--------- Bust out of Do not stop working. Are you ready? What are y'all doing? But yours doesn't even Councilwoman Peoples. >> All right, we ready? >> Yeah. >> Yes. I just had to give you a hard time.
>> The day has already done that for me. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to the community development uh committee meeting for Tuesday, October 21st. Now call to order. And with quorum
present, let's see. First item of business, approval of minutes from August 12, 2025. >> Second. >> First second. All in favor indicate by saying I. >> I. Motion passes. >> We'd like to ask you to approve the minutes from October 21st. I believe you're looking at the meeting. >> Oh, wait a minute. Yes,
>> you're >> correction. Approval of the minutes from October 21st. >> Second. >> All right. All in favor by saying I. >> I. >> I. Motion passes. Thank you, Dana. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, we have uh let's see staff briefings
uh library advisory board annual report. Melissa Scott. >> Yes, she's here. Good afternoon. >> Good afternoon. How are you? >> Okay. >> Good. Good to see you all. Uh thank you so much for letting me come and share our library advisory board annual report
with you. The board is now fully seated. I want to thank each of you council members for appointing someone to serve alongside my other fellow members. Makes it easier for us to achieve quorum and that was one of our big goals for last year. So, thank you so much. We're a fully seated board of engaged, motivated
citizens who care very deeply about the city and the neighbors that neighbors and neighborhoods they represent. So, thank you for that. My name is Melissa Scott. I'm the chair of the library advisory board. I was appointed by Mayor Parker in um 2023, and it's my honor to
serve alongside the library staff and my fellow board members in support of the library's mission, which is to build a community of dreamers, learners, and doers. Um, you may notice the young lady in the picture. She's holding something very important and that is her library
card. Um, I certainly hope that everybody in this room today has a library card because if you do, you have a passport to many, many wonderful things. And the more I learn about what the library is really offering to the city of Fort Worth, the more excited and passionate I get that everyone needs one
of these so that they can access all those wonderful things. All right. Well, let's just jump into the annual report. First of all, uh, as a board, each year we focus on three big picture items and goals. Number one, we honor our official
charge of the library advisory board. We set goals and act as advocates and sounding boards for the library staff on budget and mission issues. We maintain a healthy and productive board. And we do that through timely communication, effective board management, and
consistent proactivity. Our members show up. They show up consistently and they lend their support. They show up for board meetings. They show up for community events. They show up for library programs and individual district events.
We welcome in opportunities to engage. And as city council members, I hope you would reach out to your library advisory board reps if you feel they would be uh good support for you at a community event. I am confident any of them would be more than happy to step up and willing to support if they're invited
along and to offer their presence. Uh we promote the library. We advocate for the library and our circles of influence and participate in lots of programs and events. We volunteer when opportunities arise and amplify library initiatives through social media and word of mouth.
And many Fort Worthians are unaware of all the incredible resources and programs available at at each local library branch. As library advisory board members, we strive to change that. Uh number three, we enhance knowledge and understanding of library services.
This is key because so many wonderful things are happening and as a board we're continually learning about library services and programs so that we can better serve as informed advocates. Uh let's see. So these icons are
intended to represent just a few programs that have specifically been attended by library advisory board members in the last year. Um we play as board members an an essential role in advancing the library's mission by engaging with programs and staff
throughout the year. We visit branches, attend events, and work alongside library staff at different programs. And here's just a few examples. Clurn piano concerts with Clberurn competition competitors totally free open to the public and also a musical story time
that featured a Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra member and that happened at Southwest Regional Branch. There was a robotics program in Tao drummers at the Vivian J Lincoln Library, adult painting workshops. I can't emphasize how popular these are in the city of Fort Worth.
There are watercolor painters in every corner of the city of Fort Worth and they are enjoying painting workshops at their local library. Um, neighborhood night out which is always a family event at Ry Kerry Library, a groundbreaking at
the new Cindera Springs Library branch, and also a cool family Spongebob program which was at Northwest Regional Library. These are just a few of the programs and I hope they showcase some of the cultural, educational, and innovative experiences that the Fort Worth Library
is busy providing. All right. Uh, slide four just shows you some of the branch presentations and special presentations that happen in the presence of the library advisory board. By rotating our bimonthly
uh meetings to all the different library branches that are listed, it gives us a chance to get a firsthand insight into the library branch staff, their patrons and the programs that matter most to them. Um we get a chance to hear about
um trends and services that are important to the in to the particular branches. We get to see their different character, the architecture, the way the libraries are arranged. It's really informative to help everybody on the board understand exactly what we're advocating for. And then in terms of
special presentations, we get to engage with library staff to learn a lot about the library through special presentations. Things like collection management. How are books chosen and how are they placed within the larger library enterprise? What branch gets which copies of which books based on
data and information about the patrons? and other things like employee growth. Um, who's doing what, what are their goals, what are they doing to grow their particular areas in the library enterprise as well. Uh, these special presentations all work together to help the board understand the systemwide and
operational initiatives of the library and that equips us all to speak more confidently to the community about the library's offerings. These presentations strengthen our ability to advocate and they increase awareness for library resources. A look ahead. This is an exciting time
to be engaged with the library, both as a library advisory board member and as a community member. There are lots of really awesome things on the horizon. Uh we're enthusiastic supporters of the new downtown library branch. Look forward to participating in its planning and development. We're committed to engaging
in upcoming strategic plan planning process which will shape the library's direction for the next five years. and we stand ready and willing to support the 2026 bond initiatives that will enable the library to um engage in some very vital expansion and innovation. We
don't want anyone anyone to miss out on all the wonderful things that are happening at the Fort Worth Public Library. If you're a Fort Worth resident and you don't yet have a library card like mine, I challenge you to drop by your local branch. Check it out. Just ask a few questions. You'll be
surprised at the in-depth answers you get from staff members. And this library card opens a door for you that you don't even know about the contents and the resources and the programs on the other side. So, I really encourage you to take advantage. It's one of the few things
that is freely available to everyone right in your neighborhood. So with that, I'll thank you for your time and your attention and the opportunity to just share some of the great work that the Fort Worth Public Library is doing and that the Library Advisory Board gets to engage in. We are very grateful for
the opportunity to serve this city and this community. And I thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Melissa. Any questions for Melissa before she leaves the podium? >> Want to know how to get a library card? Should I tell you? You just walk right up to the circulation desk and say,
"Hey, I don't have a library card." And it'll just be minutes and you'll get a library card. >> I just got my youngest his library card to do a little research on a recent history project that he had. >> That's amazing. Did he do a backflip when he got it? Was he so excited? >> Well, you know, he was just wondering
what other kind of benefits he got with it. And I said, "Well, it's not like a credit card, but >> but it will it you know, but membership does have its advantages." But it is an it does crack a door open where there's good stuff. >> Yeah. Know it enable them to do some good research. And I also want to uh
commend you all. I think uh I I've heard some preliminary numbers. You've increased circulation. I think you know speaking of branches in my district. Yes. >> And then uh attendance you know in in library programs is looking pretty robust. So uh very encouraging news. So thank you.
>> Yeah. Also materials checked out. This is it's amazing numbers. It's like five items per resident of the city of Fort Worth. It's pretty amazing. >> Yeah, great work. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> All right, next up. >> So, before we leave this, I just had some guests today. Will you all stand up
and they would might they might like a library card. So, would you two please stand up? So, people don't be shy. My guest came to see today how we work and to hear a committee meeting. And so, you heard good things about the library,
didn't you? >> Good. All right. Oh, already has a library card. >> Thank you. >> Sure. Okay. >> It's wonderful. >> Thank you, Sandra Stanley.
>> That's her passport to knowledge right there. That's a good thing. All right. Next up, we have an introduction of neighborhood improvement program uh by uh Jesus Morio or no actually it's Anderson Stout.
Good afternoon, Chair Flores, um committee members, council, um members, um city manager and assistant city managers. I'm here to introduce um Jesus Marilo, our new neighborhood program coordinator in the
neighborhood improvement program within neighborhood services department. Um Jesus has a strong background um in public service, community development and public policy. He holds a bachelor's degree um in political science from Fisk University, a master's in theological
studies from Harvard University. Uh most recently he served as grants coordinator for United States Congress office of New Mexico congressional de delegation where he supported funding strategy grant coordination and intergovernmental
coordination. Um prior to that he worked at US department housing and urban development um as a community planning and development specialist supporting the oversight and administration of major federal economic development and housing programs. Um he has also served
as the US department of agriculture in the office of partnerships and public engagement focusing on stakeholder engagement and inter agency coordination. Um we're excited to welcome Jesus to the neighborhood services department where he's already helping to make a change and make a
difference um where he is strengthening capacity already and um we are um happy to have him join the neighborhood services team. Um, thank you so much, Jesus. >> Thank you, Anderson, for that kind
introduction. Good afternoon, everybody. My name is Jesus Morio. It is a pleasure to be here with you all today. Um, I'm really looking Well, first I want to say thank you to the uh council members offices for uh working alongside us to schedule quarter 2 meetings so we can touch base with each and every single
one of you to give you status updates on NIPs. I know we're all interested and excited to ensure that that program continues to move uh swiftly and expeditiously to serve the uh citizens of of Fort Worth. And so I look forward to working alongside every single one of you. And if there's anything that we can do to be of service to you all, um we
look forward to doing so, but I'm grateful to be here with you all. Thank you. >> We're grateful to have you. Welcome aboard. >> All right. Before we adjourn, do we have any future agenda items from anyone? One's going twice. Doesn't look okay.
Well, thank you very much. We are adjourned at 1623 hours. Part: 2
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. Y'all come on this 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 Worth 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 of 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 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.
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 ballsy. 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 city council for
um the partnership, the relationship, and hopefully the friendship. Thank you. 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, 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 Member 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, Master 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 Hardy 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. Pastor Hardys service exemplifies the mission of the pack, uniting faith leaders and law enforcement to support citizens, prevent
escalation in Christ crisis situations and strengthen the Fort Worth community through partnerships and compassion. So it's my pleasure now to present the spect of recognition to you, Pastor Hart. Welcome.
[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 you can debate who gets the silver and
who gets the gold, right? [laughter] Ladies first. Which one do you want? >> Okay, [laughter] >> there you go. All right, sir. Thank you. So, why don't we take a moment and go up there and take >> We got it. All right.
[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 Tim 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 am personally um 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 I'd 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 it's a destination [music] 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 [music] 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 entities to work [music] together and coordinate to let people understand, hey, there's a big old world coming at you Fort Worth. Are you ready for it? Do you want them? Well, help [music] shape
that vision. >> Don Bers 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 district 5 and I'm [music] very proud to represent this district to >> make a motion to elect the grand dame of our city council [music] Tina Bivvens. [laughter] >> Is it Mayor Pro Tim >> behind closed doors? I know they 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 real for us. [music] How do we get these young people to realize? We're going to help
you young person plan your city. My vision now that I'm on social security, [music] my vision is to get in my backyard and plant my mustard greens, carrots, beets, [music] and onions, and potatoes. Had a reporter call me, asked me why I changed
[music] 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.
I'm packing my stuff right now. [laughter] Bye y'all. I'm out of here. [music] [applause] >> [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 and 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 mean, 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? Okay. So, take a five minute break. Thank you. I didn't know Hi, how are you? >> [laughter] >> Dr. Hall would like a photo. there.
>> No problem. I am getting there. >> We'll be having fun. >> That's exactly That's exactly right. How are you? >> They're still making their still coming in. >> Sharp kids.
trips together. That was fun. Looking good. We are back for business and we're going to next item will be the presentation of the Fort Worth sister city's 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 cross-cultural 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 lifech 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. Hares and 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] Reggie 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 reio [applause] names 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
a second group going to Nagaoka Japan this summer and the deleg ation 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 Esuini. 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. and 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
as 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. have the opportunity >> have the opportunity
>> and responsibility >> and responsibility >> to improve relations >> to improve relations >> between the United States >> the 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 four city council >> mayor >> and the four sister cities program >> and the cities 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. >> [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
's own education agency ranked two Fort Worth ISD schools, biomemed 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. But 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] 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 20 time 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 preacher'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, 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 the 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 and cheering] Please, >> 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 [laughter] 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 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 easily. 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. >> Yes. >> 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 gonna go and take a picture and mayor, come on down. steroid. just a little bit.
One, two, three. 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 s 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 Himeron. 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 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thank you,
>> mayor. That gets us to the non-conent 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, it's Richard Gladen. from 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 Parrols 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. followed 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 that 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 the 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 wanted 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 Barker, 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 Kurt 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 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 both 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 Té 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. 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 J. Chapa. It says, I read it in
the Fort Worth report. said, "One amendment seeks to give the city manager the power to create, abolish, and consolidate departments without a council vote.