and welcome to the Fort City Council meeting. I will call us to order. >> Tonight's invocation will be provided by Reverend Michael Bell from the Greater St. Stevens Baptist Church. Please rise for the invocation and
remain standing for the presentation of the color guard and pledges of allegiance. Let us pray. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way. Thou who has by
thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path we pray. Holy one of justice we stand in this chamber, mindful that public service is a sacred trust. You have carried communities through struggle, through division,
through seasons when hope seemed fragile and voices seemed small. Yet here we are still standing, still seeking, still believing that right is stronger than wrong. You have walked with people who
had no vote, no voice, no seat at the table. You have made a way out of nowhere. You have turned lynching trees into liberation movements. You have taken whispered prayers and made them thunder in the streets. And if you did
it before, you can do it again. So I ask you, eternal to trouble this room with holy courage. Remind those who sit in seats of decision. That authority without accountability becomes arrogance. Power without compassion becomes cruelty. And law without respect
for the dignity and worth of all humanity is worthless. Let them legislate with memory and govern with imagination, seeing not just what is, but what ought to be. And if they attempted to bow to power, remind
them there is a higher power. If they attempted to bend toward injustice, bend them back toward righteousness. If they forget who they serve, remind them they serve a people. And above all, the people they serve a God who demands
justice. and justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. So God of our weary years, steady their resolve. God of our silent tears, amplify the cries of those unheard. God who led us into the light, do not let this city drift back into the
shadow. And when history records what happened in this room, may it be said that they chose courage over comfort, conscience over convenience, and justice over power. In the name of the God who liberates and sustains, the God of
diversity, equity, and inclusion, we pray. Amen. Ash, >> the presentation of the colors will be by the Treble Tech Junior ROC color guard. United States of America.
>> [applause] >> Next, Miss Phyllis Jackson will sing Lift Every Voice. Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven
ring ring with the harmonies of liberty. Let our rejoiceing rise high as the liing skies. Let it resound
loud as the rolling [singing] sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song
full of the hope that the present has brought [screaming] us. Facing the rising sun
of our new day beun. Let us march on till victory is one. [applause] >> [applause] >> Next will be a special presentation of
the of a recognition for excellence in small business growth and financial empowerment for the Fort Worth city Fort Worth Black Chamber of Commerce. Council member Chris Nettles. All right, members of the black chamber is
coming. Y'all can assume uh stand right by me. Uh have a great acknowledgement that we want to acknowledge through the city of Fort Worth the work and the effort that the black chamber is doing. and y'all come on the side too as well. >> The city of Fort Worth special
recognition whereas small businesses are a vital deliverer of economic growth, job creation, and neighborhood vitalization throughout the city of Fort Worth. Whereas the city of Fort Worth committed to fostering a strong,
inclusive, and relentless small business economic system through a small business development program and strategies partnership. Whereas the Fort Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the city of Fort Worth plays a critical role in providing
financial education, mentoring, and access to capital opportunities for small businesses across the city of Fort Worth. Whereas the forward black chamber has implemented impactful access to capital in initiatives that strengthen the business reading confidence and
long-terms uh emerging in growth and entrepreneurship. Whereas one such initiative JP Morgan Chase Bank the power to compete small business growth and development initiative is a two-part program that provides targeting businesses coaching
followed by public facing businesses small showcase enabling participation entrepreneurs and increasing visibility. I'm not going to read the next five paragraphs okay because we got a lot to do today. So now therefore be it resolved and
proclamated that the mayor and the city council Fort Worth hereby does recognize and commend the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, JP Morgan Chase Bank and Prosperity Bank for their leadership, partnership, and continued dedication to advocacy, small business
development, and access to capital in the city of Fort Worth presented on this 10th day of February 2026. Can we give the Black Chamber a round of applause? >> [applause] >> We'll have Michelle Thomas come. Good evening uh to Mayor Parker and
Council Nettles and all of our council members, executive team, and to the Fort Worth Metropolitan Board, staff, chambers, and our community partners. We would like to thank you for the recognition for the work that we're doing with small business development
and access to capital along with our other partners, the Fort Worth Chamber and the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber. Thank you for the opportunity and we look forward to going forward to continue to build businesses in this community so that we can see growth in
every area of this city. Thank you. [applause] Yes. >> Also want to acknowledge Judge Glenn Lewis with us today. >> The honorable You're on three. One, two, three.
Next will be a presentation of a recognition for Kirk Franklin life and legacy and council. I know that we have three of our council members who will present tonight's recognition to Mr. Franklin, council member Nettles, council member Peoples, and council member Hall.
Keep going. Okay, we're going to move to the Fort Worth Black Law Enforcement Officer Association, Council Member Hall. And I think if the marshalss may need to let Mr. Franklin in if you don't mind doing that. Thank you very much.
Keep going. Yeah, the fire marshall is doing his job. >> We want you. We want to see you on the screen. So, yeah, let's spread out. Okay. The teacher in me, I'm always being so bossy. All right.
All right. I want to thank the black uh the Fort Worth Black Law Enforcement Officers Association for being here tonight. Whereas the Fort Worth Black Law Enforcement Officers Association has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public safety, professional excellence, and community service, working
diligently to strengthen trust, mentorship, and engagement throughout the city of Fort Worth. And whereas the members of the Fort Worth Black Law Enforcement Officers Association have distinguished themselves through leadership, integrity, and a shared dedication to serving and protecting
residents while also uplifting and supporting one another as a unified and purpose-driven organization. And whereas the Fort Worth Black Law Enforcement Officers Association serves as a beacon of strength and unity, honoring the hard
work, sacrifice, and legacy of black law enforcement officers and fostering a spirit of fellowship that reflects the values of family, service, and community. And whereas during Black History Month, the city of Fort Worth recognizes the importance of honoring
individuals and organizations whose service, perseverance, and leadership have made a lasting impact on our city and have inspired future generations to pursue lives of purpose and public service. Now, therefore, on behalf of the city of Fort Worth, we recognize and
commend the Fort Worth Black Law Enforcement Officers Association for its meaningful contributions to the community and express our sincere appreciation for the organization's continued service, leadership, and commitment to the residents of Fort
Worth. Presented on this 10th day of February, 2026. Thank you for your service. [applause] First, I want to thank God for this opportunity. Um, thank you, Dr. Hall, city council, mayor. Uh, this is the
first time that the, uh, Black Police Officer Associate Association has ever been recognized. So again, we are grateful. Um [clears throat] we thank God for placing the putting the right people in the right places. Um we thank
[clears throat] city council for um the partnership, the relationship, and hopefully the friendship. Thank you. [applause] Grab my photo real quick, guys. >> [applause] >> Did Mr. Franklin make it into the
chamber? I don't think so, mayor, but his assistant is here and so I'm going to ask Trish to come down and also his father is here and so I'm going to ask you to come down if you don't mind.
Okay, [clears throat] >> she mayor, she says he's running behind about 10 minutes. >> Can we move on with the presentation and then do it or you want to do it now? >> No, that'd be fine if he's all this way. Of course. Absolutely. >> All right, then we'll we'll wait for him. Okay. Thank you. So I'll just tell
you Kirk Franklin is a Fort Worth icon and a legend and we want to award him. So thank you mayor for >> of course thank you council peoples mayor pro Tim Flores. Our next up is distinguished service recognition for Fort Worth PD's Kappa's longest active
member. >> Good evening, Mayor Council. going to be joined here by a few people. I'd like to say that I am very pleased and privileged this evening to recognize a special person, Pastor Randy Hardesty, for his distinguished service as the
longest active member of Fort Worth clergy, Fort Worth PD clergy that is, and police alliance and the police and clergy alliance. That's quite, you know, a an accomplishment I think and worthy of our recognition. So, without further
ado, I will read the special recognition. The Office of Council District 2 proudly presents this distinguished service recognition to Pastor Randy Hardesty in honor of his 20 years of dedicated service as a longest serving active member of the Fort Worth
Police Department's clergy and police alliance known as Kappa. now known as the police and clergy coalition. Since completing the CAP Academy in 2005 at the Fort Worth Police and Fire Training Center, Pastor Hardesty has
faithfully served as a trusted partner to Fort Worth Police Department. He responds to call outs citywide, participates in ride alongs, and provides calm, compassion, support to citizens and officers during times of
crisis at any hour, day, or night. Currently serving as in the west division Kappa leader, Pastor Hardesty was recognized in 2024 for most call outs, reflecting his exceptional commitment and availability.
His services built long lasting relationships with officers, command staff, and the community. During the hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Pastor Hardesty was entrusted with overseeing operations at the Aean Carter Center prior to the arrival of the Red Cross
alongside his wife Lola and network of volunteers. He worked tirelessly to meet the physical and spiritual needs of evacuees. Mr. Hardesyy's service exemplifies the mission of the pack, uniting faith leaders and law
enforcement to support citizens, prevent escalation in cris crisis situations, and strengthen the Fort Worth community through partnerships and compassion. So, it's my pleasure now present the spec of
recognition to you, Pastor Hart. [applause] And if you'd like to say a few words, the mic is yours. >> I I'm blessed to be able to serve God in a city that recognizes the need for love and
kindness and compassion. And uh I hold that as one of my highest honors in ministry and and appreciative. This is not just for me, but for all these Kappa guys and these officers and command staff. It's a it's a it's a
group thing and none of us can do it without each other. I'm blessed of God and I thank you for this. Of >> course, it's my pleasure. And you have a wonderful team here with you today. Thank you for all being here. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. And uh I'm told that uh you're in need of a couple of agreements.
>> You can debate who gets the silver and who gets the gold, right? [laughter] Ladies first. Which one do you want? >> Okay, >> there you go. All right, sir. Thank you. >> So, why don't we take a moment and go up there and take
you up there? [applause] >> Yeah, smartly. So, it's honestly right here. One, two, three. council. I know that each of us are used to
closing meetings in in individuals honor and we usually wait and do that at the end of the night and I decided that we were going to move that dedication up this evening because I wanted so many of these beautiful faces here tonight to be here. Um I know there are many members of the audience including members on
this dis that are incredibly sad to close tonight's um meeting in honor of our dear friend and former mayor pro tip Miss Gina Bivvens. I think we all can agree that she was a true light in the world and would tell you exactly what she thought at all times. But to me, she was one of the
greatest examples of living life in a way that leaves the world better than she found it. She was passionate and she had a deep love for all of Fort Worth, but especially for district 5 and for historic stop six and deserves a round of applause for sure. [applause]
She was an incredibly hard worker and had a positive impact throughout all of our community. And I think all of us I know I and personally and was made better because of her mentorship and her friendship. Each of us could speak for hours, but because we have incredible city staff, Cam and the team have put
together a beautiful video that's just a few minutes long that I hope that you'll enjoy as much as I did in viewing it. God bless you, Gina. And tonight's meeting truly is being closed in your honor. if you don't mind playing the video >> about the fact that we've got let's say
a million [music] people now within a couple of decades we will be right about 12 million people. Fort Worth is so attractive and welcoming. It's a [music] it's a destination place where people want to come. >> I Gina M. Vivvens do solemnly [music]
swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of council member in district 5. [applause] I was blessed with a wide range of [music] supporters. It was a wonderful experience and when you take in that
type of, you know, collaboration, you're bound to gain [music] knowledge and wisdom. And with that, Mayor Price, I'm ready to go to work. We can see the need as governmental [music] entities to work together and coordinate to let people understand,
hey, there's a big old world coming at you [music] Fort Worth. Are you ready for it? Do you want them? Well, help [music] shape that vision. >> Don Vers and I would have coffee every night at 10:30. We we'd be on the phone
plotting strategy and how to bring [music] housing to stop six Texas. We have our principles in [music] district 5 and I'm very proud to represent this district >> to make a motion to elect the grand dame of our [music] city council. Tina
Bivvens. [laughter] >> Is it Mayor Pro Tim? >> Behind closed doors. I know they [music] call me the old broad. I know they do. >> It's my honor, council, to put forward a motion to vote here. [music] Start your vote. Congratulations, Gina. Motion
passes. Thank you. [applause] I'm very [music] passionate about engagement. >> This is the first time we've had the OD Wyatt drum line at the brand new city hall. So, I want you to enjoy the rhythm, if you will. I have no rhythm.
So, I've been told all my life. And so, the challenge becomes your for us. [music] How do we get these young people to realize? We're going to help you young person plan your [music] city. My vision now that I'm on social security, my vision is [music] to get in my
backyard and plant my mustard greens, carrots, beets, and onions, and potatoes. Had a reporter call [music] me, ask me why I changed zoning and stop six. He said, "Do you think it was worth it?" I told [music] him, "Drive around.
You tell me. See y'all later." >> The only thing I can tell you is I'm really glad to be leaving. I've been here 12 years. >> [laughter] >> I'm packing my stuff right now. Bye y'all. I'm out of here. [music]
[applause] [music] >> [music] >> Thank you all for letting us do that. I thought it was very appropriate that you all got to see that wonderful video and a tribute to Miss Gina. They have not announced um services for Mayor Tim Bivvens, but we'll make sure that this DAS tells the world about it um and to
celebrate her beautiful life. Um with that, I'm going to turn back to Council Member Peoples. Is it appropriate time to take a break before we do? Okay. So, here's the hard part though. Um we have how many students downstairs?
Do we know many families? 55. So, I think the break was meant to switch out people to let all the families come in because we're at fire capacity. So, we're going to probably take more like seven. I don't know how to do that exactly because we're going to we don't have enough space to let families in.
Make it work. Okay. [snorts] Yes. Thank you so much. Okay. We're going to take a five minute break. Let's see if everybody starts to get here. I'm We're going to let families know to come queue outside and if we'd love to have you, but we just have to get these students in here, all 55 to do the citizens oath. Okay? So
take a five minute break. Thank you >> for business. And we're going to next item will be the presentation of the Fort Worth Sister Cities International Youth Ambassadors Oath Ceremony. >> So Mayor Parker and council, thank you
for having us here tonight and for recognizing the importance of global connections in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Sister Cities is the only nonprofit solely dedicated to cultivating global connections that enrich the Fort Worth
community. We live our mission by creating meaningful people-to-people experiences focused on crosscultural understanding. Our vision is to serve as Fort Worth's leading advocate and resource for international relationships and as an
ambassador for peaceful engagement. We're excited to be here this evening and to have the oath of citizen diplomacy administered to the Fort Worth students who will be representing our city uh to the world this spring and summer. We have 56 student ambassadors
who will be traveling to France, Italy, Japan, Germany, and Eswatini in the spring and summer of 2026. [applause] International exchanges give students possibly their first opportunity to
travel, which is almost always described as life-changing. Through these experiences, the students gain important life skills including cultural intelligence, global problem solving, leadership, and
resilience. I would like to present the 2026 ambassadors, delegation, and associate delegation leaders. These participants were selected through a strenuous application process and represent many Fort Worth ISD schools as
well as private schools. And we are happy to say that because of the generosity of the community, we were able to provide nearly $25,000 in scholarships enabling these students and teachers to participate.
As I call your name, leaders, will you and your students please raise your hands so we know who you are and where you are going. Haresan scholars to Nagaoka, Japan. Delegation leaders Nicole Ericson, Tarant County College and Ruby Roy,
University of Texas at Arlington. Delegates, raise your hand if you're you're harsh and scholars going to Japan. Great. [applause] Reio Millia, Italy, delegation leaders, Monica Progno, Tarant County College, and Brian Wedell, Texas Academy of
Biomedical Science. Everyone raise your hand if you're going to gra [applause] name France Gregory Gross All Saints Episcopal School and Alexis Gross All Saints Episcopal Middle School. Raise
your hands if you're going with them to neem [applause] Frier Germany delegation leaders James Gleason Tarant County College and Elizabeth Coons Anetta Elementary if you're going to need I mean trier I'm
sorry raise your hand [applause] a second group going to Nagaoka Japan this summer and the deleg delegation leaders are Rachel Hexworth from Fort Worth ISD's district homebound program, Megan Johnson who is working with us at
Fort Worth sister cities international as an associate delegated delegation leader and Maria Kruta from the University of North Texas. So if you are going to Japan this summer, please raise your hand. [applause]
And finally, Mabani Esatini. Delegation leaders are Courtney Up from Steuart Elementary, Brandy Sap from Doss, Inc. who's an associate delegation leader, and Alicia Flores from Southern Methodist University. If you're going to
Esatini Jumabani, raise your hand [applause] again. Mayor, thank you. and I invite you to administer the oath of citizen diplomacy to these folks. >> Excellent. >> Before I read the oath, congratulations to each of you for being chosen. As Cindy articulated, this really will be a
life-changing opportunity for you. And on behalf of the Fort Worth City Council and our community, we're so thankful that you're taking reasonable risk um to travel across the globe on behalf of the city of Fort Worth to share what our community is all about, but importantly bring other learnings back home to our
community to make us that much stronger. is now the 10th or 11th largest city in the country depending on the day. Um, with that, I'd like you to all raise your right hand and you will repeat after me. I state your name. >> I
have the opportunity >> have the opportunity >> and responsibility >> and responsibility >> to improve relations >> to improve relations >> between the United States >> United States >> and the rest of the world >> and the rest of the world. I am a citizen diplomat.
>> I am a citizen diplomat >> appointed by Mayor Parker and the Forest City Council. >> Mayor >> and the Forest Sister Cities program. >> I am committed >> I am committed >> to do to do this for my city
>> to do this for my city, >> my country >> my country, >> and my world. >> Let this be so. >> Let this be so. >> Go forth and have a wonderful trip. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Now, stay right there. We're going to take a few pictures and then we'll
orderly get out of here before our meeting starts. Sound good? Okay. One, two, three. One, two, three. [applause] So, mayor, as the students are leaving, I just wanted to congratulate the
students from Fort Worth ISD because you need to understand that the Governor's Own Education Agency ranked two Fort Worth ISD schools, biomed science and the Young Woman's Leadership Academy as two of the highest rated schools in Tar
County. So, welcome. You are the best of the best. Thank you to the families and students for attending tonight. We really do appreciate you coming. As we transition, we still do have one very important recognition which will be
presented this evening by council member Peoples and I think maybe council member Nettles and council member Hall will also join us. that it's not every day that you have a Fort Worth native and a 20time Grammy award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer to be in our
midst. With that, Council Member Peoples, I'm going to turn the microphone over to you to recognize our very own Kirk Franklin. [cheering] [applause] So, I know you travel all over the world and so just getting you here to Fort
Worth, getting you home is extraordinary and we are grateful. But I wanted to make sure along with Councilman uh Chris Nettles and Council Member Dr. Mia Hall that we showed you how much we love you.
And so I am going to read it all, Mayor. I am. And so whereas Kirk Franklin is a native son of Fort Worth, Texas and is a 20time Grammy awardwinning artist,
songwriter, producer, and music icon. You can read it with me. You know, I can't see. Okay. Kirk metriculated through the public school system in Fort Worth and proudly remains one of its most famous residents.
Whereas at the age of 11, Kirk Franklin joined Mount Rose Church in Fort Worth, Texas, and became music director of the church adult choir. Do you remember that? >> I think so. >> Okay. [laughter]
During Kirk's teen years, he studied music with the famous Jewel Kelly and the singing chaperels at Oscar Dean Wyatt High School and ultimately became a pianist for the choir.
And whereas at the age of 15, Kirk Franklin co-founded a gospel group, the Humble Hearts, which recorded one of Kirk's compositions,
Every Day with Jesus. You remember that? >> I think so. >> Okay. As a result, Kirk was enlisted to lead the DFW Mass Choir in a recording of his hit song. And at the age of 20,
Kirk would lead the DFW Mass Choir at the 1990 Gospel Music Workshop of America convention. And now, whereas in 1996, Kirk Franklin's song Joy was recorded by
Whitney Houston and the Georgia Mass Choir with production by Houston and Mvin Warren. The composition was included on the best-selling gospel album of all time soundtrack to the preachers's wife. Whereas Kirk
Franklin's commitment to nurturing talent and uplifting communities is evident through initiatives like Camp Lotus where he mentors aspiring artists and his support of charitable organizations like Compassion International and St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital. Whereas Kurt Franklin remains a trailblazer whose impact transcends music, he is known as one of the most impactful and innovative figures in modern music. Whether on stage, in the studio, or through storytelling,
he continues to inspire millions with a message rooted in faith, love, and resilience. Therefore, it be it resolved that the city of Fort Worth, Texas is proud to honor, celebrate, and recognize Kurt
Franklin as a pivotal black history figure in modern gospel music. It is presented on this 10th day of February 2026, signed by Deborah Peoples, Mia Hall, and Councilman Chris Nettles.
Congratulations, Mr. Kirk Franklin. [applause] I think you have your video here. >> Oh, well I first of all it is an honor to be here and this is a very nice building. This is for something and u
I'm just very appreciative to be from Fort Worth. I still um spend most of my time in Fort Worth. Um I got up this morning. And I normally walk by the Trinity River every morning. And and um I love being from Fort Worth. I was adopted when I was four by a 64 year old
woman um who who didn't have a a graduate. She didn't have a diploma. And um we would we would recycle cans of newspapers uh right off of u Lancaster in the 70s. And uh we were part of the
Goodfellows um um event when they would raise um food and money for kids during Christmas. Um we would we would get my Easter clothes from the Salvation Army on Lancaster. So I'm deep Fort Worth. Deep Fort Worth. I mean everything from
from the Tandy Center and and Jolly Time Skating Ring to, you know, Strippling and Cox Learners, you [laughter] know. I mean I I mean I love Fort Worth. I mean Fort Worth is my home and there's no other place I'd rather be. And I have to be honest with you, if
I can be honest before I leave, I really want to say to all of you um with with with great humility. I have to be honest. There was a moment that I got a little sensitive, you know, because I can cry real easy. I'mum. But I got real sensitive is because I was in a grocery
store a couple of years ago and uh I saw a magazine, the Fort Worth magazine, and my good friend, he's a good friend, he's very talented, Leon. >> Yeah. >> Leon was on the cover of uh the Fort Worth magazine, and the title said Fort
Worth son. And I said, [laughter] "Wait a minute. I'm older than him." you know, and I got like real sensitive in the store. I just And I just fell out in the middle of Kroger. I just fell out. No, I'm playing. I didn't really fall out. But um that this is really this is
really kind of y'all because um I love Fort Worth and this is a beautiful moment to remind me that Fort Worth loves me. Thank you. [applause] Okay. So, we're going to go and take a picture and mayor, come on down.
squeeze. Okay. One more. One more. Council, there are no items to be withdrawn uh or continued. So, next mayor will be the consent speakers. And we have two.
>> Thank you. Just a second. Here we go. Our first speaker is Chris Wood, followed by Adrienne Smith. I'm Chris Wood. I approve of the acceptance of grant funding from various pet focused organizations, including
PetS smart charities to support the city of Fort Worth animal shelters. This agenda item is about improving quality of life in our community. Owning a pet is very appealing to many people due to the multiple benefits. There are
physical health benefits such as increased exercise walking a dog, mental and emotional benefits such as the release of oxytocin, the love hormone when petting a pet, and improved cognitive function as shown in older
adults who own pets. At the same time, these benefits only last when pet ownership is approached responsibly. Pets are a long-term commitment that involves financial, emotional, and medical responsibilities.
These grant funds help our animal shelters teach proper pet ownership by ensuring residents understand these commitments. They also allow shelters to expand education on spaying and neutering, behavioral training, ongoing
pet health care, and abandonment prevention. Importantly, Fort Worth Animal Care and Control is already delivering measurable results, including a record high 85% live release
rate in 2025, and a 21% reduction in animal intake compared to 2024, helping provide free spaying and neutering, vaccinations, pain medication, and microchips for pets in
specific zip boats. Innovative field programs such as leaving field kennel cards in neighborhoods where strays are picked up, resulting in more pets being reunited with their families. These outcomes demonstrate that grant funding
is not only well-managed, but highly effective. Continued support from pet focused organizations will allow this world this work to expand and ensure Fort Worth remains a leader in responsible animal care. Thank you.
Our next speaker is Adrienne Smith. Mr. Smith available. Not council. Yes, there he is. Adrien Smith, District 6. I am one with the people. Council, that's the conclusion of our speakers for the consent agenda. I can entertain
a motion. Got a motion and a second. Is there any other discussion? If not, please vote. Motion carries. Next will be upcoming and uh events. And mayor, I believe we have one. Okay, council Martinez.
>> Oh, can you hear me? Okay, we have our citizenship workshop uh next Saturday, February 21st. Um so we will have uh information on natural the naturalization process um presented by the law firm of Hime Maron. We will also have the consul general of Mexico, Luis
Rodriguez Pussia, talking about dual citizenship for those born abroad and OPAM will be there to provide uh the community explanation of what the department does and um their rights uh when interacting with police department. So I hope you can join us at the Karu Event Center on Friday, February I mean
Saturday, February 21st from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thank you, >> mayor. That gets us to the non-consent speakers. >> Thank you. Our first speaker is Richard Gladen, followed by Bob Willoughby. >> This one or that one?
>> This one. The longer microphone there. Yes, sir. >> Thank you. Uh, good evening. Um, it's been a while since I've been to a Forward City Council meeting, but it's this has certainly been an interesting and entertaining one. Um, my name, first of all, is Richard
Gladen. an attorney and it's my understanding or it's been brought to my attention that the city council of Fort Worth is considering adopting a what's known as a sex offender residency restriction ordinance. Um I've been practicing law in this area specifically
concerning what we call soros for about 25 years. Uh, I've looked at the most recent draft that you have and I I'm here to point out that you've got a two primary legal problems with this ordinance. One is
that under Texas law, district court judges have exclusive authority to determine where people on probation reside. You don't have an exception like 33 other cities do in Texas that recognize
that fact. um your the presentations you've had, I've reviewed them, and your legal staff has not brought that to your attention is that your ordinance would be invalid under article 11, section 5A of the
Texas Constitution because it seeks to override an order of a district judge who has that exclusive authority. With regard to people who are on parole, likewise, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has exclusive authority on determining where people on parole
reside. Once again, your legal staff has overlooked that and the fact that your ordinance is void if it doesn't provide an exemption for those two categories of people. On top of that, and actually I've made some copies, here's a list of
the 33 cities that I found just without too much effort. And if I could hand this out, which way would I go? >> You just hand it right over here to Miss Goodall. Thank you. Sec The second major problem you have, and this one is actually constitutional or actually statutory in nature. The
Texas legislature enacted something known as the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act. There's a case that went to the Texas Supreme Court uh called Bar versus City of Sentin where the city of Sentin sought to bar people
who were in transitional homes in Sentin that were religiously based. They found that that ordinance to restrict offenders from living in those homes and receiving religious instruction and support as paroleles
violated state law. And so I sent a a demand letter or a notice of claim by certified mail yesterday. The council or the city secretary will get that. >> Thank you, Mr. Gladen. >> And u I look forward to a lawsuit. I hope you don't. >> Our next speaker is Mr. Bob Willoughby.
Thank you, Bob Willoughby. held by Shawn Braun. Mr. Willby, you can get started. Thank you. See, we got to put this up on the screen so people know what we're talking about. We used to have it on every every item. They put it on the screen so everybody could see what we're talking about. And
you took it away, Maddie, so people don't know what we're talking about. Anyway, this is an ordinance and it says in their proposal amend the existing charter when I called the city on Friday, which you can do that now because the agenda comes out on Thursday night because of me. It used to come out
on Friday night. You couldn't call on Monday. Comes out on Thursday nights. Our council should have done anyway. I called Friday to see what this was. No answer from community engagement. I called Monday. No answer for community engagement. Okay. No answer. We don't know what it's about. But I'll tell you what, if you want to amend the charter,
here's what you instead of putting a raise on there for yourself, put these items on there. The recall petition 50% won. What that means is if you get elected with 2,000 votes, 1,000 signatures plus one could remove you from office. That'll make you accountable to the people. We have no
safeguards. You took them away. You taking away our rights to speak. You taking And this is a joke, but anyway, that's one that needs to be changed so we can hold you people accountable easier. Not your 20% that's unreasonable. Term limits. We need that on the ballot. You're going to put a
raise on the ballot for yourself, put term limits on it. Let's see how we feel about that. Three two-year terms is enough. Step down for one and then you come back after that as far as my concern. Campaign cont. Oh, definitely. campaign was that that put an end to POA
buying candidates. $2 million to Mattie Parker and your campaign fund. That's why you're not going to run again. You got paid off. So, you're not going to run again. I know that. But while you're here, won't you do something good before you leave? Make God smile. Do something good. Put this stuff on the on the ballot and let people decide out here,
not you. You became dictators what you are. And I don't like it. But anyway, this we never got no answers. So, we don't know what they're opposing. We have no idea. They didn't answer. Community engagement is another thing. It's over and paid that we don't need like other uh programs you have going on. It's cost us a lot of freaking money
for nothing. We need adults up here. We need transparency and we need honesty and we won't have it till you're gone, Maddie. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Sean Braun, followed by Edward Pucket. Good evening. My name is Sean Brawn. I'm a resident of Taran County. I submitted
a brief evidence um based uh handout for the record for you for everyone to look at that addresses residency restrictions looking at how they do not reduce any risk to the community and often undermine any uh potential risk that the
um city council may um may be aware of. Um, I want to let everybody know that I've devoted the last 30 years of my career to the prevention of sexual abuse, specifically childhood sexual abuse. I am a licensed in the state of Texas as
a sex offender treatment provider. And I am a current member and past president of the Texas chapter for the association for the treatment and prevention of sexual abuse. the last 25 years I've committed to providing treatment to sex offenders in the
community. I want to point out um some things in the um proposed ordinance which are inaccurate and possibly misleading. One of the things that is indicated in the ordinance is that um sex offenders
are high risk. Unfortunately, even though you may hear that, that's untrue. People that committed sexual offenses are actually uh one of the groups that have the lowest recidivism rates, ranging anywhere from about 13 to 14%.
And all other crimes range from anywhere from about 20 to 50% in Texas. Actually, research has shown us that the recidivism rate for sex offenders is actually even about half that. Um, another thing that you indicated was
that this ordinance is required to reduce opportunities for contact between registered sex offenders and children. Um, this is based on the false assumption that proximity to locations such as schools and parks is a reason
for people committing sexual offenses. That's actually untrue. 80 over 90% of sexual offenses um are committed by people that have never been in trouble for a sexual offense. Also 85 to 90% of all sexual crimes are committed by
people that the children are are acquainted with. Um family members, acquaintances, um also in the ordinance it indicated that this is to protect the community and protect the children. And research has shown us over and over again that
this is actually not a way to protect the children. In fact, ways to do that are uh encouraging and supporting treatment for people that commit sexual offenses, encouraging family and friends to be involved in that treatment and supervision of people that have
committed sexual offenses and encouraging agencies that are working towards helping offenders in housing, employment. And those are the things that actually decrease uh a person's risk to reoffend sexually. Thank you,
>> Edward Pucket, followed by an Zeta. >> Good evening, Mayor Parker, council members. It's really good to be here. I I feel privileged and honored to be standing in the same spot that just a little while ago Kirk Franklin was standing in
and in a place where the name of Jesus is invoked openly and the chaplain for Fort Worth states that mercy and kindness is a regular quality of this council. My name is Jerry Pucket. I'm a Fort
Worth resident and a housing provider. I'm the managing partner of a faith-based residential ministry operating within this city under the Sun Outreach. I'm here tonight to talk about standards,
how they're applied, and when discretion is exercised. Since the agenda for this ordinance was posted, the language has changed materially. Definitions were tightened, exemptions narrowed, enforcement posture shifted.
These changes did not clarify compliance. They followed goodfaith questions about how compliance could even be determined. As of tonight, there's still no authoritative map, no operational guidance, and no clear method for
providers, parole officers, or residents to verify compliance, even though the ordinance purports immediate enforcement. In our case, there are parole approved residential placements scheduled to occur within days. Those
placements were approved under existing state supervision. Treatment frameworks that this city has historically relied on. Yet, the ordinance provides no mechanism to reconcile those approvals with
municipal enforcement, only penalties after the fact. This ordinance presumes risk categorically without individualized assessment, without evidence in the record, and without a workable path to
compliance for people who are already supervised, treated, and monitored under state systems. So, I'm not asking the council to excuse wrongdoing. I want I want you to know I'm just as aligned with as you are on
issues of safety where the safety mechanism actually provides safety. Thank you. Oh, not done. I am not. [sighs] Slow down. That's what I'm asking you to do. Slow
down. Cure the defects. ensure that any policy adopted is implementable, evidence aligned and evenly applied because once this ordinance passes, it won't be theoretical. It will be enforced or misinforced
against people who are trying to comply. Thank you very much. >> Ann Zeta followed by EJ Kerrion. So again this evening I signed up for two items and have to choose between the two because we lumped together all the consent agenda items. I will quickly say
that I do support an increase in P council pay that is on the charter proposal. But I will spend the bulk of my time talking about the affordable housing proposition that is on the bond. Um, Community Design Fort Worth's board sent a letter in full support of inclusion of Proposition D, affordable
housing improvements on this proposal for the 2026 bend and bond. And we commend the city council for hosting a lot of community engagement about this and hearing strong public support voiced both by public housing I mean both by housing advocates and everyday
residents. The message is clear. Fort Worth needs bold sustained investment in affordable housing. We also appreciate the fact that the amount was increased through this public engagement from $5 million to $10 million. But we also want to highlight the fact that this is still
too little um for what is needed in Fort Worth. And I will remind many of you were on the council when you adopted this um strategic plan for housing affordability which pointed out that there is a need for a hundred million in five years and this was adopted in 2023.
So, we are quickly approaching that fiveyear mark and even $10 million is not going to get us close to what we need in order to do this. I do appreciate that during your work session, the discussion um that you had, I'm fluctuating back and forth a little
bit between the um charter amendments and the bond that it was discussed whether or not a change to the quorum would be implemented. And I appreciate Councilwoman Peoples's comments about how the citizens of Fort Worth expect all of you to show up every day for your
jobs, but I also know that it's a hard job to do in the amount that you are paid today and that it requires that you have jobs outside of your city council jobs. So, if we're going to expect you to spend full-time on this job, we need to have that reflected in the
compensation that you are given. Also, it allows pe a more broad diverse group of people to serve the community, making the people who serve us on this dis actually reflect the community of Fort Worth. So, I appreciate you considering both of those things. Appreciate the increase that you made to the amount in
the bond for affordable housing. Hope that you will continue to do that. And for those of you who were not on the council when this was adopted in 2023, I encourage you to check it out. And we'd be happy, Community Design Fort Worth would be happy to meet with any of you to discuss further implementation of the things that are in it because it will
help us address the housing crisis that we see in Fort Worth. Thank you. Our our next speaker is EJ Kerrion followed by Kennedy. All righty. So, I'm going to start with the the good news around the salaries.
You guys deserve a pay raise. Um, I'm so thankful that we have this on the docket. I personally wish it was higher. $50,000 for you guys and $60,000 for the mayor is still not enough where you still have to have a second job. We are
a worldclass city. We deserve worldclass salaries and perspectives. cuz I was just at the county commissioner's court where they have a $215,000 salary plus a car allowance and their budget is not even a third of
yours. So, I am gungho on everything you guys need to do to make sure we make this for all working people can be able to operate and run this city. So now I'm going to go into uh my concerns in the charter and it's really specific on one of the amendments for you uh city
manager Jay Chapa. It says I read it in the Fort Worth report. It said one amendment seeks to give the city manager the power to create, abolish, and consolidate departments without a council vote as long as those areas are not required by a city charter. Um, I'm
afraid that you look at public comments as inefficiency to running a city government. Um, and if you go back to what Gina Bivven said, rest in peace, said on the video, y'all said, "There's a big whole world coming to you, Fort Worth." And she also said, "Passionate
about engagement." And so I just wanted to make sure I brought this up to the public because what I've been seeing over the last year in Fort Worth, you know, from the Latinos on the city council is that we're, you know, we went from last month Carlos Flores went to
vote to minimize public comments. We had Manny Ramirez just vote to be the swing vote to minimize the amount of time we get at county commissioner's court. And I'd be afraid if our first Latino city manager, Jay Chapa, is looking to pit consolidation so that when something
like DEI shows up again, he doesn't have to listen to the people. And I ask you for whatever amendments you and your staff start pitting in on these charters and on and on these votes is that when you see a room full of black people on Black History Month, are these amendments here to make sure that they
serve them? because we have a problem where Latinos are trying to be connected to white proximity and the real power is in black and brown coalition building with white progressives who also understand the movement that's here in Fort Worth. So, um I'm going to go into
since I have 30 seconds is the bond uh affordable housing. We're laughable compared to all the other cities our size. Um also Macy Hill you had about art. You want to take art out of the budget. Um, I think, you know, for someone who has the museum district in
your district, it must be nice to be that selfish, but for someone who lives in district 11, these budgets that we put in the city is probably the only art me and my residents get to see. So, those are all that I have to say today. Our >> next speaker is Trey Kennedy, followed
by Corbin Frederick. >> Hello, my name is Tay Kennedy. the property manager for >> Mr. Kennedy if you don't mind getting the microphone. Thank you very much. >> Yes, ma'am. Good evening. My name is Trey um mayor and council and I'm the property manager of Padium Fort Worth in District 7 and I'm your neighbor. I live
right here in district 72. I'm here tonight to talk about what's actually happening on the ground in our community. Now, we stay pretty much full of our property, 97% occupancy as of yesterday, but the number that really tells the story is our waiting list. Right now, I've got 228 families just waiting for a door to
open. Think about that. We've only got 150 apartments at my community, but I have enough people knocking on the door to fill that building nearly three times over. The 90 units at Palladium Legacy Drive won't just be new apartments. They are a lifeline for 90 of those families who are just looking for a fair shot to
live in a neighborhood they love and call home. We do more than just hand over a key. We're hosting after school art classes for the kids, financial classes to help folks get ahead, and even bring in health clinics for flu shots. We're looking out for our people, plain and simple. But you don't have to take my word for it. I brought a few
notes from neighbors in District 7 who want to tell you how having a highquality place to call home has changed things for them. Dear Council Member Hill, I can tell you firsthand how much of a difference quality housing makes. Before I moved to Palladium Fort Worth, I was commuting over an hour each way just to get to
work. I was exhausted and getting home late to my kids every single night. Since finding a place in this area, my life has completely changed. I'm only 10 to 15 minutes from work. now, which means I get to be home with my children. My kids are in a good school where they can succeed. I have money left over for things like groceries and doctor's
appointments and the occasional movies. Living here has been a total godsend for us. I want other families to have the same chance I did to live in a safe, convenient area without struggling um to get groceries. I really hope you will vote to approve Helenium Legacy Project that thank you for your time in representing our neighborhood. And this
is 2023 E Henderson Drive, Fort Worth, Texas. And then I have one more. I am writing you today as both a resident of District 7 and an employee at Walmart right there on White Settlement Road in Legacy Drive. I wanted to tell you firsthand how much a project like this would mean
to people like me. Right now, so many who work in retail and grocery stores in the district have to commute from far away because the rents around here are just too high. Uh when you work a long shift on your feet, the last thing you want to do is spend an hour and more in traffic just to get a place you can afford. Please vote yes on Palladium
Legacy Apartments. Thank you for listening to the people who work hard to make District 7 a great place to live. And this is from Elizabeth Downey at 9533 Palladium Way. Thank you so much. Corbin Frederick, followed by Carla Palares. [clears throat]
Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Corbin Frederick and I'm here representing the ownership of the Palladium Legacy Drive mixed income community and I am speaking in support of the subject property. As a commercial real estate broker actively working in this market and having sold several
hundred acres in the direct area, I wanted to offer a boots on the ground perspective on this specific 5acre tract. Because of its midblock positioning, this site has proven to be a challenging prospect for neighborhood commercial or retail, which is the current zoning. This property has been
actively marketed for several years without any real viable commercial or retail interest. Despite efforts to attract a range of commercial users, the most viable long-term interest has been highquality mult multif family development. Additionally, traditional commercial
uses would likely exacerbate existing traffic concerns with the adjacent elementary school. This residential project is thoughtfully designed to be compatible with the surrounding area. This project directly addresses Fort Worth's growing need for diverse housing options with approximately 90 units at
varying income levels rather than the 180 units Senate Bill 840 allows for by right today. This development helps ensure that teachers, healthcare workers, and other essential members of our workforce can afford to live in the city that they serve. This is not just another apartment community. It's pract
practical housing solution that aligns with the city's goals for responsible growth. It's also important to acknowledge the current condition of the property. Over time, it has experienced recurring homeless encampments and multiple code related issues. This development would eliminate those challenges entirely and replace them
with a well-managed and maintained productive community asset. It was imperative to the land owner that we didn't just find a buyer, but a partner who would be a credit to the neighborhood. We evaluated numerous groups over the past couple years, and Palladium clearly stood apart. They hold and manage their communities long-term,
and they maintain a level of quality that we felt was non-negotiable for this location in the community. They developed and still manage five properties in Fort Worth and many more in the metroplex and across the state. Palladium has shown a willingness to be a collaborative neighbor. They have com
committed to help mitigate traffic impacts related to the nearby elementary school, an issue many, if not all, commercial developers would avoid altogether. In closing, approving this resolution of support represents an investment in both Fort Worth's people and its future. This project converts a
difficult, underutilized site into a meaningful community asset. Thank you for your time and consideration. Our next speaker is Carla Palmer, followed by Thomas Hugh. Is Carla here? No. Okay. Thomas Huth,
you're gonna you're gonna fix me, right, Thomas? Thank you. >> Good evening, Mayor Thomas Huth here. City council members, staff, attainable housing. Platium
owns five properties within our great city of Fort Worth. Platium Feain Street, Council Member Janette Martinez, District 11. Platium Fort Worth, Council Member Macy Hill, District 7. I think that was approved
before you were put on council. Platium Oak Grove, Council Member Elizabeth Beck, District 9. Platium East Berry Street, Council Member Chris Nettles, District 8.
Padium City Skyline. Council member Janette Martinez, District 11. What was a common theme in what I just read? We put our name on every property that
we own. This is not Oaks at Green Leaf. It's not Sunny Shade at Wallows. It's palladium. All across the state, 40 assets are all named Palladium.
The other thing, all of our five properties are in four different council districts. They're not in one district or two district. They're in four different districts. Plium Legacy Drive will be a 90 unit.
That's it. 90 units. There's some word out there that it's 130 units or 180 units. We're talking 90 units for our families who need high quality living. On January 13th of this year, I sent a letter to Assistant
Superintendent David Biders about Platium's commitment to the school drop off pick off pickup staging area improvements at Steam Academy. They've got an issue. The neighborhood has an issue with the parking with the
staging between pickup and drop off time. The cars are lined up down Legacy Drive. We put our heads together and spent a lot of money on this and said, "We can help solve this. You've got some excess land in your school. Platium will fund up to $650,000
to build this off-site staging area. The staging area will be for 52 vehicles, ease congestion, and pickup drop off on Legacy Drive. The school is on board with this. $650,000 commitment by Palladium. This
is big. This is unheard of in the development community and we are not property tax exempt. Please vote yes on Palladium Legacy Drive resolution support to get to the next level. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Kelly Parma followed
by Kim Parker. Good evening. Good evening, council. Good evening, Mayor Parker. My name is Kelly Parm. I'm with Lee Engineering in Dallas, and I am a licensed professional engineer in the state of Texas. And my firm prepared the traffic study that was
done for the existing conditions on Legacy Drive as part of the Palladium Legacy development. I want to speak regarding the traffic and queuing issue that occurs at North Elementary School Steam Academy during the arrival and dismissal times uh which
is a solvable problem. As part of our on-site observations during both school arrival and dismissal periods, the longest work cues are observed during the afternoon peak pickup period. uh approximately 60 vehicles extending
extending nearly 2,000 feet along Legacy Drive and White Sult Road. This obviously creates frustrations for neighbors and more importantly safety concerns for students, parents, and through traffic. Our an our analysis show that this
congestion is existing and primarily driven by a lack of on-site vehicle storage at the school during the dismissal period. When vehicles spill onto legacy and white settlement, the system does not recover until the
dismissal period ends. A couple of potential potential solutions were evaluated. One of those was installing a right turn lane. Uh doing so uh does not exactly solve the problem. and it simply allows traffic to bypass the queue while the queue itself
remains and extends out of the right turn lane into the adjacent through lane. The solution that meaningfully reduces the offsite congestion is providing additional stacking capacity on the school property
based on observed conditions and available land. The approximately 52 vehicles on the school property would more than likely eliminate any queuing on White Settlement and substantially shorten any remaining potential cues on Legacy Drive.
What makes this solution different is that Palladium has voluntarily committed to help fix voluntarily committed to help fix this existing problem. Stated another way, as mentioned previously, Platium has agreed to fully
fund and construct a new on-site school pickup and drop off staging area on a portion of the North Elementary site, which will provide space for more than 50 vehicles at no cost to the city or the school district. It's also important to note that this is
not a future promise or a pie and sky concept. There is a defined plan and a clear timeline tied to project delivery. In closing, uh I will I will say that during the school dismissal time, which
occurs around 3:10, uh peak times for apartments is about 5:00 p.m. >> Thank you. Thank you, Kim Parker, followed by Donna Vaness. [snorts] >> Good evening, Mayor Parker,
council members. I'm Kim Parker, executive director of Palladium USA. Over the last nine years, Palladium has invested 218 million into the city of Fort Worth. You heard about our five properties. We don't just build here.
We're long-term stakeholders. We never take our reputation here or our success in the city of Fort Worth for granted, which is why we approach every project with a community first mindset. When we first began our outreach, we
heard about this unbearable traffic congestion during drop off and pickup at North Elementary. We heard it from council member Hill. We heard it from the ISD. We heard it from the neighborhood. And we realized very quickly that if we're to lease up
highquality housing that we'd better come up with a solution to this problem. Otherwise, we're not going to be able to uh have residents that want to live there if that continues to be a problem. You heard about the plan from our traffic engineer. We're committed to
funding and constructing this dedicated school drop off. And what I passed out is our commitment letter to Assistant Superintendent David Biders outlining the project project cost and scope. Assistant
Superintendent Biders noted that in his two decades of service, this is in conversations that we've had, that he's rarely seen a private developer step up with this level of financial commitment to infrastructure. Our plan provides stacking for more than
52 vehicles. Council member Hill was very transparent with us from the very beginning. She said, "This site has a tough road ahead. No pun intended, but we believe rather than walking away from a problematic
situation, we should fix it. We're ready to do the work, and I respectfully ask for your support. Thank you." Our next speaker is Donna Vaness, followed by Kent Decardanas. Thank you, mayor and council members. I'm Donovan S, president of Housing
Channel, a nonprofit partner of the city of Fort Worth for over 30 years. I want to thank you for considering prioritizing resources in the upcoming bond election toward the deepening issue of housing affordability that will not only benefit our workforce, but the city
as a whole. As I've spoken many times before, um I feel that this crisis is an economic issue, not just a housing issue. Housing and quality of life are the key factors in attracting new businesses, jobs, talent, and a city
with a lack of affordable housing cannot sustain positive growth and prosperity. The shortage of affordable housing will not only cost our city in lower wages and productivity, but households with constrained opportunities to increase their own
wealth cause slow and stagnant economic activity, and the overall health and well-being of the city will suffer. I know it's not readily thought of this way, but economists contend that housing is economic infrastructure for a city.
It's one of the primary inputs that determines whether growth happens and if it continues. As Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, this distinction matters more than ever. When housing is not prioritized and is treated more as a
downstream issue, a few things happen. Employers struggle to attract and retain workers. Commute times lengthen and labor markets fragment. Infrastructure cost rise faster than the tax base productivity. Young talent leaves for
places where life is easier and where they can buy a home. This is not a housing problem. It's an economic development problem. An investment in affordable housing is an investment in stability, economic mobility, and long-term prosperity for working
families. We create affordable housing options. we support local businesses, attract employers, and keep our city competitive for years to come. A bond allocation will allow us to accelerate housing production, preserve existing
affordable homes, and ensure that as Fort Worth grows, it grows for everyone and not just those at the top of the market. I urge you to maintain a commitment to funding for affordable housing in the upcoming bond package so that working families who keep our city
running can have the opportunity to live in the city that they call home. Thank you for your leadership and your service to our community and for your consideration. Thank you, Kent Decardinas, followed by Annne Lot. Madame Mayor, city council, uh manager
Choa, uh thank you for letting me speak this today. Uh first of all, thank you for uh reinstating the amount of times that the public can come and address you. I really appreciate that. Uh and totally separate from that, uh I fully support a pay raise for everybody up
there. Uh like EJ said, I think it should be more. Uh we are if we are going to be the Fort Worth that uh I think you guys fully support, we need to support you guys. Uh the same way that you guys want to support the working uh
class people of the city. I mean, everybody needs to have a living wage and and your job is very very important to that. Um, moving beyond the uh or the opposite side of get you guys getting a pay increase, I'd like to speak to the
amendment to the charter that would give more power to the city manager. I know that Fort Worth is a uh council manager style of of government. Um, however, unlike a management of a corporation
with a board of trustees that hires a a manager and lets them handle things, uh, a city is a a corporation for the for living people of the city. It is it is their lives
that are on the line here. um and having a responsive management system uh is is key to that. So I am very hesitant to uh any sort of amendment that that turns power over to the manager. I know that
this is being addressed as a streamlining of of the system that is already there. Uh that just makes things cleaner. Uh, I would say if we're going to address the uh fix the charter uh to address that matter of cleaning it
up, I would suggest moving it the other way and having it be more responsive to the city council having more of a say on on what uh programs uh that are instated and run by the
government. Thank you. Ann lot followed by David Rodriguez. >> Good evening mayor and city council members. My name is Annne Lot and I am the executive director of the inclusive communities project, a fair housing
organization serving the Dallas Fort Worth area. I'm here this evening to speak in support of Palladium Legacy Drive included in agenda item 26-0118. The Inclusive Communities Project is a nonprofit that works um to increase the
availability of affordable housing in higher opportunity areas in Dallas Fort Worth. And to accomplish our mission, we address impediments to fair housing and challenge barriers that prevent lower income families from moving into higher
opportunity areas. Concentrated poverty is a major impediment to fair housing, creating cycles of generational poverty. And the city's most recent analysis of impediments to fair housing choice recognizes the high concentrations of
lowincome minority families in areas surrounding federally assisted housing and lowincome housing tax credit projects, also known as LITC developments, as an impediment to fair housing choice. And to address
this concern, the city states in its plan that it will lobby the Texas legislature to amend the LITC funding criteria to incentivize the sighting of developments outside of high poverty and
racially concentrated census tracks. The inclusive communities project wholeheartedly supports this goal and that is exactly why we support this project. This proposed development is located in a census tract with a poverty
rate of 1.66% and a minority concentration well below HUD standard. It is also in proximity to public transit, retail, health care, and employment opportunities. You've been
asked to support a number of LIT tech projects this year, and I'm sure all of them are really good projects and worthy of your support, but no other project is located in an area with such a low poverty rate. And I'm here tonight
because affordable housing in low poverty areas is usually very strongly opposed by any homeowner within a 5 to 10 mile radius. It seems to be the one thing that brings every neighborhood together. But I am urging you to muster
that holy courage spoken of in the invocation and not to succumb to any nimi. Supporter of this project will not only help you meet your objectives as stated in your AI, but it will also fill the 19,230
unit affordable housing gap identified in your consolidated plan. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you. David Rodriguez, followed by Mac Mccur. [clears throat] Good evening. I'd like to speak in support of the city council
pay raise. Again, I'll echo much of the same uh rhetoric as a lot of people up here has have already stated. Um especially considering the fact that uh the Taran County Commissioner's Court got to reduce their workload a whole
another time again and they still get paid their $200,000. And at least y'all made the decision a month ago to bring back those public comments. So, I do appreciate that. Um, I also disagree
with Jay Champa being able to being able to hire, fire, create, dissolve um, organizations at will. Um, the American dream or the the American idea of democracy was supposed to be a government for the
people, by the people. And unfortunately over the past year, it seems that in Tarant County and in Fort Worth and especially at the federal level that it's starting to become a government for the few by one powerful person.
So, and again, uh go ahead and echo statements as far as uh public housing or having more affordable housing. Despite the fact that I am privileged enough to be a homeowner, um my line of
work does require me to interact a lot with people who just don't have that privilege. And again, the same ideas that have been ran as far as the big platforms of uh
populism, right? Supposed to be lowering groceries, lowering the cost of housing, increasing the wages, trying to make everything better. And there hasn't been any tangible change, at least from the federal level, that I've seen. So, I
think especially here on the city level, if y'all can approve this and start making changes towards actually bettering the lives of your citizens, as every single person states has, why do you want to run for city council? Why do you think you should be city council?
Everyone says, I want to serve the people. I want to do this. I want to do that. Well, here's a tangible step that y'all can support and take to show the people that you actually have actions and not words. Thank you for your time.
>> Mac Mccur will be followed by Andrew Tori. >> Good evening, Madame Mayor and council members. My name is M. Mccur and I'm here as a registered citizen. I'm also [clears throat] speaking uh for Texas Voices. We're an organization that gives
a voice to registered citizens. I'm here to speak against the residency restrictions. Uh there are quite a few talking points that I can cite on this. Uh Mr. Braun brought some of those up that were very
succinct. Uh I first met Mr. Braun 23 years ago when I was a client of his. uh their organization does great work with persons that are on the registry. So one of his citations that he mentioned was
that uh the risk of higher recitism rate that is just completely false and he spoke to that and there are numerous studies that can dispute any effects that uh y'all may have come to.
Just recently the other speaker mentioned [clears throat] affordable housing and that is one thing that uh that everybody suffers and uh strides to get the nimi that's not in my backyard.
That is exactly what this is about is you know we do not want somebody on the registry living on our street or in our neighborhood. The fact is that in Texas there are almost a 100,000 persons on the registry. Uh the city of Fort Worth,
I'm not sure exactly how many of the registered citizens are, but when a registered person needs to reside in an area, often times the uh opportunities are just not there.
if a registered person is already living and then according to the verbiage in this ordinance as it's proposed that that person will be grandfathered in. Not only is it that person but their family as well. There's a family behind
every registered person. So if that person needs to move, they would not be able to move uh given that this ordinance and 1500 feet. So 1501 is okay. So you can see that
just if you draw circles and bubbles that you know what does that do? So uh thank you for your time and I hope you that y'all uh think about this ordinance tonight. >> Andrew Tur followed by Mindy Tacket.
Good evening. My name is Andrew Tory and I'm a proud resident of Council District 5. I'm here this evening to speak on two of the proposed charter amendments to the city council, Proposition G and Proposition M. The amendment that I am
most enthusiastic about is Proposition G as I strongly believe elected officials from the local level to the federal level deserve a livable salary for the job they are elected to do. Being an elected official is a full-time job and that job should not be limited to those
who are independently wealthy. True representation comes only when people from all backgrounds have an equal opportunity to hold positions of power. At a time when the mayor of Dallas and the Dallas city council members are
earning 80,000 and $60,000 respectively, we should not have to live in a city in which working or middle class citizens have to consider whether they can secure a second job before running for elected office. I would actually like to see this proposition go further and have the
base salary indexed to inflation. That way, the salary keeps up with the cost of living. I believe we should do that for the minimum wage and it should be done in this case as well and I support amending the language of Proposition G to include an index to inflation.
Now, regarding Proposition M, although I can understand the argument for allowing for more control and decision-m over department the city manager oversees, I I believe the city manager needs to have a check on the on power the position wields. Our democracy functions
on a system of checks and balances, and Proposition M would give too much power to one unelected official. We've all witnessed the damage done when an executive branch of our government decides to eliminate government departments it doesn't like, such as the Department of Education, the Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau, or USAID. I don't believe it's wise to give the voters of the city an opportunity to allow something similar to happen in the city of Fort Worth. So with uh I I urge this council to reject this proposition
and remove it from the proposal. So with that said and in conclusion, I support this council bringing Proposition G to a vote before the citizens of this city, but I hope you will leave Proposition M behind. Thank you. >> Mindy Tacket, followed by Chris Tacket.
Good evening. 20 years ago, Fort Worth decided $25,000 when it was enough to pay a city council member. Today, that's not a salary, it's a barrier. Our council members serve near nearly a million residents, and for
this full-time job, we pay them poverty rate wages. Let me put this into perspective. Dallas pays their council $60,000 a year. Austin pays83,000 and Phoenix just approved 77,000. But
Fort Worth, we're dead last among major city te Texas major cities, the fifth largest city in Texas, one of the fastest growing in America. And we are paying our leaders less than a living wage. And that's the heart of the issue
is consistency. If we believe in living wages for our residents, we cannot exempt the people leading that charge. We cannot champion economic justice while practicing economic hypocrisy. This isn't about rewarding politicians.
It's about removing barriers to public service. Right now, only people who don't need the money can afford to serve. We're excluding teachers, nurses, small business owners, and working parents from leadership because they cannot work full-time for part-time pay.
We're telling workingclass Fort Worth, "Your voice matters, but only if you're wealthy enough to serve basically for free." I hope the May ballot measure passes, but even as I support it, there are still questions that need to be
addressed. Is $50,000 for council members and 60,000 for the mayor the right number? And perhaps more importantly, what's the right way to calculate and approve future pay increases? One thing is clear, this authority shouldn't rest in the hands of the city
manager. We need a better mechanism, one with proper accountability and checks and balances. In addition to that, I just want to echo what's been said tonight about affordable housing. Um, I hope that all of you might take Ann up on what she offered to sit down and go
over the proposal that was put forth several years ago. Um, if we're going to be a worldclass city, we need to make sure people can afford to live in our worldass city. Thank you very much. Chris Tacket, followed by Adrienne Smith.
So, Fort Worth. Whoa. Wow, that was a lot. Let me move that back. Fort Worth, it's the 11th largest city in America. over a million residents and a multi-billion dollar budget and responsibilities and oversight that rival Fortune 500 companies and boards.
Yet, we pay our council members a poverty level wage while expecting full-time hours. The result, only the people who have the means can afford to serve. Those who best understand our communities simply cannot take a massive pay cut to represent us. The current
proposal is an improvement, but it's only a partial solution. We should be tying compensation to what Fort Worth families actually earn. We've got the HUD area median income that's updated every year by the government. We should
be indexing council pay to that. I would put forth that council members should be at 70% of that HUD area median income. The mayor should be at 80%. What does that translate to in real dollars? For council members, that would be $75,000 a
year. For the mayor, it would be $85,000. By creating that linkage, we don't have to have this dialogue every year. It indexes every time that updates. And that's so important because look, if
Fort Worth families do better, the council does better. If Fort Worth families are struggling, you'll all struggle, too. That makes sense. And this this proposal isn't about making anybody rich. It is about
making council accessible. So a middle class resident can serve without choosing between their mortgage and representing their neighbors. That's essential. But better pay is really only half of the equation we should be talking about.
What good is accessibility in elections if they're only winnable by those who can raise six figures from their wealthy donors. We should have campaign finance contribution limits. When a single
developer can write a check that drowns out thousands of small donors, it's not democracy. That's an auction. We need something along the lines of a $500 per person per election limit for
council races, $1,000 for the mayor's race. So, a teacher who gives $25 has the same voice as a developer today who's writing checks for $25,000. The reforms should be linked. This should be something campaign finance
could go in place immediately, but raises for council, you should never vote yourself a raise. Those should not go into effect until after the next election. That way, we are giving everyone the chance to serve. And it's this next generation of leaders
taking over. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Adrienne Smith, followed by Steven Bryant. Adrienne Smith, District 6, I am one with the people. For the individuals who have handouts page eight of 11, eight of
14, item one is what I'm speaking to. The city of Fort Worth once again seeks to change an ordinance in the name of what's best for the city. This however is far from the truth given past ordinance changes that were established
to marginalize marginalize even further groups or individuals who some within our city feel don't have a place. I'm for protecting our most vulnerable within society at all costs, but I'm not for doing it at the expense of someone's
personal bias, political posturing, or ideal of selfimportance. A simple Google search provides all the information necessary regarding sexual offenders which reside within our city limits. Something that's required of the
individuals who identify as such. The database the datab database which is maintained by the Fort Worth Police Department is precise and very easy to navigate. You can search for an offender's information by area, name, city, and
those considered non-compliant. Fort Worth has 2,590 individuals listed in in its database with two showing as non-compliant. one who is currently incarcerated in the
Titus County Jail. The other individual listed as absundant. The individuals listed include both sexes, various ages, and offenders offenders levels from low to high.
My question to the mayor and city council is simply did did you really think this out before considering f further restricting individuals from having a place within society? Hopefully we will hear from every every
individual on the dis as to why or why not they support this ordinance change. This is about individuals livelihoods being affected. Regardless of if you feel some type of way regarding their past decision making and we know the long voice the strongest voice on this
particular ordinance change was you Mr. Large North. So I ask you sir because you all for the people who don't know one simple vote all of this gets passed. So how about we pull this Mr. Larsdorf and let's hear from each of you
regarding why you feel this ordinance should be changed. you have the power to do. All it requires is you to bring it up, somebody to agree with you, and we can hear from each of you. I think that's that's being considerate. Steven Bryant, followed by Scott
Johnston. >> Good evening. Good evening, everyone. I'm Stephen Bryant. didn't write notes this time. So, um, wish me luck. So, um, I want to echo everything that's been said about the Proposition G. Um, I do also believe
that you guys deserve a living wage. Um, I think that something that hasn't been touched on yet is, um, people aren't really in, I would say, the right mind to doing their job if in the back of their head they're thinking about, you know, uh, is my kid
going to be able to am I going to pay that doctor's bill? Am I going to be able to put food on the table? Am I going to be able to afford rent or my mortgage? What that kind of stuff? Um, as someone who's representing your district and the city, I would very much love to see that you don't have to think about that kind of stuff and you can
just hone in, lock in on everything you need to do for the city. Um, also something that I haven't seen brought up yet is the Proposition J with the annual budget. Um, the only thing that's been um that has a striketh through on it is it says the budget shall not be adopted
in the same meeting as the public hearing. Now, the sentence prior to that says, "Public hearings on the manager's proposed budget shall be held, and notice of such hearings shall be provided in accordance with applicable state law. However, no less than one public hearing shall be held on the
budget following notice of such hearing." So, when I saw that was struck through, I was like genuinely curious. Um, does that mean you guys are able to bring up in a public hearing and just say, "Hey, this is the budget." and then
vote on it right away. Um, if so, I think that's like No, I would like I I would prefer if we get some, you know, uh, feedback. Thank you. Um, oh, also, um, uh, the when it comes to the the city
attorney talking about what to put on the ballot for, um, the propositions, um, I know it was recommended to have kind of like a one or two sentence kind of thing. Um, but I actually want to echo what y'all were saying in the in the work session. Um, if I mean there is a lot of government distrust obviously,
I mean, with everything going on. Um, and so I would I would take this opportunity and challenge you guys to, you know, maybe have that page that says, "Hey, this is this is originally what it says." Like for example, like right here, um, amendment number four,
Proposition J. Like you can I can read the whole thing. It's one paragraph and I can see clearly where it's been strike through what the original text before it says and then what's it what what's underlined of what you guys put in. So, um, I don't know. I'd say take a chance on it and see if it doesn't work then
just don't do it again you know. Thanks guys. >> Our next speaker is Scott Johnston followed by an Anitra Blaton. >> Mayor and council. My name is Scott Johnston. I am the former director of Newame Ministries. Um, we operated a
facility that provided stable housing, uh, structure and accountability and, uh, proximity to support for offenders coming out of prison. Uh, we were, we offered, uh, this for 20 years here in Fort Worth. Um, we were shut down
because of, um, back up. New name Ministry is not shut down because of crime and violence or misconduct. We were shut down because of zoning interpretations, um, administrative changes and mclassifications.
Residents who lived in Fort Worth, uh, because of these zoning interpretations, um, they were working and attending church and receiving treatment and following their supervised plans, which and they were displaced because they were not um, afforded an opportunity to
continue living in those homes. um they posed a risk because the system changed the rules on them. Some of these men ended up homeless. Some of them had their their supervision disrupted. Others lost their jobs. And
that was hard. That was work that was hard to secure. Every one of them experienced deep and fear, deep fear and confusion because they had done what they were asked to do, but it wasn't enough. Residency restrictions sound like a safety
measure. They're not on the ground. They destroy the very stability that keeps communities safe. When men lose housing, men and women, they don't dis disappear. They become harder to monitor. Every parole officer in this city can
tell you that. I'm not here to oppose the council or any department. I'm here because I've witnessed the impact of human uh human human impact these decisions can make for the men and and women that are registrants. Um I've watched productive compliant
residents re-enters reenter crisis stages because of a zoning letter. If the Fort Worth if Fort Worth wants safety, real safety, it must choose strategies that work. Residency restrictions do not work. They have
failed everywhere they've been tried and they have already failed here. I ask that you please review the evidence and review it well. Consider the people that are involved and make a decision informed by what actually protects the
community. Thank you. [applause] >> Anitra Blatton followed by Wesley Kirk. Good evening, mayor and council men and women. Um, how are you? Um, I am a public artist and I've [clears throat]
been a public artist for about 30 years now. Uh I'm here in support of fully funding and maintaining the funding of of uh the uh public art component of the bond package and that's 1% of uh streets
and u all other propositions at 2%. Um I just want to say that we have a lot in common with palladium and those other individuals who believe in quality. Uh what we do is all about quality and social impact. Uh I myself uh have done
uh several uh projects uh including Dallas Fort Worth airport, the Komao master plan and just recently Alliance um park in uh near Roen Oak. Um what my process is about is uh bringing
the value and I think all of my partners uh about bringing the value to um Fort Worth uh economically, socially and um uh culturally and like Gina wants to do. She was always about bringing culture to uh stop
six and uh I was always there to oblige. Um, my last project involved bringing several communities together and having them reach in and have a dialogue which they would not otherwise do. And in that particular case, I would say that public
art does help to humanize, it helps to energize and um, I should say it is also accessible to everyone. Um, so I hope that you will continue to fund us. Thank you. Wesley Kirk will be followed by Jamie
Perkins. >> Got a lot of bullet points. Let's see how far I get. Um during a recent work session when you all discussed possibly reducing public art, I want to thank all of the council members who spoke up in favor of of public art and why it's so essential to the city. And I echo
everything that was just said. Um, I also understand the frustrations that some council members have about uh public art and I want to stress that a lot of that problem comes from the way the state law is written, where it ties our hands. Charles Lowers and I had this
conversation about where it can go, what it can be made of, how long it lasts. And one thing that I would hope that y'all would see is that we have a potential if we invested in public art in more ways than just the bond that doesn't tie the public art for with public arts hands in how that money can be used and then we can start to see
more of the results that we really want to see. Um so thank you for being art advocates and I hope more of you will will speak up in favor of that. I also want to thank um Elizabeth Beck for first proposing affordable housing on the bond and all the council members who who helped increase that number. But
it's also um a drop in the bucket compared to what the city needs and what other cities are doing. Denton is one sixth of our size and they have a $15 million bond for affordable housing. And I hope that in the future we always look at affordable housing at the very beginning of the bond process and
understand how crucial it is for for the citizens of Fort Worth. Um I also want to talk about city council pay. I believe you should be paid a full-time wage to do what should be a full-time job. You shouldn't have to have multiple jobs just to to survive. You wouldn't shouldn't have to risk losing your house
or or the safety of your family to your livelihood of your family to do this job. We shouldn't introduce conflicts of interest for multiple jobs. My proposal is that we should tie city council pay to the average city staff pay. I think that's a number that should be very easy
to figure out. It has um cost of living increases built into it. It's literally impossible to manipulate that number without benefiting all of the the employees of the city of Fort Worth. And um in regard to the power of the city manager to create and abolish
departments without a say from the council, I mean just imagine the getting rid of the diversity inclusion department without a council say. Um I know that we can trust Jay Chapa to not abuse that, but we should be setting the rules and the laws in in preparation for
a bad faith actor. if we have someone come along who doesn't um follow the trust of the council, we need to be prepared to not let them uh make things worse. And also, it's another tool in your your tool belt. I mean, if if we go through with this, then the only way
y'all can do to stop a city manager going rogue is to fire them. And there should be more tools in your tool belt. And that's why I think the council being able to to make those decisions is crucial. And I also wanted to talk about the city council budget. It should be a separate meeting from when it the public
first hears those final numbers so that the public's input can meaningfully affect what those final numbers are before the vote. Thank you. Our next speaker is Jamie Perkins followed by Claudia Avala.
Good evening mayor and council. My name is Haime and I'm here tonight to speak in favor of the 2026 bond and to urge you to be bolder with it and also to speak against the proposed charter amendments as currently written. I support the bond because Fort Worth
needs serious investment. This is the 11th largest city in the c in the country yet it continues to fall behind when it comes to meeting basic needs. A bond of this size should reflect the scale of the challenges being faced, most especially housing. I strongly
support including affordable housing in this bond, but it cannot be a symbolic line item forwards housing crisis is not theoretical. It's pushing working families, teachers, city employees, and service workers further and further from the communities they serve. If you are
asking voters to approve an $800 million plus bond, affordable housing must be treated as a central priority, not an afterthought. The same is true for arts funding. The arts are not a luxury. They are a part of what makes a city livable
and economically resilient. Cities that invest in culture attract talent, tourism, and long-term growth. Please invest more into these crucial areas. These investments belong in the core of the bond because they are core to its city's future. So yes, pass a bond, but
strengthen it. Be ambitious. Match the scale of the investment to the scale of the need. Turning to the charter amendments. I am opposed to them as written. I support raising city council pay. Public service should not be limited to people who can afford to take
a financial hit. If we want representation that reflects working people, compensation matters. It should be done structuredly uh responsibly and following some advice of previous speakers. Uh however, that positive change is uh outweighed uh by
the proposal that uh concentrate too much power in the city manager's office. Allowing one office to abolish departments, remove directors, or approve major contracts without meaningful council oversight reduces accountability. Weakening public
hearings and reducing transparency around essential services does not strengthen government. It weakens public trust. I urge you to strengthen the bond by prioritizing housing and the arts and to reject these charter amendments in
favor of proposals that expand accountability rather than consolidate power. Thanks, >> Claudia Abala. Followed by David Martinez. Is Claudia present? David Martinez followed by Alexander
Montalvo. Good evening. I didn't know I was going to speak um with a opposition of of this size for against the ordinance to expand distance to protect children. Um
it's it's amazing. This this is I I can't I can't even speak about other things because this is the most important thing because as we grow, what city are we going to grow? Are we going to be a sanctuary city for pedophiles? Is that the city that y'all want? because that's not the city I want. You
know, I have grandchildren on the way and I don't want them to be raised in a city that promotes this and says, "Oh, we need to respect their boundaries." No, what about our boundaries? What about our boundaries that says, "No, you won't go after our children. We you won't go after our women." And this is
not just happening to little girls. We in Carter Park, there's boys out there, too getting taken advantage of. You know, if if you want to fight this, you can go over there to car park or go to those motel. I'm g tell you something. This is it disgust me that some of you
even have the guts to come up here and stand with them. You know, that's why I don't march with some of y'all because some of y'all march with the crazies that go over here and say, "Oh, you know, they have rights, too." And they're No, no. It's that's that's sick.
That's sick. We know who they are. And they're going to start a church and you're going to hide behind God and say, "Oh, we're a church. We're forgiven. You know, I confess my sins. I'm a pedophile. Whoa. I'm going to be like that. So now I'm going get money and I'm going to be tax exempt because you're a
sex offender." That makes you superior to us now because you go hide behind God. You want to confess your sins and all of a sudden it's all forgiven. And you can come and move in and you can be in my backyard and you can do all that stuff. No, that's not how it works. That's That's not how it works at all.
Remember some of y'all said we're on stolen land. Well, guess what? I'm a Native American and I'mma tell you something. What the Apache do to people that hurt our women and children, we kill them. So, I'm going to tell you that right now. So, y'all don't want that conversation. But here's the thing.
I want tell you something. It It is I didn't know there was going to be so many of y'all. And when you see here, you clapping like y'all so righteous is oh, we're we're here for the people. That's That's no. I've been fighting against this for so long and this we're going to use this as a tool. That's why
Sheriff Wayburn is going to use AI to track down these pedophiles, these sex offenders. We're going to use we're going to use AI technology and we'll be able to find you. So, it's no longer you talk to any CPS worker and you ask them what they deal with and why they get burnt out. And then they have to come
over here and then deal with this and see people cheering this on. It's It's sick. Some of you need help. Really, some of y'all really need to get help because that that's bizarre that you're up here applauding that for sex
offenders. Alexander Montavo All right. I'm here to talk about the charter amendment for raising the pay for city council. I definitely support raising the pay for city council, but I don't think y'all should be getting the
raise. I think the raise should be for the folks who are elected after the 2027 election. And that's who y'all should make this raise for. And if y'all earn your seat back, then fantastic. You get a raise with it, too.
But clearly since the 2025 election, y'all have made a mess of so many things in this city. So that does not warrant a raise for this current city council. Now, how we maintain those raises are going
to be really important. And I agree with what Chris's proposal was. I I think we need to tie it so that we're not voting on this every time. The reason it failed last time is because y'all wanted to have the power to be able to give yourself future raises.
If that pops up again, it's going to kill this amendment. So hopefully that's not going to get sneaked into this uh particular charter amendment. But we do need better talent that are leading our city because what we have
been seeing, I mean, we had Carrie Moon with his, you know, DWI, we've got Michael Crane just having his. We need people who are going to be responsible, who live out their lives day in and day out, doing good work, are the best of us, but can also afford to be in city
council. We don't need privileged people who live a different kind of lifestyle that the everyday working family has no idea what that lifestyle is. And Aspen or whatever Michael Crane does with all the money that he uses taxpayer dollars for. And I was worried when I saw his seat was empty. I was like, "Oh no, what
what happened again this time?" But I'm glad he's on Zoom. But I think the quicker he resigned, the better for all of us. So we need leaders who live in Fort Worth and who are part of our community that can actually get this job
done for the people and our current setup is not giving us the best talent clearly. So the other thing I want to speak to is the power grab that uh Jay Chapa that you're after with these amendments. See, here's why I have a big problem
with this is because the Latino community has a couple problems right now with representation. One, we are under reppresented with people in power in the city of Fort Worth and Tarant County, but we also have misrepresentation, meaning the folks who are brown and
Latino aren't doing anything for our community. So for you to then not go through a hiring process to now want this power to get rid of departments all on your own is not something I trust because the Fort Worth establishment
that you have been connected to is not something that's for our community. So we got to do better than that and we need to keep you in check and we need new Latino leadership because this isn't cutting it. >> Council, that's the conclusion of our speakers. We can move to changes in
memberships on boards and commissions. Our first is 25-5768. Council member Crane. >> Yes, Mayor. Let me >> We could hear you and now we can't try again. >> Can you hear me now?
>> Yes, sir. >> Here. Okay. Ready? We request your consideration to appoint the following individual to the board below with the partial term effective February 10th, 2026 and ending October 1st, 2027. Allison Fitzgerald, partial term
community development council. >> Got a motion and a second. Council, any other discussion? Please vote. Mayor, >> who made the second? Council >> CR I mean Nettles. Motion carries. Council Bllock 265769. >> Mayor and Council, I request your consideration to appoint the following
individual to the board below with the partial term effective February 10th, 2026 ending October 1st, 2026. Laura Kelly, the city plan commission. Got a motion and a second by council member Beck. Council, please vote.
>> Laura, thank you for volunteering. >> Motion carries. >> Next is resolution 26-5764. >> Entertain a motion. Council Martinez. >> Um, just I want to say again, thank you to staff for working on this uh resolution. I motion to approve.
>> Got a motion and a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. >> Next is 20 26-5781. Got a motion and a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. Next is 26-5721.
>> Council member Larsdorf, but I believe Council Member Beck also had um let me let Council Beck go first. >> Um I appreciate uh some of the comments that we got today on this particular um ordinance. I think
it's uh one that is incredibly important to our city and let me be clear, it's one that I support. Um but there was a point that was raised this evening that gives me pause for concern and that is the ability to have an ex uh the legal
requirement to have an exception so that the um ordinance will withstand any potential lawsuit. And so it is uh the lawyer and me would like to see us continue this particular item until we can have legal fully vet it. Um but I
want to be clear to those in the room that came to speak u against this ordinance. This is not a crack in the door. Um you don't have an ally in defeating this particular ordinance here. It's simply um me wanting to make sure that we're doing our job to protect
our city and to protect our residents. And so, um, with that, I'm going to move to continue this until, um, the next council meeting. >> Got a motion continue. Council Larsdorf. >> Okay. >> Okay. There we go. Thank you, Mayor. Um, to Councilwoman Beck's point though,
just I guess a question for city attorney. Um, if we did go ahead and vote on tonight and we needed to make any legal changes to the, um, or to the language, uh, would that would we be able to do that? >> Yeah, you could always come back. Can you hear me? You could always come back
and amend it. Of course, our preference would be to make sure that, um, we have legality squared away from the beginning. I believe we do, but I want to make sure that we've answered all the questions, and of course, I can't provide legal advice on the dis. >> Correct. Okay. Um, so can I go ahead and make my motion then?
>> I've got actually first I've got a motion on the floor. I think I did have a second by council member Hall. So at this point we got a vote on this motion first and then if it doesn't it doesn't pass and you can make another motion. Do I have that right? >> Yes. Okay. So I've got a I've got a motion on the for council member Beck and then I've got a second from council
member Hall. >> Which one is it? >> Okay. Then you can make a substitute motion. >> Okay. I would like to uh to make a substitute motion to go ahead and move to approve this ordinance with the following change. Increase the minimum distance that sex offenders may reside from 1500 feet to 2,000 ft from where
children commonly gather. >> Okay, we got a substitute motion on the floor. Do I have a second? I have no second. So the motion substitute motion fails. So I'm back to the original motion council member Beck made to continue this item to make a few constitutional changes that were raised tonight. I've got a second on the floor.
Council member Hall. Any other discussion? Council >> mayor. >> Yes. Council Martinez and Council Member Beck. >> So, I just >> Sorry, I'm going turn you off. There you go. >> Oh, no. Okay. Um, when we bring it back, I'd like you to bring it back with Councilman Laudorf's amendment that it's
at the 2,000 ft instead of the 1500. >> Okay. Council Martinez asked how long we're going to continue the item. >> Is there a preference from legal? >> The next meeting. >> Okay. So, two weeks from now.
Okay, got a motion on the floor. Any other discussion before we vote? Okay, council, please vote. Motion to continue carries. Next is 26-5765. I've got a motion on the floor and a
second. Um before we vote, I just want to make really important clarifying remark that last session the Texas legislature added a requirement that every city bond proposition begin with an allcap statement as follows. That will state this is a tax increase. It is
very important to voters and to those in this room tonight here to know that the city of Fort Worth has designed its bond program to work within the existing tax rate and without any tax increase in the tax rate projected to be needed now or in the future to repay these bonds if the voters approve them in May. So,
while we cannot change ballot proposition language that the state has authorized, we can assure our taxpayers and our voters that voting for the bond in May in Fort Worth will mean no tax increase in the city of Fort Worth. So,
we apologize for any confusion caused. We did not cause it. Um, with that, I do have a motion and a second on the floor. Is there any other discussion? Council member Nettles. >> Uh, we are voting for the charter election and the proposition on this one. The charter is a second vote. It's actually 5766.
>> Okay. So on the proposition, I just want to give um um can we articulate the proposition point uh of of M >> on the charter? Can we do that in the next item? Yes, sir. Yes. So we'll vote
on the bond first. >> Let me say something about the bond. I I really appreciate that we was able to get to 10 uh million for the housing bond and I look forward to the next opportunity that we can add more to the housing bond and appreciate the opportunity to keep arts uh intact as
well. Thank you. >> Any other discussion by council? If not, I've got a motion and a second. Please vote. Motion carries. Next will be 26-5766. Councilman Nettles, I'll turn to you
first if you had some questions for staff. >> Uh yes. So, uh as it relates to uh the uh charter election, I wanted to address a couple of uh concerns that some of the residents made about the index pay,
which I also support. Uh I do want to uh tell people we did try that uh a few years back and it did not pass. I think because of uh explaining our information to the community and so I uh think we're at a good spot now and we can revisit
this at a later time to increase because I do believe that this should be a pay where uh someone know how to make two jobs and u and ought to be representation. I do want to ask uh legal to address some of the issues with him. I think the way it was articulated
as well as the way the forward report reported on it is kind of has made it confusing to what we're actually voting on. And if we can just kind of explain that piece of addressing issue M and some of the other ones because I think city attorney if if I'm not you can
correct me. Uh these are cleanup items that we're trying to do to uh support our charter and it's not necessarily giving the city manager free will to do whatever he wants to do. Yes, that's right. So, with Proposition M, um, that one is, so you may recall
when Gavin did his presentation, there are six departments that are mandated by the charter. Those would not be changed. So, that, uh, includes police, fire, um, finance, public works, public health, and, uh, water. So, those would always
stay in place. This is just really aligning the the charter with the the power and the authority that city manager already has over personnel. Um we have had multiple times over the years where uh things get moved around
uh departments get renamed and those are really um administrative functions that end up having to come to council. And so again, this is a cleanup item uh that we feel um would not be expanding any power and it would just be aligning that with
the authority that the city manager already has. Did you want me to speak to any other propositions as well? >> Uh J >> J is and that's the department head. >> Yes. >> Is that the one? >> Yeah. So, basically, we're just making
sure that all of the top city jobs are treated the same and basically keeping things simple by not having extra hearings. Um, the city manager already has the ability to uh again the same thing has the authority and the responsibility in the charter to manage
personnel. Um, the hearing an extra hearing in front of council doesn't provide due process. um it really just creates a no-win situation because the council is not allowed also by charter to interfere with the city manager's um personnel actions. Now, I will say obviously they employ the city manager
and if they're not happy with the decisions that he makes, they can deal with it in that manner. Um but council interference with uh his employees is prohibited. Um it also of course and I mentioned this in in work session before, it creates issues for us in
litigation. Um it creates confusion. We have had this happen in the past and this is an item that we believe again is not expanding any powers but rather aligning what's in there with the authority and the power that the city manager already has. >> Thank you for the explanation. I see the
star telegram is here. I'm not sure if the forward report is here, but we really want uh to make sure the information is accurate when it's put out because when it's not, it gives the assumption that we're doing something to empower the city manager. Uh I would
never vote to empower any one person over uh this council. Uh the second thing I will add about the proposition, they are all single votes. So you can literally vote for one proposition, not vote for the next. And so um it's important that you understand what those
proposition actually are. So thank you for the explanation tonight. Leanne, >> any other questions for Leanne or staff um regarding the charter election? No. And I think an important no, the city manager's office will be working
with each council district as well on additional communication education for the community over the course of the next several months. >> Move for approval. >> Motion and a second council. Any other discussion? Please vote. Motion carries. Next is MNC26-000078.
We have a few speakers on this item. Counciloman Nettles. Our first is Harrison Smith, followed by Preston Pitman. >> Mayor, um I think city staff was going to present. Uh >> Yep. Cody Whittenberg is is available.
>> Good evening. Cody Whittenberg, environmental services director. Before we move into speaker comments, I just have a a statement I need to read into the record for TCQ process and then I'll have a few slides just to offer a little more context. So, the purpose of today's public hearing is to receive comments on establishing a municipal setting
designation MSD035A South Freeway located at 5 5921 and 5933 South Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas 76134 in Council District 8. The proposed property consists of approximately 57.5 acres and is owned by Bear Holdings LLC.
property is currently zoned I light industrial. The subject property was historically used for dumping of iron slag, foundry sand and bag dust which are believed to have contributed to the groundwater impacts. The heavy metals identified in the groundwater arsenic, lead and mangines. The groundwater is shallow, perched, and discontinuous
occurring at a depth of approximately 14 ft below the ground surface. A public meeting was held on January 8th, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the Highland Hills Community Center in Fort Worth. In advance of the public meeting at today's public hearing, written notice was sent to property owners and municipalities within one half mile of the MSD boundary
and to owners and public water supply utilities with groundwater supply wells within 5 miles of the proposed MSD boundary. Just a few slides to offer you a little more context on on this particular proposal. So a municipal setting designation, some might call that an MSD, but a municipal
setting designation really is a deed restriction for the use of groundwater. It prohibits the use of groundwater for for drinking water, portable water type uses. It also allows redevelopment without the full burden of cost for a full groundwater cleanup. Provides regulatory oversight through state
approved process. Again, this is a state uh process. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality governs this particular program and we are one step in that process. So, in order for any community or any development to move forward with an MSD, it first has to go to the local government for a resolution
in support of that. at that time. Then the developer takes that resolution if approved and completes their application with the TCQ for TCQ to make those evaluations. It also supports economic development sort of like a tool to continue to provide environmental oversight and to keep communities moving
forward. To date, the city of Fororth has approved about 34 not about actually 34 of these and here you can see that it is laid out throughout the city just with this particular map. Much of it around the the central city project as well. Whenever we were able to move forward
with that public meeting a couple weeks ago and a few weeks ago and also a meeting with the community last week, we did hear several of the concerns that the community has brought forward nearby in in the Highland Hills area. Historic misuse and dumping of the property, a desire for non-industrial use and really
a pref preference for a grocery store or a residential use, some other use besides industrial, a lack of trust for just past site conditions. They really wanted to keep the property clean. concern for the construction phase of the project if it moves forward. So with dust and active construction site moving
around the uh environmental health concerns related to that and then just really another need uh or conversation around public amenities such as the Highland Hills Community Center and others and we were able to try to come up with some ways to move this forward cohesively working to again moving into
the TCQ making sure that we have oversight. So we we as a city staff have contracted with FE Nichols, a local engineering firm to help provide some added support and and oversight. We also want to point out that there is an opportunity to uh donate 14 acres adjacent to create maybe a buffer zone
between the residential community and this industrial development. We also want to just point out that um we have some through Fresa Nichols, we have the ability to really lean into some active confirmation testing and some oversight throughout the construction of the project if it moves forward. really looking into those dust controls, making
sure that storm water regulations are followed, and then also really looking at all of those areas within this facility that have some sort of contamination to make sure that anything that the TCQ comes up with as a part of a cleanup plan is adhered and followed to carefully. Just want to point out another thing is
that the the zone this is not a zoning action. The the zoning is already consistent with with industrial use and the project can move forward with or without an MSD. Again, the MSD is just controlling the use of groundwater at this particular site. If the MSD is not
approved on the right side, then the developer will still have to continue with the TCQ's voluntary cleanup program, develop a cleanup action plan with those groundwater controls in place and and to move that forward. If the MSD is approved, again, they still have to maintain the the voluntary cleanup
program components, but those those uh pathways for groundwater ingestion go away. And uh the developers also offered some other components. U again the donation of 14 acres in a few months, working with the city to allow this independent testing to to move forward.
Working to make sure that all of the site mitigations that the TCQ will come up with with the developer and their agents are followed and allowing us as the city staff or our agents, Fresa Nichols, to independently monitor that. And then really with that green space donation, potentially find some additional opportunities to leverage
some funds throughout the development process. In closing with the independent testing, I just want to echo that again. There are kind of three phases to construction sites. Before construction, during construction, and after construction and again working with FEA Nichols to to really build that trust and that
independent voice of of oversight, uh we would really propose that the FEA Nichols company really does a deep dive into all the MSD documents and any cleanup action plan that TCQ develops. Then during construction again that third-party independent oversight would be offered to ensure adherence to any
cleanup plans not ensuring uh not ensure ensuring that there's no disturbance of the clayline pits moving forward. And then after construction even once the facility uh was constructed and and moving forward we would still want independent confirmation testing for a couple of years. Just to kind of show
you some of those other opportunity areas that we see here you can see much of the Highland Hills neighborhood in yellow. that is that A5 residential zoning and then the the purple color is that light industrial zoning and you can see that the community has a lot of industrial zoning is active but again
this item does not change the zoning of this particular case. I would also point out there's the uh the yellow corridor along the right side of the property is that area that would create that buffer zone between the uh the MSD property and the residential neighborhood. So with that just a quick oversight of what that
could look like. Here you can see this green space which is potentially has the opportunity to be donated about 460 ft. Another thousand feet from the back of the property is proposed by the developer site plan. And just to show you a rendering of what this warehouse could look like. You can see that on the right side would be the uh the buffer
zone for the neighborhood. So in closing, we have tonight's public hearing and then we will work to consider uh continue conversations with the developer and the community based on the outcome. Thank you. >> Thank you Dr. Wittenberg. Any other questions? Council Nettles for Cody this time. >> Yeah. I just have one question. I I
don't know if it was on the slide, but the other destination, the other MSDS that's in the city of Fort Worth. >> Absolutely. If we would bring this. >> It was. Do I miss it? So, here you can just see the this the map of the city and the centralized area. That large blue color that is
really much of the central city and then you can see most of the other blue blue polygons or property boundaries throughout. And this particular uh property is on the south part of 35 there at loop 820 and uh highlighted in yellow and and circle in yellow. >> Just off the top uh can you tell us what
some of those areas? I think one of them is the um Trinity River. >> Absolutely. So the the Panther Island Trinity River areas is largely included in that and we have an entire list that we can provide to everyone. Absolutely. Okay. >> Thank you Cody. Our first speaker is
Harrison Smith followed by Preston Pitman. Good evening, mayor and council members. My name is Harrison Smith, and I'm here on behalf of Bayer Holdings, the applicant. Um, before I before I begin, I just want to join you guys in honoring uh Council Member Gina Bibbons. Her long
service and dedication to the city uh leaves a legacy that won't be forgotten. And so our thoughts and prayers are with her family and all of you who have had privilege to serve alongside her. Uh on behalf of Bear Holdings, I want to thank city staff for their work on this project. I especially want to thank the
residents who have engaged with us over the last several months. Those conversations sometimes supportive and sometimes challenging have directly shaped the steps that we have taken. Uh tonight instead of focusing on the details of MSD uh which uh the city has
already city staff has already covered. Thank you Cody. I want to talk about something a little bit more personal. Uh Beer's commitment to being a good neighbor and what we've done to demonstrate that commitment. I want to acknowledge that this property has been a source of frustration for the
residents for a long time. They've had to deal with illegal dumping debris, uh, trespassers, dust, and just a general sense that the land wasn't being responsibly managed. We have heard that clearly, and we understand the hesitation and where where the mistrust
may come from, but we want you to know that the team controlling this land is going to take care of it, care for the community around it, and follow through on what is said. That's our commitment. And over the last several months, we've tried to show these through concrete
actions. After engaging with the community about the about the property, we began completing debris uh clearing debris, removing dump materials, and putting measures in place to deter unauthorized access, even on property that wasn't under our responsibility. As
recent as yesterday, I was out on the property with Bear cleaning and securing the site. And I promise you, no one was more surprised to see an attorney out there uh actually doing physical labor than me myself. Um but we know that past misuse wasn't
Bear's cause or the neighbor's responsibility and we are committed to maintaining the site to mitigate the impact on the neighborhood. The community asked for reassurance that the land is being uh handled safely and in response um we've uh completed
extensive additional testing including 25 additional samples since the last uh last meeting. We've worked directly with the city and TCQ to ensure the d every data point is reviewed and verified. And moving forward again as Cody mentioned we have the third party uh inspectors.
We want the neighborhood to have confidence in not just our words, but the oversight behind our actions, including a soil management plan that addresses uh some of the issues and details. One of the clearest messages from the residents was the desire for the buffer, which you've shown. And so, in direct
feedback to that, we've engaged the city with the 14 acres on the east side. It's not required. It's not something we're compelled to do. It's just something that we've chose to do. We think that's right. We'll continue to listen and be the kind of land owner people want to have next door. Thank you. Our next speaker is Preston Pitman followed by Jerome Johnson.
>> Mayor Preston is going to yield his time. >> Thank you. Jerome Johnson followed by Leticia Wilburn, Mayor Parker, Councilman Nettles, and the other council members. Good evening. My name is Jerome Johnson, president of the Highland Hills Neighborhood Association.
And when I originally bought this t-shirt back in 2020, it was to represent my frustration with the murder of George Floyd. But tonight, I'm wearing this t-shirt because this is our community statement. I can't breathe. We can't
breathe. We're surrounded by pollution, noise, and traffic. So, we're against this MSD simply because we're against anything that's connected to industrial development. Our community is in a crisis related to our health,
well-being, and safety. We oppose any proposal or resolution that is connected to industrial development. We already are surrounded, as you saw on the map earlier, we have development to the west, to the east, and to the south. And
there are still more developments on the table being proposed. And the only reason I believe we don't have development to the north is because I20 is right there. So we're surrounded by pollution every day in the morning and the
afternoon in the evening. There's traffic backups on I 20 as well as I35 which is right there too. So we're surrounded and we're sick and tired of being sick and tired. We've been doing this a long time. And this Black History Month, when I think
about Highland Hills, I think about one of my favorite movies, The Color Purple. And Miss Sophia said, "All my life, I had to fight." And that's Highland Hills. All our lives, we've had to fight. We've been fighting this fight for decades. We are sick and tired of
coming down here telling you that we're sick and tired, but we're going to keep coming because nobody seems to listen. So, city of Fort Worth, do something and protect our community. Do the right thing and stop all this development
that's industrial. We have to breathe. There are people here that have lived in Highland Hills way longer than I've been alive and I'm 58 years old. So, it's time to do the right thing and protect our community. As a matter of fact, we would love to
request a moratorum on all industrial development within one mile radius of our community. [applause] We're boxed in. We're tired of the Fort Worth way where we go along to get along. We're not going to do it anymore. We're going to keep fighting this fight
and we'll do it by any means necessary. Whether that's civil disobedience, boycotting, standing in the middle of the road, slowing down traffic, we will do what we have to do until the city of Fort Worth protects our community and does something to help us out. Thank
you. [applause] >> Nice to be here, Leticia Wilmore. >> Hi. uh my condolences to you all in the loss of Gina Bivvens. But I just wanted to say that uh Echo High Stop Six
Environmental Coalition of Communities Forward Environmental Coalitions of Communities. We stand with Highland Hills community. My I'm looking at myself. I got lipstick from my mask. But my community is one of
the most polluted communities in the entire United States with some of the highest counselor rates within the entire United States. This this is verified and I am connect my community is connected to this community
and whatever happens there comes on over to my community. Y'all have people on on city staff that have master's degrees, PhDs, and y'all act like y'all don't understand, and it's y'all's job
to understand this, that this pollution doesn't stay in one spot. Where they live is connected to where I live. And I am affected by that as well. My community is affected by that as well. And like Jerome, I have on a t-shirt
that says, "If you are silent about your pain, they will kill you and say you enjoyed it." And that's what's happening in Fort Worth. Fort Worth is going to have a
black eye. Fort Worth and and I'm doing studies. Y'all are among some of the most racist zoning, some of the most redline zoning. Y'all are actually killing people and acting like people are supposed to like
it and enjoy it. Y'all know that what y'all are doing is hurting and killing people. Not only are y'all doing that, a few miles from where y'all putting this is where y'all want to put that data center. And just think you got all these communities connected. Holland Hills,
Echo Heights, where y'all want to put this data center. What's going to happen when all of that stuff collide in an area that's already highly polluted? What happens? Y'all have PhDs and master's degrees. This is y'all's job.
What happens when all of this starts killing more people, babies, children? It affects children's learning abilities, all this pollution. Y'all need to stop what y'all doing and thinking. Stop trying to make ways for these businesses to come and make y'all
money because making y'all's money is costing us our lives and our money to pay for funerals and medical bills. So, y'all need to look past y'all's pocketbooks and start looking at people because
y'all PhDs, y'all should know better. And I hope y'all are sometime held accountable. >> Our next speaker is Malik Austin followed by Adrienne Smith. I thought we was a little bit too old to be playing Cowboys and innings with a little stick
horse. I'm 56. Well, as brother Johnson. Oh, I'm sorry. Mayor, hello. How y'all doing? Council, let's look into the reality. Arsenic lead manganesees is something that you don't expose yourself
to no human life. I was there when Elton Woodard drowned. at that site. Our community has been traumatized. We talking about 1979 and we was prohibited right today. Google Earth,
I drive by that site all the time on on that same address. Today I seen weed control people. I hadn't seen this young man. Uh we've been battling with this for over a year. This my last meeting was the first time I seen this young man. It's been going over a year. Mayor,
I gave you the data and extreme public safety. How many of y'all have read 800 pages of of this? What Mr. Cody has? No one up here. I I excuse uh Miss Peoples and Miss Hall. They
wasn't here, but Mayor U was here. Okay. 76 uh solid waste management persons. It's already been identified what they were doing. Texas still was doing the illegal dumping. When you have these type of contaminants, you left out candium,
Cody. You left out zinc, Cody. So, you left out two more that we discussed last time. But when you have all these together, it changes its state. You did not talk about hydrogen sulfate, too. It's a deadly gas. When you go to
excavate and move all this and disturb this, if you don't do it right, 3181 of VCP, the volunteering cleaning program has not yet been approved. Her name is Miss Vitali. Miss Vitali,
she's over remediation, but they won't go down 14 ft and rec and remove this stuff. Did you notify Alcon? That's 1.5 less than 1.5 miles. Did you notify our laboratories? No, you didn't.
You kept them out the loop. So, we can't move forward to all the testing. If you have an operation, you just don't have no one doctor. You have denied us access to see the materials that you tested with. No
timestamps, no videos. I sent information in what they supposed to have when they came back. They have nothing and they have yet to be approved for VCP 3181 as reported. This been going on for too long. If you're going
to do it, do it right. So, you have to deny it because it's too risky. We talking about extreme public health safety. There's no warning signs. There's anything up there to protect the people of Highland Hills. >> Mr. Smith will be followed by Abricia Marie.
>> To the great people of the Highland Hills community know that I stand with you. Um it's crazy y'all. You know when whenever they want to convince us, they send someone who looks like us. >> Let that sink in. Whenever they want to
convince us, they always send someone who looks like us. It's it's amazing that the developers come in and out of this space on a weekly basis and whenever they get what they want, they hog butt. But when does it when does the
community's voice matter? Council representatives when they are willing to come out to these meetings and say, "Hey, we are against this. We are against this. We are against this." When does it matter not to continue to defer these
particular topics as if well we'll figure out a way around it. There's no way around people's health. There's no way around it once once once bad things start happening to individual's health. The only other option they usually give us is what? Pills. Popping pills. And we
know that don't work because all pills have side effects. So I want to say to the Holly Hills community, you have a option at your disposal that no one has utilized and it can be utilized. We don't have to wait to you don't have to wait till 2027.
Recall is an option. If the council member of your district does not listen to you, recall them. Don't wait to 2027. It doesn't take much to recall an individual. It takes more to recall a mayor because it's a citywide thing. But
for your particular council member, recall an individual. Don't wait till 2027. You had that option. Stop playing with our livelihoods. Okay? Our livelihoods are not for sale. Okay? And let me ask the question to this mayor and council. Why hasn't anyone else wanted to develop on that
particular plot of land? We know developers come in and out of this space on a weekly basis. Why hasn't anyone else wanted to develop there? Thank you for your presentation, Mr. Cody. But we know presentations or
on on on for face value just it just serves a purpose to try to convince those who haven't been doing their homework that this is the proper thing to do. I truly think Mr. Crane, you are a developer, so you understand the X's and O's. Hopefully, sir, your
consideration will be given. Miss Martinez, you haven't taken taken full reigns of a district that was affected has been affected over the last 10 years because of failed policies. Hopefully, we get your support on this uh vote no
against this particular agenda item. And again, whenever they want to convince us, they send someone who looks like us. [snorts] Thank you. Abreishia followed by Gina Bird.
No, Gina Bird. Thank you, Gina. Gina will be followed by Crystal Wac. Good evening. My name is Gina Bird. I'm here on behalf of NAACP. I am the environmental climate and justice program coordinator and the committee chair. I was recently invited to the
meeting on Thursday last week with they had with public uh safety public hearing and what was disclosed was um they had several chances to develop a meeting with these people and they just started this year on the 8th and the 24th. It's been a whole year since this was
dismissed in 2024 where we the community members have not seen any justification of the samples that they've taken or the environmental studies that they've done. Cody did mention that there was arsenic, lead
as well as magnes maganese, I'm sorry. Now, let me speak to that. As a former uh instructor at Texas&M for hazardous materials, that was my job. I'm still certified as a compliance, safety, and health official. So, I have that credential. I study hazmat. Okay. So,
let me tell you what arsenic, lead, and maganesees does when it's put together. Okay. That is a very, very bad neurotransmitter. So, it causes extreme brain damage. It shuts down a central nervous system. It causes cardiovascular
health disease. For children, it is the worst. Those three combinations one, two, and three, all of those are highly hazardous toxics. Okay? And they are regulated regulated by several 40 CFR,
29 CFR, OSHA, EPA. Now, what we're asking is to do the a legitimate study on that ground because once you dig into that ground, what will happen when you dig into that dirt? We don't know. But the pollution, think about that in that quadrant of death. You saw the maps
there. When that gets interrupted, that plume is going to come down. And that's why he said we can't breathe. Think about once they disturb that land, the dust comes up and that's what's falling down. You're inhaling arsenic. You're inhaling lead. You're inhaling those
things. Those are also combustible dust. Okay? So, if they're doing construction, they're going to have to be mindful of explosions, things like that. All three of those are carcinogens. We know what carcinogens are. cancer-causing agents. Okay? So, when we think about pollution,
think about that and we want to guarantee that they've done these studies before because that is a requirement under your state statute. 30 TAC 350, that's the Texas risk reduction program. They have to comply with those by law, federal law, and I have several
other federal requirements that does have to be adhered to before they dig on a prior landfill, which that was okay. So all of these are governed by federal laws and we're just asking them to do that study so we can see it. We want to
add input and it wouldn't be in the best interest of the public health to approve this because they want to limit those restrictions. They want to limit those and uh start producing. So we are in um we don't want it we >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Crystal WAC.
Go to the center podium, please. >> Good afternoon. My name is Crystal Wack. I've lived in Highland Hills for over 30 years. And the man that came to speak from that uh Blair Holdings, they came to talk to us, they presented nothing new. The only new thing is they sent the
black guy out to talk to us. So, the other thing is um they want to be good neighbors. Until recently, there was no cleaning up done over there. So, that's not how a good neighbor goes. If I did what they've been doing, I'd have tickets. Y'all send somebody out to my house. Um, we're already surrounded by
warehouses. And tomorrow, there's a a zoning meeting to reszone some of the area to potentially add more warehouses. There's uh some talk of some affordable housing. Okay, I'm all right with that, but I'm sick of the warehouses. and I live at the end of the neighborhood, so
I didn't get a notice about this, but I got one about the zoning. I don't want more cars and trucks at my back window when I'm trying to sleep. Right now, when the interstates having issues, our street is flooded. You can't I can't even I live on the corner and I can't
get out of my street to get down on Oak Grove to leave because of the traffic that comes anytime I 35 is overfilled or I 20. The um the other thing I wanted to say is those 14 acres, I see that as kind of a bribe. If they give it to the city council, then maybe y'all go ahead
and let them do whatever they want to do. That's the way I see it. One of our neighbors talked about having maybe a well or something in her yard that has has some of these items in it or or a minerals. I've not heard anything from Blair Holdings or the neighbor about
anybody looking into it. I'm really kind of sick of this. In fact, across we have low-income housing. We have affordable housing by income. It's like you're just trying to pile everybody who's at 80% of the medium income or below in our
neighborhood. You know, just like when you have people and they don't have opportunity to learn anything from each other, but stuff we already know. So, I'm highly opposed to it and I'm really sick of the uh the warehouses. And that's all I have to say. Thank you.
Council Nettles, that's the conclusion of our speakers on this item. >> Uh thank you, Mayor. Um there's a couple of things that I did hear. I don't know if we articulated someone asked uh staff. I think it was about providing
results of the testing uh before work is done. Can we talk to that? So I want to kind of deal with just factual things. >> Absolutely. So we know that there's an active conversation between the
developer and the TCQ as they work through this voluntary cleanup application process. And we do know the TCQ has requested more data specifically for soils and for groundwater and that and that testing has not been completed and has not been those results have not been submitted back to the TCQ.
Typically the MSD consideration is a part of that process of that back and forth between the developer and the applicant the owner and uh and the TCQ the state to to to gather more information to really understand what cleanup activities need to occur at the
site. So which the next document that would typically be produced and is in the works probably between TCQ and the developer is what's called an affected property assessment report. And so that additional data needs to come forward for the TCQ to continue those conversations. this particular MSD
component is only to restrict that groundwater and it's only a resolution to ask the TCQ to go a little bit further. So we would typically expect for TCQ to continue to review that data to continue to work with the developer to develop that remediation action plan and to keep things moving. As far as the
results, we can certainly make those available. And I think that's why we're really an advocate for having this thirdparty vendor through FEA Nichols come in and do a full assessment of the entire application process through all of the documents and then try to find a way to really make sure all of this data is readily available for anyone that wants to review it.
>> So, the freezing nickels uh component will kind of uh uh take into effect having results given to the city council and to the community as they come in. >> Absolutely. This would be a vendor paid by the city of Fort Worth. So, we want to try to build that trust, independent,
third party, not paid by the developer. Absolutely. >> Um, do we know if I don't know if you can answer all legal um if this is approved today and TCEQ uh find that there were issues with the
soil that was submitted to them uh if it would stop the process. So TCQ ultimately has to make the decision to grant the MSD or not to grant the MSD. So we are again we're just one piece of this process. We would complete the developers application to
continue those dialogue with u with the TCQ. So theoretically yes if the TCQ found an issue with this they would potentially withhold the MSD. That's >> okay. and you currently or the city has been in works with TCEQ to provide or have a
sitdown conversation with the developer and the neighborhood community uh as well as the city staff. >> Absolutely. We would we would we we heard the community that we would that they would like to have a conversation sort of a a charade if you will for everyone to come together to include representatives from TCQ, the developer,
the city and all other parties to come through and really have a conversation to comb through the data to comb through the application and what have you. At this time we still believe that we can move that forward and we would like to to do that in in March or April or as soon as we can get that scheduled. I guess my last question is for legal and I think I asked this but I'm going ask
it again on a D is to the to the question of providing the testing before anything is done on the site. Do we have any uh legal right to add that into the approval of this uh
motion today? I think somebody's coming. I know TCQ will have the final say, but do we have any ranks to hold it to the developer? >> So, Kevin Andrew, assistant assistant city attorney. So, if the question is
whether or not you can include the requirement to test in the in the motion, what we what we've included is that we will is that the city will do it. If TCQ finds that additional things are required, then that that will be part of that'll be part of what they
need to do. However, in this case, if they don't, then that would be it. And then the city city's responsibility per the motion would uh would step in. Does that answer your question? >> No. >> I'm sorry. Let me let me try to ask
again. Okay. I'm sorry. I know this is difficult. Um the community is asking for uh results to be given to them prior to the development starting. Are we allowed to add that into the motion to require that
um that the developer or freezing Nickels or T uh TCQ to be given to the community prior to development starting? >> I believe you can. >> Okay.
I want to add that into um >> um the next question. Thank you so much. Um I don't know if we have uh any out here that can discuss the permanent or the NEZ opportunities at this on this site.
[snorts] >> No, sorry, you can't speak. I'm so sorry, ma'am. Let us continue with the conversation. DJ, thank you. >> Yes, sir. Councilman. >> All right. Just um um a broad question about the the permanent and the NAZ
opportunities that are associated with this this property or this land. Uh so basically this property is located in an NEZ. Um and in NEZ basically it is a uh a area designated in the city of Fort Worth where development fees can be
waved and tax abatements can be a process that they could go through as well. >> Okay. Um, I know that the the city staff and others want to continue conversation as it relates to permitting uh the location if this MSD is approved and so
that things can be supported to the neighborhood association or the neighborhood community center or area all at once. So, I just wanted you to provide that this is in any opportunity zone. Thank you. Um,
mayor and Uh I've been battling with this uh decision for quite some time and I think a couple of things that is factual as well as when it was denied the last time uh one of the things that the community
asked for was for a site plan and um in addition to no more warehouses. And so when the site plan was not readily available or the developer did not agree to provide that site plan, it gave me
tremendous pause to move forward uh with this development because I think it's important that the community should know how far it is from uh their neighborhood or from their backyard. Uh the second thing is that there are
certain requirements that are made upon uh filing for MSD or zoning request or a permit in the city of Fort Worth. Once you apply there are certain days that public hearing notices should be given out and I know that I think they
reapplied in November and the process started then. So for some that are asking the question about not responding to the community in a year, uh it was basically off the table until they reapplied. And so one of the things that
the neighborhood talked about um is uh the the dust in the air and I think we want to add the Adrian while I'm talking you're not talking. Okay. um about the dust mitigation in the air to provide safety uh for our
neighborhoods. And so um one of the things that really give me tremendous pause in this uh um is that the developer can continue to build without this MSD. This MSD stands
as opportunity to prevent any drinking water, any opportunity to be using any water any pollution within the grounds. The second thing it allows the city to require additional safety measures to [clears throat] this community. Now, what I do want to
look at in the very next future is how we change the zoning to around Holland Hills that is not in the active project because I think it's important that Holland Hill should be protected from any other future zoning mechanism. But
where we are today, as I would call it, is a rock in between a hard place. uh denying this MSD would further hurt the community than it would protect the community. Approving this MSD with restrictions will give more safety to
this community. And with that, [clears throat] [snorts] I'm going to move to approve MSC 26-0078 with the following revisions. Amend the MSE to include the following. City staff
will monitor the developer compliance with all applicable laws, including legal illegal dumping, grading, storm water protection, and site maintenance. City staff will directly work with the developer and Highland Hills Neighborhood Association to address
issues as they arise. A independent third-party environmental testing will be conducted before, during, and after construction as coordinated by city staff with the developer. City staff will provide quarterly or semianual updates on status
and results of testing to Holland Hills Neighborhood Association during the construction and for two years after completion. City staff will convene a roundt with community representatives, the developer and TCEQ to support
transparency, explain the testing process and anticipate the results and ensure access to information uh and the opportunity to speak. These steps will ensure transparency building and understanding the keep residents
informed throughout the process as well as the city will change the the date public hearing date to today. Clarify the developer continue obligations including soil contamination investing and response authorizing the city to perform additional groundwater
testing for up to two years of the grading certificate is issued. The city will further require testing to be proven and reported back to the city council and to the community before any progress can happen on a development
site. That's my motion. >> Got a motion in a second. Council Martinez. >> I I have I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. >> I I forgot one piece. It is also further that uh the city will work to have the 14 acres donated to the city count to
the city of Fort Worth. >> Thank you. Councelor Nells, I got a motion, a second. Council Martinez, >> just had a question for the developer or Councilman Nuttles, you could probably answer this. So, is it [clears throat] my understanding that the developer will um move forward with this project with
even if this motion fails or passes? You can ask the developer that >> there was a question from for Harrison. >> Just a minute. Mr. Mr. Mr. Smith, if you could come up to the front, please. >> Not you, Adrian. Sorry. The other Mr.
Smith. Appreciate your enthusiasm. Harrison, the question again, Commissioner Martinez. >> Yes. Uh, if this motion fails, uh, will the project move forward?
>> I mean, you have the the the zoning that allows it. So, I just wanted to hear from the developer if you would move forward. >> We will continue with the project. Yes, ma'am. >> Council member Peoples. So, I want to first of all thank my
learned uh council member Chris Nettles for trying to make a silk purse out of a sal's ear. And if you if you're old, you understand that. But for most of my 73 years, I have chosen to live in
communities of color because that's the work I do and I believe you have to be there. But it is a documented fact that communities of color and poor communities become dumping grounds for
facilities that other people don't want. And so I know that you're between the rock and hard place, um, Council Member Nettles, and I know what you are trying to do. But I think if we as a city
government are going to show all of our residents that we care, we've got to stand up sometimes to some of this industrial dumping. I live in a community where we are plagued by industrial dumping and surrounded by it.
And so, while I respect you and I know what you're trying to do, unfortunately, I am going to have to vote no on this. >> Council member Hall, try one more time. I don't know why this always happens, Mia. There we go.
>> Okay. So, um, Councilman Edles, like, uh, Councilman Peoples, I understand that you are very much in between a rock and a hard spot, and I have to say that I find this to be very, very complicated. Um, I've been here for a very short time, and this is a lot to
um, dissect and distill. Um, and I even still find some challenges in completely understanding it. But I I want to make sure if there was an opportunity if you could explain this more in layman's terms. I
think that a lot has been said this evening. Um I've had a lot of my own internal questions to understand. I think um the zoning piece is a piece that you could lift up. Um the the um the development by right is a piece that
can be lifted. I think the um explaining perhaps the protections that you're trying to safeguard by the amended motion that you've made or the the um I don't know the the additional stipulations. I'm just saying is there a
way for you to explain that in layman's terms so people understand the rock and the hard spot that you're in and the safeguards that you're trying to curate um because of the rock and the heart space that we're in. Um, I share similar concerns and I actually have
apprehensions and fears um about development in my own district um and the zoning implications or lack thereof in some places. And so if you could explain this, I think where it's more digestible um
I just think that people will be more comfortable with your motion and understand what you're stating. So that's that's my request. A question council hall for councelor Nettles. >> Okay, councelor Beck. >> I guess there seems to be confusion even though we discussed this in executive
session. So I'd like to maybe clear up some of this confusion. Um so so I'm clear before we vote. We've heard the developer say that whether we do this MSD or not, they will continue with the project. Correct? So, if we vote against
this today, it does not matter in regards to that project that you're trying to stop because that project will continue to go forward. Is that correct? >> Is that am I am I understanding this correctly? So, the MSD provides a way
for us to mandate testing on that site that didn't otherwise would we would that testing happen without the MSD process? And I guess that's a question for Cody. >> So it's a two components. So we do know that there is additional testing
required by TCQ and that is going to continue regardless of the decision to to approve or deny the MSD. We also have the opportunity if the MSD moves forward for the city and its consultants again FE and Freus and Nichols to step in and to provide that that extra guard or that
extra oversight for this particular project. So, if the MSD does not go in place, what oversight do we have? >> Only what the TCQ provides. >> Okay. Thank you. That's all the questions I had. >> And Cody, before you sit down, question for you. Um, it's my understanding that
the MSD solely prohibits use of the groundwater for potable purposes. Correct. >> Absolutely. >> So, if we were not to approve the MSD, what could then in turn happen in use of the groundwater? With respect to the groundwater, we would expect for again the TCQ to continue review of the application and
we would expect for TCQ to to set a remediation plan around the groundwater piece as well as the soil piece which will continue anyway. So we would expect the developer to probably have to continue to sample groundwater for uh several years into the future as as they continue to move their project forward. So technically speaking, you may not
love this, but in some ways this MSD designation provided by the state for city governments like ourselves is is largely redundant for a process that they're going to undertake at TCU as well. >> That's correct. >> Okay. I don't have any other questions. Any other questions for C Dr. Wenberg? Co council Nettles.
>> Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. I just addressed a few things. Um, I think it's important that when you apply or you come to be on city council that you individually have to do your homework and reading the MSD is strictly
restricting the groundwater use. This is not about zoning. This is not about um trying to stop environmental. It's about a process that we have to go through. And so to have an emotional
clapback of I'm standing with the neighborhood is a cute commercial piece, but it's not a piece that actually supports this community. And so I respectfully disagree uh with uh Councilman Peoples and um and with uh
Mia Hall. I think that there there was at least a vote that I didn't support affordable housing, but I took your leadership on it and I supported you in that vote because that was your district. And so, um, I will welcome both of you to come to Holland Hills
meeting every first Thursday and sit with Holland Hills and continue to discuss how we can better help Holland Hills, but to come on a dive and just on uh, this DA is with different things about what's really not what
we're talking about today. We're talking about an MSD that is going to help support us to figure out what is happening on this groundwater instead of allowing them to do whatever they want to do with us having any say so. And so that's why I made the motion. We talked
about an executive session. If you had questions then I don't think nobody did. So that's what my motion is. >> I've got a motion council member Hall and then I think council member Crane has a question or comment. Council member Hall. I don't know why. There we go. >> I want to clarify since there is some
confusion. Apparently, I didn't think that the information presented tonight was simplified enough for the general public to understand. There was an an inordinate amount of information that
was provided. There is a lot of vernacular which can is considered common on this dis that may not be common to the citizens in this gallery. So when I said that I agreed with councilwoman Peoples my agreement with her is about the exploitation of
marginalized communities not necessarily that I agreed with her vote but that I agreed with the position and the protections that we have been denied as black and brown people in this country. Now, I do want to lift up the
protections and the effort that you have taken to protect this community. And I was giving you the opportunity to make sure that you put that forward and lifted it up so that the people in this room understood the advocacy and the effort that you put in. So, you
misunderstand me. But perhaps you understand now. >> Right on. Right on. Council member Crane, >> I just had a question. I don't know if Harrison, >> you're hard to hear, Michael. Just a
second. >> Is that correct? >> Try that again, Michael. >> Sorry. Can you hear me? >> Yeah. I just want to uh clarify as part of this deal >> there's 14 acres being donated for green
space. Is that correct as a buffer? >> Yes, that is correct. >> Okay. And they wouldn't be under any obligation to do that if they just move forward without if this vote failed. >> That's correct. >> Okay. I just wanted to put put that out there that I appreciate that and I
appreciate them working with uh Councilman Nettles and uh city staff on all this and I don't know if there's a a second already, but I will second it. I see there is a second, but um I'll be supporting this. >> Okay, Council Nettles, did you have
something else? >> Uh yes, Mayor. Uh just lastly, I want to as well acknowledge that we all have to support our communities and that there is issues that are happening in our
black communities. And that is a a further issue that we need to take in our planning and in our zoning, not individual motions or cases. That needs to be a citywide thing that we do as it relates to Holland Hills, Echo Heights, and any other neighborhood that
experience. I too have not stepped away from the community. I support those efforts. Tonight, my vote is simply to make sure that there's added protection to a neighborhood who has received such damage to them. And so, I look forward
to voting on that tonight. It's a conclusion. And I believe council member Nettles has a motion on the floor, seconded by council member Beck. Any other discussion? Council. If not, please vote. Motion carries.
Next is MNC 26-017. Council member Bllelock. I'm going to give it just a second. Let the conversation maybe cease for a minute. Council Bllelock, there we go. Carlos, we have to hit it one more time.
Thank you. Motion carries. >> Next is ZC-25-184. Councor Nettles, we have two speakers on this item. Bob Riley follow. >> Thank you. I'm Bob Raleigh for with Half Associates. Um this is coming back to
you. It was continued last month. That's a 42 acre site um that is presently um agricultural and we're asking for it to be light industrial and the proposed use of the property as a data center and supportive
facilities for a data center. This is on the east side of uh England England Drive across from Forest Hill and to the further to the east is Village Creek in
our city's southeast landfill. If you look at this exhibit, uh the highlighted area is showing the area that we're asking for the reszoning of the butts. uh existing K zoning to the north that's in
Fort Worth as well as to the northeast or northwest is a comprehensive plan for forest hill indicates that to be a line industrial. Um would like to highlight here that we after our continuence last month we did
have a conference call u between Black Mountain and the city of Everman and Forest Hill over their mayors and the city manager do an overview of the project. Um we're asking today to just for recommendation or a favorable
recommendation of from a to light industrial. You have any questions? I'll be more than happy to answer. >> Thank you, Mr. Riley. Council member Nettles, our next speaker is Leticia Welber. No, not present. Miss Laticia, you're
up. Yes, ma'am. Okay, I'm just going to say I am uh in opposition to this because this is a data center that is actually next to a landfield,
a trash landfield. Now, those should not even be close together. I'm not an environmental expert and even I did research and understand enough that they shouldn't even be close together. Not to mention
these things create so much pollution. These data center people, they they should have met with my community which is next door to Forest Hill. They should meet with Arlington because Arlington Lake is right there. And what comes from that data center is going to affect
Orington and that lake. They should meet with Mansfield, Kennedale. They should meet with all areas that are going to be affected. Highland Hills, everybody. They should meet with this area. Also, uh because it's close
to a landfield, there's lot of gases that's going to be used. What happens if there's a catastrophic explosion? What about Forever Chemicals? Fort Worth, y'all filed a lawsuit about Forever Chemicals. This data center is
going to bring more. And Arlington Lake, which is a water supply for Arlington, is right there. Now, Arlington, the city of Arlington, they take care of their side of the lake. Fort Worth trashes the side of Arlington Lake.
Um, not only that, the pollution, the noise, the council risk is going to be higher. And there's just so many things that can be wrong putting this in an area where y'all just approved
a deal for groundwater that's already had problems with it. Y'all just approved that and now y'all want to put a data center in an area that is already highly polluted. I think that
it's going to be my mission to put the city of Fort Worth on the map with Flat, Michigan, Milwaukee, Chicago, LA, all of these other areas that are highly polluted communities. It is my
goal. It is my mission to add that to my uh bucket list before I die. I want what Fort Worth is doing to be a black eye. Y'all know that y'all should not be put in a data center by a landfield
of all things. That is totally inappropriate. It's totally unhealthy. And I'mma sit down because I'm going to speak on the rest on the other part. But y'all killing people. Well, y'all need to start paying for funeral inclusion of our speakers on this item. Council member Nettles.
>> Sorry, Chris. There you go. >> Thank you. I just wish people stop with the misinformation. We're not killing people. Now, can I ask somebody uh uh either zoning or the representation? Now this is the land that we have already
approved for uh the original data center I guess back in August and this is just additional lots that's on the same land. Is that correct or not? >> This uh site is adjoining some of the property that we've already uh reszoned that started back in January of last
year. This is actually the fifth uh zoning case as we've acquired and got the option to purchase additional property. So it uh presently we are at four a little over 450 acres. This would be an addition to that. >> It's a it's additional to what? How many
acres? >> Uh presently we have had zoning cases that have accumulated 450 acres for this proposed uh data center complex campus.
>> Right. So, do you have the the map of the entire campus? Because I think there are some >> have it in the next in the next zoning case. >> Well, it's already on the computer. So, can we pull up the next slide? >> The one that shows the entire site is uh
associated with case uh DC25205. >> Is this not the site? I think you're asking I understand your question correctly. You are asking what we have already reszoned and >> from my understanding this is a part of
the original request that we have approved but you're having to reszone each parcel of land. So where is the the total map of the land that we're trying to use for this campus that you guys have requested
>> this uh exhibit that's up here? Uh the property that's associated with 184 zoning case is highlighted in the top right corner. It's crosshatch. It's along England Avenue.
The case that's uh 205, which is the last one on your docket, is the uh property that's at the souththeast corner of the site. Everything that's in the uh green is
either PD or straight zoning. And everything that's in the blue is is a PD with B standards with a site plan required. And it does show preliminarily where the
flood plane is >> on this map. What are you trying to resone? top right is is case number 184. That's crosshatch 42 acres.
>> Okay. You guys met with the city of Everman >> and uh Forest Hill last week at your uh last month when you continued this case. Make sure that they understood what our scope and >> right now I received notification for
from both well from Everman um that they were okay with moving forward on this site. I think Janette has some questions. >> Councilor Martinez. >> Thank you. I just wanted to clarify this
is a new piece uh of land that we're trying to reszone today, right? >> Yes. We had uh made application for this believe back in October. We went to zoning in December and then
we uh came to council in January and it was councilman Bett's request to continue it till this month. >> And so what which one is the one we approved in the last meeting?
>> You have approved five different zoning cases. >> Those green ones. >> Uh yes, you've already approved all those green ones. >> Uhhuh. >> Everything's already been approved. Okay, >> for zoning with the exception of the cross-hatch one at the very top right
>> and the one that's uh subject to a zoning hearing this evening down at the bottom right. >> Okay, Councilman Nettles, I I I know you already continued this, but I respectfully request that you consider continuing again. I know we requested a
briefing um uh for council on data centers. But I just don't feel comfortable supporting this zoning case because I don't know enough about uh data centers and how a concentration of those centers would impact our infrastructure and resources. >> Council Nettles.
>> Yeah, I'm going go ahead and agree with that. I I'm uh I don't know if it's because it's 9:00, but I hell I done got confused, too. So, um I'm going to continue it uh for for um uh for two weeks. And then what I need
what I need to know is what what I what I need to know is the land that we are approving uh what's already approved. Are those buildings are there going to be additional buildings added to those lands or those lands needed to actually
build what we have already approved? And so I need real clarity of what the whole complex is going to look like, the um how many buildings um before we approve these last two lots. >> We'll get that to you. >> Okay.
>> Council, >> um I'm going to get this new system uh before I'm off council. Uh just to for point of clarification because um I heard Councilwoman Martinez say that she wants uh we had requested the data
center information and she won't be comfortable taking that vote until we get that report and then Councilman Nettles um >> two weeks. >> Two weeks. So are we going to get that report in two weeks or do we need to have a discussion about that real quick? >> The current timing according to our city manager is that that report would come
to us on March 3rd. >> So you may So 30 >> March 10th. So continue this to March 10th. >> Okay, >> I'll second that motion. >> Okay, I've got a Mar Martian Martian has landed. A motion and a second.
Any other discussion from council? If not, okay, motion to continue. Let's vote. Motion passes. Next is ZC-25-111. >> Council member Nettles, one speaker on this item, Randy Williams. Council Nettles, did you
want to speak first? Oh. Oh. Good evening, mayor, council members. My name is Roger Battle, Pastor Battle, and I'm requesting a zoning change at uh
3168 North Glen Garden Drive, Glen Garden Baptist Church, uh from a zone B, which is a two family resident and E, which neighborhood commercial to a CF uh and added a u uh
conditional use permit. uh for lodging. >> Council member Nettles. >> Yes. Mr. Pas, are you finished? >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you. I move to approve. >> Got a motion and a second. Council, please vote.
>> I only had one speaker on this item, Mr. Williams. >> That's not >> Well, I called Randy Williams. I don't know how that would happen. Who are you, sir? I'm Pastor Battle. That was the docket on the ZC25-11.
[snorts] >> We're all confused because it's 9:00. >> Well, tell you what, we're going to pause for a minute. Mr. Williams, come on down. Since you're Mr. Williams, we can straighten this out. Good evening, mayor, council members, and staff. My name is Randy Williams,
and I live in the area. Uh, I'm here today to express my concerns about the zoning of class CZ 2511. First, I want to acknowledge the positive intentions behind the project.
According to the applicant's materials, the site is currently housing individuals who are abused, neglected, are in need of temporary assistance. I respect that mission and I support
efforts to help vulnerable people. However, I believe this particular zoning request creates more long-term risk for the neighborhood than benefits. I just lost my page one point.
Uh, but one bullet point in there. Are you licensed to care for these individuals? Um what it it's a church then I see um the people that are
staying in the back and every Sunday I mean every Saturday there's a garage sale in the front of the church. Um so I don't know what is going on
there. My first concern is the broad nature of the proposed community facility zoning. While the application is framed around lodging house with two-year limit, the district allows a wide range of institutional
uses far beyond what is being discussed today. Once the zoning changes, future owners or even the current owners could request additional use uses without the neighborhood having predictable safeguards. I'm concerned that approving
this request opens the door to higher intensity uses that are not compatible with the residential surroundings. Second, the request includes developmental waiverss for setback encroachments and front yard fencing.
Third, the lodging house introduces potential impacts related to safety, traffic, and parking. Finally, I'm concerned about the lack of clear, enforcable operations plans.
In closing, I ask the council to either deny this zoning or request or to postpone it until more clearly defined uh tightly controlled, Mr. Williams can be presented. >> Thank you. Okay, Councilman Nettles.
>> Yes. Uh Mr. Williams, I what I can do for you cuz I have worked with um pastor on this for a little bit over a year and we can get a meeting set up with you and I my staff in the past so you can have understand exactly what's happened at that location. But we have worked with
code to make sure things were cleaned up in that area for the lodging or the residents who are going to be there as well as some of the legal uh activity that's over there that's happening. So, I will my staff will meet with get with you before you leave to get your information so we can sit with you to
get uh more clarity on this zoning case. Thank you for coming up to speak for the community. My motion stands as it is. >> Got a motion to second. Council continue to vote. >> Motion carries. Next is ZC-25-144. Ray Ojeski council member Peoples
only if there's opposition there is none as right now so council member peoples saying I don't want to um offend any member of council I think we work together well but there will be disagreements but one of the things that
I am passionate about is zoning and making sure that the communities that I represent and communities around the city of Fort Worth aren't the recipients of things that they don't want. So, I didn't mean to hurt anybody's feelings
tonight. I was just speaking my truth. Having said that, I will tell you that every zoning case that comes up in District 5, I meet with the people that are asking for the zoning cases and I bring my staff in and we make them meet
with the neighborhood associations. Mr. Oeski does that. And so I am grateful to you for doing that. We were able to meet with this uh applicant and suggest refinements to his original
plan. They agreed to that and put that in there. And so I am recommending approval of this item. [snorts] >> Council member Peoples has a motion on the floor. I heard a second down here. Council Beck. Any other discussion?
Please vote. Motion carries. >> Next is ZC-25-178. >> Council member Martinez. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, so in regards to ZC251 Avenue, amended motion. So I'd
like to motion to approve as amended. Plan development district. Oh, wait. Was there a speaker? >> Only if there's opposition to which my knowledge there is none. So, plan development district for all uses in er neighborhood commercial restricted with common exterior entry for building
tenants and add a conditional use permit for mobile food vendor potentially hazardous site plan included. Got a motion to second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. Next is ZC-25-193.
Council member Martinez, we have a few speakers on this item. Our first is um Mitch Middlebrooks or Mick Middlebrook, followed by Pastor McKinley Jackson. >> Mayor Council, my name is Michael Middles and I'm the CEO and president of Three River CD.
>> Mr. Brook, if you pull that microphone a little bit closer, I can hear you. We go. >> Thank you, sir. How's that? >> That's perfect. My name is Michael Middlebrooks and I'm the CEO and president of Three River CDL, operated a truck driving school located at 4,000 East Berry in Fort Worth. Over the past three years, our program has successfully placed more
than 450 men and women into the truck driving career. Um, we provide CDL training for job placement. Um, we also provide an additional six months of on the job training uh when necessary. Our program is
offered um at low cost to participants and it's designed to be um a direct service to the community. The training takes place during normal business hours on the campus. Um students practice the backing and other maneuvers before exiting the direct before exiting directly onto Berry
Street and providing um and proceeding to highway 287. do not operate during um we do not operate our training routes in residential neighborhoods. Berry Street is a major commercial through fair and has been used for um and has been used
intentional intentionally to minimize the neighborhood disruption while providing real world real world driving experiences. Additionally, we were awarded a grant um targeting zip codes 76 105 104 119 zip
codes to support the um youth pursuing a career path in trucking. Um, our student population includes diverse group of African-Americans, Hispanics, and others benefit directly from the incentive. My team and I respectfully
requested support and allowing the program to continue for two years in District 11 at 4,000 East Berry. We're committed to helping our community growing, reducing unemployment, providing a meaningful career and opportunity for the residents. Thank you
for your consideration. Thank you, Pastor McKinley Jackson, followed by Kelly Bullard. >> Good evening, mayor and to the dasis. Uh I'm here to speak on behalf of
the uh CDL trucking school which is housed on our campus. Um let me just say that it provides uh for people another opportunity and
chance at life. Um this particular um school uh helps provide what we've been trying to do down through the years. That's help our community in
this area. you have uh a large concentration of people who have felonies that are returning home uh from prison. This school provides uh through federal grants opportunities for people who need another chance to go to school
for free and to be able to uh have employment. Um and I think that's that's wonderful. It's also been um approved by the state. they couldn't even do what they do if the state did not already
approve uh them being there. So, it's already state approved. They already have federal funding uh to be able to uh help people who are in need to go to school and then guarantee them jobs. Now, I'll say this and then I'll be in my seat uh because uh Casman has already
said I was gonna talk, but you g Yeah. Uhuh. But um in addition to that, this erroneous uh rumors that it's waking up the neighborhood uh uh is just false. I'm on the campus every day. I don't
even hear the trucks. Uh they're not loud. Uh and then there are an excess of about 40 50,000 cars that pass up and down Barry Street, that part of Barry Street every day. Uh so it's not waking up people in the neighborhood. They're
not tearing up streets because they're not carrying loads. And so I'm asking that you would uh approve this zoning change so that we can continue to do what we do in our neighborhood and that's help people uh with with another
chance. Thank you. >> Kelly Bullard followed by Tommy Parker. I'm Kelly Bullard. Um, good evening, city council members and mayor. Thank you for the opportunity of allowing me to speak today. I'm here to show my support for Mr. Mbrooks in the Three
River CDL trucking program. We're located at 4,000 East Berry Street. I'm a for former graduate of the program and I have been consistently impressed and truly inspired by both the program itself and the dedication Mr. Middlebrooks brings to each student. His
teaching makes you feel as though you're the only student in the program. You receive his full attention and support. Because of this experience, I have made the decision to set aside my trucking career and join Three Rivers as an employee. When I first entered the program, I only had a dream. Now that I
have completed it, I have a future ahead. I sincerely hope you see the value of this program and recognize the positive impact it can continue to have on others in our community. It's changing lives daily just as it changed mine. Thank you. >> Tommy Parker followed by Harold Graves.
>> Uh good evening, council members. Uh my name is Tommy Barker and I'm speaking um in support of Michael Middlebrook's uh program approval. Um I've known Micah
for 30 years as his barber and um I've witnessed um remarkable um transformation of him becoming a successful business owner and um he's a he's an outstanding person. um
Fort Worth. He's a tax tax player here in Fort Worth and uh he truly um helps people change their lives. Um this program really helps people, anybody involved in it, uh individuals, families,
um it's really a life-changing situation for them. So, um, I just, uh, respectively ask that you approve the program and, um, thank you for your time and, uh, thank you for your service for work. >> Thank you, sir. Herald Graves, followed
by Roger Hudson. Uh, good evening, Councilman, Councilwoman, mayor. My name is Harold Graves, and I'm here today to show my support for Mr. Mebbrook and Three River CDL truck truck driving program.
I'm here I'm I am where I am today because of the time and effort Mr. Metbrook and through his truck program took to teach me the trade of truck driving and how safety is most important in this field of work. I wasn't just a
student. I was treated like I was one of the only people there. Mr. Metobrook would open Three Rivers on Saturdays to teach if we needed the extra time. This program has very has a very personal approach and because of that I am a
graduate and the owner and CEO of HLG and Associates LLC Big Shot Hollers. I thank you for your time this evening and for allowing me the opportunity [clears throat] to speak. Thank you.
Roger Hudson, followed by Alex Laos. >> Good evening, Mayor Parker. Council members, my name is Roger Hudson. I'm with Community Link Mission. We are a food bank. Uh we distribute food uh food in North Fort Worth. Uh five different
zip codes. Um, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak with you today. I'm here to express my support and share the positive impact that the CDL program at Three Rivers CDL Trucking located at 4,000 East Berry Street in Fort Worth
has had. Uh, with what we do at Community Link, uh, we run several trucks. We go around to businesses. These are commercial vehicles, large commercial vehicles. We go around to businesses. We pick up uh donations from businesses, churches, uh
Taran area food bank and other food bank organizations. Uh Mayor Parker has been to our place. I've met her before. It's good to see you again. Uh I personally completed this program. We currently have an employee in the program. Uh we
there's also been three uh previous employ uh employees of Community Link that have gone through the program. We used to have grant money uh that was available to us that when somebody uh would come to us in need and seeking a career change, we would send them
through the program. So, we're very familiar with with the CDL program. Uh helps to build lasting careers and uh Mr. Middlebrook and the Three Rivers CDL program are a true blessing to Taran County. uh to the residents who seek the
meaningful employment and a stable career. Uh God bless United States, God bless Texas, God bless Fort Worth. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Alex Leos, Alex,
Council Martinez, it's the conclusion of our speakers on this item. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um so I did speak to Mr. Middle Brooks and um you know I had some concerns but after speaking to him and understanding that this is only a
temporary uh location um and I know that uh three river CDL is uh looking for a permanent um location. I am okay with this 2-year cup. So I motion to approve ZC25193. >> Got a motion and second. Council please
vote. Motion carries. >> Next is ZC-25-196. Council member Crane, >> approve. >> Motion in a second. Please vote. Motion carries.
>> Next is ZC-25-197. Council member Flores. Motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries. >> Next is ZC-25-198. >> Council member Martinez. We have two speakers or only opposition. To my knowledge, there is none.
Motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries. >> Next is ZC-25-200. >> Block. >> Motion to approve. >> Motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries.
>> Next is ZC-25-201. Block. >> Motion to approve. >> Motion in a second. Please vote. Motion carries. Next is ZC-25-202 approve. >> Council motion and a second. Please
vote. Motion carries. Next is ZC-25-203. Council Martinez, we have two speakers on this item. The first is Marinell P, followed by Richard Reti. Good evening, council. Oh, sorry. Good evening, council. Maryell Pool with Town
Site. Uh, this is uh this case is located on Hempill Street. As you can see from this aerial, the site is adjacent to an active railroad track that sees approximately 20 trains a day. There's a water burger and a church below it and a door dart delivery
service and vacant building above. There are two gas station, one which has a Lisa's chicken, a carpet cleaning service and a Mexican restaurant. And the new popup vendors and food truck which you just uh uh venue which you just approved a few minutes ago is
directly across the street. Next slide. This site is a former $9,100 square foot dollar general store that closed due to low sales, theft, and lording. $150,000 in air conditioning equipment has been stripped and stolen from the building
since it's been closed. The landscaping has died and homeless people congregate there. Next slide. My client proposes to renovate the existing building into a regional tire store center offering light automobile services related to tire services and sales such as
mounting, balancing, alignments, brake replacement, oil changes, etc. There's no transmission or body work conducted on site. There will be no change to the existing site floor plan. The business will also provide 8 to 12 new salaried positions hopefully from the surrounding
neighborhood. These are not minimum wage jobs. We are requesting a PTE with light automotive added as an additional use. We are also excluding liquor, package store, convenience store, and gas station as future uses on the site. The
project will follow all requirements of e-commer including landscaping, lighting, and signs. There will be no outdoor storage and all services are conducted within the service bay areas. I understand there is concern with adding an automotive use on Hempill.
However, all automotive uses are lumped into one category no matter their intensity. This is such this use is much more retail oriented in nature with its comeandgo traffic. Approving the zoning request will provide the opportunity to
repurpose a 9100 square foot building to a use that is sustainable, will improve the street, provide new jobs for people living in the area, and help keep the homeless population away from this area with an active business. If not this,
how long will this 9100 foot building set and deteriorate looking for a new user? My client is eager to become an active participant and sponsor of the community. I would ask for your approval. Thank you, Councelor Martinez. Our next speaker is
Richard Reti. >> Go ahead, >> Mayor Parker. Uh council, my name is Richard. I currently live at 2100 block of Hempill and I'm also serving as the uh development uh head the the chair of
the development committee for the Hempill corridor uh development collaborative regarding the conversion of this of this retail of this retail format and is formerly the D dollar general. It was an
anchor property under E. We're hoping that it will continue to be an anchor property and continued retail under E serving the community and the neighborhood. For many, many years, Hempill Corridor, Hemple Corridor Development Collaborative, the
neighborhoods, and the neighboring citizens along the corridor have long opposed um the encroachment of auto sales, auto shops, auto repair. When an auto shop once it's in,
it continues to deteriorate and act as a deterrent against the development of that block. The Hempill corridor is a for future use, a long-term mixeduse neighborhood connector. the
neighborhoods. Citizens around Hempill Corridor are looking for neighborhoods supporting retail, neighborhoods supporting businesses. And our concern is the continuation of autoenccroachment and auto sales and
auto repair into the corridor with the neighborhoods and the citizens around the corridor. We're looking to bring in businesses that support the communities, that support sales, that support commerce.
But anytime there's auto that's introduced into a block or an area, it brings more auto and deters other mixeduse residential operations. The Hempille Collaborative heard the
applicant's presentation. It was discussed and it still opposes the reszoning of this permit to auto sales and auto repair. We know once the property is reszoned, it's not necessarily the current
applicant, but what happens next? Once the building is converted to auto sales, I mean to auto repair, it will continue to be auto repair and auto related businesses until it is completely
torn down. We ask that you not approve this resoning request. Thank you, >> Council Martinez. This is the conclusion of our speakers on this item. >> Mayor and Council, um I ask that you please indulge me in um bringing up Ricardo Avit. I know he had issues with
uh signing up to speak. So if Ricardo, you could be very brief. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Martinez, and thank you, mayor and council, uh for the opportunity to speak. Hempill Street is unique and that it runs through both
district 9 and district 11. I also want to be clear at the outset. This is not opposition to a particular business, nor is it about competition or preferences. This is a concern about zoning consistency, quarter policy
alignment, and whether the administrative record is complete before council amends the zoning map. Reszoning is a legislative act that should be supported by findings that the change is consistent and adopted planning policy
compatible with surrounding development and in the long-term public interest. And Pill Street is a quarter where the city made deliberate investments to reduce lanes, calm traffic, and prioritize pedestrian safety across
districts 9 and 11. Those investments were based on corridor level transportation and safety planning intended to support a pedestrian orientated mix environment. The requested resoning introduces an automotive service use a vehicle
intensive land use. Yet there is no discussion on record explaining how that use was evaluated against the safety and transportation assumptions underlying the Impill Corridor redesign. I submitted a public record, excuse me,
a public information request seeking confirmation of whether the corridor studies evaluated the impact of additional auto service uses and whether those findings inform staff's recommendations. As of today, that information has not
been provided. Without that analysis, the record does not demonstrate that this zoning change has been reconciled with the city's adopted infrastructure and safety framework. Moreover, the record is incomplete.
Short-term vacancy should not determine long-term zoning policy. Zoning decisions establish corridor direction for decades and they should be grounded in adopted planning principles rather than temporary site conditions.
There's also a precedent issue. A car lot across the street was denied two years ago based on not compatibility concerns. Approving this request without disinguishing that decision creates inconsistency and how the corridor is
governed. Zoning decisions accumulate over time and clustering of autooriented uses can materially shift corridor identity away from the pedestrian concentered vision. the city has already adopted. This is not simply a sightsp
specific question. It is a corridor governance question involving fairness, consistency, and long-term land use trajectory. I respectfully ask council to uh this item until the transportation safety record is complete. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Um so I want to preface my
motion by providing a better understanding of my position. Um so I begin by looking at the section of Hempo in District 11 within a two-m stretch. Um the number that I will provide will increase if we looked at a greater section like going into district nine.
Within this two-mile stretch of Hempill between Morningside and Seminary, there are 23 23 automotive related businesses. This includes businesses such as tire shops, car lots, parts, tint, body and repair shops. I don't know about you, but I along with the surrounding
neighborhood feel that this is too much. I do not appreciate the mentality that only automotive is interested or would be successful on Hemp Hill. The neighborhood worked hard to remove this type of zoning to bring in commercial that would benefit the neighborhood. A perfect example is, as previously
expressed, the empty car lot across the street that will now be a third space for the surrounding community. And while there are challenges on Hempo, I can assure you that things are getting better and we continue to address those issues alongside the community and city staff. This would be a step backwards
and I therefore cannot support this zoning case in motion its denial with prejudice. Next is ZC-25-204. Council member Martinez, we have three speakers on this item. They appear to all be four. A motion and a second. Please vote.
Motion carries. >> Next is ZC-25-205. Nettles, is your intention to also continue this case until February? It's a companion case, the one earlier. >> Correct. Motion to approve uh for 30. I'm sorry. Motion to uh continue for 30
days. No, thank you. >> Got a motion. >> Is it 30 days or until the March >> till the next zoning meeting March the 10th? First 10th. Got a motion. A second. Council, please vote. Motion to continue passes.
Next is MNC 26-0118. and council. Before we take action, I was asked to read into the record a correction to the MNC that notes that the Palladium Legacy Drive project does not target seniors 55 and over and does
not plan to be tax exempt. >> Thank you. Now, Council Larger, were you separating did you have a motion to separate the items or Council Member Hill? You both do. Okay, Council Hill. Uh well, first of all, Kim and Thomas, thank you so much for staying with us
for the long haul. I appreciate it. Um I appreciate the conversations you've had with the neighborhood associations, especially with Chapel Creek, Tahos Trails, and Vista West along with White Settlement ISD. Um in this case, I really do feel like I need to do what's right for the neighborhood, North
Elementary, and the um Harmony Charter School, which really has not been mentioned at all this evening, but they are significantly going to be impacted as well as North Elementary. Um these are situated along Academy Legacy and White Settlement Settlement Road. Uh again, as I said, I appreciate Palladium
trying to find a queuing solution for um North Elementary, but it it also requires North Elementary to give up some of their recess space, too. And I think that needs to be noted. In this case, I'm going to side with the neighborhood. Um I am going to read a a
substitute motion. Um, I move to approve MNC26-00008. Sorry, 0118 with the following challen change. Y'all, it's been a long night. I'm going to start over. I move to approve MNC26-0118 with the following change. Remove
references to Palladium Legacy Drive, meaning the development will not receive a resolution of support from the city. A motion on the floor. Councilor Larsdorf. Try your mic one more time. There we go. Is your green light on on your mic?
Okay. Well, I'm totally confused because does he have a different motion than Macy? Okay. So, how does that work and what is he reading for what her substitute is?
He can make a friendly amendment to hers. >> Yeah, this is very confusing. >> You've got a motion on the floor. Time out. I just want to I want Charlie to read what he's going to do and we're going to go through this again. What are you trying to do, Councilor Larstof? >> Hills motion by also removing references
to Thompson from MNC26-0118. >> Thank you. So, he has a motion to amend Council Member Hills motion. Does that make perfect sense to everybody on the dis? Great. Yes, Council Member Nettles. >> So, I have a substitute motion.
>> It's okay. [laughter] Um, so I move to approve the MNC with the exemption of the property A, which is Palladium Legacy Drive, and exemption prop property B, which is Thompson to be voted on separately.
So, the motion that I have allows us to vote for all the ones that we're going to approve in one motion and vote separately for uh district 7 and district 4. Okay, just a second. I'm like testing my rules
here. Ready? So, I have a motion on the floor with substitute motion. Do I have a second to the substitute motion from Council >> Larsdorf? Okay. Okay, that's why I'm asking. So there's no second, right? So then, Council Member Nettles is requesting
that we separate the vote for D7 and D4. Works works for me. So that would be a second. So we're going to vote to do Do we have to vote to do that first? Okay, fun. Got a motion, a second. We're voting just to separate the items. Thank you.
Okay, motion carries. Why don't we vote first on all of the housing tax credit applications for the following districts? >> Yep. Move for approval. >> Thank you. For clarity, that's CD2, CD3, CD5, CD6, and CD8.
>> Correct. >> Okay. A motion and a second. We can vote. Yep. Council member Flores, >> is it all right if I say something? >> Of course. I want to take I want to take the opportunity to uh
give appreciation to the applicant and her team >> for making the necessary outreach efforts to the neighborhood. I know it wasn't >> get a little closer to the microphone, Carlos. >> I know it wasn't easy to get everybody, you know, there, you know, or even virtually, but uh you did make concerted
efforts and I recognize that. And uh for those listening in, the MA Park uh proposal is in CD2 and it's planned to have 65 one-bedroom units and 19 two-bedroom units. And uh the higher count on the one-bedroom units uh serves
the purpose of limiting uh the resident mix as families and other large households typically prefer uh the you know mix of two and threebedroom units. the parking ratio and I know parking came up more than once is you know a you know 1.1
you know for each resident so it exceeds that property will continue to be income restricted through the land use restriction agreement uh known as lura for a minimum of 30 years and with this agreement property must maintain the income and age restrictions that are
designated on the housing tax credit award and according to lera additionally the developer will pursue to 9% housing tax credits uh for a 15-year extension period for a total of 45 years as they
agreed to when we uh discussed this subsequently. This ensures long-term ownership uh and ensures the intended use goes forward. Uh at my request, the developer will also pursue a local historic designation and that's in addition to the national historic
designation that they were uh pursuing. uh pursuing a local uh designation preserves a historic character and structure of uh this significant uh historical building. It's a currently a vacant church. They will be coordinating with the city's historic preservation
department and our development services uh department. On average, I want everyone to know that the housing in the north side area is 76 years old. And a lot of that is legacy home ownership. That is, it passes on from one generation to the next. And in doing so, you know, the houses typically don't
grow with family needs. So, one uh need that is very prevalent in the area is the need for quality senior housing. Uh that way they uh can keep their loved ones, their elderly uh folks nearby. And so, currently, one does not use so senior housing is an option that's uh
needed. Uh property is vacant and secure right now. However, homeless people and vagrants do come onto the property and this is uh a continuing uh problem. Adaptive reuse of the property will help alleviate this long term uh to the benefit of the neighborhood. And then I
have a personal message for you know Megan, Abby, Alice, Himea and Reggie. uh my expectations and the expectations you know of the neighborhood uh of this north side area is for your team to exceed standards how you develop this property and how you proceed to deliver
on the project. The neighborhood has placed trust in Sagebrook. So have I. Do your best to execute accordingly. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Member Flores. We do have a motion and a second on the floor.
Any other discussion from council? Not please vote. Motion carries. Now let's go back and vote on the tax application that pertains to council district 4. Council Larsdorf.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Uh [clears throat] the gentleman from Spinx, thank you for coming out tonight and stick sticking with us this long. Um my only issue with this particular uh application was believe there's some issues around the notification not necessarily the process but the timeline the what we're getting
from our residents not not necessarily opposition to the project itself just from what they perceive to be the lack of uh proper notification as far as timeline goes and only having a couple days to prepare for that meeting. um also had issue with uh one of the requests being to only invite the
surrounding communities um that are directly around it rather than anyone who wanted to come out um and be there. So what I would just ask is uh for speaks to maybe we can go back to the drawing board and do better on reaching out to all the communities who want to be a part of that discussion uh and
understanding that multif family could be built at this location by right should you decide to move forward that uh without the house housing tax credits should you not receive those uh you know you're certainly welcome to it. Um but regardless we look forward to continue this conversation and bringing the
neighborhoods in in a more timely timely manner. So with that, uh, I move to deny. >> A motion to deny. I have a second. Councel a motion and a second. Please vote. Motion carries.
Council member, thank you. Council member Hill even know how to make this. Can I just move to deny MNC 26-0118 as it pertains to district 7? Second. We got a motion, a second. Please vote.
Motion carries. Next is MNC26-0119. >> Council member Nettles is one of the long ones. >> All right. I move that the forward city council adopt a resolution authorizing use of the power of imminent domain to acquire
5018 acres of land and permanent easement and approximately 1.3336 acres for a temporary easement from real property owned by a card property 201 LLC. This subject property is
located at 11 300 South Freeway in the Phillips James E survey of tracks um 1232 track 1B city of Fort Worth, Taran County, Texas. The land right is the subject property or needed for the water
transmission main improvements on the south side to water transmission main project. The property interest to be acquired and described by meter met and bounds and dispicted by surveys exempt
attached to the mayor and council communication. >> Mayor, that concludes all of the action items and gets us to public comment. Okay, council. Our first speaker is Mindy Tacket, followed by Thomas Hamilton. Hello again. Um, I know it's late, so
I'm going to be brief. Um, I spent all day over at County Commissioner's Court and um, one of the things that they voted to do today was to accept a grant um, that would expand ICE in Tarant County.
And I want to urge this council to speak up and push back. I know that y'all are city council. I know you're not county commissioners, but we are still part of Tarant County and it needs to be on your radar. Um
the expansion of this partnership with ICE sh puts everyone in this county including people in Fort Worth at risk. Um the costs will be wrongful detention, constitutional violations and litigation
and that directly impacts Fort Worth residents. Um we all know ICE is not operating in a legal manner. To be blunt, they are actively kidnapping and murdering people on the streets.
I am not asking for you to input, Bob. Thanks. Um, I also want to challenge us in another way. Latino heritage is something that for the last couple of weeks, people have been at the stock show celebrating. Many of you here on
this DAS have participated in that. Um, the stock yards, uh, Latino Heritage is a cornerstone of the business that happens down there. Uh, Sasha Bass puts on a lot of, um, events downtown.
And I just am curious how if if we have an expansion of ICE activity, people being chased down and harassed in this city and this county, how is that going to impact all of those
things and those people, the communities um that this city says we embrace and celebrate. So anyway, I am encouraging each of you to use your position and your privilege
from this DAS to please speak up and please not sit back and just watch these things happen at the county level. I appreciate your time. Thomas Hamilton will be followed by Bob Willoughby.
Madame Mayor, council, last time I came here, I told y'all about some activities that was going on near my home. I had to call the police five different times and no one came outside these chamber doors. Interim Chief Aldridge
told me he promised it would never happen again. It happened the very next weekend. It has escalated because I'm part of code blue and everybody knows that. They've came into my yard, turned my water spigots on in the middle of the
night. The father wants to play road rage games with his lifted truck versus my motorcycle. I've reported this. I have spoken to everyone. Uh NPO Vadari, NPO
Burke, um NPO Sergeant Price, uh Lieutenant Martinez, uh Michael Chavez, and Deputy Chief, uh Monica Martin. It's been going on way too long. They race four-wheelers and side by
sides up and down the street. Blast their music and I'm getting the brunt of it because I call it in. The other morning was the icing on the cake on the 4th 6 a.m. There was a prowler outside my home.
I called it in. They said that I told them it was a guy, a male in a blue hoodie. They said if I couldn't give them a better description and a direction of travel, they weren't going to send anyone. I don't know what to do except come to y'all.
I'm fully prepared to quit code blue because I'm not getting any recognition. What I want from uh Councilwoman Martinez, tell me you're going to fix it or you can have my code
blue badge right now. You have an answer. >> That's not good enough. Tell me you're going to fix it. >> Sounds like it's >> I have actually emailed the chief with the video of the prowler
and and every one of these individuals I've talked to told me they're going to increase patrols in my area. If they would have done that, it seems like even by accident, they would have found somebody by now. You know what I'm saying? >> With
all thank you. >> Our next speaker is Bob Willoughby, followed by Chris Wood. >> You're here. Yes. >> Okay. Let's uh go ahead and play the video. Hey, Maddie,
will you you and city council has just got to stop playing games and put this agenda back to where it was before pre-My Parker years. That's all. We got to hit the reset button, put it back.
The thing about it is what you just did was not for the people, but for yourself. You remove the comment meetings [snorts] and you put us back on the agenda, but at the bottom of the agenda. And like I say, move your announcements
to the bottom below the people. That's where it should be at. When we have the right people sitting up there, they'll they'll do that. You'll put the uh council's announcements at the bottom of the agenda, right below us where you got us. And actually, you should put us on
top. Just like at the school board, we're on top and all the cities around us, council's on top. And this is where the whole thing started. There was no problem with our agenda. No one complaining, but here's what you do. You go do this and we spend more time having
to fight with you to try to get back what you took from us than we do working on issues about the city. And this is ridiculous. Uh but Bob, tonight um you're right. Taking away the citizen presentation of
speaking uh is harmful. >> You need to resign. You need to step down. You need to go on. You don't you know that's what you need. That's the best thing you can do for this city is resign. And uh but if we're going to have to fight inch by inch to get it back, then we'll fight inch by inch. At
the same time, the most easiest thing that people can do is tell you to hit the reset button because there's so much you took from us and that will put it back to move us from the bottom to the top. Move yourself to the bottom. That'd be the best thing you can do right there.
>> Now, that that you know, putting us on the bottom, you ask for a raise, you want more money, that's that's ridiculous. Really is. And um
you know I just I just can't believe how you treat the people and turn around and ask for a raise. Really? And Chris that video about you now before you got up there you were with us. You were out here. You were with us. But once you got up there and you were with us for just a
little bit. You stood up back then. But then they control you. The puppet masters control you. The people that control y'all. We don't. the the basses and the developers and all that got money. They they control you. We don't. It's silly when I hear people come down
here and ask you for stuff like you're going to do it and you can't do it. If you were decent, Maddie, you would resign. There's a material world and a spiritual world. You live in material world. You do. You people do. Not in a spiritual world. Material. That's all you care about. You don't care about
people, right, or anything. Take us from the bottom and put us on top. That's not hard to do. That shows respect for the people. You have no respect. You do not serve no race. >> Chris Wood followed by George Childs. >> I'm Chris Wood. By golly, I support a
pay raise for Fort Worth City Council. Please include a yearly cost of living increase. I agree with this pay increase because of results, fairness, and the long-term strength of our local democracy. First, since the summer of 2024, and
I'll spare you the spreadsheet, police data shows Fort Worth has experienced a 14% decrease in overall crime and a 15% decrease in violent crime. These statistics do not erase the pain of
recent violent incidents, but this overall progress matters. No single group can claim full credit. Yet, city council leadership plays an important role in creating safer communities. The response of council members to recent
incidents shows the necessary dedication to help bring violent crime to an end. Second, Fort Worth city council members are among the lowest paid elected fi officials compared to other major Texas
cities. Dallas council members earn more than double and Austin council members earn more than five times what Fort Worth council members are currently paid. My goodness, that is a significant gap for a city of Fort Worth's size.
Fair compensation is essential to attracting and retaining strong candidates. When council service is underpaid, it limits who can realistically serve. Adequate pay helps ensure that public office is open not
just to the wealthy or retired, but to working residents who bring valuable experience and perspective. In addition, what is seen on the agenda is only a portion of the actual workload. Outside the chamber, council
members meet with residents, oversee infrastructure projects, balance budgets, and attend community events and meetings tied to important public interests. Furthermore, including a yearly cost of living increase is only fair. This
yearly increase will help council members maintain purchasing power, prevent a decline in the standard of living living and promote stability and predictability. This is not about getting ahead. It is about not falling behind.
In conclusion, a wage increase and cost of living adjust adjustment is justified by workload, regional comparison, and the principle of fair and inclusive governance. Proper compensation help prevent prevents a government by the
wealthy for the wealthy. Thank you. George Charles followed by Reed Bills. My name is George Vernon Child. I live in Foraracts [clears throat] became an influence often a decisive one in everything I did. I'd [clears throat]
been speaking at city council meetings fairly frequently since Bob Bolan was mayor. The cataracts were gone at federal taxpayer expense by December 2nd, 2025. And so they had nothing to do with my semicoherent public comments then and on January 6, 2026. But as
inept as these were, the closing of the latter was on point as anything can be. Vo. Vote in 2027 for the first amendment. And if the mayor doesn't run, vote for anyone she doesn't endorse. Eliminate her approach to exercise of free speech
and municipal government root and branch. By approach, I do not mean just ignoring rules when she feels like it and selective enforcement when she does recognize the existence of a rule. I plan to show ex evidence of both of those in the future. But beyond that, I
mean the mayor while acting as council presiding officer and thus on behalf of every citizen of Fort Worth lying about speakers who have offended her to on October 31st, 2023, Bob and Adrien had called in comments, which of course none
of us can now do because they were banned from being personally present at city hall. On that date, the mayor chose to make the following statements at video time 51 minutes 10 seconds. quote, "The only reason that our two speakers
are by phone is that they decided that it would be appropriate to curse here or she either said at or out a 12-year-old little league team while they were here celebrating their win." So, we just kind of put a stop to that for a few months. Hopefully, they can come back in the
spring and be better behaved, especially around children," unquote. Over two months before this, Bob and Adrien had received documents signed by the city attorney and the then city manager styled, quote, "Restriction applicable to your presence in Fort Worth City Hall
building." Unquote. The word children or any variation of it does not appear in either. The mayor chose to replace these governmental records with a version that was unwritten, unsworn, undocumented, and could not be answered at the meeting where it was made. More reasons for
replacement will be forthcoming. For now, I will close by saying how heartened I was, and that is the very word for it, by the displays of incisive reasoning and varied and adept employment of anology by several speakers on January 13th.
[snorts] >> Our next speaker is Reed Bills, followed by Charles Bills. I am speaking you to you tonight about the Fort Worth anti-discrimination ordinance. I have asked before how the terms of the
ordinance will be enforced now that the diversity and inclusion department has been eliminated. According to the city's web page, services are now assigned to the civil rights office. I request the council ask
for a report on whether or not complaints are being handled effectively and timely by this office. And proactively, I would urge this council not to follow the lead of
Arlington's city council and confuse DEI with discrimination by removing protection from discrimination from the anti-discrimination ordinance.
Further, now that Senate Bill 8, the bathroom bill, became law on December 5th, I would like to know if you plan to enforce the law in city-owned buildings, and if so, how you plan to carry out the
enforcement or will you take the appropriate action and provide a genderneutral single stall restroom restroom or designate one in all your city-owned buildings to be
available to the public. Residents of the visitor or visitors to Fort Worth have a right to the answers to these concerns and as a city council you have an obligation to provide them.
Charles Bills followed by CJ Johnson. Last year you eliminated the DEI uh the DNI department and I remember specifically Mr. Flores saying it was going to be temporary as soon as the laws are ironed
out. Now, I know recently uh the Trump administration has lost its first lawsuit. Uh DEI is now allowed in school districts and it's inevitable that they're going to lose and it will
be reallowed in cities. So, I hope that we immediately as soon as possible return DEI to the city. CJ Johnson followed by Lee King. >> I'm half asleep, guys.
Mayor Parker, city manager Chapa, council members, fellow Fort Worthians that are left in the audience. I don't have a speech. I just wanted to speak from my heart today. Um, I'd like to address some of the
dissension in our city and how we can find ways to try and function as a family more. What do I mean by that? If you look around the DAS, you look in the audience,
we're all different. Different races, different religions, different political affiliations. But that doesn't make us enemies, guys. This makes us different. So
my ask is that we try to start to find common ground with one another. I was encouraged when I watched a city council work session and council member Hall spoke up on behalf
of the residents as it related to a um [clears throat] community interest notice being sent out. She wanted to make certain that the citizens were actually being engaged and that wasn't just
technicality to check a box. Then Council Member Beck speaking up to try and develop um guidelines or some type of a fee or a fine structure for developers not following inspection guidelines.
Council member Lordorf for advocating on behalf of veterans small business benefits. Council member Peoples for being concerned enough about a citizen whose water was turned off during the recent
ice storm. Then Council Member Martinez for assisting her to get the water turned back on. Guys, that's what families do. We need to start functioning more as a family here in the city of Fort Worth.
So my ask of the people on this dasis is that as as our city grows and we our skylines are rising and our our streets are expanding and we're considering naming rights for our convention center
that we put the people first. As a matter of fact, let's put the people at the center of the development and planning stages because without the people, we're just buildings and streets. Thank you all for listening.
Our next speaker is Lee King followed by Crystal King. Lee or Crystal, Caroline James, EJ Kerrion, followed by Derkica Patterson. >> All righty. So, um, you guys voted to
keep amendments and not challenge amendments. You blamed the G, you blamed the Fort Worth report and start Telegram for poor communication. Um, I'm looking at the charter language right here. I'm going to send it to you guys because we've
been here too long to probably read it and then you actually listen and understand any of it. And I think what we have to watch here is the question that never was asked. If a federal overreach happens again and DEI or what's happening in Ar in
Arlington uh where the LGBTQ supports are being eliminated, does J. Chapa have the power to remove that on his own? That question wasn't asked before you all voted green for that situation. We do not feel comfortable with what you
guys gave us. Oh, you just blame Star Telegram. And Chris, what I'm learning is that maybe because you have the safest seat, maybe because we rock with you a little bit more than everybody else here, you're the one that tells us the bad news. Oh, you know, we can't we can't change public comments because we
didn't talk about that until just now. Oh, we we can't do anything about that because oh, that's the Fort Worth report and the Star Telegram. I want you guys to know it's very simple why everyone's here. And let's be clear, who's here today? We had a big day at county commissioners court. This wasn't even trying. This wasn't even trying. You
know, this wasn't even trying. So, I want you guys to know the reason why everyone's here, the reason why we're staying late with all of you, all right? Is because if Tarant County is the largest swing county in America and Fort Worth is 47% of that county, that means
if they're the battleground of our democracy, which Steve Bannon says right here in Fort Worth, Texas, right? that you know that means that if we're 47% of the county and and they're the battle this the battleground Fort Worth is the front lines.
So this energy we're bringing is because you are in the front lines and there's three types of enemies right here right now. Number one is the extremists. We saw how Leah Wganss did with your endorsement. She didn't get too far with Taylor Remmit who went plus 17 Trump.
Taylor Remmit wins that one. Let's let's be clear. None of you are plus 17 Republican up here. All right, let's be clear now. Now we got the extremists. You guys are done. But that doesn't stop. What happened next is now the establishment. Why I came so hard at you for the last year, Maddie. The
establishment enabled the extremists. And now you're dealing with those consequences today. And so are you today, Jay Choa, and I'm not sure where Chris lands. And I'm not sure where everyone else is landing on this dis as well because then there's the third head to the dragon, and that's the enablers.
Carlos Flores is a really good enabler. He says he's a Democrat. He shows up to James Tarico's event. He acts like he's one with us and he's the sole vote because he thought there was going to be someone to bear hug and help save him from the public comments and he was the sole one wanting to reduce public comments. Are you guys a part of the bad
dragon or are you going to be a part of the people? >> Derkica Patterson followed by Sabrina Ball. Okay. Good evening, mayor and council members and city staff. I'm Dererica and I'm the president of Rainbow Ridge HOA.
Um almost two weeks ago, our neighborhood was devastated by the loss of a 62year-old neighbor um who had only been here for eight months. Her family worked tirelessly to bring her from Cameroon for safety and opportunity and she was killed by a stray bullet in her
own home. This violence was not random to us. It was not unforeseeable. It was preventable. Just a week before this tragedy, neighbors gathered at Fort Worth's Police Department South Division to voice concerns about constant gunfire we
hear or witness on an average of four times a week. Many residents left feeling defeated and hopeless after being told in more ways than one that reactivity is the only option. that unless something specific happens, little can be done. And that much of the
gunfire comes from what was described as knuckleheads shooting into the air. My grandmother always said that a bullet don't have a name on it. And that wisdom kept us away from places and people we had no business being. But what happens when the bullet with no name enters your place of peace and refuge? In this case,
the bullet entered through the front door, traveled through her neck, out her cheek, and exited the home, shattering the back window. She was simply returning to her living space after a routine bathroom break. I am not here to place blame. I am here to make clear that our requests for
lighting are not aesthetic wants. Increased Nitron patrols are not entitlement. Follow-ups on cameras are not preferences, they are necessities. We are asking for a visible citywide collaborative response. We need a full educational media and action campaign
against illegal gunfire. Let's go to the middle schools and high schools with presentations similar to the DARE program. Let's use billboards, social media, streaming, and television ads with the same urgency as click it or ticket it or do you know where your child is?
This must become cultural pressure, not just enforcement after the fact. Our community wants to partner, not complain. And I'm offering my full support and participation wherever appropriate within my scope. And I also want to thank Councilwoman Dr. Mia Hall for bringing this forward at the public
safety committee meeting uh last week and to Councilwoman Beck for your continued advocacy since 2021. We cannot normalize this. We cannot accept it as inevitable and we cannot wait for another family to grieve before acting.
Thank you for your time. Oh, and I support the raise because it's about to be 11 o'clock maybe. Sabrina Ball followed by Alan Loba. >> I want to get up and wiggle your butts. I don't mind. It's a long night. Um, your packet has a short memo and a
proposal regarding ICE in schools. I know many of you have children. I have teenagers and I've noticed that their tolerance for BS is pretty low. They've seen some serious violence in our schools and because of that we've taught them that if they see something they
should say something and that's what they're doing. They're standing up and saying what they they see is wrong. And it's not just the chaos in Minneapolis. It's their parents disappearing. It's former students disappearing and their refugee friends disappearing. All while
they watch violence unfold in other cities near school campuses. and they hear the government denying what kids can see with their own eyes. We have verified stories of people violently detained at school campuses, including
Mr. Carlos Jimenez, who only stopped to tell an ICE vehicle that they were blocking the bus lane and that students would be arriving shortly. They pepper- sprrayed him and when he tried to flee the gas, a natural response, they shot him. Our governor agrees. Abbott has
publicly stated that ICE needs to reccalibrate their approach. He emphasized the importance of restoring public trust, reducing community conflict and disruption, and he noted that enforcement should be carried out in a more structured manner. Our students are begging the adults in the
room to do better. I hear we're a city of law and order. We have the opportunity to show our kids what that means. It doesn't mean masked men showing up at their school. It means the government following the rules. Our safe schools proposal does not block ICE. It
simply asks them to follow the law and ensure safety on our campuses and minimal disruption. I'm here because we need collaboration with Fort Worth PD. The climate on any school campus depends strongly on trust. We can go a long way
with our students and with our families by advocating for this proposal and by asking Chief Garcia to implement training with his officers to ensure that success. Tell our kids today that you appreciate and value their voices by advocating for law and order. I heard a
student say finals or families. He was asking you to put family first. Sounds like a true Texan. And earlier tonight, um, the kids from Fort Worth ISD, Sister Cities were here and this whole floor was full of very
diverse students and I had to think, are they going to countries where they'll be afraid? Like the exchange students that come here, they're probably afraid to come here. We can do better. Alan Lob followed by David Rodriguez. Is
Alan present? David Rodriguez. David will be followed by Adrienne Smith. So earlier today at commissioner's court uh they agreed 3 to2 with the obvious uh corporates uh for applying for $140,000
for their grant with ICE. Now they they like to say Manny specifically he liked saying that you know these are just bad people. These are evil people and but you know as long as ICE agents are actively tear gasing children, shooting
citizens in the street. Um that makes all those immigrants bad. But you know or excuse me it makes it doesn't make them doesn't make the ICE agents all that bad. But you know 388 uh immigrant detainees
spoil the whole immigrant bunch. Um, and on the topic of good guys with guns and things like that, uh, well, we've all seen what happened at Yuvaldi. And I don't know about you, but I don't
think the good guys with guns showed up that day and did really did much of anything. So, there's also this conversation, something that they really like to play on, the idea of legality. Well, you know, this is legal. We wrote it this
way. It's legal. It's legal. It's Just because it's legal doesn't mean it's right. Slavery was legal. Jim Crow after that was legal doesn't make any of that the correct and/or moral choice.
So, I'm hoping that when it comes down to brass tax, because I had a conversation with an officer and we're trying to frame around realities and this and that. Well, as
we've already seen, push has already come to shove. And so with these grants coming in and now, especially with uh this grant basically being approved and if we start to see ice crawling through our cities, through our streets,
into our schools, into things like that, I'm supposed to just say it's, oh, it's the legal, you know, 140k for a whole entire county. It's legal. They're allowed to do that.
But and not only have they Uh they they actually they actually apprehended a police officer. ICE actually detained a police officer from New Orleans. So you tell me when push comes to shove,
are are you, you know, all the boys in blue, are you willing to just give your authority and apparently all this public trust that you've been trying to build up to masked men who will do anything at the drop of a hat and are so eager to
commit violence, not just against children or anything. They'll do it to you, too. So, please just let that be on y'all's minds. [applause] >> Adrienne Smith followed by Malik Austin.
>> And have been provided. Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Adrienne Smith and I am a volunteer reading a prepared statement on behalf of Keep Lake Ko Beautiful, a program of Proof of Life Community Development Corporation.
I am reading the organization's approved text of record. KLCB seat at the table campaign is grounded in one principle. No single entity should be treated as the sole civic voice for an entire
neighborhood. This is a process request to improve representation, access, and integrity in city resourced neighborhood work. Lake Como residents include homeowners,
renters, churches, nonprofits, multifamily communities, and small businesses. They are all affected by city-f facing decisions and all need meaningful access to process.
Our concern is operational. When engagement runs through a narrow channel, participation drops, confusion rises, and records become harder to find. We are asking for practical standards that improve trust and reduce
friction. One, a multi-organization distribution protocol for Lakecomo notices and updates. Two, a clear records custodian pathway by department for city resource neighborhood work.
And last three, a standard public materials package for major neighborhood processes, notice, meeting materials, summary, and next step pathway. These are governance improvements, not
personal disputes. They strengthen collaboration while preserving recognized neighborhood roles. This request does not displace any recognized organization. It presents it prevents single channel
dependency. Lake Como is bigger than any one table. We are collecting stakeholder signons for the seat at the table campaign at bit.ly ly slatecomo
table. Thank you for your time. And in closing, keep the date. Saturday, February the 14th, 2026, Valentine's Day, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. KLCB season
2 walkth through plus open house will convene at 5112 BL Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas, 7617. You all are welcome. >> Malik Austin. Is Mr. Austin still here?
No. Stephen Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence will be followed by Jim Dong. I don't think I see Jim. And then Kimberly Lawrence. Is this the right mic? There we go. Hi, my name is Steven Lawrence. I'm a lawyer in Fort Worth. I've lived here for 10
years and this is the first time I felt the need or at least taken the opportunity to speak to a government body even though I've spoken a lot of nonprofit events. Um, last fall I took notice of the mask and uh that ICE and
CVP are using. I've talked to forward police officers and at least one have told me that he believes others are imitating ICE officers uh and wearing masks, including cartels. Uh and he's not the only one that shares
that concern. Uh, according to credible reporting from Wired and others, as well as a letter from members of Congress, the FBI uh, sent a notice to law enforcement uh, last October. I read
about this and I pulled the source of it and I wanted to get it from the city, so I sent a public information request on January 13th. I haven't received a lot a reply from it. I followed up on February 5th. I haven't received a reply from
that. So, I would like to know you guys have the power to get this and I'm not in the business of litigating with cities and appealing uh public information requests. So, if you guys could look for this FBI memo uh and I'll just read what it says uh which which
reflects things said by others. This situational awareness report informs state, local, and federal law enforcement partners about criminal actors impersonating ICE agents to commit violent crime. Due to the re recent increase in ICE enforcement
actions across the country, criminal actors are using ISIS's enhanced public profile and media coverage to their advantage to target vulnerable communities and commit criminal activity. This not only affects the victims and the communities but also has broader negative consequences on law
enforcement agencies. These criminal impersonations make it difficult for the community to distinguish between legitimate officers conducting lawful law enforcement action and impostors engaging in criminal activity which damages trust between the local community and law enforcement
officers. Now, I can't vouch for this document. I I found it. Wired reported on it. Uh congressional members have reported on it. You guys have the power to get that from the forth police department. And I would ask you to look into that. And I would also uh just
remind you uh that according to the Texas Constitution, natural law, God-given rights, and the Second Amendment, we all have the right to keep and bear arms. And if you can't tell the difference between uh law enforcement and criminals, bad things happen, there's already been a imposter breakin
that's resulted in a shooting in Houston, which is not one of the ones listed in the FBI memo. So for both the safety of law enforcement and us please look into this I ask the police department and check. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Kimberly
Lawrence. Kimberly Lawrence will be followed by James Smith. Let's see Mr. Smith here. So be Jamie Perkins or Hi May Perkins, excuse me. >> Good evening. I'm the proud parent of a graduate of I am Terrell Academy, a graduate of Pascal High School and two
current students at Pascal High School. Now that Tarant County has welcomed the expansion of ice in our community, I'm here tonight to ask you to step in and mitigate the danger this expansion poses. You have an opportunity to do this because it's the right thing for your constituents. And because after
Taylor's win, Fort Worth is in the national spotlight and as goes Tarant County goes the rest of the country. I'm here to ask that the Fort Worth Police Department work together with Fort Worth ISD to carry out the proposed safe schools policy Sabrina provided you to prevent immigration enforcement
activities from disrupting our schools. Schools exist to educate children. They're not places of immigration enforcement. It is impossible for students to focus on learning if ICE is at their school detaining them and/or their family members at best at worst assaulting and murdering them. In the
time since a similar proposal was submitted to the school board last year and not adopted, ISIS kidnapped and murdered adults and children around the country with impunity. We've watched them target schools to do so. As a direct result, Fort Worth ISD families are terrified of this happening to them
at their schools, and many students are staying home and missing school. This underscores the importance of clear, protective school policies regarding student safety and privacy to ensure students continue learning and schools remain in attendance compliance. We're
asking that Fort Worth ISD policy ensure ICE is not causing panic and pickup or drop off, lurking nearby, stalking school events, or stopping school buses and vans, and that the Fort Worth Police Department enforce that policy. As one of the largest school districts in Texas, Fort Worth ISD and the city of
Fort Worth can set a new standard for law and order in this country. Help us return to a sense of safety in our community by holding federal law enforcement to the highest constitutional standards and demonstrating that true law and order begins with protecting children. Hi May Perkins followed by Alexander
Montalvo. Okay, first on ICE and school, schools must be places where students feel safe and focused on learning. Immigration enforcement on or near campuses causes panic, lower attendance, and disrupts education for everyone. Students,
families, and educators should never have to fear that showing up to schools could put them at risk. I urge support for a clear no disruptions onampus policy with proper protections for students and clear guidance for staff.
Families need real protections, not just statements of values and schools must remain uh safe spaces where all children can learn without fear. Now, because I wasn't uh for whatever reason called up earlier, I did sign up to speak on zoning cases ZC2184
and ZC25. the both that pertain to Black Mountain data center. So, I'll be speaking on that. Uh I strongly oppose the proposed uh resoning of both of these plots of about 40 acres from agriculture to light industrial. Uh this is not just about zoning. It is about
homes. It's about neighborhoods. It's about the environment. It's about people. Black Mountain wants to expand directly to the border of forest hill and southeast Fort Worth. Uh even more than it's already expanded all across southeast for Worth. approving uh the zoning would be reckless and a betrayal
of the community. Data centers of this size uh operate 247 and consume enormous amounts of electricity and water. They place extreme strains on the power grid, contribute to environmental degradation, and provide very few jobs. The constant noise, light pollution, and increased
traffic will disrupt the daily lives of residents for decades. These impacts are permanent, and the community should not be forced to bear them. Longtime residents that I've spoken to all across Southeast Forest and Forest Hill have made it clear that this expansion is unacceptable. People who have lived in
this area for decades are speaking out because their homes uh safety and quality of life are directly threatened. This is not hypothetical. It is real, immediate, and serious. The council has a responsibility to protect the community, not approve projects that prioritize industrial expansion over the
lives of peoples who live there. I want to thank Council Member Martinez for intervening and securing a continuation. Voting for approval will put the community at enormous risk. I also want to thank uh Council Member Martinez for seemingly being the only person that
read uh uh the letter from a uh 40 uh year resident of that area. Um and um yeah, these proposals are not compatible with responsible growth and approving them would be a clear failure to uphold the council's duty to the people of Fort
Worth. Between now and March 10th, I will hope to provide briefings on data centers Black Mountain and connect the council with nearby residents who are gravely concerned. But please make no mistake, these zoning cases should be denied. They represent uh uh clear
damage. We can fix this though. We can fix this. >> Alexander Montalavo. So, I'm going to keep talking about ICE because that is an important topic that we need to start having many more conversations about right now. With what the county commissioner's
court did today by accepting the state grant and with the very real potential of expanding ICE operations in Tarant County, we need to understand that our communities are at risk. We have seen the deaths happen in other
parts of the country and there's been a huge response to people's worst fears happening in their community. But we've actually already seen the impact of ICE in our community in Taran County because the
Tatabishi family who lives in Arlington had US citizen while Tatabishi die because of his father, his primary caretaker detained by ICE for no legitimate reason.
And without that care, he had to go to the hospital multiple times and ultimately died. And we did nothing to try to protect him as a county, as leadership, as
community. And now ICE is going to expand operations here in Tarant County. And we we are not even prepared for any of those actions happening. Maddie, you advocated for forth ICT to change what it was doing. That has now
led to a TEA takeover of the district. Well, 70% of those students are Latino students, Latino families. Are you going to stand up for those families now as ICE terrorizes the community?
I've already heard from students in Fort Worth ISD where their classmates are no longer attending class because someone got deported and now the family is gone. And Allan, you can wake the hell up and open your eyes.
This is something that is going to continue to terrorize us here in Fort Worth and Tarant County. And right now, I haven't heard anything legitimate from this city council around it, much less our Latino leaders.
It is on y'all to step up and to actually fight for our community. And it's not just our community that's being targeted. Of course, the Tatabishi family is not Latino, but we know the actions of what this administration is trying to do is to target the Latino
community, to vilify and terrorize us, as well as our other diverse community members. We cannot afford to wait for people to be murdered in the streets of Fort Worth and Tarant County. It's time for y'all to start acting now.
Council, that's the conclusion of our public comment speakers. We do have one item that we need to reconsider. It's ZC25-204 that will offer an opportunity for Council Member Hall to recuse on that particular vote. So, I do need a motion for reconsideration.
Got a motion and a second. Um, and then I'll council member Hall to read into the record. Sorry. There we go. >> Thank you, mayor, and I apologize to my colleagues. I need to recuse myself from ZC25204 due to my employment with Fort Worth ISD. Thank you.
>> A motion and second on the floor. Please vote. >> Motion carries and our meeting is adjourned.