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September 14, 2025 – Volume 8 Number 37

HIGHLIGHTS:

* City council to meet Tuesday. Executive session includes the “investigation” and Place 4 vacancy discussions.

* This week a home game for Kennedale Football against another high-ranked opponent.

SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, September 16: City Council meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 20: Library Grand Re-opening, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 23: EDC (Economic Development Corporation) Board meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 25: P&Z meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 9: Board of Adjustments/Building Board of Appeals meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 14: KKB (Keep Kennedale Beautiful) meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 14: Parks Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

…..

Senior Tax Freeze

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_10.html

Texas Open Meetings Act Violations???

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_9.html

The Bridge:

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_12.html

City Council Grades:

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_26.html

Kennedale Observer website:

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/index_3.html

Latest Kennedale Observer newsletter:

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_44.html

KNOW WHAT YOUR CITY IS UP TO...

Your City Council

The city council will meet this week for their regular monthly meeting, Tuesday, September 16. The agenda can be found at: https://kennedaletx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3570/files/agenda/10307 . No packet was available at the time of this writing. The agenda includes public comments, presentations, three public hearings, the regular session, and executive session.

The regular session includes the regular reports and announcements, four consent agenda items (August 19 minutes, August 27 minutes, 625 Grapevine replat, 220 Spring Branch replat) and five items for individual consideration:

1. Facility rental fees;

2. Development agreement for 317 S. New Hope Road;

3. Amendment #1 to Hillside/Briar Court sewer improvements;

4. Investment Policy Update; and

5. C-2 zoning for 600 W. Pioneer Pkwy.

[It is disappointing that a packet is not available to the public so more detailed information could be known.]

The executive session is to include consulting with the city attorney regarding the “investigation” and a discussion regarding the Place 4 vacancy.

* * * * *

Leftovers:

The “Investigation”

At the July meeting, there was an update on the “investigation”.

[Commentary: Even while trying to be transparent this administration fails. My initial questions would include:

Why was there NOT a vote in open session approving the selected law firm?

How much is this investigation costing the taxpayers?

What items are being investigated?

Are they going to help write a needed ordinance/definition/charter wording?

What is the scope of this contract?

These issues were discussed on May 1^st. Why do we not know the answers? Other than knowing there is an ongoing investigation...

I did do a public information request for the contract. I did receive a copy of the contract signed by the city manager. So, if the contract stays under $25,000 [the $25,000 limit for the city manager without council approval was increased to $50,000 in August], he can execute the contract without the council's approval [However, on May 1, 2025, the city council approved a motion to “task the city attorney with finding us [the council] a law firm who could investigate this”, not having the city manager approve a contract to do this. Any contracts approved by the city council are to be approved in open session.] The contract includes a bunch of different rates for different types of employees. Depending on how much work they do, they could hit the $25,000 level in the second month. The scope of work is defined as what is asked for in writing with no clue of what they have already agreed upon. I did put in a request for the invoices on August 18 but was told there were none. I put in another request on September 3 but have not heard back yet on that one.]

Last Week

Last week the Keep Kennedale Beautiful (KKB) (agenda) met on Tuesday evening. The meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa7YVishB1g .

The Parks Board (agenda) meeting scheduled for Tuesday was not held due to a lack of quorum. The announcement can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SjuqSweYtQ .

This Week

The city council will meet on Tuesday, September 16.

Public Hearings

On Tuesday, September 16, the city council will hold a public hearing for PZ25-11. This is for a replat at 625 Grapevine Trail.

On Tuesday, September 16, the city council will hold a public hearing for PZ25-12. This is for a replat at 220 Spring Branch.

On Tuesday, September 16, the city council will hold a public hearing for PZ25-13. This is to change the zoning at 600 W. Kennedale Parkway from Urban Village “UV” to Commercial “C2”.

On Tuesday, September 16, the city council will hold a public hearing on facility rental fees.

EDC

The next EDC (Economic Development Corporation) Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23.

P&Z

The next P&Z meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25.

Other News....

Kennedale Blown Out

Kennedale was blown out at Springtown, 55-0. This week there is another home game against another high-ranked opponent, Panther Creek (Frisco).

Library Opening

The library is scheduled to open on Tuesday, September 16. They also are planning a Grand Reopening on Saturday, September 20.

TAD Rates

Tarrant Appraisal District has published the tax rates (October 2024) for the county. Kennedale is now the fifth highest municipality. [https://www.tad.org/content/rates/2024TaxRates.pdf ].

Top ten of 41 (everyone else is < 0.65)

1. Everman 1.0260800

2. Sansom Park 0.7796050

3. Forest Hill 0.7240940

4. Blue Mound 0.7220330

5. Kennedale 0.7061900

6. White Settlement 0.6798160

7. River Oaks 0.6758270

8. Fort Worth 0.672500

9. Burleson 0.6627000

10. Grand Prairie 0.6600000

Kennedale has passed a new 2025 rate of $0.6961900, which will be on the TAD website in October.