Well, good morning everyone and welcome to city council chambers. We're glad to have you here today. Good morning, city council. Good morning, Miss Prime. We're ready to go. >> Yes, sir. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the presentation of the mayor's proclamations. We begin this morning with a pledge of allegiance led by Imperial Border Squad, Desert Inferno Squad. At the invitation of City Representative Diana Maldonado Rocha, we have Greg Throjillo and Haime Valva. stands nationy for all. Let's get right here. All right. One two three. [applause] That brings us to the proclamations. And the first proclamation is Sunbolt Association annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl football game. >> All right. [applause] >> Good morning everyone. represent Nino. >> Thank you, Mayor. It's going to be a great proclamation. [laughter] Proclamation for the city of El Paso, Texas. Whereas the Somal Association has served as guide to enhancing the lives of the citizens of El Paso for 92 years. And the Tony the Tiger Somball is known throughout the country as one of hospitality professionalism fun and excitement. And whereas the annual Tony the Tiger Somball has grown to be the largest single sporting event in the city as well as one of the topped entertainment values while showcasing the city on CBS on a national television audience for 57 years. And whereas the Tony the Tiger sumball with Duke Blue Devils versus the Arizona State Sundevils as participants in this year annual contest at noon on Wednesday, December 31st continues to showcase the city of El Paso on a national stage with outstanding football teams, their fans, families, and supporters right here in the Sun City. And whereas the Tony the Tiger Somal sponsors by Kelloggs, Somal executive director Bernie Olivas, the Somal President Tamara Gladowski and board of directors and the Somal Queen and Court worked to make this a football game that is embraced by the citizens of El Paso as their own and reserves as a great backdrop to the city, the people, and the culture of El Paso, Texas. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and the council of the city of El Paso, Texas, that the week of December 28th shall be known as Tony the Tiger Somb. Congratulations. Signed by the mayor, [applause] Renard Johnson. >> Good morning. Good morning, Bernie. >> Good morning. Uh [clears throat] Bernie Olivas, executive for the Sun Bowl mayor, city council, and everybody. Thank you very much for that proclamation. We really we really appreciate it. And I just want to reiterate why the Sumble exists to begin with. Three main reasons that the Sun Bowl exists. Number one is to give the citizens of El Paso a quality event. If anybody's ever gone to Sun Bowl, I think it's a pretty neat event for the city. Number two, to give El Paso some positive national attention. And for 57 consecutive years, CBS does nothing for four hours does nothing but sing the praises of our city nationwide. And third of all, most importantly, is the economic impact that the sumble brings to the city of El Paso and surrounding area. Up to $25 million in one week that our that our visitors that follow their teams, they come in, they stay in our hotels, they eat in our restaurants, they shop at our stores. And those are the three main reasons that the sumble exists for 92 years. So, we're extremely happy again to put this uh put this on. Uh behind me I brought some very important people associated with the sumble. Our president Tamar Galikowski, our queen Caroline man and our lady in waiting Janna East Milan. And I'd like for our president to maybe say a couple of words about the matchup that we have and how great a game it's going to be. >> Absolutely. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. Thank you Bernie. We are so excited. We are going to have a tremendous, tremendous game. As you all know, we have the Arizona State Sundevils facing off against the Duke Blue Devils. Um, both teams have eight wins. Uh, Arizona State was in the playoffs last year and Duke pulled up an upset uh win over Virginia to get the ACC championship. So, it's going to be an amazing matchup. We appreciate city council's support of this event. It's huge. >> Excuse [clears throat] me. What differentiates the Sun Bowl from other bowls is people are in the stands. It's in the enthusiasm of El Paso that we showcase each and every year. So, we look forward to seeing you all there. >> Very good. [applause] >> Good morning, >> everyone. My name is Caroline Man. I'm this year's Sun Queen. I'm so honored to be here this morning. Thank you so much for having us. And I just wanted to on behalf of the Sunbull Association and my lady in waiting Jenny say thank you to the city of El Paso for all they do for the Sunbull Association and we love having it [clears throat] in El Paso. >> All right, fantastic. >> [applause] >> Hi everyone, my name is Jenna and I just want to thank you all for um you know supporting us endlessly and you know with Caroline leading our court, we are super excited to be a part of the Sumble Association and we're excited to see everyone December 31st. >> Tony, you got anything to say? [laughter] Thank you very much for for this, you know, for this proclamation, for this honor, and I hope to see you all at the game. Uh, like I said, we have tickets for all of you. Uh, I should have brought them, and I forgot them on my desk. >> Wow. >> But anyway, you're all invited, invited to the game, and I'll make sure you all get your tickets uh for the game. And uh I hopefully the weather is going to be the way it has been for the last few months. We've had tremendous weather. We also have a couple of gifts for you. If you indulge us, we'd like to pass out some things. >> Sure. Sure. >> Thank you. >> And Bernie, again, thank you guys for all that you do and and uh putting El Paso on the map and getting us recognized nationally and for the the tremendous amount of economic development that the Sunbold does create for our region. But Bernie, I do want you to talk about all the volunteers that it takes to put this event on and and all the people that stand behind you. I I know Wayne Thornton's here and he's behind the camera this time, but tell me about all the volunteers and the great people that work with you. Yeah, and Wayne is is a past president of the Sumble Association, but you know, there's only seven full-time employees of the Sumble to put on the 16 events that we put out throughout the year. We could not survive if we had 700 volunteers that help us put all these humble events together. 700 volunteers free of, you know, free of pay. We don't pay them, but they're they all have the same passion for El Paso that we do. And that's why they do it. They don't do it for us. They don't do it for Stumble. Don't don't do it for anybody but for the city. So, thank you for for allowing me to recognize the volunteers, 700 of them to begin the year. We got about 400 of them already working the football game. Uh right now there's a ton of them, you know, getting the field ready. That field will be transformed from the UT field to the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl field is one of the best logos in football. And all my colleagues at the other bowls, they tell me the same thing. Boys, you guys killed it with that logo. Yeah. Which reminds me, a great big thanks to Kelloggs themselves. You know, without them, we wouldn't be able to be doing this. uh they've been tremendous sponsors and we've had tremendous sponsors all the way from Wells Fargo and 86 all the way through through Westar I mean through uh uh Wells Fargo and Norwest and uh of course you know Brute and uh Vitalis from you know Helen of Troy and of course Hyundai was our Tal sponsor for nine years and now Kelloggs has been going on for six years and hope we can keep them for a longer time but even if they don't they have been a tremendous sponsor like I said they love El Paso as as well. So, we'll see what happens. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, city council. >> Congratulations, you guys. Congratulations. [applause] >> We have some t-shirts and some hats and they're different sizes. So, we'll hand one out and you all can exchange [laughter] get the right sizes. [snorts] and shake the hand. Yeah. Go up and shake hands. Should I ask separately. Use the ladder. Mr. Tiger, >> Mr. Tiger, >> more formal cutie. Can I get you? You're very And the next proclamation is Desert Inferno Imperial Border Squad D. >> Okay. Representative Roachcha. >> Thank you. They have a dramatic entrance. As you wish. [laughter] [laughter] >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Good morning, Representative Rocha. >> Thank you. And since this is our last meeting of the year, I just want to um really thank all of council for all your amazing proclamations this year. Uh we've attended them, we've celebrated them, all the organizations, everybody that we have out here um that supports citizens within the city, within the county, within the region. So, thank you all for having such doing such a great job this year. But this group right here is uh does really amazing work. And so I want to be able to read this proclamation so that you all understand how impactful this group really is within within our region. Whereas the Imperial Border Squad, an affiliate of Stormtrooper Ranch and Desert Inferno Squad, an affiliate of the Star Garrison of the 501st Legion, bring joy to Star Wars fans of all ages through costumeuming, community engagement, and charitable appearances. And whereas the Stormtrooper Ranch was established in 2018 and de Desert Inferno Squad was established in 2020 with the mission to uphold the call to be bad guys doing good by working harmoniously with partner groups such as Rebel Legion, Mandalorian Mercs, Droid Builders within the area for the betterment of the community and local charities. And whereas the Imperial Border Squad has volunteered countless hours at events that bring happiness and hope to children and children at heart, including appearances at the El Paso Children's Hospital, the Makea-Wish Foundation, and other community centered celebrations. And whereas the group's commitment to uplifting spirits by sharing their passion for Star Wars with character portrayals and inclusive programming has made them a beloved presence at events throughout the western deserts of Texas. And whereas the Imperial Border Squad not only fosters community connection through shared fandom, but also serves as a model for volunteerism, creativity, and compassion for all. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso, that the Imperial Border Squad and Desert Inferno Squad be formally recognized for their outstanding contributions to the cultural and social fabric of community and their continued efforts to bring light and imagination to residents of all ages. December 16th, 2025 shall be known as Desert Inferno Imperial Border Squad Day, signed by the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson. [applause] >> Good morning, guys. >> Good morning. >> The floor is yours. >> Good morning. My name is Haime Viala and behind me are members of the Imperial Border Squad and 50 First U. Garrison Legion that you spoke of. It's a tremendous opportunity to be here. It's a reward we never thought, dreamed, or imagined. And when we talk about dreams and imagination, you see behind me, that's all we think about all days. What nerdy things, what geeky things we're going to do, what cool costume someone has, how did you make this, how did you make that? But that's exactly the enthusiasm we take everywhere we go. But by the time we leave here, I want I hope that you have that you remember us with two words or by two words. But before I get there, I'm going to tell you a little bit about us. What started out with one person, then the second person, then the third person grew into three clubs in El Paso. It's odd the state of Texas because we become so big and such a communitydriven program, if you will, support group unspoken of. We are a charity. We cannot accept rewards or donations. So this is all us. This is time away from work. This is time away from our families. This is financial. What we do all for the smiles. Everything you all experienced this morning. Taking pictures is exactly what we look forward to every time we go to the hospitals. Make a wish. We visited terminal kids at home orphanages social uh media, community events, epilepsy walks, Alzheimer's walks. It's endless what we do here. And this is the biggest reward we ask for. When we go to someone's event, the the joke is all we want is a room to change in, a bathroom hopefully, and water. So to get this recognition is priceless. It's something that we never would have dreamed of or imagined. So, I leave it at that. What started out as three individuals with a dream has turned into a family of over 90. So, when you think of Star Wars El Paso and the rest of Texas when they think of Star Wars El Paso, I hope that you remember family and community because that's exactly what we are. >> Wow. Fantastic. [applause] On behalf of both of the groups up here, I also wanted to extend a thank you to the entire city council and the mayor, especially to to Miss Roachcha for bestowing this honor upon us. Like he said, we didn't expect or or ever think that this was going to happen. We got into this just to give back to the city and to do it maybe in a different way, a little bit fun way having to cosplay, but was it was a love that we have that we share with the community, but then we found out we can do some charitable things and bring attention to some important things in the city. So, I wanted to thank not only Haime because it was his brainchild that kind of started it and then he brought me in and he he was kind enough to let me go crazy with it and this is kind of the result. And so, I'm very appreciative. But I also want to thank Eric Dick, Stormtrooper Ranch. He's the founder of that. He trusted us to do something a little different than what everybody else was doing in his his group and he has let us just kind of write it out and we really appreciate his support for that. But I also want to thank all members, past and present, for their time, their contributions, um, for coming in and and and doing all the things they do for the city. And, you know, you have to be a person that's willing to give up your time. And that's not always an easy ask. So, the fact that they're willing to do that, I'm very appreciative. And I can't leave out my wife. I know she's hiding somewhere in here, but I couldn't have done that without her. She's the one that uh got me the first costume and kind of started us on this path. So, it's kind of her fault and [laughter] in a way, but I just want to thank you and everybody in the city of El Paso for being so kind and accepting of us, and we're hoping to do more with the city and and continue to grow and give back in whatever way we can possible. >> Wow. [applause] >> Representative um Fiero, >> thank you so much, Mayor. you know, thank you all for being here and and the joy and the smiles that you bring to this room and to the the the fellow council members. I cannot thank you enough. This is exciting. I do have a question for Representative um Maldonado. Is there a reason you gave me Yoda? [laughter] >> Thank you, Mayor. >> Was that Yoda or was that Grou? >> It's Grou. >> Was it Grou? See? >> Is that Does that mean it's even smaller? [laughter] >> So, it's a double burn. [laughter] >> Thank you, >> represent Rocha. >> And not on purpose, by the way. Repro, so sorry staff. My gosh, embarrassing. No, I just wanted to thank you all and and just really quick, thank you for everything that you do. I came across this group uh doing the human trafficking walk earlier this year and it was amazing to have you all out there and see you out there uh with the participants and just really engaging with everybody. Then come to find out everything that you do. You know, those that are attached to um the the orphanages and the children's hospitals and Makea-Wish Foundation, they all know what you all do for for those kids in the community. that includes the parents and all the support that that these um that these children receive. So, I just wanted to thank you, but I do have to say I've known Greg since gosh, >> for a really long time. And I we didn't know we didn't know it at the time, but Katherine Longoria, she's Oh, there she is. Yes, >> she Oh, Katherine, sorry. [laughter] Sorry. Sorry, Katherine. >> Oh, there she is. Okay. So any so um anyways we were we were at uh a location earlier this week and come to find out that we were talking about the same person and I won't go into how we how I didn't know him by his name but other than that I'll just say that we've known each other for a long time. He played baseball with my brother for many many years and uh his brother has has been a friend of mine I would like to thank for many years as well. So, it's good to see you. It really is great to see you and we'll be back. >> Yeah. >> Small world circle. >> Yes. Absolutely. So, thank you all for everything you do. I really appreciate it. >> And and what a treat, Greg and and Haimey, you guys have delivered for this community. Thank you for uplifting El Paso and the entire Borderland community and all that you do. And we feel the passion from each and every one of you. You know, earlier you were telling me some of the costumes were made with 3D printing and and the hours that it takes to to get to where they're at and and and we can't thank you guys enough. And it's amazing that you started with three and it's grown to where it is today. And you guys are throughout Texas and doing the things that you're doing. But I would like to, you know, and we'll never forget the family and community. I mean, you said it best and we won't forget that. But for those that can speak, maybe they can come by and introduce themselves. And those that can't can still >> I'll introduce the ones in the helmet and then I'll let the others that don't have a helmet on. >> Okay. >> Then we have Sonia. She's one of our Jawas here. She's very enthusiastic, very hyper diaper. >> Um we have Reagan. He's one of our five Vaders. >> We have Zavandra. She is Captain Fasma and also a gunner and a um >> Maul >> Maul. And then we have Ed Brown. He's our Balin and also one of our other Vaders. Um, and then we have I'll let >> David Lardy Savo. I'm Captain Han Solo and I'm just in it for the money. [laughter] >> Morning everybody. I'm Liz Veles. I cosplay as uh Ray Skywalker. >> So yeah, and like we could go on and on. All these people have costumes here. And we have Aiden. He's also He will never show his face. He's very serious in his character. I've known him four years now and I still haven't seen his face. [laughter] It's very frustrating. Um, and then we have all our friends back here that are also participants and they don't have their costumes all the day, but they came out to support and they took time off work to just come out and hang out with us. >> We're very appreciative of them. This is our second family. Really, honestly, we hang out on our own. We're going to have a big party next week for Christmas because we like hanging out with each other. Despite the fact that we're cosplayers, we still like each other outside of that. And the one thing I also want to like you said family community the one thing that I I think that's amazing about this group we have political ideologies from both end of the spectrums religious ideologies from both end of the spectrums but somehow in the middle none of that matters because it's all about community and family and we put all that aside and we come together as a group and remember that you have to be a decent person to come out to do this and that we should just care about each other and not worry about all that other noise. >> Absolutely well said. Thank you guys. Congratulations. [applause] Oh, yes. We're going to take Oh good. >> Excellent. Thank you again. We have just waiting for the rest. Okay, Miss Prime, >> the next proclamation is Judy Marie Ramo. >> Mayor, keeping in in representative of uh family and community. I ask um Oh, there they come. You know, we all have friends, family, neighbors, some of them sit on the council with us. Oh, she's gone. Um who are in the restaurant, bar or tasting room industry. And but when we look at the industry at itself, there's almost 40,000 people that are employed through the industry and millions and millions of dollars are that are directed back to our economy. So this is a great honor that I get to read this. Whereas the city of El Paso is proud to recognize individuals and organizations who have demonstrated explanatory leadership, dedication, respect to the residents of our community. And whereas Darden Restaurant's Diamond Club status is an honor awarded annually to the general manager across the nation who exhibits strong leadership, top financial performance in the previous fiscal year. Whereas Judy Marie Remo, general manager of Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in El Paso, has earned this prestigious award uh the Dartan Restaurant Diamond Club status and for her unwavering devotion to service this past uh fiscal year. Whereas Judy Marie Remo is one of four among four mayor uh Ruth Chris general managers in North America to to be acknowledged with this award. Whereas to quote Ruth Chris's president, Judy Marie leads a dedicated team that is passionate about our food, taking care of our guests and their community, ultimately making El Paso Ruth Chris a warm and welcoming place to work and to dine. Whereas the Ruth Chris team which is includes front of the house back of the house positions is a reflection of the welcoming culture that defines El Paso's hospitality showcasing the high standards of care community spirit to our residents and business consistently uphold it. Now therefore, be be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso that December 16, 2025 shall be known as Judy Marie Remo and Ruth Chris's day. Thank you so much. [applause] >> Oh, signed by the honorable Mr. Renard Johnson's mayor. Ah, [laughter] >> well, good morning. >> Good morning. Thank you. Um, I I heard my name and that's very flattering, but as like any leader would share, um, it's it's not really us. It's all these individuals behind me. And this is Ruth, Chris, team 915. So, I'm really excited to have them support not just me, but also the city. For those that don't know about us, um, in August 16, 2016, um, Ruth Chris Steakhouse opened their doors. The red double French door is here at the Fountains of Farah. Um, our restaurant was established originally in New Orleans, Louisiana. And but we open our doors here in El Paso, Texas. Our our vision is to be the most beloved steakhouse here. Um, in the state of Texas, we actually have over five locations in the state of Texas of Ruth Chris Steakhouse. But as our team vision, we wanted people to know who 915 is. When you think of Texas, um, you know, I'm a little guilty sometimes when you think of Texas, you might think of Dallas, Austin, or Houston, but some people forget about Team 915 El Paso. And my team, as well as my vision, is to make sure people know that El Paso is here. It is an incredible city. It is a growing city. and we want people to know that you can come pass through El Paso or come visit us here at um El Paso, the Fountains of Farah. So, I'm super excited um that we're here and we're here to stay and we're here to grow. Uh for those um that have not joined us before, I want you to know that White Linens do not do not let it scare you. We are here to serve you from from the northeast to Horizon to Katillo. We want you to um come check us out and hear our sizzling plates. Um that that is our one of our competitive advantages is to be fine dining that's approachable. And we thank the community of El Paso who has supported us since 2016. I know I see some familiar faces um in front of me, but also a lot of familiar faces in the community. And we just want to say thank you on behalf of my executive chef, Adon Delgado, my manager Joan, my other manager, Fernie. We just want to say thank you so much for continuing to support us. We understand that El Paso has an incredible amount of um numbers of options of beautiful, amazing restaurants and we're just happy to just be one of your selections. So, we appreciate that. I do want to take the time just to say and introduce to u my team here. I do have Nadim. He's part of our private sales coordinator. Christian is actually one of our servers. Diana is one of my key employees that also have Serve You as well. And then we have Marlene who makes all your cocktails. So just ask her. Um Alfredo runs all your food. Matthew right behind me also runs your food. Augustine, if you love the bread pudding or creme brulee, he is your go-to individual. Um [laughter] right behind him is Caleb Castillo. He also prepares all your happy birthday celebration special occasions. And then of course Fernie here, one of my managers as well as our traveling coach who opened Puerto Rico and Rochester, Minnesota with me. And then Joan Ruan um also one of my uh right-hand um managers. So on behalf of team El Paso, thank you for continuing to support us and I look forward to seeing you all tonight at happy hour. [laughter] >> Representative Lemon. Thank you, Mayor. Representative Fiero always whenever there is a discussion will ask me, "Were you there? Were you there in the past when things have been signed?" >> I was there when you opened in 2016 as a city representative. Awesome. >> And it was a fabulous event. We got to see the uh mayor when he sliced that first steak that came out. It was just a wonderful event. And so I can tell you that special events in my life, my birthday, our anniversary are always spent at Ruth Chris. So thank you for the excellent service that you provide to this community. >> Thank you. I appreciate we know your favorite table by the way. [laughter] >> And the mayors, too. >> Oh yes. Put them in the corner next to mine. >> Exactly. Representative Chavez. >> Thank you, Mayor. and I had the pleasure of meeting you just earlier this day um this morning and of course I've seen you at the restaurant before, but I just want to congratulate you. I have a very special place in my heart for people in the hospitality industry. I know this is an extremely busy month for all of you. So, we thank you for taking the time out of making your your bread pudding and everything else this morning, which I know you're probably in a hurry to get back to doing. Uh but we will be there to enjoy it. and congratulations and please give a shout out to everybody that's working in the restaurant. >> Awesome. Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Yeah. And and a big congratulations to you guys on the the diamond u award that you received. But I do want to talk a little bit about your founder in 1965 in New Orleans uh when Ruth uh Fertell founded uh Ruth Chris. She was a single mother who mortgaged her home to buy a small steakhouse called Chris Steakhouse. And after it burned down, she decided she wanted to reopen another restaurant and she renamed the steakhouse Ruth Chris. So, and now you have over a hundred locations under the Darden umbrella. And for you to have put El Paso on the map like you've done is incredible. So, you are in the top of all the Ruth Chris's in the country. >> Top four, sir. I'm Oh, she's [laughter] >> top four out of >> Top four. Yeah. >> Beating all of Florida and being >> Well, we got to get to number one. Okay, we're top four. We got to get to number >> There's some work to be done. >> Yeah, there's some work to [laughter] be done. We got to get to number one. But that is incredible to be number four in the Ruth Chris uh franchises throughout not only the US, but internationally as well. So, a big congratulations to you guys and remember to follow the sizzle and be the Ruth of your restaurant. How's that? There you go. >> Congratulations, you guys. [applause] And the final proclamation this morning is Laapatia 75th year anniversary. >> Good morning everyone. Represent Lemon. >> Good morning. >> Good morning, Mayor. So, we're going to continue um with wonderful food from our city. This is a proclamation from the city of El Paso. Whereas, Laapatia, Inc. first opened its doors on September 20th 1950. originally as a corn mill, tortilla and tamal factory in Isleta, Texas by Marcelino and Filipa Galvan. And whereas in 1970, the Galvan family sold Laapatia to a partnership which included Gus Rolls, Ted Rollis, and former El Paso mayor Ray Salasar. And whereas in March 1979, local political trailblazer Alysia Rosen Cran Chakon, a lifelong resident of Isleta, purchased Latapatia in partnership with Edward Alvarez. And whereas in 1994 Alysia Raakon sold the business to her sister Esther Rosen Cray who along with her sister Bertha Mons vice preserved the authenticity and warmth that defined Laapatia over decades. And whereas in 2020 Lauda M. Rosenrance, daughter of Esther Rosen CR, inherited the business as well as her mother's spirit and devotion to continuing the success of the family enterprise. And whereas latapatia's signature stone mill ground corn for tortillas and tamales as well as traditionally prepared ingredients such as niktamal and stone mill ground chile Colorado continued to be its distinguished hallmark and source of pride. And whereas in recognition and gratitude to its employees for their passion, devotion and service to traditionally crafted Mexican food products which are renowned throughout the El Paso community and whereas in deep appreciation to its individual customers, businesses and institutions whose loyal patronage has supported and sustained the continued growth of Latapatia Inc. for the last 75 years. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso that this will be Laapatia 75y year anniversary day signed by the honorable mayor Renard Johnson. Thank you. [applause] >> Good morning. >> Good morning. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, city council. It's an honor to be here uh with our community. It's um a great privilege to be able to to run the business with my cousin Carla Monty's vice and we we keep the family tradition alive every day. It's in our heart and our blood and we love our community. We love what we do and we're so forever grateful for our loyal uh customers and our heart uh felt thanks and gratitude to our to the heart of our members, the people who work at Laapatia. And so we have with us two two people who are part of the heart of Laapatia who have been there since 1988. I think even before Good morning to everyone. As Laa mentioned, it is a privilege to be here, especially because we're celebrating uh this family-owned business that um has done nothing but bring joy to its community. Uh we're so thankful to the community that has supported us throughout all of these years. I think the generations that ran this business before us would would be proud because uh not one recipe has been changed. You know that tra when we think of our business, we think tradition. That is a word that defines us. Nothing changes but the year. But our food tastes the same. and that pride that that we have in the products that we make. Um really all of our gratitude is to our employees, 26 of whom are represented by Norma and Walter here today. Um they take such a a pride in every little aspect of what they do. Uh this this they we wish all the employees could have come. They would have been proud to. But somebody's got to be making the tamales right now, [clears throat] especially at this time of year. [laughter] And so, you know, I don't know. [clears throat] Walter. Wow. Mayor, um just a a short story. Um, so as a good friend of Alicia Chakons, who originally owned it, when she was appointed as the Small Business Administration director by Jimmy Carter, that's when the the Latapatia was sold to Lauda's mother Esther. And when Lauda was in college, I remember a conversation. Um, Alysia, Esther, and George McCollman and I were sitting there and George turned around and looked at Esther and said, "When is Laa going to learn the business of Latapatia?" She was in college. There were plans, there were things that she was going to do and how life changes and she came forth and is inherited the business. a longstanding business. A long-standing business. I thought Ruth Chris 2016 and going strong, but this is since September 20th of 1950. And there are stories in the community how Isleta students would go to Laapatia at lunch and order a tamal and a tortilla and that was their lunch. And so so many of the kids well adults now amongst us um that that share that story. And so just so that you will know the tamales that we all receive from destination El Paso are from Laapatia. >> So that when you eat those you'll understand. And that also was a collaboration that started oh back when I was on council and referred them to Laapatia and said these are literally the best in the valley. And so there's another story, mayor, that when um representative Paul Moreno was at the state house that there was a Christmas event and it was also perfectly organized that they knew the flight that Southwest Airlines would take in the morning. They delivered the tamales hot. They were put on the plane. They were taken and delivered to Austin and Paul Moreno would distribute tamales at the at the capitol. So this is their this is their story. And when you think of tortillas and they don't just make tortillas for the restaurant, they make tortillas for the industry, for restaurants. And perhaps you could share a few of them if you can. I don't know that you can, but if you can, >> I I think they would be proud to. >> Okay. Then >> we uh you know, we support their success, of course. Uh and uh we've been we've had a long-standing uh agreement with Chico Tacos, for example. Ah, >> so when Walter wakes up every morning at 3:00 to begin the tortilla production with his team, we distribute daily um we have a driver that goes out continuously to Chico Tacos to give them the product that they need to make their famous rolled tacos, which I love. And we have other takaras um and other businesses in town. And our tortilla is special because ours is made specifically for frying. And so it fries really nice and crispy and uh that's that's one of the things that we're known for apart from our delicious tamales. >> Well, now that we're hungry. [laughter] >> Well, what an incredible you know, everyone has a story, but your story is is certainly incredible. And congratulations to Lada and the entire team on being locally owned for over 75 years. That is hard to do. I mean, not many businesses last that long. And you guys, you mentioned it earlier, you've been a neighborhood favorite for many, many, many years. And you've created so many memories for so many people in the El Paso Borderland region, and we can't thank you enough. So, we're just getting to 75. There's going to be more success coming out of La La Lapatia's restaurant, and we're going to continue to grow. So, thank you guys for all that you do for El Paso and for this region and your story is incredible, but we've got to get to another 75 years. All right, congratulations, guys. [applause] >> Thank you. All right. Smile. Council, we have about Three minutes until roll call. I just want Okay, Miss Fran, I think we're ready to go. >> Yes, Mayor. Good morning. This is a meeting of the El Paso City Council for Tuesday, December 16th, 2025. Mayor Johnson is present and presiding in council chambers along with representative ADO representative Maldonado Rocha, Representative Ory Treco, alternate mayor prom, representative Lemon, Representative Canales. It is 10:00 a.m. Will everyone please silence your electronic devices so as not to disturb the meeting and rise for the invocation delivered by El Paso Police Senior Chaplain David Mayfield. >> Good morning. Good morning, Mayor Council. If you would allow me some leeway. It's been a tough week in a season that is almost universally acknowledged to be a season of peace, of brotherhood. That piece has been shattered from Bondi Beach in Australia all the way to Brown University basically in our own backyard. A piece shattered by people so filled with animus with hatred that the only way they could express themselves was through violence against innocent people. I would ask before I deliver the invocation that those present join me in a moment of silence in remembrance, particularly for those at Brown University, but for all victims of senseless violence around the world. Let us contemplate peace. Thank you. And now those who are are of a mind, join me as I pray. Holy one, we come together today with grateful hearts for the privilege of serving this community. As we gather in this season when many observe holidays of light, hope, and renewal, we pause to honor the rich diversity that shapes our city. May the spirit of compassion found in these celebrations guide our thoughts and actions. Grant to these leaders the wisdom to listen deeply, the patience to understand one another, and the courage to choose what is right over what is easy. Help them embody servant leadership, placing the well-being of neighbors above personal gain, seeking solutions that uplift the most vulnerable, and stewarding resources with integrity. We ask your blessing on every conversation, every decision, and every moment of deliberation. May cooperation rise above division, respect, tempered disagreement, and a shared commitment to the common good lead the way forward. Strengthen all who serve, elected officials, staff, and citizens alike, so that together we may build a community marked by justice, safety, and opportunity for all. And we pray this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, >> Chaplain Mayfield. Thank you. That was well done, >> Miss Prime. >> Miss Mayor, that brings us to public comment on consent agenda and regular agenda items. This morning, we have Miss Turner that signed up to speak on item number 20 of the consent agenda. And item 20 is the award of solicitation 2026-0060 vehicle Washington Sun City Echo Wash LLC. Good morning, Miss Turner. You have three minutes. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Before I get started in on this, I'd like to issue a challenge. If you're somebody from California between here and New York City, I can guarantee you one thing. The best Mexican food can be found here in El Paso, Texas. And I can guarantee you that there's not anybody in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, or Houston that can do a better burrito than this hillbilly from Kentucky. [laughter] Now, on to item 20. 178.18% increase. And I can guarantee you, you didn't double the number of police vehicles. He said, "So, somebody's got to explain this. Somebody has to explain this. You went from a initial $198,000 contract to 550,800. So, what are we washing?" There's nobody here. Okay. Can you have somebody get to me and explain to me why this has gone up? Because I know you didn't buy vehicles for the police department to justify this. You all were allowed to talk. You know that right? Under local government code, you can provide a factual answer and you can provide tell them to do something. So that's my concern. 178.18% increase and I know you haven't bought enough vehicles to justify that. All right. Thank you. >> Miss Turner also signed up for item 38 and this is discussion and action to direct El Paso water utilities to schedule and conduct eight city council district community meetings regarding their proposed budget and rate increase. Let me point out to you that one, the PSP board doesn't represent represent all El Pasoans. There is not a single elderly person sitting on that board who lives on a fixed income who can put in that view. Apparently PSB doesn't care. And since you all do the appointing, you don't care. So I'm going to ask you that you change that. The next thing I'm going to point out is yes, we need these meetings because let me explain something to you. I used in the last 14 months, I never broke 2 CCF for water, but I got charged for 5 CCF to replace and I got p charged for 5 CCF for sewer. I don't mind paying for what I use, but I object to paying for what I'm not. I'm not going to pay for something that I'm not using. And this is what's happening. This is what's happening with the uh PSB. Uh these are this is outrageous. They seldom talk to the people. They seldom listen. Communication is more than just talking. It is listening and they don't listen. They don't care. And my god, I'm going to see you got the water, electric, and gas probably going to see 50% increase in our utility costs. How are people supposed who live on a fixed income supposed to survive? Okay, I want you all to think about that. I want you to think about adding somebody who will represent the disabled not only disabled community but the elderly community and those living on a fixed income on the PSB board. That voice has to be there and that is your all's responsibility to make it happen. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Turner. And Miss Turner signed up for item 48 and this is discussion and action on a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a first amendment to that certain 380 economic development program agreement between the city of El Paso and Mills Plaza properties. >> Sorry, I forgot about that one. >> You said 48. >> Yes, ma'am. >> That 380? >> Yes. Oh, I totally object to any 380 agreement. You constantly give out our tax dollars and we get nothing in return. You turn around and tell us that, oh, we're going to charge you X dollars a month just to drive on the roads. Uh, and what it comes down to is what I see is you serve, the city council of El Paso, Texas does not serve all El Paso citizens. You serve about 200 people. We have billionaires who get our tax money. They don't need it. We have multi-millionaires who get our tax dollars. They don't need it. Then you turn around and charge us extra for things we've already paid for. Thank you. Thank you, Miss >> Mayor and Council. On item number 20, uh the increase for the vehicle wash, we went from a quantity of 500 vehicles to 900 vehicles. In addition, they did add um an option for hand washing for certain specialty vehicles as well. >> So, from 500 vehicles to 900 >> to 900. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right, Mr. Prime, I believe that brings us to call to the public. >> Yes, mayor. That brings us to call to the public and the El Paso City Council is local government body charged with serving the citizens and the meetings must be focused on the meeting at charge. The city council meetings are public meetings under the Texas Open Meetings Act. Public comment is an accommodation and not a requirement of city council. All persons in attendance are expected to display civility and decorum that is respectful to other persons without the use of insulting, profane, threatening, or abusive language. Public comment will not be used for personal attacks, nor may any member of the public use this forum for political statements or campaigning. Please note that during call to the public, the city council may not deliberate or decide any subject that is not on the agenda. However, council may propose that a topic brought forth be posted on a future agenda. This morning, we have eight members of the public that signed up to speak. The first person is Elizabeth Crawford. Miss Crawford's topic is Bethlehem and choosing life. Good morning, Miss Crawford. Star six, please. Miss Crawford, star six to unmute your telephone. Thank you, ma'am. Good morning. Three minutes. >> Thank you. Good morning. In the Hebrew scripture, centuries before the advent of Jesus, the prophet Micah, pen these words of scripture inspired by the Holy Spirit. But thou Bethlehem Epherta, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel, whose going forth have been from of old from everlasting. In mid- November, our world focused on the international climate conference held in Bang, Brazil. In 2001 to three, I had the privilege of living and serving in that city of Beang, feasting English at Amazon Valley Academy and helping a little with my roommate's ministry to the street children. The word in Spanish navididad in Portuguese is natal. Natal is a time when many Brazilian people remember an event that took place centuries ago in the lang is Portuguese for Bethlehem. My roommate Lynn from Great Britain worked for almost 20 years with Brazil street children. She told me one day, you know, these kids think Jesus was actually born here. We laugh because it's cute, but in many ways that lesson is profound. The incarnation, God with us, the Christ child. He knows the suffering of mankind. That is deeply meaningful in a place such as Belang, Brazil, where there's unspeakably deep suffering. Kids often born to parents who don't want them conceived in the wild party atmosphere that permeates much of the culture. Throwaway kids suffering generation after generation in our nation. We also have countless throwaway kids. Just a different method the majority of people use to throw throw kids away. The abortion industry is exploding in New Mexico and the culture is suffering. I was in shock the first time I went to Albuquerque. As we know, it's a rough, dangerous city. And New Mexico prays upon young ladies from El Paso, among other ways, via abortion pills. We're very relieved that now Texans, as of December 1st, are being encouraged to file lawsuits against those shipping abortion pills into Texas to sue those responsible for the sending of those abortion pills. We know these are very tough times financially for all of us and worries about finances drives many couples to abort, but there's absolutely no reason to do this. El Paso is full of prolifers who will be thrilled, so honored to help couples struggling with unplanned pregnancies and raising their kids. A beautiful name given to Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. For those who know Christ the Savior, he has promised to be with his children and care for them along all the journey of life, the days of rejoicing and the days of hardship. Emmanuel, God with us. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus. They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us. Thank you. And I hope you have a very good Advent season. And Navididad, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. The next speaker is Gloria Cron and for for her comment she will be speaking in Spanish. If you want to follow along with simultaneous translation please scan the QR code on the screen. >> Yes. Good good morning. >> Good morning ma'am. You have >> please um I would like to speak to Mayor Johnson. Please there is a reason that I'm here. If he I can wait for he's re he's returning to the day as ma'am. Thank you. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> My name is Gloria Kran. I am a widow and I live on a fixed income. This this happened in 1996. my sister Luca Mario and I uh esta city for a loan for house repairs. Um the loan was accepted, the repairs were made and the payments began. From that time to this time, it's been 29 years until until a supervisor, Elisa Biones, called me and she said, um, we the city, we have no way of proving anything. We don't know if you pay, if you did not pay, how much were you paying? Do you remember? She asked me, "Do you remember how much you were paying?" And I said, "Ma'am, my sister loose was the one that was making the payments." But she she added, "I think that you still owe us the money. So, I'm going to open another account." Yeah. And uh since you owe us the money, your house has to be assured with insurance. So she did and she demanded the insurance. From there we started looking for an insurance but there was no way here in El Paso that no insurance would ensure that he lack roof nobody. So, she just kept quiet and she opened the account and I'm still paying for the roof and the house doesn't have a roof and that is the reason that I've been asking for help for almost years now. Um finally the city the city introduced me to the manager the grant manager um Rick he was the uh the city uh he was supposed to okay he asked me for for what what was the problem I explained it to him he was the grant manager compliance and he asked me what is the problem so I explained it he took all the information and he said, "We are going to do your roof." Um, my assistant will be going to your house and he's going to tell you to move whatever the instructions were. And he did. His his assistant was in my house four or five times and he did. And I waited and I just waited for my turn for more than 20 months. And it was a lie. A lie. And then another city manager, he also suggested that >> Thank you, ma'am. You've reached the three minute limit. >> Mr. Johnson, please I ask you are once again in the name of God, >> please give me one appointment. >> I asked you before, but please Mr. Johnson, thank you. >> Okay, thank you. >> That is not even >> The next speaker is Claudia Contra Siller and her topic is Christmas. She will be followed by Ron Ko. Good morning. Good morning. Merry Christmas everybody. Emmanuel got with us. Um, I'm hosting a painting party. A Christmas painting party to back the blue cats and dogs of the city. Fighting animal cruelty. Uh, there's a time for everything. A time to fight animal cruelty and a time to celebrate and honor the people that are doing the hard work. And I got two confirmations from officers. Also, animal services is going at 11:00. They're taking a kitten, doing a presentation, educational presentation. They are also taking a backdrop and Sunny the mascot from animal services. I want to wish a merry Christmas to everybody, especially the ones that work outside in the weather and during the weather and all law enforcement uh agencies. Uh I'm very thankful uh to be a part of El Paso. I really love advocating for the cats. The reason I'm always here is to either advocate for the cats against animal cruelty or to back the blue. Those are my two priorities. Also, I want to uh thank Miss Mack because she hired a perfect uh person for the job that has experience for the director position. And uh I want to invite her to to the Christmas party to spend time with us and get to know the community. This painting party is very special. The community helped me prepared it uh because they believe in the mission to pitch the animal cruelty unit number 915212800. They're doing an excellent job just like animal services. And since I'm an animal advocate, I cannot leave without saying that more animals are being killed. I sent an email about Fiero Street. Four cats were murdered Sat Sunday and I think a dog. I'm not sure. The person called me. She was very worried. Also, everybody knows about the black cat that was stolen from a cat colony. Uh what I did is I exposed a person that has been lying. Saying she works with animal services is not true. Saying she's with a rescue is not true. and um the cat uh most likely appear dead and I want to read what she has on her Facebook. Demons don't cry. I become I became a monster because I didn't want to cry anymore. I cried until my tears ran out and and and I dried up inside. I became one of them a demon. Okay, a lot of people can think that she's referring to herself, but it's not true. She posted a cat just like the one that was killed and stolen. And this is referring to a satanic ritual. Okay, this is psychological um against me. So I want to ask when are the leaders going to start fighting animal cruelty against cats? Please. Thank you. The next speaker is Ron Ko. His topic is exercising his constitutional rights to the rescue 1983 animal services. He will be followed by my league Tariq Mahmud. >> Good morning. >> Uh, ladies and gentlemen, you know, I I I send you a lot of stuff. I do. Do you look at it? Do you read it? I mean, my god, that's probably a 20th of what I receive. It's It's It it picks apart hos. It picks apart best friends. It picks apart Austin Pets Alive. Other cities picks apart El Paso. What are we doing? Okay, we we've I just learned we've hired a new director. I hope this one's actually qualified. I hope this one is not affiliated with Best Friends Austin Pets Alive and does not support the HOS sheltering plan. 46,45 less strays were picked up in the first four years of HOS. Where did they go? How many of those dogs got killed? How many times rescues have to pick up puppies under 10 weeks old, half eaten because of strays? the person that's in charge of the shelter, the people that have been in charge of the shelter for the last five years need to be removed. They're not qualified. And I'm speaking, let let me just bring this up. Okay? You guys did a positive meeting. This positive meeting, did it come up with a a fix for your your toxic work environment? We read actual statements. Why wasn't that brought up and fixed before it got to the point it's at now? Because a protected one didn't like it. Okay, so here, let's do this again. Who in here has done adoptions at the city of El Paso at animal services? Who here has done rescue at the shelter? How about transport? How about the first person who was a volunteer that was authorized to work with behavioral dogs? Who put out more strays across the country? Animal services, what they put out every month and what I was transporting out to the group I was dealing with. And I gave you a solution. And I guarantee you nothing was done because nothing's ever done that other people suggest. We I I I really don't know who the director is, but we got a new year coming up. We'd like to hear from all of you that Hos is gone, Best Friends is banned, Austin Petside is banned, and Paula Powell has absolutely nothing to do with the city of El Paso when it comes to animal services. >> Thank you, Mr. Ku. The next speaker is Malik Tariq Mammud. Topic is regarding a press release to condemn the terrorist attack in Australia. >> Good morning. >> Respected mayor, respected council members and my beautiful audience. Peace and blessings of God be with you all. I am Malik Tarik Mahmud, Imam and missionary of Ahmedyia Muslim community and I am here to present some important words of his holiness Hazat Miza Masur Ahmed, the supreme head of the worldwide Ahmedia Muslim community uttered right after the terrorist attack against the innocent innocent member. members of Jewish community in Australia. So I start his holiness says on behalf of the Ahmedia Muslim community worldwide, I condemn in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attack targeting innocent members of the Jewish community in Australia. Nothing can ever justify such acts of violence. Islam upholds the absolute sanctity of human life and declares that the killing of one innocent person is tentamount to killing all of humanity. Acts of terrorism and hatred are therefore completely contrary to the true teachings of Islam. As Muslims, our faith requires us to show love, compassion, and grace to the people, people of all faiths and beliefs. Our heartfelt sympathies are with all those affected by this tragedy and we pray for the swift recovery of those who have been injured. Thank you, Lord. God bless you. The next speaker is Patricia Osman. Miss Osman's topic is transparency, first amendment civil rights of citizens and undue influence of donors and vendors on elected officials. Good morning. >> Good morning, >> Mr. Canales. As a citizen, I'm going to come up here and say I was wrong yesterday on that number in regards to the gallons and the percentages. But this is the thing is that as a citizen and somebody who expects um my political representatives to uh also admit when they're wrong. I have no problem doing so. So I hope you all can do the same. Uh and I'm going to kind of wing some of this because Mr. Fierra, I mentioned Miss Gloria Karanu yesterday and I was here when she came before Oscar Liser in this counsel in some of the members of this council before asking for assistance. I was here when she was shuffled away by Miss Mack when she was a deputy city manager and she had spoken to who she was mentioning Rick that she forgets his name is Rick Thorough he was not the head of the grants. Rick Thorough actually went to my house once before too because of the scams that happened in the community and human development department. Okay. So I think in fact the the contract because I did go in uh I I took uh me and Miss Kran had met over a year ago uh because she wanted more help and people it it's sad because citizens know that I come here and I don't like to come here but it's more often than not when I'm out in public I get somebody to thank me for speaking out and that's sad. I don't take that as a compliment. I take that as a sad state of our city affairs. [snorts] But she told me her story when we were sitting at Denny's and quite frankly the city having her sign that other contract that's not only a breach but it was illegal. It was coercion. Okay. And I think it's something that Ken Paxton should look into. Should look into the practices because he is looking into El Paso and the transparency and that's another thing on top of everything else. and the other documents that I have shown because you know what regardless of our city attorney trying not to let people have the foil documents they request there are huge issues in our city government and quite frankly we do need to look behind the curtain and you all are the curtain up here on the das you are the curtain and everybody behind and what is going on in the back of the house needs to be addressed because there are huge problems within our city. It is citizens now. You all need to realize it is not [snorts] let's do what we used to do. On a federal level, we are seeing the corruption going on and I like I tell everybody it starts local. They didn't get there, but they started locally and that's where they ended up. >> Thank you, Miss Osman. You've reached the three minutes. The next speaker is Eddie Chavis Jr. He will be followed by Lisa Turner. Mr. Chavez's topic is utility rates. >> Good morning, sir. You have three minutes. >> Good morning, Mr. Chavez. >> Good morning, city council. >> Good morning. >> Yesterday, I was at the county u meeting appealing for the people that live out there in far east Montana Vista that don't have water or sewer. It's like a third war out there. There's a lady that has she came out on the Texas Trabune where she is taking water out of the uh atmosphere to get water. That's how desperate those people are. There was a I was um look go uh uh scrolling through my u uh Facebook uh on Google and I found that there was a program back in June I think it was June 8, 2023 for the Montana Vista. It was named Montana Vista Water and Shore Development and this was for the Colonials which is what I'm talking about. There are people there that I know that have lived there 20 years don't have water or sewer which is bad for the environment also. Now when I talked to the the commissioner out there at um in the county she said that uh they're already on phase two. Well I investigated on it. Yeah. Phase one was where they're building uh a development for I think it's like 6,000 houses they're going to make on on south west part of uh Montana Vista and that's being paid by the developer. So that's nothing to do with the $31 million that it was allocated by the state and uh Tommy Gonzalez was part of it. And uh everybody seems to be like uh hush hush on this not even moving on these poor people that are staying over there. The people don't want to come out because they lot of them don't speak English and a lot of them got to work during the week. So they don't have time to come way out here to the county building. They should make a county building over there where the the uh the constituents are where they can show up and complain. But uh I'm the only one talking for all these people cuz I feel bad for them. I'm only visiting there because I moved out there because I sold my house, but I'm I'm planning to go back to Northeast. [snorts] But I don't know the the things I see out here. I want to go and represent them. I was going to run against Joe Molina back when he was out. But uh the way the Northeast people treated Sam Morgan and don't appreciate it, that's what uh knocked me out. But I'm going to try doing it again. I come back with you guys. See how it feel being on that side over there with you guys through this port hole that you guys go through. Thank you. Merry Christmas. >> All right. Happy holidays. Thank you. >> The final speaker is Lisa Turner. Miss Turner's topic is diverting income from general fund and imposing fees on al pasants. >> Again, good morning. >> Good morning, mayor. You know, I'm I'm at home laying down recovering and uh I see this article in the uh El Paso Matters about Representative Cortinez and you know, we're wanting to charge everybody who drives a monthly fee and I'm thinking now wait a minute, we give tax dollars to Paul Foster. We give tax dollars to the Hunts. We support all the downtown businesses with TURS. We do all of this and then you want to turn around and charge the hardworking El Paso who's actually just trying to put food on the table money to drive on blasted roads. Now explain to me I wanted somebody please explain to me why a billionaire needs our tax dollars. They have more than enough money for their own projects. So why do we have to kick our dollars in? That is money that can solve problems in this city. They can solve the problems that you've been wanting to solve. Roads, parks, increase pay for your employees so they're not, you know, having to work three jobs while working this one. Why? All that money is being captured by the people who don't pay taxes. For decades, for decades, the homeowner in this town has always paid about 75% of the property tax and businesses 25. It's time that the burden is equalized. And this is how you do it. No more 380s. You want a 380, you want money, then you're going to have to pay us twice the amount and then you can write that. You make a donation for twice the amount, then you can take it off your taxes. But we can't afford to subsidize billionaires and multi-millionaires in this city anymore. I mean, you've got to understand it. I'm sitting here and I'm looking at it and I says, "Well, you know what, Alisa, the city council of El Paso, Texas, has always represented about 200 people in this city and forgot about the hundreds of thousands left. You look at the homeowners, you look at the rest of us, and you reach into our pocket and you take our money, and then you give it to people who've already got money. who can already fund their projects out of their own pocket. That is what you call capitalism. What you're doing now is called communism. Now, if we're a capitalist, then they can fund their own project. >> Thank you, Miss Turner. That concludes call to the public council. Per the rules of order, no use of personal cellular devices nor personal communication should take place on the deis while the meeting is in session. Once you obtain the floor from the mayor, you will have up to 10 minutes for debate and may speak twice per debatable motion. Please speak into the microphone and refrain from side conversations at the day while the meeting is in session. For those of you joining us virtually, please make sure your microphones are muted to reduce any background noise. That brings us to the consent agenda. All matters listed under the consent agenda will be considered by city council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion unless separate discussion is requested by council members. Prior to the vote, members of the audience may ask questions regarding items on the consent agenda. When the vote has been taken, if an item has been approved, has not been called out for separate discussion, the item has been approved. Council may, however, reconsider any item at any time during the meeting. Mayor Prom. Thank you, Miss Prime. I make a motion to approve the consent agenda with the following revisions. Page three, item five, move to the regular agenda per myself, Representative Chavez. Page four, item 14, delete per Representative Canales. Page five, item 19, move to the regular agenda per representative aso. Page eight, item 21, delete per real estate division. >> And that was item 18. >> Move to the regular per represent item 19. >> Oh, I'm sorry, 19. Thank you, ma'am. >> Say that again. >> Page five, item 19. Move to the regular agenda for Representative Aso. The last one was page eight, item 21, delete per real estate division. >> Representative Leman, >> mayor, [clears throat] I'd like to request uh to move to the regular agenda item number six, please. As well, >> okay, thank you. >> Is there a second on the consent agenda? All right. I believe we have public comment, Miss Prime. >> Yes, Mayor. We have Miss Osman that signed up to speak on item four. These are the solid solid waste leans. >> I'm going to try to speak about them. Uh [clears throat] so y'all approved a program that Mr. uh Representative Nino had placed uh to get volunteers to clean up what city employees are supposed to clean up. So you want residents to uh make sure less employee hours. But again, I will implore you to try to do a volunteer program so that residents homes, some of these people, whether it's elderly, disabled, what have you, do a program in your area. set up some volunteers. If you're going to throw some money at saving El Paso city tax dollars by having residents do that, you're going to kick in $1,500 to them, which um is far less than what city employees doing that work would receive. But if you're going to do that, I would say actually help your constituents, not just make yourself look good. And uh do a volunteer program. Each of your offices could set something up for constituents in your area so that they don't have to do these leans because there's leans in district 2. There's leans in several of these districts around the city. And it's really upsetting that y'all will do a program, make yourselves look good, throw in that $1,500 for the volunteers to save city tax dollars because that that money is just saving employee hours. But you won't do the same thing so that constituents aren't stuck with these leans. $350, whatever you're saying. That's those same monies that you're putting to save employee hours you won't put to help residents avoid these leans. I find that I don't know rather interesting. Interesting. Appalling. one of the two, but it doesn't make you look good. It it it really doesn't because in one, you're saving employee hours and that throwing out Yeah. that $1,500 from your discretionary fund, which is just donate donated dollars. But you won't do the same so that constituents don't get these $350 leans and such. And I'm saying, hey, look, some of those are probably corporate properties, real, you know, fine, but some of those are also people in the area that can't afford it. >> Miss Brian, I believe Miss Osman also signed it for item number 23. >> Oh, that's okay. Item 23. >> Sorry, I didn't realize it was on the consent. >> Um, >> item 23 is an introduction. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Um, and I know typically you don't speak on introduction. >> Yeah. But if I could just uh Mr. Oo, just so if you're aware in district two, >> Mman, we're not on that item. >> Okay. We're we're still on the consent agenda. All right. >> Yeah. My my fault. Okay. There's a motion in the second uh with the revisions of moving items number five, number six, and number 19. >> That's correct, mayor. >> Okay. Any further discussion? All right, Miss Prime, call for the vote. >> Yes, sir. And it also includes the deletion of item 21 and 14. Yes. >> On that motion, >> call for the vote in the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. >> Would you like to work through the items that were moved to regular? >> Yeah. Let's go to item number five. >> Yes, sir. Item number five is a resolution that the city manager designate be authorized to take all necessary actions to dissolve the El Paso Public Improvement District number one, Thunder Canyon District. >> Good morning, Mayor and Council. Margarita Marin, deputy CFO controller. >> Representative Chavez, >> can we see the presentation first, please? >> Sure. Thank you. >> Okay, this is a presentation of the public improvement district number one, h the Thunder Canyon as we call it. And I understand why Miss Chavez pul it from the consent agenda because it is actually a very beautiful story about the community coming together working in partnership with a nonprofit organization and the city the local government to to preserve this land. The strategic alignment for this is goal six. Set the standard for some governance and fiscal management. So I'll walk you through through the story of the pit. Um everything started in 2004 when some of the residents observed that there was a developer working in the area with the intention to to build something in this area. So the developer reach out to the to the to the uh fronta land alliance and in order to preserve this this land and together they reach out to the city wanting to see if there was something that could be done. So then in 2006 um the the owners of the area they filed a petition to for the city council to consider creating a pit under the authority given through the chapter 372 of the local government code. Then six months after in January of 2007 the city council um created a resolution to actually create this the district. And then furthermore, in April of 2007, the city council finally adopted an ordinance to pass this um service and assessment plan to levy the taxes for this for the for the area. May 2007 um the city signed a conservation eman alliance to preserve the open space in perpetuity. And then in the same month, in order to acquire the land, the city issue um special assessment revenue bond in the amount of $400,000. And that in conjunction with the donation of some of the residents in the area, they came together to to to the acquisition of the land that was donated to the city. So since then in 2008 annually the city came back to the city council did a review and evaluation of the annual assess the annual assessment to make sure that it was still appropriate to cover the payment of the bond. During those 12 years the city uh found that the assessment was appropriate and no changes were made. Lastly, um in August of 2020, we did the final payment for the bond and um after that, no assessment or taxes has been levy on any residents of this area and it was a a win situation for everybody because the city got to acquire this land with no expenditures um related to the maintenance of the land and then the owners got to save this beautiful space and preserve it in perpetuity. So today is more of a formality to legally close this pit because financially we did everything that needed to be done to extinguish the debt. All payments has been made. There's no funds available anymore. So financially this fund actually has been closed since 2020 and today we're just here again. It's a formality to close it and that concludes the presentation. Any questions? >> Okay. Representative Chavez. Is there a motion to approve this? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Okay. Representative Chavez. Thank you, mayor, and I'd like to to read a statement into the record. Thank you, Margarita, for the presentation today. Thunder Canyon exists today because neighbors in District 1 chose community over convenience and preservation over development. Nearly 20 years ago, when this Aoyo on the west side of the Franklin Mountains was at risk of being developed, residents came together with a shared goal. protect open space and preserve the natural character of their neighborhood for future generations. Rather than asking the broader city to shoulder the cost, approximately 90 neighboring households voluntarily agreed to tax themselves through the creation of a public improvement district number one. That decision allowed the city to purchase the land upfront, secure the canyon as open space, and repay the cost over time using assessments paid directly by those residents. This was a deliberate place-based effort rooted in stewardship and civic responsibility. Those neighbors understood the value of open space, flood control, wildlife habitat, and quality of life, not just for themselves, but for the entire community. Because of their commitment, Thunder Canyon is protected today and remains a natural area that residents across El Paso can enjoy. That protection is not temporary. A conservation easement was established to ensure that the property will be retained forever as open space. It is a lasting safeguard that reflects the intent of the neighbors who came together to save Thunder Canyon and guarantees that their investment will continue to benefit future generations. I applaud their efforts because throughout the time that they were making payments, it is my understanding that none of them defaulted on those payments. So, they gave their word to the city that they would commit to preserving Thunder Canyon and that is exactly what they did. The neighbors uh of Upper Hills um neighborhood association, I commend them for that. I also want to read into a the record a statement from the executive director of Fronta Land Alliance who was very much involved in this effort and you can find videos of when this effort initiated on YouTube which I did myself and Jana's statement reads the following. Thunder Canyon Pcept was new to the Fonta Land Alliance in 2006. It turned out to be a very effective instrument to conserve important open space lands within neighborhoods and was a testament to how dedicated the neighbors were to the conservation of the Thunder Canyon Aoyo and all the habitat and wildlife it protects. The PID paired with a conservation easement proved to be a great way to conserve neighborhood lands for the community for flood control and water recharge and while providing the public access access to natural open spaces. End quote. So, uh, mayor and council and everybody here and listening online, uh, this P is a testament to what can happen when our community comes together with our local city government to really create quality of life spaces for all of us to enjoy. Um, uh, this P I think was its first of its kind and is unique because there are, in my understanding, uh, just one other one that exists currently within our community. So, uh, I commend again the efforts from Upper Hills Neighborhood Association, Frontal Land Alliance, city staff, and everybody who worked on this project, and I appreciate your presentation today, Margarita. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah, congratulations everyone. All right. There's a motion in a second on this item, Miss Bryant. Item number five. >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by Mayor Prom Chavez, seconded by Representative Nong to approve item five. On that motion, call for the vote. and the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. >> Okay, let's take item number six. >> Item six is a resolution that the city manager designate be authorized to sign an overhead electrical easement granting an easement to the El Paso Electric Company to provide electrical power to property owned by the city of El Paso within the municipal limits of the city. Mayor make a motion to approve this. >> Okay. Second. >> All right. Walking. >> Morning, Mayor Council. >> Representative Lemon. >> I'm sorry. I I don't think we Thank you. I don't think we need a a presentation necessarily. I just like to know the location, >> the exact location. >> This is at the city's traffic management center over off of S. Paulo. >> Thank you mayor. >> All right. Thank you, Walke. All right. There's a motion in a second to approve item number six. Yes sir. The motion was made by Representative Lemon, seconded by Representative Ganales to approve the resolution on item six. On that motion, call for the vote in the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. >> All right, let's take item number 19. >> Yes, sir. Item number 19 is the award of solicitation 2025-000031R real estate appraisal services airport to the following suppliers number one CBRE Inc. number two Steve RG DBA Graisk Management LLC number three Li Property Advisors LLC and number four Wilkinson Pendergrass and Associates >> represent Basto. Thank you mayor. I was looking at the backup for this item and I was kind of seeing that there's sorry I lost my place in the agenda. Um I was kind of seeing how there were several companies that were um selected on this. So, has this have have we had appraisal services before and we're re redoing it or is this the first time that we're actually doing it? >> Good morning, Crystal Bus with purchasing and strategic sourcing. So, the city does have um other um appraisal services with like the real estate division. Um this is the first one directly just for the airport. >> And what was the reasoning for that? >> Um I'll go ahead and defer that to the department. >> Okay. Good morning, Debbie. I'll leave us with the airport. So, it is necessary for us to have a contract at the airport. We have over 400 leases that we um oversee. And so, we need the services uh to reappraise um the the land. And so, we do it every 10 years for some of our leases. >> For some, but not for all. >> For most. Yes. >> Okay. Cuz I I've kind of been hearing it's been a little complicated with some rents going up and communication issues and stuff like that. So I'm trying to understand if this was holding that up or how do you feel this is going to make that work more efficient? >> No. So right now we've been using the contract under uh the real estate division and CI. So we have a process in place right now. It has delayed a little bit because we have to request permission from those departments to use their contracts, but it's only about two weeks that we've seen a delay. >> Okay. And so the twoe delay using the appraisal services that we already have and getting your own is going to eliminate two weeks and it's just going to be easier or >> Well, yes, because now we'll have a contract in place and so what we'll do is what we'll rotate between the different um vendors and so we'll have them on call. we'll just request um a quote from them and move forward. >> It's just a lot of money when we're kind of already using when we already have services in place, right? So trying to understand a little bit more and I'm not getting the clarity that I need. >> It's actually the same. So we have the major contract that we've had and as you know we're working through over the next couple of years looking at our entire inventory of property and so really the amount of property that we're having going through appraisals is much higher than we would have had historically and so I think this is allowing that the real estate division has the capacity it needs on the contracts that it has in place but also this is allowing us to utilize other companies to be able to make sure that we can do the appraisals to be able to renew the leases which is a requirement for for the airport. They're still I mean, if you're looking at the the cost of those appraisals, those are comparable, you know, until the contracts that we have. It just allows for us to have on call more companies that can get this done quicker so that we can move through those leasing processes. >> Okay. And then the each appraisal is going to be $1,800 to $15,000. Is that going to be based on who you call or is that just a general thing that all four companies will have? It it's based on the actual property. >> Okay. So, it's based on property and then each one will charge you. >> Yes. >> And then I guess on the when this was listed out on the following suppliers, I think it was just listed out based on the score sheet that was there and not necessarily in order of who got um first, second, third, and fourth. Was there a reason for that? >> No. >> Yes. So the the ones that we're awarding, they were all in the same range. So um because it's on a rotating basis and we have a a scale that we're using, it doesn't it wouldn't make a difference in the order that we're providing them to you here. >> Oh, because of the way you're going to utilize the services. >> Yes. Yeah. So they'll be on a rotating basis. Um that way it's fair for all of them. And were the two El Paso ones, Wilkinson and Steve Greg, um, part of by El Paso? >> So, so because for all of our airport solicitations, we include federal uh, provisions, we're not able to include higher El Paso first into these uh, solicitations. >> Okay. So, that had nothing to do with Okay. >> All right. Thank you. Okay. Yeah, I was. Is there is there a second? All right. Representative Canales. >> Thank you, Mayor. I think one other important thing to point out and that's that the uh the contracts that we have through for appraisal services through uh the the real estate division are funded with the general fund. Is that correct? This is airport enterprise funds. And so uh this is theoretically leave capacity on the general fund uh funded contract and and instead utilize airport enterprise funds for the the contract at the airport. >> Airport always paid. So and we always charge back to the appropriate funding code. So if it's a metro or airport utilize a real estate, we we do that alignment back to >> right. But it does use up the capacity on the contract that is at real estate. >> Okay. Um, yeah, for that reason, I think it's a it's a good thing for the airport to have its own contract if the capacity is going to be uh fairly high or if if the the utilization is going to be fairly high and you're not burdening the other contract. Thank you. >> All right. Any further discussion on this item? All right. Hearing none, Miss Prime call for the vote. >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by Representative Lemon, seconded by alternate mayor promped to award the solicitation on item 19. On that motion, call for the vote and the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. >> Miss Bryan, I believe that brings us to the first readings. >> Yes, sir. That brings us to the first reading of ordinances. These are items 22 to 24. >> Is there a motion? >> Mayor, make a motion to move um on the reading of the first ordinance. >> Is there a second? >> All right. All right. And Miss Prime, I believe we have public comment on item number 23. >> That's correct. We have Miss Osman that signed up to speak on the introduction of an ordinance amending title 18 building and construction outdoor lighting code of city-owned facilities. >> I just want to make sure that um my representative aso is aware. Honestly, this lighting coat, hey, like anybody that's gone to San Diego, been to the Hillrest area, other areas across the US, little arches kind of looks cute. But history for El Paso is we've done this before. Past city councils and city government has wasted tax dollars in the same way before. and proof on how long it really lasts is in district 2. You could pull it up on Google Maps corner of Travis and Cambridge. The foundation posts are still there, at least on one side, because there used to be one of these arches in that neighborhood as well. Not everybody knows the history of El Paso as well as I do. Um, but then again, not everybody's family's been here from the foundation of this city. So, um, it's look, hey, it looks cute in current place. The one in five points, especially where it's going to be put, I think it's a total waste of funds. And I understand um our city wants to try to turn the what what anybody who knows the area actually calls it Bohemian block. You know Joe Vinny's is at Dewy's. You know, Christina started the whole thing with Joe Vinny's, but trying to turn that whole area to relieve the issues that Kern Place was having with the Cincinnati area hasn't done good for our area either. um in highlighting