David Glover, Kennedale Place 1

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?

Yes, these were good decisions, with many learning opportunities that should be applied to all future developments.

Objective 1 of the Kennedale Comprehensive Plan states: “Encourage a mix of single family residential units and appropriately located and designed, medium to higher density units according to the Future Land Use Plan.”

The previous councils were executing on that vision by approving those zoning cases.

Higher density development brings a number of advantages. It allows for more efficient use of infrastructure, reduces service costs, and helps attract new businesses and amenities. Perhaps most importantly, it can lower the overall tax burden on individual residents by expanding the tax base. With more people and businesses contributing, we can maintain and improve public services without placing additional strain on existing homeowners.

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

During the Hammack Creek debate, I was opposed to the project. The original proposal envisioned a mixed-use development with commercial space on the ground floor and residential units above — a concept meant to foster new business opportunities in an “Urban Village” setting. Unfortunately, what was ultimately built did not reflect that vision.

There were concerns at the time that traffic on Sublett would become a problem, but that hasn't materialized as a result of this development. There were also fears that KISD would be overwhelmed with new students, yet enrollment has since declined. Meanwhile, the financial impact of the development has been significant. In 2024, the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) valued Hammack Creek at $7.1 million. Based on TAD's tax calculator the development contributed approximately $50,000 to the City of Kennedale and around $80,000 to KISD last year — amounts that are not insignificant. 

The key lesson here is the importance of accountability. Commitments made to the Council and residents during discussions were not consistently reflected in the final contract and implementation. Now that every meeting is recorded, it’s essential that any promises made to influence a vote are clearly incorporated into the proposed plan — ensuring that what’s promised is what’s delivered.

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

This is a case of a well-intentioned idea hindered by poor execution. For the residents of Steeplechase — those most directly affected by the development — it likely feels like a bad idea made even worse by how it was carried out. That said, the development does align with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

It’s worth acknowledging the significant financial contribution this development brings. With a TAD valuation of $49.5 million, it has become one of the largest tax-paying entities in Kennedale. In 2024 alone, it’s expected to contribute an estimated $349,000 to the city and over $550,000 to KISD. For a town of our size, these are substantial figures. Based on historical tax data, Alta Landing will likely fund approximately 2.5% of the 2025 operating budget.

So, was it a good decision? From a broader perspective, yes — the development has provided tangible benefits to the entire town. It also aligns with Objective 1 of the Comprehensive Plan, meaning the Council was acting in accordance with the city’s long-term vision. Still, the frustration of Steeplechase residents is understandable, and their concerns shouldn’t be overlooked.

The key takeaway here is clear: moving forward, the city must ensure that any new structures strictly adhere to established zoning restrictions to avoid similar issues in the future.

 

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?

The percentage of General Fund revenue coming from property taxes has steadily decreased over the past three years. In 2022, it accounted for 59% of the fund, dropping to 55% in 2023 and 54% in 2024 (though the 2024 figures are still unaudited). While this decline hasn’t necessarily reduced individual property tax bills, it does reflect the city’s efforts to diversify its revenue sources and rely less on property taxes.

One of the largest property taxpayers in the city isn’t a resident but Alta Landing. With a TAD valuation of $49.5 million, Alta Landing is projected to contribute approximately $349,000 to the city and over $550,000 to the KISD school district in 2024. This demonstrates how increasing housing density and making strategic land use decisions can broaden the tax base and benefit the community (we already discussed whether this was a good zoning decision last week).

During the Comprehensive Plan review in 2023–2024, the city considered rezoning future land use from industrial to commercial use. One key site is the land currently occupied by Fort Worth Tower along the I-20 service road. If the company ever decides to relocate, the city could rezone the area for commercial development, potentially creating a shopping or destination center. This type of development would attract visitors from outside Kennedale and generate sales tax revenue, thereby helping to shift the tax burden away from local property owners.

Another area discussed for future commercial zoning is on the southern end of the Parkway. Developing this area for commercial use could similarly expand the sales tax base and further reduce the city’s dependence on property taxes.

While the city is making progress in reducing the property tax burden, this transition takes time and careful long-term planning.

During the 2025 Budget Process, a Grant Writer position was initially included whose sole purpose would be to find and apply to grants to help fund projects so that the funding source was not always revenue or debt. This position was later removed from the 2025 Budget; my response to this on the Dias was cutting this position is like "picking up pennies, when dollar bills are flying by".

Perhaps next year's budget can include a role that will likely pay for itself many times over.

 

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)?

I do not believe there was any malfeasance, or negligence, by any party as it relates to the Senior Tax Freeze. Regarding the Council Meeting on November 19, 2024 @ 51:29 time stamp, Kennedale City Attorney Adkins stated “It’s state law that governs so 2024 would have been the earliest the council could have done it.” I have no reason to doubt the City Attorney on this matter.

 

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?

 

When the Irene Sargent Multicultural Community Center and Community Garden applied for an Economic Development Corporation (EDC) grant, the EDC Board discovered that the program lacked formal guidelines. Without clear criteria, decisions to approve or deny grant applications were arbitrary. To ensure fairness and transparency, we approved the Community Garden’s application while acknowledging the need for a more structured process.

Over the course of three working sessions, I took the initiative to research, draft, and refine comprehensive grant guidelines. Throughout this process, I actively engaged with and listened carefully to each board member (including my fellow Council Members on the EDC Board), ensuring all voices and perspectives were heard and incorporated into the final guidelines. This collaborative approach resulted in unanimous approval by the board, establishing clear criteria and processes to ensure consistency and accountability for future funding decisions.

I value the role that the Irene Sargent Multicultural Community Center and Community Garden plays in our community. Under the new guidelines, the Community Garden will no longer qualify for this specific grant due to its non-profit status, though it remains eligible for other city grant opportunities. I encourage ongoing engagement with these programs, as the work being done is vital to our local economy and quality of life. 

 

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? 

Most constituents contact the City Council as a last resort—either because they’re feeling stuck and need to escalate an issue, or because they’re unsure where to turn and need help connecting with the right department.

Others reach out simply to share their support or concerns about a specific agenda item.

I make it a priority to respond to questions or escalations. When it comes to emails expressing support or opposition, I typically reply if I believe there’s additional information that could clarify the issue or potentially influence their perspective.

I do recall one email about the Safe Routes to School program that I meant to respond to, but unfortunately, it slipped through the cracks. 

To help streamline communication with city departments, I encourage all residents to download the My Kennedale app. More details are available here: https://www.cityofkennedale.com/1069/My-Kennedale-APP. 

 

 

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?