Work Session Notes - May 4, 2026
Bring your sweet loving, Bring it on home to me
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Duck Creek is looking much cleaner due to the hundreds of volunteers who got their hands and boots dirty to haul trash out of the creek bed and banks for our annual cleanup. Thank you to all who came out to help!
We are tallying up the total weight of all the trash removed and will post that number to our social media accounts as soon as we have it. A group I was with pulled out four shopping carts by themselves!
In tonight’s Work Session, we will be discussing the IH 635 project (which should be wrapping up soon), parking restrictions at several areas around town, and the distribution of federal grant funding to several worthy non-profit organizations through our CDBG, HOME and ESG programs.
As always, my comments are in bold italics. Please send any questions or comments to me at mayor@garlandtx.gov.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON WORK SESSION ITEMS
CONSIDER THE CONSENT AGENDA
WRITTEN BRIEFINGS
1. Head Start of Greater Dallas Lease Agreement Extension
Council is requested to consider renewing a multi-year lease agreement negotiated with Head Start of Greater Dallas for the City-owned property located at 3709 W. Walnut Street for an additional three (3) year term. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the May 5, 2026 Regular Meeting.
Head Start of Greater Dallas, a nonprofit childcare provider, has leased City-owned property at 3709 W. Walnut Street since 1998. Their current lease (started May 1, 2021) runs five years at $3,397/month, and they are requesting a three-year extension.
Approving the extension would keep the childcare center operating for low-income families while giving the City more time to determine the property’s long-term use. The rent the City receives is currently higher than what it would collect in property taxes if the site were privately owned.
The Head Start of Greater Dallas leased property at 3709 W. Walnut Street.
2. Parking Restrictions in Downtown Garland
Council is requested to consider implementing parking restrictions in the alley between Sixth and Seventh Streets and establishing 3-hour time limits for visitor parking at the Ron Jones Municipal Building to improve traffic flow and public access. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the May 19, 2026 Regular Meeting.
City staff identified two parking issues downtown: vehicles blocking the alley north of Main Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets, and visitor parking at the Ron Jones Municipal Building being used all day by nearby business employees. The alley’s width and a bank drive-through contribute to frequent blockages, and no current restrictions exist.
Council is asked to consider adding parking restrictions in the alley and implementing a 3-hour time limit for designated visitor spaces to improve traffic flow, access, and enforceability.
3. Investment Portfolio Report
The March 31, 2026 Quarterly Investment Portfolio Summary will be presented to Council for review. The report complies with the requirements of the Public Funds Investment Act, and the City’s investment portfolio continues to be managed in accordance with the Council Financial Policy, Investment Policy, and Statement of Investment Strategy.
In this quarterly update to Council, the 3D pie charts have returned once again. As of March 31, 2026, the City of Garland maintains $1.023 billion across all portfolios to provide funds to operate the city.
4. Amendments to the Fireworks Prohibited Ordinance
Council is requested to consider amendments to Chapter 26, Article 1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Garland, related to the enforcement against property owners, residents, or persons in control of property where unlawful fireworks use and/or discharge of firearms occurs. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the May 5, 2026 Regular Meeting.
In a continuing effort to combat illegal gunshots and firework usage, Council is considering amending the City’s Code of Ordinances to hold property owners, tenants, or others in control of a property accountable when illegal fireworks use or firearm discharge occurs , even if they are not directly observed committing the act.
Currently, enforcement is limited to individuals caught in the act. The proposed changes would make it an offense to allow or permit such activity on a property.
5. Bottleneck Improvements Package No. 4: Right-of-Way and Easement Acquisitions Update
Council is requested to consider a planned right-of-way (ROW) and easement acquisitions for Bottleneck Improvements Package No. 4, supporting roadway improvements along First Street from Avenue E to SH-78. The project addresses increasing traffic volumes in the corridor where First Street, SH-78, and SH-66 converge. Unless otherwise directed by Council, staff is prepared to begin acquisition efforts as outlined in this briefing.
With this item, Council will authorize right-of-way and easement acquisitions for Bottleneck Improvements Package No. 4, which supports roadway improvements along First Street from Avenue E to SH-78. This area is one of our most heavily traveled roadways by traffic count and is always backed up during rush hour.
The project, funded by the 2019 Bond Program, aims to address increasing traffic congestion at a key corridor where First Street, SH-78, and SH-66 converge. Planned improvements include adding one lane in each direction, requiring property acquisition.
Staff will prioritize acquiring the land needed for the current project, while also seeking additional property where possible to accommodate future expansion. If necessary acquisitions cannot be secured, staff will return to Council with further recommendations which may include the future use of eminent domain to acquire the necessary property.
6. TxDMV Motor Vehicle Crimes Prevention Authority Catalytic Converter Grant Program Application FY27
Council is requested to consider a resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to submit a grant application to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority for the SB224 Catalytic Converter Grant Program for FY27. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the May 5, 2026 Regular Meeting.
With this item, we will authorize the Chief of Police to apply for a FY27 grant from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority for the SB224 Catalytic Converter Grant Program. The grant would provide funding to support law enforcement efforts to combat catalytic converter theft and other vehicle-related crimes. I am always happy when receive State funding to supplement our public safety operations.
7. GDC Amendment ORD 26-02
Council is requested to consider amendments to several sections within Chapter 1 General Provisions, Chapter 3 Subdivision Regulations, and Chapter 5 Relief Procedures and Enforcement, generally related to Alley Waivers, Sidewalk Waivers, and Working Plats.
This item proposes updates to development regulations related to sidewalk waivers, alley waivers, appeals, and plat review procedures.
Key changes include:
Allowing the Director of Engineering to approve sidewalk waivers and exempt certain infill or redevelopment residential lots from sidewalk requirements in subdivisions that lack sidewalks.
Requiring an evaluation to determine if a sidewalk is planned within five years; if so, applicants must pay a fee in lieu of construction, otherwise no fee is required.
Revising the appeals process so the Plan Commission serves as the appellate body for sidewalk and alley waiver decisions.
Clarifying that submitting a “Working Plat” is strongly recommended—but not required—while noting that skipping it increases the risk of denial due to limited review timelines.
Overall, the amendments aim to add flexibility, improve clarity, and streamline review and appeal processes.
VERBAL BRIEFINGS
Council may ask for discussion, further information, or give direction to staff on an item posted as a verbal briefing.
8. IH 635 Construction Update
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Lucht, Ceason Clemens, TxDOT Dallas District Engineer, will provide a presentation to Council regarding the status of construction of IH 635.
Presenter: Ceason Clemons, P.E., TxDOT Dallas Engineer
TxDOT Dallas District Engineer Ceason Clemons will return to provide Council with an update on the construction of IH 635. When she was last here in June 2025, she stated that the estimated completion for the general purpose lanes was the end of 2025/early 2026 with managed lanes and city streets complete by spring 2026. We are all anxious to see when construction will finally be complete on this monumental project.
The latest aerial photograph of IH 635 at Shiloh Road looking west.
The latest aerial photograph of IH 635 at Garland Avenue looking east.
9. New Voting Software
Council is requested to consider a new voting software upgrade and receive a demonstration from City staff.
Presenter: Jonathan Morgan, IT Operations Director, Jennifer Stubbs, City Secretary
The City Council has been voting on motions using iPads with software that has been prone to technical difficulties during council meetings. This new system will have voting functionality directly integrated into the touch pads already installed in the dais.
10. 2026-2027 Federal Grant Allocation Kickoff
Staff will present to Council details concerning the distribution of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, HOME Infill Partnership Grant (HOME) funding, and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding for the program year 2026-2027.
Presenter: Jason Wilhite, Construction Manager
Staff will brief the Council on how Garland plans to allocate approximately $2.61 million of federal housing and community development funds for FY 2026–2027. The grants are divided among three categories.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, authorized by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, provides annual formula grants to states and local governments to support infrastructure, community facilities, housing rehabilitation, and public services.
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program provides federal grants to state and local governments to create affordable housing for low-income households. Funds can be used for the acquisition or improvement of property, rehabilitation of affordable housing, and demolition of, or new construction for, low-income rental or homeownership.
The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) is a federal HUD-funded program designed to assist homeless individuals and families or those at risk of homelessness. It funds street outreach, emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and homelessness prevention to help recipients regain stability in permanent housing.
Total funding:
CDBG: $2.61M (includes $517K one-time program income)
HOME: $645K
ESG: $174K
CDBG allocation:
$313K for public services (meets HUD’s 15% cap)
$1.88M for City projects
$418K for administration (within 20% HUD limit)
HOME allocation:
$645K for infill housing development
$96.8K reserved for CHDO projects (15% requirement)
$64.5K for administration (10% cap)
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) allocation:
$13K for administration
Remaining funds for homelessness services (shelter operations, outreach, rapid rehousing)
11. Development Services Committee Report GDC Amendment ORD 26-03
Staff will brief Council on proposed amendments to § 2.59 of the Garland Development Code related to residential carports, canopies, and porte cochere. At the request of the Development Services Committee, staff evaluated existing standards and developed recommendations to enhance neighborhood aesthetics, including guidance on placement, architectural compatibility, and visibility from the street. Staff has incorporated feedback from the Committee and will present the proposed updates for Council consideration.
Presenter: Nabila Nur, Planning & Development Director
The Development Services Committee has recently reviewed our regulations related to carports and has suggested some amendments to our ordinances. Carports must cover a paved surface and be maintained. The regulations will not apply to carports not visible from a street, which are typically in a rear yard.
Going forward, carports would only be allowed on lots constructed after May 19, 2015, which coincides with the adoption of our Garland Development Code. After that date, residences were required to be constructed with two car garages.
12. Transportation Infrastructure and Mobility Committee Meeting Report
Councilmember Thomas Jr., Chair of the Transportation Infrastructure and Mobility Committee, and Staff, will brief Council on parking restrictions on Wood Drive and Marquis Drive. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the May 19, 2026 Regular Meeting.
Presenter: Councilmember Joe Thomas, Jr., Chair
The Transportation, Infrastructure and Mobility Committee is recommending adding additional parking restrictions on Wood Drive and Marquis Drive to prevent 18-wheeler parking along the public right-of-way. Before implementing the restrictions, staff conducted a survey of businesses along both streets with none in opposition to the restrictions.
ANNOUNCE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
A Councilmember, with a second by another member or the Mayor alone, may ask that an item be placed on a future agenda of the City Council or of a committee of the City Council. No substantive discussion of that item will take place at this time.
ADJOURN
Talking about the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, here’s Sam Cooke with his 1962 hit “Bring It On Home To Me.”
On the fireworks change, I worry about getting a ticket for my neighbor's activities. For many years, I have tried calling the police about them setting off fireworks (and guns into the air) and have never been able to get through because of the call volume. The next day I am cleaning up the debris from fireworks in my front yard. It has gotten to the point that I try to be out of town on July 4th and New Year's weekends. Will I have to spend the night out there trying to keep them from drunkenly setting off fireworks in my yard?