy Eminent Domain Approvals
San Antonio City Council Meeting – June 11, 2026
The San Antonio City Council convened at 9:07 a.m. on June 11, 2026, with all council members present. The meeting opened with an invocation by Murphy Patamala, a leader in the Indian community, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The council approved the minutes from the May 22, 2026 meeting. Ceremonial recognitions included the U.S. Army's 251st birthday, Philippine Independence Day proclamation, and the Jossie Awards for performing arts. Council members also highlighted personal privileges, including the 10th anniversary of Pierce Salt Park, a traffic safety advocacy by a 12-year-old student, and a tribute to a deceased Army veteran.
Consent Calendar
- Item 3: Approval of minutes from the May 22, 2026 meeting – approved unanimously.
- Items 5–11, 14–33: Consent Agenda – approved as a block with highlights:
- Item 6: $100,000 contribution from the San Antonio Medical Foundation for Lisa Star Park's playground improvements.
- Item 9: Bond funding for Brackenridge Park nature playscape (ADA accessible).
- Item 17: Acceptance of $3.2 million in grants from Texas Department of State Health Services for Metro Health's Communicable Disease Division, funding 32 positions.
- Item 22: $250,000 in federal funds for McFarland Tennis Center ADA improvements.
- Item 23: Appointment of Antoinette Flores to the Disability Access Advisory Committee.
- Items 12, 13, and 25 were pulled for individual consideration.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public signed up to speak on any agenda item.
Discussion Items
- Items 12 & 13 – Eminent Domain for CPS Energy Projects:
- Item 12 authorized acquisition of 192 acres (fee simple) for the Howard 765 kV switching station project in Council District 4. The ordinance declared the project a public use/necessity. Motion by Councilmember Mungia, seconded, and approved without discussion.
- Item 13 authorized acquisition of 120 permanent electric transmission easements, 35 temporary construction easements, and 17 access easements for the Howard to San Miguel transmission line in Bexar and Atascosa counties. Approved similarly.
- Item 25 – Resolution on Bond Committee Appointments:
- Staff presented a resolution requiring City Council approval of the mayor's appointees for tri-chairs and co-chairs of the 2027–2032 community bond committees. Councilmembers debated timing, process, and whether to also require approval of council-district appointees. An amendment by Councilmember White to require council confirmation of all bond committee appointees (including district members) was adopted. The main motion as amended failed on a split vote, with several councilmembers opposing due to timing concerns and preferring to revisit after the current bond cycle.
Key Outcomes
- Approved: Minutes of May 22, 2026; Consent Agenda (items 5–11, 14–33); Item 12 (eminent domain for Howard switching station); Item 13 (eminent domain for Howard–San Miguel transmission line).
- Failed: Item 25 (resolution requiring council approval of bond committee chairs) as amended.
- Next Steps: The bond committee appointment process will proceed under existing rules; a future work session on potential changes was suggested.
Meeting Transcript
Turn it up and the heartbeat hit. Everybody come along when the snake starts to hit by the Alamo down to the river one go. When I play the drums, everybody say, whoa! San Antonio with the rhythm here we go. And somehow will the beast drums low, everybody. Let's go. Let's go. Let's go. Good morning. The time is now 9 07 a.m. on June 11th, 2026, and the meeting of the San Antonio City Council is now called to order. Madam Clerk, please call roll. Councilmember Corps. Present. Councilmember McKee Rodriguez. Present. Councilmember Via Gran. Council Member Mungia. Present. Council Member Castillo. Councilmember Galvan. Here. Councilmember Adarete Gavito. Councilmember Mesa Gonzalez. Council Member Spears. Here. Councilmember White. Mayor Jones. Here, Mayor, we have quorum. Great. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Today's invocature is a guest of Council Member Corps. Councilmember Cor, you're recognized. Thank you, Mayor. It's my honor to introduce Murphy Patamala. Murti is a leader in the Indian community, very well respected. He's a founding member of the Telugu Association of San Antonio. He also has a deep commitment to the development of youth. He founded a Hub Scout Pack in 1947. Also was a board member of the San Antonio Academy. And he is the chairman and of the Board of Trustees of the Hindu Temple of San Antonio, the largest temple in the city. So thank you so much, Murphy, for being here. Namaste, please stand. Good morning, Mayor, Councilwoman Dr. Sukaur, and other council members, city managers, staff, and fellow citizens. We start with this uh small prayer and reflection of uh today's meeting. Oh, we invoke the blessings of the divine, known by many names, and worship through many paths, one supreme reality that guides all creation. May wisdom illuminate the minds of our elected leaders. May compassion guide their hearts. May integrity shape their decisions, may they work together in a spirit of respect, understanding, and service for the benefit of all who call San Antonio home.
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