City Council - Regular Meeting

Everybody say what?

For those who prefer to listen to this meeting in Spanish, you can go with our team of interpreters to the back of the Council and City Hall to receive assistance. You can also tune in the transmission of the Council meetings completely in Spanish using the SAP system through the channels you see on the screen. If you prefer to see the transmission from a mobile device or to download the agenda of today's meeting, visit the website of the City of San Antonio, sa.gov.tvsa.

Good morning, the time is now 9.05 AM on June 4th, 2026, and the meeting in the San Antonio City Council is called to order. Madam Clerk, please call roll.

Council Member Corr is here virtually. Council Member McKee-Rodriguez. Council Member Villagran. Here. Councilmember Munguia. Present. Councilmember Castillo. Here. Councilmember Galvan.

Here.

Councilmember Alderete-Gavito. Here. Councilmember Mesa-Gonzalez. Present. Councilmember Speers. Here. Councilmember White. Here. Mayor Jones. Here. Mayor, we have quorum.

Great. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Today's invocateur is the guest of Councilmember Villagran.

Thank you, Mayor. It is with great pleasure to introduce my guest invocators, the daughters of Mary Help of Christians, also known as the Salation Sisters of St. John Bosco, and affectionately recognized today as the Spurs Sisters, which have recently captured national attention and become a social media sensation during the NBA Western Conference Finals. Yet behind the viral moments is a remarkable global community of women whose mission has been transforming young lives for more than 150 years. Founded on August 5, 1872 in Mornice, Italy by St. John Bosco and St. Mary Dominica Mazzarello. Today the congregation numbers more than 11,500 sisters. They serve in 96 countries across every continent, united by a passion for educating, evangelizing, and accompanying young people, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized. The sisters draw their strength from a vibrant spiritual life centered on frequent reception of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, and a profound trust in Mary's maternal guidance. Their simple yet deep prayer life, strong sense of community, and youth-centered mission provided the energy and resilience needed to respond to the challenges facing today's world. The congregation's distinctive Salation spirituality is rooted in Don Bosco's practical and compassionate educational method, which emphasizes reason, religion, love, and kindness. This approach continues to shape their ministries and relationships with young people around the globe. The Salation Sisters arrived in the United States in 1908. when four young missionaries journeyed from Italy to New Jersey to establish the Salation Charism in America. Their presence expanded in Texas in 1934 and California in 1950. As the mission grew, the United States and Canada were organized into two provinces and the original eastern province and then creating the western province headquartered here in San Antonio, Texas. Today, the Salation Sisters of the Western Province serve through a wide range of ministries including early childhood, elementary and secondary education, youth and young adult ministry, summer camp, and outreach programs for disadvantaged women and children. The Salation Sisters teach and administer two schools. St. James the Apostle on the south side is how I got connected with them. They actually educated my cousin's three daughters and actually some people in this room or students of the sisters here. and St. John Bosco. So in 2022, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians celebrate their 150th anniversary of their founding milestone, honoring a rich legacy of faith, service, and dedication to youth, whether in classroom parishes, youth centers, and cheering courtside for their hometown Spurs, the Salation Sisters continue to embody joy, hope, and their unwavering commitment to the next generation. generation of youth here in our city. So at this time, I welcome Sister Debbie Walker and Sister Lourdes Trevino to the podium to pray for us.

Thank you. Thank you so much for having us here today. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Loving God, We gather here as representatives and citizens of our community, united in our desire to serve the common good. We humbly ask for your wisdom and guidance upon these council members as they engage in the important discussions and decisions today. open their hearts and minds to listen deeply to one another, and grant them the grace to seek solutions that reflect justice, compassion, and respect for the dignity of all people. We invoke the intercession of Mary Help of Christians and St. John Bosco, whose charism of loving kindness and dedication to serving others inspires our Salesian mission. May their examples guide this group toward decisions that build up our community and protect those most in need. Grant all the courage to speak truth with clarity, the humility to acknowledge different perspectives, and the strength to act with integrity. help all here present to see in one another the face of Christ, and to remember that the work done here today serves the interest and well-being of all those living in our beloved city. We place the deliberations of this council in your hands, O God. May the Holy Spirit guide the voices and votes so that the decisions made this day may bring peace, prosperity, and hope to all. We ask this through Christ our Lord in the communion of saints and under the protection of Mary, help of Christians. Amen.

Thank you, sisters. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Item three is approval of the minutes for the City Council meetings of May 21st and 22nd, 2026. Are there any corrections or edits to the minutes? Okay. Hearing none, is there a motion for the approval of the minutes? Second. There was a motion and a second. Please vote. Aye. Okay, motion carries, thank you. All right, so it is Pride Month. We had a wonderful flag raising and now I'm honored to read the proclamation for this month. Whereas the City of San Antonio will join LGBTQ plus communities in celebrating Pride Month, recognizing the contributions, resilience, and vibrancy of this diverse community and honoring the cultural richness that strengthens our city. And whereas this year marks the 57th anniversary of the June 28, 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a historic moment that sparked the modern LGBTQ plus rights movement. We honor this legacy and reaffirm our commitment to equality, dignity, and the continued fight against discrimination. And whereas Pride Month began with a traditional raising of the pride flag at City Hall on Monday, June 1st, 2026, symbolizing the start of a month-long recognition of LGBTQ plus identity, history, and community strength. And whereas throughout the month we express our support for the LGBTQ plus community's right to live openly and authentically, though progress has been made, LGBTQ plus individuals still face discrimination and violence, underscoring the need for ongoing advocacy and inclusion. And whereas local partners, including Pride San Antonio, Pride Bigger Than Texas, and the Pride Center of San Antonio will host events that celebrate LGBTQ plus culture, promote visibility, and uplift the diversity of the community. Now, therefore, I, Gina Ortiz Jones, Mayor of the City of San Antonio, in recognition thereof, do hereby proclaim the month of June to be Pride Month in San Antonio, Texas. Thank you again. Thank you again to the hearts and hands that made the flag raising possible just the other day. Any of my colleagues would like to say something about this month? Councilman McKee-Rodriguez, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mayor. Every Pride Month, I reflect on the many powerful ways that we've claimed our existence and the many steps that we still have to take for full equality. Pride is not meant to be performative. It's a reflection of survival, resistance, and legacy. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, including elders, organizers, friends, and loved ones, many of whom are no longer with us because of systemic failures, including the AIDS epidemic, police brutality, and the deadly intersections of racism, homophobia, and transphobia. So we remember them, we mourn them, and we carry their stories and spirits with us every day. I am proud to be the first openly gay black man elected to any office in Texas. And that may not matter to everyone, but to someone out there, a young person, a neighbor, a parent, a grandparent, it means hope. It means possibility, and it means survival. I've been holding it down for the LGBTQ plus community for the past five years up here and it is an honor and it's inspiring to share this dias with our city's first out and proud mayor. And I think back to an experience that I had in 2019 within these chambers as an employee of a council member. I experienced discrimination and harassment by the chief of staff because I was an out proud gay man. This included mocking my hair and clothing, taking jabs at my masculinity and setting me up to fail at a job that I was fantastic at. When I shared with the council member what was happening, she let me know that if it was between me and the chief of staff, the chief wasn't going anywhere. And that experience made me feel that politics and government weren't for me. So I left the job, went back to teaching, and after some time went by, it was my friends and fellow organizers who encouraged me to run for this seat. And at the time, I was fully resigned to the fact that even those we believe are going to be our allies would fail us in demoralizing ways. But those around me reminded me that we can be our own voices and our own representation. We don't need to wait to be handed a mic or a seat at the table. And in 2021, District 2 chose me, and I am forever grateful for the message that voters sent not just to me, but to the thousands of others who needed to know that they were worthy and that they were enough and that they were worth choosing. I am now serving in my third and final term, not in spite of who I am, but because I've remained true to who I am. And that matters, and it matters especially now in the face of ongoing cruelty and injustice. So let us use this Pride Month not just to celebrate, but to recommit. to protecting one another, to fighting for those most marginalized, and to building a future where all of us can live, love, and thrive. Let us all those in our community that we've lost, including people like O'Shea Sibley, a 28-year-old black gay man who was stabbed at a gas station because he and his friends were dancing and voguing in public. He was killed. He would be my age now. Erica Caldwell, a trans woman who was stabbed and killed earlier this year by her boyfriend. Jonathan Joss, a gay San Antonian who was murdered by a neighbor. yelling homophobic slurs at him. All of the LGBTQ plus youth, particularly trans youth who have committed suicide because they didn't see a future where their survival was compatible with the direction of our world. They couldn't see a future where they could be happy and loved and accepted. That's what happens when you decide that it is most important to target and attack and belittle and dehumanize one, two, three, four, 5% of the population to score political points with bigots, homophobes, racists, and transphobes. Lives are being taken and lost not because you don't understand, but because you willfully allow the targeting of those you deem lesser and empower attacks against them. Let us remember that pride was born as a protest, it remains a protest, and let's carry that forward. So thank you to all of the members of our LGBTQ plus community, organizations, and nonprofits, those who have made it a point that we raise the pride flag and that we celebrate through proclamations and recognize the history and legacy of the community. Thank you for always being here and especially thank you for all that you do. Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Councilman.

Councilwoman Villagran. Yes. I just was so excited about Pride Month and what we do every year. Just another reminder is this council member that sits next to me and been able to serve with the what I've learned from him and how to be a better person to support the community and to listen more and to really hear and try and take the perspective of what's going on, especially what's happening with the youth. So I want to thank everybody's there that is continuing to understand that this is still a process where we do need to take action we celebrate of course and have the parades but there are people still struggling still have having questions still having those concerns and that this city is still here to support you and to honor you and to make sure that your voice is heard so I I look forward to the celebrations that is going to happen but I just applaud all of you and Justin I see you and your team here the work you do throughout the year because it's not just one month where we are having these conversations and we are trying to move forward it is all year long and for your consistency and being part of that process so celebrate enjoy but also remember and take action thank you

Thank you, Council Member Munguia. And I would ask my colleagues, because we're having challenges with the audio, just speak a little bit louder into the mic. It'll help. Thank you.

Sure. Thank you. I just want to say I'm very happy to have gone to the last two raising the flag. And actually, last year was my first day in the office. And so I was very happy to do that. And as much as we do need to celebrate and remember the wins and successes and the great things we're doing, those of us that are elected officials that participate have to make sure that we do much more than just, you know, waving a parade and be there for the fun stuff. There's a lot of things that we need to work on. There's a lot of people we need to challenge in their beliefs, and it's up to us to make sure we do that. So you certainly have my commitment as an ally and look forward to celebrating with everybody. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Council Member Castillo.

Thank you and happy pride. And as folks have mentioned on the rising of the flag, we celebrate and stand alongside our LGBTQ plus community, not just during pride month, but all day, every day, 365 days of the year. And what that looks like is holding each other's hands as we continue to swing back. And I just wanted to highlight and thank the organizers and the folks that do this at a labor of love, because it is exhausting. And as I always mentioned, it's important that we pour into each other. So Just wanted to thank the folks that do it out of a place of love for community, and then, of course, for the paid organizers as well, because there's nothing in history that would move without those voices and the folks that took up the space on the steps of City Hall. So happy Pride, and the fight continues.

Thank you. Council Member Alderete-Gavito.

Thank you. You know, I don't want to reiterate everything that my colleague said. Sorry, if y'all can hear me. But you know, I thought earlier this week was a great celebration. It showed what community looks like. And it showed the progress we made, but also the the path ahead of us. So and, and I'm very confident we can do it together. So thank you. Happy Pride.

Thank you, Councilman. Why did you know? Okay. Yes, no. Councilman core.

Thank you, Mayor. I want to thank my colleagues and Councilmember McKee-Rodriguez for reminding us how Pride came to be and what it's about. I also wanted to highlight a little bit about what we have done in the last several years to show folks that Our council truly appreciates and loves all of our members of the LGBTQ plus IA community and are proud to advocate for them as well. So we have the first Pride Cultural Heritage District with the North Main Avenue area. And along with that, the Tobin Hill residents even around that area were supportive and were really strong allies in making that a Pride Cultural Heritage District. The last mayor formalized a first LGBTQ plus IA group that is actually a committee now, official committee of the city. And so they get to present ideas and they have been one of the leaders in presenting all of the work that's happening right now in North Maine with sidewalk, with the sidewalks. On top of that, this week we filed a CCR to Designate a memorial designation for that area for Erica Andrews, who was a translator in this community and helped so many the housing trust just provided funding housing bond dollars to thriving center. And I heard Councilman mentioned Justin's in the audience, and they're going to be creating a space in a community for. foster care, foster youth that are in the community as well. So there's so much work that we are doing. Lastly, I'll mention that we're going to be putting out an RFP for murals and artwork in the area and then hopefully also presenting some other options for Crockett Park in the upcoming bond. So we're going to continue to fight and we will not stay still, continue to progress. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman. This month is always special. I think as a member of the LGBTQ plus community, I know, and as some of us are on this dais, I think we recognize that some of our folks in that group have a little bit harder time than others. So I want to especially recognize the trans members of our community that are having an especially difficult time. in this moment in time in our country, given what's happening at the federal and at the state level. I want to thank their parents and friends and family and allies that are helping them get through what I can only imagine is quite difficult when you're thinking about not just the demonizing of people in our community, but also very difficult things like getting basic health care. I also think about what this means in our own community. We are proud to be Military City USA, and many of the members that are getting kicked out of the military because they are trans are doing so right here, either Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, et cetera, et cetera. I think we understand the many ways in which, unfortunately, the discrimination impacts us, not only as a community, but also as an economy, which is why it's all the more reason we take steps, whether it's proclamations, but also as we're thinking about how we can engage with local stakeholders to be as inclusive as a community as we are given. how much progress we have made but certainly that is getting rolled back in real time we see that every single day and i thank the this dais my colleagues for how committed they are to ensuring that you know san antonio was a welcoming place for everybody lucky to call this place home councilman white

Thank you. I too wanted to just make brief comments. What I love about San Antonio is how it is a blend of multiple different groups of people with different backgrounds, beliefs. people from all over, different sexual orientations, all of it. That's what makes us such a great city. We are an inclusive city. And so for everybody that is going to celebrate Pride Month, I hope that they enjoy the month, do it safely, and happy Pride Month to everybody that celebrates.

Thank you, Councilman. I'm going to recognize Councilmember Alderete Gavito for a personal point of privilege.

Thank you. Today I am honored to recognize the Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society. Joining us today are Dr. Janine Cody, founder of the registry and the director of Chromosome 18 Clinical Research Center at UT San Antonio, Elizabeth Cody, Dr. Cody's daughter, and the inspiration for the creation of the organization, and Mr. Neil Parker, CEO. Please come up to the podium to be recognized. The Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society was formed in April 1990 after Dr. Cody's daughter Elizabeth was born with a rare condition involving an abnormality on her 18th chromosome. When she was diagnosed, the family was told she would remain in a frog-like position for the rest of her life. At that time, little was known about the condition. So Dr. Cody began reaching out to a few families in the US who had experience with it and connected about 10 families for support. Wanting the best for her daughter, Dr. Cody went back to school to get her PhD and formed the Chromosome 18 Clinical Research Center at UT Health San Antonio. Fast forward to 2026. Elizabeth is here with us and thriving. She has a part-time job and has traveled the world. Over 8,000 families are connected through the Chromosome 18 registry all over the world, and over 700 people are enrolled in the research study. This year, the Clinical Research Center celebrates 35 years and is the only dedicated chromosome 18 research center in the entire world. Thank you to Dr. Cody's efforts, and thanks to her efforts, San Antonio is now the hub for new research treatments, data, improved health outcomes, and family support for people with chromosome 18 conditions. This year, the 31st Annual Chromosome 18 Family Conference will take place from July 12th through the 15th at the Western San Antonio River North with about 400 people expected to attend. Dr. Cody's work has improved the lives of thousands of people around the world. giving them hope and connection so that they know they are not alone on this journey. I'm proud to have such an important cause based here in San Antonio and in District 7, and I want to thank you all for all the work that you all do. Dr. Cody, would you like to say a few words?

This is one way San Antonio is changing the world. But it really only happens thanks to the community we live in and our many, many community partners and corporate partners all across the city. Not to mention, of course, many, many faculty members at UT Health. So it takes a community. This always feels very embarrassing to me because it's not really all me. It's all these other people who have supported this project. And we probably couldn't do it in any other city that's, as we've already heard, demonstrated a welcoming community for all people. So thank you. Thank you, San Antonio, for changing the world.

Thank you. This morning, I'm especially honored to recognize the Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls. Ladies, if you'd like to come up. And I know she's watching. The Honorable Maria Berrizabal is the one that flagged this for me and is so proud of you all. So thank you for joining us this morning. The Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls is an Edgewood ISD, and today we're joined by Cora, Sophia, and Roxy. These young women are preparing to travel from the west side of our city all the way to China. carrying with them not only their achievements, but the pride of their schools, families, and, of course, our community. Through destination imagination, they distinguish themselves with outstanding collaboration, communication, and innovation, and each of them shines in her own way. Cora Moffitt with her unwavering academic excellence and artistic talent, Sophia Thames, whose leadership and powerful voice inspires others, and Roxy De Leon, whose years of dedication, teamwork, and service have made her a true ambassador for her campus. Together, they show what is possible when young people, but young women in particular, are challenged, supported, and believed in. They remind us that brilliance lives in every corner of our city, especially in the West Side, and that when opportunity meets hard work, our students can reach any horizon, even across the ocean. Cora, Sophia, and Roxy, you have three minutes to share. Thank you.

Good morning. They've asked me to speak on their behalf. Good morning. On behalf of Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls and Edgewood ISD, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mayor Gina Ortiz and city council members for this opportunity to recognize the incredible achievements of our leaders. Today, I have the honor of celebrating a group of young women who exemplify excellence, creativity, and leadership. These students have earned the opportunity to represent not only our school and district, but our entire city of San Antonio at the Destination Imagination Global Finals in China this summer. As their principal, I could not be more proud. They have worked tirelessly, challenged themselves, and shown what is possible when young leaders are given the opportunity and space to think critically, collaborate, and innovate. I know they will represent our community with integrity, confidence, and pride. They truly are extraordinary young women and they are a reflection of the bright future ahead of our city. Thank you again for your support in recognizing their accomplishments.

Stay right there. Council member core would like to say a few words.

Thank you, mayor. I want to shout out girls. I'm so proud of what you're accomplished, what you have accomplished, and I can't wait to see what you do in China. But I also want to shout out Dr. Munoz, who is the leader of this school. She had the vision to create this as a choice charter school in Edgewood ISD. And I remember when I first got to read her application and her passion for wanting to start this school. And to be able to see now six years later, after opening the doors in 2020, where you guys have come and how much amazing work is coming out of the school makes me so happy. And so I just want to say that without your leadership, Dr. Munoz, that none of this would have happened. So thank you and good luck.

Thank you. Council Member Villagran.

So how many of y'all have traveled overseas before? Raise your hand. This will be the first time. I am so very excited and proud of you and your efforts. And even though you sit in somebody else's district, I know that as a councilwoman for the city of San Antonio, I feel like this is part of our legacy and what we do in terms of creating women leadership, creating leaders in San Antonio within our community. I want to shout out our women leadership throughout San Antonio. because you are a testimony to them and understanding where you kind of came from and that you kind of take all our hopes and dreams because a lot of us, I didn't travel overseas until I was well older, way older than you guys. So for you to go there and and to represent us and to make sure that everyone knows who San Antonio is and what sort of leadership we have and innovation and design and everything you guys are going to do is very exciting. So thank you for your efforts. Know that we are cheering for you this entire way and that we are extremely excited to hear about your trip when you get back. Thank you. Thank you. Council Member Munguia.

So I want to say congratulations. That's a really big deal. I haven't even been to China. And so you're way ahead of even city council members. So congratulations. And we know you're going to do well. Just know that when you go, you have the whole city right behind you cheering you on from all corners of the city. We're all very proud of you and the work you're doing. So make us proud, too. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Councilmember Castillo.

Thank you. Just also wanted to express that the District 5 team, and I know the City of San Antonio is extremely proud of you all and all y'all's accomplishments and your leadership, and whether it is athletics and or academics at Las Palmas Academy, you all are putting the City of San Antonio on the west side, in particular, on the map. So one, wanted to thank the students for your rigor and your grit, but to the teachers, the support personnel, and the parents that I see here supporting your students, Thank all of you all for investing and supporting your children and our youth in particular. And I know things at Las Palmas are, again, are amazing, whether it's athletics or academics. So just wanted to commend our principal and the teachers and support personnel. Thank you.

Thank you. Council Member Galvan.

Thank you, Mary. Oh, just a couple of quick things I want to say. Congratulations to you all, to the students who have done such incredible work to get to this point. We're all extremely proud of you and they're going to do some exceptionally well things over in China and throughout the rest of your lives. Don't stop here. I know you all won't, but keep on going. And I'm sure you will be back, whether you're in high school or later on, for all the things you're going to do in the future. And I want to say thank you to your parents, thank you to the folks in your life who support you through this journey, whether it's your friends, your family, everyone in your lives, along with, of course, all the teachers, staff, administrative assistants, custodians, all the folks who make Las Palmas a special school in our community, in the Edgewood area. Super excited for you all, and can't wait to see you all when you come back and hear all the incredible stories that you got. Enjoy it, enjoy the experience of it, and never stop. Thank you.

Council Member Alderte-Gavito.

Thank you. I am so excited for you all. And you know, when I look at you on, I hear about you all being smart and courageous. I mean, you don't have to look much further for an example than your own Councilman Terry Castillo. So you'll have a great champion on your side. But also, as Councilman via ground was saying, you know, I didn't get to travel overseas until I was in my twenties and traveling is such a wonderful experience to truly learn you know you're just it's just learning all the things big and small so be grateful for that opportunity we're grateful for that opportunity and we can't wait for you all to showcase San Antonio over there as well thank you

Thank you. Council Member Vanessa Gonzalez. Thank you so much. Congratulations. And you're wearing your uniform in the summertime, so even crazier. So thank you so much for representing San Antonio so well. We know you're going to do amazing things. And I hope this is not your only trip to China. This is just your first trip. So good luck and congratulations. Thank you.

Councilman White.

Yeah, I echo my colleague's sentiments. Super impressive what you guys are doing, what you ladies are doing. And wish you nothing but the best. And this is clearly just the first of many amazing things y'all will do in your lives. So congratulations.

Thank you, ladies. Have a safe trip. The next item is the city manager's report. Eric, over to you.

Thank you, Mayor. No report this morning, thank you.

Okay, thank you. There are no individual items scheduled for today. Items five through 22 are on the consent agenda. This means they will be considered as a group and there will not be a staff presentation unless pulled for individual consideration. Are there any items council members would like to pull from the consent agenda to be heard individually? OK. Hearing none, we have one individual signed up to speak. Jack Finger, sir, you have three minutes.

Madam Mayor, other members of our illustrious San Antonio City Council, for the record, my name is Jack M. Finger, and I see that even since last Monday, y'all are all still having a gay old time. So I'll do some more real things today. Item number 20. What does it say on your agenda? Let's see. Put that up there, see. Look at especially the underlined area. Blow it up a little bit if you can. Yeah, that's good, but it's a little faded out there. See, ordinance extended the income threshold of CPSM's affordable discount program to allow customers at or below 150% of the federal poverty level to continue as qualified for ADP through January 30th, 2027. Okay, I looked at some of the backup documents as I want to do at times. Show that up there if you would. Yeah, exactly what is this going to do? Well, it's going to increase the threshold here. That's what it says here. Y'all had done it once earlier. See, the ordinance further provides that on June 1st, the ADP income will revert to the former qualifying criteria, 125. That's down from 150, thereby decreasing the number of customers qualified to enroll in ADP. But no, we can't have that. The action is seeking city council's approval to extend, I repeat, extend the temporary period of expanded eligible criteria and allow customers added below the 150%. Okay, Mr., yeah, I saw a quote from somebody I think describes this quite interestingly. It's from a noted economist. What's it say, and what was his quote? Nothing is as permanent as a temporary government program. Yeah. Temporary government program. That was by Milton Friedman. He was a renowned economist. Yeah. So tell me, y'all keep wanting to extend these things, extended, extended. Why? I mean, did it ever occur to you that when you offer more giveaways to, ratepayers or whoever, that the rest of us have to make up the difference. Make up the difference. And when that happens, there's pressure to increase our rates. So does this really have to happen? Or am I telling you something that you already know? No, I think why not, instead of going ahead and extending this, just kind of level it off, if you would, and maybe even decrease it so that the rest of us don't have to keep paying the freight and all this stuff? Huh? Yeah. Thank you.

Okay, that was the final speaker. Is there a motion to approve the balance of the consent agenda? Make a motion to approve. There's a motion and a second. Are there any highlights or questions about the consent agenda? Okay. Do you have a highlight? Okay. Councilwoman Castillo.

thank you this morning i'm excited to highlight two items beginning with item six district five is excited for the redesign of south brussels which will include bicycle pedestrian and traffic and potentially drainage upgrades i'm also grateful for the city coordinating with both of our utilities stalls and cps as we re-envision what south brussels can look like and as always we're extremely grateful for our uh 2022 bond committee members lastly i would like to highlight item number 16 which is the appointment of jillian to the coalition who is the coalition coordinator for building hope together to the west side tours she serves as a member that has helped identify needs in aging in the homes of aging seniors to what from ranging from like walk-in showers rail so on and so forth and their board goes into the homes and evaluates the product once it's complete so it's just a really great non-profit and we know that her voice will add value to the west side tourist board thank you thank you council member core thank you two quick highlights one item five is

of the approval of $5 million from the 2022 bond for the West End Park Senior Center. And this is a senior center that supports the Weha neighborhood that both Councilman Castillo and I get the opportunity to represent. And they are so excited about their facility upgrades. have moved into the main space temporarily as that construction goes and we know we're going to get it as done done as quickly as possible but they're excited about how much more additional space they're going to get including a full service kitchen because when i walked there last week they were taking a herb class where they were using fresh herbs to be able to create foods so I'm super excited about that and also wanting to highlight item seven, which is $3.2 million for Riverwalk channel improvements. There is an ongoing Riverwalk strategic plan that is happening right now, and this is going to fit very well into that in terms of ADA accessibility, which we get feedback from folks all the time that we need more ADA accessibility on the Riverwalk. So I want to thank Shannon and our team for the work they're doing on the Riverwalk strategic plan, but also I'm excited for these improvements. Thanks, Mayor.

Thank you. Council Member Galvan.

Thank you, Mayor. I wanted to highlight item number 14, our District 6 appointee to the Central Youth Commission, Nydia Young. I know her and her family are still here. If you would like to come up to the podium, feel free to. Nydia Young is a rising junior at Construction Careers Academy, a magnet high school where she channels her passion for engineering at Northside ISD. Through the ACE Mentorship Program, she collaborates with local professionals to help solve theoretical city problems, and I know she's ready to jump in and address some real city problems through the Youth Commission. Additionally, she is in her fourth year of the UTSA Pre-Freshman Engineering Program, where she works on and presents projects that solve assigned problems through the program. And I am super excited and looking forward to her solving all the infrastructure issues related to engineering, starting with military drive and Reed Road, preferably. She is extremely eager to collaborate with fellow leaders and help her community thrive. Nita, do you have any words you want to share with the council?

I just wanted to say thank you for this opportunity, and I'm very excited to help out.

Yeah, thank you for your leadership and your inspiration to all of your students and classmates. Thank you all so much.

Thank you. Council Member Alderta Gavito.

Thank you. Nydia, I just wanted to let you know I also went through the prep program. So it's awesome. I'm excited for you. I wanted to highlight item number 20, extending the income threshold for CPS's energy affordability discount program. This item will allow for families at or below 150% of the federal poverty level to continue to qualify for the program through January of next year. I was proud to push for this initial expansion of eligibility requirements in 2023. and it finally came to fruition in 2024. Prior to the expansion, the limit of the program was at 125% of the federal property level. When the program was expanded, it allowed for an additional 29,000 families to enroll. If we did not pass this extension today, many of those same families would be dropped out of the program and suddenly face increased CPS bills. For example, a single mother making $35,000 a year and raising two children would not qualify for the ADP program under the 125% poverty guidelines. Under the expanded limit, she would. With a higher cost of goods, higher gas, and higher inflation, some of our most vulnerable residents cannot afford to be removed from this program. Thank you so much to CPS for their partnership, and I'm happy to support this item today. Thank you.

Thank you. Councilman White.

Thanks, Mayor. Highlighting item 15, the appointment of Kirat Puri to the San Antonio Youth Commission. Kirat's an outstanding student at TMI Episcopal School who's already demonstrated an impressive commitment to leadership, academic excellence, and community service. As a recipient of TMI's prestigious Albert and Margaret Alkick Scholarship, Kirat has distinguished himself both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to serving as a city council district one intern, Karat has founded several initiatives focused on financial literacy and educational opportunities for students. He also leads multiple organizations at his school while remaining actively involved in volunteer service projects that support communities both locally and internationally. We're proud to welcome such a dedicated and accomplished young leader to the San Antonio Youth Commission. I know that Karat will bring valuable insight, energy, and a strong commitment to serving the youth here in San Antonio. Thanks, Mayor.

Thank you. There being no further discussion, there's a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda. Please vote.

Aye.

Okay, the motion carries. Thank you. I'm going to take us into executive session. The time is now 9 49 AM on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. The city council of the city of San Antonio will now meet in executive session to consult with the city attorney's office pursuant to chapter five, five, one of the Texas government code and to deliberate or discuss the following items, economic development negotiations pursuant to section five, five, 1.087, the purchase exchange lease or value of real property pursuant to section five, five, 1.072 and legal issues related to litigation involving the city emergency preparedness and collective bargaining all pursuant to section five, five, 1.071. The time is now 12.06 p.m. on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, and the San Antonio City Council will now reconvene in open session. No official action was taken in executive session. The time is now 12.06, and this meeting is adjourned.