June 9, 2025 Newsletter
June 9, 2025 – Volume 19 Number 23
Highlights:
* County Approves Redistricting.
* Council meets Tuesday for more budget discussion and approving townhomes.
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 10: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Saturday, June 14: Flag Day.
Sunday, June 15: Fathers Day.
Tuesday, June 17: 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, 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.
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The city council will meet this Tuesday, June 10. The only committee meeting begins at 11:00am, but don't rush to get there, as all the business is in executive session. The afternoon meeting begins at 11:45am where they will start by going into executive session. They will be in open session no sooner than 1:45pm. The evening meeting begins at 6:30pm.
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Committee Meetings
The Economic Development Committee meeting will meet at 11:00am, however, all their business is in executive session (agenda).
Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting begins at 11:45am; however, they will go 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.
The open portion of the afternoon meeting will begin no sooner than 1:45pm. That portion of the agenda includes six work session items, two informal staff reports, council external committees, and a legislative update.
The six work session items are:
1. FY 2026 Budget Planning Update (no presentation currently – might be posted Tuesday or Wednesday);
2. 2026 FIFA World Cup Update (presentation);
3. Innovate Arlington Phase I Engagement Report Out (presentation) [this is the comprehensive plan update];
4. Arlington Fire Department 2024 Annual Report (presentation);
5. Housing Annual Report (presentation) [.pdf page 6 shows vouchers exceeding $50 million – I assume 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)]; and
6. Council Priority - Leverage Technology (presentation).
The two informal staff reports are:
1. City of Arlington Boards and Commissions Review (staff report , attachment); and
2. Contract for Medical Direction and Health Authority Services (staff report).
Evening Meeting
The agenda for the 6:30pm meeting includes 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 .
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).
Public hearing #1 is 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.
Public hearing #2 is 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).
Public hearing #3 is 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.
Public hearing #4 is 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.
Public hearings #5 and #6 are related to Anthem, the Lincoln Square redevelopment. The developer has asked for a continuance until June 24.
The three ordinances are 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).
The special resolution is 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
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
We do not know the date of the next meeting. Best guess: June 17.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Tuesday, June 10, the city council will hold a public hearing on [the renewal(?)/creation of the Downtown BID (Business Improvement District). Non-homestead properties (except the railroad?) within the defined area, pay an extra fee (rather than tax) based on property value to pay for area improvements/services for approximately $7,163,972 for the full ten years as defined by the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation.
On Tuesday, June 10, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-5 at 901 E. Arkansas Lane. They wish for a planned development allowing an auto service center.
On Tuesday, June 10, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-25 at 1700 E. Bardin Road. They wish for a planned development for RM12 (usually town homes) on 6.29 acres.
On Tuesday, June 10, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-3 at 201/205 Slaughter Street. They wish for a planned development for cottage community on the 1.27 acres.
On Tuesday, June 17, the AISD will have a public hearing of 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 SUP25-1 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 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 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 P&Z commission met this past Wednesday, June 3. There were NO public hearings on the regular agenda found at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/planning-and-development-services/documents/planning-and-zoning/june-4-2025-regular-session-agenda.pdf . The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5139?view_id=10&redirect=true .
The next P&Z meeting should be on June 17.
AISD School Board
The AISD School Board met this past Thursday, June 5. They started with a workshop on the strategic plan development at 5:00pm. They then went into executive session before the regular meeting. The executive session included: A. Personnel; B. Consult Attorney Regarding Potential and Pending Litigation; C. Intruder Detection Audit Finding(s); and D. TEA Complaint Case# SRDR2025-11-01. All board members were present. The regular meeting may be viewed at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=687286 .
(15:26) Start of the meeting. Recognitions included: A. Outgoing Student Leadership Advisory Board; B. Community Partner Award of Appreciation; C. AISD Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year; and D. Recognition of Student Athletes-State Medalists.
(1:08:11) Open forum for agenda items. There were speakers.
(1:08:21) The one appointment was approved, 7-0.
Chief Schools Officer – Bret Champion.
(1:10:40) Two public hearings (Optional Flexible School Day, last year and this coming year). There were no speakers at either public hearing.
Committee and Staff Reports
(1:15:18) Governance Committee.
(1:17:50) Finance and Academics Committee Report.
(1:18:58) 2025-2026 Marketing Plan Framework Report. About 1:32:35 it was opened to the board for questions/comments.
(1:48:50) Community Engagement Report. About 2:03:06 it was opened up to the board for questions/comments.
(2:08:39) One action item. TASB candidate endorsement. They endorsed Ms. Julie Cole [of H.E.B.] by a 7-0 vote.
(2:10:39) Consent agenda. Item F was not voted upon, requiring more work. Item F was approval of Tarrant County College District and Arlington Independent School District Memorandum of Understanding for Lamar P-Tech High School. The consent agenda, minus item F, was approved, 7-0.
(2:11:34) Open forum on non-agenda items.
(2:11:45) End of meeting reports.
A Board Brief by Mrs. Haynes can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojcz3hl4Dbg .
The next scheduled AISD meeting will be Tuesday, June 17. There will be a public hearing on the proposed tax rate.
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
County Changes Boundaries
This past 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.
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
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