April 21, 2025 Newsletter
April 21, 2025 – Volume 19 Number 16
Highlights:
* EDC to meet MONDAY and waste millions more paying for 46.4% of the planned improvements at Ben Thanh Plaza.
* City council also set to approve Ben Thanh Plaza deal on Tuesday, along with zoning cases for 101 S. Center Street and the redevelopment of Lincoln Square.
* Early voting starts Tuesday.
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, April 21: Economic Development Corporation meeting, City Hall, 3rd Floor, 101 W. Abram Street, 3:00pm.
Tuesday, April 22: Early Voting Starts for Municipal and School Board Elections, 8:00am-5:00pm.
Tuesday, April 22: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 9:00am, 3:30pm, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Tuesday, April 29: Early Voting Ends for Municipal and School Board Elections, 7:00am-7:00pm.
Thursday, May 1: 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.)
Saturday, May 3: Municipal and School Board Election Day, 7:00am-7:00pm.
Wednesday, May 7: P&Z meeting, City Hall, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm).
Sunday, May 11: Mother’s Day.
Tuesday, May 13: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, May 14: AISD Board meeting to canvass the election results.
Thursday, May 15: 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.)
Wednesday, May 21: P&Z meeting, City Hall, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm).
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The city council did meet this past week. They will meet again this Tuesday, April 22.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Committee Meetings
The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee is the first of two committee meetings scheduled. They will meet at 9:00am and are expected to spend 15 minutes discussing HUD PY2025 action plan and consolidated plan comments (presentation).
Fund Orgs Req Amt PrjAwd Amt
ESG 9 $410,591 $290,498
HOME 5 $1,490,572 $1,490,572
CDBG 17 $851,957 $478,660 (public srvcs)
CDBG 6 $2,074,195 (comm dev prjs)
They are also expected to spend 45 minutes on the housing needs assessment and analysis of impediments (presentation).
The Municipal Policy Committee is scheduled to meet at 10:15am. They are expected to spend 30 minutes on a parks ordinance (presentation , revisions) and 45 minutes on a cemetery ordinance (presentation).
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting begins at 11:45am. After opening, they will go into executive session for five items:
1. Discussion regarding the potential sale, lease, or exchange of real property located at 717 West Main Street.
2. Discussion regarding the purchase of property from Arlington Independent School District. [Commentary (100% speculation): I do NOT know, but fear, they are talking about the school district’s large tract of undeveloped land which they would use to produce affordable housing, lowering the value of existing inventory.]
3. Discussion regarding the possible purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property for eligible projects of the Arlington Economic Development Corporation.
4. Discussion of employment of Presiding Municipal Court Judge.
5. Offers of Incentives to Business Prospects.
The open portion of the afternoon meeting will begin no sooner than 3:30pm. The open portion of the afternoon meeting agenda includes two work session items, no informal staff reports, a legislative update, and external committee reports.
The two work session items:
1. Tarrant County College – SE Campus update (presentation).
2. 2026 FIFA World Cup update (presentation).
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Evening Meeting
The agenda for the 6:30pm evening meeting includes minutes, 32 consent agenda items, four public hearings and an EDC resolution.
Consent agenda item 7.10 is for $2,143,204 for sidewalks in the entertainment district (staff report). Funding will be coming from bond projects rather than the more appropriate TIRZ funds.
Consent agenda item 7.31 is for the second modification to E-space architect for $5,634,639 (staff report).
Consent agenda item 7.32 gives the city attorney, city auditor, and city manager 2% raises, effective October 2, 2024 (staff report).
Appointee Salary Adjustments
Molly Shortall Current salary: $273,544
City Attorney 2%increase effective 10/2/2024: $279,014.88
Susan Edwards Current salary: $161,207
City Auditor 2%increase effective 10/2/2024: $164,431.14
Trey Yelverton Current salary: $397,601
City Manager 2%increase effective 10/2/2024: $405,553.02
The first public hearing is for an alternate sign plan for the National Medal of Honor Museum (staff report). This did not go before t P&Z. I saw no public notice in the online newspaper (though most times that is a newspaper issue).
The second public hearing is for PD18-13R1, the apartment complex at 101 S. Center wanting to get rid of the work office requirement on their planned development. (staff report).
The third public hearing is for PD24-40, Anthem, the old Lincoln Square redevelopment (staff report). They wish to remove some of the density items from the development plan which they feel they cannot successfully execute at the current time.
The fourth public hearing is for the PD24-40ASP (alternate sign plan) for the above case (staff report).
The EDC resolution calls for the taxpayers to pay for 46.4% of the planned improvements at the Ben Thanh Plaza (staff report).
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Election information
The city election has NO candidates, only propositions. There are five bond propositions and seven charter amendments.
Early voting will be Tuesday, April 22 – Tuesday, April 29. Election Day is Saturday, May 3.
Sample ballot: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/city-secretary/documents/elections/3.-sample-ballots.pdf .
The Arlington's Office of Communications stories on the 2025 Bond Election and Charter Amendments by Susan Schrock: (bond) https://www.arlingtontx.gov/News-Articles/2025/February/Arlington-Residents-to-Vote-on-Proposed-200.8-Million-Bond-Program
(charter amendments) https://www.arlingtontx.gov/News-Articles/2025/February/Arlington-to-Hold-City-Charter-Special-Election-on-May-3-2025 .
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
The EDC Board met this past Monday, April 14. I was told the public hearing for the Ben Thanh Plaza item would be postponed until next month; however, I see they are holding a meeting today, this Monday, April 21 for this item.
The agenda for last week's meeting can be found at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/agendas/april-14,-2025.pdf . The above link included, at the end, a “Notice Regarding Contingent Fees Contract” (regarding the Bracewell contract) and a “Notice of Public Hearing” (regarding the West & Associates contract).
The agenda included minutes (minutes), three standing reports ( financial , industries snapshot , real estate ), six action items, an executive director report (report), and two executive session items.
The six action items were:
1. The second modification to the professional service contract with the E-space architect, not to exceed $5,634,639 (staff report). This item was approved and will be on the city council agenda on Tuesday.
2. This item will be considered next month. Performance agreement with HKT Management Corporation for Ben Thanh Plaza (staff report). The taxpayers are paying for greater than 46.4% of the $3,545,000 of scheduled improvements. [Personal opinion: it should be a lot closer to 10%.]
3. Committing an amount of up to $500,000 to have Arlington host the Japan-Texas Summit for 2026, 2027, and 2028 (staff report). I believe this was approved. [Commentary: I flat out do not care about hotel occupancy tax. I only care about the tax going to the general fund, which is nowhere near $500,000. Hotel occupancy tax = gives more spending to host gay pride events. General fund dollars = potential spending for the citizens, as public safety.]
4. Professional service contract with TRB Capital Markets for municipal advisory services (staff report). This would be a contingency fee -based contract, but for some reason they did not rate enough to get a notice. I believe this was approved.
5. Bond Council Services contract with Bracewell (with the notice regarding contingent fees contract included with the agenda, staff report) They will be paid to attend the meetings so their input will be easily attainable. I believe this was approved. [Commentary: It looks as if we are about to issue debt so the escort service can invite more whores to the parties, since we cannot get anyone to come straight up.]
6. West & Associates legal services contract (with the notice of a public hearing included with the agenda, staff report). Evidently, we are paying them $30,000 plus the contingency fee. I believe this was approved.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
The agenda for today's, Monday, April 21 meeting can be found at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/agendas/april-21,-2025---special-aedc-board-meeting.pdf .
The only agenda item is to use taxpayers' EDC funds of $1,645,000 of the expected $3,545,000 of improvements (staff report).
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Monday, April 21, the EDC will hold a public hearing regarding a performance agreement with HKT Management Corporation regarding Ben Thanh Plaza for $1,645,000. Approval of the item is on the agenda, but no mention of a public hearing(?).
On Tuesday, April 22, the city council will hold a public hearing on ASP25-1 for an alternate sign plan for the National Medal of Honor Museum.
On Tuesday, April 22, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD18-13R1 at 101 S. Center Street. They wish to remove the live-work units’ requirement.
On Tuesday, April 22, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-40 for a planned development for a portion of Lincoln Square.
On Tuesday, April 22, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-40-ASP for an alternate sign plan for Lincoln Square.
On Wednesday, May 7, P&Z 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 Wednesday, May 7, P&Z 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 Wednesday, May 7, P&Z will hold a public hearing for PD25-2 at 721 Southwest Green Oaks Boulevard. They wish to convert community commercial “CC” to a planned development for CC with a package liquor store.
On Tuesday, May 13, the city council will hold a public hearing on the annual UDC (Unified Development Code) updates.
On Tuesday, May 13, the city council will hold a public hearing on ZA24-11 for “straight” office commercial at 5101/5321 S. Collins Street. It is currently zoned for a planned development office commercial and residential estate.
On Tuesday, May 13, the city council will hold a public hearing on ZA25-1 for “straight” limited office zoning at 2598 Northwest Green Oaks Boulevard. It is currently zoned for RS-7.2.
On Tuesday, May 13, the city council will hold a public hearing on ZA25-2 for “straight” flex hybrid zoning at 3000 S. Cooper Street. It is currently zoned for community commercial.
On Tuesday, May 13, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-36 for a planned development a) for single-family on minimum 6000 sq. ft. lots, and b) community commercial for self-storage at 901 Debbie Lane. It is currently zoned for a planned development for single-family on at least 7500 square foot lots.
P&Z Commission
P&Z met this past Wednesday, April 16. The full agenda can be found at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/planning-and-development-services/documents/planning-amp-development-boards-amp-commissions/planning-and-zoning-commission/posted-agenda/april-16-2025/april-16-2025-regular-session-agenda.pdf . There are three public hearings on the agenda. The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5099?view_id=10&redirect=true .
(4:25) The first public hearing was the annual update to the UDC ( staff report , presentation ). It was opened to comments/questions about 30:48. There was one speaker. It was approved, 8-0.
(43:34) The second public hearing was for PD24-36, a self-storage planned development at 901 E Debbie Lane (staff report). There was a speaker in support. It was approved, 8-0.
(1:00:44) The third public hearing was for PD25-2, a package liquor store at 721 Southwest Green Oaks Boulevard (staff report). A very split commission granted a continuance until May 7.
The next P&Z commission meeting will be on Wednesday, May 7.
AISD School Board
School Board Meeting
The AISD School Board met this past Thursday, April 17, for a regular meeting. The agenda can be viewed at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=678540 . The meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_GVd3TqZeU . All board members were present.
The executive session agenda included:
A. Personnel.
B. Consult Attorney Regarding Potential and Pending Litigation.
C. Discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property.
D. Board Mid-Year Self Evaluation.
(1:28:52) Reconvene in open session.
(1:33:00) There were no speakers for open forum on agenda items.
(1:33:09) The two appointments were approved with one 7-0 vote.
Chief Communications Officer – delayed until May 1.
Associate Principal Sam Houston High School – Christopher Stroud.
Assistant Principal for Martin High School – Anne Hartfield.
(1:44:00) Committee and staff reports.
A. Finance and Academics Committee Report. They will be having a curriculum audit conducted.
(1:46:08) B. Spring 2024 Demographer Report. About 1:56:45 it was opened to the board for comments/questions. There was a lot of discussion regarding how many leavers are living in apartments. [The city has done no favors to the AISD with its many, many apartments.]
(2:09:37) C. Report on Impact and Financial Capacity for a Future Bond Program. They are looking at $300-$350 million issuance either November 2025 or May 2026 and then issuing something like $650- to $750 million within four to five years from now. About 2:24:10 they open it up to the board for comments/questions.
(2:32:43) D. Future Bond Planning Discussion. It was opened to the board for comments/questions about 2:34:42. It sounded like they plan to start a citizen committee very, very soon.
(2:57:50) E. 2025-2026 Budget Outlook Report. About 3:09:28 they opened it up to board comments/questions.
(3:27:12) F. Trustee Continuing Education Hours Report.
(3:28:10) Consent agenda. Nothing was pulled or discussed. It was approved, 6-0-1, with Ms. Richardson not voting.
(3:28:50) There were no speakers for open forum on non-agenda items.
(3:29:00) End of meeting reports.
Mr. Chappa presented a Board Brief at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrtDGPBUYWI .
Filings for May 3 Election
Voters will get to vote for AISD Places 4 and 5. Early voting will be Tuesday, April 22 – Tuesday, April 29. Election Day is Saturday, May 3.
Ballot order:
Place 4 – Wilbanks (i), April Williams Moore.
Place 5 – Chapa (i).
Prior to the campaign season one of the bigger problems with the AISD Board was communications. The incumbents' responses (lack of) did nothing to improve their image.
Place 4 – I recommend April Williams Moore
( http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_88.html )
April Williams Moore
( http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_9.html )
Place 5 – I recommend not voting
Chapa (i)
( http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_89.html )
The Arlington Report article by Drew Shaw on the candidates: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/03/11/qa-these-candidates-want-to-be-on-arlington-isd-school-board-here-are-their-priorities .
TEA Accountability Data:
* There was a court ruling that the 2023 A-F scores could be released (still waiting).
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.]
# # # # # # # # # # # #
Other News
TAD Postcards
TAD has mailed postcards about values not changing for properties that did not change. The Matthew Sgroi of the Fort Worth Report article: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/04/15/tarrant-appraisal-district-mails-2025-property-notices-even-to-homeowners-with-frozen-values/ . [Commentary: He also makes reference to bills potentially changing some of the good accomplished by TAD changes. Taxing entities have abused Tarrant County taxpayers for years, so TAD doing something about it was a good thing. Then comes all the whining about several school districts potentially losing money. Fix the school district problem by fixing the school funding portion of state law that is causing them the issue, not changing the accomplishments of the TAD board for doing what was right. Unfortunately, Chris Turner and Charlie Geren love taxing and the taxing entities and do not care about the citizens they represent...]
City's Comprehensive Plan Survey
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