[laughter] I Good morning. Good morning. Nice to see everybody. We're gonna get started here. You want to take a seat? The last person standing gets a dog. Council member Hall's running. [laughter] Oh, Caroline James, I've never seen you run that fast. Okay, Janette, the show's yours. You can read. Thank you. Good morning and welcome to the city council meeting. Before Mayor Parker calls the meeting to order, we ask that you please be seated and silence all electronic devices. City council meetings are conducted for the official business of the city council and to receive input from residents. Members of the public attending meeting shall observe rules of decorum and shall not engage in conduct that interferes with the ability of those present to observe or to participate in the meeting without disruption or fear of intimidation. For those of you who requested to speak, when your name is called, please come forward to the center podium. The countdown clock is displayed on the left monitor and will indicate how much time is remaining. A bell will sound when you have 30 seconds left. Before you begin your comments, please state your name. Thank you. Thank you, Janette. and good morning and welcome to your Fort Worth city council meeting. Um we have a very special guest today. Our mayor for a day is Mr. Case Creel. Case is 10 years old and a fourth grader at Fort Worth Country Day. He loves all sports, specifically baseball, football, and basketball. He loves all animals, so it's perfect timing since we're doing a a pet adoption day event. You could take a pet home, right, Whitney? His mom is screaming. Oh, right there. Uh he is very artsy and enjoys making and gifting friends animal fidgets on his 3D printer. He is quirky and funny. Are you quirky and funny, Case? Absolutely. And we are so honored that he's taken time away from school today to be our official mayor for the day. Now the microphone is his and he's going to call our meeting to order. >> Good morning. My name is Case Creel and I'm calling this meeting to order. >> Great job. [applause] Today's invocation will be provided by Rabbi Bri Brian Zimmerman from Bethl Congregation. Please rise for the invocation and remain standing for the pledges of allegiance. Honorable council members, mayor, each of you, I've I've as part of our invocation today, I have brought something to show you. This is a prayer shaw and its fringes are called seat seat. Seat seat are worn by some Jews on their clothes. Some attach them to their belts or under their shirts. But for the majority of Jews, these are worn uh when they pray in the morning and the fringes through a complicated system of math at up to 613. the number of mitzvot, the number of deeds of love and kindness we hope to do during the day in our faith. There is not a wellused plural, a singular for its seiti. They are known by their plural, by their many, by the multitudes. And so when we put on a prayer shaw, they remind us that no matter how strong and passionate our differences are, we are part of a community, one group in our service toward God and toward each other. The self is essential, but the communal, the whole, the service of the greater good, most important. I share this ritual object with you today in acknowledgement of the incredible pressure that each of you experience. The pressure to choose a side, the pressure to stand with your people. I am here today to offer a prayer but also to thank you for your sacred work. I'm here to remind you what you know so well already. That there are so many pressures in your responsibilities. And we all pray that you will remain cleareyed, strong, focused, focused on serving all of Fort Worth, all of the residents, not just some. As you begin this sacred work, the work of listening and reflecting and deliberating, we pray that your hands will be strong for the work ahead. Your hearts open to empathy, your ears clear to listen to the cries of our city. Your mouths full of passion and resolve, but also kindness, recognizing the godlike in every one of the citizens of our city. Fort Worth has been a model of decency in an increasingly rageful and destructive country. We pray for each of you. We pray for all who serve and live in our city. We pray for your strength for all of us to remember what makes us strong and what makes us sacred. that we may cling to the values of compassion, courage, and empathy. We are all single fringes in the tapestry of our greater city. We will only grow strong if we do it together, embracing the many different voices that make us strong. Amen. May it be God's will. which stands nation liberty justice for our to the next state. >> You're looking at me, Janette. Am I supposed to be doing something? Yep. Our first presentation will be a presentation recognizing a recognition honoring Assistant Chief Julie Swearing. Thank you, Janette. I'm going to come down to the podium. Before we move into honoring our wonderful assistant chief Julie Swearing, I do want to recognize we have some students and chaperones in the audience. It's my understanding we have 20 students from a few different Harmony Public School campuses here in the city of Fort Worth. We also have 14 students and two chaperones from North Crowley High School who are also here. If those students are here, can you stand or wave? That would be awesome. There they are. [applause] We're very glad you're here with us today. Thank you. Okay, Chief Swingen, you got to join me at the podium. That's a great idea. Where's Chief Garcia? He gets to stand up here, too. Not getting off that easy. For those of you that get to work with Julie, whether on a daily basis or out in the community, you probably know this is not something she enjoys. Um, Julie does not enjoy being showered with praise because she's just been a police officer for 31 years to the city of Fort Worth. Your career, Julie, truly deserves a round of applause. [applause] In this recognition, there are a few very specific words that I think are worth reading into the record. Julie, your career has been marked by exceptional leadership, unwavering integrity, and a deep commitment to community policing. Through your service, you have strengthened relationships between law enforcement and the community, inspired those that you lead, and helped create a safer city for all of us. We know that you're a trailblazer. for all of your achievements. You've opened doors and set a powerful example for all future generations, especially young women that want to serve in law enforcement. Your legacy of service, compassion, and leadership will be a lasting impact on this department and the community that you have so faithfully served. Many of you probably know this that are on council with us, but it bears repeating for those in the audience that Chief Swearing truly has broken barriers in her career. She was the first Hispanic female to rise through multiple ranks, opening doors for all future generations, mentoring youth and leading at the highest levels, reaching impact far beyond the badge here in Fort Worth. We are incredibly grateful for the service of Chief Swearing. We just wanted to take a minute today to simply say thank you for all that you've done for the city of Fort Worth. Chief Swarning. [applause] Thank you so much. Um, I mean, I'm I thank God for this amazing career and keeping me safe. 31 years is a long time. Um, I'm grateful and honored to serve on a department as amazing as a fourth police department and work for a community and city that's truly loves and supports the police, you know, and I look up there and I mean, I am the relationships, the working relationships we build, not only with council members and the mayor, but with the staff and the teams that you have. I am so grateful. Um I'm gonna miss the people. I am. Um but it's time. I always always been saying it's been a great ride, but I'm ready to get off. So, um I am so grateful for the chief and I'm looking forward to all the things you're going to bring to the department and the new adventures and and I look back. I don't want to look back because they'll make me cry, but the officers standing back there. It's an incredible police department and all the support from our our men and women in law enforcement, our civilian employees, our professional staff. I'm grateful to them. I would not have achieved and accomplished the things I've accomplished today without those people and that support. So very grateful. Thank you all. You have my phone number. The ones who I want to have it right. [laughter] Yeah. So call me if you need anything. But I am sincerely grateful. God bless you all. Thank you. [applause] [applause] >> [applause] >> Before I'm not a divorced or disowned, my family's here. [laughter] My husband, the honorable Judge R. Swearing, my mom, my stepfather, Luis, my son Paul, and my son Brandon. Thank you for being here. [applause] Mayor F. >> [applause] >> Okay, today is about honoring great people in the city of Fort Worth, folks that are retiring to a new chapter um but still deserve recognition for their many years of service to the city of Fort Worth. Next up is Mr. Bob Jameson. Come on up, Bob. [applause] I can tell by the look on his face. I don't know that you knew this was going to happen today, did you? >> Well, no. I was I was really impressed that so many of my team members showed up for your vote on the teapid later in the meeting. I could tell that they had a lot of enthusiasm about that. >> Uh, by the way, Bob Jameson has some new glasses y'all. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah, I do. >> Yeah. New retirement new glasses. It's getting worse and worse. >> So jokes aside, those of us that have gotten to work with Bob absolutely love him. He has served as the CEO of Visit Fort Worth for 13 years. There's too many meaningful partnerships for all of us to mention. Everyone on this dis could tell a great Bob Jameson story about how he served the city. Um but as I'm always reminded, what does a leader really look like? They are kind and good and generous. And that is absolutely Bob Jameson. I've told a few other people too in the search to replace you. The only thing I really told the search committee, I was like, you've got huge shoes to fill and we're going to miss you greatly, but you've also assembled an amazing team that's here behind you and just don't mess it up. Right. >> That's right. >> And that is a testament to your leadership also, Bob. We just wanted to officially recognize you and give you a distinguished leadership and legacy recognition from the mayor's office of city of Fort Worth. Absolutely. Let's take a picture with your team, shall we? Okay. Anybody else is welcome to join if they want. >> I'm holding where you are everyone right here right here on three. One two three. >> [applause] >> Well, it's it's hard to be in this space, although it's a very different space than what I have been coming to for years and years and years, but to just look at the people that sit at the deis there that uh represent our city. And I can I can reflect back on probably the first time I ever had to appear before city council probably in 1986 or 87 and numerous times over all the years since. And I have this great appreciation for the work that you all do and always have. I have an insight that I know a lot of people perhaps do not in terms of what is required the kind of decisions that you have to make the choices that are being made all the time on behalf of the citizens of our community the work that's involved the time that's involved the sacrifice that's involved and I have been grateful for that every time and continuously and so I again thank you for the support that you have given you know the travel industry when you know and I talk about when I was general manager of the Worthington Hotel and the kind of support that we got as an industry and at that hotel but in particular the last 13 years the support that has come to visit Fort Worth. You empower, encourage, and inspire this group of people that came with me today and all the people they represent doing the great work of telling the story of the city. It's a city I love. It's a city that will always be my home and I'm so glad and so honored with this presentation. Thank you so much [applause] for this next presentation and recognition. I would I'm going to ask Council Member Peoples and Council Nettles to also join us here at the podium. And it's not every day that you get to recognize a Broadway artist that's right here from Fort Worth, Texas. At this time, please ask Major Adaway to join me at the podium. [applause] Major, this is absolutely worth reading if you'll just bear with me for a moment. Whereas Major Adaway was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, where he began his performance career at local theaters like Kasabñana and Jubilee Theater. And whereas Major Adaway's path to Broadway was shaped by his resilience as a teenager, he underwent surgery at Scottishright Hospital for Children. And whereas Major Adaway is a Broadway voice, TV, and film actor, singer, director, Twitch affiliate from Fort Worth, Texas, residing in Brooklyn, New York, currently touring as King Arthur in Monty Python's Spamalot. And there you got some applause there. Whereas Major Adaway is an American singer, actor, and voice artist widely recognized as the longestrunn genie Babathcock in The Sultan in Disney's Aladdin on Broadway. He is currently the longest running Broadway genie with over 1500 performances. Whereas Major Adaway's off Broadway performances include Audrey 2 in Little Shop of Horrors, Fatty Arbuckle and Mac and Mabel at New York City Center, Jolly Holiday in Paper Mill Playhouse, Fledzig and the Deraly Chaperon at PCLO, Ronald Macauen and Hands on a Hard Body at Theater 3, Ken and Ain't Misbehav at Jubilee Theater, Horton and Susicle Jr. at Kasmanana. And whereas TV film credits include Hollycon guard duchon McAdams in Orange and the New Black, shift manager in Carter High, the waiter in the time travelver's wife, and whereas Major is also a Twitch affiliate on his channel I played Major where he is a variety streamer who provides a safe place for your headspace. We all need that, Major. Most importantly, we are just so proud of you. sincerely on behalf of the city of Fort Worth. You are worthy of so much recognition, major. I've known your mama for a really long time and she gets excited about a lot of things, especially affordable housing in our city. But when she talks about you, her whole face lights up and it is obvious that she's so proud of your accomplishments and we all wanted to make sure Port Texas recognized you properly for for your and you've got a bright career ahead of you. Absolutely. If you haven't seen Spam a Lot, let me just tell you, this guy is super super talented. God bless you, Major. If you'd like to have a microphone, you can have it. [applause] Hello everyone. [laughter] Um, I would like to say thank you. So honored um to be recognized by the city of Fort Worth. I am very fortunate. I had a very specifically intense artistic upbringing right here in Fort Worth. Um, and it has benefited me from the voiceover booth to Broadway and back. And this week, even tonight, I am doing something that I dreamt of as a young man to go away to New York and to sharpen your skills even more and then bring it back to Fort Worth, Texas. and you know show them all the work that they helped create. So this is I'm very grateful. Thank you all so much. [applause] Oh and everybody come see Spam a Lot. We're at Bass Hall for just this week only. Come help me find the grail. Thank you. [applause] Dad. Next will be a presentation of a recognition of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. Sorry, I'm sorry. Sorry, we had a request to take one out of order. Um, next will be the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Czechoslo I know I messed that up. Family stewardship of the stage coach ballroom mayor and council. Hello everyone. Thank you for being here. Uh, I'd like to ask uh, Jean Zachowski, I hope I Yes. and her family to join me here at the podium please. Today, I'm incredibly excited to present a special recognition to Jean and her family in honor of 50 years of ownership of the legendary stage coach Ballroom. And on a personal note, I can tell you that their hospitality is second to none. uh Jean, Julia, Kieran and recently hosted us at our town hall at their location and it was such a fun venue and our residents truly enjoyed the space. So, thank you again for being such wonderful hosts. Jean, thank you and your family for 50 years of dedication to our local music scene. Uh you are keeping the musical spirit of Texas alive, one two step at a time. And I have to say I think the best honky tonk in Fort Worth if if I can say that. I don't know. [laughter] Now I will go ahead and read uh this special recognition presented to the stage coach Ballroom. 50 years of >> Shakowski >> Chakowski >> Shukowski family stewardship. Whereas the stage coach Ballroom stands as a defining presence in the Texas music scene and is widely recognized as one of the last remaining large family-owned and operated dance halls in the great state of Texas. And whereas since its since its opening in October 1961, the Stage Coach Ballroom has spanned three locations and the care of two families, consistently serving as a haven for country music and traditional dance for more than 64 years. And whereas now located at 2516 East Balnap Street, the Stage Coach Ballroom features a 3,500 square foot dance floor and has served as a grand stage for a who's who of country music royalty, including Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, and Bob Wills, while also serving as a filming location for television, motion pictures, and music videos such as the Golden Globe nominated Square Dance and the record-breaking Ella Langley music video, Choosing Texas. And whereas since taking the helm on April 13th, 1976, the family under the inspiring leadership of Gan um has demonstrated a powerful story of family strength, navigating industry changes and challenges to preserve a historic landmark where generations of Texans celebrate a authentic country music, thereby solidifying a family legacy in Fort Worth built on resilience and rooted in passion for music that keeps the rhythm of the dance floor alive. Now therefore, I Councilwoman Martinez proudly recognize and honor Jean Tekowski. >> Yay. Desai her husband Kieran Desai and their family for 50 years of heartfelt dedication to the stage coach ballroom and for carrying forward a treasured piece of traditional country music history and western heritage. Congratulations. [applause] Say a few words. As you can well imagine, you can't get to 50 years without a lot of support. I would like to thank my husband, Kieran Desai. He's been by my side since August of 2001 in running the business. And if you don't realize it, that was just a month before 911 [laughter] when everything just went, you know, downhill from there. We had a hard year of getting things back together because people were afraid to go out. Um, I've had the unique privilege in this the 43 years that I've been part owner and an owner of the stage coach of working with my grandparents, my parents, my husband, my children, and now even my grandchildren in the business. It's been very nice to get to know all of them in a business relationship as well as family. I'd like to thank Fort Worth and all the surrounding communities for supporting our business and you're the reason that our doors are still open. Thank you very much and um we'll see you on the dance floor. [laughter] Thank you. Take a picture. So, as someone who has uh been the beneficiary of the large s of the stage coach ballroom many many many times, I can attest to everything Councilwoman Martinez said. They are not only amazing host but amazing community members who always give back. So thank you very much for all that you do for us. Next will be the presentation of a recognition of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. >> [laughter] >> Good morning, council. Today is National Adopt a Pet Day at City of Paul. This is Piglet, and I asked Councilwoman Beck to come up. She has Gump, who is going home with her today. Appreciate her service. Um, it'll also put her in a better mood for the rest of the meeting. Uh, I would also like to recognize and have them join with me. Um, Jacob Karthy, Sarah Connor with Spain Neuter Network. Y'all come on up. Donald Maladono with Operation Kindness, and Chris Mallister with the City of Fort Worth Animal Shelter. And we have over 30 shelter employees. Y'all, will you all stand up and be recognized, please? The city of Fort Worth shelter has reached a 90% live release rate, which is pretty incredible, but we cannot do it alone. It takes these incredible partners to get it done, and it takes all of us to help get these animals adopted and make sure they are spayed, neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated for our community. So, really, I just want to take a minute to thank you all so much for everything that you do. I'm gonna hand Piglet back over to Anastasia. Here you go. And unlike um Gump, Piglet is available for adoption. >> Gump is still available for adoption. >> Um whereas the city of Fort Worth Animal Care and Control Department serves as a vital safe haven for thousands of animals each year, providing shelter, medical care, and compassionate treatment while working tirelessly to connect every animal with a loving home. The city of Fort Worth is proud to partner with outstanding organizations that extend its commitment to animal welfare throughout the community, including Spayneuter Network, which provides affordable spay and neuter services to reduce the over the pet overpopulation and supports the city's community intake program and operation kindness with partners with animal care and control as a transfer partner when the shelter faces capacity challenges or when animals recognize specialized medical care contributing to the well-being of animals and their caregivers. members across Fort Worth. The city of Fort Worth does hereby proclaim April 28th, 2026 as National Adopt a Pet Day. Thank you for your service guys. [applause] >> Press or Jacob, would you like to speak? >> Uh, yeah. Just thank you to the city and the residents of the city who've been really supportive. um of our mission and of OPK's mission and um and continuing to support pets in the city. So, we're happy to keep continuing that and um and making it a better place for people and pets. >> So, thank you. You kind of stole some of my thunder with with your remarks. So, uh I just want to echo some of the things you said. None of us work in a vacuum and without the support of city leadership, our amazing community and without partners like OPK and Sper Network, we wouldn't have hit 90%. Uh so it truly is a team effort. But I do want to call out the people in the corner again. Uh that is about 40 out of 135 people who come every day and they grind and they just get one more. That's kind of the mantra, just one more. So the kudos really goes to everyone in the corner and everyone who couldn't make it today. So, thank you [applause] right here. Next will be a presentation of a recognition of National Osteopathic Medicine Week. >> [applause] >> All right, we have Dr. Ryan Seals and several of the students from Health Science Center here today. Um, osteopathic medicine is built upon the philosophy that all body systems are integrated and dependent about one another for good health. Doctors of osteopathy, also known as DOS, look beyond the symptoms to understand lifestyle and environmental factors and how that over impacts overall well-being. This is very special to me. My dad is actually a graduate of TCOM um DO and he just retired two years ago in October. But this is y'all do incredible work and I've seen firsthand the good that you can do the community. So, thank you'all for what you do and what you're going to do. I'm going to read this quick recognition. Uh the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, also known as TCOM, one of the nation's most distinguished medical schools, has for over 55 years transformed students into future leaders in health care, innovation, and research. TCOM is nationally recognized as a top osteopathic medical school for primary care and plays a key role in addressing the physician shortage. And during National Osteopathic Medicine Week, we recognize a profession founded in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, now represented by more than 167,000 DOS serving across the United States. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes whole person care, mind, body, and spirit. And TCOM advances this mission by educating patient- centered physicians, contributing to medical discovery and community health. Now therefore, the city of Fort Worth does hereby proclaim the week of April 28th, 2026 as Nationalopathic Medicine Week. Thank you guys. >> Thank you very much for this honor. One of our uh student doctors, student Dr. Lindseay Han, is going to say a few words for us. >> Thank you so much. We're so deeply honored to be receiving this recognition today. not only as part of TCOM but also for being recognized for National Osteopathic Week of Medicine. Um, TCOM's graduates, alumni, students, and faculty work tirelessly to provide that whole mind body spirit osteopathic principal philosophy, providing patient centered care with compassion and excellence to the city of Fort Worth community. And we want to continue doing so and we are truly grateful for the honor and for the recognition and for your continued support. Thank you so much. as they're taking a picture, maybe important for the audience as well. Um your campus also is open to the public for amazing medical services. My dad's actually getting his neurological testing right now at your center for older adults um for his dementia care. And so I just wanted to say thank you to these amazing doctors and for TCOM and what they do across the city of Fort Worth. Next will be a presentation of a recognition celebrating the 30th anniversary of Community Healthc Care of Texas. Good morning. Um, fitting that this came out after the osteopathic medicine because as you get older, you start realizing um, a lot of things about aches and pains and everything else that happens and then what your end of life looks like. And so proud to recognize the community healthcare of Texas. It's the largest nonprofit hospit hospice and pallet of care program provider in North Central Texas. Um I'm going through the my as we discussed earlier with my mother as it's end of life and what that looks like. And I'm just uh proud that we have y'all in the community as part of this. Um so people live with dignity as they live out their last days. And so just want to point that out. I've got doc Dr. David Kapper here uh Dedra Locks and Robin Carter Cso. I'll read this just so we have it on record. A special recognition presented to the Community Healthcare of Texas in recognition of their 30th anniversary. Whereas the city of Fort Worth takes special notice and proudly recognizes the compassionate end of life care services that Community Healthcare of Texas has provided to its citizens for 30 years. And whereas on May 1st, 1996, Community Healthcare of Texas was found as the largest notfor-profit hospice provider in the state and since that time has cared for more than 85,000 patients and their families and has provided more than 30 million in uninsured care. And whereas Community Healthcare of Texas pioneered pediatric hospice care in 1996 and at that time was the sole provider of end of life care for community's youngest citizens. And whereas Community Healthcare of Texas was the first hospice provider in the DFW area and only the second in the state of Texas to offer a dedicated inpatient unit to care for those facing their end of life journey. And whereas Community Healthcare of Texas continues to provide compassionate, high-quality care and support to patients and families, ensuring dignity, comfort, and peace during the life's most meaningful moments. Now therefore, I recognize the Community Healthcare of Texas 30th anniversary on May 1st, 2026, and encourage all residents to join in recognizing and celebrating the organization's legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to our community. Thank you. Would you like to say a few words, please? So, council and attendees, thank you for this recognition. We being here as long as we have, uh, we also are one of the oldest hospices in the state of Texas. We have built on the history of St. Joseph's Hospice, which many people do remember as the only the third hospice in the state of Texas. But as we deal with death and dying and people who are fragile and really in difficult places of life, we're committed to really take care of people with that dignity. But we also want to thank the community because we are committed to a community effort. as a nonprofit organization, we we really enjoy the community to try and deliver care to those who are really in need. So, thank you very much. >> Take a picture. Our next presentation will be a recognition of Just Serve City in conjunction with National Volunteer Month. And I believe we have a video to start with. or video. Service is one of the most critical things there is in a community. Service builds community. Service binds a community. When people are serving each other, they're becoming closer together. It is one of the key things that can make the difference between a a a great community and just a community that's there. Service is absolutely the key. People serving others is the key. >> And service to me is spreading sunshine. >> Service to me means love. Love one another. Love your neighbors. Love even those that you might not agree with. You might not like them, but we need to love them. Service to me means an opportunity to give back to our community, an opportunity to serve one another, and be helpful, be a resources to our neighbors, our families, and friends. What volunteerism mean to me? It mean an opportunity for you to be part of something great. >> Service is about people. Our community is all about people and doing good for yourself and for your friends and neighbors. >> For me, volunteering is everything. Not just at the city level but in the community because without volunteers we cannot get things accomplished. It is so important that you volunteer in the capacity of just basically anything from your school to your community. If you're concerned about safety, if you're concerned about community gardens like I am, come on over and volunteer. It is just an amazing opportunity to meet people and to connect and help move the cities forward because we can't do it without you. To me, volunteerism gives a sense of community. It provides an opportunity for individuals to connect and to place pride back into their communities. >> And Just Serves to me means love. >> Giving a shout out to our friends at Just Serve. I am so grateful for this organization. Our city has been able to partner with SR serve on several notable projects and it has been the best way for us to bring people together, help them understand ways they can serve. People want to volunteer. We need to make it easy. Just Serve makes it easy. Just Serve is a great opportunity and we're proud to be part of it. >> [applause] >> So, a year ago, I was here and honored volunteers for National Volunteer Month. So, it's only fitting that we close out National Volunteer with a program that helps people volunteer. I have a question for the audience. How many of y'all volunteer in some way doing something outside just your regular job? Raise your hand. This is what Fort Worth is about, right? Give yourself a big round of applause. >> [applause] >> So, uh, Just Serve is actually affiliated with National League of Cities and, uh, through, uh, they have a focus on compassion, empathy, and unity, uh, uh, as part of their program and volunteerism overall. I'll say we just had the city of Fort Worth recognition for volunteer services. Uh, the $435,000 hours from the city of Fort Worth. That's about a$15 billion economic impact, that volunteerism just from the city of Fort Worth employees. So, we just serve focused on strengthening connections across diverse communities and uh ma building a stronger, more united city. And I have Beverly Bllelock here with me. Uh I've asked her if there's any connection with Alan Bllelock and she says not sure what they're going to figure out after the meeting. But I want to say you also have representatives from Hope Farm Catholic Charities and a with us as well. Um but I want to I'm going to not read this recognition. I'm going to let you uh take that with you. Would you want to say a few words about what you do and what the or how the organization works? >> Thank you, Councilman Crane. Um, good morning, council, council leaders and mayor. We're so pleased to be here today. I'm here with, like you said, lots of uh of faith organizations, uh, with nonprofit organizations, just serve leadership, and we're here to just let you know a little bit about what we do. And one of the things that we uh pride oursel in is just opening up the opportunity for people to easily have a website that they can go to and find opportunities to serve that are meaningful and and make a big difference. Um I'd like to um honor three of our nonprofit organizations and allow them to tell you a moment or two about what they do. Uh we'll start with um Satcher Dash D Sacher Dawson, sorry, from Hope Farm. >> Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Beverly. Um for those who don't know, Hope Farm is a leadership development program for boys with no fathers in the home. Hope Farm was founded more than 30 years ago when two law enforcement officers noticed a painful pattern. So many young men entered into the justice system and they were growing up without fathers in the home or a positive role model in their lives. Instead of accepting that reality, these two men transformed a former crack house into a safe haven. a safe haven of mentoring, learning, and hope. Today, that small beginning has grown into three afterchool programs throughout the metroplex, a vocational center, and an upcoming elementary academy. Our mission is simple, but deeply rooted. It's deeply rooted in faith to transform underserved young boys into Christ centered men of integrity. We are guided by our four pillars. Read, feed, parent, and empower. We remove the barriers by by providing transportation meals tutoring Bible study, literacy support, and structured enrichment. And because of this real transformation happens at home too. Every boy's mother participates in the program called the mother's resource program. A required partner in our journey. O farm continues to see extraordinary outcomes, high graduation rates, strong workforce readiness, young men who grow into godly leaders, husbands, and fathers, and community changers. We're happy to partner with Just Serve. Just Serve is helping to play a vital role in what we're doing. Just Serve seeks to connect us with volunteers who strengthen every part of our mission from tutoring to literacy support to campus events. They also enrich they do enrichment activities and special projects. Their platform seeks to help us to reach people who want to serve with purpose and expand our capacity to meet our daily needs for our boys and families. Just served also opens its support to grant and giving opportunities through the through their giving machine initiative. Organizations that are selected to for the giving machine are connected directly with supporters to fund items to make an immediate impact. Reading headphones for us, sports equipment, meals, campus scholarships and vocational tools and many other things. These gifts allow us and other organizations selected to continue to remove barriers and providing the resources that our boys need to strive together. Partnerships like Hope Farm and Just Serve have the potential to create stronger and more connected communities. True partnership works and find alignment in commonalities and heart and passion. These are the partnerships that have the power to unite volunteers, donors, families to change the trajectory of our communities. Thank you. Hi, council. Thank you so much for this recognition. My name is Kelly Smith. I'm the volunteer specialist at Catholic Charities Fort Worth. And at Catholic Charities Fort Worth, we're relentlessly ending poverty one family at a time. We're always looking for ways to grow and strengthen our community volunteers. And Just Serve has been a wonderful platform for featuring our volunteer opportunities and connecting our community to our poverty ending work. We currently have 13 active projects featured on Just Serve. Community members are seamlessly linked directly to our volunteer website and they can complete their application and begin the process of joining our team of volunteers. I have truly appreciated the ease of use of the Just Serve platform as well as how responsive and communicative our Just Serve specialists have been, especially when it comes to promoting opportunities and brainstorming ideas of ways to get our community involved in the mission. Last year alone, 609 volunteers served more than 20,000 hours in our in support of our work. This was from rides to clients in need, mentoring our moms, providing child care support, as well as helping serve in our dental clinic. Thank you, council, and thank you, Just Serve, for being such a valuable partner in our mission. Thank you, mayor, and the council. My name is Dixie Mullins. I'm the chief development officer at AC Child and Family Services. We were founded in 1915 during the depression and our purpose was to serve destitute women and children and orphan children. Over the last 111 years, we've grown and evolved to now have a continuum of 17 programs and services to care for children and families in this community. Last year, we touched the lives of more than 31,000 community members through our work. and we couldn't do what we do without the involvement of this community. Um, I am wearing blue today because April is also child abuse prevention month and last year alone there were nearly 5,600 confirmed victims of child abuse in our community. We're the fourth highest county in the state of Texas, but we have Mayor Parker behind us and this wonderful community to help support our kids and families. And we were so blessed to um be introduced to Just Serve. They have supported uh about six of our programs. Just a few of those are helping us to provide free counseling. We do a lot of work in prevention um providing uh baby goods for our moms in our families together program and our grandparents that are in our kinship navigator program and also supporting our youth emergency shelter. It's the only youth shelter in Tarant County that serves children 5 to 17. So we are deeply grateful to the volunteers of Just Serve and their kind hearts. Um they have opened up a world of volunteers to us in communities that we really don't have a foothold in like Arlington and Grapevine and McKenna. So thank you just sir for your impact. Thank you. [applause] and Councilman uh Crane, I really appreciate your work on this special recognition for uh Fort Worth being a uh a service organization city and this this proclamation basically opens the door for Fort Worth to become an actual just served city and with this with this recognition certificate we'll be able to move that forward with that amazing award. Um um there are in te in Texas there are currently 10 that have com 10 cities that have completed the application process to become a just served city and that includes Houston Arlington thaworththing u gardens grand perry leander and others um with this designation. What it what it will do is make the opportunities for volunteering within our community even bigger and more outstanding. Um I personally am so committed to the belief that as we serve one another, we're really changing the whole attitude of the people that we work with. and service just brings us together and that's what we need to do. [clears throat] I thank you for your time today and really appreciate all that you do on behalf of the citizens of Fort Worth. [applause] Next will be a presentation of a recognition honoring longtime resident of Historic Southside, Donnie Lewis, by Council Member Nettles. So, I'm like the mayor. Today is a good day to recognize great people in the city of Fort Worth. And it's an honor to be standing next to Mr. Johnny Lewis. uh last last week we recognized him at our district 8 community uh community event. He was unable to attend and so we thought it would be be fitting of us to come to city hall and recognize his great effort and work in the historic southside. Many of you know him across the dis city staff. Many of you know him because he have called and complained and he has been working for um to make sure that historic southside is not forgotten uh and is treated fairly. And so I want to read this pro this recognition. The city of Fort Worth special recognition presented to Mr. Johnny Lewis life and legacy. The man Johnny Lewis a lifelong resident of historic Southside for over 50 years is a retired veteran who served to our community and our country is truly inspiring. He served six years in the Air Force and 18 years in the National Guard. Thank you for your service. >> [applause] >> Mr. Lewis has been honored by numerous organization and retired from the Taran County after working for over 33 years as a unit supervisor. Mr. Lewis and his wife Shirley were was a dynamic team. Their vision to redevelop historic Southside began 20 years ago and they have dedicated their lives and turning the vision into reality. Therefore, the city of Fort Worth recognize and honor the life and legacy of Mr. Johnny Lewis. Thank you again for all you have done. Thank you for partnering with the city of Fort Worth for myself keeping me on my toes. Uh that's funny, right? He been keeping me on my toes all this time. All right. So, we really appreciate you. This is your award. Thank you. Yes. Yes, [applause and cheering] please. uh when uh when you receive an award like this, most people see the individual and I spent the last five years in Kenya. Uh I'm 18 19% >> 19% 19% Messiah and so I spent most spent always make sure I spend time with the Messiah warriors. And one of the things that they do whenever they usually when someone when they lose a family member or they lose someone or when they recognize someone one of the things they do is they go back and they don't just recognize that person they recognize that person and everything that made that person. So I just want if I can just have a few minutes I want to recognize two people that you'll never hear their names. John and Mary Lewis. My mother died when I was 11 years old. My father raised nine children and he said he had two rules. You ain't gonna leave this house and you gonna stay in school. So that went back to rule number one and he meant it. Uh so all of my all nine of my brothers and sisters all of us finish school. Most of us have degrees or have u have have professions. But that then my life doesn't end there. when when I got out of out of the base at Carwell, uh I came over to the southside and was u working at an old fire hall. Most of you will never see it because it's been torn down, but the things that that fireh hall did, uh lady by the name of Dr. AI Harris took me under her wings and a lot of the other older people in this community took me under their wings because I was kind of wild after after uh time in the Air Force. Her and M a lady by the name of Lenora Raer. They taught me about politics sat me down and told me and Deborah shaking her head because she was also one of those people who made me uh sit down and look at my look at what I was doing. Uh, and that was also a lady who you won't ever know her, most of you won't unless you've been here a long time, but her name was Bertha Collins. Bertha Collins was over the youth youth programs, handle the youth programs in the city of Fort Worth. And because of Bertha Collins, a number of children, she trusted me to find supervisors and old and older adults who would help supervise children. We went to Lion Country Safari. We went to uh uh Six Flags. We went to everything that you could name up everywhere where kids from other communities would go but our kids couldn't afford. Bertha Collins made that happen. And you need to remember that name and go back into the archives in the city of Fort Worth because now you'll see when you look when I was working with gangs, one of the things I remembered was the work the Bertha was doing and that was and that helped us to keep to get a lot of kid kids off of gangs. Most of you will not remember this, but Fort Worth had a a hell of a gang problem years ago. And not only that, Bertha and a man named Paul Sims was a community action agency. Uh we had they held a gang summit. It was held at the Tarant County Convention Center and I was one of those people who they sent into the streets to find gang members and leaders and bring them to that summit. Old if you if the police department check their old records, they'll find it. what I'm telling you is true. Uh then that fire hall on Hattie Street and uh there's one other group most of you never heard of, Kids Environmental Education Network. I still volunteer with them. We teach kids photography and we do nature trips and uh I volunteer with Allied Communities of Taran and uh that's about it. My life has been pretty full. I don't I don't have I don't have time to be bored and sit around. I'm going through some medical problems now. But there are two people here. My wife of 48 years, I lost her few years ago, Shirley Lewis. But my brother, my baby brother, Kenneth Lewis, has been taking me to uh radiation treatments, chemo treatments. My daughter, where is there? There you are. My daughter has these been my two caregivers. They have made sure that in times when when I feel like I don't let you know what has my life been they let me know that hey you've been doing some stuff and I appreciate them so much and so appreciation goes to these two people. These are two these other people here u working in the community. I have worked with them um trying to pass on every bit of knowledge that I have had that I have gained and uh I'm very proud and thankful them being here. And I didn't think he'd make it because he came from so far away to get back here. My pastor, Pastor Chovi, Pastor Chovi is here and he's one of those people that when I have those doubts uh that I can go to and get some spiritual knowledge and spiritual help. I know most people don't think Johnny Lewis doing things like that. Yeah, I do it too. But uh yeah, and so I just wanted to share that little bit with you. And these are some of the people who keep me going. Don't know how much time I got left here, but I'm fighting it every day. So, I just want to thank them, Ken. I'm so proud of you. I remember when I used to change my mama taught me how to change his diapers. But, but you need to know he was in Desert Storm. He's been he uh worked with the United Nations and quite a few other things. Proud of you, Kenneth. And my daughters, needless to say, and I'll shut up now. >> [applause] >> Yeah. Heat. Our next presentation will be a recognition of to Meals on Wheels volunteer Alexander Ditzac and I know I butchered that I apologize. um for life saving efforts. >> Thank you, Mayor and Council. Today seems to be all about uh service to others. Um just in recognition of that, I do want to give uh I we heard Hope Farm come up here a moment ago and talk. Really want to give recognition to uh Officer Jimmy Palazani in the back in the Fort Police Department. Every year they open up their restaurant uh free of charge to Hope Farm for the young boys to come in and serve their mothers and aunts and grandmothers and it's the most incredible thing to see the look on their face as they're serving their mothers. Um so it's incredible they do that. So huge thank you to the police department and uh Jimmy Clausani for doing that. Uh today we're recognizing a couple heroes. Uh one is 19 years old and the other one's 101. So he's got a few years on you. Um but uh on uh March 10th uh Alexander who is a volunteer with Mills on Wheels. He came to a house, a client uh who was not answering the door and then she came she came on the ring camera and said she was on the floor and she needed 911. Uh and so Alexander acted quickly. He called 911 and then he made sure he stayed in contact the homeowner the entire time until the ambulance got there and took care of her. Uh so had Mills on wheels not been the organization they are and hadn't even been there that day and had Alexander not been there that day would be a much different outcome. So, Alexander, thank you for staying calm, especially being so young, uh, for staying so calm and doing what was necessary. Um, so the city of Fort Worth, special recognition recognition presented to Alexander Zivak, such a cool name, in recognition of life-saving action and steadfast initiative. On March 10th, 2026, while serving as a volunteer with Mills on Wheels of Tarant County, Alexander demonstrated exceptional presence of mind and dedication to the well-being of others. While delivering meals along his route, he encountered a client experiencing serious medical emergency. Upon realizing the urgency of the situation, Alexander calmly and decisively followed his training, contacting emergency training services, uh, emergency services, and remaining in communication with the client until help arrived. His swift actions were instrumental in ensuring the client received life-saving care. Throughout his selfless service, Alexander exemplifies the very best of Fort Worth spirit, neighbors, caring for neighbors, and volunteers going above and beyond to protect and uplift our community. City of Fort Worth, District 4 extends its deepest gratitude and commends Alexander for his heroic actions and commitment to service. Signed this 28 day of April, some dude named Lowers. Thank you so much. [applause] >> Well, thank you very much to Meals on Wheels and everyone over there for uh teaching me uh how to do this. And thank you to my both my parents. Um, the only last thing I'd say is that Meals and Wheels is always looking for more volunteers to help out. Um, we could we could definitely use it. Uh, I know that Deianne will appreciate the help if we don't have any more open routes. >> Alexander, what inspired you to be a Meals on Wheels volunteer? >> Um, it was December. It was I think the second week of December. My parents were talking about how volunteer organizations were going to need help. I've always enjoyed doing organiz volunteer work and they had mentioned Meals on Wheels and so not even looking at the organization I just drove right down to the uh uh main office and talked with them got signed up and then I got the next day I was the last orientation day and ever since then I've absolutely loved doing it um and I would encourage anyone who has a free hour and a half out of their day uh to look into it. >> Thank you Alexander. We're glad to recognize you today, but maybe you're an inspiration for other young people that want to do the same thing. Your Meals on Wheels folks over here were very proud of your first thing out of your mouth. Absolutely. Thank you. [applause] >> Oh, yeah. Next will be a presentation [applause] of a recognition to Don Graves for 101 years of life. >> [applause] >> Okay, there's Alan. Where'd Alan go? Anyone who does not know Don has probably been living under a rock for I don't know how many years. Um, Corporal Don Graves, if you don't know, first of all, sorry for just insulting you. Um, but Don Graves is a local legend, not just here in Fort Worth, but in the Marine Corps, um, and state of Texas and all over. He fought at a young age of 17 um on Euima. Not I mean anyone who's on Euima at the time that's a hard place to be but he was also a flamethrower on Euima. So he could have easily have come home after his uh his years of service sat on the couch for the rest of his life and we would have all still been in in absolute debt to his service to our country. but instead he came back to serve uh whether as a pastor or just serving his community and he's continued to serve it um all the way up to 101 years of uh young life. So uh you can always find Don at Cafe Republic every morning telling his story uh events whether it's the rodeo, the Rangers game, stars I think he sung the national anthem at pretty much any and every event. Um he constantly blesses everyone with uh his rendition of God Bless America and he's just done so much for this community. Uh and he truly is a local treasure. So uh Corporal Graves uh thank you for everything you've done not just for our country but for our community as well. U you've truly inspired me. We've read your stories and books. We've read your stories. I mean we've seen reenactments and movies. Uh but you lived it and you continue to inspire others. So thank you. I I do want Allan to say a few words uh because I think you actually technically live there. But anyways, Allan [clears throat] Don, thank you young man for representing District 10 so well. You are one of my favorite constituents and I have enjoyed you. You're inspirational to me and to so many others. As Charlie mentioned, you've performed everywhere. What he didn't mention is you have spent so much time in our schools over your life talking to all our young ones and providing inspiration to them as well. You've given so much of your time throughout your life to everyone and I am just so impressed and so thankful for that. So today we're here celebrating you. Thank you. Happy birthday [applause] like say a few words. [applause] >> Did I do that? I did. Well, I will tell you this. There are three things I will never forget. First one, I love the Marine Corps. I'll never take any other thing for it. I love this country and I love that blessed flag and I love you people. And I think I'll go for 105. [applause] >> So, Don, you can have a seat, but don't go too far. Um, and thank you for thank you mayor for allowing me to read this proclamation. Uh, but in the name and by the authority of the city of Fort Worth mayor, this official recognition is hereby presented to Don Graves in celebration of 101 years of life. Whereas Corporal Don Graves celebrates his 101st birthday marking more than a century of life defined by the Marine Corps's core value of honor, courage, and commitment and serving as an extraordinary example to all follow to all who follow. And whereas Corpal Graves honorably served his nation as a United States Marine, including through his bravery during the Battle of Euima in World War II, one of the most iconic and defying battles in Marine Corps history, where his courage and resolve as not just a US Marine, but as a flamethrower, one of the most dangerous jobs of its time, reflected the very best of those who fought to secure freedom. Whereas throughout his life, Corpal Graves has remained steadfast in his devotion to God and his loved country, a commitment captured in his own enduring words, "God bless America." And whereas the wisdom carried at the stories he so eagerly shares, many shaped by his experiences at Iwuima and beyond, has enriched the residents of this community and imparted timeless lessons of resilience in the face of hardship, sacrifice, and service to others, faith in times of uncertainty, and the enduring values of selflessness. And whereas Corporal Graves has made a lasting impact on the entire city of Fort Worth, standing as a giant among men whose integrity, humility, and leadership have inspired generations, reminding us that our city is strengthened and indeed defined by people of such character. Now therefore, we proudly honor Corporal Donald Don Graves on his 101st birthday, recognizing his remarkable life, his bravery, his lifetime of service to community, God, country, and core, and his enduring legacy within the city of Fort Worth. May his legacy continue to guide and inspire us all. Sign Mattie Parker, mayor of Fort Worth. [applause] >> You're welcome. And I think we're going to go ahead and move one item up uh on the agenda. So, I'm going to return to the DAS, but I'll be right back in just one minute. >> No, you're good. Yeah, we'll we'll do that in just one second. So, just stand by real quick. That is correct. We have a request to take the council proposal CP337 out of order and do it next. And mayor, we have one speaker on that item. >> Thank you, Janette. Appreciate that. Um, our speaker on this item is Rick Irving. Council, just as a reminder, this is CP 337, which is the renaming of North Park YMCA to Corporal Don Graves YMCA Community Center. My name is Rick Irving and uh a friend of many of you, but like me, Don is a friend to many people here. You've heard all the things about Don, but every day he wakes up with a memory of those hundreds and thousands of fellow Marines that died on Euima. And what's before you now is renaming North Park YMCA to Corporal Don Graves YMCA Community Center. And that's not just an honor for Don, but it's an honor for those people in his generation that paved the way for the freedom we have today. And there's going to be generations of children that go to that YMCA and they're going to ask, "Who was Corporal Don Graves?" and they're going to find out about sacrifice, about people of his generation. So, I wholeheartedly uh would like to encourage everybody to vote yes on this. [applause] >> Council member Larsdorf. >> Um, yes. So, I'd like to make a motion to suspend council rules of procedure section 5.2.1 2.1 to allow this council proposal to be acted upon at this meeting. >> Second. >> Got a motion and a second. Council, please vote to motion to send rules. >> Motion carries. [applause] >> Okay. Thank you, mayor. Uh thank you, council. So, in looking at what we can do for, you know, Don's generation, we can give proclamations. didn't give recognitions. Um, but I said we can go a step further. And so I asked this council to support this resolution to rename our community center, the Corporal Don Graves, YMCA Community Center. It's a long one. We're still not sure what we're going to call it. If it's going to be the Dawn, it's going to be the Corporal, the Y, the Don Y. We we don't know yet, but we'll figure it out. Um, but the other night we had a special um small dinner just let Don know that this was going to be happening and we're going to be voting on it. Um, and I think we had the photo up just a minute ago and the look on his face uh said it all. Um, because it does mean a lot when you're driving by and you see that name and then you start asking why and you look up his story and not just his story because he represents the very best of us and the very best generation. Um, and so know we're going to fill that YMCA with with some memorabilia so others can learn about him and make this truly a community center. And I really want to thank the YMCA and we have some folks here including the uh the CEO right back here. Thank you Eddie. um really for helping to make this happen and being on board and supporting this. When I'm done with this job, I'm gonna be somebody asked what I'm most proud of. It's two things. One, the Jack in the Box will be approved less than a mile from my house. That was a big one. Uh secondly, it was this one because this means a lot. And some may say it's ceremonial, but it's far more than that. Uh it's really honor honoring sacrifice and devotion to not just our country, but our community as well. So with that, I enthusiastically make a motion to approve council proposal 337. >> Motion, a second. Council, please vote. Council Peoples, I'm sorry if I missed you. Can you say anything? Go ahead, please. are of my parents' generation and the work that you have done and the example that you have exhibited every single day is what we should all strive to do and to be and I am grateful for your service but also your leadership. >> Awesome. Thank you. And [applause] >> I guess let's take the vote first before we start celebrating. So, you know, it might be a close one. >> Please vote. >> Awesome. >> Motion carries unanimously. [applause] >> If I could, um, we have a couple really important organizations here. Roll call and we have Mary here from Roll Call. Um, and we also have the Air Power Council. Um, if you have served this country, um, or you're currently serving our country, could you please stand so we could all recognize you? >> May I say one thing? >> Yes, sir. >> See that little guy sitting next to the mayor? Oh my gosh. Give him some applause. Look at him. He's going to be governor. >> All right. Can I get air power folks and the roll call folks to come on down for a picture? Then mayor and council I u you're all encouraged to come down as well. >> Great. right here for this guy right here. It's always easier to Okay, so that gets us back to the start of the consent agenda with the first being any items being withdrawn or continued by staff. I do not believe we have any. So, mayor, that gets us to uh the consent speakers, and I believe we have three. Thank you. Our first speaker is Chris Wood, followed by Bob Willoughby, and then Adrienne Smith. I'm Chris Wood from Fort Worth. I support increasing receipts and appropriations from the Atti Levy Trust to support technology resources at Fort Worth libraries. I'm speaking in support of this because I've relied on these resources myself. In 2021, due to limited funds, I did not have a computer. The library's public computers gave me reliable access when I needed it most. I was not the only one. I saw many other residents who depend on library technology every day, including people experiencing homelessness. For many of us, the library is the vital, free, and safe place to do essential tasks such as researching and applying for jobs, completing housing applications, accessing social services, and communicating with employers, case workers, and family. Even when someone uses a computer for education or just a few minutes of normaly and relief that access matters because it helps people stay connected and keep moving forward. Approving this item is a practical investment in opportunity and public service. It helps ensure our libraries can keep up with demand, maintain dependable equipment, and continue serving residents who do not have technology at home. This is one of the city's many chances to make things better. Thank you, Bob Willoughby, followed by Adrienne Smith. Okay, this is about MC. You can see it on there. Uh, which I don't put on the screen anymore, so you don't know what you're talking about. Um, our election, this is due with the bond. So, before you say I'm off track, I'm not off track. Clint here. A few years back a video came out of our tally room of Tarant County tally room elections and it showed a lot of lot of problems in that room and a lot of people fled. The administrator went to Dallas after a closed door meeting with Tim O'Hara Cat. She stepped down. She was one of the main people in there. She came out on Facebook and said that she had mental problems and that she's a leftwing radical Democrat. You know what? After everything settled down, nobody answered any questions. administrator went. We had to bring this one in from Wyoming here. We got over two million people in Tarant County. We can't hire anybody here to be an administrator. No, they brought him in from Wyoming because he's a specialist. He knows how to rig elections. The last District 5 election was rigged. That's why Deborah Peoples is sitting there. >> Oh, yeah. Sustain. >> I'm going to retrain my time. That's not a point. That's fact. >> No, it's not. It's absolutely false. >> Can you prove it false? You can't. I can. I can prove it fact because the numbers don't lie. Voting numbers dropped down 90% in one election. No, an in election before that they dropped 50%. Because this guy knows how to manipulate the machines. That's why they brought him in from Wyoming. >> Bob, >> not one question was answered. It's not to be trusted. Election for the day. It's great to see you. >> Good. Shut it down because you don't want people to know the truth. >> No, I just want us to continue with the consent items. Thank you very much. Adrienne, you're up, sir. >> Adrienne Smith, District 6. I am one with the people. Council member Crane. Let me begin by first stating to you, sir, my apologies for my behavior at the last meeting. You didn't you did not deserve that. Since 2023, you have been the same towards me when we both decided to offer ourselves up to the service of this of this city. So, I want to say thank you for that. You didn't deserve it. My apologies. Now, to the matter at hand, to follow up with what my friend Bob was stating, there's no reason our city should have a budget shortfall. There is no reason we should be falsely obligating the residents of this city to consider another fraudulent bond. The two previous bonds 2018 and 2022 totaling a combined amount of $959,500,000 with similar propositions have nothing to show for them as it relates to improvements for our city. This is a result of bad of a bad governing body. the mayor, city council, city manager whose decision making has hurt us more as a city than help. I have previously stated everything begins and ends with the mayor. The mayor is not only the face of the city, but the voice that is supposed to transcend beyond what is deemed necessary for the city. If this massive fraud passes this upcoming May 2nd by the people, we will be in bondage to the tune of 1 billion799,500,000 with interest with our livelihoods as the collateral as repayment for it. We the people hold the true power for change. But it requires a collective effort in saying no. And making this council accountable for the for the positions they occupy. Our livelihoods whether you choose to participate or not will be affected the same. Everything is decision making. Protesting will not change it. Voting will. Emotional outrage will not change it. Voting will. Being present only in moments of recognition or controversies will not change it. Voting will. The power of the vote is and will continue being the greatest equalizer for change against tyranny. In my stance, you all know that I'm against this bond. I supported one proposition that was Proposition D as it relates to giving money to affordable housing. Even though you all increased that amount after the pressure from the people, you know, it should have been more. But I digress. Thank you. I'm working. Go ahead, Chris. I know. I'm so sorry. I can't There we Let me try to get There we go. >> All right. Uh, yeah, I have a comment on M MC26-0266. I want to thank the effort for Dave Lewis and his team as well as city staff going out to get this um $1.5 million for the Oak Grove Park. Uh, when I was first elected, it was just park land with nothing there with no idea to come. We worked to get dollars to that. And due to the 2022 bond election, 2022 bond election, we was able to add another $1.5 million. So bond elections do work and they are great for the city of Fort Worth and so I really appreciate this. Look forward to voting for it. This park is going to have basketball courts, volleyball courts, and walking trails. Thank you for the city of Fort Worth and city manager. >> Thank you, Chris. Council, I've got a motion to second. Please vote. Motion carries. Next will be upcoming and recent events and announcements by council members. Council member Flores and Council Larsdorf. Is it working? I don't know. Try it now. Council member. >> It doesn't work. I can keep clicking it. There you go. >> Okay. Is that it? There we go. Finally. Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Have three slides. Let's go right through them. Okay. From left to right. Uh Billy Minnik or Mr. Pam Minnick as he's known. Retired from Billy Bobs after 45 years service. Happy trails Billy. We'll see you soon. All right. Sat in for Mayor Parker at the recent inaugural mayor's summit hosted by Taran County Commissioner Krauss. Uh over on the right, the air power symposium with industry and military experts discussing the vitality and importance of air power was held. And I just want to uh like I told Mayor Parker, it was my opportunity to nerd out. So I really like that. There's also something going on with the Fort Worth Aviation Museum that I want to point out. They suffered a lot of hail damage. A lot of their aircraft on display that most for the most part are displayed outdoors. former uh Secretary of Defense Gordon England offered a $10,000 match. So, we've set up a GoFundMe page, Fort Worth Aviation Museum Facebook page. Please contribute. I ask that of you. I've contributed. Every little bit helps. Next slide, please. City had a bond program in advance of the next slide. All right, there we go. uh city had a its uh 2026 bond program over in the Diamond Hill Community Center. It went well. Good discourse and good questions asked. In the center, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Tarant County had a ribbon cutting for their new mural and it also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Moors Foundation which contributed to that mural creation. So, thanks to the artist and to the Morris Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club. All right. On the right, women of courage. We had a recognition event at the North Side Community Center and uh again we honored those women for their individual contributions to making our community great. Next slide please. Okay, on the left citizens on patrol recognition lunchon celebrating 35 years of those folks service and I was joined by Macy Hill and Michael Crane on that. Congratulations to the awardees in the center. Uh I had the honor of addressing uh the folks at the Tarant County Sexual Abuse Advisory Council conference recently at the Lip Poke home. And to the right uh we celebrated the deos nños in Libros uh by artist de la Rosa over at the Rose Marine Theater. And that's all I have. >> Thank you, Carlos. Council Larsdorf left. Mayor, >> thank you Council Member Hill. Just one quick shout out to Dickiy's Arena for being nominated for arena of the year by the Academy of Country Music for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards. This is the fifth year that we have been nominated and the awards will be held in Las Vegas on May 17th. We want to wish Matt Homeman and the entire Dicki team luck. This is a really big deal for us. And then just want to take a point of privilege and thank um environmental services, storm water and parks department for their hard work um starting on Sunday morning bright and early and responding to all of our residents across the city and they are continuing to work hard for the storm cleanup. I just want to let you know how much we appreciate you. >> Thank you. And council Beck a [snorts] couple uh upcoming events in the district. First and foremost, April 30th through May 3rd. So this week and this weekend we have Mayfest. Um, always a great time and we are praying that the weather's going to uh hold out for us. Next slide. Also, this weekend we have the first Saturdays at Sundance Square. It's a great artisan market. If you have not had the opportunity to visit, I would highly recommend popping over to um Mayfest and then hitting Sundance Square. Next slide. All right. If you're still looking for something to do this weekend, May 3rd in Artisan Circle, they will be having their Cinco de Mayo U event from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. Next slide. Okay, next weekend um Mother's Day weekend, uh don't miss the Fair Mount Tour of Homes. Um it's always a great event um to get to go through and look at some of uh Fort Worth's uh history. Next slide. Um May 23rd is our annual Fort Worth Carry the Load event. It's part of the national relay that starts at different points across the country and ends in that city to the east we don't name. Uh but for those of you that are city employees, you should have received several reminders and you will receive several more between now and the cuto off time to sign up. U I ask that all city employees consider signing up and being part of our team to help u remember those um service members and first responders that have fallen in the line of duty. Um, and then this next one is a point of personal privilege. And if I could ask Anthony Rohos to please stand up. That's you. >> Today is Anony's last council meeting with >> Oh, congratulations, Anthony. >> I know. Yeah. Um, many of you don't know this, but um, outside of my ex-husband, Anthony is actually the longest relationship I've ever had. [laughter] He's been with me for six years, so he is just glutton for punishment. Um, Anthony has been with me since 2019. I think he was 19 at the time. He didn't tell me that. He let me buy him beer. And, um, we didn't find out he was not 21 until he came to work for the city. So, um, be careful. Anthony can be sneaky. Uh, Anthony has been an amazing staff member. I have watched him grow over the years from a young kid whose neck I wanted to strangle sometimes to um a really just amazing employee, member of the city and member of the community. He's led so much here um both inside the walls of city hall and outside. Um he is not leaving public service. He is going on to represent uh uh a greater District 9. Um so we wish him the best of luck in that. if you need constituency services, he is still going to be your guy. So, um, please take the next week to wish Anthony the best of luck as he moves on to his next endeavor. Congratulations. [applause] And I do know that Anthony is a huge Texas Rangers fan. >> And when I got to ride in the parade, I'll never forget you were taking a sea of 600,000 people and all of a sudden I hear Anthony go Maddie as loud as possible. and you had waited in line, I guess, all night long >> to be at the front of that parade um when they were world champions. But you are you are a joy, Anthony. It's so great to see young people that are part of this city want us to be successful and honestly people in D9 always talk about your office. Both you and Mia do a great job and I know how hard it is to take constituent calls. That's where a lot of us started um in public service and we're very thankful for your leadership. So, congrats on your new endeavor. Next will be item 26-59 04 board appointments from district 3. >> Council member Crane. >> Yes, mayor. Council, uh, I request request your consideration to reappoint the following individual to the board below with the term effective April 28th, 2026 and ending October 1st, 2027. Chelsea Griffith, firstterm park and recreation advisory board. Motion and a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. >> Next will be 26-5914 to approve. >> Motion a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. >> Next is 26-5916. >> Move to approve. >> Motion and a second. Thank you so much to Alice and the entire team for working so hard on this one. Vote. Motion carries. Next is 26-5930. Motion and a second. Please vote. Motion carries. >> Next is 26-5932. Motion and a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. Next is 26-5933. Motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries. Next is 26-5935. Motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries. Next is 26-5937. A second. Please vote. Motion carries. >> Next is 26-5939. Motion and a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. Next is 26-5941. Motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries. >> Next is 26-5943. >> Motion in a second. Please vote. Motion carries. Thank you to bond council for all of those M andC's. >> Next will be MNC 26-0275. Staff's available if there are questions. >> A motion and a second. Councel, please vote. Motion carries. Next is MNC26-0286. Motion and a second. Council, please vote. Oh, I didn't vote. Sorry. Motion carries. There we go. >> Next is MNC26-0319. >> Okay. Entertain a motion. >> We have one speaker. >> Oh, it's only if there's opposition. My knowledge there is none. Mr. Nettles. motion and a second. Please vote. Motion carries. Next is ZC-25-208 to approve. >> Motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries. >> Next is ZC-25-185. >> We have two speakers on this item, council. The first is Joe Panosasi Sanasi, excuse me, and Adrienne Smith is the second speaker. Passani. I was getting closer. >> We're really close. >> Good morning or afternoon. >> Good morning or afternoon. Joe Passani, council member, mayor, council members. Um, I'm here to speak on behalf and answer any questions about the proposal for we have on the table for putting in the batch plant on this location there with the rail spur. >> Thank you, Joe. Council member Fues, you have any questions at this time? >> Yep. >> Okay. I have no questions. Appreciate Mr. Pasani being here. We have discussed this and what I found in my course of discussion with staff is that the zoning commission recommendation was for a five-year cup for a permanent batch plant and um there was a revised site plan that you and I had discussed but that has not been reviewed yet by staff was submitted late. So, from a strictly a process standpoint, I'm going to continue this uh to the next council meeting. And I believe we do not have a council meeting on the end of May, which would put us, I think, in June 8th or 9th. 9th. Thank you. Um, so that's when we're going to continue the case. >> Got a motion in a second. Thank you. Um, I do have one more speaker. Carlos Adrienne Smith is still a speaker available. So it's it's good to hear that there is a continuation concerning this particular matter. Um it's a proposed concrete uh batch plant. Concrete uh plants pose significant health and environmental dangers primarily through the release of dust containing crystalline silica is known a known cause of lung damage cilio silicosis and cancer. So we as we've heard the applicant was just up here and he offered to give you know answers to questions if you all had any but it's going to be a continuation and the council member he echoed that they've already had a discussion but my question to the council member has this discussion been had had with the community as a whole because to the left of this particular site to the west of this particular particular site is a community. Okay. And to the south of this particular site is a elementary school. So my question to the council member, if we're going to do a continuation, will the community be a part of this discussion? Have they been brought on board as to what's due to possibly take place? And it shouldn't be at a morning meeting. And it should be at a night meeting where more people can attend. We know what these morning meetings are for to get things passed like under the under the table, you know, when not too many eyes and ear. You can shake your head all you want, mayor, but you know it's the truth. However, Mr. Council Member Flores, if you're going to give this applicant more time, please include the community, the district that you represent, you have been representing for the last what 10 plus years. I might got my timeline wrong, but please include the community. Uh, and if if those babies could vote, which I know, you know, those elementary school kids, they can't vote. They can have mock elections or whatever in their schools, you know, but if they could vote, I'm sure they would vote, they'll be a no vote. I'm sure they want their livelihoods to uh continue, you know, they want to become adults like we have become adults, you know. So please, I'm asking and it's up to the media. The media, you you all are always here. Please do a story on this or, you know, say something about it because it's wrong. Um, it's it's not going to benefit anyone but the applicant, the business. Um, I'm against it. I will be at the next meeting whenever you do decide to bring this back up. I will be watching. I will be waiting. Thank you. >> Yes. Council member Flores, >> reiterate uh my motion again uh to continue this case the next council meeting June 9th and uh the nearby communities and organizations have been notified as required for our notification. And uh that said community is more than 300 feet away from the site which is above the state requirement and the school is at least 1,200 feet away. again of the state requirement. You're all looking at that. Staff is looking at it. We're going to review the site plan. Therefore, my motion stands. >> Thank you, Carlos. Council member Flores, we have a motion and a second. Please vote. Motion to continue passes. Next is ZC-25-199. Council member Nettles. A motion and a second. Council, please vote. >> Motion carries. >> Next is ZC-26-00009. Nettles. >> Okay. I'm going to ask applicant to come quickly um to over the PA system. Let us know what exactly you doing change. We changed this zoning about two years ago and he's coming back to make an come on to make an amendment uh to the change and I want to make sure that it's on the record. Good afternoon. My name Vernon McCoy. I'm the owner of the property. Um, I had this property reszone about two years ago and it's just one of the things that I've been working on. I live in that community and I'm trying to do something to I'm trying to do something to help my community and I'm trying to put something there where I can uh get other people involved with it to to run businesses in our community, but it's just been a little bit kind of difficult for me to do that. And so what I'm trying to do with uh asking for a reasonzoning is to uh allow other businesses that will that's willing to come to that community to work >> and I'll be happy to answer any questions anyone have. >> What business are you reaching out to? I want to be Pacific Place. >> Well, I've been reaching out to restaurants to try to come to that area. Someone that can run some type of supermarket for that area. Um, but the only ones that I have been able to get in contact that w that's willing to come to that area are have have been things like um hair salons, barber shops, um, uh, mechanical shops. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. What what I'm going to do is I I thought it was going to be a little bit more clear, but I'm not clear. I'm going to continue this case to do we have zoning uh next month the 1st 12th. We don't have any in May. Oh wow. I'm going have to continue this to I'm not getting what I need uh to June 9th because I want to make sure the community knows exactly what you're trying to propose and I know exactly what you're trying to propose and it's not you're not giving me a clear answer on that. >> Sure. Um, I did have a I'm a member of the Glen Chris uh civil Yes, sir. >> And I have talked with my president and the former vice pre uh the former president of this. >> Um, so I'm more than happy to let you talk with them. >> All right. Thank you. That's my motion. >> Got a motion and a second. Council, I'm sorry. I don't have a second yet. Motion a second. Please vote. Motion carries. >> Next is ZC-26-011. >> Move to approve. >> Motion in a second. Please vote. Motion carries. Next is ZC-26-015. Council peoples, we have one speaker on this item. Say sir Gonzalez to ask for continuances uh on this case. Uh Mr. Gonzalez and my team has talked to him. uh our staff looked at it and said the land use wasn't compatible, the comp plan wasn't compatible, consistent, and I was going to look at denying this. However, Mr. uh Gonzalez has come to me and said he has met with the neighborhood association and they are in agreement. I have not heard that and this is a neighborhood of single families. So, I wanted to continue this until June the 9th because I think you said you had speakers and information about those that were in favor of it. >> Uh, yes. >> Oh, so they are not here, mayor, to speak on it. And so I'm going to ask that we continue this case until June the 9th until I can hear from the neighborhood associations uh about their wishes. And so I think you're in agreement with that, Mr. Gonzalez. >> Oh yeah, that'll be fine. >> Okay. And a motion and a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. Next is ZC-26-016. >> Move to approve. Oh, we have a It looks like we have a speaker. >> We do. Uh, Maryell Pool is here only if there's opposition. >> My knowledge there is none. So, you're good Deborah. >> A move to approve. >> Motion in a second. Please vote. Motion carries. Next is ZC-26-017. Council Hall, we have three speakers, but only if there's opposition. To my knowledge, there is none. Try that again. Just a second. There you go. >> Thank you, mayor. Um, I did have some questions about the case. I didn't know if they if the representative was here. Is Wesley Berlin, Trey Williams, or Broad Denzen present? Great. Come on down. >> Good afternoon, Wesley Berlin with Spartan Engineering. >> Hey, Wesley. Good afternoon. Thank you so much for being here. I did have some questions with regards to or a question with regards to um the parking and the and the congestion in that area. Um there's just been some concern raised with regards to because it is such a small track of land and the way that I guess I would say patrons are moving in and out of that area now with regards to the coffee shop and the apartment complexes that are adjacent. And I was just wondering I had asked questions about that and I never received any received any information about that. So that was a concern. I was curious to know how you to address that. >> Yeah, thank thank you for the question. Um really the the configuration of this site is has kind of been set up uh already with with how the the lot has been developed. So, uh, essentially the the cross access drives to and from this property to and from the parking lot really are are already established the way they are. I'll say from a a traffic generation standpoint, AutoZone being a retail use would certainly be a lower traffic generator than uh several other potential uses that could go there. So I think given the given the the surrounding layout that this site uh is really is is set um the fact that our traffic generation would be significantly less um I think I think that's probably the the main reasons why we think it's appropriate. >> Okay. I had I guess um I was under the impression that there was going to be more information with regards to just I guess more details about that and that was expressed as a concern that I believe zoning had um to this request as well. Um I would like to um continue this uh zoning case as well so that we can have more um information or more confirmation that there's not going to be an issue um about it. So that would also I guess be in line with most most people are doing today. So, I would like to make a motion to uh continue ZC26017 until June 9th. >> A motion and a second. Council member Hall, are you good? >> Yeah. >> Go ahead. If you >> Sorry, I was just trying to be a little be a little bit easier. We just have uh there's basically typically three employees, so there'll be three cars and then we typically don't have more. Now, it can have a few more, but typically more than three or four other people ever in there at any one time. Where if you have a McDonald's or a chicken finger place or another coffee user, then all those QSRs, which are called quick service restaurants, are going to have tremendously more traffic than we would have. So, we would have a much smaller contingent of of traffic there than almost any other use I can think of that's already that those guys can already go there. >> Thank you. Got a motion to second. Council, please vote. Motion continues. >> Next item is ZC-26-019. Council member Beck and a second. Please vote. Motion continues. Motion passes. Sorry, I'm hungry. Next item is ZC-26-020. Motion in a second. Please vote. Motion passes. Next is ZC-26-028. >> Motion in a second. Please vote. Motion passes. Next is ZC-26-00005. Council member Flores. >> All right, there we go. Uh, I move to approve the recommendation by the zoning commission as amended for exterior lighting to face inward onto the site and all motion sensor security lights to turn off after a maximum of 3 minutes. Motion a second. Council, please vote. Motion carries. Mayor and Council, that concludes all of the action items and gets us to public comments. >> Thank you, Janette. Our first public comment speaker is Connley Brewer, followed by George Charles. >> George Charles, followed by Bob Willoughby. Well, you're not going to start the clock on me until I get to the podium. I don't know what I've got Adrian didn't have. The last of the meeting on February 24th at screen time 36 minutes 58 seconds, Bob appeared to have a video shown. The following took place. The mayor said, quote, "Unfortunately, Bob, your video is not going to be played this afternoon. If you'd like for Leanne to explain why, I'll be happy to have her." Unquote. At that point, Bob interjected with quote, "Now, why couldn't you explain to me why in the last two days if it was dropped off, you had Friday, Monday, no email, nothing. Why? You know why it wasn't played?" Unquote. The mayor interjected with quote, "Leanne," unquote. Bob Counter interjected with quote, "People go to my website fwdist5.com. They don't want you to see something. That is all the reasons in the world you should want to see it. Somebody left their phone up here." The city attorney ventured forth with, "I did send you an email." Unquote. Bob then began salvaging what was left of his three minutes. I now offer this analysis beginning with the mayor's unfortunately her intention was to trap Bob into a reaction that would ultimately cause him to be banned again. The reason that she would be glad to get the city attorney into this and tried twice to do so was that Bob saying one word to a member of staff would be grounds for his removal from the meeting as paragraphs five and six of the first provided document rule of conduct 5423D will clearly show. It is it is my if is my interpretation of these events to norish to be possible. Out of several examples, I offered that on November 7th, 2023, the John T. White Neighborhood Association thought the mayor's anonymity for Bob was strong enough to seriously suggest that he be banned from meetings for life. The mayor had on February 8th, 2022 allowed the spokesman for this to go off topic when the new topic was $70,000 more a year for her. The city said an email giving reasons for refusal was sent. Bob says he never got it. Later, one was received stating, quote, "We can't play your video today because it talks about issues related to upcoming charter elections, and per state law, our staff cannot be involved in using city resources to reference how a vote should go," unquote. What state law? All I could find was a was the second provided document, election code 255003, political advertising. The third provided document, Texas ethics commission advisory opinion number 456 puts a very sharp state to the city attorney's stance that document two applies to members of the public speaking at meetings that are broadcast as a regular practice. What would cause a chief elected official and a department elected and and a department head to pervert I think that'll do it. Erica Christristenelli followed by Reed Bills. Erica present Reed Bills followed by Caroline James. I have spoken here several times asking for information as to who is investigating and enforcing violations of our anti-discrimination policy. Now that you have dissolved the diversity and inclusion department to date I have not received an answer. I served on the human relations commission for seven years and I know that the diversity and inclusion department monitors ra monitors racial, religious, gender, disabilities, and ethnic ethnic discrimination in housing, jobs, and public accommodations. Removing the DI department does not eliminate inequality. It means that now those who are discriminated against have no recourse against those who violate their rights. The DNI department also supports the Human Relations Commission which serves as a watchdog for assuring employees and residents are treated equitably. Who facilitates the work of this commission? Now, council members who voted to delete the department confused DEI with protection of civil rights. They are not the same thing. Protection from discrimination is enforcing violations of our anti-discrimination ordinance. DEI is establishing policies that avoid discrimination in the first place. Fort Worth needs both. Next speaker is Chris Wood, followed by Caroline James. Sorry, Chris, I missed you the first time. I'm Chris Wood. I'm here to join the discussion on Fort Worth first responders having issues with workers compensation claims when injured on the job. Many Fort Worth first responders face high denial rates for claims, long waits for approval, and repeated refusals for specialized medical care. A major issue is the city workers compensation in networkonly plan. When a doctor or specialist is not in the network, even if they are highly qualified, care is delayed or outright denied. For injuries that require specialized treatment, delays are not just frustrating, they can worsen outcomes and prolong recovery. There is a growing call to allow injured first responders to see qualified specialists outside the rigid network as long as they accept the city's rate. This would reduce delays, improve outcomes, and ultimately get people back to work faster and healthier. I want to share a personal experience. When I had a broken arm, I underwent conventional medical treatment. However, the treatment did not alleviate the extreme pain when pressure or weight was put on my arm. So, I turned to an extended water only fast under the guidance of a coach. friends paid for this because my insurance would not. Fasting indeed brought relief to my pain. I'm sharing this experience not to give medical advice, but to make a larger point. People seek alternative solutions if the system fails them. First responders should never have to fight for treatment or turn outside the system to find relief. They deserve timely access to appropriate specialists and a workers's compensation process that puts recovery first. Please allow injured first responders to see qualified specialists outside the network. Thank you. Caroline James will be followed by Kevin Carlson. Sorry, Caroline and then Kevin. I confused you. I said I'm so sorry. >> If you really want to go, you can. Good afternoon, Mayor Parker and council members. My name is Caroline James and I'm here to provide you with an update on literacy roundup. I'm so pleased to share that we've already begun screening students at libraries. Javier Rodriguez has been so helpful in coordinating screenings at five libraries. We have provided free screenings for students at Diamond Hill, East Regional, Southwest Regional, North Side Branch Libraries, and we have two more dates, May 9th and May 16th at Vivian J. Lincoln Library. Literacy Roundup continues to work hard for students who are struggling, students like this middle school student. She's starting to get in trouble because she'd rather be in trouble than be the kid in her class who can't read. Her mom found us on Facebook, desperate for help. She now has one of our advocates supporting her through the process at her school and she'll be back on track. In summer of 2025, the literacy roundup team screened over 400 students. Thank you to Councilwoman Hall, Councilwoman Beck and Martinez, and Mayor Parker for visiting us. I'm so pleased to share you with you that this summer after meeting with Eric Lopez, Nick Deding, and Mon'nique Hill, Literacy Roundup will be in 13 community centers. So there's the map. We will be all over the place. We will be at, let's see, the community centers we will serve are Chisen Trail, KO, Thomas Place, Eugene McCrae, Hanley Meadow Brick, Martin Luther King, Atiana Carr, Jefferson, Andrew Doc Sessions, North Side, Betsy Price, Highland Hills, Victory Forest, and Fire Station. And I visited them all this week. That means we'll screen over a thousand students in Fort Worth for dyslexia. Equally important, we will partner with families with students at at risk for dyslexia and ensure that they are connected with important services at their schools. The city's efforts are critically important for the future of our city. When a child struggles to read and falls behind their peers, they know it. Their peers know it. School stops being a place of safety and learning. Finding and serving students with dyslexia well is not an easy challenge. And Fort Worth Fort Worth's literacy challenges are not unique. But with your leadership and example, extraordinary things are happening. I invite each of you to visit us this spring at Vivian J. Lincoln Library May 9th or 16th and definitely this summer at the community centers in your district. Please also mark your calendars for July 14th at 5:30. We will be at Fort Worth Steam Academy doing a dyslexia simulation. It's a powerful experience and I would hope that you could attend. Thank you for prioritizing literacy. A world-class city must be built on a world-class education system and that starts with literacy at the foundation for every child's success and future opportunity. I might have stolen that quote from you, Mayor Parker. Thank you for this opportunity to serve students so well. It is a privilege that I take very seriously. >> Our next speaker is Kevin Carlson, followed by Adrienne Smith, then James Smith. Good afternoon, Mayor Parker and Council. My name is Kevin Carlson. I'm a resident of Liberty Crossing in North Fort Worth District 10. Thank you, Mary. Thank you, Mayor Parker, for doing what you can with my community concerns regarding the 7-Eleven construction site at southwest corner of Heritage Trace and Blue Mountain Road. The 7-Eleven site is going to have an impact on property values and peace of mind peace um of my fellow residents. With this in mind, my request today is for the mayor's office and council to reszone the commercial parcels to the north of that at the northwest corner of Heritage Trace and Blue Mountain Road. The addresses of these parcels are 9261 92 92 9261-9491, 9399, and 9431 Blue Mountain Road. Please help with reszoning these parcels to er neighborhood commercial restricted. Proximity of these parcels to homes are very close to homes and children. This would allow family-friendly commercial uses. Mayor, I will email additional information to your staff. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Carlson. Adrienne Smith. So I'm I'm going to end how I be begun. Um we know that voting has voting is all we got as it relates to this this this this country, you know, this democratic country, however you want to talk about it. Voting is powerful. Voting is what brings us brings us together. broadening. It can also bring divisions amongst us. So, as it relates to the bond, the upcoming bond, you know, what people do when they when they want to get elected, they tell you what they're going to do, what they're inspired to do. You know, they try to convince people, hey, vote for me for this, this reason, that reason. And we we go, "Yeah, that that person sounds like the person I want." We give them our vote, and they get in the seats, right? They get in the seats. Well, what typically happens when people get elected, and this is I'm just generally speaking. I'm not, you know, this is general what I'm saying. Uh what what typically happens, they do the opposite. You see it on a federal level, it trickles, it's trickle down to the state level. Hey, it happens on the local level. You know, they they it's like a flip-flop. So I say it to say this when it came to this bond election when the city was doing its rounds you know spending time going to these various communities trying to convince people about why we should support the bond. Why didn't you give a presentation as to what you have already done? I don't think you did that. I think you just said hey we need you all to support this bond because because of XYZ. And I have my receipts. Mayor Parker, every bond that we've within the last, let's just say eight years because it's been since 2018, we we are going to be at a billion dollars, Mayor, as it relates to bonds. And you cannot sit here and look me in the eye and tell me that every dollar that was approved went towards the things that the people voted for. You cannot you cannot look me in my eye intimidate. So I reclaim my time, please. I reclaim my time. Point of order. I reclaim my time. May I reclaim my time? >> You You can't call point of order, Adrian, but you >> may I reclaim my time. This is [clears throat] a public comment. And um like I stated, we shall overcome and I'm not speaking about the we shall overcome that that that was reflected in the 60s. You know, we that that was a great error that that we shall overcome brought us to this to this point of overcoming. What I mean by when I say we should overcome, we should overcome bad representation as relates to our elected officials. Those individuals who basically make everything personal, who wear their feelings on their sleeve, Miss Beck, see unlike you all, you can't silence my voice. I will continue speaking. I will continue making myself available. Mayor, I hope you get the lunch you want. Thank you. >> That's a conclusion of our speakers because I do not see James. Oh, James, you are here. Hi there. James will be our last speaker. Council. >> Good afternoon, council. My name is James Smith. I live in District 8. In 2013, Jerry Waller was shot and killed by officers who went to the wrong home while responding to a burglary call. Waller went to his garage believing he heard a prowler. The officers shot Waller after after they claimed he had a gun and didn't obey orders to drop it. The two officers were both rookies and were later cleared by Turn County jury. This story is eerily similar to the death of Atiano Jefferson. The difference is officer was found guilty and the officers didn't follow policy and procedure. Although there was no conviction in this particular case, it took this family 10 years to get some form of accountability. I'm on year number seven or this family is on year number seven. So, I guess we got two more years. I ran across an article in the Fort Worth Weekly. Sometimes I probably need to get off the internet, but I ran across an article in the forward weekly and it's labeled Battlefield Fort Worth. Do local police need militarystyle weapons? And as I began to read, it says with some exceptions, the Fort Worth Police Department is to be trusted. They've maintained composure during protest and have not majority betrayed the public trust since one former officer fatally shot a top Jefferson in our home. When her name comes up in context like this, it strengthens me to come down here and speak to you because she's not forgotten and she won't be forgotten. The case in 2013, you had two rookies. The case in 2019 with the Tatiana, you had two rookies. Change is coming slowly, but it's coming. You haven't had a police shooting since 2019 that was that was deemed unjust. And I I commend the city on that. I commend the police department on that because before Tatiana got shot, as I've said probably over the past six years, six people were shot before they shot her. So, I'm glad there's a tourniquet on unjust police shootings. But personally, I don't feel I guess it's the apathy in me. I don't feel that it takes 10 years to correct a wrong. It shouldn't take 10 years to accept accountability when it's been proven by the conviction of the officer, by your million-doll uh testament of your police department as as to whether they were doing right or wrong. So, let's continue the change in the proper context. Thank you, >> council. Well, at this time, we'll now convene into executive session on the following matters. The city council will conduct a closed meeting in order to seek the advice of its attorneys is authorized by section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code. Deliberate concerning real property matters is authorized by section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code. Deliberate concerning economic development negotiations is authorized by section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code. And deliberate concerning security is authorized by section 551.076 and section 551.089 089 to the Texas government code. Meeting is adjourned.