City Council - Regular Meeting

Good afternoon, everyone. I'm gonna call it the April 7 council meeting to order. All council members are present. I'm gonna ask pastor Moten if you can give the invocation. Pastor Moten, come to him. Hold on.

Oh, Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all of the earth. We bless you, Lord, for the privilege to be able to call upon your holy name in prayer And for the purpose that you have gathered us here today, we honor your presence. We thank you, heavenly father, for loving us the way that you do, that you would bless us in so many ways that you have, not because we are so deserving, but because you are so good. Thank you, Father God, for the joys of this time that we will share. Thank you for every matter of business that will be required for discussion.

It's our prayer that all will honor you, and you will get the glory. And we thank you, and we bless you for this privilege just to invoke your presence, for your presence makes the difference. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thank you, pastor Moten. Thank you, for being here this evening. Counsel, we will now have approval of agenda with the exception pulling r s 26 dash zero five one. That's agenda item number three. So please include that exception in your motion. Councilmember Solomon.

Yes. Thank you, miss Amero. I'll make a motion that we approve the agenda with the exception of RIS Dash26Dash051.

Is there a second? Council member Kendrick.

I second it.

Alright. All in favor, aye. All opposed, no. Motion carries four to zero. Alright.

Presentations. Council member Solomon, will you join me down at the mic? So in the spirit of volunteerism, if all of you remember when George Bush talked about points of light, he mentioned a bunch of people sharing and caring for their communities. And that led to a whole bunch of awards and programs and projects that exist, including here in Texas, the One Star Foundation, and then the eventual establishment of the Clean Star Award, which each of our council members can choose some worthy individual who has promoted, supported, or did something in their community award to be recognized for. Tonight, council member Solomon has a presentation.

Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Well, good evening, everyone. It is my honor to ask missus Ruby L.

Jackson to please come. Ma'am, it's such a delight to stand here before you and to present this award to you because you represent so many people and you are a pioneer in this community. And you have been for many, many years, decades to say. And so it's just an honor, and I want to read this for the public. For more than fifty years, Mrs.

Ruby L. Jackson has been a steadfast advocate and guiding light within the Killeen community. Her life reflects a deep and enduring commitment to service. Marked by compassion, strength and an unwavering dedication to uplifting others. Through her guidance, encouragement and example, she has helped shape countless lives instilling confidence, dignity and a sense of purpose in those who have had the privilege of knowing her.

Many have gone on to achieve great things, carrying with them the value she so faithfully poured into them. Mrs. Jackson is known for her consistent encouragement and her passion for keeping others connected. She takes pride in making people aware of community activities and events, ensuring that individuals and families remain engaged and informed. At the same time, she has always looked out for others other neighbors, remaining attentive to her surroundings and watchful for any suspicious activities.

I know that she called me. Help me to promote safety, awareness and a strong sense of unity throughout the community. This is true. In recognition of her servant's heart, Mrs. Jackson has also been honored by local nursing home for her many hours of volunteering, where she has brought comfort, care and compassion to residents.

As she approached her ninetieth birthday on April 12, we yes, yes. We celebrate not only her years, but her extraordinary legacy of service, leadership and love she has given to the city of Killeen for her long her lifelong dedication, selfless service, and lasting impact on generations of residents, it is only fitting that missus Ruby L. Jackson be recognized with the Killeen Star Award. Killeen stands stronger and more connected because of her contribution and her legacy will continue to shine brightly for years to come.

I am honored to receive this award, and I want to say thanks to the city of Killeen for making me their choice for this reward. This is something I will treasure. And what he was saying about me is true. I love people. Yeah.

Yeah. And when you love somebody, you want the best for them. And getting the best, you do what you can to help them. And I just wanna say to all that came out to support me, I wanna thank you. And I thanks for I wanna say thanks to all the people for allowing me to be an encouragement to you, and I thank you for receiving it. And I thank God Yes. Because it's him that give me the strength to do it, to be almost 90 and still doing it. So it's just the grace of God. And that's by the grace of God, I am what I am. And his grace which was stored on me was not in vain.

I labor more abundant than they are. Yet not I, but the grace of God was with me.

Thank you, council member Solomon. Thanks again, miss Jackson, all the work that you do for this community, and thank you to those that came out to stand with her as she received her award. In that spirit, let's continue with the business of the city. Our next item is m n 25 dash zero one two. Consider minutes of regular city council meeting of 03/03/2026.

Alright. Any questions or RS 26 dash zero five two, consider a memorandum resolution approving a firework display permit application for a firework display at the Killeen Municipal Court on 04/25/2026. Miss Wallace? I mean, excuse me, miss Messer.

Looking for the clicker. I apologize. Thank you. Okay. Good afternoon, mayor and council. This item is for a fireworks display. As you know, the clean the city of Clean is hosting celebrate clean festival on April 25. A small fireworks display is planned for the event and will be timed with the final performance of the evening. Fireworks will be positioned in the parking lot on the Southeast corner of Santa Fe Plaza Drive and North Gray Street. Section 11 dash six of the code of ordinances provides that council may permit the use of fireworks for public display.

The required application was submitted by Magic Display on March pyrotechnics on March 6, and all requirements have been met. Fire marshal has reviewed the application with no significant findings, and we are therefore recommending the council approve the application for a fireworks display in the Santa Fe Plaza parking Santa Fe Plaza Drive parking lot on April 25.

Council, any questions? You have no questions, miss Measure. Thank you. Yes, sir. Alright. Next item is o r 26 dash zero zero eight. Consider an ordinance designating the city manager as a pricing officer in authorizing the issuance and sale of the city of Killeen, Texas general obligation bonds in one or more cities. Miss Tangling.

Thank you, Mayor, Council Members. We saw this presentation last council meeting, so I'm going to go to it really quick. This is for the bond refunding opportunity. The new bond refunding is will be for the amount of 28 sorry, that's the current bond refunding opportunities for $28,500,000 with a savings of 1,000,000 There's going to be no new debt issuance, no extensions on maturities. It's just an interest cost savings strategy.

The estimated par amounts will be $26,200,000 The maturities will remain from twenty twenty seven to twenty twenty four, and the estimated true interest cost is 2.796%. The total debt service is $1,200,000 The net present value service is $1,000,000 or 3.6%. These are the two series that we are that we want to refund. The total is 28,500,000.0 This is just a schedule or the savings by year. And then the Texas law provides two auctions to adopt an ordinance with final pricing terms or to adopt the delegation ordinance.

And we recommend auction two, the city manager and the mayor have been appointed pricing officer by delegation in the past, so we would like to do the same today. The delegation of ordinance, we have parameters. The maximum principal amount refunded will be 29.2. The maximum maturity date will be for 2024 in August. The minimum net present value will be 2%. The maximum interest rate will be 3.75. And there will be eligible outstanding bonds, all outstanding bonds falling within the above parameters. The amount of outstanding bonds will not increase. There's no extension to determine existing debt. These were the steps we had the discussion on March 24.

We did the application to the S and P. We already received the rating. We got an information with the AA rating, and I think David Miller is over here. He can talk a little bit about it. So, we got the rating Friday afternoon.

Thank you, Dan.

You bet. Thank you, Mayor, Council, City Manager. As Judith mentioned, we went through the rating process once again, and I'm Dan Weigmiller with Specialized Public Finance, the financial advisor to the city. As we go through this process, and I've shared with you all in the past, this process is great feedback for you, but it's really given the investors a sense of the creditworthiness of the city of Killeen. So as was mentioned, a AA rating was affirmed.

The analysts for this issue noted the financial policies and practices are comprehensive and include conservative revenue and expenditure assumptions based on historical data. They also noted that the financial performance of the city supports and maintains healthy reserves with formal policies and flexibility to fund capital projects on a cash basis. And they expect that to continue based on the projections and the forecasting that you incorporate into your financial modeling. They also note the economic strength of the area, including diversity of that economic base and just the strength that it carries here in Central Texas. So with that, I'm glad to answer any questions on the AA rating that you received.

And that's two notches from the highest rating of AAA, so it stands out there on its own.

Thank you. Any questions? You bet. Ms. Tanglin, what effect would this have on the this bond is also paid back off of property tax?

Yes, there's no effect on the tax rate since it's the same amount. Actually, we're going to have some savings.

Okay, thank you. I appreciate that. No questions from counsel? Alright. Going to the next item. Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you.

Counsel, PH26-fourteen hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance submitted by Central Texas Land Development Services Incorporated on behalf of Clear Creek Commercial Limited and Clear Creek Development Limited, case number Z26Dash05, to rezone approximately 3.25 acres being Lots 1 Through 7 and part of Lot 8, Block 1 Clear Creek Estates. Phase one and approximately 1.746 acres out of the T. Robinette survey abstract number six eighty six from B5 Business District to R2, two family residential The subject properties are locally addressed as 4603, 4605, 4607, 4701, 4703, 4705, and 4707 Barrington Trail, and 5201 West Stan Sloothe Loop Killeen, Texas. This is for everyone new here, this is just a presentation that public hearing will be conducted in the next part of the meeting. Miss Messer.

Thank you, mayor and council. This item is a request to rezone eight existing parcels on Barrington Trail and Stan Schlitter Loop from R 2 I'm sorry, from B 5 to R 2. If approved, the applicant intends to develop two family residential homes on the property. On January 20, council approved a future land use map amendment for this property, changing the designation from regional commercial to residential mix. Residential mix place type allows for most housing types, including duplexes.

The red star indicates the location of the subject property. This is an aerial of the site. You can see it's currently zoned b five. This is a view of the subject properties from Dayton Drive. View from West Stange Leader Loop. View facing west. Properties are located within the neighborhood infill and intended growth areas on the growth sector map and designated residential mix on the future land use map. We notified 42 surrounding property owners regarding this request and have received no written responses. This is the notification boundary. Subject properties are currently zoned b five and undeveloped.

The surrounding area includes a mix of residential and commercial properties, and staff finds that the request is consistent with the clean 2040 comprehensive plan. We are therefore recommending approval of the request as presented. I'm happy to answer any questions. Oh, I'm sorry. The planning and zoning commission on February 23 recommended approval unanimously.

Is the, council any questions from this measure? Does the applicant have anything?

No, sir. I'll just, add an applicant and answer any questions that you might have.

There are no questions? Thank you, sir. Thank you, miss Messer. Alright. We'll proceed now. Councilor Gutwell, only nineteen minutes went by, so, without objection, we're gonna proceed without a recess. Citizen comments on agenda items. Three minutes with one minute allotted for city council to respond with a statement of explanation without engaging in dialogue. For those residents that are new to council meeting, this section allows members of the public to address the council regarding any item other than a public hearing item on the agenda for council's consideration. Each person shall sign up prior to the start of the council meeting, may speak only one time, and such address shall be limited to three minutes.

A timer will be placed so that the speaker and citizens can see it. A majority vote of the city council is required only for any time extensions. The mayor and council members shall have one minute to respond to citizens' comments with a statement or explanation without engaging dialogue. Our first person is mister Michael Fanino.

Before I begin, Mr. Mayor, for the time, the item that I had signed up to speak for was pulled. Does that mean no longer can't speak on it at all? Or I

just Well, it's still under it's not up for consideration right now.

Okay. But can we still speak about it?

It's not an agenda anymore. No,

sir. Okay. Well, that's what I was asking.

That was the

only thing that I'd actually signed up for. But I guess with regard to interim city manager, I'm sure that we have more than enough internal talent that we can pull from. I don't think that should be too much of an issue. I'm sure that believe it or not, I share many people's confidence that you will select and make the right choice in that regard. I'm a little off pace here because I really was looking to discuss that, but

I guess I'll just send you

an e mail on that because there are some points, that item that which was pulled, I'm not going to comment. That hasn't seen the light of day in almost two years, for public comment consideration. So just to refresh some stuff, I'll send an email to IT folks on that.

Thank you. Thank you. And for the public, the item that was pulled, it will come back on the agenda, so you will be able to speak at another time. Alright. Thank you. Next person is Ms. Christy Wilbanks.

Good evening, council and mayor. I'm going to talk about regarding hiring a new city manager. This is just a reminder for the council to make sure the new city manager has a background in cities of Killeen's population and the budget size. A city manager who has dealt with a military town would be a plus. This shouldn't be a rushed process.

Please take your time, do the research, and make the best decision for Killeen and the citizens of Killeen. Because the city manager, he manages the people's money, and we must have the right person in that position. Thank you.

Thank you. Miss Sue Croft.

Doctor Sue Croft or Nisi, I prefer.

Okay.

Whichever you choose. Okay. Good evening, mayor and council. During this transition like this, my primary concern is maintaining stability for the city of Killeen. The selection of an interim city manager is not just about filling a role.

It's about ensuring continuity. Our departments must maintain alignment. Daily operations must continue without disruption, and the public must feel confident that the city is steady and moving forward. Both candidates being considered bring valuable strength. In my view, the priority for an interim should be continuity, leadership, grounded in strong administrative, experience, organizational knowledge, and the ability to support internal alignment during this transition.

At the same time, I'd like to speak of the recruitment process for the permanent city manager. This is the time of the most important decision a council will make, and it deserves a thoughtful inclusion inclusive and forward looking approach. With a new council coming in, I believe there is a there is value in allowing the incoming council to participate in or lead the interviewing and appointment process that ensures alignment with the direction of the city moving forward, strengthens long term, stability rather than making a decision that will not reflect the priorities of the next council body. I also encourage a process that includes transparency and community awareness so residents understand not just who is selected, but how that decision supports the overall quality of life in Killeen. Because leadership decisions at this level affect how our city operates every day, our services, our planning, and our neighborhoods.

Stability now and a thoughtful selection process moving forward will position Killeen for long term service. I thank you for listening.

Thank you, ma'am. And I cannot read the writing for this. It looked like the last name began with the letter r, and the last two digits of your phone number is 36. Can you when you come, can you state your name also?

Hi. I apologize for the the penmanship. My name is Barak Road. I I this is my first ever city council meeting. I thought that this that this would happen after the discussion points.

I am the owner of seventeen small, one might even say tiny houses, once upon a time former army barracks, that under current ordinances cannot be sold individually. Approving a tiny home ordinance would represent an important source of affordable housing, particularly affordable single family houses. So I just wanted to urge the approval of some sort of a tiny home ordinance because some of my tenants would like to buy their houses and they would be cheap. The other thing I would like to bring to your attention, speaking of that parcel, which is along the river here in the city of Killeen, or the river, creek, whichever you call it, I call it a river. The city of Killeen has an ordinance that permits tenants or residents to have chickens, but not ducks or geese.

And I found this out the hard way because one of my tenants got asked me for, and I provided them with six goose chicks two years ago, and found out the hard way from animal services that although chickens are allowed here, their six pet geese that at that point had grown to adulthood were not allowed here anymore. So I would like you guys to consider adding a number of geese and or a number of ducks to that ordinance.

Yeah, I should have caught you sooner, sir. Your comments have to be on the agenda. Oh, okay. But counsel did hear it, so just remember, your citizen comments are items on the agenda.

Yes, sir.

Thank you. Next item is Ms. Melissa Brown. Next person, Ms. Melissa Brown.

You almost had it right, Mayor. What I find alarming is that $28,000,000 is only 10% of our total principal debt. At $266,500,000 our total principal debt is approximately 79% of the $339,000,000 in total revenue the city receives each year. When outstanding interest is included, our current debt load is 105% of our revenue. Before approving this, there are a couple of questions that should be asked.

What is the maturity date of the existing GO bonds and at what interest rates? What would be the maturity date of the refunding bonds and approximately at what interest rates? Would this end up being a long or short term savings? For example, if you were to refinance your home after fifteen years, you get a new loan with a lower interest rate, but another thirty year term, you might save a little bit of money each month, but long term, you're going to end up spending more because now you're doubling the amount of time again that you're going to be paying interest on it. We need to think long term and in the future.

Do we have the money to support our current debt and pay it off quicker, or will this extend it out and thus mean that we're paying for it longer? As far as tiny homes and ADUs, a couple of years ago, the City Council passed an ordinance that got rid of all of the zoning for mobile home parks and for manufactured homes. Neither of those things are currently allowed to be new zoning within the city. Existing mobile homes are not supposed to be replaced. The city said we don't want them, we're going to get rid of them.

If we are going to allow tiny homes and ADUs, then mobile home parks and manufactured homes should also be allowed. Oftentimes, people would be able to afford to purchase a manufactured home, purchase a mobile home, be able to put it on a piece of property or rent property to be able to put it on, thus making it affordable housing that someone could own and call their own. When they changed the ordinance a few years ago, disallowing those things, That took away an affordability option. So, let's think beyond just what's new and in fashion right now. Let's go back to what has been a tried and true way of providing affordable housing to people.

I don't know why we thought we needed to be so elite that we had to get rid of those things in the first place, but they are valuable zoning areas. So, I would encourage the council to have a discussion and consider bringing those zonings back at the same time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Cagle. There was a couple of questions I asked about maturity and what was the third one? Was this extend the

Correct. So that was multiple times in the presentation that the maturity will not be extended. This debt, there was about seven years, I believe, left, so that's what is refinanced. The only thing that's going on there is the remaining debt will be at a lower interest rate, so there are absolute savings. We would never recommend extending the debt for a lower interest rate. This is the exact same maturity that is left on the issue.

Thank you. All right. Last but not least, Mr. Kimball, Charles Kimball.

Good evening. Good afternoon, mister mayor and council. I'm Chuck Kimball, councilman, elect for District 2. First of all, let me thank you for your service and for the community. I know the weight of public leadership and, the respect that you've done and and everything you've done to move Killeen forward, but I stand stand before you this afternoon, not in opposition, but in the spirit of good governance, continuity, and long term stability for our city.

The decision to hire the next city manager is one of the most consequent of this decisions that this council or the next council will make. This is not simply filling a vacancy. This is selecting the individual who will oversee daily operations, manage a multimillion dollar budget, lead department heads, and execute the vision of the council and the community for years to come. And that is why I'm asking, respectfully, that you consider slowing this process just long enough to allow the incoming council to be part of this decision. I offer this perspective not as only the, councilman elect, but for the last almost three years that I have spent as an executive recruiter specializing in municipal government leadership.

Since my retirement from the police department here, I've, been directly involved in recruiting and placing city managers, police chiefs, fire chiefs, and other senior executives across the country. And I can tell you from firsthand experience that this process, when done correctly, is not quick and is not simple. A professional recruitment process involves a national outreach, stakeholder engagement, structured candidate evaluations, background investigations, and multiple rounds of interviews. It is designed to ensure not just a qualified hire, but the right hire. Given the timeline before us and with mister Cagle's retirement, congratulations, sir, it would be difficult at best to complete that level of process with the thoroughness that that this decision deserves.

In just a few short weeks, this council will undergo significant change. District 1, District 2, District 3 to include three, at large candidates, and no disrespect, mister mayor, maybe even a new mayor. That represents a major transition in leadership, not a minor one. The individuals coming in will be expected to work closely with the next city manager for years to come. They will set policy, establish priorities, and hold that manager accountable.

It is both reasonable and necessary that they have a voice in selecting that individual. This is not about delaying process. It's about ensuring alignment and long term success. And importantly, the city of Killeen is not without capable leadership. We have two highly capable assistant city managers who can maintain stability and continuity in daily operations. And if need be, I will support a short term extension, maybe sixty to a hundred days to allow a more deliberate inclusive process to let mister Cagle, if he would like to stay on and help with that process. I believe a brief pause now, just a matter of weeks, can prevent years of misalignment, turnover, and instability.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you. One more minute.

Yep. Counsel. This

is not about getting it right.

You've It's about getting it been granted one minute.

Thank you, sir. I thought I saw

the count. This

is not about getting it right. It's about getting it getting it done. From my perspective and based on both my experience, and the expectation of the community, the best path forward is one that allows both the current and incoming counsel to participate in this decision together. That approach builds trust, it ensures continuity, and positions Killeen for long term success. I look forward to working with you on this, response. Thank you.

Thank you. Okay. We are now moving to the regular session. Council members are reminded you have three minutes to speak on times each. Consent agenda.

MN 26 dash zero one two consider minutes of a regular city council meeting of 03/03/2026. RS 26 dash zero five two consider a memorandum resolution approving a fireworks display permit application for a firework display at the Killeen Municipal Court on 04/25/2026. And OR 26 dash zero zero eight consider an ordinance designating the city manager as the pricing officer and authorizing the issuance and sale of the City Of Killeen, Texas general obligation bonds bonds in one or more series. The secretary will read the caption.

An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Killeen, Texas authorizing the issuance and sale of City Of Killeen, Texas general obligation refunding bonds, providing for the security for and payment of said bonds, prescribing the form of said bonds, approving any official statement, bond purchase agreement, paying agent, registrar agreement and escrow agreement, establishing the procedures for selling and delivering the bonds and enacting other provisions relating to the subject.

Counsel, you've heard the reading of the consent agenda. What is your pleasure? Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez.

Mayor, I move we approve the consent agenda with the exception of item number three.

Should only be what's your item three? Or yeah. We already yeah. The previous one? Yeah. It's not on the consent agenda. It was only the three items. Okay. That's clear. There's only three items on the consent agenda that you're considering now. And council member Solomon?

I second it.

It's been moved and properly seconded. Any discussion? Seeing here none. All in favor, please state yes. All opposed, no.

Senate agenda approved. Alright. Moving on. Public hearing. Hold a public hearing.

Consider an ordinance submitted by Central Texas Land Development Services Incorporated on behalf of Clear Creek Commercial Limited and Clear Creek Development Limited case Z2 thousand 605 to rezone approximately 3.25 acres, being Lots 1 Through 7 and part of Lot 8. Block 1, Clear Creek Estates, phase one and approximately 1.746 acres out of the T. Robinette survey, abstract number six eighty six from B5 Business District to R2, two family residential district. The subject properties are locally addressed as 4,603, 4,607, 4701, 4703, 4705, and 4707 Barrington Trail, and 5201 West Stanstluta Loop, Killeen, Texas. The secretary will read the caption of the ordinance.

The caption of the ordinance reads, An ordinance amending the City Of Killeen zoning ordinance by changing the zoning of approximately 3.25 acres being lots 1 through 7 and part of Lot 8, Block 1, Clear Creek Estates, Phase 1, and approximately 1.746 acres out of the T. Robinette survey abstract number six eighty six from B5 business district to R2 two family residential district, providing a savings clause providing for the repeal of conflicting provisions providing for an effective date.

And Ms. Wallace. Excuse me, did it again. Messer, Counsel, do you need her to go back through the presentation? No. All right. Any questions of Ms. Messer? Any questions? And the applicant still doesn't have anything to present. Alright, no questions of the applicant. Open to public hearing. We have two speakers for public hearing. Public hearing is now open. Miss mister Perser Gary Perser.

You don't okay. Mister Perser does not have anything to say. Miss Melissa Brown.

The bond presentation also said that an ordinance comes before submitting Ms.

Brown, we're a public hearing now.

But that wasn't done, so, you know. Specifically regarding the zoning, we are talking about putting residential in the middle of B5 along a major thoroughfare. We have recently, across the city of Killeen, seen some very tragic events happening on Stan Schluter Loop. Children almost killed trying to go across the road, being hit by cars. Stan Schluter Loop is a high speed area over by Clear Creek.

I believe it's still a 55 mile an hour zone over there. The more we put housing, and especially housing that is multi family, right along that major thoroughfare, the more likely it is for children or adults to be walking along the street. 01/1995, we just recently saw somebody be killed when they were struck by a vehicle. For safety, we shouldn't have yards right along major thoroughfares. If an accident were to occur, vehicle goes off the road, they're going into a person's yard through a wooden fence that is a lot less stable than, let's say, Hallmark Restaurant, which has cars driving into it all the time.

I know that a couple of you live down over off of Rosewood. The number of accidents that happen off of Rosewood, which is far less traveled than Stan Schluter, which is a lower speed limit than that area of Stan Schluter. The accidents that occur over there are almost on a daily basis, and when those accidents are happening, vehicles are ending up in people's yards. So when you have multifamily there, you have kids out in the yard, you're putting those children's lives in danger. For that reason, I don't think we should be putting residential right along side of a major thoroughfare.

We already said that with Clear Creek, we don't want housing along the frontage. It is not any safer along stand Schluter. So, let's think about safety, let's think about long term planning. Really, you have a major thoroughfare, that should be reserved for your commercial businesses. That is the point that those commercial businesses were there already.

That's why it was zoned B5 in the past. Major thoroughfares should be where vehicles coming down from the airport can turn down there and instead of seeing housing, they can see a business they can stop at, they can spend their money at. Not housing. Let's think about the long term impact that it would have to put housing here, and I would encourage you to please disapprove this request. Thank you.

It's mister Preston, he can come speak. You have three minutes.

Thank you, mayor and council members. I would like to remind everybody that none of these houses will face out the stance leader. So that's really a moot point. We did zone it B5 back probably eighteen years ago. So it's been sitting vacant for eighteen years. So, you know, I I need to try to use the property if I can. And I'm not for sure about the argument of people getting run over. They get run over all

over.

And so maybe a house getting run into may be better than a restaurant. Restaurant may have a 100 people in it, so I don't agree with that argument at all. I don't agree with much of argument I heard. But anyway, to shorten it down, it's been sitting there eighteen years, have no offers on it, and none of it fronts out to Stan's leader, and we appreciate y'all's consideration.

Thank you. That's all the public comment comments. Public hearing closed. Counsel, what is your pleasure? You got a question? Ms. Gonzales?

I would just like, Ms. Measure, if we can just pull up the because I wanted to confirm that myself, and so we pulled it up just the map that shows, that confirms that those houses are not facing frontage. Just for those in the audience. That, if you can expand it and just make it a little bit larger.

There

we go. That's perfect. The line of how can you just confirm that for us which direction those houses are facing? Are they first thing facing the the frontage along

Barrington Trail, and those all lots all face Barrington Trail, and then any subsequent platted lots would likely face Dayton Drive. I don't there's no reason for them to not face Dayton Drive and Barrington Trail.

But not Stamps Litter?

They would not need to place Stamps Thank Litter, you.

Mr. Solomon? It's been moved by council member Solomon that we approve PH26Dash014. Mister Alvarez.

Mayor, I second that motion.

It's been moved and properly second. Any further discussion on the motion? Hearing, seeing none, all in favor say aye or press yes. All opposed, nay. Motion carries. Okay. Thank you. Going into discussion items, council reminded you have three minutes to speak three times each. First item in discussion is DS26-twenty nine, receive Arts Commission annual report. Ms. Tangelin.

Thank you, mayor council members. For the Killeen Arts Commission annual report, we have the chair of the Arts Commission board, Mr. Brown, and he's going to present the report.

Good evening, good afternoon, Mr. Brown.

Good afternoon, mayor council. My name is Christopher Brown. I'm the chairman of Clean Arts Commission. I'm also a spoken word artist and poet, and I've been active in the community for over thirty years. So I came today to present the annual advisory report and recommendations on long range goals for the Arts Commission.

This year, the city f y 2025, we approved our grants for seven organizations, which created a combined total of 18 events. Out of that, 305,200 was allocated, 228,655 was paid out to the grantees. The Funded Arts Commission grants, the recommendation is for the council to fund the 15% as allowed by the charter, 351.103 for the Texas local tax code. The Arts Commission recommendations for 2027 would be the funding of 272,403, which be the max allowed. Our long range goals, establish a poet laureate program, marketing, City of Killeen social media, doing some more marketing with the businesses and hotels, and work with local artists to create public art projects to various parts of Killeen, including downtown.

I just want to highlight the poet laureate program. The development of the poet laureate program serve as cultural ambassador initiative, elevating local literary voices, engages residents and visitors through public readings, educational outreach, and community centered events that strengthen Killeen's cultural identity and supports the tourism. So just imagine, you just had the city council event, and we had our poet laureate standing here with a beautifully written curated poem to present the Killeen Star Award for miss Ruby Jackson today. That that's the kind of things that that us poets would do. Questions?

Any questions from counsel? Miss? Thank

you for your present I'm sorry, sir.

Go ahead.

Thank you for your presentation. Over the years, conversations have been had about how we can really work to improve, our overall arm of our creative arts as it relates to the city of Killeen as far as economic development is concerned, and forming different partnerships within the city. So, during your meetings, are you all having conversations, or have you all had conversations about how we could leverage AI or just different types of art, sculptures, art, entertainment into our overall economic development as it relates to this organization?

We have not had direct discussions about AI. I think as an artist, we shy away from it, not that we couldn't or wouldn't be willing to use it, but we shy away from it because the AI system steals from original artists. Perfect example, during my master's program, they taught me how to use AI to do my research. So, I played with it. I said, do you know Christopher Michael? Yes. Pulled up a bunch of videos and poems that I've written. Write a poem in the style of Christopher Michael. Alright, throw this in there, and the poem sounded exactly like me. That was scary.

So now I have a computer that can replace me as an artist. Not to say we wouldn't use it, and I'd be willing to bring it up for discussion, but it's kind of scary for us artists.

Understood. So, but in general, the question is just looking at emerging markets, new technologies, and new ways that we can advance cross promotion of art and economic development. Yes. I know that's not necessarily part of the focus of the Arts Commission, but some areas they are actually actively utilizing those particular features. So I'd love to have conversation with you all maybe offline about some of the things that we've learned through our travels to the National League of Cities and different organizations across The United States and how we can maximize our efficiency here.

As a member of the commission, I wouldn't disadvantage just by not at least looking into it.

Right on. Thank you, sir.

Councilman Moussallovan.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for the presentation. Do we incorporate have we looked at incorporating like, the poet poach it into our festivals downtown?

The poetry into the festivals? Yes. So, when we do the festivals, we often call out artists, and sometimes poets will raise their hand and volunteer, or if there's money available to pay, because, you know, artists don't want to work for free. Right. So, And there's been many a times long before I was on the arts commission that I was hired to perform at festivals for Killeen.

Okay. I think it would be nice to incorporate that into what we're doing downtown. Thank you.

Any other questions from council? Impact wise, do we I know we fund this hotel occupancy, correct? Is there any have we seen an impact on, like even for the 'eighteen events, we seen an increase? Or do we know what the impact is from the grant funding? Ms. Tangelin, Mr. Kagle, if you don't know, if you can provide an answer to the council later.

Yes, I will have to look into it. Most of the events that they bring up in here is, you know, they'll come to downtown, and then I don't really don't have numbers, but I will really look into it, sir.

Okay. Thank you. I mean, that'll be a good sell to the public to show how the money is being best used and what the benefit is. It may motivate people to participate more as well and bring more outside artists in. No other Mr. K, you have something? Sir, do you have anything else?

No, sir.

Alright, thank you, sir, Ms. Tangling. Thank you for

your time.

Discussion regarding DS26Dash030, discussion regarding tiny homes and ADUs. Miss Messer.

Thank you, mayor and council. On March 24, the council approved a request for a future agenda item to discuss increasing affordable housing opportunities by allowing tiny homes and accessory dwelling units in appropriate locations. Appendix q of the 2024 international residential international residential code provides safety standards for tiny houses up to 400 square feet, but it primarily covers those on permanent foundations. The city's zoning ordinance currently allows site built or modular tiny homes on a permanent foundation by right in all residential districts. A tiny home on wheels is a fully functioning small scale house, usually under 400 square feet, permanently built onto a trailer chassis, allowing for mobility.

Because tiny homes on wheels are not typically attached to a permanent foundation, staff recommends including specific code requirements to ensure compliance with appendix q of the IRC that tiny homes on wheels will be secured to a permanent foundation and therefore subject to ad valorem tax and compatibility with neighboring properties. The 2024 IRC defines an ADU or an accessory dwelling unit as a secondary independent residential unit located on the same lot as a primary single family home. A common practice is to limit an ADU to a maximum square footage of 50% of the primary residence. This is a map of the North Clean revitalization area. The North Clean revitalization program ordinance was adopted in 2015 to encourage new investment and redevelopment of the area.

Staff's recommendation is to amend chapter 31 of the clean code of ordinances to codify the existing and KRP ordinance and establish a zoning overlay that would allow both tiny homes and ADUs by right within the existing North Clean revitalization program boundary. In addition to allowing tiny homes and ADUs by right within the NKRP area, the proposed overlay district also represents an opportunity for the council to consider limiting certain locally undesirable land uses in the area, such as vape shops, smoke shops, pawn shops, game rooms, salvage and impound yards, etcetera. So with that, staff's recommendation is that the council approve a motion of direction for staff to prepare an ordinance codifying the North Clean Revitalization Program ordinance and establishing an overlay to allow tiny homes tiny homes on wheels, accessory dwelling units, and limit locally undesirable land uses. Happy to answer any questions you have.

I see. Mayor Pro Tem?

I would like to say thank you to you and to your staff for, you know, taking the time to have conversations with us about these concerns, this issue. Like I said, I'm on a state public policy land use committee, and our first meeting, exactly went to this point in housing affordability and and the easiest way for anyone to control the pricing of of new homes is is by squeezing down that square footage. So I think this will help the city Killeen, not just North Killeen, but it will help the entire city to provide, you know, reestablish a non existing property tax base in North Killeen. I, you know, I have conversations with folks all the time and they say, well, you know, I don't really care about North Kaleen. I said, well, do you care about your bank account?

They said, well, yeah, I care about that. I said, well, you should care about North Kaleen then because the more the city can incentivize redeveloping and revitalizing these older areas, you're reestablishing that nonexistent tax base that the city is currently not collecting, and it helps to ease the burden off the rest of the taxpayers throughout the rest of the city. So the more productive we can make these older parts of our city, from a taxing, perspective, the better, the entirety of the city is gonna be, the more that we can pay our firefighters, our police, our EMS, the more parks we can have, the more libraries we can have, and all these good things that everybody likes to have. So anyways, long story short, thank you, for the work that y'all have done on this, and I look forward to to seeing this come to fruition.

Any others? Alright. Seeing no question then. Counsel that we need for them for them to proceed, we need a motion of direction. Councilwoman Gonzalez.

I would like to make the motion of direction, but first, I just wanted to echo that thank you for making it plain, and thank you for constantly supporting the efforts of not just District one, this will help the City Of Killeen as a whole creating these opportunities. The question was asked about why tiny homes versus mobile homes and such, and I just kind of wanted to touch on that really quick because not that one is more elite or grander, that there's a short term fad right now, but the idea of just the minimalist and sustainability reducing the debt and energy consumption also being a part of those conversations has been the biggest overall win that I'm hearing from most people as it relates to those smaller footprints is energy consumption, and that's something that we are all looking at very carefully, not only just to state side, but nationally as it relates to that. So, that's really the reason why we've heard that there's a big interest in these particular style homes, so thank you.

You. Alright, counsel, how do you wish to proceed? Mayor pro tem?

Mayor, I'd move to, provide that motion of direction to staff, to move forward as presented for item d s two six dash zero three zero.

A motion of direction has been presented to move forward with the direction as stated. Is there a second?

Second.

Second about Ms. Gonzalez. Any discussion on the motion itself? Here, seeing none, all in favor? No, yes. All opposed, no. Motion carries, four to zero. Thank you, miss Messer. Yes, sir. And counsel. Alright. Fun times. DS26Dash031. Acknowledge the retirement announcement of city manager Kent Cagle and discuss city manager's search process. Miss Clements.

Thank you, mayor and city council. Good afternoon. As you know, city man city manager Kent Cagle announced his retirement effective going to be effective May 29 year. So this item is to begin discussion discussion of, how to go through the search process for a new city manager. Later on the agenda, we'll discuss the, there's a discussion item to discuss the interim city manager appointment.

This item is to to, review and discuss the search process for a new city manager. So historically, the city has, has engaged with a firm that provides executive search services. And so there are a couple ways you can go about beginning that process. You can, direct a formal RFP be put out, to obtain proposals for a search firm, or you could request staff. Alternatively, you could just request staff that that staff obtain quotes from firms that we believe that the staff believes is qualified to do the work.

And so there I believe doing a formal RFP would add about six to eight weeks to the process. And really, I'm just here to get your feedback on this and if there's a motion of direction to move forward with putting out an RFP or with staff getting quotes.

Counsel, you heard the city attorney and We know this day was coming. You've heard comments, so how do you wish to proceed? Either, and I will say that we do need to This should be conducted professionally. So, and what the city attorney has mentioned, there are two options to conduct it professionally, and you see the timeframe. I know we heard discussion about the next council.

I think in this process, what we decided now is going to be fed to the next council regardless, whether to accept that agency or to accept the proposal that comes in either way. But we do need to start the process now, so we do not leave the next council hanging with any of the bureaucratic requirements. That's my belief, but what is your pleasure? Any discussion on this matter? Because we do need to give the staff direction. Council Member Sullivan.

I just wanna be clear, Mrs. Clements, could you repeat that clearly of what the two options are?

So, if you are going to want to go with an executive search firm, the two options that we've talked about are you can direct that a formal RFP request for proposals be put out where we're soliciting proposals from executive search firms for these type of services, or in coordination with our human resources department can request quotes be obtained, then we can bring those to counsel to review as well. So, you can go through a formal RFP process or just simply request quotes from firms.

So, to clarify, if we request an RFP process, we're going to have to approve staff processes. If we let staff pick one, we're still going to have to approve the person that they choose, or we just go with who they choose and start the process, correct?

The idea is that you can direct staff how you want to proceed, but the idea here is that if you went with the RFP process, we'd bring that back to you. Either way, we'd bring it back to you, whether we got quotes or whether we went through a formal RFP process.

And the formal RFP process is more open. It's publicized for anybody to come in and submit.

Okay. So, how will we be able to incorporate the new council to be participating in this?

I think if you issue an RFP, you wouldn't have anything back until the new counsel is Correct. Seated, So it would be the new counsel in that process, the staff would bring back the results, the list of RFP, and then the counsel can choose to pick one

or choose to interview two or three of the firms and

see what live, what they think their strengths and weaknesses are. And then when you choose a firm, they're probably going to come in and meet with all of you individually and talk to you about the future of the city, what you think you need in a city manager, and that will take a little bit of time. So but it's a very good and thorough process. But before someone new, a new full time city manager, it could easily be December before So, that

what we're deciding now is to start the process. If we wait a month or two months, we're also pushing that December timeframe to even further date.

I just wanted to make sure that the new council will

be able to council will make the that new council will make the decision on the agency. What we're doing is making the decision whether to start the process so that they can start. Otherwise, it will be pushed down, kick the can down, and they will have to start the process to start the process. Understood. Okay. Mayor Protoon.

Yeah, I just wanted to I think we're kind of all saying the same thing. What we're doing is we're not choosing a candidate for a city manager. What we're doing is choosing a firm that's going to help us with that search. You said the two options are we can issue an RFP that will take probably about six to eight weeks longer than the staff going out and getting quotes from professional firms, bringing that list of firms back to the council, whether it's this council or the next, will make the decision to hire a firm to do the search for the city manager. So, this is like the step before the step.

Yes. So, in my opinion, I think the quickest way forward makes makes sense just to get a firm, like I said, either way it's going to go to the new council, but if we can have that list ready for the new council to go, you know, once they take their seat, they can have this information and get that choose a firm and get that process started faster, I think that makes more sense than waiting another two months. But that's my opinion.

Councilwoman Gonzalez?

I'm okay, I second that motion.

There was no motion.

No, know. Okay.

No, the emotion, okay. Okay, Councilman Kennedy, you got anything?

I think exactly what I was thinking along the lines of another way, but exactly what mayor pro temps said, I think that's the direction we should go.

Okay. So now we need to formalize the process. Is there a motion? Do you have any other questions of the city attorney? Alright, council mayor Pro Tem.

Mayor, I provide that motion of direction to have staff come back with quotes from, capable and qualified firms for the city manager search.

Okay. It's been moved by the mayor pro tem. The staff comes back with quotes from capable and qualified terms. Is there a second?

Second.

Alright, so the motion is moved to the direct staff to come back with capable qualified terms of firms, excuse me, firms to conduct the search, and it's been moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez, seconded by Councilmember Solomon. Any further discussion? All in favor of the motion of direction, Denote yes. All opposed, no. Motion carries.

Thank you, counsel. Alright. Bear with me a second. Pursuant to the Texas Open Meeting Law, government code section five five one dash zero zero one, the mayor now calls a closed meeting of the city council on the 04/07/2026 at 04:08PM under the following third authority. Agenda item d s 26 dash zero three twos, section five five one dash zero eight seven, deliberation regarding economic development negotiations.

The council will discuss possible economic development incentives related to a business pros prospect. Agenda item d s 26 dash zero three three, section five five one dash zero seven, four person nail matters. The city council will discuss the appointment of an interim city manager. Agenda item DS 26 dash zero three four, section five five one dash zero seven four, personnel matters. The council city council will conduct the annual evaluation of the municipal judge.

We'll now go into executive session. Call the council back into regular session. Pardon me. I'm missing my little blurb. Council completed its closed meeting on 04/07/2026 at 06:07PM.

City's attorney, do I need to read off each thing to state whether no action taken or that goes in the record? Okay. Thank you.

Just go to the next one.

I'll make sure I ain't doing nothing that can get me in trouble.

No action was taken in executive session to be No.

No action. No actions were taken. Now, resolutions RS 26 dash zero five three consider a memorandum resolution confirming the presiding municipal judge annual evaluation and consideration for adjustment to pay. Council need a motion on the action that you we wish to take on judge Krishna. Council mayor Pro Tem?

Mayor, as discussed, would like to propose a five percent cost of living adjustment for the municipal judge.

It's been moved by mayor pro tem for a 5% cost of living adjustment for the municipal judge, Councilmember Gonzalez I mean, councilmember Kendrick, excuse me. I'd like

to second that motion.

It's been seconded by councilmember Kendrick. Any further discussion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor, denote yes. All opposed, no. Motion carried. Alright. Councilman, that concludes the business for the day. There being none, what is your pleasure? Council

Move to adjourn.

May I pro tem move to adjourn. Councilman McSarland second. Y'all really wanna go? Meeting's adjourned. Time is 06:09.