October 20, 2025 Newsletter
October 20, 2025 – Volume 19 Number 42
Highlights:
* The City Council finally removes the Field Square redevelopment boondoggle item. They also delayed the vote on the anti-discrimination ordinance removal until November 18.
* AISD approves the nominees for their Capital Needs Committee.
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:
Monday, October 20: Early Voting Starts, 8:00am – 5:00pm.
Tuesday, October 21: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Thursday, October 23: District 1 Town Hall meeting, Texas Rangers Golf Club, 701 Brown Boulevard, 6:00pm.
Wednesday, October 29: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm.)
Friday, October 31: Early Voting Ends, 7:00am – 7:00pm.
Friday, October 31: Halloween.
Sunday, November 2: Daylight Savings Time Ends, fall back an hour, 2:00am.
Tuesday, November 4: Election Day.
Tuesday, November 4: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Thursday, November 6: 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.)
Tuesday, November 11: Veterans Day.
Wednesday, November 12: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm.)
Tuesday, November 18: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Thursday, November 20: 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 met this past Tuesday, October 14. There was one committee meeting scheduled but not held, one quasi-committee meeting, the afternoon meeting, and the evening meeting. Council member Hogg attended virtually. Council member Hunter was not present at the afternoon session (she was at the evening meeting). All other council members attended the meetings.
The city council is set to meet again this week, Tuesday, October 21. The first of two committee meetings will begin at 11:30am. The afternoon meeting will begin at 1:45pm and go into executive session. The open portion of the afternoon meeting will begin no sooner than 3:00pm. The evening meeting is at 6:30pm.
Committee Meetings
The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee meeting was not held (agenda). They lacked a quorum. They planned to discuss the 2026 Housing Tax Credit cycle and review of city policy (15 minutes) (presentation) and policy revisions of housing rehabilitation and tenant based rental assistance programs (15 minutes) (presentation). They then planned to go into executive session for a legal discussion of multi-family regulations (30 minutes).
The quasi-committee Arlington Housing Finance Corporation met (agenda). They gave their “blessing” for issuing refinancing bonds for the Reserve at Mayfield. This is refinancing of the original $55,000,000 of bonds.
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Afternoon Meeting
(3:48) Opened the meeting and went into executive session. That portion of the agenda included:
- A discussion of a resolution determining the necessity of acquiring permanent drainage and sanitary sewer easements and temporary construction easements for the public use of constructing, reconstructing, maintaining and using drainage improvements, and all appurtenances for the Marquis Circle Drainage Improvements project.
- Discussion regarding a proposed grant of rights for the use of City interests in connection with a private development on W. Green Oaks Boulevard.
- Discussion regarding the purchase of property described as Lot 4-A-1, Forum 303 Addition.
- Offers and incentives to business prospects.
The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5265 .
(2:50:48) The open portion of the afternoon meeting included three work session items, discussion of committee (and quasi-committee) meetings, and council external committees.
The three work session items were:
(2:51:03) 1. TAD Board appointments (presentation). No questions were asked.
(2:52:55) 2. Downtown Farmers Market update (presentation).
(3:06:06) 3. Enhanced mobility (presentation).
(3:18:15) Committee meetings.
(3:21:16) External committees.
(3:31:54) Evening and future agenda items.
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Evening Meeting
The evening meeting saw all council members attending. Mr. Hogg attended virtually. The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5266 .
(5:26) Start of meeting. There were two proclamations.
(22:12) The executive session item, minutes, and consent agenda were approved with three 9-0 votes.
(25:18) The two ordinances (first reading):
- Mesquite Street speed limit amendment (staff report). This was approved, 9-0.
- The anti-discrimination ordinance that had been continued at a previous meeting (staff report). There was one speaker not wanting to risk federal funding. There were 43 speakers in opposition. The item was continued to the November 18 meeting. The continuation was approved, 7-2, with Boxall and Odom-Wesley in opposition. Chris Moss, of the Arlington Report, has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/10/15/vote-on-removing-lgbtq-protections-delayed-again-in-arlington/ .
The five public hearings:
(1:21:15) A. Zoning Case ZA25-03 (1225 California Lane) (staff report). They will be proceeding with their modification behind the preservation house at the front of the property. There were no citizen speakers. It was approved, 9-0.
(1:26:53) B. Zoning Case PD25-12 (Balfour Lofts) (staff report). They wish to build even more dense apartments (now up to 62 units/acre) than what they originally got approved to build. There are nine deviations listed. There was one speaker in opposition. It was approved, 6-3, with Hunter, Piel, and Odom-Wesley in opposition.
(1:50:39) C. This was continued until November 4 for Zoning Case Z03-56/P03-56R1 (915 East Randol Mill Road/Walmart Supercenter) (staff report).
(1:50:44) D. Zoning Case PD15-05R1 (5301 West Pioneer Parkway)/Circuit Systems Company, Inc. (staff report). They wish to build a larger facility than originally planned for Phase II.
Lance Murray of the Arlington Report/Fort Worth Report had an article after it was approved by P&Z at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/10/08/booming-aerospace-company-receives-arlington-pz-approval-for-expansion/ . It was approved, 9-0.
(1:56:43) E. Reserve at Mayfield Apartments (no staff report at the time of this writing). This public hearing was required by law in order to issue the bonds. No vote here, but the next item.
(1:58:18) The two resolutions:
- A required resolution to issue refinancing bonds in regard to the Reserve at Mayfield Apartments (staff report). A substitute resolution had been supplied to the council. This was approved, 9-0.
- Nominations for TAD Board members (staff report). Two people running, having already been nominated by other organizations, spoke. No new nominations offered, no vote.
(2:10:35) The two tabled items:
- The previously tabled resolution regarding the purchase of Fielder Square Apartments (resolution).
- The previously tabled relocation assistance contract associated with the above Item A (contract).
There was a vote to permanently remove these from the agenda. It was approved, 8-1, with Piel in opposition.
(2:17:11) Citizen participation saw six speakers. The first speaker was a candidate for HD94 and spoke on SB840. The second speaker was upset about the special treatment received by the county’s sheriff’s son who was arrested. The third speaker spoke on the homeless. The fourth speaker was the general manager of Symphony Arlington. The fifth speaker spoke on behalf of his UTA fraternity which is having a Toys for Tots drive. The final speaker spoke of a house having some unpermitted improvements.
Committee Meetings – Coming Week
There are two committee meetings this coming week. There is also the quasi-committee Arlington Housing Finance Corporation meeting.
The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee will meet at 11:30am for about 30 minutes to discuss the 2026 Housing Tax Credit cycle and review of city policy (15 minutes) (presentation) and policy revisions of housing rehabilitation and tenant based rental assistance programs (15 minutes) (presentation).
The Economic Development Committee will meet at 12:15pm, but that is all in executive session [you are NOT invited]. Hold onto your wallets as they will be considering offers of incentives to business prospects.
The quasi-committee, Arlington Housing Finance Corporation will meet at 1:00pm (agenda). They plan to approve the bonds for refinancing the $55,000,000 of bonds for the Reserve at Mayfield. The cost is $26,500,000.
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Afternoon Meeting – Coming Week
The afternoon meeting begins at 1:45pm and will go into executive session to discuss the infamous offers of incentives for business prospects.
The open portion of the afternoon meeting will start no sooner than 3:00pm. That portion of the agenda includes three work session items, two informal staff reports, committee meetings updates, city council external committees, and evening and future agenda items.
The three work session items:
- Sister Cities of Arlington update (no presentation available at the time of this writing).
- International Corridor Implementation Steering Committee Final Report (presentation).
- Transportation Services Update (presentation).
The two informal staff reports.
- Innovate Arlington: Vision Framework (staff report).
- Cade Cunningham Court at Cravens Park (staff report).
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Evening Meeting – Coming Week
The agenda for the 6:30pm evening meeting contains 21 consent agenda items.
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Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
The EDC Board met this past Thursday, October 16. Their agenda can be found at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/agendas/october-16,-2025.pdf .
That agenda included the standing reports, the open session, the public hearing with five action items, executive director’s report, and an executive session.
The standing reports were:
- Financial Report (attachment)
- Industry Analysis Report (attachment)
- Real Estate Report (attachment)
The open session discussion was about the EDC bond sale results (no staff report is available at the time of this writing).
The public hearing and actions items were regarding purchasing five properties along North Center Street and Altman Drive (staff report, resolution1, resolution2, resolution3, resolution4, resolution5). We assume and do NOT know that everything was approved.
The executive session had two items listed, offers of incentives to business prospects and deliberation regarding real property.
Next EDC meeting???
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Upcoming Public Hearings
On Tuesday, November 4, the city council will hold a public hearing on Z03-56/PD03-56R1 at 915 E. Randol Mill Road. They wish to revise their development plan on the 3.750 acres for light industrial uses.
P&Z Commission
P&Z will meet Wednesday, October 29.
AISD School Board
The AISD School Board met this past Thursday, October 16. The agenda is posted at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=709540 . The agenda includes a closed/executive session, recognitions, open forum for agenda items, two appointments, five committee and staff reports, two action items, the consent agenda, open forum for non-agenda items, and end-of-meeting report. Ms. McMurrough attended virtually. All other board members were physically present. The meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N9umiIA6lQ .
The closed/executive session included personnel, consult attorney regarding potential and pending litigation, board annual self-reflection, and Ringer litigation (with possible action in the open meeting).
(6:17) The two appointments were approved with two, 7-0 votes.
Norberto Rivas - Chief Financial Officer
Angie Davis - Assistant Principal Barnett Junior High.
(12:34) There were no speakers on agenda items.
The five committee and staff reports:
(12:50) A. Finance and Academics Committee Report. Three schools’ target improvement plans were discussed and will be on a board agenda in the future.
(13:45) B. Priority Update: Early Literacy Report. About 34:25 it was opened to the board for questions/comments.
(48:32) C. Teacher Incentive Allotment Report. About 55:45 it was opened to the board for questions/comments.
(1:07:52) D. Let’s Talk Report. About 1:23:32 it was opened to the board for questions/comments.
(1:36:57) E. 2024-2025 Parent Survey Results. About 1:51:54 it was opened to the board for questions/comments.
(1:54:49) The three action items:
- Approval of the Capital Needs Steering Committee Members. It was approved, 7-0.
- Consider proposed termination of an employee. This was approved, 7-0.
- This is regarding the Ringer litigation discussed in executive session. It was approved, 7-0.
(1:58:45) Consent agenda. Nothing was pulled or discussed. The consent agenda was approved, 7-0.
(1:59:42) There were three speakers for open forum for non-agenda items. The first speaker spoke of a shooting threat incident. The last two speakers were TAD board candidates bringing attention to some issues.
(2:11:13) End-of-meeting reports.
The Board Brief was conducted by Trustee Mr. Mike at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivIWDrv_3qg .
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The AISD Board and Superintendent have established written goals, including student improvement on the STAAR testing. The Chris Moss article in the Arlington Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/10/01/arlington-isd-school-board-sets-goals-and-expectations-for-new-school-year/ .
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In August there was a decision made in the Citizens Defending Freedom lawsuit. The judge dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, see: https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/texas/txndce/4:2024cv00585/391344/81/ .
Now there is an anti- “Ten Commandments” lawsuit against most Tarrant County ISDs, including Arlington and Mansfield. Jacob Sanchez of the Fort Worth Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/09/22/tarrant-county-schools-sued-over-texas-ten-commandments-law/ .
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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
- Arlington ISD $0.802200
- Birdville ISD $0.786900
- Fort Worth ISD $0.786900
- Lewisville ISD $0.786900
- Mansfield ISD $0.786900
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 .
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Other News
November 4 Election
Voters will have their say on 17 constitutional amendments. Early voting starts Monday, October 20 and ends on Friday, October 31. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.
Texas for Fiscal Responsibility staff has an article on the 17 amendments and whether they are pro- or anti- taxpayer: https://texastaxpayers.com/the-2025-proposed-amendments-to-the-texas-constitution/ .
State of the City
James Ward, of UTA’s Shorthorn, has an article on the city’s State of the City presentation at: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/city/arlington-mayor-jim-ross-discusses-events-economy-budget-in-state-of-the-city-address/article_2bfdeb7b-7595-4c29-b114-2f9e5052c05d.html .
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.
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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