Work Session Notes - August 18, 2025
Picking up the PACE
Thank you for your continued support and interest in your local government. Like the previous Work Sessions, there is a lot of important items being discussed. If you have any feedback, please email me at mayor@garlandtx.gov. You are always encouraged to attend and make a comment in person at our Work Session as well.
As always, my comments are in bold italics.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON WORK SESSION ITEMS
CONSIDER THE CONSENT AGENDA
WRITTEN BRIEFINGS
1. 2025 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget Amendment No. 2
Council is requested to consider approving changes to the 2025 Capital Improvement Program to adjust appropriations for various existing projects and appropriate new projects referred from the operating budget process to the CIP in 2025. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the September 2, 2025 Regular Meeting.
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is approved annually, typically near the beginning of each year. However, from time to time, the CIP budget is amended to accommodate purchases that take place between budget cycle sessions. These amendments are to allocate $5M from TIF #3 for Holford Recreation Center, $530,000 in one-time debt for parks equipment (19 tractors and a block party trailer), and $458,000 in one-time debt for replacement of transportation signs and street markings.
2. Amendment to the Tax Roll
Council is requested to consider an ordinance to amend the tax roll by $79,585.29 by removing uncollectible ad valorem taxes as recommended by generally accepted accounting principles. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the September 2, 2025 Regular Meeting.
As some property tax debt becomes uncollectable, it is written off. This item will write off $79,585.29 in uncollectable taxes largely from the 2020 tax year.
VERBAL BRIEFINGS
Council may ask for discussion, further information, or give direction to staff on an item posted as a verbal briefing.
3. Introduction of New Directors
Council will be introduced to Albert Montero, the new Recreation and Senior Services Director, and Kari Pacheco, the new Park Operations Director, by D'Lee Williams, Managing Director, Parks and Recreation.
Presenter: DLee Williams, Managing Director- Parks and Recreation
I am always happy to welcome new or newly promoted members of Team Garland. Kari Pacheco is a parks and recreation professional with over 18 years of experience across aquatics, recreation, and park operations. She began her career with the City of Plano, later serving in leadership roles with the City of Garland, the City of Rowlett, and most recently as Parks and Facilities Director for the Town of Sunnyvale. She holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from California State University-San Bernardino and an M.S. in Recreation and Leisure Services from the University of North Texas, along with several national certifications.
Albert Montero has over 20 years of leadership and community service experience. A former Marine, he spent 15 years with the YMCA in Dallas and Fort Worth, eventually serving as executive director, before moving into municipal service with the City of Denton and later Garland. In Garland, he has served as Recreation Community Coordinator and Recreation Manager, where he has focused on expanding recreational opportunities, strengthening community engagement, and developing programs that foster wellness, connection, and belonging for residents of all ages.
4. Interview candidates for possible appointment to the Garland Housing Finance Corporation Information was posted on the City's website for 21 days regarding the qualification for the Garland Housing Finance Corporation Board Member in order to provide an opportunity for citizens to apply for the position. Qualified applicants were requested to apply by July 28, 2025. At the close of the notice period, 6 applicants responded. Council is scheduled to formally appoint a representative to the Garland Housing Finance Corporation at the August 19, 2025 Regular Meeting.
The City of Garland makes an appointment to the Garland Housing Finance Corporation board for a six year term. The City Council will interview the following candidates and make an appointment at the following regular council meeting:
Muhammad Junaid
Shawn Brigham
Genai Walker
Felisha Jackson
PC Mathew
Damon Wilson
5. Discussion of the FY 2025-26 Proposed Annual Operating Budget
The City Council will continue discussion of the FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget with support from City Staff.
Presenter: Matthew Watson, Managing Director-Financial Services, Allyson Bell Steadman, Director of Budget & Research
After a special budget work session this past Saturday, we will continue discussions on the FY 2026 Operating Budget. I encourage you to watch the special budget presentations from the various departments as we discussed the proposed changes for this year.
6. Capital Improvement Program - Status Update
Staff will provide an update on progress to date in implementing the Capital Improvement Program.
Presenter: Michael Polocek, Engineering Director, Michael Buchler, Capital Project Management Director, DLee Williams, Managing Director- Parks and Recreation
Periodically staff provides updates on the status of capital improvement projects largely stemming from the 2019 Bond Program. This briefing will include updates on Holford Road Segment A, Naaman School Road, storm drainage improvements, bottleneck improvements, Surf & Swim, and the Senior Center among others.
7. Amendments to Chapters 26 and 32 of the Code of Ordinances - Short-term Rentals
Council is requested to consider recommended amendments to Chapters 26 and 32 of the Code of Ordinances to better regulate Short-term rentals within the City of Garland. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the August 19, 2025 Regular Meeting.
Presenter: Brian England, City Attorney
There have been many court cases in Texas recently trying to better regulate short-term rentals. Courts have decided both in favor and against stricter regulation of these rental properties; however, the Texas Supreme Court has not ruled definitively on the regulation of these properties.
Until that happens, there are several actions we can take as a city to better regulate these properties so they may better co-exist within neighborhoods. These amendments include:
Limiting occupancy to no more than 10 persons on the premises at one time or 2 person per bedroom, whichever is more restrictive,
Prohibiting on-street parking of vehicles associated with the STR,
Prohibiting any outside activities between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.,
Requiring noise monitors along each property line, and
Prohibiting parties or events that have used social media or other media to advertise, announce, promote, or invite persons to the location.
8. Amendments to Chapter 22, Article II of Garland City Ordinance, Food and Food Establishments
Council is requested to consider amendments to Chapter 22, Article II of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Garland concerning specifics relating to permit revocation and the appeal process. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the August 19, 2025 Regular Meeting.
Presenter: Mandy Pippen, Health Director, Mitch Bates, Deputy City Manager
Garland is looking at updating its food safety rules, and the changes are designed to raise standards while making the process a bit more practical. Right now, restaurants can lose their permits if they score 59 or below on inspections three times in 18 months. The new proposal bumps that threshold up to 69, which better matches state standards and encourages restaurants to actually aim for a passing score.
Instead of the City Council handling appeals, that responsibility would move to the Property Standards Board, which is more focused on these kinds of issues. The plan also does away with the blanket three-year ban that prevents owners from opening another food business after a permit revocation—going forward, the length of a ban would be set by departmental policy, allowing more flexibility. And to make sure restaurants take violations seriously, a new $100 fee would be added for rechecks when no real effort has been made to fix problems. All in all, the changes are meant to boost food safety, streamline the appeals process, and give the city more room to apply penalties fairly.
9. Overview of the proposed City-initiated rezoning around Holford Road and President George Bush Turnpike
Staff will provide an overview of the proposed City-initiated rezoning around Holford Road and President George Bush Turnpike.
Presenter: Nabila Nur, Planning & Development Director
Similar to a previous rezoning effort in South Garland along the IH635 corridor, staff has proposed a rezoning effort around the Holford Road and PGBT area. This zoning effort will lay the groundwork for future development in this region.
10. Consider Establishing a City of Garland Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program Council is requested to consider a resolution supporting the establishment of a City of Garland Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program. Unless otherwise directed by Council, staff will draft the resolution for consideration at the September 2, 2025 Work Session and will schedule formal consideration at the September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting.
Presenter: Ayako Schuster, Economic Development Director
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program is an innovative financing mechanism that allows commercial, industrial, and large multifamily property owners to implement energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable energy improvements without upfront capital costs. Under this program, financing is repaid through a voluntary contractual assessment tied to the property rather than the individual owner, meaning obligations can either be settled during a property sale or transferred to the new owner. This structure provides owners with immediate net savings, since the long-term repayment period coincides with lower utility bills, and it ensures that the City of Garland assumes no financial liability for the loans.
In Texas, PACE was authorized in 2013 through the Texas PACE Act, which created a uniform framework for local governments to establish programs. Since then, municipalities across the state, including Dallas, Austin, and Houston, have adopted PACE to support energy and water efficiency retrofits, renewable energy installations, and related upgrades. Financing is provided by private lenders and secured through property tax assessment mechanisms, which reduces lender risk and makes long-term financing more accessible. The program has been shown to drive economic development by creating construction jobs, supporting clean energy industries, and improving the competitiveness of older properties. For cities like Garland, PACE provides a way to encourage private investment in sustainable infrastructure, align with local energy and water conservation goals, and stimulate economic growth—all without placing financial obligations on the city.
11. Administrative Services Committee Report
The Administrative Services Committee met on July 24, 2025 to discuss items previously referred by the City Council. These items are now presented for Council discussion and direction. The committee reviewed City signage for development and CIP projects referred February 23, 2025 by Mayor Pro Tem Lucht and Councilmember Dutton, the process for economic development agreements referred March 17, 2025 by Councilmember Dutton and Mayor Pro Tem Lucht, and the All Abilities Committee referred January 6, 2025 by Councilmember Dutton and Mayor Pro Tem Lucht.
Presenter: Kris Beard, Councilmember
Chairperson Kris Beard of the Administrative Services Committee will present on adding additional translations on signs for city development and CIP projects, an overview of the economic development agreement process, and the possible creation of an All Abilities Committee.
CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Terms are usually staggered whereby at least half of the membership has previous experience. Members are appointed based on qualifications.
With the recent election, newly elected council members make their annual appointments to boards and commissions. The following community leaders have been appointed to serve a two-year term.
12. Mayor Dylan Hedrick
John Kaiwi - Board of Adjustment
Jennifer Nguyen - Community Multicultural Commission
Arthur Gregg - Community Multicultural Commission
Charles Leonard - Community Multicultural Commission
Christopher Johnson - Community Multicultural Commission
Glenna Saygidia - Community Multicultural Commission
Bill Ingram - Environmental and Community Advisory Board
Mitch Carr - Garland Cultural Arts Commission
Dorothy White - Library Board
Rochelle Ran - Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Wayne Dalton - Plan Commission
David Perry - Property Standards Board
Venita Lovelace-Chandler - Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Jair Garrido - Tax Increment Finance #1 Downtown/Forest Jupiter Board
PC Mathew - Tax Increment Finance #2 South Board
Patrick Abell - Tax Increment Finance #3 Board
Menny Castro - Unified Building Standards Commission
13. Mayor Pro Tem Margaret Lucht
Rene Granado - Community Multicultural Commission
Jason Shanks - Tax Increment Finance #2 South Board
Tyler Williams - Unified Building Standards Commission
14. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Chris Ott
John McDonald - Board of Adjustment
Kymberlaine Banks - Community Multicultural Commission
Sharonda Green - Environmental and Community Advisory Board
Lupita Torres - Garland Cultural Arts Commission
Louis Moore - Library Board
Libby Odom - Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Bob Duckworth - Plan Commission
Dale Long - Property Standards Board
Ann Garrett - Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Joseph Schroeder - Tax Increment Finance #1 Downtown/Forest Jupiter Board
Jennifer Armon - Tax Increment Finance #2 South Board
Tony Torres - Tax Increment Finance #3 Board
Chip Gordon - Unified Building Standards Commission
15. Councilmember Ed Moore
Wesley Johnson - Board of Adjustment
Steven Flores - Community Multicultural Commission
Alba Torres - Environmental and Community Advisory Board
Chase Miller - Garland Cultural Arts Commission
Chantel Jones Bigby - Library Board
Aju Mathew - Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Stephanie Paris - Plan Commission
Canyon Jayroe - Property Standards Board
Wytonia Montgomery - Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Precious Seale - Tax Increment Finance #1 Downtown/Forest Jupiter Board
Michael Landers - Tax Increment Finance #2 South Board
Jennifer Parker - Tax Increment Finance #3 Board
Jeannine Lee - Unified Building Standards Commission
16. Councilmember B.J. Williams
James Alton Hall, Jr. - Unified Building Standards Commission
17. Councilmember Carissa Dutton
Bruce Astin - Board of Adjustment
Moses Uvere - Community Multicultural Commission
Bao Vinh - Environmental and Community Advisory Board
DeAnne Driver - Garland Cultural Arts Commission
Karen Wood - Library Board
David Morehead - Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Patrick Abell - Plan Commission
Caleb Ernst - Property Standards Board
Robert Bruns - Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Reggie Walker - Tax Increment Finance #1 Downtown/Forest Jupiter Board
Jason Collard - Tax Increment Finance #2 South Board
Amber Ray - Tax Increment Finance #3 Board
Jack Wyatt - Unified Building Standards Commission
18. Councilmember Joe Thomas Jr.
Joseph Willoughby - Board of Adjustment
Jimmy Tran - Community Multicultural Commission
Lauren Bruns - Environmental and Community Advisory Board
Chip VanPelt - Garland Cultural Arts Commission
Terri Chepregi - Library Board
David Parrish - Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Mike Rose - Plan Commission
Martha Melaku - Property Standards Board
Kathleen Gardner - Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Tony Bui - Tax Increment Finance #1 Downtown/Forest Jupiter Board
Damon Wilson - Tax Increment Finance #2 South Board
Nicholas Nix - Tax Increment Finance #3 Board
John Crutti Jr. - Unified Building Standards Commission
ANNOUNCE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council will recess from the open session and convene in a closed executive session pursuant to Sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.086, 551.087, and 552.133 of the Texas Government Code to discuss the following matter:
19. Competitive matters related to Garland Power & Light as it pertains to the quarterly briefing from the Risk Oversight Committee (551.086 and 552.133) and attorney/client communication related to same (551.071).
20. A potential offer by the City of financial or other incentives to a business prospect and the receipt of commercial or financial information that the City has received from that same business prospect, which the City seeks to have locate within the City, and with which the City is conducting economic development negotiations (551.087); including the potential sale, exchange, or value of real property in the vicinity of Duck Creek Drive and E. Oates Road (551.072); and attorney/client communications related to the same (551.071).
21. Deliberation of the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property in the area of President George Bush Turnpike and Holford Road where deliberations in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person (551.072), and attorney/client communications related to the same (551.071).
ADJOURN
After discussing PACE funding agreements, here’s a great jazz piece by British jazz tenor saxophonist Nubya Garcia named “Pace.”
I also couldn’t resist putting up a shorter live version.