August 11, 2025 Newsletter
August 11, 2025 – Volume 19 Number 32
Highlights:
* The city manager proposes a 3-cent hike to the property tax rate.
* The city council will meet this Tuesday for the presentation of the other funds of the budget and more budget talk.
* P&Z passes the Watson Apartments, while tabling the two other cases heard.
Teachers' Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_14.html
Open Letter to AISD Taxpayers
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_11.html
Arlington is a city where citizens are relegated to being spectators, rather than players on the field. The SPECTATOR helps citizens know what is happening on the field. Only a few of the in-house team members are allowed to play ball in Arlington. The SPECTATOR helps citizens understand the game.
GAME SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, August 12: City Council afternoon budget meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 3rd Floor, 3:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, August 13: Comprehensive Plan Board Game, East Library and Recreation Center, 1817 New York Avenue, 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Thursday, August 14: Budget Town Hall meeting, South Police Station, 1030 Southwest Green Oaks Boulevard, 6:00pm.
Saturday, August 16: For Liberty and Justice Rally, Grace Community Church, 801 W. Bardin Road.
Monday, August 18: Comprehensive Plan Board Game, Southwest Library, 3311 SW Green Oaks Boulevard, 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Tuesday, August 19: Mayor's Town Hall, Texas Rangers Golf Club, 701 Brown Boulevard, 6:00pm.
Wednesday, August 20: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 2:45pm.)
Thursday, August 21: Budget Town Hall meeting, City Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:00pm.
Thursday, August 21: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 6:30pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Monday, August 25: Comprehensive Plan Board Game, Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Tuesday, August 26: City Council afternoon budget meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, August 27: Comprehensive Plan Board Game, Texas Rangers Golf Club, 2800 S. Center Street, 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Monday, September 1: Labor Day Holiday
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The city council met this past Tuesday, August 5. All council members were present. The city manager presented his budget during the work session (along with a 3-cent tax rate increase).
This Tuesday, August 12, there will be only an afternoon session [with several official votes] as the city manager will present the other funds of the budget at 3:30pm. [The general fund was presented last Tuesday and will also be discussed. The other funds will be presented.]
Committee Meetings
The only committee meeting was the Community and Neighborhood Development Committee. They discussed the FY2026 Matching Grants Program (presentation). The application deadline for FY2026 grants is November 3, 2025.
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Afternoon Meetings
The afternoon meeting can be found at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5192 . After opening (about 1:40) they went into executive session to discuss:
Discussion of Fredrick Evans v. City of Arlington lawsuit.
Discussion Regarding the Acquisition of Property Relative to Affordable Housing. [Commentary: It is not the taxpayers' responsibility to provide “affordable” housing, and I disapprove of my tax dollars being spent on this item in an attempt to control “market”.]
Discussion Regarding the Acquisition of Property for Parks and Recreational Purposes.
Offers of Incentives to Business Prospects.
The agenda for the open portion of the meeting included four work session items, two informal staff reports, appointments to boards and commissions (list), reporting on external committees, and a legislative update.
The four work session items are:
(2:19:48) 1. Flood preparedness and emergency response (presentation). It included a history of some of the flooding history. At 2:40:45 is a description of the emergency management plans process. At 3:03:31 it is opened for council comments/questions.
(3:32:15) 2. FY2026 Budget (presentation). The city's budget video can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh1W-LigsA4 . At 4:39:42 it is opened for council comments/questions. James Hartley of KERA news and the Arlington Report/Fort Worth Report has an article on the tax rate increase: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/08/06/arlington-property-tax-bills-could-go-up-by-about-12-a-month-under-proposal-to-balance-2026-budget-2/ .
(4:45:22) 3. Unified Development Code Text Amendment related to the regulation of Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, and Small Lot Use and Development (presentation). This had to do with the modifications required for SB840 and SB15. At 4:58:58 and 5:16:23 it is opened for council comments/questions.
(5:17:11) 4. Council Priority - Enhance Regional Mobility (presentation).
(5:19:10) The two informal staff reports are:
1. Commercial Motor Vehicle Parking Violations (staff report).
2. 2026 Neighborhood Matching Grant Call for Projects (staff report).
(5:22:29) Committee meetings.
(5:24:02) External committee reports.
(5:27:08) Legislative update. (presentation)
(5:28:11) Future agenda items.
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Evening Meeting
The agenda for the evening meeting included appointments (list), minutes, 35 consent agenda items, five public hearings, and two ordinances. The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5193 .
(1:45) Start of meeting. Three Viet Nam veterans were honored. There was a proclamation for Gun Safety Awareness Month.
(15:55) Appointments and minutes were approved with two 9-0 votes.
(17:12) Consent agenda. Consent agenda 7.35 updates the Mozee – EDC multi-million dollar deal subsidizing their lease costs to move their headquarters to Arlington (staff report). There was one speaker, the developer, on hand to answer any questions on the second reading of his zoning case. No items were pulled or discussed. The consent agenda was approved, 9-0.
(21:47) Public hearing #1 was for a Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) for the property located at 1520 East Abram Street (staff report). It was approved, 9-0.
(24:59) Public hearing #2 was for updates to the Unified Development Code (UDC) to be in compliance with new state laws (staff report). SB840 and SB15 are awful laws that are all for high-density without community input or objection allowed. The updates were approved, 9-0.
(27:38) Public hearing #3 was for a Specific Use Permit SUP09-20R1, an amendment to establish a drilling zone on the existing gas well site located at 3031 East Arkansas Lane. First reading of an ordinance designating a drilling zone on certain property known
as 3031 East Arkansas Lane (staff report). There were three speakers in opposition. The SUP was approved, 9-0.
(43:17) Public hearing #4 was for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for an Auto Repair Garage, Major Use on property zoned Light Industrial (LI). First reading of an ordinance adopting Specific Use Permit SUP25-01 for Auto Repair Garage at 2712 W. Division Street (staff report). The SUP was approved, 9-0.
(48:56) Public hearing #5 was for a Specific Use Permit SUP25-04 for a Banquet Hall on property zoned Community Commercial (CC) at 1645 New York Avenue (staff report). The SUP was approved, 9-0.
(55:18) The two ordinances were for a) issuing $95,576,000 in various types of bonds (staff report) and b) appointing part-time municipal court associate judges (staff report). Both items were approved, 9-0.
(57:41) Citizen participation. There were three speakers. The second speaker spoke on TAD irregularities. The third speaker was asking for donations for the Viet Nam Memorial.
This Tuesday, August 12
They will meet in the expanded area [usual afternoon meeting area] for a 3:30pm meeting. The agenda includes one work session item, three resolutions, the second reading of an ordinance, and public comment.
The one work session agenda item is the FY2026 Budget. The city manager will present the other funds' budgets and will be discussing the entire budget (no presentation available at the time of this writing).
The three resolutions:
1. Calls for a proposed tax rate ($0.6298) public hearing on Tuesday, September 9 (staff report).
2. Calls for an operating budget public hearing on Tuesday, September 9 (staff report).
3. Relocation assistance policy (staff report). This is regarding displacement of citizens.
The ordinance is for the approval of the appointment of Municipal Court Part-time Associate Judges (staff report).
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Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
The EDC meet last Wednesday, August 6. The objective of the meeting was to have an executive session on at least one proposal. [Something big might be coming.]
We do not know when the EDC Board will meet next. The best guess would be August 19.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Wednesday, August 20, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP25-3 at 4560 Waxwing Drive. They wish for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for an Upscale Hotel, with a Development Plan on 2.033 acres zoned Airport Overlay (APO)-Community Commercial (CC). If approved by P&Z this will go to the city council on September 16.
On Tuesday, August 26, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP25-5 at 2306 Park Run Drive. They wish for a specific use permit to allow a secondary living unit.
On Tuesday, August 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-40 for a planned development for a portion of Lincoln Square.
On Tuesday, August 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-40-ASP for an alternate sign plan for Lincoln Square.
On Tuesday, August 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on a permit to drill gas wells at 3031 E. Arkansas Lane.
On Tuesday, August 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD25-9 at 1401 S. Watson Road. They wish for a planned development on the 6.112 acres for RMF-22 (apartments). It is currently zoned commercial.
On Wednesday, September 3, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-12 at 700-odd Dugan Street/302 Weeks Avenue/ 700 South Street. They wish to update/change their planned development on the 1.605 acres. If approved by P&Z this will go to the city council on September 2.
P&Z Commission
P&Z will meet this past Wednesday, August 6. There are four public hearings on their agenda. The agenda can be viewed at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/planning-and-development-services/documents/planning-amp-development-boards-amp-commissions/planning-and-zoning-commission/posted-agenda/pz-regular-session-08-06-2025-agenda-website.pdf . The meeting can be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=10&clip_id=5203 .
(2:54) Public hearing #1 was for PD25-12 an expansion of the Balfour Lofts located at 700-odd Dugan Street/302 Weeks Avenue/ 700 South Street. This is southeast of the Tarrant County Sub Courthouse. They were approved over a year ago, but now have the whole block and are expanding. The apartment-loving city council also gave them a "buddy" corporate-welfare deal to build the apartments. They also now want to be able to do short-term rentals, previously having agreed to not allow that (staff report). They now wish for 99 units in the 1.605 acres for a density of 62 units/acre. There are twelve deviations listed in the staff report. A continuance until September 3 was approved, 8-0.
(1:46:28) Public hearing #2 was the continuation of PD25-9 from the last meeting (July 23). It is located at 1401 S. Watson Road and is for a planned development for MF-22 apartments on 6.112 acres (staff report). The developer proposes total units within three buildings. There are three deviations listed in the staff report. This was approved, 7-2.
(2:20:15) Public hearing #3 was for PD25-10 at 7827 S. Cooper Street (staff report). They wish to change from Flex Hybrid (approved by the council in December 2023) and Light Industrial to a planned development RS-5 small lots on 9.622 acres. The developer is proposing 52 lots in the range of 3500-4200 sq. ft. Twelve deviations are listed in the staff report. An indefinite continuation was approved, 8-0.
Public hearing #4 was for Specific Use Permit (SUP10-23) for Industrial Manufacturing (IM) with a Development Plan on approximately 2.379 acres currently zoned Industrial Manufacturing (IM) with a Specific Use Permit for high impact use (staff report). This case was NOT heard. It has been continued indefinitely.
AISD School Board
The AISD School Board met this past Thursday, August 7. The agenda included an executive session, recognitions, open forum for agenda items, appointments, committee and staff reports, one action item, consent agenda, open forum for non-agenda items, and the end of meeting reports. All council members were present. In executive session they discussed personnel and potential and pending litigation. The meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0qunTd57uA .
(3:21) The recognitions included Texas Association of School Boards Leadership Graduate (Ms. Fowler), Texas Art Education Association District Distinction, and National Math Stars.
(22:20) Appointments.
Charles Brant – Assistant Principal Martin High School
Domiana Battah - Assistant Principal Lamar High School
Rosa Orosco - Assistant Principal Venture High School
Crystal Flores - Assistant Principal Venture High School
Erin Robbins - Assistant Principal Workman Jr. High School
Alan Blanchard - Assistant Principal Ousley Jr. High School
Nyjha Andrews - Assistant Principal Ellis Elementary School
Thomas Flagg - Associate Principal Center for Visual and Performing Arts
(39:25) Open forum on agenda items. The only registered speaker was not present.
(40:32) Committee and staff reports.
1. Governance committee.
2. Strategic Plan Development - Values & Beliefs Report (presentation).
(53:16) One action item. They approved a delegate (Ms. Richardson) and alternate (Ms. Fowler) to Texas Association School Boards (TASB). It was approved, 7-0.
(56:12) Consent agenda. Nothing was pulled or discussed. It was approved, 7-0.
(56:53) Open forum on non-agenda items. There were three speakers registered. The first speaker was not present. The second speaker, running for office, wants to donate Ten Commandment signs for 100% of classrooms. The third speaker spoke of TAD issues.
(1:03:06) End of meeting reports.
President Chappa gave the Board Brief for the meeting at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKaEtQqlGz4 .
The AISD announced its new cell phone policy. Channel 8 (WFAA) ran a story at: https://www.wfaa.com/video/news/local/arlington-isd-announces-away-for-the-day-policy/287-c2535d0f-aa1e-426b-bf51-d9885b5287a0 .
The AISD post about the teacher raises: https://www.aisd.net/district/departments/human-resources/compensation-benefits-and-risk-management/board-approves-staff-raises/ .
TEA Accountability Data:
In 2020, the AISD was tied for the highest M&O rate of all the school districts in Tarrant County. Since then, there has been NO tie. The AISD HAS the highest M&O rate in Tarrant County. [school district tax rates]
Top 5 of Tarrant County's 21 ISDs M&O Rates
1. Arlington ISD $0.812800
2. Birdville ISD $0.786900
2. Fort Worth ISD $0.786900
2. Godley ISD $0.786900
2. Mansfield ISD $0.786900
Of Tarrant County's 21 ISDs - Lowest Tax Rates [The rest are above $1.1300]
1. Grapevine-Colleyville ISD $0.923300
2. Carroll ISD $0.961700
3. HEB ISD $0.968900
4. Fort Worth ISD $1.062400
5. Keller ISD $1.085200
6. Azle ISD $1.097900
7. Arlington ISD $1.103500
8. Lewisville $1.117800
9. Northwest ISD $1.117900
Teacher Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html [Arlington ISD easily pays the highest salaries, thus creating ISD inflation.]
AISD Declining Enrollment
Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/05/28/arlington-isds-enrollment-could-shrink-by-2032-heres-whats-driving-the-decline .
Other News
'For Liberty and Justice' Rally
Saturday, August 16th from 6 - 8 pm Grace Community Church (801 W. Bardin Road, Arlington, TX 76017) is co-hosting a rally with 'For Liberty And Justice' to encourage civic involvement among Christians. There will be a time of worship, attendees will hear from Texas State Representative Nate Schatzline and be challenged to make a difference in our culture. This is a great opportunity to bring a friend and learn more about how to be involved. This event is free, but please register: https://for-liberty-and-justice-464552.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2982226 .
Self-Driving Vehicles
Arlington has a somewhat long history regarding self-driving vehicles. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/08/06/whats-next-for-self-driving-vehicles-in-arlington-heres-a-look-after-the-end-of-rapid/ .
Mayor in Financial Trouble?
According to this Carlos Turcios article in the Dallas Express: https://dallasexpress.com/metroplex/irs-garnishes-arlington-mayors-wages-over-174k-in-unpaid-taxes .
James Hartley of KERA and the Arlington Report has a follow-up story at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/07/03/arlington-mayor-on-payment-plan-with-irs-for-174k-in-back-taxes-council-peers-say-work-unaffected .
HELPFUL CONTACTS
The Spectator: www.ArlSpectator.mysite.com
to be added/deleted to/from the mailing list e-mail: ArlSpectator@yahoo.com
We can be found on Facebook at ArlSpectator.
Open Letter to AISD Taxpayers
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_11.html
Teachers' Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
City of Arlington website: www.arlingtontx.gov
e-mails of mayor and council:
.................... first.last@arlingtontx.gov
mayor = jim.ross
district 1 (north) = mauricio.galante
district 2 (sw) = raul.gonzalez
district 3 (se) = nikkie.hunter
district 4 (west) = andrew.piel
district 5 (central/east) = rebecca.boxall
district 6 (all) = long.pham
district 7 (all) = bowie.hogg
district 8 (all) = barbara.odom-wesley
AISD website ....................... www.aisd.net
McMurrough............ - sarahforaisd@gmail.com
Fowler ................... - fowler.aisd@gmail.com
Mike .................. - larrymike.aisd@gmail.com
Wilbanks .......... - dwilban.aisd@gmail.com
Chapa ...................... - chapa.aisd@gmail.com
Richardson ... - brooklyn.richardson.aisd@gmail.com
Haynes ................... - haynes.aisd@gmail.com
TEA Accountability Data:
ARC Political Watch Committee Reports
includes coverage of Mansfield ISD and national, state, county, & city
Texas Legislative Online:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx
To be added to/deleted from our mailing list please e-mail your request to: ArlSpectator@yahoo.com