How are you? Well, good morning everyone and welcome to city council chambers. We are ready to get started. Miss Bryan. >> Yes, sir. Good morning and welcome to the presentation of the mayor's proclamations. We begin with a pledge of allegiance this morning. To lead us in the pledge, we have students from Tippen Elementary School at the invitation of Mayor Prom Alejandra Chavez. We have Dalton Rabba, Joey Fernandez, Ralph Fernandez, Holly Haded, Vivian Ramos, Derek Ramos, Anna Lucia Vargas, Lincoln Bates, Noel Perez, Kane Perez, and Dimateo Carrera. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for alliance to the Texas. One state [Applause] [Applause] pictures. Get it through. All right. [Applause] It's not there. Miss Bryan. >> Yes, sir. That brings us to the first proclamation. For those of you receiving a proclamation this morning, your group will have up to four minutes collectively to speak at the podium and receive the proclamation. The first proclamation is El Paso Police Department Chaplain State. [Applause] >> Miss Bryan. >> Yes, sir. And I have the honor of reading the proclamation which says whereas the El Paso Police Department chapency program has faithfully served members of the department and the community of El Paso on an interdenominational and non-spectarian basis since the mid 1970s representing nearly 50 years of continuous service. And whereas although no official record exists documenting the program's exact beginning, its long-standing presence reflects a deep and enduring commitment to spiritual care, compassion, and community service within the city of El Paso. And whereas the chapency program is comprised of qualified and recognized faith leaders from the community each with a minimum of three years of ministry experience who volunteer their time as a personal commitment to service and are available on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year. And whereas a primary mission of the El Paso Police Chapy is to provide spiritual and emotional support to more than 1400 sworn officers and civilian employees of the El Paso Police Department as well as to their families. And whereas by extension of this mission, police chaplain also stand ready to serve the broader community of El Paso, Texas, offering non sectarian and interdenominational spiritual care during times of need. And whereas police chaplain serve in a wide range of circumstances, including ceremonial, community-based, and crisis situations by offering invocations and benedictions at graduations, award ceremonies, city council meetings, and public events, as well as providing spiritual support during death notifications, critical incidents, stress management, faith-based counseling, funerals, weddings, and other moments when their presence is requested. And whereas in times of uncertainty and hardship, the chaplain's presence provides calm, understanding, and reassurance, reminding all involved that they are not alone. And whereas the city of El Paso proudly recognizes the dedicated service of El Paso Police Department chaplain, including David Mayfield, senior chaplain Joe Marada, Dr. Robert Hempill, Rabbi Levi Greenberg, Larry Boon, and Sam Ferrroni, Chaplain Emeritus, whose leadership, faith, and volunteer service continue to strengthen the department and the community. And whereas the city further acknowledges Sergeant Javier Sambrano, who serves as the El Paso Police Department chapency program coordinator for his leadership and support in ensuring the continued success and effectiveness of this program. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of city of El Paso recognizing and honoring the El Paso Police Department chapency program for its nearly 50 years of dedicated service, compassion, and spiritual care to the department and the people of El Paso and extend sincere appreciation to all chaplain and supporters who make this vital program possible. January 20th, 2026 shall be known as the El Paso Police Department Chaplain Day, signed by our honorable mayor, Renard Johnson. Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Morning. >> Well, I'll start. >> Sure. Well, first of all, thank you very much for this recognition. Um, those of you on the council have heard me speak often enough that you know that I believe service to be one of the highest human callings. I am very appreciative not only of this recognition, but of the opportunity afforded us by the El Paso Police Department and by this council to be of service to the men and women of the police department and our fellow citizens of the city of El Paso. Uh, I'm glad to hear that Sergeant Sbrano was added to this proclamation because I think he has the hardest job of all of us. He's uh tasked with the unenviable job of coordinating six very independent-minded chaplain. Uh, as evidenced by the fact that he could only get half of us here this morning. Uh but again I simply say thank you very much for the opportunity to serve. Thank you. I'm Robert Hempill. Uh I served as a Methodist minister and uh received my ordination but when I reached a certain age they said you had to retire and I felt like I can't retire from this type of work. And couple of years ago, I had Sergeant Sombr and his band come to my church and we did a New Orleans style 19th of June celebration in church. A lot of people showed up and then they heard me play piano and then I was invited to his band and I found that this is a good opportunity for me to continue to serve the community. I thank the police department, the city council for giving me that opportunity to continue to serve the community and I enjoy this work and I've actually told some of the people that I do more with the police department than I did with the church. So, thank you for this opportunity. God bless you. >> I don't have much to add. Thank you for the recognition. Um, I would like to say a special thank you to Sergeant Sbrano, uh, not just for coordinating everything that's going on in the police department, but also being a true friend and partner in ensuring the security of our places of worship. Um, very recently during Kaneka when we had um, real concerns about things that were going on around the world. Sergeant Sabrano was there to take my phone call. He even showed up in full regalia. And we appreciate that very much. and I appreciate the fact that the city recognizes this small but important part of the police department and the service that it provides to the department and to the city at large. God bless you. Of course, we're very appreciative of uh the recognition and so we'd like to uh thank you for the for the support. Um the chaplain have done a wonderful job for uh many years uh helping not only the uh community but our officers have been there when uh many hard times uh happen in uh personal lives and and actually even in in professional lives and so it is uh definitely a great support for all of our officers and the community. Uh one thing that I would like to uh add too is of course uh anybody that is interested in becoming part of the chapency, anybody that is a uh ordained minister that is interested in serving, we invite them to uh take that opportunity and be involved and and join this uh great group of uh chaplain that that we have here in the in the city of El Paso and serving the police department. Thank you all very much. Well, thank you guys for, you know, volunteering 24 hours a day, excuse me, seven days a week and stepping up like you do. Um, with the care and compassion that you bring this community, uh, simply being there when individuals are often at their lowest point, struggling with stress, trauma, grief, or personnel challenges, you guys are always there to to support. And like previously mentioned, uh just your presence brings calm and reassurance that we are not alone during these difficult times. And on behalf of all of our employees and our sworn public safety officers and our civilian employees, we want to just simply say thank you guys because we could not do this without you. So, thank you guys so much. And I think next we got to figure out how to get into the band. >> Thank you guys. All right, let's see. Ready? Big smile. One, two, three. [Applause] for your office. And the next proclamation is Crystal Poppin Day, [Applause] >> Representative Roachcha. >> Yes, sir. Thank you so much, Mayor. Welcome Crystal. >> Thank you for >> welcome. I should say welcome back. Yes, >> you're becoming a staple around here. >> Thank you. I appreciate all of you. >> Let me read your proclamation. >> Whereas Crystal Poppin, an El Paso born Mexican-American rapper, actress, and creative entrepreneur who attended Austin High School, has proudly represented the culture and spirit of the borderland through her music, community impact, and artistic achievements and began her music journey in 2012. inspired by the hip-hop tapes her parents played on the way to school. And whereas in 2019, Crystal Poppin had the honor of opening for Cardi B, marking a significant milestone in her career and solidifying her position in the hip-hop scene. And whereas she has opened and performed at TNA wrestling events and previously debuted her song Undeniable Forever as the entrance theme for American professional wrestler Tessa Blanchard, further expanding her reach into the world of sports entertainment. And whereas Crystal Poppin also released the music video for her single Champions featuring Texas hiphop legend Paul Wall, which was filmed at the Don Haskins Center at the University of Texas at El Paso and at Chico Park under the Spaghetti Bowl and is on its way to reaching 1 million views on YouTube, demonstrating her growing digital impact and widespread audience engagement. And whereas in 2023, Crystal Poppin expanded her artistic career into acting, making her feature film debut in the independent movie Lost Souls, which won second place at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, marking another major achievement in her creative journey. And whereas Crystal Poppin continues to uplift her community, currently organizing a fundraiser with Our Lady of Assumption Church in support of the Young Dynasty Sports Academy, showing her deep commitment to empowering youth in the borderland. And whereas through her distinct style, authentic voice, and strong digital presence, Crystal Poppin has earned millions of views and streams across social media and music streaming platforms, establishing herself as one of the top streaming Latina female rappers in Texas. And whereas her album Morningside Heights, named after her central El Paso neighborhood, where she was raised, reached number 16 on the iTunes hiphop charts and includes collaborations with respected artists such as Be Real, Frankie J, Chris Perez, and Project Pat. And whereas Crystal Poppin has earned the title of best artist in El Paso, Texas for five consecutive years. highlighting her excellence, consistency, and continued contributions to the region's cultural and artistic landscape. And whereas it's important to celebrate local talent like Crystal Poppin, who not only excels in her profession, but also elevates the name of El Paso and showcases its artistic potential on the national stage. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso, that January 27th, also your birthday, shall be known as Crystal Poppin Day, signed by the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson. [Applause] >> Good morning. >> Good morning. Thank you for having me. council. Um, members, thank you friends, family, and the beautiful city of El Paso for having me. Thank you for the incredible honor of officially recognizing Crystal Poppin Day. Before I begin, my team members from Habitat for Humanity. and I would love to invite everyone to the first ever Crystal Poppin for a purposefest 2026 happening January 31st at Our Lady of Assumption Church from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We'll also be kicking off the day with a parade at 10:00 a.m. And the parade route can be found on my social media. Um, with that in mind, I'd like to begin by sharing a verse from the Bible that recently resonated with me and helped me shape my message today. Romans 5:es 2-5. We boast in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions because we know that affliction produces endurance. Endurance produces proven character. And proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit through who was given to us. Like many of us listening today, I have also been afflicted in my life. I have suffered incredible pain and loss. I have also been alone. I've been far from perfect. And I've made continous mistakes. Though I didn't know it at the time, God was holding me through it. And he knew my affliction would create an endurance within me. Not only in my heart and my mind, but in my very soul. This endurance has helped me carry the weight of my world and turn it into fuel for creation. I don't know how people typically deal with their pain, but I found a way to let it all out on the pages of my journals. I would cry and write for hours alone in my room. And when I couldn't write anymore, I felt a weight lifted off of my heart, and I was able to move on. These are the times I rarely speak about, but I feel it's important on such a day as this to explain to you all how I got here. I didn't have dreams of fame and fortune early in my life. I had dreams of peace in my heart and to be loved. and the only way I could find peace was to write everything I felt inside. After sharing my writings with a few people, I was encouraged to record them. I never thought of myself as a musician before, but I decided to try it. After finding myself in a studio one day, I recorded my first song, and it was love at first sight. I felt a spark ignite within me that I never felt before. This spark grew into a burning passion and has been the vehicle of my purpose ever since. This career has taken me places I've never dreamed of before. And I'm grateful to God for it all. Through my endurance, I learned that not it is you are not to complain. And though it's nice to receive something from someone, never expect anything from anyone. No one owes you anything in this life simply because you work hard. So when someone takes a moment to recognize you, appreciate it always and with incredible gratitude. And I definitely do. Thank you to anyone who has taken a moment to encourage me, to listen to a song, to come out to a live show, support my music in any way, or just check in on me to see how I'm doing. Your support gives me hope for what the future can look like. If my character can inspire someone to have faith in themselves, to do what they love, and to help others do the same, then God's plan is working. I've accepted the fact that you never have the good without the bad in this life. And the world is full of broken people. But never let the bad things people say hit your heart. Throw it in the furnace where your passion burns and use it as fuel to go further. Never forget the haters keep the engagement numbers up. People always ask me for advice, especially creatives who are just starting out. My best advice is not a cheat code or a secret formula to success. It's a simple theory I live by every day. Call on God above. Keep your head down. Stay out of people's business and work on bettering yourself every single day. Remember, there's always someone out there working harder than you, especially that one girl, Crystal Poppin. Thank you once again, city council, for the honor of Crystal Poppin Day. Thank you, friends and family, my team who have always had my back. Thank you, El Paso, for not only shaping my character, but for embracing one of your very own who was born of this soil and grown on this side of the sun. Thank you, Centralide 915, >> for teaching me how to endure. The lessons you taught me will never be forgotten and will forever be woven in the fabric of my being. And most of all, thank you, God, and Jesus Christ, for never leaving me. Though I was tossed in the water, I never went under. [Applause] You were always on time. Before I go, I remind you of the verse once once again. Affliction. Thank you. Affliction produces endurance. Endurance produces proven character. And proven character produces hope. Thank you. Representative Roachcha. >> Thank you, Mayor and Crystal. You know, we we came across each other uh recently. I know you have some some of your your family here, your team, and I see Taylor, Candace, and Monica in there. Yes. Oh, yes. I see you guys, Monica. Um, but one thing that I want to want to say is that before we were able to finish or when we finished the proclamation, there's one really important piece that you have done in this short amount of time and it it's been a huge hit and you also created another song called The Moment >> and that was inspired by Stephanie Han, right? And so unfortunately that didn't make it to the proclamation because of the timing and on the language. But I just uh would like just if it's okay with you, mayor, to be able just to talk a little bit about that because it's something that we would have liked to have included in the proclamation, but you just turned that around so quickly. Like I don't even know how you did that. I don't either. >> So if you could. >> Yes. Um, so I created a song for our local boxing champion, Stephanie Han. Um, she just went to Puerto Rico to fight her biggest fight against Holly Holm and she invited me to walk her out to the ring in front of national television and it was incredible. It was amazing to have two El Paso women on the main stage to represent the city. And it was an incredible honor and it's something that I will always remember and the song is out so you guys can go check it out and it's it's about her. She inspired me to write that song. >> Very good. >> Represent Nino. >> Thank you mayor and congrats Crystal. I I got to meet Crystal about six, seven years ago and it's great to see the work that you have done continue to do and it's exciting to see the work that you you'll do in the future. I'm going to read you a quick quote. It says, "Our talents are the gifts that God gives to us. What we make of our talents is our gift back to God." It's one of my favorite quote by Leo Buscaluya. >> And um and thank you Crystal for sharing your talents with us and with the world. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And Crystal, so many so many songs to talk about as we talked about earlier. Um >> I don't stop dropping them. >> I know. Keep keep dropping them. Okay. Um, and I watched some of them on YouTube and and some of my favorites are Poppin >> and of course your collab with Paul Wall Champions was really really good. >> Um, and as Representative uh Roach said, you know, we the nation enjoyed watching you with your ring walk with Stephanie Han singing the moment. You know, everyone in El Paso at that moment had a lot of pride to watch you walk into that ring singing that song. So, we cannot thank you enough as a community for always representing the 915 and keeping us on the national uh umh stage and international because you have traveled everywhere. I don't know how you're doing it, but you do it. you know, I see you from wrestling to to boxing. So, you're you're everywhere. But and thank you for always, as I said earlier, filming in El Paso and making your music videos here. And you are seen and you are loved by this community. Okay. >> Thank you, Mary. >> So, you keep it up. We're so proud of you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Crystal. Congratulations. >> You want to come up? You want to go on BBS? Crystal, if you could introduce your team that's here, because I know you have your mom here. You guys are going to have to stand up anyway. So, >> we're going to have to come take pictures. >> You're just going to have to come take pictures anyway. So, you might as well introduce yourself. >> Mama popping. This Mama Poppin, everybody, >> Sister Poppin, Naomi, my DJ, my best friend, my day one, 3:00 a.m. And then we have my security guard over there Fresh. And this the homie right here. And of course, Habitat for Humanity. We have Taylor Moreno, Monica Fiero, and Zeralda Ggo, who are helping me put together Crystal Poppin for a purposefest 2026. >> Very good. Congratulations. All right, you guys did the work for us. This looks great. Big smile. [Applause] Yeah, even this Sorry. And the next proclamation is Habitat for Humanity Day. >> Can I start? >> Represent Nino. Thank you, mayor. And if it could please play the short video. >> Everyone deserves a place to live and grow together as a family. And this is something we could be very proud of. What makes today truly special is what this home represents. It represents a fresh start, a safe place. It will be a place where a mother and her children will build memories. >> Habitat's mission reflects everything that I believe in about our community, dignity, and opportunity. >> Kimberly, we're excited for you and your girls, and we're grateful to be a small part in your journey. Please join me in welcoming the Baptist victim. Yeah. >> And this just showed us that sometimes we just never know who's at the receiving the end of our gift. [Music] This is really a special moment for all of us. When you build homes for a living, you realize pretty quickly that a house is more than just woody concrete. It's where life happens. It's where families come together, kids grow up. That's why Habitat for Humanity means so much to me. >> Thank you. It uh mayor, it's an honor to recognize an organization that puts compassion into action and turns hope into home ownership. Habitat for humanity reminds us that strong communities are built when neighbors come together to lift one another up. So, thank you for the lives that you have changed, disability you've created, and the futures that you continue to build right here in El Paso. And this is a a great example of as I mentioned when community comes together. So thank you to Tropicana Homes, Westar Title Window Team, AD Electric, Bigolf's Plumbing, GCC, Sun City Materials, Expert, HVAC, Airbnb, Oscar Rudina, Home Depot, HBI, Frontier Door Cabinet, Smith Ramirez, Warrior Allegiance, San Antonio and Home Health, Dominguez Installation, LNW Supply, Commercial Print Solutions, JFM Enterprises, Garage Doors and More, Doors and More, ABC Supply, R Precision Metal, and GAF and I mention all of them because they all came together to contribute and make this home a reality which is located in district 5. So proclamation for the city of El Paso, Texas. Whereas Habitat for Humanity of El Paso was established in 1981 with a mission to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. And whereas since its founding, Habitat for Humanity of El Paso has served as a vital partner in addressing the need for safe, decent, and affordable housing for hardworking families throughout our region. And whereas Habitat for Humanity is in the process of completing their 69th new home built for the El Paso community, making a historic milestone milestone that transformed the life of a local family and has laid the foundation for decades for continued service. And whereas throughout the power of volunteerism, community partnership and donor support, Habitat for Humanity has provided opportunities for stability, dignity, and generational progress to countless families. And whereas the city of El Paso recognizes the extraordinary leadership, dedication, and compassion demonstrated by Habitat for Humanities board of directors, staff, volunteers, homeowners, and supporters who embody the spirit of service that strengthens our entire community. And whereas the impact of hab habitat for humanity extends far beyond its construction projects, inspiring civic engagement, fostering neighborhood revitalization, and creating pathways to a brighter future for families across El Paso. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and the council of the city of El Paso, honoring and celebrating and expressing a deep appreciation for Habitat for Humanity of El Paso, January 20, 2026 shall be known as Habitat for Humanity Day, signed by the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson. >> Good morning. Good morning, mayor, esteemed city council representatives, and members of our community. My name is Pete Moody, and I have the distinct honor of being the executive director for Habitat of Humanity of El Paso. I'm joined this morning by Taylor Marino, member of our staff, and many members of our board of directors. On behalf of Habitat of Humanity El Paso, thank you for this proclamation and for recognizing the importance of affordable home ownership in our city. It is nice to see many of you today who have stepped up in recent weeks to be part of Habitat's efforts. From Mayor Johnson to Representative Roachcha, Representative Alivo, and Representative Nino and fellow honore Crystal Poppin. We are truly honored by today's acknowledgement and grateful for your support of our mission. At Habitat, we believe that a home is the foundation for everything else in life. It is where families find stability, children grow and learn, and futures are built. When families have a safe and affordable place to call home, entire neighborhoods, and ultimately our city are stronger. What makes Habitat's work in El Paso especially meaningful is the way our community shows up. Volunteers, donors, city leaders, and partner families come together with a shared purpose to create opportunity and hope through home ownership and critical home repairs. That collaboration reflects the very best of El Paso. This proclamation sends a powerful message that the city of El Paso understands housing is not just a social issue, but a critical component of economic development, educational success, and overall quality of life. Your leadership and hopefully soon a partnership helps makes it possible for us to continue serving hardworking families across our community. Thank you for standing with Habitat for Humanity and for championing efforts that strengthen strengthens families and neighborhoods. We are proud to work alongside you and look forward to continuing this important work together. Thank you again for this honor. >> Does the team want to come up and introduce themselves? >> Yep. >> Right here. Good morning. My name is Wilson Mendes. I have the honor of being the vice president of Habitat for Humanity Board. Thank you for having us. Appreciate today. >> Morning, council. Uh Matt Palos with Jordan Foster. I've been with Habitat for a few years now. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be here and the recognition. Greatly appreciate it. >> Morning. Uh Brent Rosen with El Paso Impact Consulting. Thank you. >> Hello. Thank you so much. I'm with K Fox 14 and CBS4, but I also sit on the resource committee, the um home selection committee, and the marketing committee. And I want to thank you all for the recognition. Thank you so much. >> Oh, and my name is Monica Firo. >> Hi, thank you, Mayor Johnson, for having us and council. Um, I'm extremely grateful to be part of such a great organization. My name is Zerald Gaygo. I'm a local realtor. I'm a board member and a part of the marketing committee. Good morning, council and major. Thank you so much for hang having us here and for the recognition. My name is Diego Buriaga. I am the chair of the marketing committee for Habitat for Humanity and it's a pleasure for to be here. Thank you so much. >> Fantastic. >> Good morning, council and dear friends. Taylor Modeno, uh, executive director of of development and community outreach. Thank you so much for recognizing us today and allowing us to be here and be partners with y'all. Thank you. >> Got it. Represent Rocha. >> Thank you, Mayor. And and I know we've been uh we've been seeing a lot of each other lately. Well, some, not all. Sorry. But it's been a lot of fun. And one of the things that I think is so important is to understand that it's not just the housing that you all build, but you briefly mentioned the Restore, and I think it's so important for people to understand what that helps, how we can help. Um, if we're not in a position to be able to say volunteer, would you all be able to speak a little bit about the restore and where it's at and all the good information? >> Thank you. Yeah, thank you for mentioning that. the uh we we have a restore restore it is uh basically a thrift store that we have created and every product that we get there is a donation from the community. >> So uh the donations are very important. We get those donations, we make sure they work, they're cleaned up and they're reusable and then we will resell those, hence the name restore. Those funds that we gain through the restore are then put right back into our projects, our critical home repairs and our home builds. So yes, thank you very much for mentioning that. We're at 8,500 Dyer in the northeast. >> Very good. Representative Limon. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Habitat for Humanity um board and staff. When I walked in this morning, I saw this beautiful, absolutely beautiful gift that was placed on each of our place settings. And I walked in and I thought of two names. And so I kind of looked at in the crowd, Liz Thurman and Taylor Moreno. This is the kind of stuff that they put together. Beautiful. Thank you very much for the gift. Really appreciate it. We'll use it with pride. >> Absolutely. And again, thank you guys. and and thank you for letting me take part in last week's event. It was incredible. And um what I don't think most people know is that you provide a hand up and not a hand out. And what that means is families contribute with sweat equity painting and and construction. And in fact, you guys had offered when we were out at the event to help paint the the following day. Sorry I wasn't able to make that day of painting, but again, you know, again, you provide a hand up, which is really incredible. And I will never forget the smile on that family's face when we were there in that moment when, you know, they were talking about that home and the memories they were going to create, the first Christmases they were going to have, the graduations they were going to have. And that moment in time, I will I will never forget the smile on that family's face. And I know it takes a village. I know it takes a village and a lot of volunteers and a lot of the sponsors and supporters that representative Nino uh so eloquently uh talked about the list, but thank you guys for all that you do for our community. We know that there's been over,200 families served uh in this community and over 67 homes built. And I believe there might be another one coming online here soon, which I hope we'll keep our fingers crossed, but we couldn't do it without you guys. So, thank you for what you do and uh we're glad to support you as a city. Thank you. >> And thank you, mayor. Thank you for your salary. That's going to go a long way. >> Oh, you're very welcome. >> My pleasure. You're very welcome. Congratulations guys. [Applause] All right. If I fall, I get a vacation, right? >> Mhm. Got it. So much. >> Yes. >> Is this yours? Let me make sure you got this. Miss Brian. >> Yes, sir. And the final proclamation is Lanob Steam Discovery Center Day. [Applause] >> Good morning. >> Good morning. represent lemon. >> Good morning everyone as you come up forward. This is proclamation from the city of El Paso whereas Lanube Steam Discovery Center located in downtown El Paso, Texas has been named the recipient of the internationally renowned hands-on children in museums award 2025. One of the highest global honors recognizing excellence, innovation, and impact in children's museums. And whereas the award was presented at the European Museum Academy meeting in Liverpool, United Kingdom, where Lanu was selected from a distinguished group of five international finalists by representing Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States. And whereas Lenuv Steam Discovery Center now joins an elite group of United States institutions to receive this honor, becoming only the third children's museum in the nation to earn the hands-on award alongside the Police Touch Museum in Philadelphia and the Boston Children's Museum. And whereas since opening, Lanube has served more than 350,000 children and families through bilingual hands-on steam experiences that celebrate the stories, culture, and creativity of the El Paso border community. And whereas guided by strong leadership and founding philanthropic partners, including the El Paso Community Foundation, Lanu expands access to barrierfree learning spaces that support families, educators in the future of El Paso. And whereas this achievement brings positive global attention to the city of El Paso and affirms its leadership as a place where education creativity innovation and community centered investment thrive. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso, encouraging all residents to join in celebrating this extraordinary achievement and the lasting impact Lanu has on children, families, and the broader community. January 20th, 2026 shall be known as Lanu Steam Discovery Center Day, signed by the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson. Good morning. >> Good morning. My name is Stephanie Oerum with the El Paso Community Foundation. In the heart of the Pasel Donorte region, where borders blur and cultures connect, a cloud took shape. Lanube. Those were the words I shared at the opening of my presentation at the hands-on awards ceremony in Liverpool, England. From the very beginning, our vision was bold to create a world-class children's museum and science center that would transform the educational landscape of our region. A center built by the community for the community. one that celebrates the beauty, creativity, and spirit of the Pasadon Norte region with the strength of an extraordinary partnership amongst the city of El Paso, the El Paso Community Foundation, dedicated community leaders, and most importantly, the people of El Paso. There was never any doubt this vision could become reality. Today, Lanube stands as a shining example not only for our community or for our nation, but for the entire world. Since opening our doors on August 10th, more than 350,000 guests of all ages have come to discover, create, and innovate. Each day, nearly 500 students from area schools fill our spaces with joy and curiosity, leaving inspired and excited to learn more. Teachers explore innovative ways to engage their classrooms and multigenerational families come together to explore, learn, and imagine side by side. It was an incredible honor and a privilege to represent the city of El Paso, Lube, and our entire community at the ceremony in England. In all honesty, we all felt a little bit of intimidation when we saw the other finalists, museums in Dubai, Singapore, Budapest, and Blackpool, England. But as I listened to their presentations, something became very clear. We belonged and deserved to be on this global stage. One of the most meaningful moments came when the jurors shared why Lanu was selected. Their words affirmed that the priorities guiding our work from day one were not only visible but deeply valued by our peers across the globe. They recognized our meaningful and intentional community engagement in shaping decisions, programming, and priorities. They highlighted our unwavering commitment to inclusion, especially our one-of-a-kind, never-beforedone, non-hierarchal bilingual signage, and our daily support for children with autism and sensory sensitivities. They put a spotlight on one exhibit in particular, Connected Sky, a powerful collaborative experience that connects and celebrates our two border communities. They acknowledged our dedication to creating careerbuilding opportunities and innovative hiring practice that open pathways into steam, education, business, and the arts. But they were especially moved by the success of Lanube for all. Not just saying everyone is welcome, but proving it. While most museums serve 1 to 3% of visitors through access programs, at Lanube, that number is just over 30%. In our first year, that equates to 48,600 El Pasoans and regional visitors. We set out to build a world-class museum rooted in our values, our community, and our border identity. We already knew we had succeeded, but this award confirms what we believe from the very beginning. Loo is not only a place of learning and wonder. El Paso is not simply a border city. We are a model of what is possible when vision, purpose, and people come together. On behalf of the Lanube board of directors and the Lanube staff, I want to thank Mayor Bernard Johnson and our city council for this honor and recognizing the importance and impact of Lanube and this international award for our community. We invite everyone to come to Lanube and meet Miffy who will be with us until September. Thank you >> Stephanie. Congratulations to you and the team. Do they want to come up and introduce themselves? >> Thank you so much for the recognition. My name is Mick Martinez, the vice president for marketing and communications. >> Good morning everyone. Carlos Salazar, chief advancement officer. >> Good morning everybody. I'm Miranda Diaz, VP of talent and culture. >> Good morning. and Diana White, chief operating officer for Lenovo. Thank you so much. >> Hi, I'm Chris Nunes, VP of facilities and exhibits. >> Karen Gonzalez, vice president of administration and finance. >> Andrea Masias, grant program director. >> Good morning. I'm Michael Nelson, director of operations of Fab El Paso. Ben Fifa on the board and contract administrator for the city. >> Margarita Marian, board of directors representing the city. >> That's the team, huh? >> Yes. >> Congratulations, you guys. I mean, only the third children's museum in the nation to ever get this award. And can you tell us a little bit? Is it Mythy? >> So Mythy is a Danish children's character and it is the award. It's a traveling award. Um she was sort of introduced in the 50s. Um she was a big children's character in Europe and they chose her to represent the spirit and joy of children's museums around the world. So she came back with me on a plane in a metal case. We had to get her insured. Um, it was very fun going through customs with her and explaining why I was carrying a bronze bunny with me. And in September, I will have the honor of flying to Spain to present her to the next Children's Museum. >> Wow. Congratulations, you guys. Very well done. And, you know, uh, all the kids that have gone through there, 350,000 plus kids. And I was here at the event uh, last week when I I told you guys that no matter who you are, when you walk in, you just start smiling. It is a gorgeous facility and you have put El Paso on the international map, one of three. So, congratulations and keep up the good work. Thank you guys. [Applause] Thank you so much. Perfect. Thank you. collab towers and then I'll meet you. >> Thank you so much for Okay, Miss Bryan. >> Good morning. This is a meeting of the El Paso City Council for Tuesday, January 20th, 2026. Mayor Johnson is present and presiding in council chambers along with Mayor Prom Chavez, Representative Asdo, Representative Maldonado Rocha, Representative Boyco, Representative Nino, Alternate Mayor Prom Fiero, Representative Lemon, and Representative Canales. It is 10:02 a.m. and we begin the meeting with an invocation delivered by El Paso Police Chaplain and Chabat Lubovich of El Paso, Rabbi Levi Greenberg. >> Good morning. I'm back. I will begin this prayer with an act of charity. Almighty God, sovereign of the universe, look favorably upon the mayor, the honorable members of the city council, all of us gathered in this chamber, and those watching online this morning, and bestow upon us all the joy of life, good health, and prosperity. Next week we celebrate the 76th anniversary of the leadership of a global spiritual leader of our times, the Loava Rebba, Rabbi Schneerrison. In 1950, in the shadows of the devastation of the Holocaust, the Reba galvanized a shattered nation to rebuild and guided millions of others toward a better life with a tremendous focus on the value of the individual. Based on traditional interpretations of the Bible, he taught that our turbulent world is truly a divine garden and we are its gardeners to reveal its true beauty through our acts of goodness and kindness. The Reb taught that every individual and every individual action impacts the entire universe. He emphasized the importance of education and good character and instilled hope for a brighter future in the lives of countless people in America and across the globe. The Reb encouraged spreading awareness of the seven universal laws given to mankind by God through Noah, one of which instructs us to create a peaceful and moral society governed by law. These laws also include the importance of serving God alone, respecting God's name, and the prohibitions against murder, theft, adultery, and cruelty against all living creatures. A society guided by these principles is on track to achieve true world peace and tranquility. Please God, give strength to our elected officials to be cognizant of your presence and that they have the ability to elevate the quality of life for everyone in our region and to inspire us all to come together in unity. That we truly care for our peers, society, and our environment and work together to make our world a better and happier place for all. May our borderland region serve as a beacon of light, strength, and moral courage as we do our part in preparing the world for an era of global peace and tranquility. May this occur speedily in our times. And let us say, amen. >> Thank you, Rabbi Council. Per the rules of order, no use of personal cellular devices nor personal communication should take place on the deas 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 for a debatable motion. Please speak into the microphone and refrain from side conversations at the deas while the meeting is in session. If you're joining us virtually, please make sure your microphones are muted to reduce any background noise. That brings us to the public comment on agenda items this morning. We have Mr. Ron Ko that signed up to speak on item 28. Item 28 is an ordinance amending title 7 to add a section for vicious dogs. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. What a shock I'm here. Um, hey, this uh amendment to title 7 is actually a good idea. The only thing is is it doesn't go far enough because the only thing it's really addressing is uh own dogs. What about the stray dogs that are doing the attacking? What are we going to do about those? You had a a bird sanctuary where the stray dogs went in, eight ate of them, and killed everything that moved, breathed. What was done with those dogs? Where would you classify them in your new Title 7 agenda? We're falling short, gentlemen. Again, I got to ask, why when we're dealing with animal services, Title 7 laws about animals, why aren't the rescues being invited in for their input? You've got Loretta Hyde, Animal Rescue League, 30 years experience. Why wouldn't somebody like she be invited to participate in any kind of discussion? We have Texas laws that we don't abide by now. If we put this in, are we actually going to do something? Are we going to fix it so it includes all the strays in the streets? Not just, you know, finding the guy the owners, you know, that's that's great. giving them back to the owners after they've attacked. That's not great. They need to be brought in. They need to be checked. They need to be quarantined upon the first bite, whether it's animal on animal or or animal on human. But we fall short again. We don't protect the community. We're not protecting their pets. We're not protecting the strays of El Paso. I've been saying that now for five years. policies and procedures, shelter plants that we have in place and have had in place for five years have failed miserably and we sit here and do nothing. You really want to stop the aggressive dogs, stop the strays on the streets. Find the people that have aggressive dogs. I agree. Don't give them back to them like we've been doing for the last five years so that we don't have to intake them. We don't need any more excuses to limit intake. Let's fix the problem, folks. I keep asking. I don't see anything being done. Next time I come up, we'll conver conversation on that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay, that concludes comment on agenda items at 10. We now go to call to the public. The El Paso City Council is a local government 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 form 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 forward 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 abortion and sanctity of life month. Good morning, Miss Crawford. You have three minutes. [Music] >> Good morning. Thank you. I'm just going to very very briefly speak. I'm traveling and it's kind of chaotic. Um, but just in honor of this month being sanctity of life month, I just want to read a quote from the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew chapter 25. The Lord Jesus said, "In as much as ye have done to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done to me." Those are the words of the Lord Jesus. Um, little babies in the womb are the creation of God and we need to honor them as such. Thank you so much and hope you have a good day. Thank you. >> Thank you. The next speaker is Victoria Hardin. I don't see her in the queue. We'll go with Mr. Ron Ko. Mr. Ko's topic is constitutional rights to the rescue 1983 animal services. I did forget to mention county. They should have been involved in the title 7 also. So first of all I want to thank you all for the corrections you made at the toxic work environment at the shelter. I appreciate that there's finally something done. But I'd like to bring something to light. Year and a half ago or so, I had a meeting. Well, we had a meeting rescues with this assistant city manager and another person from the city. We discussed toxic work environment. I gave them names and phone numbers of people that were describing and quit because of the toxic work environment. After a couple weeks, I was told that everything was fine. They were great. I guess I was losing my mind. So I guess it took us reading exit interviews to you all to prove that there is a toxic work environment. So now my question to you all is how many good employees did we lose because we were protecting the problem. Good question. Right. We could check the exit interviews see how many we lost. Now, Southernland Park, Los Cusus, Horizon County, everybody's admitting it. We have a stray problem publicly. They're not hiding it anymore. Las Cruises is blaming the community, of course, but they were on the host planet, too. Leaving stray, unaltered animals on the streets creates more stress. I cannot say it enough. I cannot say it loudly enough. Anybody that understands anything knows this is true. However, everybody's admitting they have a stray problem. Everybody but El Paso. You guys put out a post saying, "Hey, we have a stray problem. We're going to do this to create, you know, help cure the problem." Not happening. Why? We started it. We created it. And we've done nothing about it. Honestly, what have you done to fix the stray problem? We're still running HOS. Tell you what, we're being told they're running on the Oh god, I can't think of the name of the plan right now. Nathan Winterrad wrote it. Anyways, my my comment to that is is I I give you guys I make a deal with you. you show in in that shelter plan where it lists anything about managed intake, I'll walk out that door and I won't come back. Proof that they are lying about what they're doing. Anybody else want to do that? Anybody want to take the challenge? I'll walk out and I won't come back. Prove me wrong. Prove I lied. I'm here to help. We are all coming up here to help. >> Thank you, Mr. Ku. 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. Here we are again another year. um so came uh about a year ago brought up a certain subject but I just want to remind not only everybody on the dis and in this room but in this city and whoever else is watching first amendment rights freedom of religion is also freedom from religion uh we've got the freedom of press freedom of assembly right to petition which is you can protest to your government. Those are complaints, criticisms. Now you got the fourth amendment. The right of the people to be secure in their person, houses, papers, effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. No warrant shall issue upon probable cause supported by oath or affirmation and particularly described the place to be searched in the persons or things to be seized. Right? Anyway, we needed a little lesson because apparently people really don't believe in the constitution anymore. People don't believe that anybody here on this land, not just a citizen, deserves due process, human respect. I came and I mentioned to you all, all of you about a year ago, two United States immigration programs from our past. Y'all were offended by one of the names. I didn't name it. That was a US government program name. But you weren't offended by the practices. And I say that because y'all today are still complicit. Not one of you has spoken out about what is going on at quite frankly our desert death camp far east Montana. If you're unaware, people from Al alligator Alcatraz got transferred over here. people that are being taken in Minnesota and everything that's going on there. And I do know people and I have friends there. I have been to that city are being sent over here to the east side. People are dying over here. And I'm just going to let you know that your complicity not speaking out and thank you as for being over there at the county event on speaking out for that. But quite frankly, the blood that's in the bloodshed that's happening in the deaths over there, it's also on your hands because you're being complicit and you don't speak out. I will with my last breath. Unfortunately, some people don't. >> The next speaker is Jose Caston Barriia. Mr. Barriga's topic is institutional oversight failure and ADA non-compliance. He will be followed by Priscilla Ernnandez, Katie Garcia, and Claudia Contra Silver. Excuse me, man. I'm going for the record. One for the record. That's >> okay. >> Good morning. >> Okay. Good morning, mayor and council. My name is Jose Gastonia, retired US Army. On November 1st, I have a 20 I had a 24 hours to get to Ecuador regarding my my median model. I was trapped by a chain gate and a phantom north lot at the airport that exist in neither El Paso city ordinance nor airport directing signs. Using a hybrid roator, I chose the only practical path to ensure I reach my mother's bedside. We pay Metropolis Technologies SSP+ to run more than to run more than those loads. On January 12th, they settled for 8.77 75 millions in Tennessee for the for the exact deective sickness and confusing practices I encountered. They are under they are under investigation in San Antonio for similar veteran parking failures. Since I filed my grievance, the airport parking website has been quietly overhauled. The director Nevarez admitted in writing that my experience was not practical. Yet, your staff is fighting me for over $272. I'm not here for the money. I have pledged my $272 refund to the senior recreational fund. I'm here to denote this failure the systemic a systemic because the washers their dog the chief internal auditor position remains open since vacant since August the ADA advisory committee hasn't been hasn't met in months and they just canled the January 22nd again council you promote enhanced library card for equity in contrast by pushing up only parking through metropolis You are driving a massive federal audit in April 2026 when new DOJ DOJ digital standards take effect. Refund the seniors, fix the ordinance and fill the auditor position ASAP. Don't let $272 mistake turn into a 9 million disaster. Do the right thing for the veterans and the taxpayers. Have a great day. Thank you. >> Thank you. The >> next speaker is Priscilla Ernnandez. She will be followed by Katie Garcia. Miss Hernandez's topic is ice cream truck vendor prices. >> Good morning. You have three minutes. Hello. Good morning. >> Good morning. >> We are here in representation of our local vendor. We are here to speak up for our community of vendors. Mr. Cavayto is abusing of his position, allowing the leagues to resell the concessions to us at a higher price of 1,800 for 2 days. As we know, the leagues are giving the priority to their own vendors, although some of them don't have all of the requirements that the park recreations require. Also, the leagues don't have the authority to pick their vendors and charge us extra. Pablo Cavayto and Monica Vargas allow the leagues to buy the concessions for $300. And as I had mentioned above, the parks are being resold. In conclusion, Mr. Cavayto is taking advantage of his position by fabricating by fabricating false hope to assist and to resolve this issue. With no outcome as of our acknowledgement, we know the people don't know what actually happens and we want to bring this up to everyone's attention to find a resolution for all of our vendors. Thank you. >> The next speaker is Katie Garcia, also speaking on the resale on Yes, you're speaking on the the same topic of resale of park concessions. >> Good morning. >> Hi, good morning. And so we like, like I already said, we want to bring this to you guys's attention because we think it's very unfair for us to be charged more or to be recharged because we already paid for that concession. So I just want to emphasize that that we're paying more than what we already paid. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> The final speaker is Claudia Contra. For Miss Siller's topic, we we will be using the Wartley app if you there's a QR code on the screen and where you can scan and follow along. Her topic is Hustia Paratos, justice for all. Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. Uh I'm going to say some words in English really fast. I brought the Mexican flag and the American flag. Um, I won this prize and I decided to ask for blue roses so I can give out to the police department and all law enforcement that are in the city with a note. Thank you very much for your service. I won 50 eternal roses by Instagram account eternal blooms by Eli and decided to ask for blue roses so I can give out to law enforcement agents. John 3:16. My dream is that one day all El Paso Police Department and Sheriff's Office can back up the cats from animal cruelty. Thank you. Mexianch. Traffic Aero. is protest. Then Thank you. >> Thank you. And I'm going to give a flower to mayor. Thank you. >> That concludes call to the public. 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 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 Proen. Thank you, Miss Prine. I move to approve the consent agenda with the following re revisions. Page three, item three, move item to the regular agenda and take with item 38 per representative aso. Page four, item five, move item to the regular agenda per representative aso. Page nine, items 30 and 31, take items before item 28 per city attorney's office and police department. Page 12, item 43, move item to the forefront of the regular agenda per representative Boer TCO. >> Are there's a motion and a second? Um, Representative Chavez, can you repeat that again? It's kind of hard to go on the fly when we we get a sheet and then we change on on the on the fly. So, what is it again? >> Yes, mayor. Page three, item three. Move item to the regular agenda and take item take with item 38 per representative aso. >> Bless you. >> Page four, item five, move item to the regular agenda per representative aso. Page nine, items 30 and 31. Take items before item 28 per city attorney's office and police department. >> I we got those cuz those were printed. So we're we're good there. Uh >> 12 item 43 move item to the forefront of the regular agenda per Representative Boer Trejo. >> We got that. Representative Rocha. >> Thank you mayor. And and really quickly upon upon approval of this, I would like just to to take a moment to recognize um one of the board appointees that is sitting in the in the audience today, Mr. J. Dawam. He is providing and serving or will be serving on the Civil Service Commission. So, thank you, Mr. Ctham, for being here today. appreciate the service that you also um did for many years on El Paso Police Department and I'm looking forward to you uh serving on this board and commission. But with that, that that's all I had. Mayor, thank you. >> Perfect. Represent Canales. >> There you go. Mayor, I'd like to move item 10 to the regular agenda as well. >> Okay. Representative Lemon. >> Mayor, I understand item number five has been uh moved. I'm sorry. It was uh moved to the regular agenda. Is that correct? Um and I don't know if I can do this. I'd like to postpone that item for two weeks. Which comes first? >> The post. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Okay. I believe we have uh comment on some consent agent items. >> Yes, mayor. We have on item number four, we have Miss Claudia Contrailer signed up to speak on item four and this is a resolution to amend schedule C to add $50 registration fee for dogs designated as vicious dogs. >> Hello, good morning. I am for um resolution 4. Uh the dogs that have been acting aggressive, they need to be labeled as aggressive. I'm going to use an example. A person was letting out two pitbulls because they had chip. They were terrorizing their street. I asked for the address cuz I could get pictures of these dogs all the way to Ascarat Park and by Marty Robbins. So, I was thinking, who's letting them out on this side? So, I found out that the person letting out these dogs lived in behind Marty Robbins. These dogs were letting out every single night, attacking the entire street. I was asking for information on next door and a neighbor sent me the address. Uh, what would happen is that these dogs were chasing people, were killing small pets and stray cats. What would happen by law is that they were getting scanned and returned to the owner and they were never never labeled as aggressive. Uh I had videos of those dogs killing cats, taking them by the head and when they got surrender finally um they were not labeled as aggressive. So, I had to go to the police department and tell them that those dogs were very aggressive and those dogs could not be giving out as a regular adoption because they were used to killing cats all night for 3 months. I was after them for 2 weeks. And I want to thank the police department and uh animal services for stopping that problem. So, I am for adding another fee to label dogs as aggressive. You cannot place a a dog with a family with kids. And it's also for the strays. There's a lot a lot of loose animals, especially in the desert. They stay in the desert and then they go to the houses to start killing cats and dogs. So, every single dog that is aggressive that has chased a person or a kid must be labeled as aggressive uh to prevent, you know, like a tragedy. Please. Thank you, Animal Services. >> Thank you. >> We have Miss Osman that signed up to speak on items 18, which is a notation of special project discretionary fund and PECARD transactions, and item 19, which is notation of campaign contributions. You know, anytime the PC card comes up, I'm going to go through it. And it's there's always something interesting to me. Um, one, uh, CL hours, continuing ed legal education hours, those can be done remotely. You don't actually have to travel out of town. I know that because my status is on dormant. And if I wanted to re-up that, I could do that online and remotely as well. But as far as uh, so that is with the pecard. I I don't know if I should do this. Go ahead in anyway. Okay. So, that's that's with 18. Uh, and also with that, I'm going to tell you, you know what's always bothered me is that y'all go buy your goodies. Hey, we've already talked about the catering in a lot of this. Hey, you know what? Did I go to uh Tamales with Canales? Yes, because he's also still the rep for the neighborhood association in that I oversee. But um anytime y'all get snacks and you take them to the senior centers, you're not like, "Hey, I'm registered at one of the senior centers myself, maybe I shouldn't be offended, but I am." You know why? Because it's the same places where the votes are are held. And it just seems as though, you know what, you kind of have a captured audience that you're paying off with sweets for their votes. Whether that's the case or not, that's how it looks. And unless you're giving sweets to everybody, it shouldn't be a captured audience at a senior center. Hey, look, I I think we do quite a bit for the senior centers. Do they do they have a lot of complaints? And I'm sure when you all go to the senior centers, you're going to hear them, right? You know, the food just all sorts of things. But it does bother me how much money of the taxpayers dollars are used on things that give the perception that you're purchasing boats and whe you know whether that's parties or you know catering for this and that and mind you you know hey I I'm sure out of his own pocket those giveaways at tamales with granales were out of his own pocket but or or donations who knows Um, it's something that that there is an issue with and I think all taxpayers should have an issue with it, not just me pointing it out because I'm the only one actually reviewing it and looking and telling some of this outrageousness up. So, that is it for for 18. Um, in regards to number 19, Mr. Nino, I I'm going to say you got votes because constituents voted for you. >> Thank you. >> Wait, thank you. >> So, I have to do both of them at the same. >> Yes, because the the item is taken together as one vote. >> Okay. You know what? Can you clarify that prior? >> It would greatly appreciate that. Thank you. Miss Fry. >> Yes, sir. >> Is that it on the consent agenda? >> That's it on the consent agenda. The other item one was postponed. Item five is is there's a revision to postpone. And then item 10 is moved to regular. >> Okay, that works. So, we have a motion and a second on the consent agenda. Is there any further discussion? >> Okay, Miss Bryan. >> I'm sorry. Who was the second? And I didn't hear a second. Thank you, Representative Pedro. The motion was made by Mayor Prom Chavez, seconded by alternate mayor Potim Pedro, and this is to approve the consent agenda as revised. On that motion, call for the vote and the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. Mayor, would you like to take item 10 that was moved to regular? >> Yes. >> Item 10 is a resolution that repist 2 representative Josh Asaveto be appointed as a city representative to the transportation policy board for the metropolitan planning organization to replace district 8 representative Canales effective immediately. >> Representative Canales. Thank you, Mayor. Um I I I wanted to I I wanted to comment and not let the moment pass. Um this is you know we I was asked if this is a change that I would be in favor of and and I said no. Um I have served uh a few years on the NO and have prepared myself very well for that service. Um in that time I've been required to take 15 continuing education hours. Um, and I've done 44 and a half. I think it's very important to learn the intricacies of of, uh, you know, Tex's 12 funding categories and, uh, all of the the complexities of transportation planning. And so, um, it's it's a service on on that board that I take very seriously. Um, I I understand if it's the council's desire to make a change. Um, there is a meeting of the no this week that I've already prepared for. I would ask uh if we're going to make this change that we can postpone this item for two weeks so I can attend this final meeting again that I've already uh prepared for and done all the reading for and we can consider the change in in two weeks time uh so that the the uh replacement if I am replaced comes into a meeting already prepared. So I'd move to postpone this item for two weeks. >> Second. >> Okay. There's a motion and a second. Any other discussion? All right, Miss Bryan call for the vote. We do have comment from Miss Osmond. Miss Osman, the item is being postponed for two weeks. The >> Should I still speak? >> You can speak regarding the postponement. >> Just postpone >> just on the postponement. >> You know, I completely agree with postponement because that's very valid. >> Okay. Miss Frank, call for the vote, please. >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by Representative Canal, seconded by Representative Lemon, and this is to postpone item 10 for two weeks. On that motion, call for the vote. Mayor, there's a tie in the voting session. >> All right, let's take the next item. >> And the motion fails. Four to five. Representatives Chavez Seedo, Nino, Fiero, the mayor voting A. Representatives Rocha, Tjo, Lemon, Canales, voting I. The motion fails. >> All right, let's take the next item. So, is there going to be a motion to approve? >> Oh, >> sorry. Yeah, we need a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> All right. Call for the vote. >> Miss Osman would like to speak >> on item 10. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Uh, >> can they set up the projector or what happened to it? >> It's there, ma'am. From my understanding when I did the check as to what the mass transit you uh commission does or the board sorry uh a part of that is uh infrastructure am I correct Mr. Canales? So like streets correct part of that. All right. So, I'm curious as to whether bike lanes are part of that. Um, reason being not. Anyway, what that is is that's a photograph of a what was once a bike lane on Pedras going down and I took that on the way to Tamales with Canales because I was riding down Pedras to get to Texas cuz it was being held at Cafe Mayapan. And now it's blacked out. If you if you can't see it, it's very faint, but you do see the diamond. It did say bike lane and then now it is kind of >> this husband just this is on the appointment. >> Okay. So this is the thing is that whoever is appointed needs to really consider on the fact that there are changes done to the streets and then all of a sudden y'all just flip it around. It it it doesn't make sense. So whether it is Mr. Canales m representative Mr. Ato I think a lot of this whoever's on the board needs to take all of this in consideration because these are wasted tax dollars. It would have been nice to have a bike lane still remaining there. It's not. Um, I'll speak further on that on another agenda item, but honestly, um, I'm not too sure why there somebody has to be moved. Um, personally, I don't agree even though both of them in some ways are my representatives. I I really don't think it should be changed. Um, somebody and I'll I'll I'll point out that Mr. at least brings the numbers when he discusses certain things. Um at times will admit when he's wrong and so that I do appreciate. Um so I would say this isn't a change that needs to be made. It should stay as it is and if it was contested then I I think for some reason everybody should ask why is the mayor making this change? Is that it? >> Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tim Chavez, seconded by Representative Aso, and this is to approve item. I'm sorry. >> Yeah, represent Chavez. >> Who has a second on this one? >> Thank you, Representative Chavez. >> Thank you, Mayor. And I want to speak to Representative Canales um because I have been serving on that board with him for the last year. I think his contributions have been extremely valid on that committee, on that board. I know that you've always been very well prepared when showing up to the NPO. I know that you were part of that board u even before I came on. Um and it was a pleasure to serve with you on that board. Uh I know that you made a comment, you know, something about council wanting this. I I think these appointments are made um at the discretion of the mayor and council um votes to approve or deny um his wishes. Um, and uh I don't I don't uh I hope that uh you continue to remain engaged in all things transportation because beyond the no, there's a lot of transportation need in our community uh that we deal with here on council um as as a council. So, thank you again, Representative Kales, for your contributions to the MO. I appreciate them. >> Representative Levon. >> Thank you, Mayor. I'm I'm I'm very disappointed with this item on the agenda. I make it a point, mayor, I review every single item on the agenda prior to coming on board. And then there's some items where there's no backup. There's nothing other than the normal form to place it on the agenda. And I'm asked to vote on two items here. that I have no knowledge. Yet, it's evident by the voting that there may have been some communication among some of the board of the council members consistently. I see this. I'll call it for whatever it is, but I have a real big problem. We just heard from Representative Canales saying how he is prepared. I mean, he doesn't wait until the last minute. There's a meeting this week. He is already prepared. And yet, we are not even going to afford him the opportunity to hold off on this appointment for two weeks. And these are plum appointments, the MO and the FOAC. And many of us have requested to be on those boards from the beginning and we were not allowed to serve. And yet today there's a change. And I understand, I value, and I respect that you have the ability to do this. But I feel out of the loop when I have no idea why this is taking place. And I'm really concerned because I'm having to make a vote on something like this. Um, I went along with let's postpone it for two weeks. I would still hope that we could reconsider that vote, but if not, it's a big disappointment. >> Okay. Representative Fiero. >> Thank you, Mayor. And with all due respect to Representative Leo, I haven't had no communications on on what the reasoning or background is on this on these two items. What I do know is these items are um appointments that are at the will of of the mayor. And if the mayor feels that it's um um important and timely, I will absolutely um support it without having a side conversation. Miss Lemon. So uh that's it. Thank you. All right. And before the vote on this one, I appreciate the the extra comments that have have been said here at the dis, but there's eight council members that want to be on a number of boards here uh at the city. Uh Representative Canales has has said that he's been on this board for two years. And I think represent Canales has done a incredible job on the no and again I am faced with seven to eight other individuals that are sitting on this dis that want to be on a number of boards. He's been on there two years. So I think we should give others an opportunity to serve on on other boards. uh specifically there there's FOAC there there's a number of boards that uh council members have come up and have requested this particular board has been requested by everyone sitting on the dis everyone. So if all eight want to be on this board at what point do you select and put someone on the board? Representative Canales has done a phenomenal job. He's been on there two years. I think it's nothing wrong with any board that I sit on, governing boards throughout not only El Paso, but the state. We always rotate members. So, I don't see anything wrong with this. So, Miss uh Prime, would you please call for the vote? >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by Mayor Pro Tim Chavez, seconded by alternate mayor promp. And this is to approve item 10 on that motion. Call for the vote. If you're in teams, please make sure you're unmuted in the voting session. And that motion passes 6 to2. Representative Lemon Canal is voting nay. The remainder of council voting I. The motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Would you like to take item 43 that was moved to the forefront >> or would you like the introductions? >> I don't believe they're here yet, Miss Price. We'll have to move that one. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> That brings us to items 20 to 23. This is a introduction of ordinances. >> Make a motion to move on first reading of the ordinances. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All right. Miss Pry. >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by Representative Lemon, seconded by alternate mayor prom. And this is to approve the first reading of ordinances for items 20 to 23. On that motion, call for the vote. and the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. Item 24 is a public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of real property owned by the city of El Paso to Teab Properties LLC for the purchase price of $36,227.50. such real property legally described as a portion of lot 31 block 11 womble edition. >> All right, Miss Prime, before we do that, maybe I'm confused, but was wasn't there some consent agenda items moved like on page five, page nine? >> There was item three that was moved to to regular, but that's going to be taken with item 38. >> Correct. >> And then item five was postponed for or I'm sorry, item five was postponed for two weeks and then item 10 has been taken. Okay, perfect. Good morning. >> Good morning, mayor and council. Mary Luis Bossa with the real estate division for the record. >> All right. This item was brought before council in September of 2025. City council vetted this uh surplus property and it was approved for us to list it. It was listed in accordance with the exception to the bid and local and notice local government code section 272.001B1. 001 B1. This property is on the corner of Yandell and I 10 P I number 314206. It was appraised at $34,000 in October. The purchase price is $36,227.50 plus closing costs and staff is recommending that we sell the property to the abuing property owner. >> Any questions on this particular item? Okay. There's a motion in a second, I believe. Is there a motion? >> Okay. Second. >> Okay. Miss Ryan. >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by Representative Malonado Rocha, seconded by alternate mayor prot. And this is to adopt the ordinance on item 24. There's no public comment on that motion. Call for the vote. and the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Let's take item number 25, Miss Ryan. >> Yes, sir. Items 25 through 27 are a sale of properties for El Paso Water. Did you want to take them together or separately? >> Sure. And I believe we have a presentation on 27 or no presentation. Okay. Item 25 is a public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the city manager to sign a deed and other documents necessary to convey approximately $271 acres of land for the sale price of 7 7,528,957 for legally property legally described in their several parcels of TMPR survey block 81 township 1. Item 26, a public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the city manager to sign a purchase and sale agreement, a deed, and any other documents necessary to convey approximately 400 acres of land for the sale price of $4 million. Item 27 is a public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the city manager to sign a deed and other documents necessary to convey approximately 1,055 acres of land for the sale price of $420,000. These are all Paso water items. >> Is there a motion to approve? Motion approved. >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion on any of these? >> Okay. Miss Bryan. >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by alternate mayor prom seconded by representative Boy Tjo. And this is for items 25, 26, and 27. And this is to adopt the ordinances. And we do have Mr. Joel Garibby that signed up for item 27. Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> So, I am Joe Garbe. I am the chair of the open space advisory board and today I am speaking to you as the chair of the open space advisory board. Um, OEP has looked forward to have this land going to the state park for some time. From the beginning, we have wanted this, but we have very specifically asked that this be done with a conservation easement. It has been our request since the beginning, and we're talking 5 years ago. This is not a new request. For reference, this process started in 2021, I believe. Now, the city came to OSAB and said, "Hey, have we got a deal for you? We're going to save this land. It's going to cost you $5 million and it'll be saved forever with a conservation easement. About 6 months later, PSB comes forward and says, "Well, we got to alter the deal a little bit. It's $15 million now, but it'll be with, you know, it'll be saved forever. It'll happen." Six months later, city council actually the the July meeting, city council said, "Conservation ement. You directed for a conservation easement." 6 months later in November, you directed for a conservation easement. In December of 2021, the water company came forward and said, "You know what? We got a conservation covenant." And so, we're all good. In January, like two weeks later, city council said, "Covenant, no, we want a conservation easement. We have continually pressed for this conservation easement." We're 5 years down the process now. No conservation easement. We still have the covenant. For those that don't know, there's a big difference. A covenant is a pinky promise between the state to the state. If the state decides that for the good of the public, they want to change it, they can change it. They don't have to ask permission of anybody else but have their own meeting to do this. A conservation easement brings in a third party, someone who watches this land. And if the state decides to change something, now they have standing. They can go to court and they can say, "No, don't do this. You know, you got to save the land." It's important to recognize that this was a cost to the citizens of El Paso to get that conservation easement. We paid $14.5 million. I get there by we paid 15 million for the land in total. They're selling it to the state for five or for a half million dollars. A 14.5 million decrease in land value. That decrease is because the land is supposed to be encumbered. They can no longer do development and stuff like that on the land. That's why there's this big drop in the price. And if we don't have the conservation conservation easement, that encumbrance isn't on there. And therefore, they can have things happen to the land. We spent 14.5 million to save this to make sure it happened right and I don't see anywhere in this proposal that that's happening. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay, Miss Bryan, we have a motion and second on items 25 through 27. >> That's correct, Mayor. All right. >> On that motion, >> call for the vote. >> Call for the vote. in the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. >> Thank you, mayor. Thank you. >> Yep. And Miss M. Brian, I believe we're supposed to take items 30 and 31 next. >> That's correct. Next item is number 30. And this is a discussion and presentation on city of El Paso's role in the regulation and enforcement of animal related issues. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. Carlos Armandis, assistant city attorney. For the record, this presentation focuses on animal cases and the role of the departments as well as the courts. So, the first thing to know about animal citations is that all of the cases take place at the municipal court. Animal services investigates and sites and prosecutors from the city attorney's office resolve the case in court. All the citations are class C misdemeanors. Generally speaking, that means that there is a max fine of $500 per citation. So, this slide shows some of the most common citations that are held at the municipal court. These are all class Citations. The first one up in the corner is the breeding violation. Those are going to be for failure to obtain a litter permit as well as unlawful sales and unlawful advertising. The next group is neglect violations. That's going to be for animals left in vehicles as well as abandonment. Uh next we have standards of care. Those are for failure to provide shelter, food water shade. And in the next row, you'll see restraint cases. Those cases are for animal not confined. That means dogs roaming. And for uh chaining an animal with a with a short tie or a chain. The next group of violations are nuisance related. Those are for excessive barking and odors. In the center there, we have the quarantine violations. Those violations are for fail to quar quarantine an animal under order. The next group of violation is the pet groomer violation. That's for failure to report registration violations as well as u violations from the groomer application. [Music] And finally, the most common type of violation at the municipal court are paper violations. Those are for failure to microchip, register, or vaccinate an animal. Now, city prosecutors don't always use the fine as a way to resolve a case. We have several tools at our disposal. Sometimes the best outcome is to come into compliance. That means that we'll dismiss a case if the underlying issue is resolved so that we can all move on. Uh, at times we'll assign a pet ownership responsibility course for dismissal. That's sort of like doing a defensive driving class for a pet owner. It teaches how to care for an animal properly. Uh, at times we'll assign community service to resolve a case. And finally, uh, in some cases it's appropriate to defer a case, meaning that if there's no further violations during a set period, we'll dismiss the case. But some violations are more serious and are classified as uh higher misdemeanors or felonies. These cases will carry the possibility of a fine or jail time. Some examples of these type of cases are animal fighting, animal cruelty, and livestock and regulation, right? Livestock regulatory offenses. These cases are investigated by the El Paso Police Department Animal Cruelty Unit and prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office at the criminal courts. This slide here is a high is the this slide here is a a summary of noncriminal cases that are heard at the municipal court. In the green box, we have cruy treated animal cases. These cases aim to protect animals from harm. And then two boxes below in orange, we have our two dog attack type cases. Those seek to protect our community. And down below in blue, we have our two proposed ordinances, the vicious dog and aggressive dog uh determinations. Those also seek to protect the community and our pets. Under Texas law, an owner can be dispossessed of his animal if the animal is mistreated. Cruy treated is a defined term under the health and safety code and it encompasses a variety of different behaviors. If a judge finds that the animal has been cruy treated, then the animal the animal can be rescued. To show how all of this works together, we can take a look at a recent case. Last summer, animal protection officers were dispatched to an animal welfare check on Dunlap Drive in the Northeast. When they arrived, they came across many animals outside of the home that were living in substandard conditions. They noticed some injuries on one of the animals, and they were able to have a few of the animals voluntarily surrendered at that time. They came back the next day with a signed rate of entry from a judge and they were able to enter the home and they also brought with them the animal uh cruelty unit from the police department. Now once inside the home they came across uh many more animals that were enclosed in cages just like in the photos that I've placed here in the slide. As you can see, there were animals in every nook and cranny of that residence, and the cages were stacked on top of each other. That allowed for feces and urine to fall on one animal below. And if you look at the next picture, you'll see an animal in a small cage that doesn't have enough room to turn around. All the animals were impounded that day and a hearing was set for a cruy treated animal case. At the hearing, I was able to show video of the residents and the conditions the animal were living in. Um, the pet owners were also given the opportunity to give their side of the story and many of the household members testified. However, there was too much evidence to overcome with the video and the photos, and the judge eventually signed the order dispossessing the pet owners of the animals. Since then, the animals have been living in humane conditions, and many of them have found their forever home. As for the owners, they were arrested after the investigation, and they're facing criminal charges at the district court. Okay, we have two types of animal attack cases. These are for cases where an animal attacks a person. The first type of case is a serious bodily injury type case. This is when an animal attacks somebody and there's severe bite wounds or severe ripping or tearing of the muscle or fatality. Uh now if the judge sees that the animal responsible or being accused of uh the attack was responsible, the animals put down. Now legally speaking, the serious bodily injury case is not the most challenging uh proceeding. However, what could be challenging about these cases is getting the witnesses to court. Witnesses sometimes live near to the pet owners or even next door to the pet owners whose animals attack them or sometimes the pet owners sorry sometimes the victim is still hospital at the is still hospitalized at the time of the hearing. This slide highlights a case that happened a couple years ago on a grass road at a trailer court. Three different uh people were attacked by three pit bulls that were roaming around the trailer court. The dogs had a history of roaming in that area and they targeted an elderly lady who was outside of her mobile home. Now, a younger lady came to aid the elderly lady and she was also attacked. The only good thing in this case is that the elderly lady was able to survive the attack when she went back inside of her mobile home. Another neighbor showed up to intervene and he was also attacked. Luckily, the two neighbors that came to help survive the attack by climbing a piece of playground equipment nearby. At the subsequent hearing, only two of the witnesses came. The elderly lady was still hospitalized. However, the judge did find that the animals were responsible and they were subsequently destroyed and the remains were sent to a lab for testing. Luckily, uh they came back negative. The other type of dog attack case is the dangerous dog determination. The dangerous dog determination is when an animal's roaming and causes serious bodily injury by attack to a person. Now, in this type of case, the pet owner is allowed to keep his animal if he complies with a few requirements. First off, the animal would need to be registered with animal services. The animal would need to be kept in an enclosure or restrained at all times with a sign placed on the enclosure indicating that the dog is a dangerous dog. The owner would also need to obtain an an insurance policy for $100,000. The owner has 30 days to get into compliance. And if she doesn't, then the animal um would be put down. Now, one of the things that I deal with as a prosecutor every day at the municipal court is a witness that comes in for an animal not confined case after his or her per uh pet has been attacked or mauled. And I have to tell that witness that there's nothing that I can do beyond prosecuting the animal not confined violation. The vicious dog determination seeks to remedy that gap in the law. So what the vicious dog determination is, it's for animals that are roaming and they attack and cause serious bodily injury or kill another animal. Now like the dangerous dog determination, the owner can keep his animal if he follows a few requirements. First off, the owner would have to take a pet ownership responsibility course and register the animal with animal services. Animal services would issue a a certain tag that would be worn on the collar of the animal at all times. If there's a change in address, the department needs to be notified. And if the animals rehomed, then the new owner has to comply with the same requirements. However, here we're not asking for an insurance policy. The other new ordinance is the aggressive dog determination. This is for animals that chase cyclists, pedestrians, kids on skateboards, or display intimidating behavior towards people in the neighborhood. Like the other determinations, the pet owner can keep his animal if he complies with a few requirements. First off, he needs to keep the animal enclosed at all times or restrained on a leash. And he needs to place a warning sign on the enclosure stating that it's an aggressive dog. And the owner would also be responsible for taking the pet ownership responsibility course just like the defendants in court. So, we've designed these proposed ordinances with that gap at the law in mind for animalto animal exposures. And we've designed it to keep our pets and our community safe from animals that have negative tendencies and behaviors. What questions do you have for me? >> Thank you, Carlos. Representative Chavez. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Carlos, for the presentation. Um, I want to speak today about Jade Serda. Jade Serda is a constituent of district 1. I met with her in 2025 in February. I had just taken office in January and she um was attacked by a mastiff dog outside of her home. A dog that had been reported to animal services five times prior to the attack. Um but for whatever reason because we didn't have an ordinance like this in place, the dog had not been identified and you know there basically had had not been taken into custody because uh there was nothing that could be done at that time. Um as I mentioned she was viciously attacked by this dog. The dog um was um attacking different parts of her body and then uh finally uh grabbed a hold of her her head and uh clasped his uh teeth into into her head and uh she was about to die except that her daughter's friend came out of the house and with a pocketk knife and stabbed the dog and killed the dog and because of that she survived. Um EMS arrived and they took her to the hospital and she survived. Uh it was a very sad uh thing that she had to to to go through. Um not only sad but painful. Um and I'm very happy to see that that we are coming together as a community and as a city to put something forward to prevent these things from happening again in the future. Um my question is you know with these ordinances that we are bringing forward um are we prepared to train um our animal services department and others to ensure that the process is done well so that it doesn't fall through the judicial system. Right? so that things are followed through and people do pay the consequences of of having aggressive dogs um and not being able to to control them. Um do we have something already in mind for that? >> We do actually. What we're doing currently is dangerous dog determinations and we've designed these proposed ordinances to mimic the dangerous dog protocol. So, a lot of the legal procedure mimics what we already have and already works as a matter of um enforcement. Um things are done by discretion. So, when an officer identifies a dog that could be considered a vicious dog or an aggressive dog, they can take the steps necessary to uh put those cases into into the system. >> Sure. and city prosecutors frequently meet with animal services and the protection officers to give them the necessary information. We've done training in the past with all of the protection officers uh going over um the details of a dangerous dog determination. We could do so with this proposed ordinance. Um it would look a lot like what we already do. And that's why we designed the ordinance to look like it does because we want something that works and something that people are already familiar with. Carlos, how much time have you dedicated to this >> to these cases? A number of years to this ordinance. Um it's taken a number of months to get through. >> Yeah. And and I appreciate the work that you've done. I think the message to the community is that we care. Um and we have to also abide by state law, right? Um we're restricted in some ways because of that. And it takes uh a good legal team to put together an ordinance to try to protect our community as much as possible from aggressive or vicious dogs or or what it may be. Um we care deeply. I know you care deeply about El Paso as well and I want to thank you for this work. I know that this is one step towards uh making everybody more comfortable in whatever neighborhood they live, wherever they may be, like you just mentioned, skateboarding, bicycle riding, what whatever they may be doing, we want to make sure that people remain uh safe and and we appreciate that that you're helping us work towards that. So, in honor of Jade Sarda, who is doing well thankfully, um a a positive person with a big spirit and a lot of faith, she got through that incident. Um but we're hoping to be able to protect others in our community so they don't have to live through something like that. Thank you, Carlos. >> My pleasure. Thank you. >> Yeah, represent Nino. >> Thank you, mayor, and thank you, Carlos, for putting this together and working on it as well. I have a couple of questions. You know, when I got briefed on this, I know that there's three determinations, right? From the bottom is aggressive dog, vicious dog, and then dangerous. Um, which is the state law portion of it. Um, I was saying that some of these determinations require a warning sign and then some of them might not require a tag. Can you kind of specify that? Um why is it that um on vicious dogs or dangerous dogs it doesn't require a tag? >> So the vicious dog in the dangerous dog would require a tag that would be issued when the animals registered with animal services. >> Okay. So all all of them would require except for the aggressive dog. Correct. >> The aggressive dog and the vicious dog would require a tag I believe. >> Okay. Okay. I just wanted to get that clarification. And would all the the three determinations also require a warning sign? >> Yes, all of the um enclosures where the animals are kept would need to have a warning sign on the outside at the entry point and the language um comes to us from the state law for dangerous dogs and we've uh used something similar for vicious dogs. >> Perfect. Okay, great. And uh I think this could be a question for Miss Mack. Um, in regards of doing educational outreach, how would we do that determination of ensuring that members of the community, one, if they've already faced some sort of, you know, dog attack moving forward, that they're aware of these new ordinances and we do some sort of like educational PSA so that they're aware of of what's required. I will I would like to really see that move forward. >> Can I make a quick clarification on my response? >> Yeah, the aggressive dog does not require a tag. I was mistaken. It's going to be uh the vicious dog. >> Okay. So, it it would just be the vicious dog, not the dangerous dog. >> Uh the dangerous dog at this time does not. That's something that could be implemented in the future. >> Okay. >> But those rules come to us under the state law. And um state law does allow for the city to uh have additional requirements for dangerous dogs. >> Okay. And how do we know why that determination was done in regards of dangerous dogs not having a tag versus a vicious dog having a tag? >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. The state law does the state law does have a tag. >> It does. Okay. But clarificious and dangerous. >> On vicious and dangerous, >> but not >> but not aggressive. That's correct. >> Okay. Okay. >> I'm sorry about that. >> Okay. No. And I was going to say, do we have to make a motion to to add that to it because I think it would be important to do that. >> Okay. Um I have no further questions, mayor. Okay. Thank you. >> Repres. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um so this is a lot of hard work and I really appreciate it. And you know, there's a lot of tragic cases that you've highlighted that I think most of us have heard our own stories in in our districts. And I think this is a long time coming and this is something that can really be used to help this situation that has been really unfortunate. But I wanted to ask you a few questions in terms of why is it a $500 max fine? >> That's a good question. I'm glad you asked it. Class C misdemeanors are capped at $500 by um state law. Generally speaking, sometimes at mipal court there's room for higher fines, but only where state law allows for. >> Okay. Okay. Cuz I I thought it could go from $500 to $2,000. >> 2,000 for health and safety. That's correct. In some other areas, generally speaking, there's a $500 max fine, which doesn't mean that the judge will use that fine amount for all cases. >> Carlos, can you explain the difference between our municipal ordinances and the state law provisions that cap it at 500? So, we gain our authority to do the dangerous dog designation from state law, which caps it at 500. If the council was to pass an ordinance under the local rules under health and safety, you could have up to $2,000 a day as a violation. That's the distinction. >> Okay. So, it's possible that this could go higher um if we adopted a local rule um to have like local control, I guess, just to make it easier. Um cuz I think one thing that we have seen in my office quite a bit is the repeat offenders that go to court, they get a $50 fine, and then they continue to to have this bad behavior. So, I feel like this is a good step forward, but those loopholes still exist. And I really want to close those loopholes where most of the time I'm not here to be punitive in any sort of way, but there are such bad cases out there that continue to rig this system that I would almost feel that we could have a minimum of a $500 thing and then pass something like Miss Neman said to go up to 2,000. So, they're not getting that slap in the wrist for $50 and then just doing the same thing. Whether they're going to now do classes and on pet ownership or I I think there's people that might still do that. Um, so I guess in preparing for this, why isn't that a consideration to allow us to move forward with a $500 to $2,000? >> Okay. for these two proposed ordinances. The idea here is to take action and to ensure safety. Sometimes a monetary fine is the correct path. Other times we need to take action and that's what these ordinances do. They put requirements on the pet owners and if those pet owners don't comply within 30 days, then the animals can be impounded and the judge can make a determination of what to do with the animal. And how are we engaging the judges to tell them about these changes? And is there any data that we're collecting? You know, I I think you probably have certain things that we're still dealing with this owner from 2018 or 2019 and they go to court and it's a $50 fine. So, how are we engaging the judges to let them know that if they continue to go to court and they have the the same charge over and over, they're just going through the same behavior? like I I think when you have an ordinance like this that is good um but in practice it's completely different. So I'm I'm really trying to get through those loopholes if that makes sense. >> Right. The good thing about these cases is that they're all individual settings so there's more time to analyze um the facts and to hear from both sides. Whereas when you have a case that's on a docket, the docket sheet might have upwards of 50 cases. Um the pet owners might not go to court. They might be represented by at by attorneys. Um but when we do a dangerous dog determination, when we do one of the dog attack cases, that's an indiv an individual setting where we have time to get through everything. We get uh the dog's history. the animal protection officers are able to testify about their knowledge of the animal and the setting and we get a more complete picture. So that's really the chance for our judges to get to know the situation before making the determination and finding the best course. >> Also, Representative Carlos and his team spend a substantial amount of time training our municipal court judges on these changes and then they have recurring training. You have to remember that the judges also have discretion in dealing with these cases. So, as much as Mr. Armenes and his team would want to have a better solution out there or a better response, it's really up to the judge to determine what is the best approach in having an owner come into compliance. >> And and that makes sense. And I have great respect for the different branches, right? That's the judicial branch for the legislative. And I don't want to tell the judges what to do. But at the very least, when this information is being presented, we're making these changes. You know, anecdotal data or just quantitative data can really help them see this person comes to your court 20 times already and and it's the same outcome and and the community is not seeing that progress that they're looking for. And you know, cuz they come to us and we tell them, "Well, there's state laws. You know, property laws are really heavy and an animal's considered property." And then they're like, "But they're just so bad." And I'm like, "My hands are tied." And the people get mad at us because we can't do more. And and so I I think that's been a frustration in the two years that I've been here. You know, there's other cases where I was looking for dogs myself. okay, >> that were chasing and killing cats. And then when I got animal services there, they ran into the property. And then the person that was at the house at the time was underage. And so that took a few more weeks to finally get somebody over the age of 18 to finally take those dogs away after they had killed several cats throughout the Memorial Park area. And then there's other situations where our geography house is close to New Mexico and one of my constituents, I think a lot of people know this story, but um she had an attack and it was a pretty bad attack and the owner with the dog moved quote unquote moved to New Mexico and since they moved to New Mexico, we couldn't do anything about it anymore. But then the dog was still seen in the neighborhood is still seen in the neighborhood to this day. And because they're on file with New Mexico, we can't really do anything unless they do something else. So those are the things where I want to make sure that we still have that enforcement and we're following up on these cases in in different ways. I know animal services is really strapped um and animal services officers are not always um available and we are short staffed in that area, but how can we continue to have that that animal service officer go out to those places to ensure that what is on the books now is really being enforced. And and that's probably something that >> the city manager can, you know, come up with different ways, but I'm I'm just telling you that this has kind of been since I've been in office, this has been frustrations. And >> I I know that we pass ordinance sometimes and they just stay on the books and we're not really enforcing them because we're short staff or there's other different reasons, but I don't want this to go down that path overall. So, I just wanted to say that for the record. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Representative Rocha. >> Thank you, Mayor. And thank you Godlos for the for the presentation. Miss Neman, thank you very much for all the work that all the team has done in bringing this finally to the point where we can present it and hopefully put it into into action more than anything. Just a couple of questions. You mentioned a rid of entry. I I I've been I I've Miss Neman has explained what the rid of entry is for me, but as far as a timeline goes, would you be able to kind of go through that with me, please, or with everybody on what it takes to get to that rid of entry? Because essentially, that's the point where something can be done with the animal, right? whether they're impounded or they are um taken into custody by animal services. >> Okay. So, for example, I talked about the uh recent cruelty case, >> the cruy treated animal case that was on Dunlap Drive. >> U animal services went to the site to investigate. They were able to view what was available outside, but the pet owners didn't allow them entry into the home. Because of that, because they had seen the conditions outdoors, they were able to u create an affidavit, a sworn affidavit, and present it to a judge with the facts. And the judge uh from there was was able to sign a writ of entry. That writ um it's similar to what a warrant is. in that it's based on uh facts that are attested to. It gave them the right to enter the home uh to look out for the animals, to act in the animals best interest. >> How long does that normally take, Godless? >> I believe that it could be done in in a matter of hours. >> Okay. Thank you. And then you you previously mentioned the class B misdemeanor. What does that also run the same uh maximum fine as the class C does? Uh, it's a different type of misdemeanor. It's a higher misdemeanor. The class C is the lowest type of misdemeanor. That's going to be traffic tickets. It's these type of ordinance citations. Class B comes to us from the state law. >> That's going to be um more serious in that it'll carry a fine and possible incarceration. >> On that one, is there a max fine on that one? >> Um, >> that you'd be able to share? >> I know that the max incarceration is 6 months. >> Okay. Thank you. And then 180 days. >> I appreciate it. And by any chance, would you happen to know how many cases um your department took on in 25 in regards to animals? >> Um these type of individual settings. We we have about somewhere around couple times a month, we'll have a case. Last year it was, I think, three dangerous dog cases, three serious bodily injury cases, and 14 uh cruy treated animal cases. >> Thank you. I I know in speaking with interim director uh Michael Washman, we we animal services has a an opportunity now to track these dangerous dogs, these vicious dogs. Correct me if I'm wrong, Michael, but and the aggressive dogs. And so now it's going to put us in a situation where maybe we have this data that Representative Oavo is is talking about. My concern is going to be in in you being able to to really take on that additional work, right? On average, let's say it's 24 cases that you took on in 25 based on the two to three that you've provided. So adding these additional pieces to it, would you be able to absorb that rather easily? So, I want to talk a little bit about that. Not every dog bite ends up with a serious bodily injury or a dangerous dog determination. Sometimes the pet owners realize that their animal uh has these tendencies and the animals um are euthanized and they never the cases never go anywhere because the animal's gone. >> Okay. >> Uh as far as our ability to absorb the case, we have about five of us working in prosecution. We have a rotation. Usually these cases are set for um an afternoon docket when there's nobody there >> in the courts. We have most of our courts during the morning. >> Okay. >> We should be able to handle um a lot more of those. >> Okay. Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Represent Canalis. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um yeah, first of all, thank you Carlos and Mona and Michael and everybody who's worked hard to uh bring these forward. I know this item is not actually the consideration of the title 7 amendments. So I can talk more about those later. But hearing some of the the concerns brought up by the council, they mirror a lot of the same things that were brought up by the animal shelter advisory committee. I wanted to make it clear for the council the the uh committee considered these items both in the December meeting and then wanted to continue the convers had some some questions they wanted more information on. continued the conversation into the January meeting um and did vote unanimously to recommend approval of the Title 7 amendments. Um but a lot of the the things that they brought up mirrored uh things that the council is bringing up today. And so I like I wanted to talk maybe about uh fine congruency. I know there was an you know members of council are asking about why the fines are set where they are. Um, I know there was a consideration that we didn't want to create a situation where the fine for a dog attacking a dog was greater than the fine for a dog attacking a human. Um, state law sets that the the $500 maximum uh for the the dangerous dog. And so if we went above that, it it would create that that kind of inongruency where um you know we would we would be punishing uh people for a dog a dog on animal attack more than a dog on human attack. Um but again I think the the excellent tool that the new uh proposal creates is the the possibility of impoundment in in cases of non-compliance. And so, um, if we had a case where there is a repeat offender, the real health and safety intervention is being able to remove that that animal from the owner who's not being responsible. Um, I mean, would you say that that is correct? >> I believe that's correct. The determination once the animal's determined to be dangerous, vicious, or aggressive, the first requirement is keeping the dog restrained at all times. If it's out roaming again, then the animal can be impounded. And that's where the power of the um new proposed ordinances lie. >> And so there wouldn't be necessarily a case where someone could just continue to eat repeated fines um >> for this type of violation because empoundment would be the the next step. >> Correct. Correct. >> And then the city by ordinance uh can only create up to a class C misdemeanor. Is that correct? We're not able to to impose a class B. No, that would have to be done by the legislature. >> Okay. But in this particular case, we could theoretically impose a greater fine if we so choose. But again, we run into that kind of congruency issue. >> Uh that's true as well. Yeah, there's some limitations u that are given by the legislature, the state law. >> Okay. Yeah. Um, I'll just say for again for the council's benefit in the ASAC meeting, a lot of these things were discussed and people talked about all different potential additions that could be made to this um in time. I think it was understood uh that this is a good thing to have on the books and get it working and see how it's working. Um, and of course the council can always make tweaks to this. uh the ASAC has asked to be updated uh I believe it was in six months after adoption and then uh you know kind of in in six-month increments after that to make sure that they're they're on top of how this is being implemented and uh they can make further recommendations to the council but they did uh unanimously recommend this in its in its current proposed form. >> Thank you mayor. >> All right. Thank you Carlos. Uh Carlos quick question. uh how many members are in the animal cruelty unit at uh El Paso PD. >> You know, I don't have that information. I know that they're going to be presenting, >> okay, >> today. So, that's a good question for them. I don't know too much about the animal cruelty unit because we don't work with them. We work with animal services. The animal cruelty unit uh works with prosecutors from the district attorney's office and they prosecute in those courts. >> Okay. Very good, Carlos. Thank you. >> Thank you. Mhm. >> We're going to take item number 31, Miss Fry. >> Yes, sir. Item 31 is discussion and presentation on legislative bills from the Texas 89th legislative session that affect animal cruelty investigations. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Good morning, Mayor and Council. My name is Lawrence Luhan. I'm the commander for the major crimes division of the El Paso Police Department, which consists and includes the animal cruelty investigations unit. I'm here to provide you with an overview of the ALP of the ACIU unit, the animal cruelty investigations unit, as well as the 2025 legislative updates that were passed by the 89th legislature and that went into effect September 1st of 2025. The the El Paso uh Police Department Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit is composed of a lieutenant, a sergeant, and seven uh members, which are a combination of detectives and officers. >> Okay. Okay. And they respond to cases of animal cruelty to livestock animals and non-livestock animals where livestock animals are commonly referred to or animals that we know to be commonly raised under agricultural practices such as cattle, sheep, swine, goats, etc. And a non-lifetock animal is a domesticated living creature, including any stray or feral cat or dog uh that has not been previously captured or is not a livestock animal. We respond to these types of cases that come in from 911. We work closely with our community partners to include animal services. Uh we work with Fort Bliss with the office of the district attorney as well with other law enforcement agency within the city of El Paso. The animal cruelty investigations unit is different than animal services in that we investigate or we conduct criminal investigations of animal cruelty. Animal services issue citations for violation of title 7 of the municipal code and they present their citations to municipal court whereas the animal cruelty investigation unit presents their cases to the office of the district attorney. Two different missions but we work together to to get uh justice for the community of El Paso and for the animals that live in our community. We work together. The animal cruelty unit receives both formal training through TCO which is the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards uh as well as through animal services and the Humane Society. They receive on the job training from their senior investigators as well as take you are receiving outside training through the Texas animal control association, the animal uh cruelty investigation. And you all were asking questions about the penalties. In cases involving organized dog fighting or extreme cruelty, the courts are able to impose additional conditions like psychological evaluations, community service, or restrictions on future pet ownership. Uh animal cruelty is defined as a torturing poisoning killing failing to provide for, abandonment, bodily injury, causing to fight, transportation or confinement in cruel manner, using as a lure, seriously overworking an animal, and sexual abuse or contact. The penalties can range from a class A misdemeanor, which can lead up to a one-year uh incarceration and up to a $4,000 fine, all the way to a state jail felony, a thirdderee state jail felony, which can lead up to 180 days to two years incarceration and/or a fine up to $10,000. And there are other levels within that. Uh killing in a cruel manner carries the same type of penalty as a state jail, as does causing to fight another animal. The animal cruelty investigation works hard to work with our community partners and to get information out to the general community. They take part in community presentations and events with other organizations throughout the city of El Paso as well as conducting media interviews and public service announcements. some of the work uh for the year 2025 where there were 231 case investigations, 53 warrants, 45 arrests, and 236 uh animal cruelty tips that came into our hotline. And for the question that was asked earlier, how do we keep track? We keep annual stats of what this uh unit uh does on an annual basis to see how we're doing. uh from 24 to 25 we have seen an increase from 165 total case investigations up to 231 uh from 24 to 25. It's unfortunate that this unit, you know, investigates terrible and shocking cases of abuse. But this unit exists to provide justice to those who do not have a voice in our community. That's the animals. The animals who can't speak up about not being fed. The animals that can't speak up about being tortured or being left out in the cold. And as an example, I will speak uh I will demonstrate or or show to you guys two cases that our unit worked on. This first case is a case of failing to reasonably provide food, water, shelter, and confinement in a cruel manner. We worked this case along with animal services uh who advised us and notified us of what they had faced out in the field. Uh, in the end, we were able to charge the owners of this of these animals with cruelty to non-fivestock animals, uh, which is a thirdderee felony and a $10,000 bond, as well as cruelty to non-livestock animals, uh, slashfailing to provide for these animals resulting in the seizure of these 25 canines and their arrest. The case has not gone to court yet, so that's still pending. And in this case, it's tragic that many of the animals when they were provided with medical assistance were found to have foreign materials in their intestines and in their stomach. Max is our next case. Max is a French bulldog. And this is also a case of failing to reasonably provide food, water, and medical care for Max, the French bulldog. We worked along also with animal services were able to conduct a seizure of Max and looked into it and provided him medical attention. And also in this case it was shown that he had foreign objects in his stomach and his intestines. Now many people ask well what does that mean? Why is it why is there significance of foreign objects in in an animal's stomach? And it's typically because that animal is starving and has gotten to the point where they'll eat anything to try to get some kind of nourishment into their system. In this case also the owners were charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals, failing to provide for the animals. And this is clearly a case of failing to reasonably provide food, water, and shelter. And the best part about this story and also in the previous cases that Max now has a forever home. He's back to normal. You see his image on the right. He's back chubby like any French bulldog should be cuz I've never seen a thin French bulldog. They're always kind of short and stubby and chubby. But we did find, like I said, forever homes for this case and for some of the animals in the previous case. So, moving forward, I'll get into the House bill and Senate bills that were passed in the last legislature. House Bill 285 is commonly referred to as Poncho's law. It amends a penal code and was authored by state rep. Claudia Ordas of District 79. Poncho's law adds uh criminal negligence to the state's animal cruelty statute and holds pet service businesses accountable for the harm or death to animals in their care. In this case, Poncho died due to negligence of a pet grooming business. And this bill aims to protect pets from that type of harm. Senate bill 1245 is a taking of certain sheep amending the parks and wild wildlife code and was authored by senator Caesar Blanco of district 29. This allows qualified land owners or their agents to use helicopters to take depradating ADA sheep where depradating means the destruction of property. So in cases where sheep are causing destruction to to the property the owners they are allowed to take uh these sheep from their property through the use of helicopters. Senate Bill 261 deals with cell cultured protein, amending the health and safety code. It ensures that only beef and other animal proteins raised by traditional natural methods are sold to consumers. It makes it illegal to sell or offer cell cultured protein for human consumption. So some might ask, so what's cell cultured protein? Cellcultured protein means a food product derived from harvesting animal cells and artificially replicating those cells in a growth medium to produce tissue. So it's it's not real uh uh animal proteins. It's important to note that the unlawfulness of selling or the offering of cell cultured protein will expire September 1st of 2027. Senate bill 2155 deals with the regulation of vet professionals and their facilities. This amends the occupations code and requires all veterinary facilities to include mobile and remote veterinary services to now register with the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Senate Bill 1568 relates to specialty license plates amending the transportation code relating to the issuance of animal friendly license plates and requires a department of motor vehicles to in addition to the currently shown license plate that you have up there on your screen uh to include the words that uh to include the words spay, neuter, and adopt. So, you'll be seeing a different type of license plate in the in the near future once they start getting these out. Senate Bill 305 deals with passing of certain vehicle vehicles, amending the transportation code. It relates to the criminal offense of passing certain vehicles on the highway and amends the state's move over law by adding two vehicles, most importantly, animal control vehicles and vehicles operated by an employee of a local authority issuing parking citations. Motorists must slow down or move over for these types of vehicles when they are stopped on the side of the highway. This enhances the safety of these employees that are out there doing their jobs on a daily basis. It also requires that these vehicles use visual visual signals that are approved and authorized by the transportation code. House Bill 2731 relates to roadside vendors and solicitors. It amends the transportation code applying to counties with a population of more than 200,000 and that border the United Mexican states. A commissioner's court may regulate activities in these unincorporated areas that occur in a parking lot or on the right of way of a public highway or road. It prohibits the county from banning the sale of livestock. Senate Bill 1948, fire prevention standards, amends a local government code, and it's not directly related to animal cruelty. However, it does state that a governmental entity may not adopt or enforce an ordinance, order, rule, or other measure that requires the installation of a fire protection sprinkler system in certain agricultural facilities. And to wrap things up, I'd like to say I'm very proud of the ACIU unit of the El Paso Police Department. These men and women work long hours. They're dedicated to their job. They're available 24/7 on a callout basis. So, we receive a call at night from one of our patrol officers and it's a case of animal abuse or or cruelty to an animal, they will go out and respond to that. I want to thank you guys for your for for this time this morning and let you know that uh you know the ACIU works hard not only for our residents but also for its animals, those that don't have a voice in the city of El Paso. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions. >> Very good. Thank you for the presentation, Representative Chavez. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Commander Luhan, for your presentation. I had the the privilege of doing a ride along with the Westside Regional Command Center uh last year and during that ride along we uh arrested a couple for animal cruelty and I think that it was an something that was being investigated for a while and when we returned to the command center to book the couple um I could I could just tell that everybody was so proud for having finally you know completed you know this case completed in a way right because there was still a process after that but I know that the department is working really hard I have two fur babies at home and um animal cruelty is something that's you know really looked down upon as it should be in our community so I just want to thank you your efforts and all of the department's efforts in terms of of getting animal cruelty um you know taken care of in our communities It's so important to take care of our pets. They are part of our families and I know that you take an oath to protect and serve and like you just mentioned, we honor that you're protecting and serving the people and the animals that don't have a voice in our community. So, thank you for that. I appreciate your work. >> I'll be sure to share that with the team because they're the ones that are boots on the ground getting things done all hours of the day and night. >> Any other questions for Commander Luhan? >> Commander, thank you. Thank your team as well. >> Yes, thank you so much. All right, Miss P, we're going to take item number 43. >> Yes, sir. Item 43 is a presentation to council on the status of the northeast water main break and El Paso waters repair and recovery efforts. Good morning, Mayor Council. I appreciate the opportunity to come before you today. I'd like to start off with uh with an apology for the uh inconvenience that we caused the citizens of El Paso. Uh, so I know that representative uh, Tjo was impacted, my own house was impacted. Uh, many El Paso Water Utilities employees were impacted, but uh, we did uh, come together and and work as a as a community to get this thing fixed and get water service restored as soon as possible. So, I have a little presentation to provide and then I'll be happy to answer questions. So, uh, what happened? So we have a uh movement of water that comes north and south in El Paso depending on the season. So during the summertime primarily when we have water from the Rio Grand, water moves from south to north and when there's no water in the Rio Grand such as this point in time, water moves from wells in northeast and it moves uh south into the system. So the main line that moves that water from north to south uh broke uh Saturday evening uh and I'll show share a timeline here in in just a minute. But how the break affected the distribution system. So it interrupted the possibility of water moving from those wells to the reservoirs that serve the the affected area. Uh so as soon as the break came in, our our crews responded. uh we work together with the office of emergency management and uh we uh our our crews work very diligently to repair the repair the break. Now we're also we always invest in in proactively in replacement projects. Much of our budget is rehabilitation and replacement. this particular year and in last year when we talked about rehabilitation and replacement is primarily P plant projects but we do have we always have water main projects going on and I'll show you some of those things and along with the next steps. So, uh, we received a call from from our our dispatch dispatch crews and we found a large 36 inch diameter, uh, water main break near Gwind Avenue. And, uh, unfortunately, because of the proximity to the from the homes to the the water line, uh, some of the water made its way into uh neighboring homes and onto the streets. So, when we got there, we diverted the water. There was a an open space at the toe of the storm water dam there that we could divert the water into to get it off of the streets. And uh and we worked diligently to isolate the break by means of of uh closing valves that would not allow further water to come into the main brake site. So these are scenes of the of the pipe. So from from the left you can see that uh the pipe has been exposed there. We're cutting cutting through the steel jacket pulling out the affected piece and then uh repair. And then the last segment that you see there is a is a uh an opening where a device will be inserted in there to install some valves to further help isolate the line in the event something like this happens. This particular type of pipe is a is a composite pipe that has consists of a a mortar lining, a steel jacket, reinforcing wire around it, and then it's encased in concrete. Uh so this this line is is old, but it has been inspected regularly and has been found in good condition uh recently. In fact, even in this particular case, the particular piece of pipe that was damaged was uh in poor condition, but on both sides of it, the pipeline was perfectly good. Okay. So, this is this is the area. So, so when we drew this area, we have a regulatory responsibility when when there's a loss of pressure to implement a boil water notice. It's it's a state requirement. And so we drew this map to try to make sure that to make sure that all of that affected area was in there. Some areas within this map never did uh run out of run out of water. In some cases, some of these areas the water was restored within a few hours. In some cases, it was several days before water was restored. But in any case, whenever you have a pressure drop below 25 PSI, TCQ requirements kicked in. and uh and so we implemented the precautionary boil water notice and we're estimating 38,000 uh connections that's homes and businesses that had a little or no water service for part of this time frame. So like I mentioned some customers had service restored within 8 hours many more within 48 hours in a small number it took 72 hours to get their uh service restored. Okay. So, we worked very closely with uh this the city on this to uh initiate our emergency response protocols. On on our side, our engineers were reviewing schematics to determine how we could reroute uh water in the system to start uh reressurizing from other means as we could. We had our logistics staff uh plus volunteers, which I'll get to in just a minute, arrange for water distribution sites. Our quality team uh interacted with TCAQ as as required. Our customer service was ramped up. Call center was ramped up to receive more calls. And then we engage with media and we had a constant presence at the uh city county OEM. So water distribution uh we worked immediately to stand up four water distribution sites with water tankers and bottled water. Now, these sites were chosen primarily for ease of access because we knew that there were going to be a large number possibly of vehicles and people coming in. Uh, and then we added uh three more sites uh later on in the in in the event uh to make sure uh we we had bottled water. We had many uh contractors volunteers volunteer organizations step up to provide uh bottled water in addition to what what we could do. So I mentioned briefly the boil water notice. So uh when whenever something happens for any any reason you have a a mechanical failure an electrical electrical failure where there's a loss of pressure in the system TCQ requires a boiled water notice to be uh issued to the affected area. And so we we do that through all means of of communication. uh it was lifted on January 15th, four days after it was it was issued and we gave also instructions on how to uh come back to normal. But uh the boiled water notice is specifically for water that is that is consumed. We had a lot of questions about about that. But it doesn't you can take a shower. It's perfectly perfectly fine. Okay. So, communications, we had daily press conferences with the mayor, uh, council member, emergency operations, and we had a significant amount of news coverage. Uh, we had scripts that we provided to the 311 operators for for their use. We issued 10 news releases and media advisories. Had a lot of social media and uh, and stakeholder outreach, especially with the schools. We maintain close contact with the schools at any point in time that's going to interrupt their uh the potential for classes to happen. Okay. So, uh property damage claims. So, at 1:15 in the in the morning, our our damage claims people were on site meeting with the we the affected customers. The good thing is the damage area appears to be limited to the the site of the main break itself and our teams are still continuing to to respond to those claims and it's just primarily the one family that was most impacted who uh had the house right in front of the area of the main brick. Okay. So I mentioned we we do every year do waterline replacement projects. So, in 2526, uh, we have a continuation of of the Airway Boulevard uh, waterline replacement. And let me just give you a little parenthetical uh, piece of information at this point. So, when we have a main break, we have a main break probably every day. Uh, most of them are small and inconsequential. So the smaller the diameter, the less consequences there are to uh uh private property to the streets and roadways and to the public. But when we have larger diameter mains and and this would be 16 in and larger the consequence of a break is much higher. So we spend a lot of time and effort proactively uh replacing. So we have been working on on airway and uh and again when you have a a major thorough affair such as airway there's a lot of inconvenience a lot of traffic that has to be rerouted. Uh so we take that into into consideration. Uh so likewise on on uh Yandelle another big uh transmission main. And then we have a little bit further east, we have a a very large water mane, a 48 in that uh is associated with a loop 375 Montana spur 601 uh work. So all that has to be has to be replaced. Okay. So we uh and we're continuing in the 26 budget coming up. Uh we have the referred to as the well collector. Those are lines that take water from the wells directly to reservoirs. uh we have our large diameter pipeline condition assessment. So let me mention that just briefly uh on our small diameter pipes which we have throughout the system. These are typically like 8 in we have at every intersection we have microphones that are attached to the pipe. Those that information is uh is read and we can determine whether or not there's a leak in in the pipe. A leak would be an event that would be something that would come up pro possibly before a main break. Unfortunately, as the pipe diameters get larger, the ability to hear, so to speak, a main break through that kind of acoustic monitoring uh disappears. And so what we have to do is uh uh something different which is to ins either insert a microphone directly into the pipe or to put in a robotic device into the pipe uh that moves along inside the pipe and determines the condition of the pipe either the wall thickness, the amount of steel, any any of the reinforcing wire breaks, that sort of thing. So every year we do we do that. We have a a a long long-standing contract for many many years that we've used a contractor to do that assessment for us. Uh we also uh are working to coordination with Texot on our utility replacement and relocation as part of the I 10 project and we're replacing a another 24inch line in Buffalo Soldier. Okay. So, next steps. Well, we we continue to work on the incident. We're going to do a formal afteraction debrief, come up with lessons learned. In addition to that, the pipeline segment itself, the pipe uh was was taken away and it's being examined right now by engineers. They'll take samples back to the laboratory to do analysis and that's going to take some time before we get all that done. We're also doing an economic impact analysis on our customers to find out what uh what sort of adverse uh impact was on the community and there'll be many more things to come especially in the area of communication. So, we'd like to thank many people, and I'm not going to read the list because I'm afraid that I'm forget uh somebody if I read it, but uh we had a lot of people come together, uh a lot of long-standing partners that we work with. And uh I I would like to just point out that that we always work very closely at staff level with uh with fire department with the police department and with city staff uh to make sure that we work seamlessly together for the benefit of the customers. Now our own utility employees. So we have people of course that respond to the mainbring uh they they dig up, they cut the pipe, they put in the new piece of pipe. those those guys working very diligently. We have another group of people who isolate the system. We refer to them as valve crews. They're going out and about closing valves, opening valves as as needed. But the people who were not necessarily the employees who were not necessarily involved in the main break response themselves, they freed up theirelves and volunteered to man uh the water stations. Uh we also delivered water to about 200 customers that were unable to come to the uh to the sites where we had the water distributed. We had our water quality teams, our laboratory people out collecting samples all through this uh time frame. So a lot of our other employees that are not necessarily directly involved in the main break came together to help out. So I think that's the end of my presentation. I'd be happy to answer any questions. >> Thank you, John. Uh, Representative Rocha, I mean Trey, >> thank you, Mayor. Thank you, John, for that update. Uh, I'm going to share a few thoughts, uh, my perspective and and concerns that were shared with me with our constituents. And, uh, you know, I want to start with a quote. And the quote says, you can't hold people accountable for what you never made clear. Clarity is kindness. and accountability is respect. So, I just wanted to share that for food for thought. Uh, I do have a statement. I'm going to read it because there's a lot that I need to share and I want to make sure I don't leave anything out. While the water main break is common across El Paso and cities nationwide, the scale of this incident was not. The impact to our community was very profound. This was one of the largest water main breaks in El Paso's history, impacting over a 100,000 residents and several homes at the site where the break took place. The most severe impact was on the Ariano family of 10 who are now displaced and two of their pets were lost. The emergency impacted all of Northeast in my district and some areas of District 2 and District 8. The communities experienced school closures across two districts including two colleges, daycarees, charter schools, and parochial schools. This led families to difficult decisions between work and child care. Schools had to reopen open under the water boil advisory and students couldn't wash their hands after bathroom breaks. Toddlers and babies were sponge bathed for 4 days. Incomes were lost and businesses were forc forced to close. This was a major disruption. Also of serious concern was the delayed emergency notification as residents did not receive alerts on their phones explaining what was occurring until Monday evening. Seniors and individuals with limited mobility were unable to travel to distribution sites to obtain water. And when they contacted El Paso Water for assistance, they were unable to reach a customer service representatives because calls went unanswered. Our community truly endured hardship and was tested, but it responded with resilience and patience. Neighbors helped one another. Businesses donated water. Volunteers came forward. And I want to thank the community for coming together, supporting one another, and working collectively. This is El Paso strong. This is Kumidar. Water is a fundamental resource. It is essential to health, safety, daily life, and human dignity. I want to thank El Paso Waters team that was on the ground distributing water and their dedication throughout this emergency. From the employees who assisted the community to those working day and night in extremely cold conditions to the leadership providing updates while working towards restoration. These efforts did not go unnoticed. My staff and I also remained engaged. We worked directly with students I mean with residents to identify locations in need. We coordinated efforts with community partners, secured water donations, and distributed them to assisted living centers, senior centers, and neighborhoods. I attended the Office of Emergency Management briefings, provided input on locations in need, attended press conferences, and provided update at community meetings and media interviews to keep the community updated. This emergency revealed several things. It exposed the vulnerabilities of our aging water infrastructure and brought to view the need for urgent improvements. It made clear the need for proper preparation and planning, the importance of identifying and stabilizing aging infrastructure, the responsibility of expanding systems to meet growth and an and a crucial component of clear timely communication and effective response to the community during emergencies. As city count as city city council, our role is not to manage operations or approve budgets or rates for El Paso water. The public service board does that. Our responsibility as council is to advocate for transparency, accountability, and affordability on behalf of the residents. Accountability requires a transparent evaluation of this event, identifying gaps and implementing corrective measures to strengthen system performance and emergency response. I'll be bringing this back to our council next meeting and proposing amendments to the 2021 resolution that requires quarterly reporting from El Paso Water. I've given each council member and mayor a copy of this resolution. I want to point out specifically some sections in this resolution. In section one five, uh section one B5 has the emergency response and recovery. Section one requires quarterly reporting which include system status reports, customer satisfaction, enterprise resiliency, include safety measures, disaster planning and emergency response and recovery. And in section three, operational coordination under D is emergency operations and reporting. E3 mentions key projects, all of which require quarterly system reporting. When was the last time this report was done to city council? I >> I'm not sure when when we did the last quarterly reporting. >> Okay, we can take a look at that. We must ensure accountability and transparency and provide clear information on how critical infrastructure is maintained and how emergencies are handled. This includes regular public briefings to provide updates on infrastructure maintenance process, emergency preparedness and response, system redundancies, lessons learned, and a prioritized list of at risk assets based on age, failure history, and potential community impact. When an emergency of this magnitude hits our community, it's crucial that a communicate communication plan is in place and one that includes timely notification on official channels and specific multilingual outreach. Our community in Northeast is very diverse. Notifications should reflect the community and should include but not limited to English and Spanish, but should include Vietnamese, Korean, and German. Emergency response is not only operational. It's also human. It requires empathy, respect, awareness when engaging with residents who are living through an emergency. That responsibility extends to all parts of response including public meetings held during or immediately following an emergency. The timing of the budget meeting should have should have uh been taken into account. combining a budget and rate discussion and decision while reviewing a major water main failure with residents who were still without water and under a water boil advisory was not appropriate and did not allow for meaningful public engagement. considering delay delaying the budget considerations until service was restored and residents had been provided with full and transparent account of what occurred should have been considered. At last week's public service board meeting, a young woman who was still without water for the fourth day entered the meeting visibly frustrated and upset and disrupted the meeting. While she did not follow the process for public comment, her level of frustration and distress reflected what many residents were experiencing. I believe PSB should have paused the meeting and acknowledged the level of frustration the residents were experiencing. During public comments, residents came forward with voices trembling, not from fear, but from the effort to maintain composure while sharing their frustration. More than 400 residents signed a petition requesting that the rate increase be denied, and many residents sought acknowledgement of their hardship while in enduring this crisis. An effective emergency response must include intentional listening and situational aware a awareness even when process must be maintained. There is value in pausing to acknowledge resident frustration and the real impacts being experienced. Doing so does not diminish governance or order. It strengthens public trust, reinforces accountability, and recognizes that human impact behind operational decisions. A truly effective response must include intentional listening and a genuine and acknowledgement of the lived experiences of those impacted. What I'm sharing today is not to blame, complain or condemn, but to examine where did performance not meet expectations and what corrective steps are being taken, learning from it and making necessary corrections to strengthen systems and moving forward. I am aware I am limited on time in the in the amount of time I have to speak. I have a few questions and some of which are from our community members. It's important that I ask them and that they hear your response. And so my first question is while the water company may have certain legal immunities, there remains a responsibility to address the damage caused to the family that lost their home and priceless possessions. What steps will be taken to provide support and remediation to the family whose home was lost? Okay. So, first of all, thank you for your remarks. In the case of the Arano family, uh we are housing them at at the moment trying to improve that situation. Uh is we have a structural engineer on site today to evaluate the home. Again, we we made some uh some efforts to try to stabilize the home. And so once uh hopefully they give us the go-ahhead, we can uh go in there and remove the the effects, get everything everything cleaned up, and then make a an assessment of whether or not the house is salvageable. And uh at the at the same time we are uh making uh plans to perhaps purchase the house and then and then help the family into a into a new home if it becomes necessary. >> Have they been able to go back and get any of their belongings? >> Not as yet. So the the engineer was there, the structural engineer was there this morning and I have not heard what what transpired at that point. >> Okay. Um, has the family been referred to resources or nonprofit that can help them with clothing? >> Okay. Were shed off valves installed >> in the replacement? >> So, uh, I I would hesitate to to say yes. I'm almost certain. Yes. Uh, it assume if you know anything. Okay. So, they're telling me yes. So, yes. >> Okay. When was the main previously inspected? The >> So, it was about 3 to 5 years ago. The the main was damaged by a contractor and at that point in time when it was when it was repaired, it was determined to be in excellent condition. >> Okay. And there was no corrosion noticed at that time. >> No, no corrosion was noted at that time. Okay. >> Uh will the will any of the funds from the 2026 budget be allocated or redirected towards system improvements in that area affected? Well, I think before we can talk about how what what budgetary impacts we have to we have to come up with some some improvements that need to be made. So, as part of our lessons learned, as part of our after action report, >> we will determine are there some other inter connections that need to be made to loop the system further and and we'll go ahead and proceed as expeditiously as possible to put those in. >> Thank you. Uh when was the affected water main already asked that question? What statistical or quantitative methods are used to proactively identify any risk pipeline? >> Okay, so we have a whole number of of different things that are done. Uh so uh first of all we have a we have an engineering report that we refer to as our single point of failure analysis. So that if we have a case like this where a a failure has a has a a single failure has a large standing consequence we have a report of that we have a condition assessment that goes on uh throughout the system and then in addition to that there's a regular program of replacement and rehabilitation. So I talked about these techniques that are used to determine the structural integrity of the pipe whether the pipe leaks or not. So in general terms, if a pipe is structurally sound and it's not leaking, it doesn't really matter whether it's 50 years old or 100 years old. It used to be the the model was you get a pipe that's 40 years old, you you think about replacing it at that point in time, but but pipe materials are better than they used to be and it and to uh to preserve the uh fiscal resources that we have. We have been working towards that model, condition assessment, leak detection. As long as it's not leaking and structurally sound, the pipe can remain in service. And so we do that on a on a regular basis but in some cases we just do the replacement and and the reason for that could be uh different. So one thing is these technologies that we're talking about are not inexpensive to utilize. In some cases it's more cost effective simply to replace a piece of pipe than to go through that exercise of the of the investigation. And so we do just regular proactive replacement as well. >> Okay. So what does the maintenance plan look like for for those older pipelines? >> So we have a we have a comprehensive uh plan and we have a we have a list of those locations that need to be replaced or rehabilitated and and we crank projects out every single year. Um it was there any need to tap into reserves for this emergency >> to uh to fund the you're talking about financial reserves to fund the repair? Yes. At this point in time, no. >> Okay. And you you already touched on this a little bit, but hindsight, what would you do differently? Well, the in in hindsight, it's always better to have some other point of interconnection. Uh but practically speaking, there are limits to uh to how how you can do that and uh whether or not it's practical to do that. But uh what I'm going to concentrate on is other points of connection, making sure that that if something like this happens again, we can shrink the area as much as possible. >> Okay. Thank you, John. appreciate it. >> Thank you. Thank you for all your your help and support in coming to our meetings. >> Thank you, >> Representative Masto. >> Thank you, mayor. I um want to thank Representative Barjo for her vulnerability and for everything you said. I I echo everything you said and um I appreciate how proactive you were and I know you were out there day in day out. I know the the mayor was out there. Um I want to also thank your your staffs. I there there was a lot of things happening and it was um just admirable to see both of you and your staffs out there and just want to thank you and I want to continue with with the good of this situation where I want to thank everybody that was on slide 15 and really want to pull specifics out. Um our police and fire were out there. Chief killings, Chief Pacillas, Mario Dustinino. Um really thankful to all of you and OEM and coming together that Dallas company that brought in their their help to fix the pipe faster. I think that's something to also say. Um want to thank Laura Cruz Costa helping with all the comm's work that El Paso Water and coordinating with them. I I think that was really helpful to get information out there. Um Renee Leon really really thankful to to you. I know you're in the audience. um really keeping us informed, up to date, um getting our calls and staying calm throughout the the situation. I think that's that's a really good quality that you have and I appreciate that and getting us all information and saying we're we're about to do this and we're about to do that. wait on us to do this. And I I really appreciated that our um El Paso water workers that were out there fixing the pipe in the cold and Sun Metro for providing a bus so they could have some warmth and getting that back on. Um all the people that were at the distribution sites um providing water on pretty much all day basis. Uh that was hard work to be doing that in the cold and um providing water to people. I I really am thankful for that. Um I do want to get into several questions that I have um some uh my colleague just asked um so I won't ask again but more more than anything I I want to start with our office of emergency management and the role that you as uh a department of the city have played in OEM prior to this break. So for for many years we have been part of part of OAM and whenever they stand up if there's a water issue we have personnel who who have gone. So over the years it has been different people but now we have our own uh section that's specifically dealing with that and we had a dedicate we have a dedicated person who is is there and of course we have substitutes that can come in but we have a dedicated team of people specifically to deal with uh these kinds of emergencies and coordination with the OEM. >> Okay. So now that this has happened, you're going to have a bigger presence at OEM is what you're saying. >> I think we have a sufficient presence there. Yes. >> Have you done any sort of trainings that um could be preventative? You know, um if a mainline breaks, if there's flooding, do you have scenario playing out scenarios playing out that your team knows exactly what to do as soon as something like this may happen? >> Yes, we have done those. Yes. >> Okay. When was the last time you did that? >> I I don't know. right off the top of my head. >> Okay. And then um this pipe was 50 years old and then it turned out to be 70 years old. So how many more of these pipes are throughout the city that are 70 years old that were installed in the 50s? >> I I couldn't I couldn't tell you specifically, but I'm sure there are more. As I've mentioned many different times, much of the underground infrastructure in this city was put in in a postWorld War II building boom. And so it's now 70 80 some years old. >> And in terms of prioritization, something that has been said at the at the press conferences is this incident is going to make prioritization for these pipes come up to the forefront and I'm sure you're still sifting through that, but what does that mean? You're going to start replacing them? Are you using are you going to de prior depp prioritize other areas that need um infrastructure? So in this in this particular case before we do anything we're going to do we already have the inspection of the pipe schedule. So that'll be we're working on the segment that was taken out and then we'll look at the rest of the pipe as kind of step one in dealing with that particular pipe. But I don't think that we need to redirect resources away from our other replacement projects. I think we can continue uh with those as as scheduled because of course they're they're all important. Okay. And how many times have we been under a boiler notice as a community? >> Okay. So, uh we have had some small areas where some limited areas were under boil water notice, but it's extremely rare. >> Okay. So, this is probably the most severe case ever >> as far as I can remember. Yes. >> Yeah. Okay. And I also um have had a lot of conversations with with constituents um over the last week, whether it was on social media or in person or anywhere that I would run into them. Um some phone calls, you know, people reaching out to to get some help with um the crisis that was happening. And I I want to move into a lot of what I think were weaknesses in this operation. And and I think, you know, as as crisises happen, there there's always going to be some weak points. But the the weak points that I saw in this were were really, in my opinion, that the El Paso Water was unprepared to handle some of these things. And I want to go over those things just cuz constituents have reached out and they they have a lot of feelings about this. Um, in terms of the maps that were initially provided, it had Merchesen intersecting US54. So as soon as that was shared, people started reaching out how Merchesen doesn't even intersect with US 54. And I I think that I want to hope that that's a lesson learned that you're going to provide better maps to the community so they know exactly what is being affected. Um if they're affected and for how long they're going to be affected cuz it just wasn't wasn't great. And then when the boil notice was was issued, it took a few days to kind of have that FAQ. People were saying, "Well, can I shower? Can I wash my dishes? Can I why do I have to boil water to cook? There were a lot of those things that could have been answered. There were people that were reaching out to me that were saying, "Well, I have a 93year-old mother." This is one case and I don't want to have her shower, so now I'm boiling water and then I'm showering her with the boiled water. And that was not something that our citizens should have been um exposed to. And I think communication could have been a lot better in that sense. I don't know if you have anything to say to that. >> So, let me start with the maps. So, uh when when the map was first generated, yeah, it was an unfortunate uh issue. But basically, the idea was if you would extend Musen Merchesen to a railroad, then that was the general area. So, we tried to keep it >> uh keep the map where everybody that was affected was in there. We fine-tuned it to remove some of the unaffected areas. But still, even with the map that we ended up with, there are areas in there that were not affected by the by either the by the outage or or low pressure. Now in terms of uh the boilwater commu comm communication we have a lot of standard information on our website and I realize that there's people who who do not access the website and who don't have that uh ability or perhaps interest in in doing so but primarily that's where you find the information and uh if you do a simple search on boiled water in the state of Texas TCAQ has abundant information we have information on our on our web page and then as these questions came to us as well, we tried to put that out on on social media. Uh so again the the boiled water notice is for the water that you drink primarily and it is precautionary in nature. I might uh point out that during this process so we have our team out there collecting samples doing analysis and never determined that there was any point in time which the water was contaminated. So it's it is it is precautionary. Uh but by the same token, you don't need to go overboard with the with the precaution. So we we try to provide the information that comes straight from the state of Texas to make it uh clear and and and concise and keep it within the bounds that the state provides. >> Yeah. Uh and and I think you know you know I I know you included goals that are coming up in slide 14 and I I think uh I'm an accurate mapmaker little things that could be integrated into OEM. I I really if we're in in this situation again with other things, you know, whether it's storm water or a pipe breaking, I I hope that we could have that more integrated response into OEM so OEM could say, "Oh, well, we have a mapmaker over here." or you know cuz I I think that was also part of the issue where there was a lot of lag waiting on El Paso water in in terms of communication or help with communication stuff like that that I saw when I was going to these briefings and getting briefed before and then going through the press conference. So um those are lowhanging fruit that can be addressed easily, but they're so important and critical to the community in terms of getting that information out there. Representative, can I comment on one thing I forgot to mention we were talking about. >> So, so part the the issue the making of the maps is one thing, but behind that is finding out what areas are ex exactly what areas are out of service. And I think we're in the process right now. We're in the throws of installing our our uh AMI metering system. And we do believe that there's information that can come back to that real-time information that can come back from that to help us to accurately identify what areas that we do need to map in. So, thank you for your comments. >> Okay. And then um I how much time I'm Okay, I'll come back. >> Yeah, we'll bring you back. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Represent Tr. >> We're playing tag team here. I just I I I forgot to mention thank you to the city, you know, for mayor for the assistance that he provided also in making sure that there was water uh you know that that was added the three more sites. Uh I want to thank you mayor for taking that initiative. I also want to thank the city you know the city employees and staff and thank you uh ADO for for bringing that up. I I forgot to mention I do I do uh I am very grateful to the city and Laura Cruz who was also there starting on on Saturday I mean Sunday. So I just wanted to say that. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you mayor. Um, so I I also want to touch on public trust. And I think one of those goals is should be on what what's the plan to regain public trust because I think that this crisis has really eroded public trust in in the utility and I'm hearing that a lot from constituents. So is there a plan on how to regain that trust? So I think as we go through our afteraction uh report we'll we might have some ideas on that. Uh but again this is as uh and I had this discussion with representative TJO uh who correctly stated that John the people don't care about this but th this was truly an unprecedented event. So uh something did happen. and we responded as fast as we possibly could to get everything corrected. And I understand that that doesn't really mean that much to to the public. So, we do need to really delve in and figure out what we need to do in that aspect. >> Yeah. And I I think the the preparation can can be a lot more and that's why I'm really honing in on that. um working with OEM, working with the city on that to come together and and get, you know, even water out faster and stuff like that. I also um have been getting a lot of questions from the community and and this is where I feel that the story should have really focused on how fast we were breaking the pipe and we shouldn't have had this question, but I was getting it a lot. um you weren't around and I want to understand what that choice was that you made to not be around. >> Okay, I'll tell you the question. So, first of all, I I was around, right? So, at all of our >> publicly publicly and private group >> since I was there >> uh what I was trying to do was concentrate on the budget. uh we have a a perfectly good team of of people to work together and Gilbert Tjo is the one who is closest to all the people who are involved in the in the response uh on the pipe main break the engineers all that are under his control and direction and he did a perfectly good job of of doing that. Uh I concentrated on trying to finish up the budget presentation and and get that done. >> Yeah. and and um really thankful to Gilbert, the team of execs that were out there. They did a fantastic job. But I think I'm the first person to say I don't like when people micromanage or anything like that. And and I think this wasn't a case of that where you would let your team out. I think people wanted to see you out there and hear from you directly to hear how things were going to be okay. In terms of preparing for the budget for the PSB, was that something that had to happen last week or could it have been postponed a week or two because of the crisis at hand? >> I'm not sure that it could have been postponed. Representative Eveo, I think that uh part of our after action. We'll look into that and I know that Representative Warrior Tjo's comments included uh some of that that we'll we'll definitely look at. But, uh, we have a a longstanding calendar of events that pertain to the budget and and I felt bound by that at that point in time. >> Okay. Yeah. I I think that's something that we definitely need to look into. I I think that um if we were in that situation, Miss Mack would have said something like, "Well, I think we could do another week or we could do a few more days to to move this." Um and and I think that would have made a lot more sense whether it was happening this week or in or next week. I think it would have made a difference for the people cuz then we get to the PSB meeting and I I want to talk to you about the PSP meeting. You know, um my colleague really painted the picture on the person that was arrested in a really nice way and um or painted the picture in a nice way, not that she was arrested in a nice way. And I I think what we saw really illustrated a portrait of how El Paso were feeling. And I understand that there were things that were happening with that person. You know, they said they were media and then they were taken out and then they came back in. I I understand what happened there, but there were a lot of people that were frustrated throughout the the affected area. And I think it comes down to governance of that PSB meeting. I I do put some accountability on the on the PSB in terms of how that meeting was chaired and the response that the PSB took. In terms of that, I think what um Representative Boyer Djo said earlier about pausing the meeting to talk to this person, could have been employed and it wasn't and it turned into this unfortunate situation. And you know, there's been things that I've seen with El Paso Water um since my time on council. And one of the things that I've seen done is um somebody has some sort of story or a crisis or some sort of anecdote that they're sharing and El Paso water people have said, "Call that number instead of sitting down with that person and saying, "Let me get these details and I will be in contact." I I think that's my definition of customer service. That's what we do in my office. It might be different for El Paso water, but those little things make a difference. And I also want to talk about the PSB. I think there there's been a long-standing resolution that allows the PSB to govern El Paso water. And I'm a big fan of the PSB model and how it's there. But I think there's some blame to put on the PSB over this too cuz they should be providing that accountability over the utility. And last week when there was an emergency item on the Northeast Pipe Break, there was just thank yous for the staff, which was great. We should be thanking the staff for all the incredible work that they're doing. But there were no questions and there's no accountability coming from the PSB. So I think there's a lot of sillarching that some PSB members need to have honestly there needs to be some training on governance and um you know this whole idea of PSP members are not elected and we do this to not be really political and make sure that the water doesn't become a political issue and that's why I'm a big fan of this PSB model but I think over the last 5 10 years it's become a lot more political and decisions have been made more in a political ical sense. So, I really want to see something change with the PSB. I don't want to get rid of it by any means, but there needs to be more accountability over that body and that body needs to be providing more accountability over the water utility. I don't know if you have anything to say to that. >> Okay. So, let me start with the with the meeting. So, I want to make sure that everybody understands that that anybody that came to that meeting and wanted to speak about the budget got to speak. Whether they signed up or not, whether they signed up for a different item, they were allowed to speak. Even though a time limit was was placed, they went beyond the time limit. I don't think that anybody was really shut down pre prematurely. So a lot of comments uh were uh heard and and I think that uh in terms of pausing the meeting I I I understand exactly what Representative Tjo was was explaining. I I get it completely. So we will uh talk about that. But I'd like to talk about the board members. So the board members also receive a lot of comments. their information is widely posted that their uh circles of influence come to them and then they provide that information to us. Hey, we heard about this. What's going on here? We'd like you to do this kind of thing. So, we're constantly getting that kind of feedback from the public service board and and acting on it. And I forgot to mention in the case of this this meeting also comments were solicited uh for from people who couldn't attend the meeting and those comments were read during the course of the meeting as well >> and and I I saw that that they did that but more I think there's a lot of things that the utility is doing well and I've said this before infrastructure and I understand that this board is very rubber stamp because how could you say no to certain things that you're you're putting up forward. the last few people that we've selected to the PSB u or appointed to this the PSB one thing that I've asked them to do is bring more accountability and I'm not seeing that and it's okay to bring accountability it's through questioning it's through saying how could we do this better I have not seen one PSB member out there saying any of this and and I think we really need to change that in terms of the training maybe they're not equipped with media training or whatever it But we provide accountability as a council. Absolutely. But they should be that extension of us to provide that accountability. And I'm hoping that'll be part of your goals. Um the last thing that I I wanted to bring up is I I want to know how many millions of gallons were lost at some point. I know that's probably being calculated. And are customers going to be charged for not having water or not having great water service that they expect? equality um is have do you have an answer for that cuz last week they didn't have an answer yet and now that this is kind of putting um past us I want to know what is happening there. >> Yeah. Let me start with the with the water. Was it 11 15if 15 million gallons of water we feel are lost. Now what I mentioned during the course of my my presentation was the economic analysis. So to uh to the point that you you asked about we're trying to figure out what is the economic impact and what should be done about it. >> Okay. So you'll you'll have an answer soon in terms of crediting customers or not charging them. >> Yes. Yes. We'll we'll come up with some recommendation take it to the public service board and take a look at it. >> Okay. I hope they ask questions about that. Thank you >> represent Rocha. Thank you, mayor, and and thank you, John, for being out here and and your team and your staff. I really appreciate it. I I'm going to respectfully disagree with Repos on what the PSB board does. Um or at least in in in my experience, I was at the November meeting when the budget was proposed. There were a lot of questions that were asked by the PSB during that meeting. I was at the December meeting as well. and there were questions there. There was an evening meeting I believe um when that was done. I also attended the um the tech H2O uh portion that you all provided. There were some PSB members that were available at that time that were listening to what the constituents or people um I guess water customers that were out there asking and they were engaging in that. And then I was at the January meeting for for the budget. So while they may not be um elected officials, I can honestly say we don't have an onboarding for our piece either. And so, you know, I would hope that that in their professional capacities that they um that they do represent in the different spots that they that they represent. that's the piece that they're representing. And so I I do understand where Reposave is is coming from, but um but in my experience with the PSB, that's not been the case. So I don't know what the what the reasons were. I know that there's a lot of um people that are upset about the the rate increase. We all are impacted unfortunately by that. Um, and so I'm not sure what the what the purposes are as far as what um, you know, how they voted or why they voted that way. I know some did share their reasoning behind that in in the January meeting or, you know, in last week's meeting. And so I just want to make sure that that we do set that straight, at least from my experience. I encourage everybody to attend the PSB meetings um whether you attend them online or you attend them in person uh to get to get a a failafe. He's correct. We do go in and we do um appoint these people and these individuals and there's a selection committee that that does take part in that. Um, but I just want to make sure that I that I share my experience as well and it's not a holistic view of what uh what Reposave's experience is. So, but thank you. Thank you, John, and thank you team for restoring the water. I know um from doing business, you'll you'll do the right thing when it comes to uh looking at what that post or that debrief provides and what the full impacts are. and I know that we'll work very well together to be able to create um something that that is hopefully acceptable by by those customers that were impacted. But thank you again. >> Appreciate it. >> Represent Lemon. >> Thank you, Mayor John. I I I would be the last to ever throw a stone in your at you. I'm very I'm very conscious of the buck stops here and boy the buck stopped on your desk this past week and what a horrendous situation uh to be in. My my my thought is simply that just like it's been stated be before the community was hurt, the community was angry, the community was I mean really really upset and I would just hope that whatever way and clearly understanding something's going to happen, something's going to happen at this meeting, someone's going to speak up, someone's going to barge in that that could be taken into consideration. for future meetings so that that woman wasn't dragged out. I have no idea what she said. I wasn't at the meeting, but the visual image of it is what I was left with. And just to hope that that we could have better understanding. I I know that not every person that comes is going to be an Alysia that's calm, restrained, but gets it done. But that that was my only concern, John, that I was I I hope that um I wish that hadn't happened and and it hurts me uh when it happened here at city hall several years ago as well. And I just hope that we become a little bit more conscious of of dealing with people. Thank you, John. >> Okay. So, thank you. And and believe me, you know, it bothers me bothers me deeply. Uh so I I consider myself to be highly accessible. So if if you send me an email, if you if you call, you know, I'll pick I I pick up the phone. And uh and so any question that you want to address to me is perfectly fine, but just let me just say hypothetically speaking, if I go to the bathroom and I come out, that's not the time to jump me. >> Yeah. Representative um Chavez. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, John, for the presentation. District 1 was not impacted, but uh definitely empathize with the broader community um because I know that a lot of people did get affected by this water break and and suffered for for some time there. So, I just want to speak to the improvements that you're making overall in our community, in our city. I know that you've made several and are making several in district one in terms of improving the infrastructure there. So my message to the community is, you know, yes, there is always a little of inconvenience involved when these uh improvements are being done, especially through road closures. And sometimes these uh improvements take longer than expected. That's that's what's happened in district one specifically. And these inconveniences are dragged further along because of those um you know things that you did not foresee when you break the street and and look underneath. You know you you many times find things that you were not expecting and that's why these improvements take longer than expected. But I know that you are working towards identifying where you need to make these improvements to your infrastructure and I know that you are trying to do it as quickly as possible. So to the community at large, you know, although they may experiencing experience inconveniences, uh it is a necessity that we do make these improvements to our infrastructure and thank you to El Paso Water for identifying them. I know that, you know, sometimes uh the process in that is not perfect, but I know that you are working hard towards achieving it. So we appreciate it and we thank you for your presentation today. >> Thank you. And John, I know you've been standing there for almost an hour, but I'm just going to add just a few comments here. Um, so I sit on the PSB board as well, and I think you have a very capable board. You have engineers on that board, you have civic uh people and there has been some very very I've been there over a little bit over a year and we do have some very robust conversations about uh whether it's the budget, whether it's expansion, uh what have you at that PSB board. I will remind council that the members that are sitting on the PSB board were approved on this DAS. So, um, we've got to take some ownership of of of of the members that are sitting there, which I think, in my opinion, are very very capable, uh, individuals from this community, uh, that are are doing a tremendous job. An incredible amount of stress was was happening during the water break. That was my first opportunity to to uh be at the the emergency operations center to work with your staff, to work with the many volunteers that that came there to work. Until you're in it, you can't describe it or explain it. Uh I don't think anyone from El Paso Water Utilities woke up that day and wanted a water break. And so for your water warriors that were out there in 20°ree weather, 30°ree weather, you know, I'm going to add the thanks that the council members have already added to that. I do want to thank the council members too as well because they were very very engaged and wanting to know how could they help, how could they get, you know, whatever they could do. Many of them delivered water uh themselves. I would be remissed if I did not thank um uh just a few additional people in addition to slide 15. They they were probably on there, but I would like to call them out. But you had a number of community partners that came out to to support uh and offer whatever they could. That included, you know, whether it was grocery stores or financial institutions that really stepped up. But I got to give a big shout out to our our partners at Fort Bliss Texas >> because within hours of the request that we needed an additional uh water uh hippo or water buffalo, they were ready to deliver whatever they could to make sure that the El Paso residents were not suffering. So to know that we have community partners, we have our Fort Bliss partners, we have our city employees, it takes a lot when you stand up the the OEM and and and we're we're in engaged in something that is moving that fluid and that fast. So again, my thanks to to everyone that uh that work there. Thank you to the PSB board that were there at the the uh the meetings. Uh we we had a meeting that night at I believe it was 6:30 on Sunday night that I happened to be there. Representative uh Trojo was there as well and others. So um I just wanted to offer my thanks to you guys. I know it was a very tough time. I empathize with the community. My parents live out there, my brother lives out there, my aunt, and I can tell you some of them were were without water, too. So um it was tough on on everybody. Um but John, thank you again. And Miss Pride, I believe we have public comment on this item. >> Yes, sir. We have Miss Osman that signed up to speak. >> Yeah. Thank you, John. >> Good afternoon. >> I I know Miss Prime typically says that speaking is not a requirement, but quite frankly, it's a first amendment right. Uh, petition the government for redress of grievances. In other words, criticize your government because you're using our tax dollars. And uh El Paso Water happens to be a municipality utility. Okay. It's a municipal utility. So, it is a public entity. So, people had all the right, Miss Tjo, to uh go over there, sit off their grievances. Um, I I saw that footage as well, Miss Lemon. Yeah, I I didn't make it to that because there was a lot of other a lot of other issues I was dealing with. But, uh, what stood out to me during this time is that y'all mentioned the public meetings, little public announcements you had. Most a lot of citizens couldn't even see that. They had no idea where to find those videos online. So I was constantly getting those and sharing those links to the press conferences. Another issue, you know what? Yeah. Communication. I get a notice from Spectrum when my internet goes out even for a few minutes by text and on the app. El Paso Electric, the gas company, different other utilities, they all have your information. If you are late on a bill, they will let you be know past due. But water, El Paso water, just prove that they are in unprepared. Okay. So, it makes me wonder because of all of this and the issues at the rate hike when we asked about Meta and all of everything that was going on with Meta and being prepared and how our government allowed it. How could you say it was y'all are going to be prepared for that? Because this proves you're not. Something's going to happen and we're not prepared. This is proof that we're not even prepared to handle what we currently have and then y'all are adding on top of that. There's a lot I mean the NDA was brought up and all Mr. Belaloo could say was I know it looks sus repeatedly. So no, the lack of trust it is gone. It was gone during the rake hike meetings. I agree. It should have been postponed. And I watched that online. It was a It was a disgrace. It was a slap in the face to everybody in this town. >> Thank you. And the statement that I refer to is for call to the public portion, which is for non-aggenda items only. >> So that doesn't apply >> that only refers to agenda items. >> That's only for the non agenda public portion of the meeting. >> Okay, Miss P. I think we're coming up on a lunch. Mayor, I'd like to make a motion that we recess for one hour for lunch, please. Okay. At this time, >> there's a motion. Is there a second? >> There's a motion in a second to recess a >> seal. Did Yes. 28 and 29 is the adoption of the ordinances for the Of course, I realized attached, which which does end up happening just for the mere fact that you know >> a lot of them just won't do it. >> That's why I started off that, you know, >> okay, Miss Bryan, I believe we're ready. >> Yes. Is there a motion to reconvene? >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second to reconvene the regular city council meeting. All in favor? >> I. >> Anyone opposed? >> The meeting is back in session at 2:02 p.m. >> Okay, Mr. Bry, is there a way to take 28 and 29 together? >> Yes. Item 28 is a public hearing of an ordinance amending title 7 animals to add section 7.12.070, vicious dogs, and an ordinance amending title 7 animals to add section 7.12.080 080 aggressive dogs. Item 29 is a public hearing of an ordinance amending title 7 animals. Chapter 7.04 definitions and administration section 7.04.010 definitions to amend the definition of animal. Amend the order of definitions and add new definitions. >> Okay. Is there a motion to approve this item? >> Second. >> All right. Good afternoon. >> Hello. Hello. So, my name is Michael, the interim director for El Paso Animal Services. uh here to talk about the proposed new ordinances. So, kind of a recap if I will. Um I know there were some questions when Carlos was giving his kind of his thing on municipal and how that is in relation to animal services. Um so I want to clear up some stuff for district 5. Uh, every dog that is deemed aggressive, vicious, or dangerous has a sign that will have a notice saying, "Hey, this animal's dangerous, vicious, or aggressive." That's a standard across the board. Where it does differ a little bit is between the vicious dog and the dangerous dog. So again, same signage that has to have vicious or it has to have dangerous, but those dogs also have to have a collar that says dangerous or vicious. So, the aggression side of this, um, those dogs do not have a collar that has the aggression on that collar. So, I hope that clears up a little bit. Uh, the other stuff that got brought up during Carlos's presentation is, uh, educational. So, again, how are we rolling out education? So, obviously, this is the first step. Um, we are throwing stuff on our social media, um, as soon as this meeting concludes if y'all vote uh, an approval of this. Um, that's kind of more for external communication. um putting out a bunch of social media posts and stuff like that. As far as internal communication, I know district 1 brought up uh what are we doing to kind of train those APOs. Um so we do morning briefings. Uh that's a standard every day. Um and then we do monthly meetings that's more robust to tackle bigger issues. So that training uh will be the topic of our uh trainings moving forward um for at least a couple months because I know it's going to be a lot for people to digest up as part of our APO team. So I wanted to kind of clear that up a little bit. Um so yeah, so we're here to talk about uh vicious dog and aggressive dog. Um I have here is dangerous dog. Again, this is a state law, just kind of more of a refresher if you will. So again, dangerous dog is a dog that has to be at large. It causes a bodily injury and it's an unprovoked attack. So again, this is state law. This isn't anything that we can change. So this is a dog that has gone out and has bit somebody. At that point, I can deem that dog dangerous. And so what Carlos mentioned, there's a couple challenges. Again, it's person focused. It's uh not really focused on the animals. It's reactionary. Uh doesn't allow for progression or education by the public. I show up, I deem the dog dangerous. um there's no uh potential for the people to fix the issues. Uh dangerous dog in general is pretty vague on what it entails and then the dog is deemed dangerous for life. So again, we're here to talk about adding the vicious dog and the aggressive dog ordinances. So we'll start with aggression. So aggressive dogs are means that a dog is menacing or interfering with public movement like chasing pedestrians, vehicles or threatening behavior toward a person or animal while at large. And so what are the requirements once a dog is deemed aggressive? That dog has to be leashed at all times in a secured enclosure. Again, that mimics what Carlos was saying as far as dangerous dogs. Um they have to post a visible warning sign saying, "Hey, this dog is aggressive." That goes back to kind of the clarification. Um, so a dog has to be labeled aggressive on their enclosure and they have to complete a responsible pet ownership approved Texas courts class. So, uh, you can find that at TDLR, so Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Um, there's specifically two uh classes that they could take. One is Texas court classes and the other one's Paul edu. You can look those up individually or if you go to that TDLR um you can find both of those there. And so they have to do those courses once that dog is deemed aggressive. And so what does the what's the solution once I deem a dog aggressive? What kind of solutions are we expecting to get from that? Um so again it allows for educational opportunities. Um, if a dog gets out, it's chasing uh children, chasing a child on a scooter, chasing a mailman, whatever the case may be, I can show up and kind of forewarn that individual. Hey, your dog is acting in an aggressive manner. I need you to get that uh checked out, get them restrained, or do whatever you need to do because the next time it shows up on my desk, it could be deemed aggressive. Um, so it allows for some proactivity. So again, kind of allowing the public to understand what aggression means from our APO. Hey, I'm this close to deeming this dog aggressive, so please fix it. Um, it's safety focused for repeat offenders. So, what we're trying to do is uh these ordinance are getting put into place or we're asking that they get put into place um because we're trying to tackle two things. We're trying to make the public uh more responsible pet owners. So, again, trying to focus on animal welfare. Um, but we're also looking mainly at the safety of the public. We don't want animals out there that could pose a danger uh again chasing people or actively biting people or animals. Um, and so I like to use the example of two dogs on Mononttoya. Um, some of our challenges uh with this aggressive dog stuff um is we have gone out to a property on Mononttoya 13 times. These dogs are getting out. They're chasing people. They're chasing kids. They're chasing normal people walking down the street. So, all I can do as the interim director is issue a citation. I can't necessarily do anything about it. So, what ends up happening is the public gets frustrated. Animal services show up, they didn't do anything. I think Chris kind of touched on it a little bit before lunch. Um, some some of these individuals can just eat that cost, right? They can the citation doesn't mean anything. I'm not learning anything from it. And so we're trying to put a stop to that. So we want these people to be responsible pet owners. Um but again, we're trying to look out for the safety of the public. So with this case, again, 13 times of non-confinement, it's it's not appropriate for us to show up there and not do anything. So we're trying to get something in place to where we can hold resp uh people responsible um by taking better care of their pets. And so uh again, this allows for our animal protection officers also to be a little bit more efficient. So again, instead of an APO officer going out there 13 times, maybe they address another situation down the street or maybe they go up and pick up a stray dog uh across on the west side or whatever the case may be. So we're trying to fix that with the aggressive dog as a solution. So the second aspect, the second ordinance is a vicious dog. So again, a vicious dog means a dog that causes severe injury to or kills a domestic animal, livestock or foul, except for when it's hunting in a hunting capacity. So again, if we're kind of tailing in on that dangerous dog conversation, I have to wait for a dog to bite somebody to be deemed dangerous. What we're trying to do is clean that up. So we're trying to protect the animals in our community. Again, we talk about safety. We're talking about proper animal welfare. So, we're looking at the the safety of the animals in our care too in the public. And so, this vicious dog ordinance would help protect that. This vicious dog ordinance mimics dangerous dogs in a lot of ways. Um, but this is more animal focused whereas dangerous dog is more people focused. So, some of the requirements in order to be a dog to be deemed uh vicious, the dog has to be leashed at all times or in a secured enclosure. Again, this is mimicking what dangerous dog is, the state law. They have to post a warning, vicious dog sign. Again, mimicking the dangerous dog sign that is in place for dangerous dogs. And then they have to complete a responsible pet owner approved course um by Texas courts. And again, just a refresher because I know we talked about it in the aggressive one. Uh that's the TDLR, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Uh there's two different courses on there. So once your dog has been deemed vicious, you are required to take one of those courses. And so what we're trying to do with the solutions again, there's challenges with our dangerous dogs. So the solutions for the vicious dogs again allows us that that opportunity to educate the public. So we don't want dogs out there turning from aggression to vicious to dangerous. We're trying to tackle that on the front end. So, if we can educate the public, hey, your dog is going down a down the wrong road. We want to make sure you kind of have all the information you need to make sure it doesn't turn into a dangerous dog. This vicious dog allows us to do that. Again, it's proactive. It's safety focus. I use the example of Ditto. He's a nine-year-old pitbull. This nine-year-old pitbull was walking down the street with his owner. These two dogs, two pit bulls, uh, got out and ended up attacking and killing Ditto. And so again, some of the challenges that we face with the Texas law, the dangerous dogs, is I show up, I issue a citation for non-confinement to these two dogs. And what happens? Nothing happens, right? And so we want the public to understand that we're there to help. Um, the public is frustrated that we show up and we just issue citations, but they want recourse for their animals. it it's they should not have to walk down the street in fear that their dog may or may not get attacked by another animal. And so that's our example of ditto. And again, it allows us our APOS to be a little bit more uh efficient when they're going out there and taking care of business. So we talked about in the first couple slides uh some of the challenges. And so a dog is deemed dangerous for life once it is deemed dangerous. And so, um, I'm sure a lot of y'all are animal owners. Um, I heard some of y'all are, uh, y'all have some fluffies at home. I do I do not have any fluffies. My dogs are hairless. Um, but, uh, what is not fair to these animals? I mean, we're we're focused on the people and the people that are not taking care of their animals. But again, if I have a six-month old puppy who happened to go chasing after mailman, I don't want to deem that dog aggressive for life. And so this gives the opportunity for those animals to come off those designations. Again, dangerous dog is deemed dangerous for life. The aggressive and vicious dog, we we're putting in a place for those animals to come off of that list. And so in order to come off that list, the aggressive dog has to be in compliance for at least one year and then show a uh proof of spay and neutering. Again, we don't want these animals breeding other aggressive dogs or breeding other vicious dogs or getting to that point they are dangerous. um just because they've been in compliance for one year and just because they have a proof of spay and neutering um does not guarantee that they will be uh the removal of that designation. So I could come back and say, "Hey, we still got to work on some things before we end up uh taking this designation off." And so the difference between the aggressive dog and the dangerous dog or the vicious dog is again the vicious dog has three years of compliance with the proof of spay and neutering. So again, if we're going back to the requirements for the aggressive and vicious dog, again, we're talking about being enclosed or on leash, uh they have to have posted warning signs. If they're out of compliance for any one of those things, we could come back and seize those animals for empowerment. And so we don't want to get to that point. So again, our our main focus is going to be the educational aspect before these animals get designated as aggressive or vicious. And so just as a recap again, dangerous dog is a state mandate. That's something that we cannot change that causes injury to a person. So there's some holes in that. We want to protect the community. We want to protect the community's pets. So we're proposing aggressive dog and we're proposing vicious dog. Aggressive dog. City ordinance is an animal that is threatening behavior towards people or animals. Again, if this animal is just chasing a a child that's on his bike running around the park, we don't want those animals out there turning into vicious dogs or potentially turning into dangerous dogs. And then the vicious dog is causing severe injury to or kills an animal. So again, a little bit of a recourse for the the people that are out there with their animals and another animal attacks their animals, we can deem that dog vicious. And then at that point, if at any point they're out of compliance, we can again seize that animal or impound that animal. And so, like Chris had mentioned, District 8, this presentation was presented to our ASAC community uh our committee uh back on December 10th and then I think it was like July 14th. Um and so January 14th, July 14th, January 14th. Um, and again, it was unanimously approved. Um, and so yeah, that's kind of where we're at. Um, if y'all have any questions, I'd be more than happy to take them. I would have to say before I start, I would like to give a shout out to all the staff. I know they're working really hard today. Um, so huge shout out to those guys, uh, specifically the animal care team. They're doing a lot. So, yeah, I'm open to any questions y'all. >> Thanks, Michael. Uh, Representative Canales. >> Thank you, Mayor. Yeah. I'll I'll repeat what you just said uh just to be clear because the the committee did ask that I specifically deliver the message. Um on the committee's behalf as as the chair um they voted unanimously to recommend the approval of the uh the ordinance changes as uh presented by animal services. And so um they wanted to deliver the message. As I said earlier, just repeating again for anyone tuning into the meeting now uh that they feel like it's an important uh step to get this language into the code. Um they had suggestions for things that might change into the future, but wanted to see how this gets rolled out. um they asked for some uh bianual or I guess semiannual uh updates on the implementation and uh the cases that come through so that they can potentially recommend adjustments to the council. Um so thank you uh Michael and uh again Carlos and Mona and everybody else uh who's been and Josette who just walked in who's been diligently working on this. Uh I think it uh is a an important first step. Uh I'm glad that the committee agreed. Uh and thank you for taking the extra time and delaying this coming to the council in order to bring it to the animal shelter advisory committee. I think it's an important step that we take to get the committee feedback on on a major change like this. So thanks and happy to support it today. >> Thank you represent Nino. >> Thank you mayor and thank you Michael and also to the entire team for working on this. I have one super quick question on the dangerous dog. I know that's a state mandate and on slide number three how it states some of the challenges where it doesn't allow for progression or education. Um and that's specifically for the courses that the courts allow. Correct. >> So it's a great question. So dangerous dog it's the the progression aspect is again I have to wait for that animal to bite somebody. And so when we're talking about that progression aspect is a dog and typically a dog doesn't go straight from zero to 100 where it's attacking people. And so if we can tackle that on the front end by with these aggressive ordinance and with this potential vicious ordinance, we're we're getting that opportunity to educate the public before it gets to that point. >> And so as as far as the dangerous dog aspect goes, again, that's kind of retroactive. I'm waiting for it to bite. And so it's really, hey, your dog did something and then I show up and deem it dangerous. So there's really no opportunity to educate the public until the event has already occurred. And so what we're trying to do specifically with that aggressive one is kind of give them that opportunity to say, "Hey, this dog is acting inappropriately and it could lead to more." And so we want to tackle that before it gets to that point. >> Great. No, thank you for clarifying that. But I just wanted to ensure that if there was a person that had a dangerous dog that went from step zero to 100, that if they do, you know, deem that dog as a dangerous dog that they also get some sort of education of being a responsible pet owner. Although the dog is going to be deemed dangerous for life, but that there's still some sort of educational aspect to it uh of them being aware of again being a responsible pet owner. >> Yeah. Once I once I deem a dog dangerous, uh they do get a packet of all the kind of requirements that it entails. And again, you you need to be in compliance or it could get to the opportunity where you don't have your animal anymore. >> Perfect. All right. Well, thank you for your presentation. No further question. >> Michael, before I go to Representative Roach, quick question on the dangerous dogs. Do we know how many are classified in our community dangerous or vicious? >> So, yeah, it's a great question. Um, in general, most of the dogs that we deem dangerous don't ever get labeled dangerous. the people either surrender the animals or if it does go down that dangerous route. I mean, it's like Carlos had mentioned, it's very few. And so, kind of what District 3 was talking about when Carlos gave his presentation, we don't really have a mechanism to track the the animals before they get deemed dangerous. Right? So, again, I'm about to hand over this letter to deem your dog dangerous, and they just automatically surrender those animals. And so, what we're doing moving forward is tracking that number. So, if I have 50 dogs that I'm about to deem dangerous, how many of those turn into owner surreners compared to actually turning into dangerous dogs? >> Very good, represent Rocha. >> Thank you, mayor. And that was actually my question. So, great question. So, thank you for explaining that, Michael, and thank you for the presentation. I think it's super important to be able to move this in in the right step forward uh for the community. So, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and thank uh Joseette, Carlos, Mona, and and all the team just to be able to work on this and and put this forward and for all the work that the ASAC committee did, probably bombarding you with questions and and being prepared and bringing that to us today. I think it's a great step forward in the community. So, thank you again, >> Representative Chavez. >> Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Michael, for the presentation. What a huge undertaking, right? I mean, you have a big responsibility and I think you're doing it very well. So, I wanted to congratulate you for that and I know that there's a lot of people behind you helping you uh do this. So, I appreciate the work from the legal team as well as others in your department. So, how many animals or do you think that this uh new ordinance will apply to? How many animals do you deal with on a daily basis? Well, on a daily basis, uh, we took in 27,000 total animals in 2025. Um, to answer specifically your question, my hope is is zero. I hope I never have to get down this rabbit hole of deeming a dog aggressive, vicious, or dish or dangerous because we're being proactive in taking care of our animals. Um, it's tough to say specifically how many aggressive dogs we could potentially have in the community. Um, I know it's kind of an uh aggression could mean something to one person and not something to another person. Um, and so kind of going to what Chris Canales had mentioned. Um, we're going to be tracking that data for the first I mean as soon as we install it, but for the first six months, we're going to be heavy on it uh to see how many animals we ended up deeming aggression before we actually submitted the aggression paperwork. Um, but again, my hope is my hope is zero. I hope people take care of their animals. I don't want these dogs going up and down the street attacking the same people or chasing after kids. Um, I hope we can tackle that from an education aspect u through our APO team >> and and I thank you for commenting on creating a database and finding the true numbers behind all of these uh labels. Um, I would just encourage you to continue doing that because so many times we ask for data and for whatever reason sometimes, you know, it hasn't been tracked or whatever the case might be. And I think it's so important that we that we understand uh what is really occurring. Um, I know that most pets and most dogs in our community are are part of families that love them and are very well taken care of. And so I agree with you. I hope that there's little to none that we have to label as such. Thank you so much. >> Yeah, no worries. And yeah, I I agree. I mean, I think a majority of the uh public isn't going to be affected by these ordinances. Um, again, we just we're trying to rangle up some of the ones that a are not listening or or b maybe they're not fully educated um as far as the proper animal welfare. And so, this gives us that opportunity to do it. And kind of going back to uh your constituent u from last year, I mean, yeah, I mean, we went out there five times and there was nothing to show for it. And so if we would have been able to deem this dog aggressive, we could have potentially done something um now hindsight 50/50, right? But um again, what we're trying to do is prevent that from happening again, whether it's your constituent or any of the other constituents in y'all's districts. >> Very good. Any other questions for Michael? >> All right, Miss Prime, we're going to take the vote on items 28 and 29. >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by Representative Lemon, seconded by Representative Ganales, and this is to adopt the ordinances on items 28 and 29. There's no further public comment on that motion. Call for the vote in the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. Representatives Batco and Lemon not present. All right, Miss Brian, we're going to move to items number 40 and 41. Since I have the chief here and the assistant chief, we'll take those two items. >> Yes, sir. Item number 40 is discussion and action on a resolution authorizing the city manager or designate to ratify the outstanding invoice owed to Gold Belt Security LLC totaling $50,000 relating to services rendered to the El Paso Police Department for Hicks Police Training and to sign any related paperwork. Did you want 41 together? >> No, we'll do them separately. >> Thank you. >> Is there a motion to approve this? All right. Good afternoon, Chief. >> Good afternoon, Mayor. Hi, City Council. Good afternoon, Assistant Chief Leionis, for the record. So, we're asking for a ratification to the outstanding invoice to pay that outstanding debt, $50,000 for Hicks. >> Okay. Miss Brian, I believe we have public comment on this item. >> Yes, sir. We have Miss Osman that signed up to speak. Uh uh represent Canales. >> Thank you, Mayor. Yeah, I just had a couple of questions about this expense. Um I know the initial or at least part of it. I I found an older document in the confiscated funds budget request from 2025 that this was partially at least paid for with confiscated funds. What would be the source of funds for this additional $50,000 expense? And uh for this one it's going to be general fund. >> General fund. Okay. And is this coming from an existing allocation of general fund from the police department or is it uh other other funds? >> So it's the fund that we have we have the money in our account to go ahead and pay for that. >> Okay. Um, and then I guess I'm just trying to understand what exactly the like how exactly the costs were incurred in addition to um the the initial payment to the to the company. >> It's for training, correct? Yes, this was uh our defensive tactics uh training that uh we had all our officers go through and uh when COVID happened, we started getting behind um with the training and uh the invoicing uh coming in from the company because we weren't doing this kind of uh training because it was uh you got to put hands-on people. >> Got it. Okay. But this is an amount above the uh initially approved amount for the contract. This is this is the the amount that was uh approved uh throughout the life of the contract. >> And so you're just asking for ratification because it falls outside of the original contract period. >> Yes. Well, we because we need a PO issue for it to be able to pay it. >> Understood. And well, but presumably the rest of it was also paid through POS, but it that the ratification is because the the other expenses were paid within the term of the contract and this is coming after. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Now, I understand. >> That's exactly it. >> Got it. Thank you. Thank you, mayor. >> All right. We have public comment. Miss Ryan. >> Yes, we have Miss Osman. >> This is just on 40, right? >> This is just 40. Yes, ma'am. >> I just want to clarify for the public for city council. especially due to uh the fact that we are on national news because although it is not EPD, but the death of somebody due to a troll cold at uh our desert death camp or East Montana detention center uh is exactly what this training is. Just I if you didn't check into what HIX police training is, uh part of it is emphasizing officer safety through nervous skeletal system control. Those are choke holds. Okay. Uh this is actually training. It's a subsidiary of global security. It's military training. I'm going to tell you I don't agree with um the fact that we are known on the books on the maps as a police city. Okay. Nor do I agree with our PD who is supposed to serve the public and the people to be trained militarily. All right. And I say that because I was at the protests, the George F protest, uh, George Floyd protests where PD decided to corral everybody down in the pit by Memorial Park and then started with their rubber bullets and everything else, uh, tear gas, the whole nine. If it wasn't for the fact that I knew exactly what was about to happen, I started telling people, "Do not let them corral you. Don't go down there." And my daughter, my people that I knew, I told them, "Stay up here. Stay closer. I can tell you what's going to happen." And I numerous people asked me, "How'd you know?" Because I have done the research on this type of police. These tactics, they're military tactics and they shouldn't be in a city police department. Okay? We already have enough deaths. We have enough deaths at the jail and everything else. And yeah, you all are you all are paying for people for PD to choke people out. Yeah. Even a 78-year-old neighbor that I had cuz I had to call because nobody could get him some mental health. And that's on video. I I've got that on video. Okay. Cops came back. He's like, "Hey, did you see what happened?" "Yeah, it was the exact same thing." So, the fact that y'all have no problem spending money to militarize our police, that's a big issue. >> Just want to point that out. >> Mayor, may I allow the chief to discuss the new training that was implemented last month? I just think it should be on the record. >> Absolutely. So, uh, what we're asking for is for services that are already rendered. Uh, choke holes are outlawed by state law. We cannot we don't use those. Um, so, um, we we couldn't even fathom using choke holes in our training. Uh, second of all, we, uh, we, uh, started a new training. We have, uh, at least 10 instructors. It's called Gracy's uh, system. It's basically a jiu-jitsu. Uh, all our officers are currently going through this training. It's a new, uh, defensive tactic training. So this is uh for an outstanding invoice. >> Yes sir. Our services are already rendered. Um we got the invoices late. So that's that's why we had to ask for this ratification to be able to pay this invoice. >> Okay. >> Any further discussions for uh assistant chief or the chief? >> All right. Miss Brown, we have a motion in a second. Would you please call for the vote? >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by Mayor Prom Chavez, seconded by alternate mayor prom to approve item 40. On that motion, call for the vote in the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. Representatives Bora Trejo and Lemon not present. >> Okay, let's take item 41. >> Yes, sir. Item 41 is discussion and action to approve budget transfer to increase FY2026 confiscated funds and appropriations for a total of $699,558 in state and federal confiscated funds. >> Is there a motion to approve this item? >> Approve. >> Second. >> Okay, chief. Any questions for the chief on 41? >> All right, we have public comment, Miss Pry. >> Yes, we have Miss Osman. I looked through that list and in part of that uh there there's there's camera security uh this time it's not the flock but I just want to point out to everybody and so that it's on record and citizens are aware that uh a lot of the systems including that PD and you all have installed across the city uh don't make the city safer. Okay. Also, y'all should know that uh the new sentinel tower being built in Huarees that everybody can see, pretty much taller than anything in El Paso. That's Mexico's surveillance building. Okay. Right next to our city, Fort Bliss, so forth. So, anytime you put these some of these cameras out there, they they've already been known, it's well documented that they can be hacked. So, every time you all do that, it's not making the city safer. And quite frankly, it is a national security risk. If you don't know about that, you might start checking into it. I can't understand how Fort Bliss hasn't flagged it. Uh, Miss Osman, this is a budget transfer. Okay. But within that budget transfer happens to be funds for some of these. So I, you know, in in regards to this budget transfer from confiscated funds, I'd really like to find out uh how do we get a hold of who who's doing the accounting? Is it a is it the chief auditor that doesn't exist for these confiscated funds? And how do we know that uh the funds that are being confiscated are everything that's actually uh stated that were confiscated there there's so many issues here. I mean heck I think there's a new television show or a movie coming out for that mere fact here. confiscated funds. Cops keeping some of it is it's just I know that this is a transfer, right? But these are from confiscated funds. Y'all are taking other people's money or whether it's criminal, whatever, and then flipping it 10% to uh for drug, you know, drug addiction, whatever. But the rest is, hey, let's give them a bunch of little toys. Maybe you should worry about the toys that you're giving them when you're transferring these funds. Anyway, uh a lot of food for thought when you're when you're just like going to transfer them over, look at that list and see what's really in there because citizens more should be looking at it and know how more how unsafe you're making because it's not safer. represent Canales. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, Chief, this is the fourth year, I think, now that I've uh I'm going to deliver almost the same remarks and uh you know, I I um in no way want to withhold or deny the the items that are listed here. I don't have any issue with any of the particular expenditures. Um, I think every year I've voted against the the transfer of confiscated funds and that's purely a it's a philosophical decision for me. Um, I I don't like the incentive structure that that confiscated funds that the use of confiscated funds creates. Um, you know, I I have no problem with what I've seen from from you or your officers with regard to that, but it's it's just um again a philosophical issue that I have with with the use of confiscated funds as a funding source. Um, I I think this council has always been willing to uh apply for grants to fund your needs through through the general fund. Um, this is a particular funding source that that I don't agree with philosophically and so I won't be able to support it today. It has nothing to do with the specific expenditures that you're looking to make here or or with not wanting you all to have the equipment and and training that you need. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any further discussion on item 41? If I can address the uh the uh camera that's for the Axon camera system licenses, it's for the body cameras uh that we have and then the car cameras that we have inside. We have to pay for licenses on a regular basis. >> Okay. Any further discussion for the chief on item 41? Okay, Mr. Frank, we had a motion in a second. >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by alternate mayor promos, seconded by Mayor Pro Tim Chavez to approve item 41. On that motion, call for the vote in the voting session. And the motion passes 6 to1. Representative Canales voting nay. Representative Borat Trejo not present. And the remainder of council voting I. The motion carries. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Mayor C. Thank you, Chief. All right, Miss Bryan. I believe that brings us to item number 32. >> Yes, sir. We're on page number nine. Item 32 is discussion and presentation and preparation of upcoming strategic planning session regarding revenue limitations and opportunities. >> Good afternoon. >> Uh good afternoon uh mayor and council Sasha Donoski office of management and budget. Uh so to uh we are bringing a presentation in front of you and we have a a series of presentations that we are going to bring to uh in front of you uh in the next couple of weeks uh uh as a preparation for the for the strategic planning session that is going to happen on uh February 23rd and 24th. So so what is the purpose of the presentation? And as I as I mentioned this will be preparation for the for the uh strategic session that is going to happen in 23rd and 24th and also it will be introduction to our 2024 budget uh development uh process. uh but what we have been seeing uh recently uh uh so we we've seen that uh our uh so there are a couple of uh things so so then the point that we want to bring the uh forward is uh that most of the city of El Paso revenues are slowing down actually and um uh most of the revenues are legally legally uh constrained uh so we've seen that property valuations uh and sales tax growth uh has uh have have been normalized and then we are we have a addition additionally to that uh we have like a state in uh imposed caps limit on and on an additional uh exemption uh that limit city discretion. So if you go to the next slide okay so this is really important slide. So as we can as we can see from the from the slide this is the way how our general fund structure is uh revenue is uh is distributed right. So 49% of the property of the general fund revenues are uh uh from are coming from property taxes. 23 are coming from sales tax and all other uh revenues are contributing with 28%. Property tax is our main revenue source or prim primary revenue 72% or if you take property taxes and sales tax together 72% they are contributing to to whole tax revenue to whole uh revenue base. So what is really important here property taxes they they are linked with the property valuations and uh property tax rate right sales tax sales tax uh is linked to uh economic uh conditions all other taxes all other taxes they include uh franchise fees they include uh charges for services they include park fees they include planning and inspections fees licenses as permit they contribute ute to our general fund uh base revenue base only for 28%. And we have what we have seen property taxes are growing and sales tax are going as well right but then other all other revenues they are either flat or they are declining and we will talk about that a little bit later. So we are bringing this uh terminology here. It's called structural revenue imbalance and we've we've been communicating that uh in during the budget development process for example. Uh so what do we mean about uh structural revenue imbalance? So so that means that we do have a embedded uh gap between revenues and expenditures uh meaning that expenditures are higher. So we have seen that expenditures are always higher than the than the revenue. So we have a gap that we want to that we need to uh close every year every year and what we have been doing uh uh we are closing this gap with quick patches. We either we either use uh one times uh we we use fund balance for example uh and then relying heavily on the property taxes and and this is not situation only for the for city of El Paso uh most of the uh uh Texas cities they they rely on prop property taxes so so it's a it's a common situation in Texas cities right but uh further limitations would lead to reduce local re revenue and then uh the city's opportunity to maneuver will will be diminished. So, so what we are when we are talking about uh uh structural imbalance, so we are not this is this situation that that hasn't uh been like right now. It it it hasn't happened right now. It has been here for so many years. Uh so uh during uh the city uh through through its uh bond programs, we we added uh uh we added new recreational centers. We added museums, we added parks, we added uh sports fields etc etc. So by adding uh we increased our expenditures but at the same time revenues are not uh catching up with the with expenditures right. Uh in dur dur during 2026 uh fiscal year budget development uh process we showed what happened uh in the last couple of years when the direction from the previous council was uh to adopt no new revenue rate. So and and we know that in order to this to happen uh the city deferred infrastructure and uh capital replacement for example we decreased funding for vehicles and facility improvements. Uh we utilized onetime revenue as as I mentioned we utilized u uh fund balance to to balance the budget. Uh for example uh in 2025 fiscal year we uh used $7.2 $2 million of fund balance to to balance the budget. Uh we increased our vacancy savings and uh uh we uh we prorated our uh civilian or non-uniform pay raises. So we had to we had to do catchup uh in February 2025 uh on the last last fiscal year and in addition to that uh uh we have been subsidizing services uh for example parks and fees uh fees are heavily subsidized and uh we uh the city has been absorbing the healthcare increases for for the uh employee side of the of the cost. So if you compare our primary uh primary revenue which is our property tax 49% uh of the total general fund revenue base uh with our primary expense which is police and fire or public safety we will see that our primary uh revenue our primary expenditure actually is exceeds our prim primary revenue by $54 million. So when we are talking about structural imbalance, we are talking about exactly about this. Our primary revenue doesn't have enough funds to cover our our primary expenditure. We need uh one and a third from uh from our secondary uh revenue sales tax in order to to cover uh our primary expenditure. And uh we have we have increased uh investment in in uh public safety. We added more officers. We added more firefighters. Uh we added 911 communicators. We added vehicles and uh equipment, facility renovations, etc., etc. But uh uh as we know that uh cost uh public safety cost is really in inflexible. So it is labor driven. It's a it's a mostly contractual binding uh requirements and then uh it's commulative. So this slide shows a couple of years in the history and and we can show more history but uh as we can see that uh the gap between our primary revenue and primary expenditure is almost the same every every year. It's around $50 million on average. Uh our primary expenditure uh police and fire increased uh like 17.3 million over the last uh three years or 5.7%. At the at the beginning of the presentation we mentioned that uh most of the Texas cities they rely uh heavily on property taxes. Uh so what is really important with this slide is that as this is especially true for El Paso our tax base is mostly residential as we as we can see 63% of our tax based base is residential and 23 24% is commercialbased. Uh on top of that uh we do have uh uh state limits like uh three and a half percent of the of the state cup uh that we can increase the property tax without water approval and there are a couple of exemptions uh imposed by the state and also local exemptions that uh lower the taxable value such as uh six over 65 exemption disabled disabled veterans and then we uh and right now we have a new one which is a business business business prop business personal property uh exemption imposed by the state uh and then any other potential uh legislative ch uh changes will further uh our restrictions >> sash we get a quick question represent lemon >> mayor >> yes sorry >> sasha can you give us a little bit more information on this business personal property on >> this is new exemption that was imposed by the eight. Uh so he's increasing uh exemptions for $25,000 to $120,000 $125,000. Uh we haven't calculated the impact yet. uh we are waiting on uh central player district to give us to give us numbers but uh uh as of right now we don't have the the impact of the of the that business person but but the exemption is increasing from 2 and a half thou 250 500 to 125,000 >> so that'll be a loss for us and and you'll let us know as we get closer Robert >> yes definitely So touch was correct. So that was approved by the voters in this past November. It was one of the items that was put on through the state legislature session last session. Um so not only a financial impact, but essentially one of the things that's going to end up hurting us is or hurting the tax base is um it's a great benefit for our businesses who will receive that exemption. But you see the tax base is primarily residential. So essentially you're going to push that to the residential side. Um, so again, we are working with the central appraisal district to identify what that impact's going to be. They're having to do an upgrade to their system to be able to specify and pinpoint all the different businesses that would be eligible. So, yes, that'll be something that we'll have a discussion about as we get into the development for the FY2027 budget. >> And Sasha, what what's in that other category, the 7%. >> So, in the other category, we have all the other avenues. Uh so so we have uh franchise fees, we have charges for services industrial. >> Oh, I apologize. >> Yes, that's industrial. >> Industrial. I I mixed it with the with the property with the revenue uh base. >> So that's industrial. >> Industrial. >> Okay. Got it. As I mentioned that uh uh so after after seeing uh uh double digits increases in property tax valuations uh we we we are seeing that uh that uh growth for property tax valuations has has been normalized. Uh and uh we are expecting this this trend to standardize and norm or normalize even more uh going in uh in the into the future. With regards to sales tax limitations, uh as we saw that sex sales tax is our second largest uh uh revenue to our general fund. Um for illustration uh in 2025 uh we we ended up the fiscal year uh with $137 million from uh sales tax. If you increase uh sales tax by 1%, we are going to bring $1.4 $4 million new tax, new revenue for 2026. Or if you increase the uh sales tax by 2%, we are going to to bring two and two and $2.4 million uh two new new of new money for the for the general fund, which is not enough to even cover the our the increase for our highest expense. As we saw that on average police and fire they increase $ 17.3 million uh per year and sales tax is going to bring on average three three and a half to$5 million new money. So this is like a highly volatile and economy dependent dependent uh uh revenue source that we have. Uh in in 2020 in in 1978 the city uh had passed a resolution orus uh and opted out from uh from not charging its portion of the sales tax which is really great benefits for the for the for the citizens. uh but that actually that is not bringing approximately $4 million uh from uh that that could could have been uh collected by the city. This is historical uh growth or historical picture of uh sales taxes. And as we mentioned earlier after a couple of years of double digits returns uh right now we are going back to to normal normal trend and uh that 4.3% is what we budgeted for with for fiscal year 2026. uh if we compare with the 2025 actual numbers that will bring us additional $5.8 million. Our our average is three and a half to 5 million. We estimating a little bit higher for for next year but it's not a lot uh in new no new revenue uh bring brought and during the budget uh development for 2026 fiscal year and right now uh we are mentioning that the use of fund balance or use of one-time dollars is not uh good uh is not good practice to balance the budget and support uh uh day-to-day operations. Uh and I just wanted to point out that that uh this is almost like uh like uh you are uh you are uh paying for your I don't know uh for your day-to-day uh day-to-day operations with one-time money, right? Um in 2024 we budgeted $5 million uh in fund balance. In 2025 we budgeted $7.2 million fund balance. Uh and the city council has been really proactive and accepted city staff recommendation to decrease that use of fund balance. So we are going to the right direction. So we decreas it decreased it from $7.2 million to $325 million. Uh and we saw from the uh four quarter presentation that Mr. Cotinas uh uh did a couple of weeks ago that our unrestricted fund balance decreased by $10 million from $135.5 million to 125 to $5 million or on uh from 83 to 73 oper operating days. Uh so uh this is highly monitored by by uh rating agencies. So if uh if we see uh continual decline to uh to the unrestricted fund balance then it could trigger some bonding bond bonding rating concerns. I measured uh earlier a couple of times about uh fees. Um so uh so so uh when we talk about the other revenues 28% and we saw that uh they are either declining or they are not uh they are flat uh year to year. So they are not bringing new revenue. Uh part of this the of of other revenues are park fees or or planning and inspection fees that we are that we are charging. Um uh so so that means that many of the services that we provide are heavily subsidized. We added as I mentioned we added new parks, we added new uh uh centers, we added new public fields etc etc but we are not catching up with the with the revenue. Uh and currently we're working with a consultant uh they are they are going to estimate the full cost for parks and planning and and inspection department. uh and we are going to prepare a presentation and a recommendation and that will bring uh in front of the of the council uh for for your decision. Other uh one of the one of the in 2021 the city received uh $154.3 million uh ARPA funds uh that are expiring in 2026. But if you go back to that structural imbalance, ARPA was not intended to solve the structural imbalance. ARPA money was they were received for they were uh they were intended for completely different purpose and the city was strategical about that because uh uh most of the programs are not uh were not uh uh programmed in the in in ongoing uh operations or obligations. uh we put most of the programs in one-time uh needs that the city needed at that time. We are preparing ARPA update uh and we will be bringing that in in the next couple of uh council members. Um so these are some of the uh response examples response examples one time and going ongoing. uh I I just want to mention also that some of the programs will be impacted and we will need to move some of the programs to general fund. So taking in consider consideration everything that I previously said said city faces uh three converging forces. So one is on the revenue uh side another is on the expenditure side and the third one is on uh one time money that we received. So we learn we know that the revenue is uh revenue growth is legally constrained and there is a potential for further restrictions in future. On the expenditure side uh we know that they are uh largely in inflexible and many of them are locked in binding requirements and uh uh they show sustained growth. So they just go up. Uh and at the end uh ARPA funding uh ARPA funding expires uh at the end of this uh calendar year and then uh we need to figure out for the ongoing programs uh how to move them to general fund. So this is probably the most the most important point of this presentation. Uh we just want to mention that this is not we don't have a revenue problem. Uh revenues the way how they were designed. Uh they are performing suffet sufficiently. They're bringing enough revenue for the co for the frame and the construction they were designed. Uh however uh the current revenue sources are not able to support level and complexity and cost of services residents expect particularly in public safety infrastructure and other services and uh without action I don't want to I don't want to scare uh I don't want to sound scary but without action the cup will widen uh and it will force reactive decisions. We had them a couple of times by using fund balance for example to f to fund uh to balance the budget and because this is a presentation designed to be to bring us uh to the uh uh to the strategic planning sessions. This is these are some of the questions that all of us need to think when we go into that uh strategic planning session. Uh so I will just read them. Uh what are the expectations of the programs services currently pro provided? What revenue structure supports these expectations? What costs are we willing to subsidize and which must be recovered? What trade-offs are we willing to make? Example example programs or some service modifications. And at the end uh uh so the city we we uh we identified uh several opportun opportunities we call them policy levers or uh policy pilers. So pillars. So we we divided them in four pillars. Um so first first one is linked with the uh cost recovery or or fee uh cost recovery strategy. And the question here would be which services should be subsidized and by how much. The second one uh is linked with the user base revenues such as uh transportation user fee, short-term rentals, utility related uh sales tax parity with other uh cell uh uh tax cities. Uh the question here is uh should service users contribute proportionally to system costs. Uh third one is asset or growth strategy. Uh on the previous for uh Mr. Cinos presented uh about project finance zone and he has explained how they work. Uh so the question here would be are city assets and growth patterns supporting long-term sustainability and at the end the city is in process of converting to uh program based budgeting. uh we are going we are converting every department uh to program based budgeting. So we will be able to measure uh program performance. The question for here will be what are the tradeoffs we are willing to make example program service modifications. So this is the end of the presentation and this is pres this is uh one of the series of presentations that we are going to bring in front of you uh in preparation of uh strategic planning sess session that is going to happen on February 23rd and 24th and I am I'm open for any questions that you guys have. >> We have some questions Asho I mean they put you up with the bad news huh? Uh expenditures are outpacing revenue. So, with that said, Representative Nino, >> thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Sasha, and to the team for putting this together. Um, on slide 20, the last bullet point, program based budgeting implementation. I'm looking forward to further conversations on that and seeing ways of possibly having cost savings. I know that um even for example the the aspect of the overgrown weeds how we were able to partner up with parks and streets and mainings and all that everyone coming together and and and really collaborating to make that a reality. Um are we going to be seeing a lot of the program based budgeting miss and during the strategic planning or when do we foresee that coming? >> A lot of it is going to be in your backup. So you will receive we're already scheduling with your offices and thank you for getting back to us. You'll have the full package with a lot of data, a lot of information that we received from the community including the um top priorities for each one of the departments and you'll have that two weeks in advance of the session. So you can really take some time to dig in and if there's anything that's missing there, we certainly can provide the additional information on the program based budgeting. We have like 270 programs. >> So we're not giving you that. We ask every department to choose their type priority. And so you'll really be sort of seeing they've kind of gone through an exercise of saying what's the top priority for them. >> Oh, this is great. No, this is going to be great. And overall, it's almost like doing a citywide lean six sigma project to identify, you know, cost savings. I think every all the department heads should to give themselves that challenge to become lean six sigma certified. So, um, thank you for that, Miss Mack. And no other questions. Mayor, >> representative Chavez. >> Thank you, mayor, and thank you Sasha for the presentation. I know it's it's a difficult topic, right? And it has so many components to it. Um I you know from my experience in business when you know you're trying to find additional resources um the first thing you do is start to cut your cost right um and you try to control costs so that you can be more profitable or more efficient. Um, and sometimes that works. What I'm hearing from you today a little bit maybe is that possibly we've gone through that process and I'm not sure maybe we could talk a little bit more about that. And so there comes a time when you've cut your costs but you realize that you can no longer start looking only at your bottom line but you need to start focusing on your top line which is what's coming in um to pay for all of those costs. I'm wondering if there's ever been a time I I don't know. I mean, you talk about um things that we've done in the past if there's ever been a time aside from program based budgeting where we've really looked at uh different priorities like Miss Mack just mentioned and talked about efficiencies in some way and I'm not sure because I've only been here for a year, Miss Mack. Um can you maybe talk a little bit more about that? >> Part of the challenge we've had over the last decade, well, not challenge, I think we've had some wonderful results. There was a tremendous amount of money that's associated with the projects we were bringing online. You know, you look at quality of life, we built four new recreation centers. When we bring parks online on some years, we'll bring 30 new people on board. And so, we're just completed and finished, you know, the quality of life on. We have additional people that we needed to hire with the public safety. And so when we know when the public has um endorsed these projects and they want to see them happen, the correlary costs to that have really been growing our staffing and also been growing costs associated with it. I think we're somewhat in a lull now and I think the last uh big addition we have the fire stations that are underway right now for police and fire. Um we already have the east side. We still have some growth that needs to happen there. we don't have anything sort of out there right now in terms of what our next big project will be. So I think the timing gives us an opportunity to really take a deeper dive along with the alignment that we see coming out of the strategic plan once once you all decide that what these priorities sort of look like. And so some of it may not be huge savings um immediately for us but I think we have a correlary piece here that we're not talking about which is our buildings you know that are aging that require a lot of investment. And so what is our long-term strategy around some of those pieces as it relates to investment which would have some impact on what the staffing cost will be. We just want you to sort of have that type of framing as you're going into this really thinking about these pieces and not have it only be in a couple of weeks of budget. And I know it's front of mind for most of you. And so we'll have this information available and it's certainly the types of things that the team and I sit around thinking about. Um, so we just wanted to put it out there and really make sure that when you're coming into the budget planning session, you have all the tools that are needed to make informed decisions so that we can be very productive with whatever you adopt for that 2-year plan. >> And and I thank you for that. I think, you know, really what you just said again, just to reiterate, prioritizing what we need to focus on, but in that process, ensuring that we're running efficiently um in wherever we can do that. Um, I also think um that I think it's 5 point what did you say Sasho? 5.7%. That was a number I saw in one of your slides. I think the inflation rate if I'm not mistaken Robert is 2.3%. So that's higher much higher than the the the inflation rate which is you know definitely uh something that we need to consider. Um, but in addition to all of that, Miss Mack, I know that we've talked about this in the past where there were t times when we didn't invest in our community, right? And we were overlooking maintenance and things that we should have been doing and deferring that maintenance is costing us more now because now we have to resolve all of the issues that we hadn't focused on in the past. And and that's very costly. Is that not? >> Absolutely. Yeah, I think we've all seen, I think you've all experienced in some way, you know, in your district, you know, what deferred m maintenance has meant for us. When you look at what we've invested in, a lot of it has been new. It's not necessarily taking care of our older infrastructure and being very strategic about how we do that without issuing debt. Um, I applaud council with the restorations that were made to some of those funds as we were moving forward this year. um they have really helped us to be able to keep projects and keep um our buildings open in ways that are really important for us. You know, my current list right now for um the few dollars that we do have for maintenance is like almost all of my senior centers need roofs. You know, just the basic stuff that we know we need to be investing in to keep our buildings open. And so, we need to grow those things while balancing the other needs that we have in the community. >> Thank you, Miss M. And thank you, Sasha. And I and I want to add something uh about the expenditures. 72% of our general fund expenditures are in wages uh salaries and benefits. So we don't have much uh flexibility to maneuver. 72% are linked with uh either collective bargaining uh binding agreements or salaries for employees. Everything else is uh 28%. >> Okay. >> General fund. I have one more question Sasha actually from your pie chart where it said the other uh on page four on slide four where it says all other income the revenue one 28% does that include grants the 28% >> this is general fund >> okay oh and it says it on the top general fund revenue thank you for clarifying that I appreciate it >> represent canales thank you mayor um yeah I I And uh excellent presentation uh Sasha. I can I can see the headline already now that revenue is being outpaced by expenditures. Um and you know the discussion of structural revenue imbalance isn't something new. So I I just want to emphasize that for the public. Um, I remember I've told this story before, I think, but my first day working in this building as a council employee before I was elected was the 20 it was the first day of the 2017 uh budget workshops and I remember seeing Mr. Cartine presenting the budget that day and it was my first day uh and I thought, "Wow, this guy knows everything about the budget." But, um, some of the conversation was very similar. We were I remember the conversation that day about deferred maintenance. I think particularly in 2017, we were talking about deferred maintenance of public safety vehicles and that was the year of the one-time uh catchup purchase of of police cars and and uh and firet trucks. Um but but a lot of this same conversation happened in 2017 and then again in 2018 and 2019. Obviously, the pandemic changed things a little bit, but we're back into the the same conversation about uh you know, trying to keep pace uh in revenue with with expenditures. And so, um I just want to try to reassure the public like you know, it sounds very gloomy to talk about this. Um, this is the puzzle that we have to put together, us as a council and uh you all as a budget team every year and you do and and the city is required by state law to pass balanced budgets. We're not able to adopt a deficit budget. We have used some some limited fund balance over the past few years. Um, but we do pass a balanced budget every year and so it takes an incredible amount of work from the staff. That's why they're coming to this to us with this information early. Um and and I think especially in in advance of our refresh of the city strategic plan, uh it's important for us to think about these things, but this doesn't mean, you know, what I imagine I'll read in a blog at some point in the next few days, that the city is near bankruptcy or that this means that we're in major trouble and have to take incredible evasive action. Um, you know, these are these are the things that we think about all the time as we look to create a a city budget that uh is uh responsible fiscally but also meets these these uh needs for for public services. And so um I don't know I couldn't let the moment pass without saying that I think uh it's important for the public to know that this is what we consider that uh we we have to be thinking about these things but that also uh we are in an okay position here. Uh this is about thinking about the future and making sure that we have uh sustainable revenue sources to meet our our needs to to cover expenditures. Um >> you're completely right representative canal. So as we mentioned uh in the presentation we don't have a revenue proh problem right >> we are talking about structural imbalance uh that we have currently and I believe it's not just the city of El Paso it's probably many of cities and we've seen the headlines many of cities in in Texas they are in a similar situation >> yes >> I think this is part for the course for cities across the United States as we've seen uh federal fund both cuts and uh rescended grants and also uh expiration of again onetime money like like American Rescue Plan Act. Um but it's also a particular focus in Texas where the legislature has made several changes to the city's ability to to raise revenue. And so um cities all across Texas will be facing the same thing. And again, I think most of them will will uh face it in a way that leaves them with a healthy budget. uh the same way that that we do here every year. So, >> and I just want to mention we are going to be able to balance the budget. >> We we have to >> we will find ways. Yes, >> we have to. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. >> Very good. Representative Lemon. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mayor Sasha. As I'm listening to all of this, I could only reflect on the fact that items 37 and 38 that Evette brought forth in briefings this last week is already a step in this direction. But I'm going to tell you that while deprogramming a project in district 7, um I wasn't real happy, right? when we talk, but I mean, not angry, but just not happy. But in reality, I would rather hear that news now than to proceed with a project that doesn't have funding and just puts us deeper and deeper into a hole. And I live through several years of that kind of an experience. And we certainly show the effects of some of those decisions that were made. So I value uh I bet coming in and we talk about this and you putting it out here. It is what it is and that's all that it is. Thank you Sasha. I appreciate your >> and we are bringing forward a multi-year financial outlook presentation that is going to happen in the next couple of weeks also which is also in part of this series of presentations and first quarter presentation as well. So more numbers. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Any other questions for Sasha? >> Big numbers. It is what it is. >> Just one more quick question. >> Thank you, Mayor. I I just I wanted to ask this too. You mentioned during the presentation, but I think again important information to emphasize for the public uh what is the the current state of our uh our unrestricted fund balance? >> Uh $125 million $125.5 million. >> And when we talk about that in terms of uh days of operating >> 73 days >> 73 days. Yes. And so the the GFOA, the Government Finance Officers Association threshold for what is considered a healthy fund balance, what what is that amount? >> It's usually 60 days. >> Usually 60 days. And so we have uh despite use of fund balance over the the last few years, quite a healthy >> uh fund balance at the moment. We're looking to ensure that we preserve that into the future and that's that's what a lot of this conversation is about. Um but the does the city currently have healthy bond ratings? Yes, city has really good bond ratings, much better bond ratings than many of the city cities in Texas. >> And that bond >> you saw decreasing to some of the cities decreasing the bond ratings just recently. >> Mhm. Yeah. And that bond rating helps us save uh into the future. Correct. We we're getting >> one of the examples that we can that we can give is uh we saved $300 million uh by not issuing the the the bonds. uh last year and we got really favorable uh interest rates on the last uh issues that we that we got in July 2025. Okay. Yeah. Again, I think it's important to emphasize this is all about future future focus, making sure that we're preserving uh healthy fund balance, uh good bond ratings, and thinking about that strategically. Um doesn't mean that we're in a bad situation. Correct. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. >> And Sasha, remind me uh last year's budget we dipped into that fund balance of $7 million, I recall. >> So, in 202 in fiscal year 2025, we budgeted $7.2 million fund balance. In fiscal year 2025, we budgeted 3.25. We decreased the use by more than $4 million, >> which was one of the lowest amounts in years right? >> Yes. >> Okay. Just wanted to make sure. Any other questions for Sasha? All right. Thank you for the presentation. >> All right, Miss Brian, let's move to item number 33, please. >> Yes. Item 33 is a presentation and update on the 2019 public safety bond. Good afternoon, Mayor >> and Council. I Nandez with the city manager's office. >> Um, I wanted to provide the public safety program um, update because you'll see later in agenda there are some requests for budget transfer. So, I really wanted to provide a snapshot of the progress that we've made specifically on this bond. C will come back and provide council with a midyear that will show um the progress of all the current uh active projects and those that we've completed. So changing it up a little on this presentation. It if you could show us uh the video please. These are all the projects that we have completed thus far. Three 2 1 [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat [Music] up here. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat up [Applause] [Music] here. [Music] I want to thank our PIO for putting that video together um for us. So, starting with uh the presentation. Um so, the public safety bond, a reminder that this was a voter approved $413 million. Um as you will notice, the focus of the pictures that you saw are new public facilities, both fire and PD within our growing areas. Also, we wanted to focus on major maintenance and also renovation of our aging facilities, focusing on keeping us up to date with the requirements of PD and fire. Additionally, safety, ADA, and extending the life of the facilities. And then our larger project is the joint venture of fire, PD, and the public safety complex. So, these were the projects that were identified um during the bond. We've completed the east side regional command. Um you see parenthetical the public safety training academy and headquarters are now called the public safety complex. We also have the central regional command center renovation of the four regional command centers and also money set aside for the fleet program. So you see with our draw down we've expensed 37 million with the completion of the east side regional and also we have uh provided the 3 million in fleet to PD renovations. Um that is the next slide showing that the projects are already in design um 90% for Northeast Regional. I know you saw in the film Northeast Regional, but that was to address the aging HVAC. And so we had to do those improvements first uh cuz the conditions for our guys were not ideal. Um additionally, we'll be starting Northeast Regional and the Central Regional Command. That's the brand new uh facility out at Bonum. Those will be starting later this year. And then um the public safety complex is currently under the guaranteed maximum price negotiations. We're working with that contractor. We'd like to bring that before council um the last uh council in February and then that allows them to gear up, finish design, get their contracts ready with their subcontractors, uh get immobilized and we'll be ready to break ground in 27. projects that we completed, the HVAC renovations, uh most notably the East Side Regional and then locker rooms within Mission Valley. Um for fire department the uh projects that were identified, we had the the west side fire station 36s uh station 38s um out at the far east and then uh we consolidated stations ones, 9ines and 11s and that has become the central fire station in downtown. Um those are the larger of uh the stations and they will be completed earlier this year. later this year. My apologies. So, we've expensed 11 million 36s uh almost 11 million in 38s and we're completing uh central fire station um this summer. So, that will be expensing close to 23 million. Have you seen the renovations? We've increased spending each year really pushing uh that program out, working really closely with Chief Killings and his team to make sure that as we're renovating the stations, we don't disrupt their service. projects in um design. You'll see that um the next batch of renovations will start the spring and summer of this year. We have approximately 2 4 6 8 starting and that they are dependent upon the completion of uh 20 24s being completed, 23s being completed and so we don't have that disturbance. Um and these are the stations that are going to be completed um on the east side 38s. Um we're complete about 75 to 85% on the station renovations. So all those will be completed by summer of this year and will roll into the next group of renovations. And here are the list of the projects of the fire station renovations that have been completed and were highlighted in the video. and just wanted to give small progress shot snapshots of um those projects that are in progress. So for uh fire station 20 um here's some of the renovations. So some of the things that have been focused on is really uh safety for our firefighters in separating hot from blue. And so the area of red deep contamination, making sure that they have those identified in their stations and really upgrading and making sure that we're uh taking care of the bays, the exhaust system um and the major uh maintenance that are required on uh some of on all of the stations. And that completes uh my presentation if there are any questions. >> Any questions, Ret on item number 33? >> Thank you, Evette. >> Thank you. Good work. Thank you. >> All right, Miss Bryant. Item number 34. >> Item 34 is discussion and action on a resolution that the city manager designate be authorized to effectuate a budget transfer from fire master project to various fire stations for renovations and to allocate funding for police department and fire department for the trainingmies from PCP balance investment interest and fire station 40. >> Okay. Is there a motion to is there a second? All right, Sasha, can we see the presentation please? >> Yes. And the Gilbert is going to deliver the presentation. >> Okay. >> Yes. Good afternoon, mayor and council. Gilbert Guerrero, capital improvements. Uh, this budget transfer is for fire station renovations. As I mentioned, we got couple of stations that are finishing up design getting ready to go to construction. Where's the Oh, there it is. So, general scope of work for all the fire station renovations that we're doing. Um, we're making all the stations ADA accessible, compliant, uh, interior finishes from flooring, paint, um, all the mechanical, electrical, plumbing upgrades. A lot of them had real old plumbing systems that we had to replace. Uh roofs, IT improvements, and then just bringing up to current fire standards, making it safer for our firemen. Um that's the general scope of all the fire station renovations. I think you've seen some of them that we we attended some uh ribbon cutings. Uh that's what you'll see as far as the renovations. The original assessments that we did for the uh stations were back in 2019, uh finishing up in 2020. So, we established the budget back in 2020 for the renovations since uh there's been an increase in construction materials, labor, uh specialty equipment, um and inflation overall. Uh so we're uh recommending or requesting budget transfer from the overall uh safety fire department safety bond for the stations that are going to be coming up to construction. Um being stations uh 2 3 6 7 18 27 and 28. Sorry I didn't add the S to that one like fire likes to do but the same ones. So, for example, in fire station 2, the uh current budget that we established uh back in 2020, it was 1.5 million. Um we're recommending to increase it by 500,000 to be able to meet the current uh pricing that uh we have. Uh fire station 3 as well, increasing it 500,000. Fire station 6 as well, 500,000. Fire station 7, 400,000. uh fire station 18 500,000 >> Gilbert >> yes >> for some reason we're not tracking this presentation >> is this >> it's it is not sure what's going on but >> do you guys have this one >> yeah but do you have it in the >> okay >> then can you see it in this >> yeah we can see it there but the one we have here and the one there is different >> are we doing number 34 >> okay >> yes >> we're on number 34 right >> it could Mayor, I'm guessing um if if we read the posting, it has both the uh transfer to the fire stations in addition to uh public safety complex. >> Got it. So, >> there's two and three. >> So, what Mr. Guerrero is presenting is for specifically just the fire station renovations and I'll take the public safety complex. >> Got it. Perfect. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So fire station 18 uh 500,000 fire station 27 500,000 and fire station 28 400,000 and again those are the stations that are are getting ready to start constructions once we finish the ones that that should be finished construction um spring or summer of this year. So our recommendation is is to authorize the budget transfer fund the master uh fire station renovation funds. >> Okay. Representative Chavez. Thank you, mayor, and thank you, Gilbert. I know I got a briefing from Evette in my office. Um, there's two fire stations in this presentation in district 1, and I did ask her in my office, but I just want to go on the record saying, uh, there was asbestos found in fire station 15s, which you renovated um, a few months ago or completed renovating a few months ago. So I asked her if there were asbestos found in any of these fire stations, are there contingencies to um I guess you know uh budget accordingly? >> Uh yes dur during the assessment we also did an asbestos uh survey. Uh so we some stations we did find some now that we're going to start the design we're going to get a little bit more deeper making sure that we cover all the stations. So yes, in some of the stations there will be some asbestos that will be uh removed uh before the actual renovation starts. >> Okay. >> And funding is allocated there. We do have a line item for those uh asbestos removal. >> Okay. And so uh the budget increase um potentially is not final >> depending on on >> other contingencies. Although the great thing about this new stations or these stations are coming up for construction are newer stations other than uh station 8 which is one of the ones that here in real grand. Uh other than that the rest of the stations are fairly new which we don't anticipate a lot of asbestos uh materials in there. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> And by the way we are going to have enough money to paint that station you requested. I know I I'm a big supporter of police and fire, fire and police, and I say that interchangeably so no one gets their feelings hurt. Um, but you know, when I visited one of the fire stations really, I mean, the one thing they asked me was for a different color on the outside. And so I think that as we go through the fire stations to do these um renovations, we have to keep in mind that this is this is where our firefighters live. um this is where they take time away from their families to protect our communities and where they've been serving our our city for for many years and they proudly do that that work, right? And so I think just uh being mindful of when we go in to do these renovations to create a space for them to boost their morale and to feel more motivated for the work that they do, the vital work that they do day in and day out for a community I think is essential. So I I really appreciate all of the efforts that are being put towards this projects towards these projects. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And Gilbert, are we going to go through the next presentation too? >> Um >> yes, Mr. Evette's going to present. >> Okay. >> Good afternoon. Nandez. Um, so this is a request for a budget transfer to the um the public safety complex. And so as a reminder, the public safety complex is a combination between fire and PD. This is located out at Global Reach. And so want to really just give um an update on the scope of work in looking both at PD and at fire. So starting with the fire department um the scope has been identified as the academy building. So you notice in the parenthetical it's a shared space and so one of the things that we've been working closely with both fire and PD is to share a footprint and have some uh cost savings by in doing so. They also have the residential and commercial fire training structure. This is to get them to the level of certification needed for our fire uh department. their logistics warehouse, maintenance building, and so they will actually maintain um the vehicles here on site, also apparatus, vehicle storage, shared amenities, Hogan's Alley, running track, and then also site improvements. And so identified in the 2019 public safety bond, the current budget was 56.9 million. We're asking for an increase of 26.7 million for a new total project budget of 83.7. The scope of work for PD is the shared space of the academy building really focusing on giving them uh an upto-date um indoor shooting range which it which is required for them to be certified um training in Hogan's Alley, their running track and site improvements. So the identified budget was 19.1 million requesting a budget increase of 9.4 with a new uh total budget of 28.5. So as we gave the presentation some of the reasons is there are increased uh construction cost additional scope really want to make sure this is a once in a life lifetime opportunity that the voters have entrusted us with to make sure that our fire and PD continually to be properly trained and meet all their certification requirements. Um so we have identified an increase in the cost but the good news and this is the slide that I really want to focus on. This is all project savings. Um so Robert Cortinez and his team has have done a really great job in how they have managed the bonds and we have an investment interest of 8.9 million. So we're requesting that to be transferred over to the public safety complex. In addition, as you as I made mention, I wanted to give you an update on the public safety um program and where we're at so that you know that we're looking at this holistically. We're 90% design. We've identified cost savings with the regional uh command centers and requesting a transfer of 5 million. Um as questioned, you know, there's asbestos, there's other things. We have looked at the projects we've completed and we've also looked at the design and we still have a contingency within both the PD renovations and also the fire renovations. Um we are more than halfway through all of the fire station renovations and we've seen some cost savings and we're requesting for that 8 million to also be transferred within the public safety complex. Additionally, the way the bond that was set up, it looked at growth of the city. Um, if many of you will remember, we said El Paso is going to be at a million. We're growing. We're growing. We're growing. We haven't seen that expansion as of late. We see more in between different districts um in terms of changes in population. And so, working with Chief Killings, um we understand that fire station 40 at this time would not impact his response time. And so we're asking to uh move the 14.3 million to the public safety complex to ensure that we have a proper facility that provides what is intended to for both the certification and the training of our fire and PD. So with that the request of 36.2 million to this project. >> Okay. Any questions for on this? >> All right. Represent Maveto. >> Thank you mayor. And this all looks good. And I know that when we discuss this, it's kind of balancing out and there's really no um new money that's being added in terms of going over budget or anything like that. So I I guess if you could dive deeper into the savings for the PD renovation master and the FD renovation master, what was the like what items did we save on and stuff like that? Um so the focus on making sure that primarily we meet uh the code requirements. So uh first and foremost um extending the life of our buildings right we understand that we won't get this type of money to ensure that we're looking at mechanical electrical plumbing as you noticed with Northeast HVAC was one of the first things that we identified. Um so that is extending the life. Second safety really working with PD and fire to make sure that we understand the priorities. Um these are aging facilities so a lot of them have not met the requirements such as bulletproof entrance uh making sure that we have ballards where needed. So all of the later requirements from PD and NFPA making sure that our uh buildings are designed to those standards or those changes and improvements are made. Um, so really making sure and prioritizing what we've seen and focusing on that has allowed us to um provide some cost savings. >> And it amounts to the 13 million for for both. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> With still contingency and reserve that we have thankfully. >> And then the investment interest is like Robert math that >> math the magic that he does. Yes, sir. >> Okay. And then you feel okay about fire station 42 because we were not growing in that area like we thought. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> And that one wasn't actually cited. So when we had the public conversations, it was it would either be, you know, far far west or far far east based on what the chief saw, you know, in terms of growth patterns. But I think this opportunity and what they've been able to come up with for this facility, making sure that it really meets all their requirements because their existing public safety facilities are well over 50 years old was a really good exercise. I'm really proud of the both of the teams coming together and thinking about what was good for them moving forward. And we we had consensus around really making sure this is going to be our largest capital project that we've ever done is really completed in a way that's going to be impactful that we don't have to come back in a few years with something we missed in terms of some critical certification need or or process in that space. >> Okay, that that sounds good. And do you feel okay with the budgets that are in the other presentation in terms of potential abatement that you're going to have to do? Yes sir. So as uh Mr. Guerrero explained u making sure that we're doing the design. One of the great approaches uh that he didn't brag on himself to say but we um went through the renovations in terms of priority. So really looking at the older buildings first and then making our way to the newer buildings. Um that also helps us to address uh items like asbestous. You know after the 1980s you don't see it as much. Um, so we're hoping that on on our newer buildings that are 15 20 years old, we shouldn't uh see as bestas as we did in the first ones that we uh renovated. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> Representative Chavez. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Evette. Um, I'm I'm very excited about all these renovations and I'm I'm happy to know that we are investing like we were just talking about earlier in our community in general. And I also know that a public safety bond doesn't come every day, right? It's not something that we see all the time and that we don't have uh access to this fund. Um we haven't completed the design of all of these uh renovations and so we haven't seen what the full scope is going to be or I haven't at least. Um so I'm just wondering um I I know that safety is the priority and making sure that um we are investing in in the infrastructure of the building. What what about other areas? And I guess it depends on each fire station individually, right? But uh generally speaking, are you also doing maintenance on you know inside um the building in terms of the bedroom space, the workout spaces, kitchens? Can you speak a little bit more about that and and what your approach is on that? >> Of course. Um we haven't finalized the design, but one of the great things is as the 2019 public safety bond was developed, we had an assessment of all the fire stations. So we do we went into this bond having a general understanding of what needed to be done in each of the individual stations. So I just wanted to clarify that since there are a few that we haven't started design. Um but yes we um are making allocations for different restroom spaces. Uh we've learned different things that uh there are women within our fire department and PD. So um we have unisex areas that they have now um a private changing room. So it doesn't matter who's using it, but they have their own space, right? Um so those changes have been made. Um the guys saying this endearingly have a heavy hand. So we've noticed that uh kitchens we need to upgrade those and have uh more sustainable materials. I mean they are living there um having their meals, eating, cooking there. Um so the laminate that was originally designed doesn't uh withstand uh their use. So we're also looking at that. So upgrading to uh the different living areas and then also understanding that they need to have a good workout area to keep them in shape to take care of them. Um so also addressing the workout areas as well >> and I think they have a workout requirement right? >> Yes. >> So that's an essential part of their everyday job, right? >> Okay. Thank you for the update. >> Representative Rocha. >> Thank you mayor and thank you for for the presentation. I am I cannot wait for this complex to be to be built. I think it's a huge win for the whole city of El Paso. Um really for the county if you want to ask me. But um but I have a couple of questions regarding the operational costs. So the costs have gone up on the construction side, labor, material, whatever that is. Have all of the operational costs gone been accounted for in the future so that you know any changes that are made regarding any design that's already been cared for in your budget >> or in the budget, >> right? Um so this the public safety bond is not accounting for the operational side. So working together with um >> uh DCM um Diagostino also both of the chiefs to make sure that we do have the operational um thankfully knowing now the the timelines also working with Mr. Cortine of building all of that into the budget and incrementally we will be looking at the operation side. >> Thank you. So all of the projects that are now happening we have um the the central regional command center and the the public safety complex. Those are really two big projects that are up and coming. Do you foresee any delay in constructing these as a result of all the other projects that are going on at this time? >> That's a really great question. Um, and yes, there there is going to be a lot of construction. Thankfully, we have uh good contractors, great relationships with them. um well written by a purchasing department, well-written contracts um that are enforceable and really managing um the contract schedules and ensuring that they stay on time. It it will be something to be transparent. It will be something that we definitely have to keep an eye on and want to communicate both to council and the community um how far we're able to stretch our our local resources to get all of these projects completed. >> Yeah. Because I know that those aren't the only ones, right? The ones that the city has, right? we have some pretty significant building that is happening within the the regional area that do take the resources local resources and so I want to be mindful that if we do have those delays that we bring them as soon as possible but I'm really happy to hear that you're going to be implementing not implementing but more um utilizing those requirements that you all have in in your toolbox. So thank you I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Any quick question? This may be you probably have the answer, but the public safety bond, what's the corpus of that bond? How big is it? >> How >> how what's the total of the bond? >> 413 million. >> Okay. And the interest, the investment interest that came off of that? What period was that from? Was it a year, two years or >> since 19? >> Since 19. >> Since 19. Okay. So, since 2019 to now it it produced about 8 million almost $9 million. sort of a good segue. So, we've issued about 167.3 million out of the 413 and so we've been obviously generating investment interest with those funds. Um, but another presentation that you'll see down the road here in a few weeks also is a future debt issuance related to the remaining public safety bonds. So, we still have about 245.8 million to issue over the next four years. Again, a lot of it's going to be dependent upon that timing. So, we've worked very closely together to ensure we're issuing the bonds as we need it, not too far in advance. >> Okay. >> So, investment interest is good, but it's not good to sit on bonds. >> Exactly. >> We want to keep the projects moving. >> Yep. Exactly. All right. Any further questions for you on item number 34? >> Okay. Hearing none, seeing none, Mr. Prime. >> Yes. The motion was made by Representative Lemon, seconded by Representative Gonales to approve the resolution on item 34. On that motion, call for the vote. in the voting session and that motion passes unanimously. Representative Roy Tjo not present. >> Okay, let's take item number 35, please. >> Item 35 is discussion and action on the award of solicitation 2025-0219 downtown bicycle improvements phase 1 to El Paso Arc Electric, Inc. for a total estimated amount of $2,590,659. The project will consist of the construction of bicycle facilities at various downtown locations, including bike lanes, shared use paths, and associated signage, striping, lighting, and intersection improvements. >> Represent Canelis. >> Move to approve. >> Second. >> All right, you're up. You have a beautiful presentation for us, right? >> Yes. Doesn't have that. Oh, wine does. Sorry, Derek Russell with purchase strategic sourcing. While he's coming up, I'll just cover the purchasing portion of it. Okay. So, this was a low bid procurement uh for 20250 219 downtown bicycle improvements phase 1. There were 36 views online. Six bids were received uh five being from local suppliers. No protests are received for this requirement and we are recommending award as indicated to El Paso ARC Electric Inc. the lowest responsive responsible bidder. I'm going to turn it over to Wen. >> Walking. Good afternoon, mayor and council. Wino Rodriguez with the capital improvement department. Next slide, please. So, the project scope is uh downtown bicycle improvements phase one. This project consists of about 4 miles of various downtown street locations for construction of dedicated bicycle facilities and some shared bicycle facilities as well. Um there's a variety of improvements, uh road diets, shared use paths, buffered and conventional bike lanes, bike boulevards, um and a lot of the associated improvements to go along with those. Next slide, please. The uh total budget uh a little over 2.5 million. Again, this is in district 8 and this is a federally funded project uh with funds passing through text. Next slide please. So here are the various uh project limits and the type of facility that's going to be installed. You can see um that there are a number of sheros going in some buffered bike lanes and sherrows. And then perhaps the most uh infrastructure intensive of all the facilities is the shared use path on Campbell. Uh it's going to be coming from Bisano all the way up to Missouri. Next slide please. There is a map of the facilities. So you can see we've created a number of very meaningful connections both north, south, and east, west. Um trying to get folks facilities that can safely move them uh to and from downtown on their bikes. Next slide, please. So here's existing conditions on Campbell Street. Next slide. And this would be the future conditions on Campbell Street. So, a protected uh two-way cycle track on the west side of the street. So, the side across the street from city hall. Um and then all the on street parking on Campbell is retained and we'll still have two travel lanes uh in the northbound direction. Here's existing conditions on Missouri. Next slide, please. So this will be the installation of a buffered bike lane. Next slide please. There's existing conditions on mills. Next slide. So here's uh these aren't buffered bike lanes. There is a door buffer between the bike lane and the parking. Um but uh dedicated bike lanes in both directions on mills. existing conditions on Overland. So, this is one of the streets that's getting the Cherrow treatment. Um, sherrows make sense on streets that have very low traffic and very low uh vehicle speeds. Next slide. So, estimated total construction costs 2.59 million. Uh, we expect construction time to be about 9 months. The majority of that will be on the shared use path on Campbell Street. Um, a lot of the mobile operations that are just striping, um, that's going to happen pretty quickly and will have very minimal impact um, on uh, as far as detours or anything like that. Access to all businesses will remain open at all times. Uh, quick summary on the procurements. As with all of our federal projects, this is a low bid procurement. The solicitation uh, first went out late August. We had a total of six firms, five of them being local vendors. Um, we are federally required to award to the lowest bidder. Uh, our recommendation is to award to El Paso Arc Electrical uh in the amount of 2.59 million. We expect to start construction spring of this year. Um, and again about 9 months total we should be wrapping up towards u early next year. >> All right. Represent Roachcha. >> Thank you, Mayor. And I I spoke with with Rep. Canales, I think this is an amazing project. I can't wait to see the the end result in hopefully a year, but I have a few questions on the procurement side. Um, so so one, I know that it's passing through text and there were six vendors, right, that that submitted for this and it went to the lowest bidder. >> My understanding is that it has to be that bidder has to be text. Pre-qualified. Is that correct? >> Yes, ma'am. That's one of the requirements for it. >> What date did the city check that this this vendor was was texttop pre-qualified? >> So, we checked on November on September uh 18th and bid opening was on September 17th. >> Okay. So, bid opening opened on the 17th. Then on the 18th, you just checked to see who Yes, ma'am. >> who the you you checked all six vendors. Checked all six. >> Okay. And then does it go back to text dot so that they can confirm >> we submit the finding? uh before uh Ward, we submit a concurrence package that has everything involved with that package. And so Techup does their final confirmation >> um of that review of the concurrence and then they send over that final uh award concurrence uh deeming with our recommendation, >> the concurrence letter, right? Yes, ma'am. >> What date did Tex dot send that? >> On November 12th. >> Okay. So now Texot when they do this um the the company has a vendor ID per se so that they can receive payment. So, I went into the text dot um pre-qualified and this was on Friday. I went in on Saturday and I checked it on Sunday again. Okay. I did not find El Paso ARC. >> Yes, ma'am. And we double check that as well um just in case. But from our uh understanding of Tex's requirements is at the time of bid opening that they have to be pre-qualified. So, at that time, they were pre-qualified. We sent all the information over to Texot. They provided the concurrence to that recommendation letter that you said on November 12th. And so in our uh recommendation, the eligibility requirements were met. >> Okay. Is that a loophole or is that just what what the standard what the procurement process is? I I guess I'm trying to make sure that they're not text. Pre-qualified today, but they were at the time of the bid. Correct. So now when they come in and they're requesting payment, >> they need to submit a vendor ID is my understanding. So Tex does give the vendor three months, a three-month grace period um to renew that uh annual reertification. >> Okay. So that would be by February. >> It could be, ma'am, we could get back with Tex to get that confirmation. Now if it would have been anything else, Texto wouldn't have provided that concurrence. >> So like if there would have been usually with these uh confidential uh questionnaire and the biders questionnaire, it's due to financial requirements. So because they've met the financial requirements now if there would have been an issue then Tex knot would have would have not provided that concurrence. >> Okay. So let me ask you is there a risk that the city has at this point if they choose not to become text pre-qualified within that 3month range >> from Tex from our point of view there's no risk on our side. >> Okay. the risk would be if if Tex decided to maybe pull the funding from this project. But providing that concurrence provides them saying that they're providing the funding for the project now. >> Okay. >> So there's there's two documents that come into play. One is the before concurrence we get the FPA. So that's the federal project agreement and authorization. So that's the federal government saying you've followed all the rules, you've done everything right, you're >> authorized to move forward from our standpoint. The next step is the concurrence letter which comes after bid opening. With that concurrence letter, we now have basically agreement from both the federal government and the state government saying you followed all the rules, you've done everything correctly. So, >> so right and my question isn't about necessarily the process per se, but more of is it going to put the city at risk at any point in time regarding the project, regarding the payment, regarding anything like that. So, as long you're saying what I'm understanding, so I'm going to rephrase it. What I'm understanding is that as long as you have these two pretty much letters that are concurring with the finding that this is a text pre-qualified vendor, then that is okay to proceed with awarding them the project. Is that correct? >> In my understanding of the process, yes. >> Is that your understanding as well? Okay. I just wanted to be sure. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. represent Nino. >> Thank you, Mayor. Super quick question. I'm looking at slide number nine and it has a buffer. Can you all explain to me a little bit more what that essentially could look like? The reason I'm asking is I know I've had a couple conversation with Miss Mack. Um, and I know this is not in my district, but I know that in district 5 there's a lot of bike lanes, but uh drivers constantly create an invisible third lane even if there is striping. and uh a lot of my constituents have shared that some of the bike lanes in my district, they're they're not using them because of that reason. Can you explain to me a little bit more of what the buffer will look like and kind of what safety measures would be in place for that? >> So on this project, the buffer is going to be strictly striping. I think um your observations on the east side are definitely accurate. Um but in terms of the facilities that we choose and that we work with our designers to choose, um it's really contextsensitive. So the context of downtown is not high-speed, high volume traffic as it is on the east side. Um we think that this facility will be effective in a downtown context where it might not be working on the east side context. That's definitely something that we are in constant communication with uh Randy and his team at streets and maintenance about how we can design better facilities that suit that context uh more appropriately. But we think this facility uh with the buffer in downtown will work. The beauty of a lot of these projects um this these elements in the project since it is just striping we can always come in after the fact if it's not working and adjust relatively easily. Whereas if we were to build a concrete and asphalt um structure that didn't end up working for some reason it gets a lot harder and more expensive um to to modify that in the future. Um so we'll keep a close eye on it. We think that this is going to be effective. Um, we think the recommendation from our engineer, um, all of our plans are vetted through text dot as well. This was an acceptable facility that we think makes sense. >> Thank you for that. And I've read through the 2016, is it the bic biking master plan, right? Or the >> cycling bike plan. >> Yes, the bike plan. And I've always been trying to understand kind of the components. So, it makes sense, you know, the traffic, this high speed in the east side. But I just wanted to make sure that we take that in consideration. So, thank you for for absolutely addressing that. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Representative Ato. >> Thank you, mayor. Just a little going back to what um Representative Mandon Rocha was saying. One lingering question that I have is they're awarded a $2.5 million contract and they haven't renewed their certification. Do we know why they haven't done it or have they started the process or we didn't hear back? What What's that process look like? >> As of now, uh we would have to get with Texon to provide that information for you. >> Okay. Yeah. I I just I just think that's kind of important. And if you have a business and that's a big requirement and you just let that go or maybe explain something, it it would make a little bit more sense, right? cuz I mean this has zero to do with the project cuz the project's amazing, very supportive of it, but more >> who are we doing business with just cuz we continue to get some questionable people that we work with and then they sue us and then we go do work with them when they sue us and you know so I don't want to I don't want to get into that risk again with someone else. >> So we can definitely follow up with text. I think at this time the requirement was that they be pre-registered at the time of bid opening. They met that requirement. So again, we don't have a lot of flexibility in these federal procurements. The lowest responsive responsible bidder has to be awarded the contract. So we don't have a ton of requirements to go through. The only responsibility check is essentially did they meet that pre-qualification requirement with text and they did. >> Okay. And so I guess you could let us know after the meeting today depending on how the vote goes um where they're at with that and reach out to text and >> we can so I'll just add they met that requirement. We work with contractors on a regular basis through all capital improvements that aren't necessarily text uh pre-qualified, right? It's a very specific thing. If you want to work with Texot or work on federally funded projects, you go through that. Um, if this company chose not to continue to pursue those projects, they may have chosen uh not to uh continue their registration, it doesn't mean that they are no longer a qualified contractor, right? They're still a contractor. They're still doing work. They're still a vendor with the city. Um, doesn't necessarily mean that the whole project is going to fall apart just because they chose not to continue to pursue those types of projects. Um, also a large part of this project is going to be subcontract subcontracted out to folks that we've done work with in the past as well. So, >> okay. And okay, that that makes sense. So, a lot of bit will be subcontracted and in terms of any lawsuits from this contractor, have we had any lawsuits >> are legal to mine or I'll just know. So representative that is happening already as part of the procurement process. Purchasing is checking the list of pending litigation and they are not moving forward with making a recommendation if that hasn't been cleared. So for purposes of the council asking that's already been done as part of the due diligence. >> Okay. So is that something new that you added to >> that was at the request of the council. >> Okay. >> At the last I don't know >> at the when we had the conversation. So they have no lessons with the city right now. >> CL Garcia with purchasing and strategic sourcing. We checked the the list that we're sharing with legal and they're not there. >> Okay. Thank you represent Rocha. >> Thank you mayor. And just a couple of more questions on the procurement side. So I I want to be make I want to make sure that that the city's being a good steward, right? Because in my opinion, if the company is is um bidding for a text dot project, they know what those requirements are. Text dot's very specific, right? So, I have a question, not to you, but to them as to why they haven't renewed yet. I I don't think that the that the requirement on the renewal is quite like it's saying right in during this meeting. I think they have up to three months, but but that's at the end of their term. So I'm concerned that they are not text pre-qualified and that I I'm not sure why the lapse on that situation is. So my qu my second question would be if we have like and I know this is the lowest bid and so it may not be applicable at this time but is there a way to be able to say okay we need to create a system where it marks that let's say they don't get text pre-qualified at all. Does that put us in jeopardy for funding from Texot in the future? That's the first question. The second question is, are we able to somehow mark this contractor or this company to say they they came in as a texttop pre-qualified company and then they let it lapse or they removed their their pre-qualification from the vendor site. So, we need to do two things in my opinion just to make sure that we are protecting overall the city and just the the overall um process to make sure that it's as clean as we can possibly do to to make sure that those companies that don't let their text pre-qualification lapse or get it removed are those are the ones that that they're doing business, it seems to me, in the in the right way. And I don't know what the reason is why they've let it lapse, but to me I it it doesn't give me a good feeling to know that they were pre-qualified at one point. They've done work with the city at one time and now they're not pre-qualified at this time when it's being awarded. I don't um I don't like the way that that looks. I understand what the process is and we can we can talk more about it, Gladi. I know I spoke with you last week about it. Yes. So in conversations with text that uh some time ago they had indicated that the pre-qualification it is only for financial right >> pre-qualifications. So uh the com uh the contractor submitted a bid bond which is a guarantee that they're going to be able to provide PMP bonds if they're awarded the project. So those are the guarantees that the city will have with this vendor uh regardless if they're pre-qualified by Dexat right now. >> Okay. Thank you Chloe. I appreciate it. Representative Chavez. >> Thank you, Mayor. Actually, I was not going to speak on this item today because I didn't have anything to add, but I I can't help but be brought into the conversation. Um, so I I um I would just like to state for the record that we regularly receive pending litigation um notices through our emails as elected officials because our ethics ordinance does not allow us to receive donations from people who have pending litigation and that is why we receive these emails. Um, and from the last email we received this month, there does there does seem to be uh pending litigation with this company at this time from from the information I have maybe since January 15th that has been changed. I'm not sure and I know that we're not making decisions based on that today. Uh, but I just wanted to clarify for the record uh to make sure that we have all the information um possible before making this decision. Thank you. Okay, I will double check that I was checking the correct uh document when I checked. >> That email uh came in on the 15th of January and they are listed on there. Thank you. >> Okay, any other questions on item number 35? >> Okay, Miss Prime, we had a motion and a second. Yes. The motion was made by Representative Canales, seconded by Representative Lemon, and this is to award the solicitation on item 35. On that motion, call for the vote. And the voting session and the motion passes 4 to three. Representatives Aso, Fiero, Lemon, Canales, voting I. Representatives Chavez, Rocha, Nino, voting nay. The motion does, Miss Brian, I'm sorry. I need to That was item number 35, right? >> Yes, sir. >> We had public comment on that. >> Yes. >> Well, council >> move to reconsider. >> Okay, there's a motion to reconsider. >> There's a motion and a second to reconsider. All in favor? >> Anyone opposed? We're back on item 35. Miss Osman, you have three minutes. Ma'am, >> y'all saw the plan. Some of you know that I pedal around town now. It's nothing new. I used to um I showed y'all a picture earlier where y'all put bike lanes some parts of town and then all of a sudden they're blacked out. So that was money used at one point, taxpayer dollars spent just for y'all to wipe it away. Um I appreciate Mr. Canal said it's downtown, but I do want to point out that it one there's a lot of traffic downtown. I've pedal downtown years ago. I'm doing it recently. So, how they're stating is incorrect. Okay. It is not a low traffic area. Um, also here downtown, this isn't where you really need that whole map. You're putting bike lanes in an area, but then there's nothing to get here. And I tell you this because I've been biking to these city council meetings lately. And yeah, it is not safe. Okay, like I said, bike lanes wiped out on Pedas. no bike lanes on Texas Street. So, you're putting an island of bike lanes, which seems such a waste of dollars. You're deprogramming other nec necessary lighting and so forth for for bike lanes that aren't necessary here. Not to mention, as far as the buffer, the buffer should be next to the curb. And there should be that buffer is just yes lines, but that should be next to the curb. So it's a safety for the bicyclist in the case that a car or something comes then they can maybe jump on the curb. Whereas here you've got the parking lane a buffer and the bike lane is closer to the actual traffic lane. It makes no safe no safety sense whatsoever. Like none of this plan makes any sense. in that that top picture right there. Look look look if it looked like that like a green actually green greenway which I have. I've biked all across this nation. I've taken my bike across this nation and I have biked on beautiful paths cities that have paths all around their city. Okay, that that top photo misleading. But the plan here it's not even safe for bikers. Like you said, District 5, District 2. Hey, we've got people putting planners inside the buffers and it took years to get those removed. This makes no sense. Like, it's a waste of fun. >> Repres, we're ready to call the vote. You have something to add? Go ahead. >> Yeah, I um I feel that the way the vote happened, there seems to be some lingering questions. Is there a way that we could postpone this item for two weeks to have those questions answered? I I make the motion to to postpone this item for two weeks. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay, Miss Bry. >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by Representative Aso, seconded by Representative Nino, and this is to postpone the item for two weeks. on that motion. Call for the vote. >> Tell us more the litigation >> in the voting session. And that motion passes 4 to three. Representatives Chavez Ato voting I. Representatives Pierro Lemon Canales voting nay. The motion does carry. >> Okay. If you allowed me, I just would like to uh uh clarify and indicate that uh it was my mistake. I was looking at incorrect document when you asked me about uh if uh the company was in pending litigation with the city. So I'll ensure that uh I'm looking at the correct document for future items. >> Okay. Thank you. All right, Miss P. I believe you're on item 36. >> Yes, sir. Item 36 is discussion and action on the request that the director of purchasing and strategic sourcing be authorized to issue purchase orders for solicitation 2026-0105 Posy Shell to LC Environmental Products LLC the sole source provider for Posy Shell base mix for a term of three years and an estimated amount of $189,354. >> Mayor make a motion to approve this item. This is I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Make a motion to approve this item. This is a sole source. We will get a sole source letter and affidavit every year. Move to approve. >> Second. >> Okay. There's a motion and second. Any further discussion on this item? >> All right, Miss Brian. >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by Representative Lemon, seconded by alternate mayor promped to approve item 36. >> Represent Canales. Sorry, just the quickest question for the department. This this is the the sprayable cover for the landfill. Is that correct? >> Yes. Uh Nicholas with Environmental Services. Yes. This is the daily cover that we spray on top to save the 6 in. It's a replacement of the 6 in of soil. So we spray this as a about a quarter of an inch on a daily basis. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. All right. Miss Bryant, call for the vote. >> Yes, sir. On that motion, call for the vote and the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. Representative Voyer Trejo not present. >> Okay, let's take item number 37, please. Item 37 is discussion and action on a resolution that the city manager designate be authorized to deprogram the Hunter Drive, Mcome Street, Treywood Drive, Roas Drive, Edgemare Boulevard, and Wrestler Drive median improvement projects and that Tom Lee Park Slope rehabilitation project due to city council decision of not issuing remaining authorized certificates of obligation and that the city manager or designate be authorized to make necessary cash budget transfers and execute any and all nec necessary documents for the transfer rate portion of the funding for the Tom Lee Park Slope Rehabilitation Project in an amount of 1,820,20016 to the unprogrammed project balances fund. >> Okay. Is there a motion? Okay. >> I have a question. Mayor, can we take 37 and 38 together? >> Is it possible they're both reprogrammings? 37 and 38. It's one. >> Yeah. >> It's one presentation. >> Yes. >> And 38. >> Yes. >> Did you want me to read 38? >> Sure. >> And 38 is discussion and action on a resolution that the city manager designate be authorized to deprogram the following sports field lighting projects. McCord ball field, Ralph T. Cloud Yucka Park Ballfield, Grand View Ball Field, Skyline Ball Field, Franklin Ball Field, Lionel 40 Ballfield, Nation's Tobin Pool, and Modesto Ballfield number three due to not being physially feasible within the current available budget. And item three was also moved with 38. And item three is a resolution that the city manager or designate be authorized to deprogram the proposed Montana to I10EP electric corridor section Due to insufficient available budget and Palisides trail head trail head due to the inability to enter into an agreement with the adjacent owner. >> All right and Mr. Prime before I forget we have public comment on both 37 and 38 >> and also number three >> and number three. All right. Is there a motion to approve? >> Move to approve. >> Okay. Second. >> All right. Represent Canalis. >> Yeah, I did. >> Uh, were we going to >> presentation? Yeah, >> if we can. >> They took off on us. >> Good afternoon, Mayor and Council. I for the record. >> Um, the request of C from um, city council is to deprogram um, the projects as listed on the right hand side. This is the identified program, the sportsfield lighting program. The estimated project budget was 3.4 million. To the left, we completed Nation Tobins, Jimmy Choa, Capistrano, Modesto, and Memo Varal and the those projects identified have expended the 3.4 4 million and so there are no more funds within this program and we are asking um 2D program Ree McCord Ralph T Cloud Grand View Skyline Franklin Leonel Forti uh Nations Tobin and Modesto Gomez Bfield number three um by deprogramming it does not mean that these projects um cannot be done there just needs to be a different funding source um albeit the parks master plan that we're currently looking at or different uh grant funding opportunities. The trail head program um this was the 2012 quality of life bond and identified was $1.3 million. With that money we were able to complete Roundhouse, Lazy Cow, Chuck Hinrich, uh Mary Francis Keysling, Thunderbird, Thousand Steps. Currently under construction, we have Mountain to River and Bear Ridge. So we are asking council to deprogram one of these identified trail heads which is the palisades trail heads. So there are no more funds within the trail head uh program. And additionally um we could not reach an agreement uh with the adjacent property owner. So I would ask that this project not move forward in addition to the programming. So, I wanted to qualify that the sports uh lighting, those projects um should be on an um unfunded priority list, but I don't think Palisad's trail head should move forward. Montana I 10 um this is the El Paso electric corridor. So, within the quality of life bond, um we identified uh four sections. So it starts through Montana and so A, B and C is um a total of four miles from Pelicano to I 10 is 2 miles. In looking at that um one we have insufficient funds but we will complete A, B and C. Um D, we no longer have funds but one thing to make mention is stopping at Pelicano does end us at P um a bike lane. So there is um rhyme and reason to construction of A, B and C. Um Tom Lee Park Slope was identified in the 2018 um cos the certificates of obligation. Uh this was identified because we had rocks um that would fall from the slope and get actually into the street. So we stabilized uh the slope and additionally um installed fencing and that mitigated the problem. So, we're asking to um deprogram the Tom Lee Park, but then additionally, there is cash within this project and we're asking that 1.8 to be budget transferred. Edgeir, Wrestler, Hunter, Mcomes, Treywood, and Roas. Um we're as following uh council's um recommended practice of not issuing debt to not issue debt for the construction of these median improvements. So here is the funding breakdown. There is no more money identified within the Palisades trail head. Um not enough money to complete section D of the El Paso Electric Trail Corridor. um asking to deprogram Tom Lee because the fence was able to mitigate that safety issue. 1.8 would be issued to the unprogrammed project balance. So I want to explain it very simplistically. If you were to speak to CFO Cortinez, he knows the correct wording, but in just generalities, um, as he made mention when you asked about the interest for the public safety bond and he let you know how much we obligated for cash, the same thing happened with this program. We obligated cash and we were able to spend it down and the cash on hand that we have was 1.8 million. But when you look at the entire program, that entire program was $76 million. With that is accounted for 2% bond issuance. So of this 1.8, some of it will go to pay for the bond issuance of the entire program. And what we will have cash on hand is roughly 900,000. So I want to clarify and be very detailed because I don't want to be misleading on the 1.8. Um, and so the 5.8 8 that will not be issued on the certificates of obligation. Um Edgemeir wrestler the median improvements that is roughly 23 million of non-issuance and then the 1 million for each is accounting within each years of the cos 2% bond and 2% arts. And so the request is to deprogram um Palisades section D of Montana corridor Tomley Park with the approved budget transfer the median improvements and the identified uh ballpark uh sports lighting and any questions. >> Okay, represent Representative Canales. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I think you've made it pretty clear, but I just want to be exceptionally clear. Uh, the majority of these are funded through some of those, uh, older capital improvement plans, CIPs. And that is funding from certificates of of obligation, which is nonvoterapproved debt. Is that correct? >> Yes, sir. >> Um, I've had a few constituents ask me, well, what will happen to the money for the obligated for these projects? And I've tried my best to explain uh we have not issued the debt for these. So there is no money. Um uh the the decision that the council uh makes if if this item is approved is to uh not issue that debt to not take on that debt burden and uh again to not have the money for these projects. Um I wanted that to be clear for people. Uh I wanted to just run through the couple of projects in my district. The Palisades trail head, that one is not uh CEO funded. That one is geo funded from the 2012 quality of life bond. So that is a voter approved project. Um this one is being deprogrammed for a very different reason than most of the others. um and that is that the adjacent property owner well it's a property owner of part of what where where this would be constructed um is no longer willing to uh sell that property or allow the city to use that property for this use. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> Um can you talk a little bit about why why that has happened? >> Um why it's it's his decision, >> right? But um just to set the uh stage for what it looks like if not everyone's familiar with the Palisades trail head that's located off of Robinson. Um this adjacent property owner has owned a section with it and he has an agreement with El Paso Water. There is a Na Royo right next to our trail head uh which makes for great hiking. It's an excellent place. Um organically folks have just parked there. Um and it works. It makes sense. um in working with the design and this property owner, the amount of parking would be limited. Um I feel the unintended consequence of that is you would see a lot more parking on Robinson and that would be a safety issue. Um and so the the best steps in moving forward is um for to those users of that trail to continue to park closer to the entrance that is um city property outside of his property um and um have their uh adventure start there and we're not occupying any space with the amenities or so forth. Yeah, I just I again it is uh sad in my opinion that this project is coming to this, but it's something that's largely out of our control. There's a private property owner involved. >> Yes, sir. >> Um you know, I don't think anybody wanted to deprogram this project. Uh but these things happen. Um and again it there there is a private property owner involved in the in the transaction and you know they ultimately weren't willing to to continue with the project. Um and then the last few the Tom Lee Park Slope rehabilitation uh we were able to address that issue through another another intervention and so this is no longer necessary. Correct. >> Yes sir. Um, and then again the the wrestler lighting, that one is uh again simply a decision to not issue non- voter approved debt, which I think is the case for pretty much all of the other projects as well. Okay, I I think that answers a lot of the questions that I got from constituents about this one. Um, you know, this is again the council making a decision to uh stick to debt issuances that uh are for projects approved by the voters in bond elections. Thanks. Thank you, Mayor Representative Jabith. >> Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Avette. Um, I I echo a lot of the sentiment that my colleagues are saying uh today. Um, I do think it's great that we're being fiscally responsible and we're we're intentionally looking at these projects and figuring out what makes sense and what we can do and what we can't do. Um, but I would like to ask two questions. and because we also deprogrammed a trail a few months ago um and and moved some money around to uh complete a different trail um in district one actually. So I I guess for the community, could we kind of speak to how we prioritize different projects um and how you determine which ones will get deprogrammed, which ones will get done um so that the community can can understand this process a little better. Um we did receive um quite a bit of feedback from BOAC when we were going um through this process. Uh there were there was feedback both in the northeast trails, the M Montana trails. Um they had asked for us to continue to look um towards the Montana trails to see if that could be possible. Um we have met with El Paso Electric and we're working through those agreements and it is possible. Um and so we have put our focus on continuing that. Not only um Montana A through C makes sense because it ends on Pelicano that is a bike lane but when you look at the connectivity in that area what Tex dot is doing along Montana and the bike lanes that they're doing other bike lanes that have been completed um and also walking paths. um this does help the connectivity within that region and a greater master plan. >> Okay. Moving forward, aside from what Representative Canalis just described as as a challenge because of the the land owner in that particular case, but we are talking about a 2012 quality of life bond moving forward. Do we have any plan on how we can um move forward on these projects maybe a little quicker so that we're not making these decisions 14 years later? Um the palisades we were aware of that um we had partnered with El Paso water that one had been delayed because they're doing um some work on the aoyo. So that was a collaborative project between us and El Paso water. Um when it came to finalizing the agreement um the request by the property owner um conflicted with the design that we had uh worked on. So that was as uh representative Canales mentioned um an unfortunate uh outcome for that project. But yes, agreed. Um these projects do need to be completed in a timely manner. Um, I hope that the community feels that we have done that in the public safety bond and we continue to move and push forward and get projects delivered um in a more timely manner. I think that is one of the things that I've really challenged uh the C staff is to make sure that we're we're pushing our projects. >> Yeah. And I think you're doing a great job with that event. So, I appreciate that. And I think rightly so. You know, we understand that the longer we take to get things done, the costlier they are. And then unfortunately sometimes the money is not enough to complete everything that we initially thought we would like to do. Um do you have any idea of of how we can continue investing in our community? Because you know to use your words, you know, Robert has better language than you do. And I hate to use the word bummer, but it kind of is a little bit of a bummer for the community when they see some of these not coming to fruition. Um, and I and I know that's probably not the right term, but how can we communicate to the community that we still want to continue investing in quality of life projects, right? Uh, because we know that they make a direct impact to people's lives. Um, what what else uh could we communicate to the community today about that? Because I think it's important to kind of, you know, not be >> not doom and gloom. >> Yeah, exactly. We've had a little bit of this conversation today before with Sasho and now we're talking about deprogramming. And so I just want to lift everybody's spirit up a little bit here. >> I I I think um it's a three-part answer. So hopefully as I get through all three parts, I'll remember them. The first part is I don't want it to appear that this is doom and gloom. When you look at the ballparks, more than half of the program um was completed. We addressed those that had a safety concern. um we prioritized them in terms of visitation. So there was rhyme and reason in the ones that we were able to do and the fact that we were able to hit um over half of that. These were identified in 2019. No one could have foreseen 2020, right? And so really there are a couple of materials that did have an impact by that. So I think being able and being resourceful to complete that amount of that program is significant. Additionally, with the trail heads, even though I'm talking about 2012 funds, we did all but one. You know, I think that is pretty significant in terms of quality of life and what we um deliver to to the community. Um Montana, I know if we look at the whole entire trails program, but if we just focus on Montana, when you look at section C to D, that's about 2 miles. Um there is an elevation grade. I remember when I briefed you, I said that, but I wanted to be specific. So, I went back and measured it. um got on Google Earth, it's 93 feet in elevation gain. So that would have been a challenging construction project. It it um once you get there and you start designing, you realize the realities of paper and real life. Um, so the fact that we were able to complete three miles within the identified budget and just that last section, I think those are still positives and this really is um an item of being transparent to the public and saying it was identified, but I want to be in front of you and say this section wasn't or these remaining six were not able to be done. Um, so I think that that's the first thing. It's not all doom and gloom. a lot of good work uh was done by the community voting for it and also council approving. Um secondly, I I think that the programs and how do we continue to invest? Um I think one of the things that you've seen just with public safety alone is that we're realizing even though you see increases, we did have project savings that made public safety complex a reality. So it's being uh really fiscally smart and as we have those cost savings investing them into projects and the needs that we have right so I think it's a responsibility of C to develop and build within time and budget and so that is something that we need to do a better job of communicating because you hear all the bad stuff we did because of course we did something bad but I think you also need to hear the the good stuff that we have done to balance out that narrative. So, that's the second. And lastly, um I just think that is one thing that will really become apparent and as Sasho kind of prepped us and got us ready for is the strategic planning session is what are we hearing back from the community? Where do we have to put our money and how do we meet the basic needs of our community and just be really strategic in the investment of of every dollar. and and I appreciate that recap because I think it's so important that we highlight the positive things that we were able to accomplish. Um, and >> I could say it again. Just kidding. Sorry. Sorry. >> And just to reiterate from I think what you said in your presentation, there will be about $900,000 going towards an unprogrammed project balance. Correct. Right. >> Yes. >> Okay. That in the future we will address. >> Okay. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> And approved by by council. council approves all transfer of the budgets. >> Okay. Thank you, Avette. >> Representative, I just want to add to one of the things that you all talked about as we were >> at the beginning of the year was transparency in our projects. We want to get to a place where everything, you know, is posted and people can look at it. And now, if you look at our budget, you see all these projects and you're waiting for them and people are asking when are they coming? And so we really just want to clean up and make sure we're really clear on what's actually in the queue, the things that we can move forward on. And so as people talk about expectations and we talk about the mapping and things that we're developing, everything is very clean and transparent. And so I think that's one of the things we continue to hear about getting better tools for our community. And so this cleans up a lot. I think we're clean now. I mean, everything that's now funded um is in our plan. Everything that's not funded, we've removed. And so once we start developing those plans, it's very clear for our community. >> One more item though, we do have cleanup. Sorry to interrupt the zoo, but that's another um really great robust program that I'm going to be bringing that roll out separately so that you can see that and as that proposition and the money was identified what we're doing with those project savings. So it's another good story. >> And the other thing I would recommend is you know in the future as we're talking about geos we don't do more than five years. I think there were so many lessons we learned with, you know, a go that was 10 years or 12 years and didn't necessarily have all the um estimates that were required to really understand some of those costs in the beginning. And so I think that's going to help people to to be able to see the results more more clearly and quickly as we move forward too. >> Okay. Thank you, Miss Mac. Thank you. >> Represent Nino. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Vad and M. Mack as well for clarifying a lot of the questions I also had. Um, when I start to think about this, I think about our property taxes and the and the debt service rate. And I'm curious to know if we were to essentially move on with moving these projects forward, what would be the cost today? Do we know >> um for the ballpark in terms of um construction costs? >> Correct. Um so for the sports field lighting um I think we've estimated 2.5 million to complete that D program list. Um trail head I would recommend not moving forward. Same with section D. That's 93 ft gain. Tom Lee we addressed and then for edge mirror wrestler I don't have updated but it was a significant amount that was still remaining for construction. >> Perfect. No. And I know that we talked a little bit briefly about um the scope on some of the projects like for example Edgemeir and also um about some of these projects having designs complete already and um it becomes part of the unfunded program right it doesn't mean that the project is completely I don't know say killed but it's in it's floating around to that if eventually the council or the body wants to have a future conversation of setting some sort of funding opportunity to make some of these projects come back to the queue or come to life, we would essentially be able to possibly move forward specifically because now we already have some of the design concepts and all in in in place as well. Correct. >> Yes. Correct. >> Okay. I have no further questions. Mayor, thank you. >> Represent Masto. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um appreciate all the work that you put into the CVET. I know we talked about this and there's there's a few questions that I have. One lingering thing that has been persistent over the weekend talking to constituents about this has been that they found out through the media that this was happening. And I really wish there was a way that this could have been community meetings to let them know that the projects that they've been expecting for so long are going to be proposed to be deprogrammed because people have been expecting them, right? And I understand all of your reasoning that led you to today. And I know Miss Mack has been doing cleanup in many different aspects. you know, one or one of the other areas is clean up ourselves that or parcels that are are kind of weird and we need to connect them again and make them whole. But this is this is important to the community. So, I went back and looked at the the meetings that talked about this um back to 2019. And in our conversation, you had told me that these were prioritized in a specific order and then the council was told that they would be covered um for as much money as you had and then some might not make it. I didn't find any evidence of that in in what I was looking at. And so I'm trying to understand how these were prioritized because at some point in one of the presentations they said that this was like the list of top 10 things and sports field lighting was there and they said this is not in any particular order. There was other things like police um stations and I think fire and infrastructure stuff like that and I'm not sure that they were prioritized. So can you speak to that a little bit more? Um the ones that I know that we've done um in terms of priority and safety, the um ball field lighting was actually already um falling and so they were removed and replaced. Um I can get the exact names. I think Modesto was was one of them where the lighting was actually um removed because the foundation started failing. Um, so that was one of the things that had been communicated to me by past administration and then also I want to say that in working with the parks it was also based upon visitation is how they were prioritized. >> Okay. So maybe that was more like staff internal rather than any resolution that council adopted. >> Oh yeah, it wouldn't have been um made via resolution. Correct. >> Okay. And then on the on the D program list, I understand Mo, that's still Battlefield 3. We talked about that. That that that is really because that was taken out years ago and it was following through and there's no more Ballfield there cuz people reached out about that too. So I just wanted to let you answer what happened there. >> Yes. Um the location of U Bfield 3 is um the most west southwest corner which that is the area that we've had the most settlement. So something as heavy as ballpark lighting in the foundation needed is not suitable for that location. >> Okay. And then what what was left at Nation Stoen? >> Um it was for the pool and the pool um is not currently operational. >> Pool lights at the pool. >> Yes. >> Okay. And so you have about six projects that are deprogrammed at that point, right? >> Yes. And so the first introduction of this was on April 15th of 2019. May 14, 2019, about a month later, um the city council at the time voted to approve this C item for top 10 facility capital improvements throughout the city. Um then on September 29th, 2020, there was a um a presentation that was done and this was co and at that point they had deprogrammed a lot of these projects. I couldn't find when that action was taken but from what I understand they were deprogrammed because of CO and nobody knew what was going to happen. So then it reappeared again at least from my understanding and some of these meetings were difficult because some of them don't have video anymore and then I think there was another system that was used by the city for agenda. So >> that transition made it a little hard to find everything. >> But then um there was a capital improvement quarterly update in July of 2022 and as of May of 2022, these sports field lighting projects were valued at $42,000. And I know the economy is not doing well at this point. And so for these six projects, it would be $2.5 million to get lights for those six parks. It would >> Yes. >> Okay. Um and I understand what Sasha gave us earlier, but I I still feel a little weird supporting this just because of the feedback uh that I've been getting from constituents and them not having a chance. I think they were kind of blindsided by this. Uh especially the people around Grand View that were expecting lights for all these years and then Gran View has been forgotten and then we're doing that IP now at Grand View that's going to be significant etc. Um so there is no chance that you could find other funding to get those six sports field lighting at all. the amount of money that we have in savings would not cover this these six projects. >> And you know that for sure now like you you've run the numbers. You have that in front of you. You're you're positive about the 2.5 million project for six parks. >> I know that when I requested staff to do the assessment of okay, the money is gone. What would it take us to complete in dealing with um vendors and getting backup napkin? They did say doing all six at once would be roughly 2.2 million. >> 2.2. Okay. >> And then were any of these designed, not just the sports field lighting program, but others were. Was money spent on design? >> Yes, I believe so. And I will I have that in an email that I did not bring up. Yes, I can send that to you. >> So then we're losing money on some of these that are going to be deprogrammed >> because because we spent money on design. >> I I don't I don't view um money spent on design is money lost. Um generally when we go for funding um most importantly or most specifically if we go for grant funding I'm saying just in general blanket statement um when you have a design there's an understanding that there was a vision and what the need was in generally that becomes funded. Additionally, when you have design, let's say we're not talking about grants, right? And that the government has seen that we had a concerted effort towards moving this initiative forward. Just in general, when you do have a design, that allows you to have a greater cost estimate and able to work with vendors or do cost estimates in house to determine what that budget is. So, I don't feel that that money was lost. >> Okay. Okay. So, I think that's that's all I have. Um, I think it's just a little confusing on when we're getting a presentation and the not all the details are there like the prioritization. I think what you provided today was a lot easier to understand. So, I appreciate that. >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. >> All right. And and Evette, thank you for the presentation. And you know a lot of us on the dis have gotten calls about deprogramming. You know that word alone is you know there you can see what's being deprogrammed and and how people can feel about not getting certain projects across the finish line. I do agree that maybe next time we should have um maybe some community meetings at some of the districts to say this is why this is happening. This is why we're doing it so it doesn't hit them kind of like this. But, and I agree with Miss Mack, you know, it's an opportunity to do some cleanup going forward that that we can do. Um, but we have to get better at at programming and and getting things over the finish line and within budget and and all that, you know, good stuff going forward because it's only going to get more difficult as we as we go forward. So, uh, Miss Prime, uh, I believe we're taking item 3, 37, and 38. >> Yes, sir. >> But I only show public comment on 37 and 38. >> U, Mr. Mr. Joe Gibby had signed up on item four when he meant item three. >> Okay. >> So he he wants to speak on item three. >> Okay. >> Mr. Gibby, he will be followed by Patricia Osman and Sylvia Cario. >> Good afternoon. >> Good afternoon everyone. Again, I am Joe Garby. I am the chair of the OSAP group. And I've heard this said a few times here about transparency. And my main disappointment in this process is that on January 7th, OSAB met. I can tell you almost every time we meet, we talk trail heads. We want to know the status. Give us an update. Let us know what's going on. We didn't hear a word about Palisades. Nobody said Palisades was going down. And then we turn around and it's on the agenda to kill the project. And we're thinking, how can we continually ask for updates? Tell us what's going on. and then we don't hear anything and two weeks later we're getting ready to kill a project and and I think staff is probably doing the right thing here in in killing this project. But it is very disappointing that we can ask and ask for these updates and something as important as killing a project doesn't come to us and it shows up 10 days later on your agenda. So that that's really what I wanted to bring forward and transparency. You say it's important. I mean that's what we do at OAP. Everyone on my board is out there in the outdoor rec community talking about stuff and doing stuff like this. I got a guy that goes to Palisades almost daily. He's on the board. He knows what's going on. He would come to each board meeting and say here's what I saw. Here's what's going on. And you know on the 7th we're all thinking we're making progress and now mid January that progress is gone. One other thing I would say concerning Palisades been in this game a long time. I would say 10 years ago, I was there with staff and with PSB and we had this plan and they're going to put all these parking spaces towards the dam area towards the ponding area which is city land. It didn't impact the owner that we're talking about, the adjacent owner. Those plans were changed and pushed down the the parking was pushed down toward the street and it impacted that owner. And like I say, I'm sure that owner is causing some issues, but the original plan never impacted him. And so I do think it's probably right to deprogram this uh trail head now, but in the future there is an opportunity to put a trail head at Palisades, but it's got to be done the way we were talking about it 10 years ago when it was farther up the mountain and more towards the dam area. And so that's what I'd have to say. Thank you all for listening. >> Thank you, Miss Osmond. She will be followed by Sylvia Karion. Look, uh, I I've got a question. I don't know if Mr. Aso knows it or not, uh, knows the answers, but so the lighting at Grand View is going to be gone. There's supposed to be over $250,000 that's going to be invested in landscaping at Grand View still. Is that correct? So, can any of those funds be converted to to some of the lighting? None whatsoever. Because I'm going to tell you, look, y'all have Wayne Thornton out there. Y'all put some money into it. But what most of y'all don't know, even Miss Mac when she was there for the grand opening and talking about how beautiful and the the view is from there is um what a drug act drug addict haven Grand View tends to be. It's not the best part of town. The park is like go if if you want to be safe with your kids, it's always been better to go down to Memorial versus Gran View. So definitely the lighting is a necessity. Putting almost over well, let's just put it this way. Putting over $200,000 of landscaping in a place that can't be properly lit when y'all already killed the pool out there. Like you're putting amenities that aren't the best for the kids. taken away stuff that like the pool that lowincome people in that area could have used better because those $20 splash parks that y'all have um that's not for low-income people. The small little free ones I can understand, but like Grand View, why are you going to invest all that money and then pull the lighting? There has to be something else to be done. And if it is only Thank you for killing that. If it is only like let's find out what the what is the amount for just Graan View. I mean I thank you for killing the mic but um it's just shameful. It it really is. But you know what? We're going to make sure we do a proper accounting on that the landscaping. If we can't get the lighting, we need to make sure, you know, all the funds are properly accounted for because this seems really strange. All the deprogramming uh yeah, deprogramming, but they were asking for almost $3 million for an island of bike lanes. Like, make it make sense, people. Next is Miss Sylvia Karion. Miss Garion, star six, please to unmute your microphone. Miss Garion, star six, please. Go ahead, ma'am. You have three minutes. >> Mrs. Can you hear me? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. Um, am I on item? I think it's uh 38 more than anything else. Um, I was interested in all of this that was happening in better to understand uh what was going on. I had to call Mr. Nandez who very graciously explained to me uh that these projects will go way back from 2019 and the reason that they're going to be um put a halt to so to speak. Uh they did complete a lot of them but a lot of them were not. The parks that are in my district, uh, district seven, the lower valley would be, uh, of course, uh, Ralphie Cloud Deaka Park, and of course, Leonel Fort. Leonel Forti is a really a park that really needs a lighting, but uh, these things are being done uh, according to the decisions that are being made by by everybody. I agree with the commentaries that are being made right now by especially the city manager. It goes back a long way to discover the fact that back since 2012 and 2019 and all the projects that have been approved um for one reason or another. Um some of them did not reach their peak. So now uh let's u put them to sleep a little bit. you know, take a let them take a nap and let's see where we can revamp some money for us over here on this side. Um, my commentary as far as designers, uh, designers take up a lot of money. You all need to restart thinking about redesigning. I know in the NIP that we had uh we could have got at least two projects uh uh passed uh small projects and there was 440,000 left over and that all went to designers. Um, and so, uh, I know that, um, people get paid good money because they design good stuff and and I understand all that, but, uh, uh, some of the stuff that we can the the the lighting, uh, is things that we that we do need in the parks. Uh, they are important because, uh, the youth are the ones that use the parts, uh, baseball or soccer or whatever. And so we need to start the talks again and trying to redo what we can for those lighting area not only on the the parks in district 7 but under other districts. Uh I thank Mr. Hernandez for uh giving me a complete rundown of how the operation goes and I know how operations goes but um we need to see what we can do about bringing these parts back in one thing. Another thing, yes, we should have brought the community uh somehow a meeting or or with you know me with the Mission Valley Civic Association. I'm going to bring this u information to my community. I thank you all very much. God bless. >> Thank you. >> That concludes public comment. Mayor. >> Okay. So, let's take item number 337 and 38. Miss Pry. >> Yes, sir. The motion was made by Representative Canal, seconded by Representative Lemon to approve the items 337 and 38. On that motion, call for the vote and the voting session. And that motion passes 6 to1. Representative Beda voting A. Representative Boyon present. The remainder of council voting I. >> Okay, let's take item number 39. >> Yes, sir. Item 39 is discussion and action on a resolution to approve the vision zero quick bill program policy and authorize a city manager or designate to implement the program and execute any agreements, amendments to agreements andor documents necessary to implement the quick build program. >> Move to approve. >> Second. >> All right. Good afternoon. >> You want to show us your presentation? >> Hi. Good afternoon, council >> and mayor. Uh yes, I do have a presentation. Sorry, can you guys hear me? Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, this is a presentation for the Vision Zero Quickfield program. This is going to be a program that falls under our Vision Zero initiative. Um if you're not familiar, our Vision Zero initiative was adopted in 2023 by the El Paso City Council. It is a initiative with the overarching goal to end roadway fatalities or reduce traffic deaths through zero. It is built on this approach called the safe systems approach which was um developed by the federal highway administration that um believes that all traffic fatalities are preventable and not inevitable. Um it basically falls under this safe system approach which includes safe roadway users, safer vehicles, safer speeds, postc crash care to minimize harm when crashes do occur as well as safer roads. So this initiative sort of follows under that safer roads wheel of the safe systems approach today. So when that vision zero action plan was adopted, it had a lot of um specific strategies and action items including to adopt this vision zero quick build policy. Um so with this resolution today, we'll be accomplish accomplishing vision zero action item D2A. And I also think it's important to note that quick builds are a core component of vision zero initiatives all over the country. including cities like Austin, Tucson, New York, Denver, Colorado, um, etc. So, the proposed program has been in in developed in collaboration with streets and maintenance. If you're not familiar with quick builds, they're infrastructure solutions that are done with lowcost semi-permanent materials such as paint, ballards, uh, signage, things like that. We are proposing that we implement this program in areas only where there is a documented crash history of fatal or high injury crashes. Um, these one of the major benefits of these specific types of infrastructure solutions is that not only are they lowcost and they can be installed on a much more expedited timeline than traditional infrastructure, um, but we can do before and after studies. And because they are lower cost and easier to install, we can use that data collected from the before and after studies to not only adjust the quick build curve extensions, but to inform our permanent infrastructure solutions. There's also an opportunity with these um, quick build infrastructure solutions. and this program for us to respond quickly to immediate safety concerns that um council but also that our residents may bring to our concern. Um there's also opportunities such as the painting event that you see here for the community to engage with the design and for us to measure community student satisfaction before and after these quick build installations. So there has there has been a lot of existing analysis and data backing up these quick build infrastructure solutions. Most notably the Bloomberg Associates did the analysis and observational behavior assessment for asphalt art and quick build installations all over the country. And then the state of Massachusetts, the city of San Francisco, the city of Austin, and the city of New New York have also conducted similar um reports and analysis on their quick build sites. The city of El Paso does have three pilot project quick sites, and we have found our findings to be consistent with these um specific analysis of these other entities. Um generally we can expect a increase in drivers yielding to pedestrians within the rideway, a reduction in crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists and a reduction in vehicles exceed exceeding the speed limits. So we have put together nine eligible project types under this program and all of these designs will be subject to the city traffic engineer approval as well as our existing local, state and federal regulations. Um so the first one is curb extensions. You can see that represented in the center the center image on this slide here. Curb extensions are bulbouts kind of at the intersections. Um rather than doing them with traditional concrete or asphalt, we can do it with paint and delineation and it has um similar safety effects. Another eligible project would be chicanees which you can see represented in the bottom left of this slide. Chicanes are bullouts kind of in the middle of the road. They kind of break up the roadway geometry and signal to the driver, the motorist that you know this is something's happening here. you need to pay attention. This might be a pedestrian oriented space. And with both of these, you know, particularly the curb extensions, it reduces that space that the motorist has, which inherently encourages them to go slower. And in the case of the curb extensions, um, it, you know, reduces the space that the pedestrian has to cross in front of the car as well as increases visibility. Another eligible project type under this quick build program is bike lanes. Because bike lanes are installed with the similar infrastructure as paint and delineation, they can also reduce the lane and increase safety for cyclists in certain areas. They they will be eligible under this program. We're also including traffic circles. Um traffic circles you can see represented in the bottom right of this slide um being accomplished with modular materials. In this image that you're seeing the of the traffic circle, it's actually uh recycled plastic. So another added benefit of these modular materials. Uh other eligible projects include solar lighting, asphalt art, so decorative paintings done on the street, um lane reconfiguration, which refers to road diets or road narrowing, uh signal timing alterations mainly to increase the pedestrian traffic flow, as well as median closures and turn restrictions. So we are proposing for this program a by-anual project selection process. And what that looks like is for two to three months, we will open a public form online that anybody can submit to, residents, um, city council members, even staff members of an area that they are concerned about. And we'll leave that call open for 2 to 3 months. And while those calls or while those projects and submissions are coming in, capital improvement staff will be checking to verify if there is a fatal or serious crash history. And then projects that do have that documented crash history will move forward to the next phase, which is the evaluation form. So we have produced an evaluation form that looks at things like the crash history, the socioeconomic status, the cost benefit, project readiness as well as the ex the existing context of the area, excuse me. And um using that evaluation form, capital improvement and streets and maintenance will work together to put together a proposed list of projects, a project selection, and then we will propose those proposed projects to the um mobility advisory committee and the technical review committee. The mobility advisory committee is our um external transportation board of residents made up from each district. The technical review committee is internal members of different staff that includes different stakeholders who might be affected by these types of projects. Um, moving forward, we'll go forward with engagement and that includes more additional engagement with the technical review committee, the mobility advisory committee, and any and all residents who may be affected by this project. So, after that phase, we'll move forward with project design. And we are proposing a combination of consultant and staffled design and we're expecting that to go for about 2 to 3 months. Um and then we'll move into procurement if necessary which the timeline does vary and then after procurement we'll move into construction. We are also proposing a combination of staffled and consultant contractors for construction and then we'll move into the analysis phase which can vary between one to two years. Um, we're going to look at high level data sources and also evaluate the community effectiveness. And I'll dive into a little bit more about what that evaluation looks like. So, we will be doing before and after studies and we'll be reporting that in our annual vision zero report that's going to include the impacts of these projects on speeds, traffic volumes, user behavior as well as the community engagement outcomes, a costbenefit analysis, and the new crash trends in these areas. So the request and action for today is approval of a resolution to adopt this policy and authorize capital improvement in streets and maintenance to move forward with the existing vision zero general fund allocation. >> Very good. Any questions? >> I have question. >> Okay. Represent Nino. >> Thank you mayor. Quick question. How much funding it says move forward for forward utilizing the existing general fund allocation. How much funding is available for this? >> So, currently there is $1.2 million being allocated to Vision Zero and we are requesting that $750,000 be used for this quick build program. >> Perfect. Okay, great. No, I'm looking forward to seeing the future projects that could come forward from the community. I know in a previous item I mentioned about bike lanes, so I definitely am going to be looking into it. I know that I've again I've had conversation with Miss Mack. Um I know that uh striping is not a safety component for some of the cyclists. So um thank you for this presentation. >> Thank you. And Miss Brian, I believe we have public comment on this item. >> Yes, we have Miss Osmond. I watch y'all's meeting with county. You know, let's get our road safer. So, I'm sure this is part of that. But, um, a few issues in here. Uh, it's talking about a new online program. Um, kind of referencing 3 311, which really doesn't work. It's kind of that system is terrible. But um the bike lanes again, I'm going to keep bringing it up because it doesn't seem as though there's a cohesive understanding of how to lay down the bike lanes. They showed a picture of Pedras there, right? There used to be bike lanes. Now there's not. Mr. Canales in his area wants an island of bike lanes, but no safety bike lanes to be able to get to that island. Makes no sense. Um, even the plan that we just saw earlier, because this is entailing bike lanes as well, it we're we're so unsafe. Bike lanes are next to just a small buffer with next to the driving lane versus the corner so that you can get onto the curb if need to for safety. Kind of like what's on Fort Boulevard, but you know, we have neighbors putting masetas in the buffer. But how about the roundabouts? Other parts of Texas are removing them because they feel it is not safer. Okay. Have studies already been done on accidents within the roundabouts around El Paso? I know that there have been accidents on the roundabout over there by Alura, right off of Pedras, between Pedas and Copia. Uh there's a proposed roundabout uh over there off of Fort Boulevard because I know uh my representative Asaveto has spoken to uh the president of Central Neighborhood Association about that. Look, I want the city safer, too. But it seems as though they they come up with these plans that don't really work or they're so isolated. It it makes zero sense. You all want to do this and and put those funds away, but then you're deprogramming other things that we need for current safety. like you got like none of this makes sense. You look at an agenda every every weekend and it is so contradictory one item to the next man. You know what? Look, you're going to vote to give them the money. Do it. Let's just hope the designs don't kill somebody though. >> Okay, Miss Brian. >> Yes. The motion was made by Representative Canales, seconded by Representative Lemon. This is to approve the resolution on item 39. On that motion, call for the vote in the voting session. And that motion passes unanimously. Representative Boyer Tjo not present. >> Okay. Council, I would recommend that we postpone item number 42 until we hear EX8. Is there >> motion? >> Is there a motion to retire into executive session >> and postpone item 42? >> Well, you'll table this item. >> Yes. >> Until after >> Yes. >> So, there's a motion in a second to table item 42. All in favor? >> Anyone opposed? >> And the motion passes. And then I would recommend that we retire into executive session just to take a few of the items because some of the council members do have meetings tomorrow that they would have to completely reschedule if we could just do a few of those to get through them. >> As many as we can. Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, can we get >> Is there a motion to return to executive session? >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second to return to executive session. All in favor? >> I. >> Anyone opposed? and the city council of the city of El Paso may return to executive session pursuant to section 3.5A of the of the El Paso city charter in the Texas government code chapter 551 subchapter D to discuss any of the following executive session item one ana Chavez Viegas versus city of El Paso John Cera Joseph Montisano and Tracy Chavaria 2024 DCV 5383 under 551.071 071 executive session item two Ruben A. Sto versus officer Daniel Mon officer Sabrina Gonzalez Chief Allen in the city of El Paso 323-C-00256 under 551.071 executive session item three application of El Paso Electric Company to change rates PUC number 57568 HQ number utility-60 under 551.071 071 executive session item four application of El Paso Electric Company for approval of a system resiliency plan PC number 59137 HQ number utility-77 under 551.071 executive session item 5 discussion on upcoming fire department collective bargaining agreement process and negotiations HQ number 25-5807 under 551.071 071 Executive session item 6, discussion on purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property in El Paso. HQ25-255 under 551.072. Executive session item 7, legal update regarding Sun Metro Facility Fire of February 11th, 2025 under 551.071. And executive session item 8, update and briefing on internal recruiting efforts for chief internal auditor under 551.071 and 551.074. These matters are taken into executive session under 551.071 consultation with attorney 551.072 deliberation regarding real property and 551.074 personnel matters. It is 5:16 p.m.