Jeff Nevarez, 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?

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

Did not respond.

 

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?

No. We do not need to accept it nor have we ever said this is status quo. The difficulty has been that the coffers did not have enough to cover the things we wanted to do. In 2005, our leadership paid for a company to tell us our issues. This list has been implemented over the years and we can see the results. Our property values have increased even before the 2022 boom. The cost of doing things has also gone up. However, since I have been on council we have balanced our budget, maintained an above average savings, and invested funds. With that, we have finally been able to accomplish EVERYTHING that EVERYONE is asking for.

1. We are almost entirely staffed and we have created new positions that have been desperately needed. i.e. Police, Fire, Court staff, Inspectors, Finance, and maintenance and road staff. This has resulted in a more effective government to handle the increase of citizens utilizing them.

2. Maintenance in our parks. Almost all of the Parks have been updated utilizing the Park's fund (which is funded by new development).

3. 3 million dollar bond for the baseball fields. (Coming soon)

4. 13 million dollar bond for improvements to our water infrastructure. 2 new water towers, half the town will have new sewer lines. Several generators for the pumps that are required by law. Paid for by the water fund.

5. 2 new roads, 11 new resurfacing, and 3 more new roads coming. I have asked the city to try to do one old road and one new road every year.

6. A bond for a new Firestation that is coming soon.

We have done all this and more without raising taxes but by being good stewards of what is provided. The solution after we catch up is simple. More rooftops quantifies to more homeowners sharing the burden. As long as growth is faster than inflation we can reduce the tax rate and maintain what we have. More people equates to more sales-tax-based businesses that will open up here (and yes, they are looking at Kennedale). Which will increase the sales tax base to cover inflation and new projects. These are not matters of opinion but matters of fact when it comes to city planning and growth.

 

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 don't know where the misunderstanding is coming from. The ordinance was discussed before I got elected. In June of 2023, we voted for it. It was mentioned that it would start in January of 2024. A motion was made with a second without any amendments. Thus, last year was the first year that our seniors would benefit from that ordinance. They will see that on this year's taxes (which is for last year). I thought the city attorney explained that last fall. I know when the city manager first heard about the misunderstanding, he researched it and spoke with TAD about it. I even reached out to Eric Morris, a TAD Board Member, to discuss it. In the end, everything was just as it should be and our seniors will see the benefit starting on this year's tax bill. This is a win for tax relief. We can maintain our budget, we have a healthy savings and investment account, we provide for our staff, we have upgraded our city parks, buildings, and infrastructure, AND we have given our senior citizens some help. Things are moving forward for the first time in a long time and we have a healthy future ahead of us. We should celebrate this ordinance and I thank Councilman Rockie Gilley for bringing it before council.

 

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?

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.

 

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?

This depends. In most cases I do respond. Some emails do not warrant a response by its nature. Some emails are threats which doesn't warrant a response. Some emails I know for a fact other councilman are working on, so I do not respond. Otherwise, my phone is 24/7. I am out in the community at almost every event and I am happy to speak to anyone.

 

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?

A bridge over the railroad tracks. This is the most important infrastructure project that is needed for our city. It will open up the south side for additional outlets for future growth. It will get Police/Fire to our citizens on the southend of town when the train is covering the tracks. It will alleviate the issue of everyone being late because of the train sitting for extensive amounts of time. A lot of things that were ignored in the past are getting done. Roads, water infrastructure, city staff, city staff needs, town center buildings, and our parks. But, this bridge has been a long-time goal for our city. We were so close to getting this done. Then we found out an updated price; 40 million instead of 13 million. Currently, we are trying to see if the county would incorporate another county project into this project. Recently, I went to the capital and spoke with our Representative David Cook about the need for the bridge and the cost. We discussed other avenues of funding that could be possible through North Texas and the State of Texas. We have been looking into federal grants as well. This project needed to be completed a decade ago. Even if everything that we are trying to explore pans out, it will be years before we see a finished project. I am not overly concerned about the cost or our part in the cost. Except that the longer we wait, the more expensive it will get. With growth in the TIRZ on the southside, those funds can be directed into the project (that is what it is there for). I pray that we can get a grant from the railroad or the federal government. In the meantime, we have agreements for a cost share on the project already, we just need to get the other half. I will continue to reach out to our elected officials and see if we can get this project finally finished!

 

 

 

 

 

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1. Past Decisions – please respond by March 2, 2023

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 somewhat recent history, were each of the following three zoning case items a good decision or a poor decision, and why?

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

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

c) denying “R4” zoning at the old Texas Raceway property (approximately 3830 S. New Hope Road)?

Did not respond.

 

2. Property Taxes – please respond by March 9, 2023

Kennedale is the seventh 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?

Did not respond.

 

3. Moratorium – please respond by March 16, 2023

In January the council approved a temporary moratorium of applications for MF or TH zoning. Do you agree with the temporary moratorium? Why or why not?

Did not respond.

 

4. Removing Former City Manager George Campbell – please respond by March 23, 2023

In 2021 the city council removed former city manager George Campbell. Mr. Campbell's contract allowed him to receive the same year's additional salary even if he was removed mid-contract or if his contract was not renewed. Do you agree with the council's action? Why or why not?

Did not respond.

 

5. Communications – please respond by March 30, 2023

If you receive an e-mail from a constituent on a Kennedale issue or problem similar to the top of this webpage [ http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html ], will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not? What actions will you take?

Did not respond.

 

 

6. Issue – please respond by April 6, 2023

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

Did not respond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Past Decisions – please respond by March 3, 2022

Although the city council cannot dwell on past councils' decisions and it must move forward, we would like to know if members have learned from past decisions. From somewhat recent history, were the following three zoning case items a good decision or a poor decision, and why?

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

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

c) denying “R4” zoning at the old Texas Raceway property (approximately 3830 S. New Hope Road)?

 Did not respond.

 

2. Property Taxes – please respond by March 10, 2022

Kennedale is the fourth 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?

Did not respond.

 

3. Growth – please respond by March 17, 2022

Over the past several years, the council has approved tiny housing units on tiny lots. What do you think of these and why?

Did not respond.

 

4. Removing Former City Manager George Campbell – please respond by March 24, 2022

Last year the city council removed the former city manager George Campbell. Mr. Campbell's contract had him getting the same year's additional salary if he was removed mid-contract or if his contract was not renewed. Do you agree with the council's action? Why or why not?

Did not respond.

 

5. Communications – please respond by March 31, 2022

If a constituent emails you a question or comment on an issue about which you disagree and asks you for a response, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not?

Did not respond.

 

 

6. Issue – please respond by April 7, 2022

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

 

Did not respond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Village at Hammack Creek – please respond by March 19, 2019

During December, January, and February the council had on its agenda four times to decide whether or not to give a resolution of support for the Hammack Creek low-income apartments. How would/did you vote and why?

The purposed 50 million dollar project to bring Retail, Restaurant, Living Space and Office space to our Downtown area is exciting news.  I was dismayed at the Council’s insistence in playing politics, with this matter.  We have been trying to clean up Kennedale’s image for over a decade and a half, to bring developments into our town.  Now that we are in a great place in our process, that is now enticing new development, we are shutting the door in developer’s faces.  As a small business owner in Kennedale, we need to court developers.  Even if we decide it isn’t the best fit for our town.  We can, at any time, say no to this development.  To do this, at this point in their process, is suicide for future developments.  If we waste developer’s time and investments, other developers will not even attempt, to grow, our community.  Get the bureaucracy out of the way,  let our process work (committees), and then decide. 

 

 

Urban Village Zoning – please respond by March 26, 2019

Currently, on the books (Unified Development Code), there is an Urban Village Zoning. What are your feelings about this zoning? Why?

Twice, the city has reached out to the community to get our opinions.  Each time, I have stated that I am not a fan of multi-use development.  However, a point that was presented to me, by Melissa (from the city), that I cannot ignore, or counter argue.  Her point is that it might not be our personal choice but it is the choice of a lot of people moving to the area, millennials, and elderly.  I cannot dispute this point.  The next generation of home/business buyers is eating these types of developments up.  With the correct zoning, we can keep the balance of what the market wants and the small town we all desire.

 

Land Use Study – please respond by April 2, 2019

Last summer, city staff did a land use study on numerous dates. What are your opinions about this study? Why?

I was happy to hear that the city wanted to gather the input from the public.  This is the second time in 10 years that this was done.  Not, much has changed.  The people wanted better roads, more amenities, more restaurants.  The People want growth.

 

Communications – please respond by April 9, 2019

If a constituent e-mails you a question or comment on an issue where you disagree and asks you for a response, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not?

I am a firm believer in the ideals of Justice. I have a background in law, and one of the things that is presented is that: “Men in good conscious will have conflict, and both sides must be represented in good faith.”  This is how progress works.  I am willing to talk to anyone, 24/7. My personal cell is 8177916698.  I will always listen to anyone’s ideas.  Bring your points, your argument, and be ready for a rebuttal.

 

 

Issue – please respond by April 16, 2019