December 23, 2024 Newsletter
December 23, 2024 – Volume 18 Number 52
Highlights:
* Merry Christmas.
* Council approves corporate welfare deals and modifications. Council approves another restaurant at Fielder and Randol Mill.
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
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:
Monday, December 23: Interlochen Christmas Lights event continues.
Wednesday, December 25: Christmas.
Wednesday, January 1: Happy New Year.
Tuesday, January 7: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, January 8: P&Z meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm.
Thursday, January 9: 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 last week, Tuesday, December 17. All council members were present. Their next meeting is Tuesday, January 7.
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Committee Meetings
The Community and Neighborhood Development committee meeting was cancelled. They were expected to spend 30 minutes on the matching grants program and staff's recommendations (presentation).
The second committee meeting was the Economic Development committee. They met in executive session for another offers of incentives for business prospects session. We were not invited.
Afternoon Meetings
The afternoon meeting saw all council members present. It may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5005?view_id=9&redirect=true .
(4:48) Start of meeting. They went into executive session for an agenda containing:
litigation discussion of Aiman Investment, Inc. eminent domain lawsuit, two real property executive session items for the evening meeting, and another offers of incentives for business prospects session.
The agenda for the open portion of the meeting included four work session items and two informal staff reports.
The four work session items:
(1:18:13) 1. TAD director provided an update (presentation). The TAD Board election results had the five winners as Alfred, Burgess, Campos, Pena, and Blaylock. Council comments/questions started at about 1:36:58.
They skipped #2 until after #4.
(2:06:43) 3. Citizen Bond Committee recommendations (presentation , recommendations).
(2:46:39) 4. Arlington Pilot Area Form-Based Code: Pilot Area Selection (presentation). Council comments/questions began about 3:17:15.
(3:41:25) 2. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Update and Reporting Transition (memo). Council comments/questions at 3:51:47.
(3:52:52) Two informal staff reports.
1. Capital Improvements Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC) July 2024 Semi-Annual Report (executive summary).
2. Support our youth and families (newsletter).
(3:55:35) Committee meetings.
(3:56:00) Appointments. There were the seven appointments to the EDC Board.
(3:56:12) There was no discussion on charter amendments.
(3:56:20) Evening agenda items.
(4:09:20) No future agenda item discussed.
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Evening Meetings
The agenda for the 6:30pm evening meeting included 30 consent agenda items, two public hearings, a resolution for a 380-agreement [for apartments? Really?], and a request by apartments that failed at P&Z to have a public hearing in front of council. All members were present. The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5006?view_id=9&redirect=true .
(4:50) Start of the meeting.
(7:28) EDC board appoints, two executive session items, and minutes were approved, with three votes of 9-0.
(10:05) Consent agenda. Council Member Gonzales pulled item 8.29. The rest of the consent agenda was approved, 9-0. Item 8.29 was for a renewal of the city's comprehensive plan committee modifications. [Staff, with the blessing of the mayor only, was trying to modify the comprehensive plan committee for not being diverse enough.] It was tabled with a 9-0 vote.
(13:53) The first public hearing was for a new school zone for Newman International Academy (staff report). The item was approved, 9-0.
(15:13) The second public hearing was a zoning case public hearing for PD24-21 on 1.210 acres at 1531/1537 W. Randol Mill Road (staff report). They wish to add a planned development with neighborhood commercial “NC” to allow for a restaurant with a drive-through. There was one speaker in opposition. It was approved, 9-0.
(31:19) The resolution for a 380-agreement was for the Balfour Lofts (a stone-throw from the Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse) (staff report). The city will pay out $1,550,000 and waive ALL fees (estimated to be another $140,000) [just so the apartments get built with sidewalks]. It was approved, 9-0. [Commentary: I don't get it. The developer gets approved to build it, then he is not, unless he gets a 12% discount from the taxpayers. This stinks...]
(33:56) Zoning case PD24-10 (300 E Stephens Street) was seeking 324 apartments on 9.782 acres in front of P&Z on December 4 [coverage of that is in this newsletter in the P&Z section, the first zoning case public hearing]. It failed approval, 4-5, but is still hopeful of a public hearing in front of the council to get them approved (staff report). This is the second time around for this. After they failed approval at P&Z the first time, the council approved them to go back to P&Z again. It was approved, 6-3, with Hunter, Piel, and Hogg in opposition.
(41:25) Citizen Participation. The one speaker spoke on the homeless.
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Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
We do not know the date and location of the next board meeting.
Deal Fell Through???
The online October 11 Star-Telegram had a public notice for a public hearing to be held at the October 15 meeting. That evening (October 11) when the agenda was posted there was no public hearing. The November 19 and December 11 meetings had NO public hearings. Did the deal fall through? This was for a performance agreement with Parkway Lamar Partners regarding improvements for the Whole Foods Market for $310,000. Is Whole Foods Market leaving? Or was it too easy and now they are seeking a bigger deal?
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Tuesday, January 7, the city council will hold a public hearing to consider the proposed capital improvements of the 2025 Citizen Bond Committee.
On Tuesday, January 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on ZA24-8 on 6.26 acres at 7005 Calendar Road. They wish to change the current residential estate (RE) zoning to residential single-family 7.2 (RS-7.2).
On Tuesday, January 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD23-37 on 5.390 acres at 1600 E. Pioneer Parkway. They wish for a planned development for mixed use with 48 apartments.
On Tuesday, January 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD21-9 on 0.743 acres at 108 Hosack Street. They wish for a planned development RM-12. It is currently zoned RM-12 and MF-22.
On Tuesday, January 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-29 on 1.629 acres at 2809 N.W. Green Oaks Boulevard. They wish for a planned development for community commercial with a car wash.
On Wednesday, January 8, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP24-9 on 0.521 acres at 3007 E. Abram Street. They wish for a communication tower.
On Wednesday, January 8, P&Z will hold a public hearing on ZA24-10 on 0.172 acres at 2015 Loyd Drive. They wish for Residential Single-family (RS-7.2). If approved this will go to the city council on February 4.
On Wednesday, January 8, P&Z will hold a public hearing on ZA24-9 on 0.237 acres at 8007 S. Cooper Street. They wish for a change in zoning from Residential Estate (RE) to Community Commercial (CC) uses. If approved this will go to the city council on February 4.
On Wednesday, January 8, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD24-24 on 3.003 acres at 700 E. Randol Mill Road. They wish for a change in zoning from Residential Multi-Family-22 (RMF-22) to Planned Development (PD) for Residential Multi-Family-22 (RMF-22) uses. If approved this will go to the city council on February 4.
On Wednesday, January 8, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD24-5 on 0.459 acres at 901 W. Abram Street. They wish for a planned development of higher density RMF-22. The previous PD has expired. If approved this will go to the city council on February 4.
On Wednesday, January 8, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD24-26 at 6601 Silo Road. They wish for a change in zoning from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) and Community Commercial (CC) to Planned Development (PD) for Neighborhood Commercial (NC) plus Recreation/outdoor, uses with a development plan, on approximately 10.64 acres. If approved this will go to the city council on February 4.
On Tuesday, January 28, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP24-8 on 5.406 acres at 2020 S. Watson Road. They wish for a special use permit for gas well drilling.
On Tuesday, January 28, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-17 on 1.832 acres at 2007 N.W. Green Oaks Boulevard for a planned development for community commercial (CC) including a wireless communications tower.
On Tuesday, January 28, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-19 on 1.802 acres at 401 E. Rogers Street for a planned development for residential medium density (RM-12, usually town homes).
On Tuesday, January 28, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-30 on 5.195 acres at 7708 Cooper Street for a planned development for residential single-family 5 (RS-5). Since this is a PD, it suggests that they do not meet all the standards; the lots are probably smaller than allowed by RS-5.
On Tuesday, January 28, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-31 on 0.940 acres at 347 N. Bowen Road for a planned development for light industrial including automotive repair (major).
On Tuesday, January 28, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-33 on 0.322 acres at 525 S. Bowen Road for a planned development for residential medium-density (RM-12). Since this is a PD, it suggests that they do not meet all the standards; the lots are probably smaller than allowed by RM-12.
???, the Economic Development Corporation Board will hold a public hearing for $310,000 for a performance agreement with Parkway Lamar Partners regarding improvements for the Whole Foods Market.
???, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD24-23 for community commercial with a package liquor store (2574 sq. ft.) at 2425 N.E. Green Oaks Boulevard.
P&Z Commission
P&Z met last Wednesday, December 18. The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5010?view_id=10&redirect=true .
(3:16) Public hearing #1 was for SUP24-8 (2020 South Watson Road). This is a special use permit for establishing a new gas well (staff report). There were no speakers. It was approved, 4-2-1 (recusal).
(17:21) Public hearing #2 was for PD24-17 (2007 Northwest Green Oaks Boulevard). They wish for a Planned Development (PD) for Community Commercial (CC) with a Development Plan for a Wireless Communication Facility to address the required three-to-one distance setback on approximately 1.832 acres (staff report). There were two speakers in support. This was approved, 7-0.
(30:43) Public hearing #3 was for PD24-19 (410 East Rogers Street). They wish for a Planned Development (PD) for Residential Medium Density-12 (RM-12) uses, on approximately 1.802 acres (staff report). They wish for 18 lots/3-story buildings, just slightly over 2,000 sq. ft. There are ten deviations. This was approved, 6-0-1 (recusal).
(1:06:57) Public hearing #4 was for PD24-30 (7708 South Cooper Street). They wish for a Planned Development (PD) for Residential Single-Family 5 (RS-5) uses, on approximately 5.195 acres (staff report). They wish to build 29 single-family homes and four X-lots to be maintained by the HOA. There are three major deviations. This was approved, 6-0-1 (recusal).
(2:17:15) Public hearing #5 was for PD24-31 (2423 and 2421 West Division Street and 347 North Bowen Road). They wish for a Planned Development (PD) for Light Industrial (LI) uses plus Major Auto Repair, on approximately 0.940 acres (staff report). It was approved, 7-0.
(2:58:13) Public hearing #6 was for PD24-33 (525 South Bowen Road). They wish for a Planned Development (PD) for Residential Medium Density (RM-12) uses on approximately 0.322 acres (staff report). It was approved, 7-0.
AISD School Board
The AISD School Board is planning to meet on Thursday, January 8.
We include here an open letter to AISD parents from David Jarvis. It can also be found on our website at: http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_11.html .
Open letter to Arlington ISD Taxpayers 12-12-24
David Jarvis
I am a retired attorney who investigated and prosecuted criminal fraud schemes for over 34 years with the United States Attorney Offices in both Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. The first step in any investigation was to ask questions to discover the true facts - since I first had to find the truth before I could determine what (if any) wrongdoing had occurred. In the summer of 2022, I used the same approach (first seek the true facts) in my interactions with AISD administrators and the Arlington Board of Trustees (the Board).
The Texas Family Code, Section 151.001(a)(1) states that a parent of a child has “both the right and duty to direct the moral and religious training of the child.” Section 151.003 further states “…a state agency may not …. take any other action that violates the fundamental right and duty of a parent to direct the upbringing of the parent’s child.”
Both the Bible, state law and common sense support the belief that the parents alone (not AISD) have the responsibility for the moral and religious training of their children. The main reason I filed my first AISD written grievance in Nov 2022 was to find out to what extent AISD teachers were providing any form of moral guidance to AISD students - in violation of the above-referenced Texas law. To determine what (if any) moral guidance AISD was providing to students, I asked AISD what guidance (if any) AISD provided to teachers on how teachers should answer the following questions from a student: 1) I am transgender. I’ m a boy, but I think I’m really a girl. What should I do? 2) I am transgender. I’ m a girl, but I think I’m really a boy. What should I do? 3) I think I am same sex attracted. What should I do? 4) I am a biological male, but I since I identify as a girl, I want to use the girl’s restroom – is that okay? or 5) Does AISD policy require teachers to notify parents about any of the above conversations between AISD teachers and students?
When these questions finally reached a Level 4 Board hearing on 6-8-23 – the Board closed the Board hearing to the public and forced all parents and taxpayers to leave the room. I told the Board that I objected to this unlawful closure as a violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act. When the Board falsely claimed that my grievance involved “personnel matters” and thus required a closed meeting – I pointed out that these issues involved the conduct (not identity) of AISD employees. To show my good faith - I also agreed not to identify any AISD employees by my name during any open hearing. The Board overruled my objection and closed the hearing to the public. After the closed hearing was conducted, the Board unanimously denied all four of my consolidated grievances.
Based on this unlawful closure of the 6-8-23 Board hearing, a lawsuit was filed in Texas state court on 1-19-24 by co-plaintiffs Citizens Defending Freedom and David Jarvis. A lawsuit was needed to hold the Board fully accountable for their unlawful closure of the 6-8-23 Board hearing and is still pending (now in federal court) despite my efforts to resolve the matter through settlement.
On 4-11-24, AISD Superintendent Matt Smith unlawfully dismissed four additional grievances I filed. These dismissed grievances related to my efforts to seek information regarding various issues, including – (1) what training and instruction AISD provides to teachers and students about abortion, race relations, same sex attraction, gender identity or transgender issues? (2) does AISD inform parents that AISD provides such training to students? (3) does AISD inform parents that Texas state law gives parents the “fundamental right to direct the moral and religious training of their children”? and (4) does AISD believe they have any obligation or responsibility to provide moral training or instruction to AISD students? Rather than provide this information, AISD has continued to hide the truth from taxpayers and parents – and resisted my ability to obtain answers to these questions.
On 4-19-24, AISD administrator Scott Kahl dismissed two additional pending Jarvis grievances. One of these two grievances asked AISD to provide information about the scope and conduct of AISD student counseling services provided to students related abortion, racial equity, same sex attraction and gender identity generally. The AISD Public Complaint Policy does not allow AISD to dismiss any complaint (grievance) that was timely filed. All six of my dismissed grievances were timely filed.
The Texas Education Code, Section 11.1511(b)(13) states: “The board shall: by rule, adopt a process through which district personnel, students or the parents or guardians of students, and members of the public may obtain a hearing from the district administrators and the board regarding a complaint.” The Board’s dismissal of these six grievances denied my right under state law to obtain a Board hearing on each of these six grievances (many involved the same sensitive moral issues). Such unlawful dismissals were used to shield the Board from political accountability to voters at the next Board election for their wrongful denial of valid grievances.
On 9-13-24, Plaintiff’s Second Amended Complaint of the same lawsuit was filed to include additional claims against AISD based on their retaliatory and unlawful actions. That case is set for trial on 9-15-25.
For the past 2 + years, the Board has consistently refused to be transparent – knowing that transparency leads to truth, and truth leads to future accountability to voters. My goal is to inform religious and community leaders that AISD has repeatedly resisted providing the truth to parents and voters and has engaged in a pattern of lawless conduct (as detailed above). I am available to speak with parents/taxpayers and community groups to answer any of your questions. I urge people with integrity and conviction to step up and run for a position on the Board. 2-14-25 is the filing deadline for the 5-3-25 school board election. Why should we trust present Board members with our vote on May 3 – when they have a history of refusing to trust parents and taxpayers with the truth?
David Jarvis
(817) 991-7153
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, creating ISD inflation.]
Press Box
Other News
Interlochen Christmas Lights
The “official” Interlochen Christmas Lights event goes through Wednesday, December 25. The Arlington Police have been controlling the traffic flow throughout the event. The Arlington Police Department's Know Before you go: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/news/my_arlington_t_x/news_stories/lights_at_interlochen_2024 .
The 2025 TAD Board
With the election process closing last week, Emily Wolf has an article in the Fort Worth Report on the TAD Board at: https://fortworthreport.org/2024/12/17/heres-who-will-likely-join-the-tarrant-appraisal-districts-board-of-directors-in-2025/ .
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
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