August 4, 2025 Newsletter
August 4, 2025 – Volume 19 Number 31
Highlights:
* The city manager presents the budget on Tuesday.
* School Board meets on Thursday.
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 5: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 11:45 am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, August 6: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 2:45pm.)
Tuesday, August 7: 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.)
Thursday, August 14: Budget Town Hall meeting, South Police Station.
Saturday, August 16: For Liberty and Justice Rally, Grace Community Church, 801 W. Bardin Road.
Tuesday, August 19: Mayor's Town Hall, Texas Rangers Golf Club, 701 Brown Boulevard, 6:00pm.
Thursday, August 21: Budget Town Hall meeting, City Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street.
Tuesday, 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.)
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The city council will meet this Tuesday, August 5. The city manager will be presenting his budget during the work session. There is one committee meeting at 11:45am. The afternoon session starts at 12:30pm, but goes into executive session. The open portion of the afternoon meeting will begin no sooner than 2:30pm. The evening meeting will start at 6:30pm.
Committee Meetings
The only committee meeting is the Community and Neighborhood Development Committee. They are to begin at 11:45am and spend 30 minutes on the FY2026 Matching Grants Program (presentation). The application deadline for FY2026 grants is November 3, 2025.
Afternoon Meetings
The afternoon meeting begins at 12:30pm. They will open and go 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 open portion of the afternoon meeting will begin no sooner than 2:30pm. The agenda for the open portion of the meeting includes four work session items, two informal staff reports, appointments to boards and commissions (list), reporting on other committees, and a legislative update.
The four work session items are:
1. Flood preparedness and emergency response (no presentation available at the time of this writing).
2. FY2026 Budget (no presentation available at the time of this writing – will probably be posted on Tuesday).
3. Unified Development Code Text Amendment related to the regulation of Multi-Family,
Mixed-Use, and Small Lot Use and Development (no presentation available at the time of this writing).
4. Council Priority - Enhance Regional Mobility (presentation).
The two informal staff reports are:
1. Commercial Motor Vehicle Parking Violations (staff report).
2. 2026 Neighborhood Matching Grant Call for Projects (staff report).
There is no presentation available on the legislative update at the time of this writing.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Evening Meeting
The agenda for the 6:30pm evening meeting includes appointments (list), minutes, 35 consent agenda items, five public hearings, and two ordinances.
Consent agenda items 7.33 and 7.34 are paying property owners who did not want sidewalk improvements for property in order to force sidewalks on Division Street (staff report1 , staff report2)
Consent agenda 7.35 updates the Mozee – EDC multi-million dollar deal subsidizing their lease costs to move their headquarters to Arlington (staff report).
Public hearing #1 is for a Municipal Setting
Designation (MSD) for the properties located at 1520 East Abram Street (staff report).
Public hearing #2 is for updates to the Unified Development Code (UDC) to be in compliance with new state laws (staff report).
Public hearing #3 is for a Specific Use Permit SUP09-20R1, an amendment o 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).
Public hearing #4 is 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).
Public hearing #5 is 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 two ordinances are for a) issuing $95,576,000 in various types of bonds (staff report) and b) appointing part-time municipal court associate judges (staff report).
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
We do not know when the EDC Board will meet next. The best guess would be August 19.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Tuesday, August 5, the city council will hold a public hearing to issue $12,000,000 in certificates of obligation (CO).
On Tuesday, August 5, the city council will hold a public hearing for a Municipal Setting
Designation (MSD) for the properties located at 1520 East Abram Street.
On Tuesday, August 5, the city council will hold a public hearing on Unified Development Code (UDC) updates (https://classifieds.mcclatchy.com/marketplace/fortworth/advert/-Notices_191589).
On Tuesday, August 5, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP09-20R1 at 3031 E. Arkansas Lane. They wish to amend the gas drilling specific use permit.
On Tuesday, August 5, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP25-01 at 2712 W. Division Street. They wish for Auto Repair
Garage, Major Use specific use permit.
On Tuesday, August 5, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP25-04 at 1645 New York Avenue. They wish for a banquet hall specific use permit.
On Wednesday, August 6, 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.
On Wednesday, August 6, P&Z 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, August 6, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-10 at 7819/7827 S. Cooper Street. They wish for a planned development on the 9.622 acres for RS-5 (small lot homes). It is currently zoned flex hybrid and light industrial. If approved by P&Z this will go to the city council on September 2.
On Wednesday, August 6, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP10-23R4 at 408 113th Street. They wish to update the specific use permit for industrial manufacturing on the 2.379 acres. If approved by P&Z this will go to the city council on September 2.
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.
P&Z Commission
P&Z will meet this 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 .
Public hearing #1 is 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. [Commentary: This is the type of stuff that needs to be moved right next to Chris Turner's residence, Chris Turner being one of the "idiots" who voted for SB840.]
Public hearing #2 is 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.
Public hearing #3 is 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.
Public hearing #4 is 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).
AISD School Board
The next AISD School Board meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, August 7. The agenda should be posted on Monday.
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
Long-time UTA Basketball Coach
UTA's long-time basketball coach Robert “Snake” LeGrand has passed away. The Shorthorn's Kale Ivie has an article at: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/beloved-former-uta-mens-basketball-coach-robert-snake-legrand-dies-at-81/article_35985966-af38-4b04-bb61-9560bb5d86d9.html .
'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 .
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
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