August 25, 2025 Newsletter
August 25, 2025 – Volume 19 Number 34
Highlights:
* City council to meet Tuesday; agenda includes zoning for federally-assisted funded apartments, Anthem (old Lincoln Square) zoning modification, $36,765,560 from the Tomorrow Fund for the Fielder Square redevelopment program.
* AISD staff explains the scoring issues with the accountability numbers released August 15. Taxpayers should be angry with the TEA/state.
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:
Monday, August 25: Comprehensive Plan Board Game, Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Tuesday, August 26: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, August 27: Comprehensive Plan Board Game, Texas Rangers Golf Club, 2800 S. Center Street, 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Monday, September 1: Labor Day Holiday
Tuesday, September 2: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, September 3: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm.)
Thursday, September 4: 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.) Public hearing on the tax rate and budget.
Saturday, September 6: Electronic Recycle/Paper Shred Event, southeast corner of Mitchell Street and Cooper Street, 8am-2pm.
Tuesday, September 9: City Budget/Tax Rate Public Hearings.
Tuesday, September 16: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, September 17: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm.)
Thursday, September 18: 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 did not meet this past Tuesday. However, there were several events where the council members may have been observed.
They will meet this Tuesday, August 26 for a full slate of meetings. The first of two committee meetings begins at 10:00am. The afternoon meeting opens at 1:00pm and goes into executive session. The open portion of the afternoon meeting will begin no sooner than 2:00pm. The evening meeting is at 6:30pm where they are set to approve/spend almost $40 million for Fielder Square redevelopment and Shady Valley Country Club improvements (two separate deals totaling $39,265,560).
Committee Meetings
The Community and Neighborhood Development Community Committee meets at 10:00am and they expect to spend an hour discussing multi-family inspections (presentation).
The Economic and Development Committee meeting begins at 11:15am, but there is no need to rush to get there, it is all in executive session and you are not wanted. They will be discussing offers of incentives to business prospects [hold onto your wallets].
Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting begins at 1:00pm and goes into executive session. The executive session agenda includes the three items of real property on the evening agenda and the offer of incentives to business prospects. The real property items are all regarding the sidewalk project along Division Street, the first being a condemnation case, the other two, not as drastic.
The open portion of the meeting will begin no sooner than 2:00pm. The open portion of the agenda includes four work session items, one informal staff report, possible discussion of board appointments (list), external committees, and a legislative update.
The work session items include:
1. Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Audit Plan (presentation , plan).
2. West Airport Development/E-Space Update (no presentation available).
3. Fielder Square Redevelopment (no presentation available).
4. Choctaw Stadium Update (no presentation available).
The informal staff report:
Capital Improvements Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC) July 2025 Semi-Annual Report (staff report , executive summary , report).
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Evening Meeting
The agenda for the 6:30 evening meeting includes appointments, executive session items (3 items, all about the Division Street sidewalks, one of which is a condemnation), minutes, 30 consent agenda items, five public hearings, three ordinances, and four resolutions.
The five public hearings include:
1. The first public hearing is for The Knox on Watson, PD25-9 at 1401 N. Watson Road (staff report). They propose 82 units are spread within three buildings. There are four deviations from standards.
2. The second public hearing is for a specific use permit for SUP25-05 for a secondary living unit at 2306 Park Run Drive (staff report).
3. & 4. The third and fourth public hearings are regarding Anthem (the old Lincoln Square redevelopment) and its Alternate Sign Plan (ASP). The developer is wanting to back down from the density proposed in the original PD (PD24-40 , PD24-40ASP)
5. The last public hearing is for a gas well permit GW25-001 at 3031 E. Arkansas Lane (staff report).
The three ordinances include:
1. Acceptance of the Atmos settlement for price increase (staff report).E
2. Updates to the Streets and Sidewalks code for a temporary traffic permit (staff report). This will generate a small amount of revenue to offset costs.
3. Updates to the Health and Sanitation code (staff report). This will require food providers to display their latest inspection score.
The four resolutions include:
1. Fee Adjustment Authorization related to Health Services in the Planning and Development Department’s Fee Schedule (staff report , fee schedule).
2. 380-agreement with Shady Valley Golf Club (staff report). So, they are going to make $8 million worth of improvements, and we the taxpayers will be paying over 30% ($2.5 million), just so they can call it Arlington Country Club [not Shady Valley] and give Arlington-based nonprofits a 15% discount on charity and golf tournaments.
3. West Airport Development/E-space update (staff report). This is basically completing the paperwork for Phase II of this three-phase deal.
4. Fielder Square redevelopment (staff report). They want to use $36,765,560 from the Arlington Tomorrow Fund for an overpriced land banking deal. The staff report also speaks of relocation and demolition expenses but made no mention of where those funds are coming from [remembering that they are raising the tax rate three cents this year].
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
The EDC Board held its monthly meeting this past Tuesday, August 19. The full packet for the meeting may be found at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/agendas/august-19,-2025.pdf . The agenda included two sets of minutes (July 15 , August 6), standing reports (financials , industry snapshots , real estate), open session (with nothing listed), executive director's report, an executive session, and five action items.
The five action items are (staff report):
1. a development agreement and related subleases with E-space Inc. and the City of Arlington, relative to the establishment of a North American headquarters and manufacturing facility at the Arlington Municipal Airport (resolution)
2. contract amendment No. 2 to the Construction Manager-at-Risk contract for the E-space North American Headquarters and Manufacturing Facility at Arlington Municipal Airport establishing the guaranteed maximum price of $13,393,013 for the initial civil enabling package (resolution).
3. the second modification of the professional service contract for the E-space Project Manager with Hill Building Group, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $700,000 (resolution).
4. the third modification of the professional service contract for the E-space Architect with M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $436,760 for architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural services for the E-Space project (resolution).
5. to allow the a 380-agreement with The City relative to water and sewer facilities at the E-space Project site (resolution).
All five items were approved.
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Upcoming Public Hearings
On Tuesday, August 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD25-9 at 1401 S. Watson Road. They wish for a planned development on the 6.112 acres for RMF-22 (apartments). It is currently zoned commercial.
On Tuesday, August 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP25-5 at 2306 Park Run Drive. They wish for a specific use permit to allow a secondary living unit.
On Tuesday, August 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-40 for a planned development for a portion of Lincoln Square.
On Tuesday, August 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD24-40-ASP for an alternate sign plan for Lincoln Square.
On Tuesday, August 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on a permit to drill gas wells at 3031 E. Arkansas Lane.
On Wednesday, September 3, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-12 at 700-odd Dugan Street/302 Weeks Avenue/ 700 South Street. They wish to update/change their planned development on the 1.605 acres.
On Thursday, September 4, The AISD will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget (already passed) and tax rate.
On Tuesday, September 16, the city council will hold a public hearing on reclaiming potential abandoned plots at Arlington Cemetery.
On Tuesday, September 16, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP25-3 at 4560 Waxwing Drive. They wish for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for an Upscale Hotel, with a Development Plan on 2.033 acres zoned Airport Overlay (APO)-Community Commercial (CC).
P&Z Commission
P&Z met this past Wednesday, August 20. There was one public hearing on their agenda. The agenda can be viewed 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/pz-regular-session-agenda-08-20-2025.pdf . The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=10&clip_id=5219 .
(2:05) There was only one public hearing. It was for case SUP25-3 for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for an Upscale Hotel on property zoned Airport Overlay Community Commercial (APO-CC), on approximately 2.033 acres (staff report).
AISD School Board
The AISD School Board met this past Thursday, August 21. The agenda can be found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=701417 .
The agenda included a workshop at 5:00pm, an executive session meeting, recognitions, open forum for agenda items, appointments, a public hearing, committee and staff reports, the consent agenda, open forum for non-agenda items, and end-of-meeting reports.
The workshop was on academic growth and progress (presentation). It can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xWr3_k8jTA . They discussed the STAAR test results.
The executive session discussions included personnel and potential and pending litigation.
The regular meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5gQc38th1w . All board members were present.
(46:09) Start of meeting. The recognition was of the Martin High School Flag Football team (with Rowdy also a part of the event).
(59:02) Appointments were approved, 7-0.
Ravin Jackson – Principal Moore Elementary
Yolanda Riley-Railey – Principal Pope Elementary
Herman Kilgore – Assistant Principal Ashworth Elementary
Christina Flowers – Assistant Principal Miller Elementary
(1:21:20) Open forum on agenda items had no speakers.
(1:21:40) Public Hearing for federal grants allotments (presentation). There were no speakers. About 1:25:00 it was opened to board members’ questions/comments.
Committee and staff reports.
(1:25:32) Finance and Academics committee report.
(1:27:03) First Day of School report (presentation).
(1:31:20) Internal Audit Annual report (presentation). About 1:38:09 it was opened to board members’ questions/comments.
(1:43:15) STAAR/EOC Rescore report (presentation). The rescore results seem significant. They must file an appeal to get the August 15 released numbers updated. They will charge about a million dollars to update for their scoring mistakes. About 1:53:35 it was opened to board members’ questions/comments.
(2:15:53) Action item (1 item, presentation). This has to do with recapture (Robin Hood) payments to the state. The item was approved, 7-0.
(2:23:30) Consent Agenda. Nothing was pulled for separate consideration. Nothing was discussed. One consent agenda item was a facility use agreement for UTA's Maverick Stadium (agreement). The consent agenda passed, 7-0.
(1:24:04) Citizen forum for non-agenda items. The first speaker was trying to get support for an attempt to get on the TAD Board. The second speaker was promoting a music competition.
(2:30:48) End-of-meeting reports.
I was unable to find a Board Brief for the meeting. The next meeting will be Thursday, September 4. That agenda should include a public hearing on the budget and tax rate.
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The release of the new accountability numbers for 2024 and 2025 became public on Friday, August 15. In an article by Chris Moss of the Arlington Report/Fort Worth Report he reports on the A-F Accountability scores for the past two years. His report is for the AISD, MISD, and KISD and can be found at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/08/15/heres-how-arlington-area-schools-fared-in-texas-a-f-ratings/ . The AISD article on the new numbers: https://www.aisd.net/district-news/accountability-update-arlington-isd-doubles-a-rated-campuses-and-reduces-f-ratings/ .
The AISD post about the teacher raises: https://www.aisd.net/district/departments/human-resources/compensation-benefits-and-risk-management/board-approves-staff-raises/ .
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.]
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 .
Other News
November 4 Voting
There will be fewer voting locations for the November 4 election this year. Original plans were for 24 early voting locations and 214 election day locations. Thanks to the efforts of our precinct commissioner, Alisa Simmons, Arlington's Bob Duncan Center and the Tarrant County Southeast Campus were added as early voting locations. Final count: 33 early voting locations and 214 election day locations.
Articles by:
Kim Roberts of The Texas News can be read at: https://thetexan.news/elections/2025/tarrant-county-adopts-smaller-list-of-early-voting-and-election-day-polling-locations/article_412f84c7-c238-4b39-9506-4c7f673eb3f5.html?vgo_ee=hVa5PdigIbQ%2Ft0%2FxMzZ0bvgsod90ZMk0LsmvyTEaCZFhtTBMvsJt%3AZyNpQ4b%2Fi1mRyw1poQeXKJcxPTxYIwDv .
Pedro Malkomes and Taylor Sansom of UTA's Shorthorn can be read at: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/city/tarrant-county-commissioners-court-cuts-over-100-voting-sites-for-november-election/article_ee8590e2-29c2-45da-ade5-e9d2c1de2867.html
Drew Shaw of the Fort Worth Report can be read at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/08/19/tarrant-county-commissioners-cut-100-plus-polling-sites-reduce-early-voting-locations/ .
Electronic Recycle/Paper Shred Event
The city is holding a electronic recycle/paper shred event at the southeast corner of Mitchell Street and Cooper Street on Saturday, September 6, 8:00am – 2:00pm. Proof of residency is required. https://fortworthreport.org/2025/08/18/city-of-arlington-to-host-free-paper-shredding-electronics-recycling-event/
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 .......... - dwilban.aisd@gmail.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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