Taylor City Council Meeting - May 20, 2025

The City Council of Taylor held a regular meeting and study session on May 20, 2025, beginning at 6:30 PM. The meeting opened with invocation and pledge, followed by approval of agenda and minutes, then a consent agenda of routine items. A large portion of the evening was dedicated to a study session on the city's towing contracts, with extensive council debate and public comment. Several other topics were discussed, including homelessness, the police-ICE 287G agreement, and resident concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda with an added open business item (motion by Councilman Brandana, supported by Councilman Johnson).
• Approved the minutes of the May 6, 2025 meeting, with discussion about adding veto notifications to the minutes online.
• Approved a consent agenda of routine items (enacted by one motion), including purchase orders for Taylor Chevrolet ($20,000 for police repair/maintenance), K9 recertification training ($800), a criminal interdiction workshop ($2,796), repairs to fire apparatus ($7,900 and $10,000), additional funds for fire department contractual account ($5,064), golf course lifts ($29,503), a concrete panel replacement contract extension ($130,000), a pavement crack sealing contract ($100,000), electrical services at Lang Park ($24,500 from ARPA funds), cemetery fencing ($185,713), printing of voter ID cards ($3,980), and postage for mailing voter ID cards ($8,000).
• Item 8.13 (motion to nominate a council vacancy) received no nominations; no action taken.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charles Blackwell (via written letter read by clerk): Accused Mayor Woolley of being a "crook" and serving donors; the statement was characterized by the chair as libelous and defamatory.
• Mark Lemay (retired Navy veteran): Requested help with an $850 ambulance bill from a transport to the hospital, stating the VA did not authorize it and his credit was damaged. He also recommended community-led efforts to address homelessness.
• Steven Anders (resident of Welton Estates): Asked for a variance to build a 12x20 mobile shed without a concrete slab and rat wall; the chair stated city ordinances require those for structures of that size.
• Timothy Kinski (resident of Robert Street): Opposed the city's 287G agreement with ICE, warning of due process violations and discrimination; urged council to rescind the agreement.
• Angela Fernandez (resident of Catherine Street): Criticized the council for not reading the 287G agreement and claimed the chief misrepresented its history; also shared a personal story about the city's failure to help with property tax issues after inheriting a home, leading to her dog's death.
• Another public commenter (name not given in transcript): Supported the ICE agreement, arguing that police should call ICE when they detain illegal immigrants who commit crimes.
• Brenda Bennett (resident of Michael Street): Questioned whether a council member with a personal relationship with a towing company should be allowed to vote; noted the vacant council seat prevents resolution.
• Caroline Patz (resident of Jackson Street): Suggested awarding the new towing contract to the current vendor (area towing) to solve the impasse.
• Christopher Fernandez (resident): Repeated his account of the city's mishandling of his property tax escrow, leading to his dog's death; criticized the council's lack of due diligence.

Discussion Items

• Towing Contract Debate (Study Session): Council members debated awarding a new towing contract to either area towing (current) or JT Crova. Councilwoman Whitten presented recent high tow bills ($905 and $1,537) from area towing and advocated for the new contract with lower rates and consumer choice. Councilwoman Brandana expressed concerns about JT Crova's history and location. Chairman Geis proposed splitting the city between two towers (north-south) as a potential compromise. Councilman Johnson and others noted past failed processes. The mayor stated he entered an agreement with JT Crova after council failed to act. No resolution was reached; the issue was left open.
• Homelessness: Mayor and police chief reported ongoing efforts, including drone surveillance and COPS grant funding ($350,000) for training and personnel. Councilman Johnson noted recent cleanup along railroad tracks.
• Infrastructure & Planning: Discussed concrete pricing, sidewalk repair programs, and cemetery fencing specifications. Councilman Geis raised concerns about a condo development altering approved elevations and a local business painting brick. Both issues referred to planning commission.
• ICE 287G Agreement: Speakers opposed the agreement. Chairman Geis stated he was not happy with it but accepted the chief's word that no changes beyond prior practice would occur; he defended the city against claims of racism.
• Defamatory Public Comment: The clerk read a letter from Charles Blackwell despite the chair calling it libelous. Councilwoman Rose suggested filing a defamation claim; Corporation Counsel noted it could be pursued.
• Vacant Council Seat: No nominations were made under Item 8.13; the seat remains open.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda and action items (8.1-8.12 plus added postage) were approved unanimously.
• No nomination was made to fill the vacant council seat.
• No decision was reached on the towing contract; the study session continued with no vote.
• Public comment on ICE agreement received no council action.
• Chairman Geis concluded by rejecting claims that Taylor is unwelcoming to immigrants and addressed the emotional impact of public comments.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:10 PM after a brief break and additional public comments.