April 15, 2024 Newsletter

April 15, 2024 – Volume 18 Number 16

Highlights:

* City council is still discussing the purchase of property for childcare facilities in executive session. Still NO comments on their intentions.

* EDC set to approve a $50,000,000 give-away airport deal to E-space, Inc.

* EDC set to approve a $3,407,000 contract with a developer.

* The city council will hold their spring priority setting meeting on Tuesday.

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

…...

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, April 16: Council priority setting meeting, Texas Rangers Golf Corse Clubhouse, 701 Brown Boulevard, 8:30am.

Tuesday, April 16: EDC Board meeting, 3^rd floor of City Hall, 101 W. Abram Street, 4:30pm.

Wednesday, April 17: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 4:15pm.)

Thursday, April 18: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 5:00pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)

Monday, April 22: Early voting for municipal elections begins, 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Tuesday, April 23: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)

Tuesday, April 30: Early voting for municipal elections ends, 7:00am - 7:00pm.

Wednesday, May 1: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm.)

Thursday, May 2: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 5:00pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)

Saturday, May 4: Municipal and School Board Election Day, 7:00am – 7:00pm.

Tuesday, May 7: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)

From THE LOCKER ROOM

Arlington City Council Update

The council did meet last week. There were no committee meetings. Council Member Piel was absent, again. They will hold a [not broadcasted] priority setting meeting this coming Tuesday, April 16, at the Texas Rangers Golf Course Clubhouse.

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Afternoon Meeting

The afternoon agenda can be found at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/AgendaViewer.php?view_id=9&event_id=2066 . The meeting can be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/4798?view_id=9&redirect=true . Council member Piel was absent.

(3:18) They started the meeting and went into executive session. The executive session agenda included:

1. Legal Discussion Related to the Gas Drilling and Production Chapter of the Arlington City Code

2. Discussion Regarding the Purchase of Street Right-of-Way, Temporary Construction and Utility Easement Rights from 2500 West Division Street

3. Discussion Regarding the Possible Lease of Real Property in the Arlington Entertainment District for Signs

4. Discussion Regarding the Purchase of Property for Childcare Facilities

5. Mansfield Webb Road (Silo Road to Collins Street) – Necessity Resolution; Project No. PWST21004 A resolution determining the necessity of acquiring street right-of-way easements and temporary construction easements for the public use of constructing, reconstructing, maintaining, and using street improvements, and all necessary appurtenances for the Mansfield Webb Road (Silo Road to Collins Street) project.

6. Offers of Incentives to Business Prospects

[The biggest concern regarding the childcare facilities is that this will become the next $6 million/year budget item, much like Rideshare. NOTHING has been said publicly on this subject, such as what is being considered.]

They reconvened and addressed work session items.

(3:07:37) 1. Unity Council Update and Equity Dashboard Overview (presentation). The presentation was by the city's diversity director. On the LGBQT+ screen he stated the city will be offering a wider range of gender affiliations [oh, fun]. The city's current [2002] Equity Score is 49.71, which is very high compared to other cities.

(3:44:22) 2. Storm water plan (presentation). As a result of storm water feeing us to death, they expect to have spent $100 million over the last five years to protect 122 structures [$820,000 per structure].

(4:03:04) 3. Police Department 2023 Use of Force Report (presentation). Of the 220,572 calls for service, 1,092 had use of force incidents [0.5%]. They announced a partnership with UTA's Criminal Justice Department to analysis these numbers deeper.

(4:25:12) Informal staff reports.

1. Arlington Multimodal Delivery Project Update (staff report). This May 8 “delivery” project is funded by the city and its partners ($820,874) and the federal government [unable to figure out why it is in such debt] ($780,182).

2. Arlington Housing Finance Corporation Homebuyer Assistance Program (staff report), activity through March 2024 (report).

(4:25:58) Appointments (none) and evening agenda items. They discussed 11.1 (first public hearing) and Council Member Moise (with P&Z background) seemed to want to remove uses from a straight zoning case [NOT allowed]. She showed great “concern” about decreasing the value of the apartments across the street. [It is a shame she does NOT show the same “concern” about citizen homeowners when she votes to add a gazillion multi-family units.] They also discussed 11.2 (second public hearing). The small business owner may have a difficult fight at the evening meeting. Items 8.20 and 8.21 (airport lease items) will be pulled for a future agenda.

(5:04:48) Trash cart update. Cart storage is an issue, with a 40% problem on noncompliance.

(5:13:00) Future agenda items. The mayor wanted an International Corridor steering committee. [There still was NO mention of the intention to buy property for childcare facilities.]

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The agenda for the evening meeting can be found at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/AgendaViewer.php?view_id=9&event_id=2089 . The agenda includeds an executive session item, 27 consent agenda items, and two zoning case public hearings. The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/4799?view_id=9&redirect=true . Mr. Piel was absent.

(3:00) Start of meeting.

(6:45) The one executive session item and minutes were approved with two 8-0 votes.

(7:57) The consent agenda saw items 8.20 and 8.21, regarding leases at the airport, pulled for separate consideration. Item 8.26, election information, had a substitute resolution. There were no speakers on consent agenda items. The remaining 25 items of the consent agenda were approved, 8-0. The two items, 8.20 and 8.21, were continued with an 8-0 v.ote

(12:27) The first public hearing was for zoning case ZA24-1 (100/120/150/200 E. Stephens Street) to change the zoning from General Commercial (GC) to Light Industrial (LI) (staff report). The council was not comfortable with straight zoning. A motion to approve failed, 2-6, with Gonzalez and Boxall in support.

(40:36) The second public hearing was for zoning case PD23-40 (1850 Park Spring Boulevard) for Community Commercial (CC) uses, plus major auto repair (staff report). The council approved, 8-0, after much discussion about overnight parking.

(1:01:18) Citizen participation saw three speakers on Gaza.

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Coming Tuesday's Priority Setting Meeting

This Tuesday, April 16, the city council will meet for a priority setting meeting at the Texas Rangers Golf Course Clubhouse. The agenda is at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/common/pages/DownloadFileByUrl.aspx?key=akAaNVCjp7%2FkwH%2BmDxhtDpPT9gzPOHV20PSjjeZ9Z80GVouGvw5aUhxVEvHE1GUxC7gIAsJ33h5x35WFTpJYVcC%2BooNDL%2Fgybq%2FK0lMyJtudSBv0ojBexXPyeIB2xysUwAkERCX9Dzuwp%2BApLYUi9ab%2F8FsDgEaFiamgpUbtnQkaOqn9h1TLfUCpPSvn4GZHWYxuVA%3D%3D .

Decision-Making Update

Economic Forecast & Sales Tax Information (presentation)

Citizen Satisfaction Survey (document)

Financial Forecast (presentation, 1^st qtr BAR & business plan, fed funding strategy)

Governance Documents

Priority Poster (propaganda)

Evidence of Success (presentation)

Council Policy Agenda (expectations)

Comprehensive Plan (presentation)

Core Service Issues

Homelessness/Housing (presentation)

Transportation Update (presentation)

Clean Arlington (presentation)

City Facilities, Fleet and Roads (presentation)

Problem Properties (presentation)

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The Arlington Spectator's City Council grades:

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html

Attached to each council's candidate name is a link to a page with all their responses to the questions [not on the Facebook version].

Your ballot will start with three new citizen positions on the TAD board.

TAD Board Place 1 – Sayeda Bilqees Syed, Trae Fowler, Eric Morris.

TAD Board Place 2 – Callie Rigney, Eric B. Crile.

TAD Board Place 3 – Chuck Kelley, Lee Henderson, Matt Bryant.

That will be followed by your ISD votes. Then your city votes. Only residents generally considered to reside in north Arlington will see District 1. Only residents generally considered to reside in southwest Arlington will see District 2. All Arlington residents will see Districts 6 and 7.

District 1

Jacob Franklin -

Tim Goss -

Mauricio Galante –

District 2

Raul Gonzalez -

District 6

Long Pham –

District 7

Bowie Hogg -

Chris “Dobi” Dobson –

The Shorthorn story on contested city council races: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/meet-the-candidates-running-for-arlington-city-council/article_29fa4eb0-f1f5-11ee-9f6d-d365da222bbc.html .

The Arlington Republican Club Candidate Forum on District 1: https://rumble.com/v4mggkn-arlington-city-council-race-district-1.html .

The Arlington Republican Club Candidate Forum on District 7: https://rumble.com/v4mh1vo-arlington-city-council-race-district-7.html .

City Issues.

There are too many apartments and multi-family housing units greatly overcrowding infrastructure/roadways and lowering the quality of life in Arlington. We have one of the highest densities in North Texas. Housing more people is NOT our responsibility. Advantage: Gonzalez.

Citizen participation at the end of the meetings was shortened to two minutes and requires pre-registration. Advantage: half Franklin, Gonzalez, Dobson.

The city makes very lopsided deals when it comes to economic development. Advantage: Galante, Gonzalez, Hogg.

Summary/RECOMMENDATIONS.

District 1

Only people in what is generally considered north Arlington will vote in this race. There are three candidates in this race. A majority is required, so if one candidate does not obtain greater than 50% there will be a runoff election in June.

Jacob Franklin – half Citizen participation.

Tim Goss -

Mauricio Galante – economic development.

Recommendation: Very undecided, maybe Galante.

District 2

Only people in what is generally considered southwest Arlington will vote in this race.

Raul Gonzalez – apartments, citizen participation, economic development

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND RAUL GONZALEZ.

District 6

Long Pham – not worthy of your vote.

District 7

Bowie Hogg – economic development.

Chris “Dobi” Dobson – citizen participation. Mr. Dobson is as liberal as they come on national issues, but strongly believes in citizen participation when it comes to local decisions/issues.

Recommendation: Another very undecided, maybe Hogg.

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Economic Development Corporation (EDC)

The EDC Board will meet this Tuesday, April 16. Their agenda includes two extremely expensive deals. The agenda/packet can be viewed at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/common/pages/DownloadFileByUrl.aspx?key=W0e%2f8zpyjnAqo7CFIbHE6weWMyPS7MjHtjQ35WeMJXadyT%2bNfjyQv96Cd4KExhIjC4obTbuNlMcXJ8VDHGJ6oQd3JwRrtdGRtmvBjOUSvr7Ukwa2qNjdR1Y28ZWdDRWXECeOkRHAJsByZO4VwnM1uGfGnbZslUtXfwNyzZxI90kE9AlI8Yb%2fDhNUweGEUAy97NLd3A%3d%3d .

Based on the agenda, they will open the meeting then go into executive session [for how long?]. They will then approve minutes, regular monthly reports, and finally address the two action items (linked to the two public hearings).

(.pdf page 15 of the 51-page packet) Public hearing #1 is to give the developer (Eden Cooper, LP) $3,407,000 for construction and completion of Eden Road and onsite drainage improvements. [Why are we paying for his property's drainage improvements? We are paying to increase his property value.]

(.pdf page 31 of the 51-page packet) Public hearing #2 is to give Espace Inc., up to $50,000,000. The proposed Phase I facilities on the west side of the airport will include approximately 250,000 sq. ft. of a manufacturing facility and office facility, approximately 40,000 sq. ft. of hangar space, an airport access road, and an aircraft parking apron. They will be leasing their space at the airport for 30 years, with two possible 5-year renewals. Rent will be $2,000,000 per year at the start and go up 3% every five years. There is too much I do not understand to evaluate honestly/fairly.

Arlington’s EDC is easily the largest sales tax supported EDC in the state. This gives spending addicted politicians greater than $20 million annually with which to fund their buddies.

Upcoming Public Hearings

On Tuesday, April 16, the EDC will hold a public hearing on a $3,407,000 contract with Eden Cooper, LP.

On Tuesday, April 16, the EDC will hold a public hearing on a $50,000,000 contract with Espace Inc.

On Wednesday, April 17, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD24-1, on the 10.73 acres at 498 Debbie Lane where they wish to allow for planned development of MF-22 (multi-family) for assisted living units.

On Wednesday, April 17, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD24-6, on the 0.611 acres at 4901 S. Cooper Street where they wish to change CC commercial to PD for CC commercial for a restaurant with a drive-thru.

On Wednesday, May 1, P&Z will hold a public hearing for PD24-4 on the 1.840 acres at 2331 Ascension Boulevard where they wish to change zoning from a Neighborhood Commercial PD to a Cottage Community with a PD. If this passes it will go to the city council on June 11.

On Wednesday, May 1, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP22-3R1, on the 1.63 acres at 2118 E. Abram Street. They wish to amend the current used car sales restrictions on the specific use permit. If this passes it will go to the city council on May 28.

On Wednesday, May 1, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP24-5, on the 0.872 acres at 1808 Southeast Parkway where they wish for a specific use permit for an automotive service center. If this passes it will go to the city council on May 28.

On Wednesday, May 1, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP08-28R2, on the 7.399 acres at 1011 W. Harris Road where they wish for a specific use permit for a gas drill zone. If this passes it will go to the city council on May 28.

On Tuesday, May 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-8 (6907 Joplin Road) wishing to change RS-7.2 to a planned development for RM-12.

P&Z Commission

P&Z will meet this Wednesday, April 17. There are two zoning cases on the agenda. The regular session agenda and packet can be found at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/common/pages/DownloadFileByUrl.aspx?key=KkQdsMZ%2b8AK9SSh5XimPozAjOsrQvFcpjbZH9pL64ppKbncEiliTXKGkUJwkzUCDYVdynB6iUSwzGt3Cawcyx1cL7dP%2bF%2fldqcr9i9sQ%2bfee6d4%2f05yVPpv%2bQjVWYUGsmkNbufEOeqksYRPNrbFZGOOJSpTCA4kXwnOEuNCF5%2b%2fWvKEzp5unZFzxyx7R7U6WkJhkBQ90exE59DE0RIpLs1WNRx41IUmt9PCVO57OUHeQiDZIBh3B17cx%2fYogVik069UXaz78GrI1lgjcjd%2b6mBF4osQ%3d .

The first public hearing is for zoning case PD24-1, on the 10.73 acres at 498 Debbie Lane where they wish to allow for planned development of MF-22 (multi-family) for assisted living units (staff report). Deviations include off-street parking and building materials.

The second public hearing is for zoning case PD24-6, on the 0.611 acres at 4901Coopers Street where they wish to allow for planned development of cc (community commercial) with a drive-thru (staff report). There are six deviations.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, May 1.

AISD School Board

The school board is scheduled to meet Thursday, April 18. The agenda should be posted on Monday.

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The AISD will have three seats available up for election, Place 1, Place 2, and Place 3. All school board places are district wide.

The Arlington Spectator's AISD Board Grades:

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html

Attached to each AISD's candidate name is a link to a page with all their responses to the questions [not on the Facebook version].

Your ballot will start with three new citizen positions on the TAD board.

TAD Board Place 1 – Sayeda Bilqees Syed, Trae Fowler, Eric Morris.

TAD Board Place 2 – Callie Rigney, Eric B. Crile.

TAD Board Place 3 – Chuck Kelley, Lee Henderson, Matt Bryant.

Place 1

Sarah McMurrough –

Place 2

Kendall Orr –

Melody Fowler –

The Arlington Report reported on this race. The Fort Worth Report story: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/03/12/qa-arlington-isd-board-presidents-competitor-is-business-administrator-district-mother .

The Arlington Republican Club Candidate Forum on Place 1 and Place 2: https://rumble.com/v4meawt-aisd-school-board-places-1-and-2.html .

Place 3

Larry Mike –

Kathi Arocha –

April Williams Moore –

The Arlington Report did a report on this race. The Fort Worth Report story: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/03/19/qa-3-candidates-are-vying-for-arlington-isd-school-board-spot-incumbent-chose-not-to-run/ .

The Arlington Republican Club Candidate Forum on Place 3: https://rumble.com/v4me3m9-aisd-school-board-place-3.html .

April 2 AISD Candidate Forum

The Arlington Council of PTAs held a candidate forum at First United Methodist Church in Arlington on Tuesday, April 2. The Arlington Report has a report on this. The Fort Worth Report story: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/04/03/arlington-isd-school-board-candidates-discuss-budget-vouchers-engagement-at-community-forum/ .

AISD Issues.

Communications. Unfortunately, if you ask the board a question, the odds of getting a response are not very good. Of the six candidates for three places, three (the two incumbents, and Mr. Mike) refused to answer any of the questions. If they are not going to answer your questions when they are running for office and asking for your vote, do you really expect the situation to improve when they get in office? Advantage: Orr, Arocha, and Williams Moore.

There needs to be an established policy for LGBTQ issues that should include parent notification if the student is under 18. Unfortunately, the district does not want one, leaving teachers and staff on their own [and unprotected?]. Advantage: Orr.

Budget. The AISD, like many school districts, faces budget shortfalls with federal ESSER funds ending. The AISD used those funds for many supportive positions. The AISD with its very high salary schedule (some might argue the highest paid) has little chance of paying its high salaries in addition to finding funds to pay supportive positions. The AISD will be cutting 275 positions. The Fort Worth Report story: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/03/20/arlington-isd-cuts-275-positions-as-covid-dollars-expire-employees-raise-questions . Advantage: Arocha.

Student Achievement. Expectations are far too low. Modifications are needed. The Arlington Report recently reported how expectations to meet or exceed grade level are below 50%. The Fort Worth Report story: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/04/09/arlington-isd-expects-4-in-10-students-to-perform-math-on-grade-level-trustees-have-questions . Advantage: Arocha, Williams Moore.

Summary/RECOMMENDATIONS.

Place 1

Sarah McMurrough – not worthy of your vote.

Place 2

Kendall Orr – OUR RECOMMENDATION. Advantages: Communications, LGBTQ policies.

Melody Fowler – not worthy of your vote.

Place 3

Larry Mike – not worthy of your vote.

Kathi Arocha – OUR RECOMMENDATION. Advantages: Communications, Budget, Student Achievement.

April Williams Moore – Advantages: Communications, Student Achievement.

TEA Accountability Data:

2022 Accountability

2021 Accountability

2019 Accountability

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 $0.824900

2. Fort Worth ISD $0.790400

3. Mansfield ISD $0.789200

3. Birdville ISD $0.789200

3. Everman ISD $0.789200

Of Tarrant County's 21 ISDs - Lowest Tax Rates

1. HEB ISD $0.921100

2. Burleson ISD $0.924700

3. Carroll ISD $1.002500

4. Azle ISD $1.025000

5. Fort Worth ISD $1.062400

6. Keller ISD $1.087500

7. Northwest ISD $1.090200

8. Everman ISD $1.094146

9. Arlington ISD $1.115600

10. Lewisville ISD $1.130100

On Low Student Expectations

I know I have complained to and been ignored by the board about the low student expectations. I am glad someone besides me is pointing out these numbers, as this should NOT be acceptable. The Arlington Report story as reported by The Fort Worth Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/04/09/arlington-isd-expects-4-in-10-students-to-perform-math-on-grade-level-trustees-have-questions .

Press Box

HELPFUL CONTACTS

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to be added/deleted to/from the mailing list e-mail: ArlSpectator@yahoo.com

We can be found on Facebook at ArlSpectator.

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