Taylor City Council Meeting - June 2, 2026

The Taylor City Council convened on June 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM. The meeting included approval of the Junior League World Series draw, several routine consent items, budget amendments, and public hearings. A significant number of residents addressed the council on topics including infrastructure, water quality, rodent control, and zoning. The council voted on multiple items, with one split vote (5-1) on an easement vacation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (items 6.1 through 6.5) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Resident (pothole complaint): Reported a pothole and damaged grass at 400 Gully Street, stating no action was taken after a previous complaint. Mayor assured it would be addressed.
• Caroline Patz (6860 Jackson): Promoted upcoming events: Taylor Community Conservatory concert (June 3) and Colonial Days at Heritage Park (June 6-7).
• Unnamed speaker: Expressed opposition to the 28th agreement with ICE, arguing it allows racial profiling and detaining without warrant. At time limit, noted section 14 transfers liability to federal government.
• Matthew Stryker (8914 Holland): Opposed the rezoning of property to WIC on Holland Road, citing concerns about dumping, noise, traffic, and loss of green space. Requested developer engagement with residents before planning commission meeting.
• Mary Susa (Beverly Road): Criticized the council’s April 21 vote against the master plan, questioning why a family’s rezoning was prioritized. Asked when the master plan would be updated; staff responded it is reviewed every five years.
• Teresa Kercy (Taylor CERT): Sought assistance with advertising and resources for a Battle of the Bands fundraiser. Mayor offered to meet after the meeting.
• Debbie Burnham: Raised concerns about PFAS and lead in Taylor’s water, citing a C grade from EPA. City officials explained water is from GLWA and that unregulated contaminant levels were low. Also asked about data centers; mayor stated no plans and a moratorium is in place. Requested preservation of natural green spaces.
• Anna (resident): Described a severe rat problem, asking the city to collect data and partner with pest control services like neighboring cities. Mayor advised reporting to DPW.
• Megan Teats: Discussed communication gaps between council and residents. Mentioned disabled resident’s accessibility concerns and Kathy Carroll’s chicken ordinance case. Offered to help improve resident engagement.
• Gary Blum (resident): Complained about inconsistent garbage and yard waste pickup, and asked about a damaged feature at Eureka and Telegraph and fading paint on the football bridge. DPW director addressed insurance issues for the feature; mayor said garbage company is behind but working on it.
• Unnamed speaker: Questioned the ICE agreement, noting that the city has received no funds and has not cooperated. Chief confirmed no ICE activity; another audience member argued the agreement is specific to ICE and differs from other federal agreements.
• Resident follow-up: Asked about reporting dead rats; directed to call DPW.

Discussion Items

• Junior League World Series Draw (5.1): Council approved conducting the draw for the 2026 JLWS. Mr. Horton and Mr. Watkins performed the draw, determining byes and bracket positions for 12 teams (6 US, 6 international). The 44th JLWS will run August 8-16 at Heritage Park, with games on ESPN+.
• Budget Amendment 2026-008 (7.1): Approved unanimously.
• Easement Vacation Petition (7.2): Council debated a petition to vacate utility easements in an alley. City Assessor Jessica Gracer explained the property owner’s intent to combine lots, but one adjacent owner did not sign. The matter will go to planning commission for a public hearing. Motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Wallace dissented).
• Google Workspace Payment (7.3), Copier Purchase (7.4), Health Care Amendment (7.5), GLWA Agreement (7.6), Vacuum Breakers (7.7), Lift Station Rehabilitation (7.8), Engineering Services (7.9), Oracle License (7.10), Laptops for Poll Books (7.11), Property Restoration (7.12): All approved unanimously with minimal discussion.
• All-Inclusive Playscape at Heritage Park (7.13): Council approved a $1.3 million contract with Ventura LLC for a new inclusive playscape, funded by a grant from Senator Geis and city capital outlay. Mayor and council expressed excitement; the project is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
• Rezoning of Maskell Corporation Site (7.14): Council approved first reading to rezone 18.75 acres at Van Born and Merrick from I-1 B2 to I-1 PUD for a self-storage, event center, and office development. Planning commission conditioned exclusion of manufacturing and intense industrial uses. Councilmember Thomas praised the developers.
• Official Newspaper Designation (Open Business): Council approved the News Herald as the city’s official newspaper for legal notices, as required by charter. Clerk Bower noted other bids were high; the designation is tentative pending future competition.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the JLWS draw results and schedule.
• Passed budget amendment 2026-008 and numerous purchase/service contracts (items 7.3-7.12) unanimously.
• Approved easement vacation petition (7.2) with a 5-1 vote; referred to planning commission for public hearing.
• Approved the Heritage Park inclusive playscape contract (7.13).
• Approved first reading of rezoning for Maskell Corporation site (7.14).
• Designated News Herald as official newspaper (unanimous).
• Next meeting scheduled for June 16, 2026 at Lakes of Taylor, with study session on June 15.