Megan Burns, write-in Candidate for Kennedale Place 5

1. Past Decisions – please respond by February 27, 2025

Although the city council cannot dwell on past councils' decisions and it must move forward, we would like to know if current council members have learned from past decisions, including those made by previous councils. From history, were each of the following zoning case items a good decision or a poor decision, and why?

a) “UV” zoning on Kennedale Sublett Road just east of Kennedale Parkway?

To my understanding, the area in question was zoned "UV" which by definition is urban village zoning. This zoning is designed to drive economic development by turning underutilized areas into thriving, attractive places where people want to live and businesses want to move near to, or perhaps be attached to. This is also defined as a place with trails, bike lanes, and walking paths, and is expected to be revenue positive. This particular development happens to be none of those things, based on money spent compared to revenue earned by the city at a low $47K (approximate). This barely covers the salary of some of our first responders. I would say this was a poor decision.

b) “MF” zoning on Joplin Road just south of Kennedale Sublett Road?

The "MF" zoning at the address in question is known now as Alta Landing. I will immediately say this was a poor decision. I do not feel that our current citizens located in Steeplechase were properly advocated for by our leaders. This location has been a zoning nightmare and apparently still is based on the recent council meetings.
The lack of advocacy for our current citizens, as well as a complete disregard for the city's infrastructure, make both of these poor decisions that do not have long-term, sustainable benefits to the city.

 

2. Property Taxes – please respond by March 6, 2025

Kennedale is the fifth highest taxing city of the 41 cities in Tarrant County. What are some viable potential solutions to alleviate the tax burden on the citizens or is this just something that the citizens of Kennedale must learn to accept? Why?

Personally, I do not believe that high taxes are something we “must” accept. Kennedale has struggled to support and engage local businesses. As a former business owner in Kennedale, I can personally attest to this.

This is what I would like to see happen in our city. Kennedale must support infrastructure development/improvement to draw in the right businesses for economic growth. We must widen our tax revenue with multiple streams, not just rely on property taxes to carry us as a city. Our commercial development was at 0% improvement last year.

Recently, I had a local business owner tell me that Kennedale was a prime location for her business. Her business serves the local DFW area and because of the location, they can jump on any highway quickly to get to clients. Have city leaders asked local businesses what made them choose Kennedale? What makes them successful? How can the city help support them? My first thought was, why are we not targeting similar businesses to come to Kennedale?

It is my opinion that if the city does not figure out a way to create sustainable growth with multiple streams of tax revenue to relieve some of the tax burden from our citizens, we are doing the city and its citizens a major disservice.

 

3. Senior Tax Freeze – please respond by March 13, 2025

Back in June of 2023 the city council approved a senior tax freeze. Details of some of the issues can be seen at: http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_7.html . What is your opinion of the actions of:

a) the city attorney?

b) the city manager?

c) the June 2023 City Council?

Why do you hold these opinions (what supports your viewpoint)?

Based on the information given to me and after some talk with a few of the council members who were present at the time, it appears that the city council absolutely advocated for their senior citizens. After these discussions, I can honestly say, none of the council had reason to believe that this wouldn't have gone into effect in a timely manner.
Mistakes happen. The main thing is to ensure that our seniors get some tax relief. The best thing to do is learn from this mistake. Find out what happened, how it happened, rectify the situation, and try to ensure that it never happens again.

Now, if something is being lied about or covered up, that begins another story. I believe a full investigation of the details involved should be conducted.

 

4. EDC Grant for Community Garden – please respond by March 20, 2025

The EDC (Economic Development Corporation) awards grants to spur business growth with the idea being that helping a business expand will help generate more revenue for the city, thus paying for the grant and more in several years.

In July 2024 the EDC (with three council members serving on the EDC) approved a grant of $24,300 for a community garden. Thankfully, several months later the EDC came up with much improved guidelines/requirements for issuing the grants. What are your thoughts on using grant money, meant to spur business activity and leading to more city revenue, on a community garden?

As a small business owner, I believe grants are a great tool when they are approved, distributed, and utilized for the betterment of the city's economic development.

EDC grants should support and stimulate business growth, create jobs, and improve the overall economic growth of the city.

A business that is seeking a grant should present a business plan that gives a full outline of the structure, management, and projected economic growth.

Further, the EDC should also ensure that the proposed plan will meet the city’s zoning and coding requirements prior to issuing funds.

As far as a community garden receiving a grant, I would have to ask the above questions, was there a business plan presented? Is the location accessible? Will this create jobs? What was the projected economic growth?

A community garden, by definition, would be a great way to build community involvement and to help those in need. I believe this to be a wonderful thing; however, I would not consider this to be a form of enhancement for or spark to encourage economic growth.

 

5. Communications – please respond by March 27, 2025

If you receive an e-mail from a constituent on a Kennedale issue logically laid out and well documented, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not? What actions will you take?

I would absolutely respond to constituents. Responding and advocating is the job as a council member. Even if I do not know the answer or if I do not have an answer in that moment, everyone deserves to be heard and acknowledged.

The steps to advocacy...

1.) Analyze the issue

2.) Gather more information from the constituent as needed

3.) Help create a plan if needed

4.) Bring the issue and a plan to decision makers if needed

5.) Implement the plan

6.) Give a timeline for resolution

7.) Follow through & follow up

I have used this formula for years in healthcare management as I advocated for my team and staff. This formula ensures we have covered everything and that there were steps taken to advocate and solve problems. This helps foster solutions that help everyone involved move forward.

 

 

6. Issue – please respond by April 3, 2025

What is the most important issue the city council is currently facing? Why? What are your suggestions for addressing this issue?