How are you? I don't know what that is. I live in right here. Here is here is Fort Worth. I need some stuff. They should clean up. I'm sorry to interrupt. move on. Will you take that picture? Yes, of course. All right. Try it. I love Okay, council. We're going to get started. Y'all stay. As soon as the photos are over, if everyone could make your way back to your seats council, at this time I will call us to order. And Laney Parker gets to hit the gavl one time. Great job, Laney. Very good. Thank you. Tonight's invocation will be presented by Bishop Reginald Dean from Fresh Mana Church. Please rise for the invocation and remain standing for the pledges of allegiance. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we ask your blessing today on this city council meeting. Father, we pray for the mayor and we pray for all these city councilmen and women on today. Father, we pray for the police chief and the men and women who protect and serve this great city of Fort Worth. Father, we pray that you would give them wisdom as they lead in the communities of this of this city. For the word says in James 1:5, "If any of you lack wisdom, let them ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach and it would be given to him." Heavenly Father, today we ask for your wisdom. Let these great men and women actions in this meeting be valuable to which we are here today, which is to build up and to edify one another. Heavenly Father, please instruct these great men and women and teach them in the way that we should conduct this meeting. Father, we pray for the council meeting tonight. Give the council members wisdom and guidance as they deliberate on the items before them. May their decisions be righteous in your sight for our benefit and for your glory. Heavenly Father, we thank you for having this privilege. And we pray, Father, that as the as they discuss their agenda and craft policies for our city, we will always put the people interest above our own. We ask your blessings on the people who have been called to lead this city and community in which we live, which we work, in which we which we play. Father God, we bless you today for this opportunity to meet together during this city council meeting. And God, I pray that you will be merciful toward us and that your favor will be always rested upon us. We pray that you will anoint our hands for the work ahead and that everything that our hands touch shall be blessed in the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Thank God. Amen. Amen. United States of America to the stands. One nation indivisible. At this time, ladies and gentlemen, we'd like to welcome the 14th Marine Regimen with the with the full presentation of colors. At this time, it is my distinct honor to welcome Mr. Don Graves, World War II veteran, to sing our national anthem. Say you see by the dawn's early light what so proud we hel at the twilight lasting whose broad stripes and bright stars throw The perilous fight are the rampars we watch were so gallantly streaming and the rockets red glow. The bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh say that's our spangled [Music] B or the land of the free and the home of the love. [Applause] Thank you. And you may be seated. At this time, I'm going to call on Council Member Alan Bllelock for special recognition of Mr. Graves. Alan, if you'll join me at the podium. So I have a special recognition from for Don here which I'm going to read in just a moment. But at first I would like to ask mayor and fellow marine on council to come down and join us as well. So I have here a special recognition for Mr. Don Graves. It's presented to Don Graves in celebration of 100 years of life, service, and legacy. On the occasion of your 100th birthday, you proudly celebrate a century of life filled with valor, resilience, and service. From the shores of Euima to a decades of ministry and mentorship, your journey has touched countless lives and strengthened heart of our community. Your steadfast spirit and enduring faith embody the best of what it means to serve with honor, humility, and hope. We recognize your in- extraordinary life and legacy with profound respect and heartfelt congratulations. Congratulations, Don. I I have to say I sincerely hope I'm as spry as you when I make it to 100. You You're an amazing man. You've had an amazing life. Uh you know, on your corporal, I gave you a special promotion a year ago. All you have to do is eat your spinach. That's right. That's right. But I think we have a few people that have a few other words to say. So, sorry to one up you, Alan, but I'm going to one up you. I'm going to read a few um excerpts of this proclamation resolution from the office of the mayor because I do think it's important. Don, whereas Don Graves, a Fort Worth resident and World War II Marine Corps veteran, enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17 following the attack at Pearl Harbor. Excuse me. inspired by a deep sense of patriotism and legacy of military service to his family. Whereas Grape served with distinction in the Battle of Emma where he was one of only 18 survivors from his battalion carrying a 72 lb flamethrower into combat and witnessing firsthand the valor and sacrifice of his fellow Marines. And whereas after his military service, Graves dedicated over three decades to ministry, becoming a preacher, and sharing his faith and experiences with countless individuals, many of them here today, including speaking to veterans, students, and civic groups, performing God Bless America at various ceremonies. If you've never seen him perform it at the Fort Stock Shine Rodeo, it is a sight to be seen. Graves has been a steadfast advocate for veterans, sharing his story to inspire and educate others about the sacrifices made by those who served and has been recognized by his contributions to the community and his unwavering commitment to service. And whereas on the occasion of his 100th birthday, the city of Fort Worth honors Don Graves for his extraordinary life of courage, faith, and service and expresses deep gratitude for his contributions for our nation. And now therefore, I, Mattie, Mattie Parker, mayor of Fort Worth, Texas, in recognition of Don Graves, century of life, marked by heroic military service, spiritual leadership, and unwavering dedication to his fellow citizens, do hereby proclaim May 13, 2025 as Dawn Graves Day in the city of Fort Worth. [Applause] All right. So, here's the deal. I don't know if y'all caught that or not. He was a flamethrower on Ewima, right? I mean, think about that for one second. You know, we talk about service and sacrifice and he is a living embodiment of those two words, right? And yet here he is. He could sit at home all day long, but instead you can find him at Cafe Republic every single morning. If you ever want to have breakfast with him, he would love to have you. But he's still willing to share his story and share his his inspiration with with all of us. I know as a Marine, we only hear of stories that Don went through, but if you sit down with him, you can actually hear the stories from the man that were there himself. But what's what's noticeable whenever you hear his stories, it's never all about him. It's about everyone else that he served with. That's when you know that he was a true servant leader. So for the Marines in the back, I welcome you at any point. Come down to Cafe Republic District 4. And come have breakfast with Corpal Graves. I guarantee you, your life will be better because of it. Don, you have been a friend of mine for quite some time. I know every time you you see my wife, your hand seems to get lower and lower, but you know what? We all turn a blind eye to Don Graves because you sir have done so much for us. So, see that's the marine ladies and gentlemen. That's the Marine. So, Don, happy birthday and thank you for what you've done in Cyprafidelis. No, now it's of course I'll only take a couple minutes. I did it for my country because when I was in school, we learned about our country. We learned about politics. We learned the American history. We understood why we have a national anthem. We love it. And I'd do it again if I could. And that's the one thing in the core it'll tell you. We are drilled to be people who love their country and want to defend their country at all cost. That's the way it is. Thank you so much. I'm overcome with this. I don't think I really deserved all that. Oh, you did? Did I? Okay. All [Applause] right. Well, if the recruiters heard it, he's ready to reinlist. So, we just might get him back. We'd love to have you. At this time, we'd like to ask the rest of council if you'd like to join us down here. Um, and any Marines would like to come down here and join us for a group photo real quick as we honor Don Graves. We'd love to have you. You said marine. Hey Marines, give them one kill. Give one. Give one kill. Hi everybody. [Applause] At this time, we're going to move into council remarks and we'll start at district 2. But before I do that, I wanted to give um council member Peoples an opportunity to introduce her new district director. So, you always forget people when you're excited, and I was so excited to see so many amazing friends and supporters here. You're always going to forget somebody and I forgot to introduce you to one of the most amazing human beings I know. I called her and I had to get permission from her son for her to take this job, but she is an extraordinary addition to the city of Fort Worth. She's worked for the city of Fort Worth before. She's an amazing community leader. And I would like to introduce you all to my district director to Selena Vasquez. [Applause] Thank you, Deborah. And now to Council Member Carlos Flores. Thank you, Mayor. Well, most of the campaigns are over and for those of us who took the oath tonight, it's time to set the course for the next two years. Since 2017, I've had the honor and privilege of serving as council member for district 2. And I am very pleased and blessed to report that I've been able to deliver measurable results. But I want to emphasize something. No one person can do that alone. I have a great team behind me. My fellow council members, staff, the residents of Fort Worth. We make it all happen. And it requires that sense of teamwork even amidst disagreements. make things happen. So, let's not let our differences overcome us. Let's overcome our differences. Public service is indeed that it's a sacrifice when you hold an elected office. But again, this is not borne by us alone. I can say for myself, my family is here tonight have borne that probably too much. To my wife, Isabelle, my daughter and son, I love you very much. Thank you for supporting me and making it possible for me to continue in this capacity to serve the city that I love. I know I'm not there for you all as often as I need to be, but know that I love you each deeply. To Myra and Jack, my district directors, my beautiful Mr. Directors, I want to thank you both for meeting the challenges and demands of your job while occasionally humoring your boss. You are an extension of District 2, and you do that with utmost professionalism. You're helpful, and you're courteous to our residents. So, I thank you. As I accept again another undertaking for a fifth term, I reaffirm my solemn commitment to all of you, the mayor, to my fellow council members, business community, and community stakeholders for the betterment of our city, I will continue to do this job with a servant's heart. And to those stepping into this arena for the first time, again, I'm sure you've been met with a lot of metaphors, proverbial, you know, fire hose that you'll be drinking out of and more. But congratulations and welcome. And to those returning to the arena, I wish you continued success and congratulations. Look forward to working with you all some more. So, thank you to the residents of District 2 in our city. It's my honor and privilege to serve you. Thank you, Carlos. And to council member Michael Crane from District 3. Thank you, Mayor. Um, I'll make this short. First and for I got a little list here, but first and foremost, I want to say thank you to my God that allows me to every day be here, serve, and and help where I can. to my family who are the smartest people in the world. They left so they're not here. But if you know Joanna and Michael, Mackenzie and Aninsley, uh the sacrifice that you uh let me do so I can serve. I appreciate that as well and love you. Um city staff, employees, and fellow council members, the work you do day in and day out doesn't go unnoticed, and I look forward to another two years working with you. to all the to the constituents and all the residents of district 3. My commitment to continue to serve selflessly represent your needs on this dis with the dignity and respect elected office deserves. That's what I commit to you. Thank you. Thank you, Michael. Council member Charlie Larsdorf. I will also keep this brief. Thank you, Mayor. Uh it truly is an honor to serve not just residents of District 4, but this entire city. Um, and though there's a select few out there who like to find negative in everything we do, um, it it truly is the rest of the city that drowns out that noise and makes it worthwhile uh, to sit up here and do what we do. Um, and but really it's the family that drives everything for me. Uh, my wife Amanda, she's out there. My kids, they were also smart. They left as well. Um, and honestly, it was recently that really put things in perspective whenever we talk about, you know, what we do as a council and why we do it. Uh recently my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and it's really put things in perspective for me because every minute that and this is a challenge to my my council members as well and our mayor. Every minute that we give our residents, every minute that we give our city, every minute that we give someone else is a minute that we take away from our family. Um we certainly don't do it for the pay. I'm pretty sure all of us are losing money by being up here, but we do it because we we truly love the city. We want to see it left in better hands than the way we received it. We want to make sure it's a place that we can leave for our kids and our grandkids and a place that they're proud to call home. So, I know we we swore an oath to uh to to our our office earlier. Um but I swear my own oath to to my wife that every minute that I do give this city and this job and our residents that I make sure every minute is worth it and it's for a purpose and it's for a cause. Thank you for allowing me to be up here. Now to Council Member Macy Hill from District 7. Um, my family was smart, too. They went ahead and went on to dinner. But I do want to thank James and George and Charlie, and thank you so much for your support because without you, I could not do this every day. Um, my district director is not here this evening. She's with her family. But I do want to give um Sammy RP a shout out. I could not do this um without your support. Um, you take you've been in this role for 28 years now, and I'm incredibly grateful you decided to stay on with me for two more years. So, thank you. Um, it is an honor to sit here before you today to continue serving as your District 7 council woman. Um, as we all know, Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing cities in America, and it's no surprise why. We truly offer something rare. You look around this room, and it's the people that serve, that care about this community. Um, it's about our police, our fire, our EMS. Um, I look forward to the next two years. We have so much more work to to do, and I'm just I'm honored and grateful that y'all have chosen me again to serve as District 7. Thank you. [Applause] Now to Council Member Chris Nettles, District 8. Thank you, District 8. forward. You guys are truly amazing. You stood strong against all the noise and negativity. As Charlie talked about earlier, we never waved. We've never been concerned. We stood by our principles and this win today for all of us is for the people of the city of Fort Worth. I am thankful for the trust the voters have placed in me. This election was spirited, but today my heart is simply filled with the love and the gratitude that you guys have shown on me and my entire family. Thank you for the opportunity again to continue to stand up for what we believe district 8 should be and what we believe for work should be. Strong neighborhoods, safer streets, a brighter future. I look forward to serving you, listening to your ideas, and working with you as we move this city forward. Leadership is not just leading in the shadows, but it's leading out front even when it's unpopular. Real leadership is seeing a vision when you see nothing in front of you in the midst of a bad situation. We move so much development in district 8. I'm grateful to stand here today to talk about all the different developments that we have done such as Dick Sporting Goods, Homegoods, Green Bay, RSI North America, historical cumblumber, Seammens, Drink Pack, and the Evans and Rosedale project that's getting ready to take fork. Later today, we'll vote on over $60 million worth of investment coming to Evans and Rosedale. That deal is not dead, but it's alive and it's coming to the historic Southside. I'm so grateful for our city manager, David Cook. I think I saw Robert Sterns in here or leave or come. Oh, there he is. All the work he has done towards this although he's gone and even some of the work that Jay Chopper did prior to him leaving. Transforming lives brought $39 million worth of investments to Barry and Riverside. Uh, one of the first votes I took on this DAZ back in 2021 was that development. It was going to be turned into a U-Haul storage facility. I said, "That's not good for our our our community." Many had told me that nobody would use that old Montgomery Wards building for nothing because it sat there over a decade. But today, you drive by and you see a new vision, you see new life, and you see new opportunities. That's what real leadership is. Thank you. We have built over 2,200 new affordable homes because we believe that everyone should have the same amenities that we have. Whether you live in North forward, south forward, east or west, you should be able to raise your family in a safe and in a nice home. I look forward to working with our forward police department and mostly important getting ready to hire our next top officer, our police chief. To take a moment, I want to thank Chief No for all the work he has done for the city of Fort Worth and his services, our firefighter department. And as we hire more firefighters, we want to make sure that we take care of our EMS. These things are not just important to District 8, but my vision is bigger than that. It's important to Fort Worth. So there is there was a lot of talks around homelessness. This issue is very important. How do we combat homelessness? we come back in through affordable housing, attainable and wraparound housing services through job creation and providing dollars towards a plan citywide. Homelessness is not a district a problem. It is a city of Fort Worth problem. So today, I stand strongly and I stand firmly. I request that the city of Fort Worth consider a housing bond to combat homelessness and affordable housing crisis. I request that this city council consider um a city-led ambassadors program that falls under our pit to move our homelessness and population to areas where services and resources is to prevent them from laughtering around businesses along Evans and Rosedale and business that we're trying to bring forward to district 8 adjacent to our shelters. This will ensure the quality of life for all citizens, especially those who are mostly affected. I vow to continue to hold the our city accountable on all decisions we make, making sure we have a public process and resident engagement on decisions affecting our city as a whole. With so much that is happening at our federal and our state level, it's important that we have strong unwavering leadership that will stand firmly to the goals and to the purpose of all citizens all over this forward um all over the city of Fort Worth. I am so grateful and excited to welcome Councilwoman Deborah Peoples to the DAS. She brings strength, hope, and encourage. I look forward for the work that we will do together on this DAS district 8. We will continue to move forward. Lastly, but not least, I want to thank my relentless support team. No matter how bad things got, no matter how bad things, how ugly it got, they stood by me through the thick and the thin. You understood the assignment. The assignment was just not about the rhetoric. It was not about me. It was not about the news, but it was about the people of Fort Worth, the people of District 8. It was about that voice. And I thank you for your diligence for standing by me. But most important, the greater assignment, the greater adversity, I want to thank my mother my wife, and my children. And I will tell you this, you never know how I feel to hear the things said about someone that you birth, someone that you love, and someone that you live with. But I thank them. You guys are the true MV MVPs. You are the reason I'm able to do this. I appreciate you and I love you from the center of my heart. Not excluding any of my other family that's here, as well as my granny who is 80 plus that's in the house today. Wave your hand. I love you all. District 8, as you always know, I'm glad that you didn't settle. You reelect the Nettles. May the power remain with the people. Cheers to two more years. I leave you with these two words. These words mean more to me to you than I've said through this out this whole speech. And those words are, "Thank you." God bless. [Applause] Council member Elizabeth Beck from Council District 9. Thank you. Serving this community has truly been the honor of a lifetime. It is both one of the hardest jobs and most rewarding jobs I've ever had. I'd like to start by thanking the people of District 9 for putting their trust in me to represent your voice on council. I'd like to thank my supporters and volunteers who worked so hard to deliver a resounding victory. I want to take a moment to give a special thank you to the 440. Your faith in me and your unwavering support means the world. I want to thank my staff, Anthony and Mia, for your tremendous job that you do every day here at city hall. I want you to know that that work did not go unnoticed as we moved through the district and talked to voters over and over again. What I heard was a tremendous level of service that you provided to residents. So, thank you for your commitment to District 9. I could not do this without the support of my friends and family. Knowing that you just that you aren't just in my circle, but you're in my corner means the world. When I'm exhausted and need an ear or a good laugh, you are always there. And last, but not least, I want to thank my daughters for graciously giving up time with their mom so that I can do this job. At the end of the day, I do this for them because I want to leave the city better than I found it for them. I love you both so much. To the residents of District 9, I look forward to the next two years of continuing to be your fierce advocate at city hall. I will continue to unapologetically hold this city and this council and this body accountable to you. From ensuring your tax dollars aren't wasted on frivolous spending to fighting the marginalized communities of our city or uh the marginalized communities in our cities. You have my word, I won't let up. You have my word I will continue to ruffle feathers on your behalf to call out the nonsense when I see it and ensure the city moves forward in a way that provides all members of this community a place to thrive. The next two years won't be easy. Budget cuts are on the horizon and the state and national elected officials are hellbent to rip the fabric that make this country, state, and community special apart. Through fear-mongering and gross overreaches of power, our ability to support residents in this community is under attack. Our ability to govern on behalf of our residents is under attack. I will not stand idly by and watch Fort Worth regress. You have my promise that I will fight to continue to support policies and projects that are good for all of Fort Worth, not the select few. You have my promise that I will lead courageously and do what's right, not what's politically easy. We will be called on as a community to make tough decisions about who we are and what we want to be. I call on my colleagues to choose to lead courageously for Fort Worth, to fight for all residents success, to create a welcoming and safe place for everyone to live, to have the conviction to speak out against people who seek to watch Fort Worth falter regardless of politics. Now is the time not to cower to political pressure, but to stand on our own two feet for the residents of Fort Worth. You have my promise that I will do the same with you. You have my word that I will continue to serve you with integrity and transparency. That I will always do what's right, not what's easy, and I will use my voice to speak for all residents of this city. Thank you for allowing me two more years. I look forward to spearheading redevelopment and economic prosperity across the district and ensuring residents have a safe and beautiful place to call home. To my constituents and to my colleagues, I look forward to moving Fort Worth forward together. [Applause] Council member Alan Bllelock, Council District 10. Thank you, Mayor Parker. I just want to say thank you so much to my family, my wife Mindy and my daughters Taran and Brena who have been incredibly supportive the entire time I ran and have served on council. Uh without their support, this would not be possible and I know that's true for all of us on council. It's our family and support system empower us to do what we do. I want to thank my team at the district office. O want to thank my district directors Tara Hol and Jacob Walker. Uh they field comments, concerns from residents of District 10 every day. I want to thank the neighborhood leaders uh in District 10 uh for their unceasing care for their communities, their willingness to work with us, uh their support uh that that means so much and makes our city better. I want to thank the voters of District 10 for trusting in me to serve two more years. It's truly an honor to be here. I look forward to doing great things with my fellow council members. The city is poised to be great and we can make it happen. [Applause] Council member Janette Martinez, Council District 11. Thank you, Mayor. Uh, mayor and council, I'd like to take the opportunity to introduce u a new addition to my team. I haven't had the opportunity in the past few meetings. So, I'd like to introduce to my colleagues, to everybody in attendance, our new district director in district 11, Natalie Lopez. Will you stand up, please, Natalie? We're so lucky to have Natalie and um very happy to have her on our team. Um, so I'd like to start by saying thank you to all those who supported and trusted in me for a second term. Serving District 11 has been an honor of a lifetime. Also want to thank thank those on my campaign team, my friends, my amazing city staff, Rachel who's not here today, Natalie of course, and family who I could not do this without. [Music] Here's to another two years serving the amazing residents of District 11 and city of Fort Worth. Thank [Applause] you. Thank you, council members. I think you can all attest that this disas really does reflect the greatness across the city of Fort Worth. Our city is 175 years old. It's hard to believe that. And for all the right reasons, our city continues to be recognized as a city on the move. Whether you call us funky town or cow town or the cities of cowboy and culture, I think all of those nicknames and then some really are the city of Fort Worth. We're imperfect, yes, and we still have our blemishes and flaws that we're working through. But I think right now, more than ever, we have an opportunity in this city to truly be an example in the United States of what it looks like to be a community that grapples with our problems with a level of decorum and focus on consensus building at all costs, never allowing partisanship to degrade what makes this city truly special. As this community gets close to cresting over 1 million people in population, each of us on this dis has a responsibility. A responsibility to make the city great. Yes, while we are in this season of public service, but possibly more importantly to ensure that the path we leave for the person that comes in our seat next is allowed to serve in a community that really is moving the right direction, which is forward. As each of us have mentioned, you cannot do this job without an amazing support system behind you. When I took office in 2021, I had a 5-year-old. Now, Laney is almost nine years old in just a few weeks, which is pretty amazing. To my other son, Grayson Parker, who's now taller than me at 14. You're so impressive and I'm so proud of you. To my sweet husband, David Parker, who is still stuck in Austin because of legislative session. Um, he really is an amazing leader for our family and I could not be in this level of service without his commitment to our family. I'm also joined tonight by my awesome brother Robbie Piery and his beautiful wife Michelle Piery. Thank you both for taking time to be here and being an amazing support system. And really importantly, Miss Lauren Wall is here tonight. She's leaving me to go back to San Diego. But here's what's a cool full circle moment. Lauren's dad is the chief of police in San Diego and she's been my nanny for almost three years here in the city and she's moving back to be with her family in San Diego. I mention that because it is amazing to me when you reach out in the community who really is serving in public service. I'd say this a lot when I'm speaking in this community and I'm actually serious when I say it. Please don't run for office to think that's the way to be a public servant. When I look out at this audience, each of you are serving in some capacity. Whether you're neighborhood leaders or teaching school or volunteering in church or just making this city great, it's the people of this city that truly do make it special. Each of us on this dis have an opportunity to travel on behalf of the city of Fort Worth, whether it's domestically or internationally. And I don't know about you, but when I come home, I'm so thankful to be back in Fort Worth. But I have a distinct sense of pride to be the mayor of this city at this time. a city that's 175 years old. Please allow me to say this. In the next two years, the effort we've made over the last four as your mayor will continue. But maybe we just need to lean in a little bit more. It's about quality of life for every single resident across the city of Fort Worth. It's the level of service that every single resident from district 5 to district 2 to district 7 to district 9, every resident deserves to feel a sense of pride, a sense of safety and belonging in our city. And as already been mentioned, it is a very interesting time to serve in public office. There is plenty of fighting going on in Washington and in Austin, but here in Fort Worth, we're getting things done for the right reasons. To each of my fellow council members, truly congratulations. Even on the hardest days, I'm so thankful to serve right along with you. We can be a better example together of what this community really means. We're now the fourth largest city in Texas. We passed the city of Austin and population just a few weeks ago. So, as we move forward over the next two years, we can't do it alone. Public service is a collective model across the community for each of you. Thank you for trusting me for another two years. It's hard for me to believe that four years has gone by so quickly. I'm incredibly proud to be your mayor. It's an honor of a lifetime and something I really do believe is sacred. And I wake up every single day to attempt my best ability to serve you and serve you well. God bless each of you. And again, it's go time in the city of Fort Worth. Thank you. At this time, we're going to now move into our other special presentations and recognitions. Our first will be done by Council Member Elizabeth Beck. Recognition for mental health month Okay, this all right, we got it. Ladies and gentlemen, May is mental health month and it is my distinct honor to uh read this special recognition on behalf of mental health month and then uh recognize some special folks that are here with us today. And I promise we we didn't all coordinate to wear green. So it just just happened that way. Okay. Whereas mental health is essential to the overall well-being and critical to the health of our communities, families, schools, and businesses. Therefore, it is vital to support individuals living with serious mental illnesses. And whereas in 2023, Tarant County reported a suicide rate of 12.7 per 100,000 uh people. And the National Center for Health Statistics survey found that 12.5% of US adults regularly experience feelings of worry, nervousness, and or anxiety. And whereas millions of adults and children are affected by disabling mental illnesses each year, yet only half of those with serious conditions seek treatment, often due to the stigma and feelings of shame. And whereas local organizations have led efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and behavioral health challenges while raising awareness of available tools and resources for prevention. And whereas Fort Worth is committed to becoming the healthiest city in the nation by by prioritizing mental health, supporting community advocates, and advancing innovative programs to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness. Now, therefore, the city of Fort Worth does hereby proclaim May as mental health awareness month. And I will give it over to Christina Judge. Thank you so much. Um, it's an honor to be here with you all today. I'm Christina Judge. I'm the executive director of Mental Health Connection. I'd like to acknowledge our board chair, Dr. Ashley Barnes, who is the CEO of Lita Pope, and our two other team members, Kim Brennan and Lauren Paul. We're small, but we're mighty. and also to acknowledge the 60 member agencies that are part of mental health connection. In 1999, Mental Health Connection was born out of tragedy after the Wedgewood Baptist Church shootings that left seven people dead, four of whom were children. Mayor Bar, Kenneth Bar, our mayor at the time, came together and the city of Fort Worth was our founding member. He gathered together groups of experts and stakeholders in we were born to serve Taran to serve Taran, excuse me, this to serve the city of Fort Worth and Taran County to make sure that all of our member agencies are working together in an effort to streamline access to mental health services. Currently, right now, as part of our strategic plan, we're working on a mental health workforce initiative to support our service providers and those who also provide support services with trainings, educations, continuing education credits as well as ser certifications so that our mental health workforce here in Tarant County can advance their careers and get the skills and tools they need to be effective. Thank you. [Applause] Our next recognition will be Council Member Michael Crane, honor of World Arxia Day. Uh, thank you, mayor. Um, who knows what a praxi is? Raise your hand. I didn't either. So, I'm glad this is the reason we're doing this today. This is Kendra Frank and Elliot. You'll say hi. I'll give you a chance to talk in just a second, but Araxia is a rare but severe motor planning disorder that affects a child's ability. And tomorrow is is a praxia awareness day. Okay. So, I have a resolution or a special recognition. I'm not going to read it, but I want to tell you that um it the it affects the the child's ability to accurately plan, sequence, and execute the movements needed for intelligible speech. This means while children with the practicing know what they want to say, their brains have difficulty telling their mouths how to move to make those words come out clearly. It affects about one in 10,000 children. And early identification intervention are crucial for improving outcomes. Children with araxia often face frustration and embarrassment because of their speech difficulties which can impact their confidence and social interactions. That's why a strong support system a family speech language pathologists teachers and peer is essential for their progress and well-being. So the mission of a praxia awareness today is to ensure that every child with arraia has the ability or the has the opportunity to reach their highest communication potential through accurate d diagnosis and effective support. This day, this day is about uniting our community, sharing resources, and advocating for children with araxia like Elliot here at every level through events, proclamations, and outreach. Today, I want to especially honor Kendra Frank and her son Elliot. Kendra's dedication to raising awareness. Is it can we put the the member I'm I'm sorry with the craziness of the last couple hours, we just forgot to load it. Okay. So, I'll let you explain what you've done. It exists in Dream Park, but it's a communication board. Uh well yes uh providing resources for non-verbal children adults that made a lasting impact in Fort Worth. Her advocacy ensures that every child like Elliot has a voice and the support they need to thrive. So do you want to say a few words on behalf of Elliot? Sure. Thank you all so much. Um Elliot has a praxia but we've been we started our a nonprofit called Elliot's voice and we've been advocating all over Fort Worth for public places to have their own communication board. So now the Fort Worth Zoo, Damon Carter Museum, Kimble Art Museum, the Museum of Science and History, uh where oh the Botanic Gardens, they all have their own communication board. So when he goes, he doesn't he has a voice and I don't have to bring his electronic because they can break and it's already there for us. And we believe every public place should have one. And I'm a mom on a mission and I won't stop till it's done. Thank you, Ken. Appreciate you. Thank you. How are you? Thank you. Congratulations. Can I give this to you? Yes. Take that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all for being here. Next will be items to be withdrawn from the consent agenda. We have none. Items to be continued or withdrawn by staff. MC25-0427 shall be withdrawn from the agenda. So the public hearing will be held but action will be continued to the May 20th council due date and MNC 2500388 will be withdrawn from the council agenda and council will be asked to vote on the revised MNC 2550388. Janette, just for my clarity, ZC 24132. Yes, that is going to be continued June 10th. June 10th. Okay. Thank you. As well. Okay. At this time, I believe we can take our consent agenda speakers. Do have a few. Our first is Belleia Jordan would be f followed by Quinton Plamer who it did note only if opposition. So there likely is none on that concentr. Adrien Smith. Adrien Smith will be followed by Chris Wood. Adrien Smith, District 6. I am one with the people. So, I'm up tonight to speak on agenda item 25-0443 and 25-0446. These particular agenda items is stating that you all are seeking uh possible grants from the Texas Department of Transportation. And the amounts are listed here for one $428,000. The other is listed at $122,000, but I'm more or less coming up to speak on the city's part that they had to play in this particular uh request. So the city's uh requested $86,000 for one and the other is 25,000 to match. That's the city's part. These funds are due to come from the CCPD fund. And this is what I'm speaking to. $111,000 is to be transferred from the Crime Prevention District Fund, CCPD. Considering it hasn't produced the results necessary for change that it's been designated for, designated for, I will be one to welcome it. Why not go further? Why not go further and do away with the entire program? The transfer of funding from the program from one the transfer of funding from the program for other means deemed necessary speaks to the failures it's been. The mission partners haven't produced anything valuable for communities that are plagued with crime and violence. thus making one question if this is nothing more than a funneling of taxpayer dollars to certain individuals in the name of kickbacks. Then there's the board of directors which are you all excluding Miss Peoples. She's just come she just come aboard but she I'm sure she'll be added but excluding Miss People at the moment. The board of directors which is you all who sit before us who haven't uttered a word of accountability, transparency or true results from the said mission partners. Shame on you. In the mission partners, it's a long list of them. I won't go through them. It's a long list of them. Typically, when you call certain people's name out, they get offended. So, I won't I won't go through the missions. Partners, listen. But I am for this particular agenda item. Cool. Transfer the funds. Transfer all the funds out of out of the CCPD. My last statement is with my last 29 seconds. Never defund law enforcement. I'm never one to say defund law enforcement. I support law enforcement, but the CCPD fund defund defund the crime control prevention district fund. Thank you. Our next speaker is Chris Wood. Hi, I'm Chris Wood from District 9. I support the use of $500,000 to purchase medical supplies for the fire department. Adequate supplies are necessary to deliver quality care and support public health. In order to help ensure that firefighters appropriately use these supplies, it is of paramount importance that firefighters be in top physical and mental health. So it is over it is crucial to overcome the significant stigma that exists which stops some firefighters from seeking mental health when needed. This stigma stems from societal and internal expectations for firefighters to be superhumanly strong and resilient, leading to fears of career repercussions, negative peer perception, and ultimately delayed or avoided mental health support. Firefighters face mental health challenges like PTSD and burnout from traumatic incidents, plus the challenge of maintaining their mental well-being amidst demanding workloads and the constant threat of injury or death. Some firefighters may turn to substance abuse to cope with the stress and trauma of the job. The Fort Worth Fire Department and Police Department have partnered to offer mental health support for first responders, including firefighters. This program called the R3 program, respond restore resolve provides access to various resources like counseling, wellness training, and peer support. The program also aims to destigmatize mental health discussions and encourage first responders to prioritize their well-being. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, some Fort Worth firefighters still face a stigma about seeking mental health help due to the perception that it may be seen as a weakness. So, thank you for supporting both the supplies and mental health needs of the Fort Worth firefighters. And please help ensure help ensure all firefighters feel validated seeking necessary mental health support. Thank you, council. Well, that's the conclusion of our speakers. I can entertain a motion on the consent agenda. A motion and a second. Any discussion? Please vote. Motion carries. Mayor, that gets us to the non-consent speakers. Thank you. Um, our first up would be Justin Wells, listed only if there's opposition. Justin, you'll be followed by Mike Brennan. There's no opposition. Just letting you know. Yeah, I I figured it'd be helpful for me to still speak. My name is Justin Wells. Um, uh, 550 Bailey Avenue. I'm with Dunaway Associates representing uh Cook Children's on the speaking item. The MNC number is M andC25-0399. Um if you're looking at the item, you can see there's several vacations that we're requesting approval on. Uh really this is all a major milestone for Cook Children's as they begin uh a very large expansion for their campus. Um, just want to kind of talk through that a little bit more on the vacation side, but then also why and what Cook has planned. Um, and so one thing that I do want to clarify is there are some pretty large streets that we're planning on vacating uh, Terrell Avenue and Cooper. Terrell Avenue, we understand that that is a major corridor not only for Cook Children's but for Texas Health. And so with that, while we're requesting to vacate the ride ofway, it will retain as a public access easement. That helps ensure that Texas Health also will continue to have access from 8th Avenue to their main campus. So their uh their corridor here will actually be unimpacted. Um the reason for the vacation though is really to give the most flexibility for Cook Children's for their major expansion. Um we had a groundbreaking earlier this morning or this morning I should say and uh with that you know it really kicks off a very large medical tower uh roughly the size of 760,000 square feet uh one of the largest expansions that they've undergone and really it's the main purpose is to provide extreme uh needed care for the community the city we understand as Fort Worth grows uh so does the medical need and so Cook Children's has stood up to accept that challenge and with this you know it will allow for the expansion of several critical care units to help provide that care for the community. And so with that um I'm happy to answer any questions you may have but thank you for your time continued support and request your approval. Thank you Justin. Our next speaker is Mike Brennan. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Since there isn't any opposition, I just wanted to express support. Um, but I'll yield the rest of my time. Thank you, Mike. Our next speaker on non-conent agenda items is Bob Willoughby and Mr. Willoughby, but followed by Adrienne Smith. This is on resolution uh appointing Deborah Peoples as a member of the uh board of central nonprofit corporation. Anyway, what I'm really curious about is how do you how do you do a process on choosing people? Do they have to be a council member? you charge to choose anybody because I would want the most qualified people for this job. And Deborah Peoples has never ever attended a council meeting, a board meeting. She's never done her civot duty. You know, a lot of people here don't do their civot duty at all. They should be doing it. And they don't do it. At least they didn't run for counsel. I would think anybody that runs for that spot are at least be doing their civot duty first. You know, there's other people that do this job a lot better and you should be hitting people by qualification. Chris Woods said she would do it and she's been doing her civic duty more than Deborah Peoples have. So, why don't you consider her or let us know how you do this process so we can get the best people in these spots, the most qualified, the most educated in these spots, not people that don't know what the hell's going on. I appreciate that very much because that's what we got here. We don't we don't uh you know what I'm not being ugly. It's just that these people don't have no respect for you, me, or the city. They don't have no respect for us. Because if you had respect, you would be down here and you'd be fighting to put free speech back here tonight. It's not here. Point of order. Not Germaine Bob. That's not a board of that's talking about this. Bob, if you just want to focus on this resolution that it is just about this resolution. It's about de people being there. It's about Deborah People's character why she's not qualified because she's never came down here to defend free speech. A personal attack. You're done, man. Yeah. Bob, anything else? It's good to see you. You see the free speech here? Uh Mr. Smith is our next speaker. So let me let me begin first by asking this may council please to res restore remote speaking. There are people who possibly would like to call in to give voice to the issues that you Adrian you got to stick to the issue here. What you got? Please uh restore remote speaking 25-0405. Please do not patronize me. So this is in regards to the issue. Hey Adrian, guess what? Time's expired, bud. It's good to see you. Issuance move on. Thank you. Time's expired. City bonds are nothing more done. Thank you, Adrian. We're going to keep moving. We got changes in boards and memberships and commissions. 25-5061, board appointment district 6. Council member Williams. Sorry, I got distracted. Forgive me. Um, I request your consideration to appoint the following individual to the board listed below with the partial term effective May 13, 2025 and ending October 1st, 2026. Myra Myra Mills Sheerhart partial term zoning commission or Alliance Airport zoning commission. The respective application and resume are attached. The original copy will be maintained in the city secretary's office. Respectfully request your support. Second, please vote. Motion carries. Our next will be 25-5088, board appointments from district 8. Council member Nettles. Yes, mayor and council. I request your consideration to appoint the following individuals to the board listed below with the part um term effective May 13, 2025 ending October 1st, 2026. Jerome Johnson to the parks and recreation advisory board. Motion and a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. Next up, we have resolution 25-5101. Motion a second. Please vote. Who made the Who made the motion? Council member Crane. Motion carries. Moving to resolution 25-5102. Got a motion and a second. Council please vote. Motion carries. Moving to resolution 25-5091 and it's revised as noted in your packet. Motion and a second. Please vote. Motion carries. Resolution 25-5092. Got a motion in a second. That was council member Crane if you couldn't hear it. Motion carries. 25-5093. Council member Crane, you may want this one. Yeah, I do. I have a a resolution. Someone actually contacted our office this morning. You want to be added to this zoning change? Just for information, this will go to the zoning commission their next meeting and then back to us before the end of June. This is just a resolution to keep that moving forward. Move to approve resolution number 25-5093 with the following amendments. Amend the sixth whereas clause to state the following. Whereas the properties are zoned as A 43 one family district CR low density multif family C multi-density medium density multif family D high density multif family and E neighborhood commercial which potentially limits the redevelopment of the area and A or amend the eighth whereas clause to state the following. Whereas staff recommends reszoning the properties depicted in exhibit A from A43 one family district CR low density multif family C medium density multif family E neighborhood commercial and D high density multif family to MU1 lowdensity mixeduse district. Amend the paragraph authorizing the city manager to initiate the zoning change to include 9015 North Normandell Street from A43 one family district to MU1 lowdensity mixeduse. Amend exhibit A of the resolution to add the property located at 9015 North Normandell Street to the proposed resoning area. That's my motion. Got a motion and a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. Resolution 25-5094. Council Beck. Motion in a second. Motion carries. Now moving to public hearings. Um MNC25-0422 staff is available for questions. Crystal Hinosa is available. There any This is our new process, correct, Lean? So we're not going to go through full Okay. Thank you. Got a motion. Motion in a second. Do you need more specifics, Lean? A motion to public close the public hearing. That's fine. We're good. Thank you, Michael. Got a motion, a second. Any other discussion? Not please vote. Thank you, Jay. Our next is MNC uh 25-0423, which is staff is Michael Hinnick is available if you have questions. Any questions, council? If not, we can entertain a motion. Who to approve and close the public hearing? Got a motion, a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. Council, next we have MNC 2500427. And just for clarity, the public hearing we conducted, but action by the council will actually continue until May 20th, 2025. And Kelly Porter is available with any questions. Are there any? We need a motion to continue to May 20th. Is that correct? I'll move to continue to the MNC to May 20th, 2025. Thank you. Second. Got a motion to second. Please vote. Motion carries. M andc2-0398. Can Derek Holes available if there are any questions? Entertain a motion if there are none. A move for approval. Really excited about it. Thank you, Jar. Got a motion and a second. Any other discussion, councel? If not, please vote. Motion carries. Now moving into zoning. Zoning case ZC 24132. This is going to be continued by staff to June 10th, 2025. Do we need a motion to continue? No. Thank you. ZC 24173. We have the speaker on this item, Adrien Smith. Thank you, Lord, for laughter. So although the zoning commission has already um made its decision on voting against this particular zoning case, um I would have to be in agreement with them. Um and it's not because of the type of service or it's not because of what the applicant is seeking to do with the property. He's he's wanted to um uh establish a halfway house at this particular location. and it states that um there were already it was already been used for uh younger adults. However, the the applicant is wanting to establish a halfway house in the state for 19 individuals. However, in this particular uh area, we know it's nothing but uh a duplex community, you know. So, and that area hasn't received the necessary funding and dollars for it to bring it up. So I think putting a halfway house in a already troubled area will only take from the livelihoods of those individuals who rely on the halfway house to try to get themselves back, you know, within society's norms of living. So to the applicant, if you're here, if you're listening, of course, of course, of course, the zoning commission has already denied it. But I want to encourage you to find a place within this city that's not already within an area that has all of these things that just sucks the life out of people because of the lack of concern and investments and considerations for the people. Now, I'm for the betterment of anyone's livelihood and regardless if they have a criminal record or background. I feel like anyone can be rehabilitated. So again, to the applicant, I want to encourage you. Um there's enough space within the city. try to get to know the neighborhood associations uh of a particular area before you consider your next move and see if it'll be something that they will welcome into their community. Uh hopefully the greater Westside area will receive the necessary funding to uh restore life into the people of that area because it's it's gone for it's it's it has gone without for so long and I think we can do better than we've been doing. Thank you. Thanks, Adrian. For clarification, are you for or against this actual zoning change? I'm I'm in agreement with the zoning commission. That's why you made my decision even easier. I was going to deny this with prejudice, but I'm actually going to uh make a motion to uh move this to the June 24th so I can talk with the applicant. Thank you very much. That's my motion. Second. Got a motion and a second. Council, any other discussion? If not, please vote. Motion. Motion approved. Moving to ZC25- Z008 and council district 5. We have two speakers on this. Council member Peoples. The first is David Gregory followed by Adrien Smith. Mr. Gregory present. No. Next would be Adrien Smith. Oh, hi. I'm sorry. Mr. Mr. Gregory, you can go first and then Smith. Sorry about that. I didn't see you get up. Good afternoon. David Gregory, DCG Engineering, 1668 Teller Parkway, Sweet 100 Killer Texas 76248. I'm here representing Mr. New and his properties. Uh, this particular piece of property is uh approximately 39.35 acres. It is a currently undeveloped piece of property that has been zoned for uh mining in the past. On our master plans for this uh Triny Lakes development as a whole, this has always been designated to be a single family residential property. We met with uh the neighborhood associations multiple times, believe that we have all their buyin and support. Um, and we would just really uh be honored if you would grant us the the zoning so we can produce another high quality single family residential neighborhood. Be happy to answer any questions you would have. Thank you, Mr. Gregory. Any questions? Council member Peoples. No. Next speaker, Adrien Smith. So, speaking to this particular zoning um initiative, the zoning commission has already voted 90. All I'm up here to do is to ask the applicant to be hopefully to be a good neighbor to the community. And I say that because when I read the language uh from PD224 uh plan development specific use for all existing zoning categories plus sand and gravel mining that kind of just kicked off in my head that the possibility of a bait and switch could happen. So to the applicant, hopefully I saw what appears to be what you're considering bringing online. Hopefully you will be a good uh a good neighbor to this the community that's already there. There's a lot of land that that's that's due to be that's undeveloped and hopefully you will be a good neighbor to them. Do not do a bait and switch. I've seen it happen on numerous occasions where we vote something in as it relates to zoning only to come back with where is it at amendments because you know if you have to put amendments behind something that it means something is wrong with that. So hopefully again to the applicant kudos to you for wanting to bring on home ownership. Kudos to you. But again, please be a good neighbor because I am one who believes in not taking individuals for granted. Respect. To get respect, you have to give respect. And you are being you are being entrusted with this. You do good on this development. I don't know what other developments you've already had with the city, but if this is your first, you do good on this one, I'm sure they'll give you another one. Well, let's be a good neighbor. That's the conclusion of our speakers. See you at the next meeting. Mayor Parker, we're peoples. I can entertain a motion. Oh. Uh, I want to be a good neighbor, too. And I'd like to recommend that we approve this motion. Got a motion in a second. Please vote. Motion carries. Moving to ZC25-022. Council member Williams. Um yes, thank you. I'm really excited to be able to bring more commercial development to District 6. Um although I'm going to um amend the motion um to correct um the agenda. Um I move to approve um ZC25-022 with the following amended language. PDE plan development for all uses in E neighborhood commercial excluding auto parts and supply and auto repair adjoining a residential district, liquor store, package store, bar club, massage, parlors, tobacco, smoke and vape shops and site plan required. Second. Got a motion to second. Any other discussion? Council, please vote. Motion carries. ZC25023. Council member Williams, I mean council member Martinez. We have one speaker on this item, Miguel Cortez. Second. Motion to second. Please vote. Motion carries. ZC25044. Council member Martinez. Motion in a second. Please vote. Motion carries. ZC25046. Council member Flores. This is for a Shakespearean group that's going to call uh District 2 home. That is a community theater. So, as Shakespeare would say, I moveth to approveth. You did not just do that. That was great. Motion in a second. Please vote. Who was the second? That's hilarious. Okay. Thank you. I know. He's been Were you sitting over there waiting over there, Carlos? Yeah. Motion. Motion carries. Did you have it written down? Be honest. Okay. Okay. Okay. Sorry. We're we we're losing it up here. Uh ZC25048. Council member Hill. We do have one speaker on this item, Juan Vasquez. Was for the item. So yeah, Mr. Bask is here. I don't know. Mr. Hi, Mr. Bask. Come on down. I'm going to approve it. So if you can save your words or you're welcome to come up if you want. He likes it. Thumbs up. Okay, good. I'm going to move to approve as amended to only allow tire and wheel sales installation and repair. Motion in a second. Please vote. Motion carries. ZC25049. Council member Nettles. Yes. Is Abdur here? Okay. He may not be. I'm moving to continue this to the next zoning case to have further discussion with him in the neighborhood. Motion a second. Do you need a date on that? Is it June 10th for zoning? Can somebody be We're good. Okay, please vote. Motion carries. Moving to ZC25052. Council member Larsorf. We have two speakers. Only if there's opposition. I do not have any questions, but I I would like to ask the developers to be part of the process in determining how stealthy the stealth tower is. It just sounds super cool, so I would just like to be part of that. Um, and thank Westwood and Hillwood for being good partners up north. So, thanks for coming out. Move to approve. Motion and a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. Next is MNC 25-0391. Entertain a motion. Councel got a motion and a second with enthusiasm. Please vote. Motion carries. MNC250405. Entertain a motion. Council motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries. MNC25-0416. Motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries. MNC25-0417. Motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries. MNC25-0419. Motion and a second. Please vote. Motion carries. MNC25-0420. Motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries. MNC2-0421. Yes, this is the MNC I talked about earlier. We're one step closer to the Evans and Rosedale project with Royal Capital. And so I move to approve. Got a motion and a second. Council, please vote. Thank you, Robert, and all those that helped on that. You miss us yet, Robert? Oh, yeah, he does. I can just tell. M andc 25. Motion carries. M andc2-0399. Um, and council, I will recuse on this item due to my employment with Cook Children's. Getting chain a motion. Got it. Council member Beck. Motion and a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. Looks like MNC25-0388 was with Ron R staff. So we'll move to 25 the revised version 23 25-0388. Entertain a motion motion and a second. Councel please vote. Try one more time, Alan. Thank you. And motion carries. And with that, council meeting is adjourned. But first, she's gonna hate this. We're gonna sing happy birthday to Macy Hill. And I can feel her getting mad at me, but it's her birthday. Yes. Okay. So, all together now. Happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Macy. Happy birthday to you. Okay, now I'm eating a germ. Thank you.