Public Meetings - Plano, Texas

The City of Plano Planning and Zoning Commission met on April 6, 2026. Major actions included the approval of a long-contested rezoning for 50 single-family homes (Meadows Brook), the denial of a proposed planned development for mid-rise residential units on Communications Parkway, and continued discussion on updates to city sign regulations. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved by an 8-0 vote. No items were removed for separate consideration. Public Comments & Testimony Item 1A/1B – Meadows Baptist Church Rezone / Meadows Brook Edition - (Opposition) Gianni Langley (reading for Phil Langley, 3927 Ranch Estates Circle) argued the proposed 50 homes (priced over $750,000) would not address affordability or support Plano ISD, and represented development benefiting the developer rather than the community. John Jacobson (Ridgetop Lane, PD173) requested a postponement, arguing the proposed 0.2-acre transitional lots were significantly smaller than the 1-2 acre transitional lots in surrounding PD173. - (Support) Rebecca Smith supported the development as an opportunity for starter homes. Dr. Scott Fenton, Ray Parker, Brian Epley, and Tim Richards all spoke in favor, citing the need for new families, support for declining Plano ISD enrollment, the developer's collaborative efforts, and a lack of negative impact on neighboring communities. Item 2A/2B – Spring Creek Rezone - No members of the public registered to speak on this item beyond the applicant, Griffin Neal. Discussion Items Item 1A & 1B: Meadows Baptist Church Rezone / Meadows Brook Subdivision Staff presented updates from the March 2026 meeting, including a shift to Planned Development 44 SF7, a 5-foot side yard setback, a mandatory 3-car garage on block ends, and a 20-foot landscape edge with an ornamental fence. Staff recommended approval. Applicant Jim Douglas confirmed his willingness to accept 15-foot street setbacks as part of the PD. Commissioners praised the collaborative process and significant improvements from the original proposal. Commissioner Raleigh noted the development helps "unclog the pipeline" for housing. The three-car garage condition was kept as a community negotiation measure. Clarification was provided that the 15-foot west side setback, combined with the right-of-way and landscape buffer, protected the 100-foot accessory building restriction in adjoining Ranch Estates. Item 2A & 2B: Spring Creek Rezone / Subdivision Staff (Molly Correa) recommended denial for the request to rezone 7.6 acres of Commercial Employment to PD 43. The application was incomplete, inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and faced unresolved capacity and access issues. The 20-story tower is a use by right, making the PD solely to permit the shorter 5-story mid-rise. Applicant Griffin Neal acknowledged shortcomings but requested a table for feedback. Commissioners debated the merits, with several noting the applicant's market case supported the existing higher-density zoning. Commissioner Brunoff argued the plan was too incomplete to justify tabling. The motion to deny 2A passed 6-1-1; item 2B was also denied 6-1-1. Item 3: Update of City Sign Regulations Senior Planner Robin Kirk presented proposed updates for feedback, including monument sign height maximums by thoroughfare type and definitions distinguishing monument signs from pole signs. Staff proposed a sign is a pole sign (not allowed new) if its base is narrower and taller than its cabinet (design 'F'). Commissioners generally supported designs A-E. A discussion on design 'E' led Commissioner Awley and the Chair to suggest a proportional minimum base width requirement (e.g., 50% of cabinet width). Staff was directed to draft this language. The commission indicated they did not wish to regulate font types to avoid corporate branding conflicts. Key Outcomes - Item 1A & 1B (Meadows Brook): Approved 8-0. The motion included a stipulation for a 15-foot minimum setback adjacent to streets. - Item 2A & 2B (Spring Creek): Denied 6-1-1. The denial was without prejudice to a future application. - Item 3 (Sign Regulations): No formal vote. Staff was directed to refine the monument sign definition with a proportional base width requirement.

The Plano Planning and Zoning Commission met on March 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a consent agenda, a public hearing for a church parking lot replat, a contested zoning amendment for an independent living facility, and informational presentations on the 2026 Planning Department Annual Report and the FY24-25 Comprehensive Plan Annual Report. The meeting adjourned at 8:28 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0) the consent agenda as recommended by staff. No items were removed for individual consideration. Discussion Items Item 1: Preliminary Replat and Site Plan for Avenue S Church of Christ - Staff presented a request to replat lots for a parking lot reconstruction at an existing religious facility, adding 37 parking spaces (from 34 to 74 total). The applicant, Courtney from Avenue S Church of Christ, stated the project is a sustainment initiative due to church growth. No public opposition was registered. The commission approved both the preliminary replat and site plan as recommended by staff (vote 7-0). Item 2A & 2B: Zoning Amendment for Independent Living Facility - Staff Presentation: Senior Planner John Kim presented a request to amend Plan Development 189 to allow a five-story, 65-foot independent living facility with up to 250 units on a 6.3-acre parcel. The proposal included modified development standards: reduced setbacks, increased height, limited visibility on the fifth floor facing Ohio Drive (maximum of seven dwelling units with clerestory windows for non-unit spaces), a 120-foot setback for portions above two stories, and enhanced landscaping (shade trees every 50 feet and a 6-foot evergreen screen). Staff recommended denial due to inconsistency with the comprehensive plan and concerns about height and intensity. The alternative under Senate Bill 840 (SB 840) would allow a four-story, 45-foot multifamily building by right with no commission oversight. - Applicant Presentation: Trevor Armstrong and Kenneth Fanbroke stated that reducing the height or stepping back the fifth floor would make the project financially unfeasible. They highlighted mitigations: lowering the building profile by one foot, increasing setbacks to 220-238 feet from single-family homes, limiting fifth-floor units to seven, and adding landscaping. They emphasized the low traffic generation (0.7 cars per unit) and the community's need for senior housing. - Public Comments: Eight registered speakers addressed the commission. Six opposed the project: Amy Guthrie (4521 Boston Drive) cited privacy concerns, altered neighborhood character, and impacts on Preston Park Montessori; Drew Guthrie (4521 Boston Drive) alleged lack of transparency and presented drone photos showing visibility into backyards; Mary Nelson (4537 Atlanta Drive) opposed due to traffic, property values, and safety for seniors; Joe Westridge (4544 Boston Drive) noted no tall structures adjacent to single-family homes along Ohio Drive; Natasha Jamal (owner of Preston Park Montessori, 1900 Preston Park Boulevard) expressed strong opposition over construction risks—noise, dust, safety hazards, and privacy for children—and stated the applicant did not meaningfully address concerns; one speaker (Cameron Jamal) reiterated opposition. One speaker, Jean Goodwin (4513 Fargo Drive), spoke in favor, arguing the development is better than retail or multifamily alternatives and that senior residents are unlikely to invade privacy. - Commission Discussion: Commissioners weighed the proposal against the potential for a less-controlled development under SB 840. Concerns included privacy for four homes fronting Ohio Drive, construction impacts on the daycare, and compliance with the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Ollie moved to approve 2A, citing the ability to shape the development under state legislation. Commissioner Brunoff opposed, citing privacy and comprehensive plan non-compliance. Commissioner Lingenfelter questioned landscape enforcement and suggested berms. After discussion, item 2A was approved 5-2 (Commissioners Brunoff and Lingenfelter dissenting). Item 2B (site plan) was then approved 5-2 on a motion by Commissioner Ollie, contingent on 2A. Item 3: 2026 Planning Department Annual Report (Information Only) - Justin Cozart presented the annual report covering 2025 activities: 483 project submittals (30% decline from prior year), 9,000 phone calls, average customer rating 4.88/5, 17 zoning petitions finalized, 1,765 acres of undeveloped land remaining (3.8% of city), and projected housing shift to majority multifamily by 2050 due to state legislation. Staff received four APA Texas awards. Commissioners praised the department and discussed school enrollment declines, multifamily trends, and housing affordability. Item 4: FY24-25 Comprehensive Plan Annual Report (Information Only) - Nay Sirge Jasal presented highlights: 75% of implementation actions are on track (in progress or recurring), 5% complete, 20% pending. Key achievements included Texas Recycles Day, new alerting system for Fire Rescue, real-time intelligence center for Police, and adoption of Cultural Arts Plan. The CIP included 307 projects. Staff reviewed zoning cases: 14 pre-applications required findings, but only four zoning cases were submitted, indicating the findings policy effectively filtered proposals. Commissioners noted the importance of the comprehensive plan and discussed recycling program efficiency. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0. - Item 1 (Avenue S Church of Christ replat and site plan) approved 7-0. - Item 2A (zoning amendment for independent living facility) approved 5-2 (Commissioners Brunoff and Lingenfelder dissenting). - Item 2B (site plan for independent living facility) approved 5-2, contingent on 2A. - Items 3 and 4 were informational; no votes taken. - Meeting adjourned at 8:28 PM.

The Plano City Council convened for its regular meeting on March 23, 2026, presided over by Mayor John Muns. The meeting opened with an invocation and pledges, followed by a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as National Volunteer Month and awarding nine student volunteers the Mayor's Volunteer Service Award. The council then acted on items pulled from the consent agenda and conducted a public hearing and deliberation on a zoning case to amend the Heritage Creekside urban mixed-use district. Proclamation and Recognitions - National Volunteer Month: Mayor Muns read a proclamation declaring April 2026 as National Volunteer Month in Plano. He noted that in 2025, 6,750 volunteers served 95,954 hours for the City of Plano, with an estimated value of $3.3 million. Nine student volunteers who each contributed over 100 hours received the Mayor's Volunteer Service Award. Consent Calendar - Item A – Approval of March 9 Minutes: Speaker Amber Chaffin urged the council not to approve the minutes, citing concerns that the March 9 meeting moved public comments to once a month and eliminated Zoom access without full public discussion. The council voted 8-0 to approve the minutes. - Item C – Pool Repair Ratification ($156,000): The council considered ratifying an emergency repair of the Oak Point wave pool, which opened in May 2023 and was no longer under warranty. Speaker Bill Lyle questioned why a pool that was only three years old needed such repairs. Staff explained that shifting between structural piers had caused cracking and that the repair was needed to open by Memorial Day. Councilmembers directed staff to explore potential legal cost recovery. The motion passed 6-2. - Item I – Pedestrian Bridge Study ($185,250): An expenditure for engineering services to study a pedestrian bridge at Parkwood and Legacy was considered. Speaker Corey Renneker argued that pedestrian bridges serve motorists rather than pedestrians and urged the council to study broader walkability improvements. Staff confirmed the study is conceptual and will consider both pedestrian and vehicular needs. The motion passed 8-0. Public Hearing and Consideration – Zoning Case 2025-003 (Heritage Creekside UMU-1 Amendment) Staff (Christina Day, Planning Director) presented a proposal to amend the Urban Mixed Use One (UMU-1) district on 160.4 acres southeast of Plano Parkway and Custer Road. The applicant, Tim Harrison (Rosewood Property Company), requested: - Rezoning 4.1 acres from Light Industrial to UMU-1. - Modifying the required use mix to allow additional multifamily units, for-sale townhomes, and outdoor commercial amusement, while reducing office and hotel space. - Alternative phasing: Issuance of building permits for at least 12,000 square feet of non-residential space from a broader set of blocks before certificates of occupancy for new multifamily blocks. - Alternative air-intake locations for apartment buildings adjacent to President George Bush Turnpike. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval with more restrictive phasing (limiting non-residential blocks) and conditioning air intakes to the north side or interior courtyards. Public Testimony: - Alex Stein spoke in opposition, arguing that the applicant chose not to develop under state law SB 840 and that the commission should not consider SB 840. He stated that staff recommended denial and that granting the amendment would erode the UMU district. - Bill Lyle (also spoke on consent item C) expressed general support for the project but urged the council not to rely on SB 840 as justification and to hold the applicant to original UMU commitments. Council Discussion: - Councilmembers sought clarity on the requested changes, the phasing plan, and the air-intake issue. - The applicant emphasized that 12 years of marketing had failed to attract office tenants and that the revised plan preserved opportunities for eventual office, retail, and entertainment. - Councilmember Levine made a motion to approve the zoning case with the applicant's preferred phasing (12,000 square feet of non-residential in blocks A2 lot 2, A3, A4, A5, C, L, or M) and air-intake locations: for block F from the north or interior courtyards, and for block A2 from the east, north, and interior courtyards. The motion was seconded. Key Outcomes - Zoning Case 2025-003: Approved (5-2-1) with the amended phasing and air-intake stipulations. The applicant must complete findings forms before adjournment. - Consent Items: Items A and I approved 8-0; Item C approved 6-2 with direction to seek cost recovery. - Next Steps: Staff will continue work on the pool repair, the pedestrian bridge study, and the zoning case implementation per council direction.

The Plano City Council convened in open session with all members present. The council first recessed into executive session to discuss legal and economic development matters. Following the executive session, the council received a five-year financial forecast presentation from Budget Director Karen Rhodes Whitley and consultants from New Gen Strategies and Solutions, and a departmental overview of Public Works from Director Abby Owens and Assistant Director Andrea Park. The meeting also addressed the consent agenda, with items A, C, and I removed by citizens, though no public speakers appeared. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke; one potential speaker (Elvin Nelson) was called but was not present. Discussion Items Five-Year Financial Forecast (FY 2026-2031) - Presenters: Karen Rhodes Whitley (Budget Director), Matthew Garrett and Steve Douge (New Gen Strategies and Solutions). - Expenditure assumptions: General fund expenditures projected to grow at 3.2% per annum, from $430 million in FY26 to $500 million by FY31. Key drivers include fire shift changes ($21 million additional expense by FY31) and operational costs for new facilities from the $647 million bond referendum. - Inflation assumptions: 3% per year for personnel (excluding fire shift), 5% for health benefits, 4.3–8% for water costs; general inflation based on 75th percentile of Federal Reserve survey of professional forecasters (2.8% down to 2.4% over the horizon). - Revenue projections: Property tax and sales tax comprise 75% of general fund revenue. Property tax growth tied to house price index (slightly negative in Oct. 2025, but long-term average 5%); sales tax modeled using three-year average with a conservative buffer (budgeted at prior three-year actual plus 3%, net of audit adjustments). FY26 sales tax estimated at $131 million, FY27 at $129 million. - Property tax base: Estimated FY26 total market value $83.3 billion, reduced by exemptions (20% homestead, senior freeze, 10% cap, etc.) to freeze-adjusted taxable value of $54 billion. Senior freeze foregone revenue $15 million in FY26, projected to increase. - Tax rate scenarios: Under a no-new-revenue rate (flat on existing properties), revenues grow 2.4% annually vs. expenditures 3.2%, leading to deficits and days cash below target by FY28. Under the voter approval rate (3.5% additional revenue from existing properties), revenues grow 3.8% annually, maintaining 60-day working capital target through FY31, though contingent sales tax may be needed if rate is set lower. - Future model runs: The city will model potential state legislative changes (lowering voter approval rate to 0%, 1%, 2%, 2.5%) and await appraisal district data (Collin County April 7, Denton County April 21). - Water and sewer summary: Goal of 90 days operating reserve – currently met for all five years; new water district rates expected late April/early May. Sustainability/environmental waste rates not projected into red until 2030-31; municipal drainage rate increase (three-year cycle) addresses fourth-year deficit. Public Works Overview (Part 1) - Presenters: Abby Owens (Director) and Andrea Park (Assistant Director). - Scope: Public Works covers water/wastewater, drainage, roads, sidewalks, traffic signals, solid waste, fleet, compost, and emergency response (storms, winter weather). Staff: 364 employees. - Fleet Services: Maintains 2,500 pieces of equipment (29 technicians, 9 office staff). Equipment replacement uses a scoring system (life expectancy, maintenance costs, mileage). High Point fueling station under design, expected online early 2027. - Environmental Waste Services: Serves 87,000 homes weekly for trash, bulky waste, and chemical collection; every-other-week recycling. Also manages commercial waste contract and green business program. - Texas Pure Products (compost): Yard debris diversion program in partnership with Plano, Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Richardson, and the water district. Diverts 50,000 tons/year from landfill; generates revenue and is cost-recovery positive. Key Outcomes - The financial forecast is the formal kickoff of the FY 2026-27 budget process; further updates will follow as appraisal district data and legislative changes are known. - The council acknowledged the public works presentation; Deputy Mayor Pro Tem commended the department for proactive maintenance and the composting program’s success under new leadership. - Items A, C, and I on the consent agenda were removed by citizens but no speakers appeared; the consent agenda was otherwise approved without discussion. - Council will have individual budget meetings and receive periodic updates leading to full budget discussions in late July 2026.

The Plano City Council convened on March 9, 2026, in regular session. The meeting included a recess into executive session for legal and economic development discussions, departmental overviews from the Fire Department, Animal Services, Neighborhood Services, and Municipal Court, and a discussion resulting in a policy change for public comments. Executive Session - The council recessed into executive session to consult with the attorney pursuant to Section 551071 and discuss economic development matters under Section 551087. - The council returned to open session for consideration and action on items discussed. Departmental Overview: Fire Department - Chief Biggerstaff presented the departmental overview. The department has 447 positions, with 100 personnel on duty at any time across 13 stations and 33 apparatus. - Call volume has risen to 35,407 calls in the past year, reflecting a steady annual increase of about 3%. The average emergency response time is 5 minutes and 41 seconds. - The department is the first in the United States to hold the CFAI, CAS, and ISO accreditations simultaneously. - A new Station 14 is under construction, projected to pull approximately 2,500 calls from overburdened Stations 1 and 2 and improve response times to the Calling Creek area by roughly three and a half minutes. - Chief Biggerstaff thanked the council for supporting the transition to a 2472 work schedule. The city has hired 40 firefighters in year one (22 to facilitate the new schedule) and plans to hire 22 per year. The first "Kelly Days" have been implemented, boosting morale. - Responding to council questions, the Chief confirmed Plano is currently the only career fire department in Texas to achieve the 2472 schedule. He expressed confidence in the hiring pipeline for future years. Departmental Overview: Animal Services - Director Jamie Kent presented. The department handled over 4,500 animal intakes last year, with nearly 1,800 adoptions. - The euthanasia rate is 10.2%. Director Kent clarified the city does not claim "no-kill" status, as it can incentivize irresponsible pet ownership. The shelter has not euthanized for space since 2010. - The shelter handled 412 bite cases, completed nearly 7,000 field calls, and recorded 12,000 volunteer hours. Citizen satisfaction is 77%, 24% above national and state averages. - Director Kent addressed the issue of residents from outside the city lying about animal origin, estimating 40 to 50 such instances per month. - Regarding the Backyard Chicken Ordinance, the program has remained under 100 participants annually. Council discussed improving the pet registration program as a potential significant revenue source. Discussion Item: Revision of Public Comments Process - The Mayor initiated a discussion on reforming the "Comments of Public Interest" (CPI) segment to improve efficiency and maintain decorum. - Council reached a consensus on the following changes: - Frequency: CPIs will be held once per month. - Timing: CPIs will be moved to the end of the meeting. - Remote Access: The option for remote participation via Zoom will be eliminated. - Effective Date: The changes are expected to take effect by the first meeting in April. - Councilmember Thomas suggested that if inappropriate or offensive statements are made, the council should acknowledge its disagreement to clarify that the views do not represent the council's values. Departmental Overview: Neighborhood Services - Assistant City Manager Curtis Howard presented. 75% of housing stock is over 25 years old, and the point-in-time count identified 178 homeless individuals, 31% of whom are employed. - Key programs include Love Where You Live, Plano Cares (51 homes improved, 6 tons of trash removed), and the Great Update Rebate program ($2.9 million in 109 home projects). - The enforcement division handled nearly 16,000 complaints, conducted 49,000 inspections, and achieved a 96% voluntary compliance rate. The Short-Term Rental registration program identified 231 active units. - Councilmembers praised the department's proactive, community-focused enforcement strategy and the Connect Plano non-profit hub initiative. Departmental Overview: Municipal Court - Chief Judge Paul McNulty presented. The court became a Court of Record in 2012 to prevent 55-60% of city citations from being automatically dismissed at the county level. - The court operates four dedicated funds (technology, security, teen court, youth diversion) funded entirely by citation resolution fees. - Major capital projects include upgrading the aging courtroom audio/visual systems and enhancing front lobby security. - Judge McNulty highlighted the court's growing focus on homeless initiatives, with referrals to Neighborhood Services increasing from 31 to 52 last year and on track to triple. Consent Calendar & Regular Agenda - The council moved to the consent and regular agendas, noting a speaker had signed up for an item under consideration (Item K).

The Plano City Council convened on March 9, 2026, for a regular meeting. The meeting began with an invocation and pledge, followed by a presentation on the City of Melissa's request to join the North Texas Municipal Water District's Solid Waste Group. Four citizens spoke during public comments on topics including H1B visa fraud, senior pool access, a personal concern about database connectivity, and an alleged police cover-up of an assault on a disabled student. The consent agenda was approved 8-0, with item K (purchase of property at 1601 Alma Drive) pulled for individual discussion. Consent Calendar - Approved 8-0 with the exception of item K, which was pulled for individual consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - DJ Horn: A 27-year resident expressed concern about systemic H1B visa program fraud in North Texas, citing ghost offices and sham companies. He called on the city to audit business licenses registered to residential addresses, report on collaboration with the Texas Attorney General's investigation, and prioritize local residents for jobs tied to tax incentives. - Joe Alexander: Requested that the city authorize aquatic access reciprocity for Sam Johnson Recreation Center members (seniors) to use other city recreation center pools during off-peak hours (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to promote senior health and community integration. - Unnamed speaker: Stated that their life is connected to a live database feed, described it as verifiable and inhumane, and sought the city's help to reach the right politicians. Mentioned previous communications with Senator Ted Cruz. - Lestia Nelson and Alvin Nelson: Provided a QR code of a video showing an alleged assault on their nonverbal daughter Saniah by a school staff member on January 8, 2026. They argued the Plano Police Department and District Attorney are coordinating a no bill by withholding evidence and labeling the assault as misconduct instead of a crime. They called on the city council to issue a corrective statement to the DA acknowledging Adult Protective Services' finding of abuse and to hold the police chief accountable. Discussion Items - North Texas Municipal Water District Solid Waste Membership: Abby Owens presented the City of Melissa's request to join as the sixth member city of the Solid Waste Group. She noted Melissa already sends 90-95% of its waste to the regional landfill, and the impact on member city rates would be minimal (slight increases in FY 2027-2029, net neutral by FY 2033). Staff recommended the council issue a letter of no opposition. The council agreed to move forward with that position. - Item K – Purchase of 1601 Alma Drive: Councilmember Lacey Nelson (note: the transcript indicates a citizen named Lacey Nelson, not a councilmember, spoke – careful: the speaker for item K is Lacey Nelson, representing Hope Spring Community, not to be confused with a councilmember) spoke on behalf of Hope Spring Community, expressing surprise that the city submitted a competing offer after her client had been in negotiations for 18 months and had received assurances the city was not pursuing the property. She argued the city may have benefited from her client's due diligence and called for transparency in public-private partnerships. Key Outcomes - Solid Waste Membership: Council agreed to issue a letter of no opposition for Melissa's membership request, pending approval by the Solid Waste Member Committee and board. - Consent Agenda: Approved 8-0, with item K pulled for discussion. No subsequent vote on item K was recorded in the transcript; the meeting ended after the public comment.

The Plano Planning and Zoning Commission convened on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM via Zoom. The meeting addressed two major zoning items: a rezoning request for the Meadows Baptist Church property and an amendment to the Heritage Creekside Urban Mixed-Use (UMU) district. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0). A correction was noted for project number PSP 2025-025. Meadows Baptist Church Rezoning (Items 1A & 1B) Background The applicant, Douglas Properties on behalf of Meadows Baptist Church, requested to rezone 14.1 acres from Planned Development 173 (Estate Development) to Single Family Residence 7 (SF-7). The concept plan proposed 50 single-family detached lots (reduced from 58 in a prior submission) with a range of lot sizes (7,400 to 9,600 sq ft), an ornamental metal fence, and cedar tree screening. The item had previously been tabled on November 17, 2025, and February 2, 2026, to allow for community outreach. Public Testimony - Supporters, including Scott Fenton (Meadows Baptist Church Pastor), Brian Epley, and Tim Richards, highlighted the need for more homes in East Plano to reverse declining school enrollment and boost local businesses. They commended the developer's responsiveness and reputation. - Opponents and concerned residents, including John Marlowe (Stony Hollow HOA President), John Jacobson, Phil Langley, Chris Meyer (Ranch Estates HOA President), and Kyle DeShane, argued the density was too high for a transition from Estate Development. They raised concerns over property rights (livestock, 100-foot building setback for sheds), drainage, emergency services, and the lack of legally binding protections for the offered compromises (buffer, wall) under standard SF-7 zoning. Commission Discussion & Key Outcomes - Commissioners praised the applicant's efforts to work with the neighborhood but expressed concern that the proposed compromises (50-lot cap, screening) were not enforceable under a straight SF-7 zoning request. - Motion: To table Items 1A and 1B indefinitely, directing the applicant to return with a Planned Development (PD) application that would legally memorialize the developer's commitments. - Vote: The motion passed 7-0. Heritage Creekside UMU Amendment (Item 2) Background Rosewood Property Company requested to expand the UMU-1 district, increasing the maximum residential allocation to 88% (adding 700 multifamily units and 51 single-family attached units), reducing non-residential to 12%, and modifying Environmental Corridor (ECA) overlay standards for ventilation and setbacks. The item was tabled on January 20, 2026, for the applicant to develop a phasing plan for non-residential development. Public Testimony - Corey Reineker spoke in support, arguing the city needs housing and that the project is high quality, cautioning that phasing requirements could stall development. Commission Discussion & Key Outcomes - Commissioner Brunoff voiced strong objections, arguing the continued dilution of non-residential uses, reliance on shell buildings, and proposed softening of ECA air quality standards undermined the UMU district's purpose and the comprehensive plan. - Chair Ratliff crafted a compromise motion to address core concerns over phasing and air quality. The applicant agreed to the revised ventilation language. - Motion: To approve the zoning case with specific amendments: 1. Ventilation (Block A2, Lot 1): Air intake openings for outdoor air must be located on the side of the building opposite the Type A thoroughfare or in an interior courtyard. 2. Phasing: The required 12,000 sq ft of commercial/non-residential development must be constructed on lots A4, A5, and/or Lot C (the project's central core). - Vote: The motion passed 6-1. Commissioners were required to file written findings forms supporting the decision.

The Plano City Council convened on February 23, 2026, for a regular meeting that began with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and a proclamation declaring February 17 to March 3, 2026, as Lunar New Year Days (Year of the Fire Horse). The council addressed zoning cases, an economic development incentive agreement with AT&T, and a series of decisions regarding the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) authority. The council approved an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) establishing a General Mobility Program with DART, repealed the ordinance calling for a May 2, 2026, election on dissolving DART in Plano, supported governance reform for the DART board, and repealed a previous resolution to cap DART sales tax. The council also approved a contract with Via Transportation for alternative transit services and selected "Plano Rides" as the name for the city’s complementary transit program. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved 8-0 with the exception of Items H and I, which were pulled for individual consideration. Item H (an economic development incentive agreement with AT&T Services Inc.) was subsequently approved 8-0 after discussion, as was Item I. Public Comments & Testimony - Ember Chaffin spoke generally about Plano’s reputation for careful, planned decision-making and avoiding sudden changes. - Lestia Nelson testified that 395 days had passed since her daughter, a 19-year-old nonverbal, medically vulnerable young woman, was abused inside a Plano ISD classroom. She stated that a police report was filed on January 22, but the case was not sent to the District Attorney for 303 days. She criticized the city and school district for lack of accountability and urged the council to watch video evidence of the assault, which she provided via a QR code. - Alvin Nelson reported a "failure of integrity" with the Plano Police Department, alleging that Adult Protective Services substantiated the abuse but the School Resource Officer and detective dismissed it as non-criminal. He expressed concern that the DA’s presentation to the grand jury may exclude the video due to a faulty police narrative. - Alex Stein pleaded with the council to watch the video of the assault and asked what they would do if they witnessed such an incident outside a school. - Jessica Bosley, the victim’s aunt, called the case a community issue and urged consistency, integrity, and courage from the city. Zoning and Development Items - Item 1 (SUP 56 – Antenna Support Structure): The council considered amending Specific Use Permit 56 to reduce the permitted height of a commercial antenna support structure from 120 feet to 95 feet and change the design from a monopole to a magnolia tree-style stealth tower. Planning Director Christina Day presented the proposal, noting the magnolia design was supported by staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission (8-0). Applicant Mason Griffin stated the design offers improved concealment and coverage, with nine antennas per level versus three on a flagpole. Corey Reineker expressed support, noting the thorough public process. The council approved the item 8-0. - Item 2 (SUP 539 – Vehicle Dealer): A request to amend and expand Specific Use Permit 539 for a new vehicle dealer on 29.7 acres at Parkwood Boulevard and Spring Creek Parkway, allowing an adjacent office building to house administrative offices and major vehicle repair subordinate to the dealership. No public speakers appeared. The council approved the item 8-0. - Item 3 (Rezoning – 99 Acres at Legacy and Parkwood): A request to rezone 99 acres from Plan Development 62 Commercial Employment to Commercial Employment, returning the property to its original base zoning. No public speakers appeared. The council approved the item 8-0. - Consent Item H – AT&T Economic Development Incentive: The agreement includes a $10 million development grant (described as less than three-quarters of a percent of AT&T’s $1.35 billion investment), another $10 million grant tied to bringing 10,000 full-time employees to Plano, a waiver of development fees, and a 25-year tax abatement valued at over $100 million. Corey Reineker questioned whether the subsidies were meaningfully influencing AT&T’s decisions, raised equity concerns about fee waivers for a major corporation, and asked about measurable returns for taxpayers. Deputy City Manager Doug McDonald and staff confirmed all incentives are performance-based. The council approved the item 8-0. DART Interlocal Agreement and Governance Reform (Items 4-7) - Item 4 – Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with DART: Andrew Fortune, Director of Policy and Government Relations, presented a General Mobility Program (GMP) returning funds to member cities for transportation projects. Key terms: guaranteed base funding starting at 5% in 2026, growing to 10% by 2031, with potential for up to 25% through new revenue opportunities. The Regional Transportation Council contributed approximately $75 million to assist. Participating cities would cease legislative efforts to reduce the one-cent sales tax supporting DART. The agreement expires in 2031, with a potential withdrawal election in 2032. DART Board Chairman Randall Bryant thanked the council and expressed commitment to continued partnership, saying the work is "not perfect, but it is progress." - Public testimony: Ember Chaffin (Keep DART in Plano) and Brett Cooper suggested creating a standing transit advisory committee, a transparent project dashboard, and partnerships to increase ridership. Alex Flores supported the ILA but stressed that rider representation and accountability are essential, and that the city now shares responsibility for transit service levels. Connor Chatick opposed the ILA, citing a 100% increase in DART overhead over four years without proportional ridership increases, and called for a public vote. Multiple speakers (William Cravins, Joel Waslinger, Nathaniel Adam, physician Micah Nishisaki, Joshua Haupt) expressed support, emphasizing that GMP funds should be used for public transit and that continued community engagement is needed. - Council members universally expressed support, characterizing the ILA as a fair compromise after years of negotiation. Councilmember Kerr noted he was "now a believer" and Councilmember Quintanilla called it "not a great deal" but "a deal in the right direction." Mayor Muns thanked the community and DART for collaboration. The motion passed 8-0. - Item 5 – DART Board Governance Reform: A resolution supporting state legislative action to implement a new governance structure, ensuring each member city has at least one board seat (Plano would hold two) and no single city holds a majority. Public speakers Alex Flores and Joshua Haupt voiced support, with Flores requesting that a regular rider be appointed to the board. The council approved the resolution 8-0. - Item 6 – Repeal of Resolution 2024-6-9R: A resolution supporting a cap on DART sales and use tax revenues was repealed, reflecting the new collaborative direction. Public speakers supported the repeal. The council voted 8-0 to approve. - Item 7 – Repeal of Election Ordinance 2025-11-1: The ordinance ordering a May 2, 2026, election to dissolve DART in Plano was repealed. Staff noted that once repealed, the next opportunity for a withdrawal election would be 2032. Multiple speakers testified in support of remaining in DART, sharing personal stories: a dialysis social worker whose patients rely on paratransit, the director of ARC of DFW Area emphasizing transit needs for individuals with disabilities, a retired teacher whose husband uses DART paratransit for Parkinson’s therapy, and others. The council voted to repeal the ordinance (motion passed). Alternative Transit Services and Program Naming (Items 8-9) - Item 8 – Via Transportation Contract: A proposal to purchase alternative transit services from Via Transportation Inc. for an initial six-month term at $3,952,247, with three one-year automatic renewals at an estimated $8 million annually. Staff stated the scope would be refocused on circulators, microtransit, and senior rides to complement DART service. - Public testimony: Ember Chaffin expressed neutrality but requested clear cost assumptions, ADA considerations, and exit options. Marcus Mitchell and Alex Flores opposed the contract, citing poor experiences with Via in Arlington, particularly for elderly and vulnerable users. Alex Flores urged using DART’s GoLink or other options instead. Corey Reineker (Yes DART) requested tabling the contract until all scheduled DART elections in the region are resolved. Joel Waslinger called for coordination with DART and community involvement. Joshua Haupt suggested the service could supplement but needs more consideration. - Council discussion noted the flexibility of the not-to-exceed amount and potential to scale services. The motion passed 7-1. - Item 9 – Name and Logo for Alternative Transit Program: Communications Director Shauna Haley presented two options: “Plano Rides” (a service-direct name with prior recognition from a former Wellness Center program) and “Plano Go” (an active, modern brand). Councilmembers expressed preference for “Plano Rides” due to historical resonance and to avoid confusion with DART’s GoLink. The name and associated logo (stylized RP with a forward arrow) were selected by consensus. Key Outcomes - Approved 8-0: Consent Calendar (with Items H and I approved individually), Zoning Cases 2025-16 (antenna structure), 2025-20 (vehicle dealer), and 2025-23 (rezoning), DART Interlocal Agreement (Item 4), DART Governance Reform Resolution (Item 5), Repeal of Resolution 2024-6-9R (Item 6), and Repeal of Election Ordinance 2025-11-1 (Item 7). - Approved 7-1: Via Transportation contract for alternative transit services (Item 8). - Selected by consensus: “Plano Rides” as the name for the alternative transit program, with the associated logo (Item 9). - Next Steps: City to submit a project list to DART by June 30, 2026, with the first GMP payout on October 1, 2026. Staff to bring back a revised scope for Via services focused on microtransit and senior rides. The legislative session will address shared DART priorities and governance reform implementation.

The Plano City Council convened on February 23, 2026, to discuss the allocation of approximately $7 million in excess sales tax revenue, make appointments to various boards and commissions, and receive departmental overviews from Budget and Performance Management and Parks and Recreation. Consent Calendar - The meeting began with an executive session. Items H and I were pulled from the consent agenda due to a public speaker; no other consent items were discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - A member of the public spoke regarding items H and I, but the content of the testimony was not transcribed in the provided material. Discussion Items - Council Appointments: The city council assigned members to numerous boards, commissions, and organizations for the upcoming year, including the Airport Master Plan Committee, Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition, North Texas Commission, and many others (full list detailed in transcript). - Sales Tax Cap Policy and Excess Revenue Distribution: Budget Director Karen (surname not given) explained that the city's policy uses a three-year average for sales tax projections. For the current year, the re-estimate was $124.6 million, but actual collections reached $131.8 million due to one-time revenues at the end of August and September, leaving a $7 million surplus. The council debated uses for this one-time money: - Councilmember Levine proposed a one-time grant or incentive to establish a North Texas Children's Museum through an expansion of the Cy Tech Discovery Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. He argued the museum would be self-sustaining through admissions, memberships, and partnerships, and would drive tourism and economic development ("heads in beds"). He requested that the excess sales tax be held in reserve rather than automatically directed to the rainy day fund to allow flexibility for negotiations. - Councilmember Kerr expressed concern about funding a nonprofit (the museum) and noted other nonprofits with immediate needs. - Mayor Pro Tem II favored using the one-time funds for a real estate purchase (Connect Plano) rather than a project with ongoing costs. - Councilmember Cantania suggested allocating some funds to the Community Relations Commission for one-time grants to nonprofits. - Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Horn supported Connect Plano and replenishing the rainy day fund, which was depleted after a prior ice storm. He also noted the city had previously discussed a visual arts facility. - Councilmember Downs concurred with Cantania on community relations support and endorsed Connect Plano and rainy day fund replenishment. - Councilmember Thomas favored looking at other community needs first. - Councilmember Levine acknowledged the comments and requested staff explore negotiations with Cy Tech. Mayor Muns offered to meet with Cy Tech representatives himself to better understand their needs and funding requirements. - Department Overview – Budget and Performance Management: Karen presented the department's core functions, including developing and monitoring the $800 million operating budget and $319 million capital program, revenue forecasting, fee studies, and the Fiscal Roadmap Initiative. She highlighted the 40-year streak of receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and noted the upcoming implementation of new budgeting software (Questica) and priority-based budgeting. - Department Overview – Parks and Recreation: Director Ron Smith reviewed the department's national accreditation (since 1994), five National Gold Medals for Excellence, and key statistics: over 5,000 acres, 87 parks, 100+ miles of trails, five recreation centers, and eight swimming pools. He emphasized the "Plano way" of local management. In response to a question from Councilmember Cantania, Smith confirmed that the High Point Tennis Center remains under local management (a contract with a new tennis professional) rather than being turned over to a corporate operator. Key Outcomes - Council consensus directed staff to move forward with purchasing land for the Connect Plano facility (a consolidated hub for city services). - Council agreed to place the $7 million excess sales tax revenue into the rainy day fund, with the understanding that council can later authorize withdrawals for one-time grants, including those for the Community Relations Commission during the upcoming budget cycle. - Mayor Muns committed to meeting with the Cy Tech Discovery Center board to explore the children's museum proposal further, with city manager Mark Israelson possibly joining. - No formal votes were taken; decisions were reached by consensus. - The next budget discussion, including potential one-time funding for community relations, is expected during the budget process, with the proposed budget presentation scheduled for July 29, 2026.