June 16, 2025 Newsletter
June 16, 2025 – Volume 19 Number 24
Highlights:
* Tuesday the EDC will hold a public hearing and vote to spend $65,000,000 on Phase II of the espace project.
* Tuesday the AISD will have a public hearing and vote on the proposed tax rate of $1.1035.
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, June 17: The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board meeting, City Hall, 101 W. Abram Street, 3rd Floor, 4:00pm.
Tuesday, June 17: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 7:00pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Wednesday, June 18: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 2:15pm.)
Tuesday, June 24: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Friday, July 4: Independence Day.
Wednesday, July 16: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm.
Tuesday, August 5: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 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.
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The city council met this past Tuesday, June 10.
Council Member Piel was absent [once again]. They discussed the budget and approved more townhomes.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Committee Meetings
The Economic Development Committee met, but all their business was in executive session (agenda).
Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting began and went into executive session to discuss:
Discussion of Landfill Lease Agreement;
Discussion Regarding the Possible Purchase, Exchange, Lease, or Value of Real Property for Eligible Projects of the Arlington Economic Development Corporation; and
Offers of Incentives to Business Prospects.
(2:19:18) They reconvened. The mayor was not there at the start but would be coming. Council Member Piel was absent. The open portion of the agenda included six work session items, two informal staff reports, council external committees, and a legislative update. The meeting is viewable at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5152?view_id=9&redirect=true .
The six work session items were:
(2:19:36) 1. FY 2026 Budget Planning Update (presentation , attachment). They will be “slowing down” the North Police Station (it was under-predicted on cost; they will be issuing CO (certificate of obligation bonds). They will cut some of their “promotional” bring-events-to-town, special event trust fund (still has several million dollars in it). There was approximately $5.4 million in redefining employee benefits. A one-cent tax rate increase would be about $4.3 million. A discussion about closing one library (Woodland West, Ron Wright, or Southwest) could occur. About 2:57:52 it was opened to council members. The city has an article on the FY2026 budget crisis: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/Government/Budget-Finance/Budget-Business-Plan/FY-2026-Budget .
(3:15:20) 2. 2026 FIFA World Cup Update (presentation). A NBC-5 report by Keenan Willard on transportation projections of the FIFA World Cup at: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/tarrant-county-leaders-organizers-transportation-fifa-world-cup-2026/3862483/?amp=1 .
(3:24:32) 3. Innovate Arlington Phase I Engagement Report Out (presentation) [this was the comprehensive plan update].
(3:44:03) 4. Arlington Fire Department 2024 Annual Report (presentation). About 4:07:04 it was opened to council for comments/questions.
(4:25:28) 5. Housing Annual Report (presentation) [.pdf page 6 shows vouchers exceeding $50 million – This is Section 8 vouchers, .pdf page 7 shows per unit cost now at $1248/mo., .pdf page 12 some average wages that are super lower compared to Arlington (police and teacher especially)]. This is the 50th anniversary of the Arlington Housing Authority. About 4:49:01 it was opened to the council for comments/questions.
(5:04:00) 6. Council Priority - Leverage Technology (presentation). About 5:08:59 it was opened to council for comments/questions.
(5:10:30) The two informal staff reports were:
1. City of Arlington Boards and Commissions Review (staff report , attachment); and
2. Contract for Medical Direction and Health Authority Services (staff report).
(5:11:36) Committee meetings.
(5:12:12) Council external committees.
(5:18:46) Legislative agenda (staff report , chart/table).
(5:21:33) Future agenda items. Mr. Hogg requested an updated multi-family approved/coming count.
Evening Meeting
The evening meeting saw Mr. Piel absent. The agenda for the meeting included 23 consent agenda items, six public hearings (the two related to Anthem – the Lincoln Square redevelopment are being continued until June 24), three ordinances, and a special resolution. The agenda can be found at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/files/88da97c6-c774-4f5b-9d98-8b5e5a47773b/2025%E2%80%9406%E2%80%9410-Evening.pdf . The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5153?view_id=9&redirect=true .
(4:56) Start of meeting. One of the proclamations was for the U.S. Army (250 years old).
(16:02) Minutes. They were approved, 8-0.
(16:28) Consent agenda. Nothing was pulled or discussed. There were no speakers. They were approved, 8-0. Consent agenda item 7.23 is buying AISD land at $1,662,500 + Closing Costs (and an estimated $20,000 annual maintenance) for detention ponds of the Rush Creek watershed (staff report).
(19:16) Public hearing #1 was for the renewal of the Downtown Business Improvement District (staff report). We, the taxpayers get to pay into this for all city-owned properties starting at a rate of an additional 16.5 cents per $100. It was approved, 8-0.
(20:33) Public hearing #2 was for PD25-05 to change the zoning from Community Commercial (CC) to Planned Development (PD) for Community Commercial uses, plus an Auto Service Center, with a Development Plan at 901 E. Arkansas Lane (staff report). It was approved, 8-0.
(26:07) Public hearing #3 was for PD24-25 to change the zoning from Community Commercial (CC) and Office Commercial (OC) to Planned Development for limited Residential Medium Density (RM-12) uses, with a Development Plan at 1700 E. Bardin Road (staff report). They wish to build 42 townhomes with five deviations. It was approved, 7-1, with Hogg in opposition.
(30:42) Public hearing #4 was for PD24-3 requesting a rezoning to Entertainment District Overlay (EDO) - Planned Development for Residential Medium Density-12 (RM-12) for Cottage Community uses, with a Development Plan at 201/205 Slaughter Street (staff report). They are requesting to build 28 two- and four-unit cottages with many, many deviations. It was approved, 8-0.
(40:46) Public hearings #5 and #6 were related to Anthem, the Lincoln Square redevelopment. The developer has asked for a continuance until June 24.
(40:57) The three ordinances were related to:
a) the issuance of $67 million in bonds (staff report);
b) Arlington Cemetery ordinance (staff report , attachment); and
c) administrative chapter updates (staff report). These were approved with three 8-0 votes.
(45:05) The special resolution was the intent to issue $12 million in certificate of obligations (CO) on August 5 (staff report). These are to be used for
Arlington Municipal Airport and Airport Apron Construction
Road construction to connect the west side of the airport to the Thoroughfare Plan via Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Professional Services related to the Costs of Issuance
This was approved, 8-0. [This now makes more sense as we are now seeing Phase II of the espace project.]
(46:07) Citizen participation. The first speaker was disgusted with Six Flags Over Texas. The second speaker was reporting on issues with Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD). The third speaker spoke of the economy and wanted the city to provide affordable housing. The fourth speaker was a business owner having issues tying into a sewer line.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
The EDC Board will meet this Tuesday, June 17 at 4:00pm. The giant issue is to approve Phase II [of three] of the espace project deal costing the EDC $65,000,000 [added to the $50,000,000 for Phase I] [in addition to city funding]. [Last month it looked like they were getting ready to set up for the selling of bonds. This would seem to be why. My best guess is the next meeting will be about bonds.]
The packet for the meeting can be found at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/agendas/june-17,-2025.pdf .
The agenda includes:
May's minutes (minutes);
Standard reports (financial , industries snapshot , real estate report);
Open session:
A. Downtown BID (presentation) [Look for potential funds to be spent on this in the near future.]
B. e-space $65,000,000 Phase II public hearing (staff report) [I could not find the details of the “deal” of Phase II, other than saying it was accelerating and combining the first two phases; may have to wait until next week's staff report for council approval to find the details.];
Action items:
A. Airport lease agreement with the city (staff report). This appears to be adding 1.78 acres for a hanger to the agreement. [I believe since federal funds were used to buy the portions of the airport, the city must make ground lease deals as this rather than selling/giving/exchanging it with the EDC.]
B. Contract amendment #1 to the construction manager-at-risk contract (staff report). This appears to be moving the cost of the airport apron and bridge from the manager-at-risk contract to some future contract agreement with another company.
Executive Director's report (presentation); and
Executive session.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Tuesday, June 17, the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will have a public hearing on spending another $65,000,000 on Phase II of the espace project (https://classifieds.mcclatchy.com/marketplace/fortworth/advert/-Notices_188811).
On Tuesday, June 17, the AISD will have a public hearing about the tax rate being $1.1035, the same rate as this past year. (https://classifieds.mcclatchy.com/marketplace/fortworth/advert/-Notices_187870).
On Wednesday, June 18, P&Z will hold a public hearing on zoning case SUP25-4 at 1645 New York Avenue. They are requesting a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for a banquet hall in a suite 17,246 square feet in size, zoned Community Commercial (CC). If approved this would go to the city council on August 5.
On Wednesday, June 18, P&Z will hold a public hearing on zoning case ZA25-3 at 1225 California Lane. They are requesting to change from Landmark Preservation Overlay-Planned Development (LPO-PD) for Light Industrial (LI) to Office Commercial (OC). If approved this would go to the city council on August 5.
On Wednesday, June 18, P&Z will hold a public hearing on zoning case SUP25-1 at 2712 W. Division Street. They are requesting a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for Auto Repair Garage, Major, on approximately 0.399 acres. If approved this would go to the city council on August 5.
On Tuesday, June 24, the city council will hold a public hearing on DP25-1 at 2601 W. Randol Mill Road. They wish for a development plan on the 23.28 acres zoned RMF-22 (22 unit/acre maximum).
On Tuesday, June 24, the city council will hold a public hearing to allow Oncor to put an electrical substation on a portion of Dr. Robert Cluck Linear Park.
On Tuesday, June 24, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD25-3 at 4300 New York Avenue, 1700 E. Interstate Highway 20, and 1601 E. Bardin Road. They wish for a planned development on the 13.327 acres for auto sales, new. It is currently zoned for PD-LI, a planned development for light industrial.
On Tuesday, June 24, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP25-2 at 319 Matlock Meadow Drive. They wish for a secondary living unit.
On Tuesday, June 24, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-40 for a planned development for a portion of Lincoln Square.
On Tuesday, June 24, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-40-ASP for an alternate sign plan for Lincoln Square.
On Wednesday, July 16, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD24-28 at 5920 Matlock Road. They wish for a planned development on the 3.165 acres for RM-12 (usually townhomes) and office. It is currently zoned all office commercial.
P&Z Commission
The next P&Z meeting will be this Wednesday, June 18. There are three zoning case public hearings on the agenda. The full agenda can be found at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/planning-and-development-services/documents/planning-and-zoning/june-18-2025-regular-session-agenda.pdf .
The first public hearing is for SUP25-4 (1645 New York Avenue) - application for approval of a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for a Banquet Hall in a suite 17,246-square-feet in size, zoned Community Commercial (CC) (staff report).
The second public hearing is for ZA25-3 (1225 California Lane) - Application for approval of a change in zoning from Landmark Preservation Overlay-Planned Development (LPO-PD) for Light Industrial (LI) Uses to Office Commercial (OC) (staff report).
The third public hearing is for SUP25-1-2712 W Division St- Application for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for Auto Repair Garage, Major on 0.399 acres zoned Light Industrial (LI) (staff report).
AISD School Board
The AISD School Board will meet this Tuesday, June 17. Their agenda includes a public hearing on the proposed tax rate. The agenda can be found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=689516 .
The meeting is expected to open and go into executive session for:
A. Personnel;
B. Consult Attorney Regarding Potential and Pending Litigation;
C. TEA District Vulnerability Audit; and
D. Discuss the purchase of real property.
They are expected to reconvene in the open portion of the meeting about 7:00pm. That portion of the agenda includes recognitions, open forum for agenda items, appointments, four committee and staff reports, the public hearing, three action items, the consent agenda, open forum for non-agenda items, and end of meeting reports.
[Commentary: Unfortunately, the school district does NOT even try to be transparent. NONE of the items on the agenda are clickable where you could find out more information. Back several months ago [the old system, February saw a change in systems] they at least put a packet out there which allowed the public to see some details on some of the items.]
The only additional information one can gather from the agenda is there is one recognition (Destination Imagination Team Recognition), and the two expected appointments are for Assistant Principal Larson Elementary and Assistant Principal Thornton Elementary.
Over 3900 Graduate
Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/06/04/arlington-isd-celebrates-2025-graduates-heres-what-parents-valedictorian-had-to-say .
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 .
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.]
Other News
Beach at Lake Viridian Closed
The Viridian MMD Board voted to close the beach indefinitely. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/06/11/board-votes-to-indefinitely-close-beach-at-viridian-lake-in-arlington .
County Changes Boundaries
Tuesday, June 3, saw the County vote 3-2 to redistrict. Lawsuits have been filed against the action. District 2 is expected to be a lot more Republican and District 94 State Representative Tony Tinderholt has announced his intention of running for the seat.
Pedro Malkomes and Taylor Sansom, of The Shorthorn staff wrote an article: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/tarrant-countys-redistricting-the-result-the-response-and-whats-next/article_75b9a309-8ef3-4bfb-bb51-9d514aa67377.html .
Miranda Suarez and James Hartley of keranews.org have an article on the commissioners' court action: https://www.keranews.org/government/2025-06-03/tarrant-county-redistricting-vote .
Miranda Suarez has an article in the Fort Worth Report on the lawsuit: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/06/04/tarrant-county-residents-sue-the-county-commissioners-court-and-judge-tim-ohare-over-redistricting-2 .
Penelope Rivera of keranews.org has an article on the Tinderholt announcement: https://www.keranews.org/politics/2025-06-03/republican-tony-tinderholt-running-for-tarrant-county-commissioners-court .
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 .......... - david@wilbanksforaisd.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