Prior to that Newsletter

Home ============ Open Letter to AISD Taxpayers ============ Teachers' Salaries ============ Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD Lawsuit ============== Taxpayers' Funds at Risk ============ March 31, 2025 Newsletter ============= Arlington City CouncilGrades ============= AISD Board Grades ================ May 3, 2025 Election ================ David Wilbanks, AISDPlace4 ============= April Williams Moore, Candidate for ==AISDPlace4==== Justin Chapa, AISDPlace5 ================ March 24, 2025 Newsletter ============ March 17, 2025 Newsletter ============ March 10, 2025 Newsletter =========== March 3, 2025 Newsletter ============ ================ Jim Ross, Mayor ============= Mauricio Galante, District1 ============= Raul Gonzalez, District2 ============= Nikkie Hunter, District3 ============= Andrew Piel, District4 ============= Rebecca Boxall, District5 ============= Long Pham, District6 ============= Bowie Hogg, District7 ============== Barbara Odom-Wesley, District8 ============= Sarah McMurrough, AISDPlace1 ============= Melody Fowler, AISDPlace2 ============= Larry Mike, AISDPlace3 ============= Brooklyn Richardson, AISDPlace6 ============= Leanne Haynes, AISDPlace7 ============= Fact Sheet - November 8, 2022 Election ============ ++++++++++++ ============= Kennedale Observer Homepage =========== Kennedale Missing Senior Tax Freeze ============== Kennedale City CouncilGrades ========== Kennedale Observer - Latest Newsletter ============ Prior to That Newsletter ================ Bobby Goff, Candidate for Kennedale Place 1 ============= David Glover, Kennedale Place 1 ==============P1 Ryon Ray, Candidate for Kennedale Place 3 ============= Amanda Hollins, Candidate for Kennedale Place 3 ============ Ken Michels, Kennedale Place 3 ==============P3 Jeff Nevarez, Kennedale Place 5 ============ James Connor, Candidate for Kennedale Place 5 ============ Megan Burns, Candidate for Kennedale Place 5 ===============P5 Brad Horton, Kennedale Mayor ============ Thelma Kobeck, Kennedale Place 2 =========== Chris Gary, Kennedale Place 4 =========== Kennedale City Council Compare ========== 1083 Bowman Springs Road Kennedale ============ What to Know About the Texas Raceway Project ================ Kennedale EDC MMA contract information ==============

March 23, 2025 – Volume 8 Number 12

HIGHLIGHTS:

* P&Z to meet on Thursday to hear battery storage item.

* EDC to meet on Tuesday.

SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, March 25: EDC (Economic Development Corporation) meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 27: P&Z meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 8: Keep Kennedale Beautiful (KKB) meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 8: Parks Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 15: City Council meeting, 5:30pm.

Tuesday, April 15: Federal Income Tax deadline.

Sunday, April 20: Easter.

…..

Senior Tax Freeze Missing

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_7.html

Kennedale Observer website:

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/index_3.html

Latest Kennedale Observer newsletter:

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_44.html

Kennedale Observer city council grades:

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_26.html

City Council Comparison (May2021-May2023 vs. May2019-May2021):

http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_77.html

KNOW WHAT YOUR CITY IS UP TO...

Your City Council

The city council met last Tuesday, March 18 for their regular monthly meeting. The agenda included seven presentations, the regular session, and an executive session. The agenda can be found at: https://kennedaletx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3564/files/agenda/10002 . The meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuLGtdilERc .

(3:20) Start of the meeting. All council members were present.

(5:14) Public comment. There were three speakers.

(10:57) The first four of seven presentations included Mayoral Red Kettle Challenge, Community Leader Award, firefighter oath of office, and police officer oath of office.

(27:55) They started the public hearing for a planned development at 409/413/429 W. Kennedale Parkway. They wish to be able to store “already cleaned” portable toilets there (starting on .pdf page 82 of the packet (packet)). There was one speaker. After a presentation by the applicant and a lengthy discussion, the motion to deny passed, 5-0.

(1:25:55) The remaining three presentation items, 2024 Fire Department Annual Report (report), 2024 Police Department Annual Report (report), and City Secretary and HR Annual Report (CS presentation , HR presentation) were presented. About 1:51:35 the Fire Department Annual Report was opened for questions/comments by the council. About 2:03:48 they started the Police Department Annual Report (the council comments about 2:39:05). The City Secretary Annual Report starts at 2:48:49. The Human Resources Annual Report starts at 2:55:07.

(2:59:16) The regular session included:

- Reports and updates.

- Financial reports (starting on .pdf page 70 of the packet (packet)).

- Six consent agenda items (last month's minutes, minutes for March 7 and 8, interlocal agreement with Arlington and Mansfield as far as library services, replat of 124 W 5^th Street, replat of 110 Caylebaite, and the final plat at 600 W. Kennedale Parkway). Nothing on the consent agenda was pulled or discussed. The consent agenda was approved, 5-0.

(3:10:40) The executive session included prospective 380 agreements, the current Dollar General location (113 W. Kennedale Pkwy), and P&Z Place 2. They reconvened about 3:48:00. They made a motion to remove the current P&Z Place 2 appointee. It was approved, 5-0.

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May 3 Municipal Election

Early voting will be Tuesday, April 22 – Tuesday, April 29. Election Day is Saturday, May 3.

Ballot order:

Place 1 – Bobby Goff, Glover (i).

Place 3 – Ryon Ray, Amanda Hollins, Michels (i).

Place 5 – Nevarez (i), James Connor, Megan Burns (write-in).

Question 4: 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?

Place 1:

Bobby Goff

( http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_79.html )

I think the EDC grants are a great idea if done correctly. As far as the community garden is concerned, I believe that while more should be done to get folks involved in the community, that was probably not a correct use of EDC funds. If the EDC grants can in fact spur growth, and it is shown there will be an economic impact for both business and citizens, then why not? If not, then what does the EDC actually do for us as Kennedale citizens?

Glover (i)

( http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_47.html )

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.

Place 3:

Ryon Ray

( http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_50.html )

Did not respond.

Amanda Hollins

( http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_21.html )

Without money, a city, like any business, will fail. Finding creative avenues to encourage business growth and economic development are extremely important to the future of Kennedale. We must always be thinking ahead, thinking “outside of the box”, and looking for ways to encourage growth that will bring revenue into Kennedale.

Having community gardens is an important part of creating an atmosphere and culture in a community that encourages cooperation and helpfulness. Unfortunately, this does not spur a revenue stream or economic growth in any substantial way.

If funds were available in the Keeping Kennedale Beautiful department budget, that might have been a more appropriate source of funds for a community garden or perhaps holding a community fundraiser for the garden.

I find this decision to be not well thought out, and lacking in common sense judgment. If the goal of the EDC Grant was to spur business growth to help generate more revenue, then I challenge those who made this decision to show the citizens what the revenue has been since the grant was awarded. There are some successful businesses in Kennedale that have benefited from these grants.

Most grants come with stipulations that must be met, to include but not limited to, showing proof of what the grant money was spent on and proof of those receipts. Does this grant have requirements that stipulate how the money can be spent and ways to ensure that requirements are met?

The EDC is funded from the 2% added onto the sales tax that you pay, along with income from leases and rental of the property owned by the EDC. This is not free money to be handed out without a potential return on the people's money, our money. In any business venture, stakeholders, or in this case taxpayers, will seek to understand the return on investment (ROI) achieved.

Michels (i)

( http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_80.html )

At the time of the grant offering, there were no policies in effect on which businesses could receive or be denied a grant. If a business filled out an application, met in front of the EDC board, and explained their business plan they essentially qualified. There were 4 applicants and all 4 met the qualifications at that time and received a grant from the EDC. The EDC recognized that technically it was a flaw to not have more stringent guidelines and so enacted more in-depth official policies and guidelines for future recipients of grants.

A community garden with a smart business plan can be a revenue generating business within the city- income can be generated from the rental of spaces by community members, selling surplus produce/goods at local farmer's market(s), selling gardening tools or soil, hosting events like farmer's markets, or onsite fresh produce stand, offering gardening workshops, etc. Additionally, while working in their rented garden space, community members might get hungry or thirsty and decide to grab lunch around town.

Place 5:

Nevarez (i)

( http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_78.html )

The simple fact is that there were no rules on denying or approving the grant. The grant was created with minimal rules or oversight. You just had to fulfill a minimal requirement. I had just been appointed to the board and after review, I realized that there were no criteria to say no to any applicant. Mr. Glover also noticed the lack of oversight. Within two months, Mr. Glover brought new rules to the board and we debated it in an open session. The new rules were unanimously approved and they fixed the issue directly. That is what we need from our leadership. Find the issue, research it, debate it, and then vote on it.

James Connor

( http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_57.html )

Using economic development grant money for a community garden is a bit of a gray area. While a community garden can provide social, environmental, and even some economic benefits, it doesn’t directly align with the typical goal of these grants stimulating business growth and increasing city revenue.

Here’s how it could be seen from both sides:

Why It Might Be a Misuse of Funds

1. Lack of Direct Business Growth: A community garden doesn’t operate like a traditional business that generates revenue, hires employees, or increases sales tax income.

2. Opportunity Cost: That $24,300 could have gone to a small business that directly creates jobs, increases sales, or drives local commerce.

3. Potential for Misalignment: The EDC’s main goal is to support businesses, not necessarily fund community projects unless those have a clear economic return.

Why It Might Be Justifiable

1. Indirect Economic Benefits: The garden could attract visitors, increase property values, or encourage local markets.

2. Improved Community Appeal: A well-maintained garden might make the city more attractive for residents and businesses, fostering long-term economic growth.

3. New Guidelines Were Needed: The fact that the EDC later improved its guidelines suggests there was a gap in policy, making the decision more understandable at the time.

Three Council members on the EDC

1. While there is nothing in the Charter or Board Handbook, it's concerning that three members of council sit on that board, because it creates a quorum of the city council.

2. There could be a concern about potential conflicts of interest or oversight issues.

3. Did the grant approval align with the EDC’s mission and intended use of funds? Or Councils?

4. Were there clear guidelines at the time, or was this a discretionary decision?

Final Take

While community gardens are great for neighborhoods, they don’t align well with an economic development strategy unless they are part of a larger business model (e.g., selling produce, hosting markets, or integrating with local businesses). Did the new guidelines clarify that future grants must have a clear business and revenue impact? If so, this situation likely served as a learning moment for better decision-making.

Megan Burns (write-in)

( http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_46.html )

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.

Last Week

The only meeting last week was the city council meeting.

This Week

This week the EDC (Economic Development Corporation) Board meets on Tuesday.

The P&Z Commission meets on Thursday.

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Public Hearings

On Thursday, March 27, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PZ25-05 for a conditional use permit for a battery energy storage system at 509 S. New Hope Road.

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EDC

The next EDC (Economic Development Corporation) Board meeting is this Tuesday, March 25. The complete agenda is at: https://kennedaletx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3587/files/agenda/10014 .

The agenda includes the financial reports (link), a consent agenda with January (minutes) and February (minutes), and two consideration items, discussion of an update on the Town Center and discussion of the consultant CP2 update. [no data available on the two consideration items]

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P&Z

The next P&Z meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 27. There should be a public hearing for a battery energy storage system at 509 S. New Hope Road. The agenda should be posted on Monday.

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Other News....

TAD Rates

Tarrant Appraisal District has published the tax rates (October 2024) for the county. Kennedale is now the fifth highest municipality. [https://www.tad.org/content/rates/2024TaxRates.pdf ].

Top ten of 41 (everyone else is < 0.65)

1. Everman 1.0260800

2. Sansom Park 0.7796050

3. Forest Hill 0.7240940

4. Blue Mound 0.7220330

5. Kennedale 0.7061900

6. White Settlement 0.6798160

7. River Oaks 0.6758270

8. Fort Worth 0.6725000

9. Burleson 0.6627000

10. Grand Prairie 0.6600000

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