[7:22] Thank you.

[10:03] Are you all right?

[10:05] Just fine, thank you.

[10:08] Get it?

[10:14] You haven't got anything?

[10:16] I had a great holiday.

[10:18] Did you?

[10:19] Yeah.

[10:21] We had several different sacrifices.

[10:29] You know, different kids coming in at different times.

[10:31] We went Dallas at time or two, and we were busy.

[10:41] It kind of comes time to slow down a little bit, you know?

[10:44] Yeah.

[11:02] Yeah.

[11:04] Yeah.

[11:19] I'll go ahead and get a seat.

[11:21] Oh.

[11:23] Oh.

[11:26] Oh.

[11:27] Oh.

[11:27] Oh, here we go. Good, that's a seat.

[11:32] How are you?

[11:36] Yeah, good.

[11:37] Awesome.

[11:52] Took on those cars.

[11:55] Oh, sorry.

[11:55] And I'd be like, yeah.

[11:56] Yeah, I'd be like, yeah.

[11:59] I'd be like, yeah.

[12:01] I'd be like, yeah.

[12:02] Yeah.

[12:03] Oh, like, yeah.

[12:03] I'd be like, yeah.

[12:05] That's it, how many are you with?

[12:06] Who's that?

[12:07] Do you have another one?

[12:07] What's going on?

[12:08] Oh, my God.

[12:10] What do we get for this one?

[12:11] Yeah.

[12:11] What do we get for this one?

[12:12] I don't know.

[12:16] It's not a seriously.

[12:17] I guess that is seriously.

[12:19] Yeah, I got to say her.

[12:20] Prairie.

[12:21] I got to tell you the way.

[12:23] I got to tell you the way, you know, my mother.

[12:53] I can check it.

[12:56] Whoa.

[12:57] It's always a little bit cool.

[13:03] I'm gonna taste just perfect.

[13:09] Sure does.

[14:07] Good

[14:10] evening everyone and welcome to the regular meeting of the Texture County Texas City Council.

[14:14] Today is Monday, January the 12th, 2026, I would like to welcome all of you joining us in the

[14:22] who are joining us online. We certainly appreciate your participation and your attendance this evening.

[14:29] At this time, I'll call on our city secretary, Mr. Jennifer Evans to provide a role call in this evidence.

[14:35] Ms. Matlock, here. Ms. Hart.

[14:38] Here.

[14:39] I'm saying.

[14:40] Ms. Page.

[14:42] Here.

[14:43] Mr. Matter.

[14:44] We do have an accident.

[14:46] Remember this evening, Councilmember Page is not able to be with us this evening, so pertaining to that,

[14:51] I will be voting on all matters that come before the Council this evening that require a vote.

[14:56] At this time, our invocation in Pleasure be led by Councilmember Jean.

[15:00] At lock, if everyone will please stand?

[15:08] If I ask please, Heavenly Father, if we come to you today with grace, and with gratitude, for the opportunity to serve on this council for another year.

[15:18] Well, we thank you for the past year's faithfulness. Father, you've done for this city for 225.

[15:26] Lord, we ask that you'll be with us in this new year to help us and guide us to make sure we make the best decisions for everyone

[15:35] as included in the city. We ask that you'll continue to bless our firemen, our policemen, our city staff,

[15:44] and all of our residents. These and all of our blessings. We ask in your time Jesus name, amen.

[16:10] Thank you very much, may be seated.

[16:12] Thank you very much, may be seated.

[16:14] At

[16:19] this time we will have a special presentation in reference to tourism-friendly Texas

[16:25] certified community presentation and this evening we have with us Miss Maddie Phillips who is with the governor's office of economic development and tourism and Miss Phillips if you'll please come forward

[16:38] We are we are certainly glad to have you with us this evening and we look forward to your presentation man. Well, thank you so much for having me here today. It's really a treat. I was actually able to come through

[16:49] Texas or Canada this summer on my way into Arkansas and back out and so it's really nice to be able to be back in a different season in a different time

[16:56] And I'd love to say a couple of words with congratulations. That's all right. Oh

[17:01] Thank you again for having me here today

[17:04] It's a pleasure to be here a community this divine by collaboration creativity and a strong sense of place

[17:11] Thank you to your local leaders partners and residents for being here and for the work that you do every day to support tourism in your community

[17:18] On behalf of travel Texas and the Office of a Governor, Economic Development and Tourism,

[17:23] I'm honored to officially recognize Texarkana as a Tourism-friendly Texas Certified Community.

[17:28] The Tourism-friendly Texas Community Certification recognizes communities that understand

[17:33] the economic and quality of life impacts of tourism and intentionally work to create welcoming

[17:38] experiences for both visitors and residents.

[17:42] Tourism supports local jobs, events, arts and culture and the places that make a community

[17:47] special. And Texarkana has demonstrated a strong commitment to that shared vision. In 2024 alone, travel

[17:53] and tourism in Texarkana generated $181.4 million in total direct travel spending, produced

[18:01] produce more than $3.6 million in local tax receipts and supported over a thousand jobs

[18:08] that are directly related to the tourism industry. These dollars help strengthen the local

[18:12] economy support essential services and enhance quality of life for its

[18:16] residences. I'd like to recognize Barbara Walker and David or for their

[18:21] leadership and dedication along with the entire visit T. K. X. team whose work was

[18:26] instrumental in earning this tourism friendly Texas community certification

[18:30] through expanding festivals and events supporting public art and place making

[18:34] and creating engaging advertising campaigns visit T. K. X. continues to showcase the

[18:39] best of Texarkana to both visitors and residents. I also want to thank the businesses, attractions,

[18:45] and organizations and community partners who support tourism every day. Your collaboration

[18:50] and creativity are what make Texarkana truly special. A special thank you to Mayor Bob Brugman

[18:56] and the Texarkana City Council for their leadership and continued support of tourism and economic

[19:01] development. Your commitment helps create an environment where tourism can truly thrive.

[19:05] And thank you to the stakeholders, City staff, and residents who have championed this work.

[19:10] You're pride in your community and your hospitality or what make Texarkana a place

[19:14] people want to visit, return to and call home.

[19:18] Together, your effort is not only strengthened Texarkana, they also help us at the state-level

[19:23] tell the story of what makes Texans truly a special place to visit.

[19:27] Tourism-friendly certification is not just a finish line, it's a foundation.

[19:30] As a certified community, Texas or Canada joins a growing statewide network committed to collaboration, shared learning, and using tourism as a long-term economic development tool.

[19:41] We look forward to continuing to continue to partner with Texas or Canada as you build that momentum.

[19:47] Texas or Canada's tourism-friendly certification reflects strong leadership, creativity, and community pride.

[19:52] Congratulations again to Texarkan and the visit TKX team on becoming a tourism friendly Texas certified community

[19:58] We are proud to welcome you to the tourism friendly Texas family. Thank you.

[20:10] Yes, I believe I believe Dr. Or has a list of attendees to be recognized this evening

[20:16] And so he's going to call out the names and as your name is called if you'll please come to the front and then

[20:22] Ms. Phillips will present the special recognition and then I'll step down to and ask the council

[20:28] if you all would please stand when we have the photo that way everybody is in the photo

[20:33] as well.

[20:34] So, Dr. Orr?

[20:35] Thank you Mayor and Council and thank you Matty for making the drop to be here with us tonight.

[20:40] At this time I'd like to recognize the members of our visit TXK Strategic Doing Team,

[20:44] who have been instrumental in this effort to invite them to the front for a photo.

[20:48] First off, Barbara Walker, with the Texture Can of Convention Center.

[20:52] Brooks Stone, our Communications Manager.

[20:55] Chiquita Burke, our Assistant City Secretary.

[20:58] Curtis Moon, with our IT Department.

[21:00] Heather Kennedy, with HR.

[21:02] Lane Peoples, with our Fire Department.

[21:05] Lisa Gardner, with our Four States Fairgrounds.

[21:08] Lisa Thompson, with Sweep Co.

[21:10] Ryan Wall, with Texas A&M Texture Canna.

[21:13] With our Parks Department, Jessica Cook, Ross Cowling, and Robbie Robertson.

[21:43] Thank you.

[21:50] Thank you.

[21:52] Thank you.

[21:53] Thank you.

[21:55] Thank you.

[21:57] Thank you.

[21:58] Thank you

[22:12] very

[22:17] much for the recognition this evening.

[22:21] We also want to certainly thank those who were recognized this evening for your participation

[22:27] and promoting tourism and economic development here.

[22:30] Here in Texture County, USA, your efforts are greatly appreciated.

[22:34] This time, I'm leaving along to Mayor's remarks and items of community interest. I certainly hope

[22:38] that everyone here had a very joyous holiday season, as far as the Christmas and New Year's,

[22:44] and I hope that your New Year has started in a positive manner this year.

[22:49] And so, look forward to many great things taking place in 2026.

[22:53] We'd like to share that this coming weekend, we do have our annual Martin Luther King weekend

[22:59] events and I'd like to make everyone available or aware of some events that are coming up.

[23:05] First of this coming Saturday on January 17th we'll have the annual prayer breakfast and that

[23:12] will be held from 8 a.m. until 9.30 a.m. at the low note by this church located at 1841

[23:20] low note avenue.

[23:21] Taxor can't are can solve and the cost for that breakfast is a $10 donation and once again that will be from

[23:30] 8 until 930 and we have

[23:33] Assigned a Bradley Williams a Chiquita

[23:35] Barber, Taff Wilson and Sandra and Marvin Warren who can be contacted for ticket information and then also on Monday

[23:43] Next Monday Martin Luther King day. We'll have the annual Martin Luther King junior day parade and that will be held at 10

[23:52] Monday, January the 19th, the parade actually begins at 11.30 a.m., festivities will begin at 10.

[24:01] There will be live music, there will also be vendors available as well.

[24:06] And so the location will be on east, front, street, on the Arkansas side.

[24:11] And so encourage everyone to come out and be a part of that.

[24:14] And usually there's a Sunday night banquet dinner, but I don't have any information.

[24:19] That's why I'm not sure if that is being held this year or not, but I am aware of the breakfast meeting on Saturday and then the parade on Monday

[24:28] We encourage our citizens to participate in those activities in reference to our upcoming city council meetings our next

[24:35] Regary schedule meeting will be on Monday February the night and then March

[24:40] Excuse me Monday March the night at 6 p.m. here in the council chambers

[24:45] We do have some advanced taking place at the Pro Theatre.

[24:49] We have some upcoming shows.

[24:51] The first one is the Texture Canada Symphony Orchestra, we'll present a holding

[24:55] a Dirtis, January 15th at 7pm, and then the 49th Place Production will present the ultimate

[25:03] Elvis Concert, January 24th at 730pm, and then the Texture Canada Symphony will also present

[25:11] genes and classics back to the back, back to back music of Elton John and Billy Joel and

[25:18] that will be held on February 7th at 7 p.m. and for ticket information you can log

[25:25] down to profeator.org for more information they'll be glad to assist you and answer

[25:31] your questions and also for purchasing tickets.

[25:37] At this time we'll move along to our open forum comments from the public if there's anyone

[25:40] on the audience this evening, who would like to address the council, you're welcome to do so.

[25:45] You will come up to the podium to my right.

[25:49] You will have five minutes to speak on any topic that you would like to speak of.

[25:53] And if you're here this evening to speak on behalf of one of our public hearing items,

[25:58] then I respectfully ask that if you will please wait until we get to that particular public hearing item,

[26:04] we'll be more than happy to listen to your comments at that time.

[26:07] We also asked if you're going to participate and speaking to the council this evening.

[26:13] Comments from the public would do ask that you complete one of these gold colored sheets.

[26:18] They can be found near the norm with that gentleman standing back there.

[26:22] And so ask that you please take one of those and complete that before you leave or before you speak.

[26:29] So that we will have a written record of your attendance this evening for the record.

[26:34] I do at this time have two sheets that have been filled out, and so I will call these citizens

[26:40] up individually, and once again you will have five minutes to speak.

[26:44] The first one is by Taylor Bradshaw, and Taylor Bradshaw would like to address the council

[26:51] and reference to water bill increase.

[26:54] So Taylor Bradshaw is Bradshaw if you'll please come forward, and if you'll please state

[26:58] your name for the record.

[26:59] Taylor Bradshaw.

[27:00] Okay.

[27:01] Good evening, Bradshaw.

[27:01] Good evening.

[27:02] thank you. Let me pull my notes up here. Okay, so I'm here today for not just myself,

[27:09] but the many residents that are here experiencing unusually high water bills at the same time.

[27:14] This suggests a system-wide problem not just individual overuse. This is creating a financial burden

[27:20] without offering a fairway to dispute or verify these charges. This has been recurring for the

[27:27] past four plus months.

[27:29] I've sent thousands of dollars on multiple plumbers to confirm

[27:33] that I don't have an active leak.

[27:35] There's been no change in lifestyle

[27:36] and there's nothing to actually support

[27:38] what is being built for.

[27:40] I'm requesting that the city order of you of the water system

[27:43] and the billing practices to determine why so many household

[27:46] are seeing these spikes.

[27:49] Meteor testing programs, billing rate and audit,

[27:52] temporary billiure leave and better communication

[27:55] are all things that ideally would be addressed

[27:58] in the investigation.

[28:01] We deserve as residents clear communication about what's happening and how to dispute these

[28:04] charges when we do not agree or do not see what's being billed is accurate.

[28:10] I'm also asking that the council placed this on the future agenda for the next meeting

[28:14] so that this can be reported to the public and not just handled on a case by case basis.

[28:25] I think that pretty much covers it.

[28:27] Yeah, just the system wide investigation, including meter readings, billing practices, and then

[28:35] a clear dispute process for residents, because we're getting insane bills that we're

[28:40] just told your toilets running.

[28:42] I personally have cut off all shut-offs to my toilet.

[28:45] I've spent money to really be diligent about this, sure that it wasn't on my end, right?

[28:51] But at this point, I'm at a loss.

[28:53] The water company has been as helpful as they can be.

[28:55] at this point I don't have a solution and I'm still seeing $8,900 water bills when I've lived

[29:01] in this location for five years, some of my children have moved out of my house, so there's

[29:06] nothing in my situational life that supports that, multiple plumbers have a rotor report that

[29:11] 50,000 gallons a month that they claim that I'm using, you would be able to physically see

[29:17] that.

[29:17] There's no soft spots, I live on less than

[29:24] a month, my grass is dead, and it still continues

[29:28] to climb with no help and just bigger bills every single month.

[29:45] All right.

[29:45] Thanks very much.

[29:46] Thank you for your comments.

[29:47] During comments from the public, the council and the mayor are really limited on interacting

[29:52] with citizens.

[29:53] This is the citizens' time to come into address the council on any matter or any concern

[29:59] that they have.

[30:00] I will share with you that we do have representatives from Tashkin Award Utilities, who were here this evening. They are taking notes to what is being said. And also, we have had some radiant creases in our water rates. And then there's a river being fee that's on the bill. And that is to provide funding for the construction of a new, raw water facility plant that is planned in the future. And so we're collecting for that large expenditure that will be taking place at some point.

[30:30] point in time. And so, you know, just want to let you know that we have had

[30:34] right increases over the past two or three years. And so that may be

[30:38] figuring in a part of why the bills have gone up. But certainly if you have a

[30:42] concern about your usage at your home, encourage you to contact, test kind of

[30:46] water utilities, have them looking to it further to see what might be causing

[30:50] that. Perhaps if it's a building error or consumption use, they'll be glad to

[30:54] look into it. Dr. Or, do you have some additional information that you would like

[30:58] share your reference to this particular matter. And if there are others who want to speak on this

[31:03] matter, you're welcome to do so. I'm just trying to provide a little background information

[31:06] before we leave forward. Dr. Or. Sure. So just a couple of things is that we do have some

[31:14] additional materials that you mentioned on our website and wanted to share obviously staff taking

[31:19] notes. The concerns raised I know I've heard from a number of residents and we've

[31:23] individually looked at those accounts on our TWT as well.

[31:30] I'm sorry.

[31:31] Okay, so just a couple of things.

[31:33] The river bin plant fee.

[31:36] This charges associated with a new $490 million plant that's led by river bin water resources.

[31:44] This will include not just the plant, but also an intake system from lake rock

[31:51] We discussed this plant and had a update from River Bend at our September

[31:56] Work Shop.

[31:58] The planning for this has occurred over more than a decade.

[32:02] So there were studies done, participating cities including

[32:06] Texture Canada.

[32:07] This is a regional plant.

[32:08] It's not just Texture Canada.

[32:09] New Boston, Hook, Steakab.

[32:12] A number of Northeast Texas cities are involved in the plant.

[32:15] and agreements were signed in 2020 to fund that program.

[32:19] So that information is available on Riverbind's website.

[32:23] They've also set up a citizen dashboard where you can go and you can track

[32:27] progress of the plant and the work being done on that facility.

[32:34] The other piece of the equation is, and I may hold comments

[32:37] maybe till the end, but I want to address that.

[32:39] there is a water plan that was adopted by Council in 2022 that addresses aging of the structure

[32:47] as well.

[32:48] So, but if you don't mind, Mayor, listen to the comments and then we can kind of address

[32:51] some of that.

[32:52] Okay, right.

[32:53] Something else might come up and you want to highlight as well.

[32:56] So, okay.

[32:56] Once again, over the form of commission, the public is still open and the next person that I

[33:01] had to fill out a street is a Robin Clim.

[33:04] Could I interrupt just a second?

[33:06] Dr. Org would you address the,

[33:10] ability of the citizens to go in on the one on the app and monitor water usage with the new

[33:19] meters. As part of the new advanced metering project, that portal is not online yet.

[33:26] That's part of the new meters that are being installed throughout the city. But with that

[33:32] project, there will be a online portal that will give a near instantaneous data. So you will

[33:38] and you can sign up for alerts.

[33:41] Part of the issue right now is we have a very old antiquated system, right, where we have

[33:45] meter readers that read the meters once a month and there's sort of this shock in terms

[33:51] of you get your bill once a month and it's higher low and so a lot of times you don't

[33:56] know.

[33:58] Well, dress that with an online portal where you can see, you know, almost to the second,

[34:04] what your usage is and so you can detect a leak.

[34:07] You can address that fairly quickly as compared to on a monthly basis currently.

[34:12] Thank you and Taylor, that goes to you part of your comments about spending money to hire a plumber to come out.

[34:19] You'll be able to monitor that.

[34:23] It just require a pipeline.

[34:24] My biggest concern

[34:34] is that in the industry and it's the amount that they're saying that there's something

[34:38] on them how it's reading.

[34:39] They actually, actually, have this show become out.

[34:42] I think we need to go after going to the bottom of the room for a couple of times, but what if the

[34:46] semesters ends?

[34:47] I haven't yet finished.

[34:48] So you do have a new meter?

[34:49] Yes, I have that new meter.

[34:51] But I still...

[34:53] You know, that doesn't fit the last six months or nobody else in her class?

[34:57] Of course.

[34:57] I've had that new meter either, right, which is...

[35:00] Okay, sorry, because I've been till this point, there's been no time to break down for

[35:04] hours to be safe or safe, and you just have to, like, set one, and try to...

[35:07] Right.

[35:08] Sure.

[35:09] Yep.

[35:09] that I make them.

[35:11] So there's that.

[35:12] Get that.

[35:13] When you sit, what's it?

[35:15] Doesn't that up to you?

[35:17] Okay.

[35:17] At this time, I'd like to recognize Robin Klam,

[35:20] come forward at the council.

[35:21] It's clean.

[35:22] If you'll please state your name for the record.

[35:24] And the topic should be a lot of news.

[35:26] You're being not robbing Klam.

[35:27] One second.

[35:27] The subject you would like to discuss is River Beans.

[35:30] So Ms. Klam, thank you for your attendance this evening.

[35:32] You may proceed.

[35:32] Okay.

[35:34] We have some concerns about River Band and the new water plant treatment

[35:38] facility fee on our bills and I know that David I've visited with David a few

[35:45] times about it and he has answered some questions but I have a few other

[35:49] questions that I would see if I could have answered tonight. We're just really

[35:55] curious as to why the fees or what they are and why the jump in October was so

[36:01] significant. I want to say it went from 350 per thousand gallons to 516 per every thousand

[36:09] gallons, so that makes a huge difference on our bills. I don't know if you all are allowed

[36:16] to answer questions here, but I'm just going to tell you my concerns about it. We also want

[36:23] to know who chose the location at Texas Americas. Was that chosen by the board here or who came

[36:31] to that agreement of the location, and we'll text America's benefit from that location.

[36:38] And are they contributing, or are just the citizens of Texas or Canada, D.C.A., New

[36:44] Boston, Mod, I don't know the cities, are they the only ones that are paying for this

[36:52] plan, or we'll text America's be contributing, and how much will they?

[37:00] Yeah.

[37:03] So I can't say in terms of the location that was chosen or you know what to get with river

[37:08] been on that and how much of any tax America is benefiting from it so but I can get answers to that.

[37:16] The initial, the initial intake that we have from Lake Rock Patman is over near the former international

[37:22] paper, meal, location. That area of the lake has silted in, considerably, and so the...

[37:30] Effectiveness of that intake is not like it used to be. So, the theory was to put in a new intake in Lake

[37:38] Rock, Patman at a much deeper part of the lake, which is going to be down around the mollard Texas area. And so, from that location of the intake to where the plan is being constructed is approximately

[37:50] I think around eight miles from that intake location.

[37:54] So currently the intake that we have near the international paper plant, that water is transferred

[37:59] to the Royal Water Treatment Plant on New Boston Road, across from the Hawterberg route in

[38:06] the Oakland Shopping Center area, which is a much longer distance that that water's having

[38:11] to travel.

[38:11] That plant's been existence and I think the 1950s and so there's been advancements in technology

[38:17] in efficiencies and so the river being a location for the planet Tex America Center is more

[38:25] centralized to serve Tex for Canada as well as neighboring cities as well. So it's a better

[38:31] location to serve more and also to prepare for future growth in the region in the decades and years

[38:39] to come. Okay, so how many bids were given on the plant? The $500 million dollar

[38:47] plant. Would there different bids or did first bid that was given? That's pretty steep.

[38:55] $500 million for a plant. Well there was an engineering study that was done to determine the

[39:02] cost of the plan of the projected cost. And of course this was an initiated several years ago

[39:07] has everyone knows the cost of construction has increased considerably in the last few years.

[39:12] So construction costs have been elevated and so I'll kind of answer that in that caveat

[39:18] doctor or if you have anything else you'd like to add.

[39:21] It's my understanding that it's just an engineer's estimate so at this point we are paying for

[39:26] design and they're almost complete with design and so the bid has not been awarded to a contractor

[39:31] at this point. But again, we can get that information from River Band in terms of the

[39:37] bidding process and I know they're getting close to bidding it out but I don't think that any

[39:42] award has been made at this point. Yeah tomorrow is that that is in the case. Okay, I have

[39:48] one more question. Texture panel Arkansas is not having to pay the water treatment facility plant

[39:54] fee. I was told that if the communities opted out of pain, they would have to pay retail prices

[40:01] when the plant was up and running. What will the retail price be for the people that are not

[40:07] pain ahead of time?

[40:10] I don't have specific numbers on that.

[40:14] And do we have the choice to pay retail prices in Texas?

[40:19] So we are participating member cities, so we pay the wholesale or production rate, which includes

[40:26] the debt rate that we're paying now and the production operation cost, but no we

[40:32] would not pay the retail rate. Again, these contracts were entered into and signed in 2020.

[40:39] So the decision was made and again a decade worth of studies.

[40:42] Who made the decision? The citizens or a board?

[40:47] The city council at the Tom and each city.

[40:50] So the citizens had no say in this.

[40:54] I think there were a number of workshops and there were a number of public hearings and what

[40:58] not during that time, but yes, there was a discussion.

[41:02] Ever since I've been at the city, I've been seeing 16 years about replacing the structure

[41:07] and the plant on New Boston Road.

[41:09] I mean, it was built in the 50s.

[41:12] And then the river being fee has been on the bill, excuse me, it been on the water bill

[41:15] now for several years, and then it has incrementally increased and that's based on part

[41:21] thousand gallons of usage.

[41:23] So a typical residential customer, their average monthly usage is about six thousand

[41:28] and gallons is the average for a typical residential customer.

[41:33] If the water meters are correct.

[41:35] That's, well it's based on usage, so that's based on usage.

[41:40] We all had a job.

[41:41] Okay, so we'd have a rating increase that was effective in October and the river being right

[41:46] also increased at that time as well.

[41:49] So, okay.

[41:49] We'll do one more back.

[41:51] Okay, okay, we're good, we're good, anything else?

[41:54] I just want you to know that it's a third of my bill at home and a fourth of my bill at work, I pay a $500 fee at work, a fee alone.

[42:05] That's substantial.

[42:06] Yes, ma'am.

[42:07] And I want you to be aware of it.

[42:09] Sure.

[42:10] Just whoever voted it, I don't think you took into consideration the larger businesses and industry.

[42:17] And that shell of a hospital sitting out there that we're trying to recreate somebody into.

[42:21] what is, you know, when they see their water bill using, I would move to Texarkana and open a large hospital.

[42:29] It's, it's, it's heartful to industry.

[42:32] Thank you, Ms. Clam.

[42:38] Public comments.

[42:39] Open session is still open.

[42:40] Is there anyone else who wants to address the council?

[42:42] Yes, ma'am.

[42:43] Yes, ma'am.

[42:44] Yes, ma'am.

[42:45] If you will present your seat to Ms. Evans.

[42:47] And then Ms. Evans will announce the name.

[42:49] Yes, ma'am.

[42:50] So, Ms. Evans?

[42:51] You got the seat, okay?

[42:53] All right.

[42:53] Man, would you please state your name for the record?

[42:55] Yes, my name is Shaquine.

[42:58] Good evening, ma'am.

[42:58] The hearing texture can detects us.

[43:00] I live right inside of historic, on the verge of historic.

[43:04] And I've lived there since non-in-on.

[43:06] I have irrigation and I have regular water.

[43:09] And I do have an older house that I've had completely reclaimed and done.

[43:13] My water bills will be anywhere from the lowest,

[43:17] it's 75th of a month, which I was totally shocked

[43:19] because I have two boys that will never get out of the shower.

[43:21] I'll be honest.

[43:21] we use a lot of water. In some months, there are 300 plus. During the summer, I can no longer

[43:28] afford to run my irrigation because not only am I being built on my house water, I'm being

[43:33] built on my irrigation, which is on a separate meter. And that water is going in the ground.

[43:37] It's not going to any treatment facility place. I don't mind paying a little fee to help bills

[43:42] that plant, but I don't think it's on the citizens of Tetricana Texas to build that plant.

[43:47] I think we all who are going to use that water should be paying fees and should realize what the fees are.

[43:54] My bill this month, just the water I took out trash, I took out any other fees, just the my water was $94.

[44:02] Okay, that's not bad. When I looked at the fee, I thought it was $82. It was 87% of my bill.

[44:10] When you do mathematics on that, that's crazy.

[44:14] Like not even a credit card is 22 percent, 25 percent.

[44:19] So let me just put some of your total bill was how much?

[44:22] Well, no, my total bill is usually around 200 in something, but just when I took everything

[44:27] out, the trash, the sewer, I took everything out, but the water, the water was $94 for

[44:34] use of water.

[44:36] My fee was 82.

[44:41] I get that we're paying to build a treatment plan.

[44:44] I want to do my part.

[44:45] But when I look at that and you do mathematics on that, that's not even half.

[44:50] That's 87.

[44:51] That's almost 90%.

[44:53] And if we keep going up in these rates that are stated in here to six dollars in something,

[44:57] I'll be long dead by those years, but still.

[45:00] If you look at that, it's going to go above what my water was even worth.

[45:05] So a little bit confused. And I just, you know, you try to call the water people, they don't want to listen.

[45:11] It's always tick for a leak. It's always this for that. I don't mind paying.

[45:15] But, and I know we need infrastructure change. I'm all for that. But you take an elderly person, a lot of some of my neighbors.

[45:23] They're getting $500 water bills and they don't work. They're 80 something years old. There's only two of them in the house.

[45:29] If they run the irrigation, they can't even keep their lawns water, which is fine, I guess we

[45:33] can do without green lawns, and we can all have dead yards.

[45:36] But you know, you get a single household of someone who's 80, and those types of bills are

[45:41] ridiculous.

[45:43] And I just think people need to be more aware of it, because we've gone, and we've gone

[45:48] through trying to talk to somebody, and no one will listen.

[45:52] And I know there's some stuff coming down the lawn, because I've got letters that they want

[45:55] to dig in my yard to look at the popping and all that, and you know, I'm open to

[45:59] that I'm fine to that I don't like I said I don't mind paying realistic fees but I don't

[46:04] I don't I don't think that's realistic.

[46:07] I like him.

[46:11] I mean what else am I dressed to the council?

[46:14] Yes sir.

[46:16] Maybe I'm recognized as a gentleman here.

[46:18] That's okay.

[46:19] All right.

[46:20] So if you're a place to name for the record?

[46:22] I need a David Grant.

[46:24] All right, you need a Mr. Grant.

[46:25] Good evening.

[46:26] Yes.

[46:26] I too have been struggling with this water issue and for me personally it seems

[46:32] This would be a hundred percent, I'm not worried about, we've got to have increases.

[46:37] We have to have things.

[46:37] We have the infrastructure as you know.

[46:40] For me, a hundred percent of this is the new smart meters that have been installed.

[46:45] And texture can is not the only town that has been experiencing this problem.

[46:49] Other towns that have had these same smart meters put in and had these problems.

[46:53] For me, they put this meter in and July.

[46:56] Since July, my rates of shot up dramatically.

[47:00] And so I've been down a couple times to the water company saying, hey, what's going on here?

[47:07] Oh, you must have a leak.

[47:10] That's just the mantra that's always said.

[47:13] You must have a leak.

[47:14] It's not on our side.

[47:16] Well, all of a sudden, I have leaks that's sprang up.

[47:19] The moment that new meter was put in.

[47:21] And everything went high.

[47:22] So they ran, the last time was there.

[47:24] They ran off, you know, the water usage.

[47:26] And see, look at there, look at all the water you're using, and I say, man, all of a sudden it shows that I used 400 gallons of water and midnight.

[47:38] 400 gallons of water, midnight, and then that leak magically stopped.

[47:45] And then again, another night, that leak came back on.

[47:49] So now, average flesh on a toilet is about a gallon and a half.

[47:55] So if you're telling me that my toilet leaked 400 gallons in one hour, that's equivalent

[48:02] to about 250 flushes.

[48:05] I don't think I can flush and fill my toilet that quickly in an hour.

[48:13] In other words, it is a physical impossibility and the only feedback I get is, oh you must

[48:25] have a leak.

[48:25] And so I said, well, can you check it?

[48:27] Okay, well, that's going to be $15.

[48:29] I said, well, why would I pay $15?

[48:31] And we don't know what's going on here.

[48:33] Well,

[48:36] well, I don't want to pay $15.

[48:38] So the lady ignored me, went on typing,

[48:40] and then that next month I got a $15 bill on my water.

[48:43] So I'm in, okay, I don't care.

[48:45] You stuck me for $15, but you didn't do anything with it.

[48:48] I believe these new smart meters

[48:51] are not doing what they're supposed to be doing.

[48:54] It is physically impossible for me to produce a leak of 400 gallons at midnight.

[49:00] Well, I'm sleeping, physically possible for it to start and stop.

[49:04] That's not how a leak works.

[49:05] If you get a leak, a leak is continuous.

[49:09] It is not a stop or stop thing.

[49:10] So I'm sorry, 100% it is the smart meters from my own personal experience.

[49:16] And if you look at the people that are around here, they're all saying the same thing.

[49:21] We are not changing the way we're using water.

[49:24] We are not increasing the amount of water we're using.

[49:27] And we are trying to be frugal.

[49:29] We're trying to things like turn off an extra toilet.

[49:33] But I mean, when all of a sudden it shows I use 400 gallons,

[49:36] while I was snoozing in my bed, there's nothing I can do to combat that.

[49:41] That is a technology problem.

[49:44] 100% not a physical leak problem.

[49:48] You will never find the leak. You will never find the issue that the smart meter and if you start doing a research you get on life

[49:54] You start doing a research

[49:55] Text our Canada is not the only city that has gone for these new smart-need or technology and not the only city that has been experiencing this problem

[50:05] So we got big problems and there's a lot of folks here that are on limited income limited ability to pay these bills and all of a sudden

[50:13] They're just kept being told. Oh, you got a leak. You got a leak. You got a leak. I'm sorry

[50:20] we don't.

[50:21] But, you know, in the meantime,

[50:24] barely someone sneaking into my house,

[50:26] a flush in my toilet,

[50:27] 250 times,

[50:27] while I'm sleeping,

[50:29] and then sneak it back out again.

[50:30] And I'm tired,

[50:31] so I need to get the police to come catch that guy.

[50:34] Thank you.

[50:35] Thank you, sir.

[50:41] Anyone else want to dress the council this evening?

[50:43] Yes, ma'am.

[50:43] If you'll please stay tonight for the record.

[50:46] Hi, my name is Tonya Hardy.

[50:48] I live.

[50:49] Good evening.

[50:50] I live on the Texas side.

[50:51] I have a business on the Arkansas side.

[50:53] Okay. I have been in that location eight years. I can within five dollars guess tell you what my water bill will be two to three times a year and I do not have a smart meter on my business location yet, and I don't want one.

[51:08] Now

[51:12] the juice is 2,400 to 2,700 gallons a month.

[51:19] I run a smoothie shop in the winter, it's a lot smaller.

[51:22] November's one of our slowest months.

[51:24] I used 9,800 gallons of water.

[51:27] In 28 days, not 33 for the other 2,400 to 2,700 dollars.

[51:33] Same answer, you must have a leak.

[51:35] I started taking pictures of my meter every single day.

[51:38] When I opened, when I closed, when it was off, when I was shut down, the little red dial doesn't move.

[51:45] They're telling me I used to feel,

[51:52] and I actually did better in December in business, which many I use more work.

[52:01] They say the same thing.

[52:10] You're gallon somewhere else, because you're going to,

[52:16] is to grow the tail, between the four taxes I pay and the one.

[52:25] You're driving businesses out.

[52:27] Thank you. Thank you.

[52:34] Yes, Mayor, I have one person here. Is Jack Chambers? Mr. Chambers, all right. So if you're a place that you're dying for the record, my name is Jack Chambers. Good evening, everybody. Thank you for having us out.

[52:49] I'm surprised to find how much worse the situation is for so many other people than it is to me. Today, I looked at some data that was sourced from or claimed to be from a US Bank of America or US Bank survey that said,

[53:04] the average water bill for a home of four in the United States is about seventy-five dollars.

[53:18] The average for a home of four in the United States according to one source is about seventy-five dollars.

[53:24] In Texas, the average was listed as a little bit less than fifty.

[53:28] My bill this month, very home of three, that used the same amount of water per person as the study was citing, was a 250% of that national average.

[53:40] And that's on the small side, given why I've heard from some of my fellow citizens today.

[53:50] That puts us at almost at

[53:56] the end of West Virginia's $100 per month average, which is the highest in the nation.

[54:08] I think it reflects some of the cynicism and dismissiveness that I've done with when having to speak to tax our hand and water utilities,

[54:16] whether it's over the me trying to recoup money that was charged twice on their online fee or online service.

[54:24] The exorbitant fees to pay online already, any percent of your bill, or not 20% of my

[54:33] apologies.

[54:33] But it's a large come, my apologies.

[54:37] And I think you want to come down to is that there's a lot of really hard working people

[54:41] in Texas, our cana, that work very physically demanding and honestly very dangerous drugs,

[54:46] whether it's a graphic packaging, Dom Tar, Red River Army Depot, Cooper Tire, and I know

[54:52] some of those businesses are not in Texas proper, but a lot of veterans, people who work

[54:58] jobs and do things, where if they're not accountable, if they don't follow a protocol,

[55:04] if they're not honest with themselves and the people they're around, people get hurt

[55:07] and they get killed, and the lack of accountability, and I think those people deserve the

[55:12] same kind of accountability from their water company, you know, that they have to display

[55:16] get their work. The same that I have to display at mine. And the amount of dismissiveness,

[55:23] the I don't know, and the fact that my maintenance for the new treatment fee was 100%

[55:29] of my water charge, right? It suggests I think to everybody,

[55:42] because if there were rational

[55:43] answers on certain they would be provided, given the absolutely insane numbers I'm hearing

[55:47] from these people.

[55:51] Even if I assume

[55:54] $25 a month, let's assume it's off by 30% and the average

[55:58] is 100, my bill is still 85%

[56:12] retreated the same way,

[56:23] but yeah, but it ain't funny. So where's

[56:26] that?

[56:37] I'm out to my house.

[56:52] Yeah, every time I rent, I get one

[57:00] in need to be replaced behind

[57:01] my home. But you can't get a file.

[57:16] Anyway, I also want to rest the council.

[57:27] I would like to say that I was shocked at my water bill, but I do want to say yes.

[57:33] I'm sorry.

[57:34] But I do also want to commend Mr. Smith who is here.

[57:41] He did visit with me this afternoon for a lengthy period of time to go over it.

[57:47] But I am now retired.

[57:49] My bill has gone up considerably.

[57:52] I had one bill for $1,031 for, and that was because the water company somehow missed my irrigation system for two months.

[58:04] I had it off for a period of time, but I was charged zero for two months.

[58:09] Mr. Smith was wonderful to listen to me and work with me.

[58:13] My concern is I do want the city to go forward, I want things to improve, but when I was

[58:20] when I was shown this, if my rates have gone that high, with it being at $3.60 per gallon,

[58:31] when next year it goes to $4.80 a gallon, and the next year it goes up to $6 or $6.25 a gallon.

[58:40] I don't know how I can pay that.

[58:43] Let's hope that's not for Gala and this per thousand Gala.

[58:45] Our profiles are Gala.

[58:46] It's my mistake.

[58:48] But that's still a sizable increase.

[58:52] So I'm just, and he did explain to me that the Council's proud to you had not wanted to upgrade, did not want to raise the fees.

[59:02] And I am very sensitive to that.

[59:04] I appreciate our city council right now for trying to move our city forward.

[59:08] we need to move forward. We need to improve our city, but these are killings.

[59:17] So that's all.

[59:19] And I do want to say that Mr Smith was wonderful. He was very attentive. He listened. We spoke

[59:25] for about an hour. And I do appreciate that. I don't want everyone to think that they don't listen.

[59:31] Now I will say I had contacted the water company several times prior to that. And when I finally

[59:36] asked to speak to the person in charge he returned my call promptly and he was able to speak

[59:41] to me so I do want to commend him on that. But I am concerned about the fees continuing

[59:45] to go up.

[59:47] Nice and Miss Coker.

[59:56] Yes, if you're a place that you're name for the record.

[59:58] I'm Sean Dacherfield.

[1:00:00] Hopefully, I'm the last one. I think the problem is a little bit bigger than even what this room is, because I became aware of it myself, because my bill jumped up, but I noticed on social media that a lot of people was complaining. I mean, hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people, I think a lot of people they come up here, just on the show, how many people are complaining about their water?

[1:00:21] I think you got people in the hall and people in the overflow area.

[1:00:27] It's a tragedy, too, but I think this water is the biggest one.

[1:00:31] My field here, and it was a commercial property.

[1:00:35] It went from roughly about 17,000, 22,700,

[1:00:40] then it jumped to 91,000, then it went to 85,000.

[1:00:45] And I guess the same guy who's going by flush and toilet

[1:00:49] was in my property and then he just left.

[1:00:51] Now it's back down to 17,000.

[1:00:53] And the same situation we go to the water company,

[1:00:56] it's a leak.

[1:00:58] I actually sat there and opened up my water meter

[1:01:00] and I looked in nothing's running.

[1:01:02] There's no leaks.

[1:01:04] And as a gentleman said, leaks just don't work like that.

[1:01:06] They just don't leak, bro.

[1:01:09] They don't just diminish and go.

[1:01:10] So I just want to reiterate,

[1:01:11] I don't want to take too much of the city's time.

[1:01:13] This is a real problem.

[1:01:16] Hopefully you guys are understanding and this is a real problem and you go work with TWU to see what's going on

[1:01:23] And the only solution that gave me is we could get you on a payment plan

[1:01:28] I really don't want to pay extra cup of dollars when I know I didn't use the water

[1:01:33] It has to be something other than a payment plan

[1:01:36] I think I need to get my money back

[1:01:39] From this so hopefully we could have a follow up to see what's going on

[1:01:44] What is a solution? I had to pay $700 to start my water plan. I guess a couple hundred dollars every month. That's not that's not cool

[1:01:53] And I just want to bring up one other point. I come from other city. I know the other city I've come from a few some Texas much larger than this

[1:02:01] And I did talk to the Texas kind of water utility companies because every now and then somebody does have a leak

[1:02:07] And in Houston how they work and I know it's a bigger city, but if a person does have a leak

[1:02:14] And then they go, and then water bill is outrageous.

[1:02:17] If they get a plumber to go by and make sure the leak is fixed,

[1:02:21] then those water utility companies and Houston will take that extra off.

[1:02:26] They will look at what your average was in the previous 12 months,

[1:02:30] and then what that was in there would take that off.

[1:02:32] That could be something I think it worked with some people around here,

[1:02:35] especially elderly people or disabled people,

[1:02:39] that if they do truly have a leak,

[1:02:41] and not just in the series, man, it comes and I'm probably pushing forwards, then it won't

[1:02:49] be something that will be detrimental to their lifestyle, because the city will work with them,

[1:02:54] the water utility company will work with them own legitimate leaks. But I didn't want to

[1:02:58] too much bring that up because I wanted to talk about these fictional leaks. Now, I hope the city takes

[1:03:03] serious, or I hope you work with the water utility company and come back with us because this

[1:03:10] is, you don't have this many people in here, just, you know, all right, thanks a lot.

[1:03:17] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[1:03:22] Anyone else want to dress the council?

[1:03:25] Okay. Very good. For those of you who spoke this evening,

[1:03:28] want to thank you for your time to being here this evening. Those of you who are joining us

[1:03:32] and the audience referenced this concern so we do have your information and thank you for

[1:03:38] your time.

[1:03:38] I'm checking in this matter further so once again appreciate your time this evening.

[1:03:43] This time we belong to the Point Mr. Bords Commissions and Committees.

[1:03:46] Do we have any appointments this evening debate by the Council?

[1:03:51] No appointments.

[1:03:53] We're now moving along to you.

[1:03:54] Out of this for consideration we do have several items on the consent agenda.

[1:03:57] I don't want us to consider approval the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council.

[1:04:01] the health of November 10th, 2025.

[1:04:04] Item 2 was to consider approval the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council,

[1:04:08] held on December 8th, 2025.

[1:04:10] Item 3, his resolution number 2026 to XGO-04, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract

[1:04:17] with Plummer Associates and Corporate of Fort Worth, Texas, and the amount of $500,000

[1:04:22] with the Texas portion of the project not to exceed $304,150.

[1:04:28] dollars for engineering services necessary for the development of a computerized model of the

[1:04:34] combined sewer collection system of the cities of Texture Canada Texas and Texture

[1:04:38] Canada Arkansas and a sewer collection system master plan for the cities of Texture Canada

[1:04:43] Texas and Texture Canada Arkansas. Out of full resolution number 2026-006 approving the Texture

[1:04:50] Canada Regional Airport Executive Director to execute an agreement with McLeodland Engineering

[1:04:56] for engineering services for AMRO site development in the amount of $2,512,842.87 cents.

[1:05:07] Excuse me, out of number five, resolution number 2026-008, authorizing the city manager to execute a contract with Campo and Corporate, the Texture County Arkansas for the Beaumont 15-inch sewer replacement project in an amount not to exceed 322,000.

[1:05:26] seven hundred and three dollars and eighty four cents funds are available in the utilities twenty twenty five twenty

[1:05:32] twenty six budget in the Texas infrastructure fund

[1:05:35] at three hundred and twenty two thousand seven hundred and three dollars and eighty four cents

[1:05:42] or just number twenty twenty six dash zero one four repealing chapter twenty eight articles seven panhandling of the code of ordinances

[1:05:50] Item number 7, or this number 2026-016, ratifying orders number 2025-179, closing and abandoning

[1:06:03] 20 feet of rod of wave, holding down his Thomas Street, located west of Anstree in north

[1:06:09] of Lake Drive within the Hancock's first edition, and surplusing and selling the adjacent

[1:06:15] property owner 0.076 acres of surplus property between

[1:06:20] lot 16 through 18 within the Hancock's first edition.

[1:06:25] Out of number eight, resolution number 2026,

[1:06:28] Desherial one seven, ratifying and implementing plan document changes of the

[1:06:32] Texture Canofarmance Relief and Retirement Fund by increasing city

[1:06:36] contributions with budgeted funds and ratifying the agreement of the

[1:06:40] Board of Trustees of the Texture Canofarmance Relief and

[1:06:44] retirement fund. Unless a Councilor would like to pull one or more items for a further consideration,

[1:06:50] I will entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as it has been presented. Is there

[1:06:54] a motion for approval?

[1:06:57] We have a motion by Councilor Hart. Is there a second? Second.

[1:07:03] Second by Councilor Thompson, Audles and Favourite, I. Opposed no. The consent agenda has been

[1:07:09] approved. We do have two action items this evening. Out of

[1:07:12] one is August number 26-007 authorizing fire department Texas

[1:07:18] Instruct Interstate farm mutual aid system TIFMAS coordinator and

[1:07:23] reimbursement assignment pay. Our Christie peoples is going to

[1:07:30] Provides some information to the council on this topic. Good evening, Mayor and Council. The Texas Fire Department participates in the Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System, also known as Tiffmus, which deploys fire departments to disaster responses in and out of state. The state now allows participating departments to receive a 5% administrative fee for each deployment.

[1:07:54] It is recommended that the captain who handles this work or is even a summit pay of $250 per month.

[1:08:01] In most cases, the administrative fee from just one deployment is an act to cover this cost,

[1:08:07] and that apartment typically deploy is multiple times each year.

[1:08:12] I'll be happy to answer any questions that you have.

[1:08:14] Any questions for Kristen on this item?

[1:08:18] I'll come hearing none, is there a motion for approval of the ordinance?

[1:08:21] Assembly. We have a motion by Councilmember Davis. Is there a second? Second by Councilmember

[1:08:28] Metter. This is an ordinance. So, Ms. Evans, the captioned please.

[1:08:33] Inordinates of the City Council of the City of Texas,

[1:08:36] authorizing assignment pay for firefighters assigned to specialize duties of Texas,

[1:08:42] Interstate Fire Mutual, A-System or Tiffness,

[1:08:45] Coordinator and reimbursement, setting conditions and rate of pay for set duties,

[1:08:49] Containing a repealer clause, containing a severability clause, containing legislative findings and establishing an effective date.

[1:08:57] All those in favor say aye.

[1:09:00] Opposed, no.

[1:09:01] The ordinance passed using unanimously.

[1:09:03] Item number two is Resolution number 2026-01-9.

[1:09:07] Denying Southwestern electric power companies request for approval of its proposed electric service, large load contract,

[1:09:14] care for large load customers and we have our city attorney, Mr. Jeff Lewis to provide some

[1:09:20] information on this resolution. Mr. Lewis, good evening.

[1:09:24] Good evening.

[1:09:24] Thank you, Mayor.

[1:09:26] It's Webco has asked cities with original jurisdiction and has also asked the Public Utility

[1:09:31] Commission for approval of its electric service, large load contract, tariff, large load.

[1:09:38] Customers whose electricity demand is high enough to be treated differently from regular

[1:09:43] President or commercial customers, the so-called big electricity users can drive

[1:09:49] reachable growth or investment tax revenue, potential job creation, but can also

[1:09:54] require costly grid upgrades, long-term capability commitments. In just a few days

[1:09:59] ago, another angle of looking at this is that Senator Cotton introduced the

[1:10:04] data Act 2026 to allow for manufacturers, data centers, other energy intensive

[1:10:09] industries to build customized electricity systems without impacting existing

[1:10:14] power grants. So for many years the Council has authorized Cooperative and

[1:10:19] coordinated efforts with the coalition of other municipalities served by

[1:10:22] Swepko, the city's advocating reasonable deregulation card. These cities

[1:10:28] include many of our neighbors in Burie County, including others like Atlanta or

[1:10:32] Mount Pleasant and Longview. The current concern with this large load contract

[1:10:38] The tariff, as outlined by card special counsel, is that the proposed tariff is peace

[1:10:43] meal and based on projections, a load that doesn't yet exist.

[1:10:48] What if the projections don't materialize?

[1:10:50] Will existing ratepayers need to pay for any additions to SWIP goes infrastructure from

[1:10:55] generation to distribution facilities?

[1:10:58] And I can add to that is this data act of 2026 going to be a game changer for the grid.

[1:11:03] The card's special counsel recommends, since the matter has already been filed anyway, with the public utility commission to deny the request, anticipating the commission may expedite consideration of SWEF cause request, and please understand, this is not a criticism, SWEF Co has asked for expedited treatment of its tariff to be effective, and the effective day would be about three weeks for it out.

[1:11:27] Denial will allow the merits of the proposed tariff to be addressed before the Commission

[1:11:31] where a card can evaluate it with the goal of ensuring not to deny Swebco or Block Swebco

[1:11:37] a fair rate but to ensure a fair rate for large load customers and to all other customers.

[1:11:43] And, as a reminder, I should add that a procedural denial is nothing new, it's not intended

[1:11:51] to block fair rates, two months ago, for example, the Council denies webcows application to

[1:11:57] increase its revenues by approximately $94.9 million, and that application was followed

[1:12:03] with both the city and the Texas Public Utility Commission. That's just a very short summary

[1:12:09] of the briefing material and the agenda packet information, but if I can, I'll answer any questions.

[1:12:16] Any questions from Mr. Lewis on this item?

[1:12:21] Okay. Thank you, sir.

[1:12:23] Is there a motion for approval of the resolution?

[1:12:26] We have a motion about Councilmember Thompson.

[1:12:29] Is there a second?

[1:12:32] Second.

[1:12:34] Second about Councilmember Metter.

[1:12:36] This pertains to a resolution.

[1:12:38] So there is not a caption.

[1:12:39] All those in favor say aye.

[1:12:41] Aye. Opposed no.

[1:12:43] The resolution passes.

[1:12:44] We're now moving along to our first briefing, so we do have six items this evening and

[1:12:49] Council, some of these items are related or connected together, so I'm going to combine

[1:12:55] some of these, and Michelle Daniel, we'll be able to provide us some information in

[1:13:00] what I think to most of these items that we have on before our first briefing section.

[1:13:05] Item number one and item number two are related, so I'm going to read both of those together.

[1:13:11] I don't number one is orders number 2026-001, rezoning lot 2, block 3, West Beverly, located 1009

[1:13:19] Blanton Street, which is in 42, from single family 2, the single family 3, Bonadino Gabriel owner.

[1:13:30] Out of number 2 was orders number 26-002, granting a specific use permit to allow the location.

[1:13:37] of a HUD Code Manufactured Home on Lot 2, Block 3, West, Beverly, located 10-09, Blanton

[1:13:44] Street, once again in Ward 2, for an auto-gabriol owner, Michelle, good evening.

[1:13:50] Good evening Mayor and good evening council.

[1:13:53] So this is a request to rezone 1,000 9 Blanton Street from Single Family 2 to Single

[1:13:58] Family 3 and for specific use permit for the location of a HUD Code Manufactured Home.

[1:14:03] The future land use map is designated this property as floodplain.

[1:14:07] The adjacent zoning, a single family too, to the north, south, east, and west, and the adjacent land use, as well as the digital west, and vacant land to the north, south, and east.

[1:14:20] Planning and zoning, recommend for approval of this request with the following stipulations that a 2021 or newer HUD code manufactured home, the allowed on this property, that the home be tied down, scarred, and underpinned, and that it also be used for dwelling purposes only.

[1:14:36] The other stipulation is that all driveways, parking, building codes, and setbacks,

[1:14:41] engineered foundation, planning, and flood plan requirements must be in accordance with

[1:14:45] the City of Texas Code.

[1:14:48] I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

[1:14:51] Any questions?

[1:14:52] I do have a question.

[1:14:53] obviously planning and zoning and we are the city allows.

[1:15:00] Infection housing in a flood zone. They meet all the required.

[1:15:06] It's just that they have to meet. And so we have contacted them and let them know that they will need to get in touch with city council.

[1:15:14] And of course, the race, the elevation of a lot.

[1:15:17] Yes, sir, and all that will have to be determined before the building permit is issued.

[1:15:21] Okay, all right, sir. Thank you.

[1:15:23] Any other questions by the council on this item?

[1:15:28] Okay, we're now moving along to item number three, or number 2026-903, a Mending P-D-02-13 for

[1:15:36] Soppen approval, a lot more in Block 1, Health Care Express Subdivision, located at

[1:15:41] 43-02, Galleria Oaks Drive, which is in Mord 6, Josh and Ashley Talley owners, and

[1:15:47] Vance, Liles, MTG engineers and store buyers, Agent Michelle.

[1:15:53] Good evening, Mayor and good evening, Council.

[1:15:54] So this is a request for site plan approval at 4302 Galleria Oak Strive.

[1:16:00] The current zoning is planned development general retail.

[1:16:03] The future land use map designates this property as neighborhood, retail, and neighborhood

[1:16:07] residential.

[1:16:09] The adjacent zoning is planned development general retail to the north, south, east, and west.

[1:16:14] The adjacent land use is vacant property to the north,

[1:16:17] real estate to the south, in a rich, front, east,

[1:16:20] and apartments to the west.

[1:16:22] The site plan consists of the construction

[1:16:24] of a 3,048 square foot dental office.

[1:16:28] The access driveway will be off of gallery at Oak Strive,

[1:16:31] there will be 20 parking spaces in one handicap space,

[1:16:35] a six foot by eight foot monument style sign,

[1:16:38] a screen dumpster site, and all other city codes

[1:16:43] We'll have to be met, planning and zoning to recommend for approval of this request, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

[1:16:51] Questions for Michelle on this item?

[1:16:54] Okay, thank you.

[1:16:55] All right.

[1:16:56] Council items numbers four and six are related.

[1:16:59] So I'm going to brief four and six, and then we will come back to five Jonathan for a year to, for you to brief us on that item.

[1:17:07] Okay, so item number four is order number 2026 to 0.05, rezoning an approximate point

[1:17:13] 972, agretractive land being tracked three, JNM Golfhead ROT survey, 8-244, located

[1:17:21] 35.06, Moore's Lane, which is in Moore's six, from agriculture to plan development, general

[1:17:27] retail, Raymond Jordan owner, and Jason Eponette, agent, item number six is order number

[1:17:34] 2026-020, a pending PD-26-01, for Scotland approval on an approximate 0.972 acre tract of land,

[1:17:44] being track 3, J.M. Golfhead Ross Survey, 8-244, located 3506 Moors Lane in Ward 6, Raymond

[1:17:53] Jordan owner, Jason Epinette, Agent.

[1:17:57] So as you said, this is a request to resume 3506 Moors Lane from Agriculture to Planned Development

[1:18:03] at General Retail and for Site Plain approval for a two-unit

[1:18:07] strip center with a salon and yoga studio.

[1:18:10] The future land use map is designated

[1:18:12] as property as mixed use development.

[1:18:14] The adjacent zoning is agriculture to the west and east

[1:18:17] and single family to the north and south.

[1:18:20] The adjacent land use is residential to the west, east,

[1:18:23] and south and a school to the north.

[1:18:26] The Site Plain consists of the construction

[1:18:27] of a 5,143 square foot building.

[1:18:31] The access driveway would be off a morsling, there would be 49 parking spaces, a privacy

[1:18:37] fence will be installed to the north, west, and east of this parcel.

[1:18:42] There will be a six foot by eight foot monument style sign, and the development of the property

[1:18:47] must meet all developmental codes.

[1:18:50] Planning and zoning did recommend for approval of this request and the site plan and I'll

[1:18:54] be happy to answer any questions you'll may have.

[1:18:56] Any questions on items four and six?

[1:19:01] Thank you Michelle appreciate the updates.

[1:19:03] Thank you.

[1:19:04] We have one item remaining this evening in reference to first briefings.

[1:19:07] It's out of number five or just number twenty twenty six to ask you about one five.

[1:19:12] Closing and abandoning four.

[1:19:15] Right of way eight excuse me four right of way tracks of zero point two seven one acres zero point eight six acres point three three four acres and point two two six.

[1:19:26] Psychers located south of South of South-Eat Street in east of South Lillio Avenue in the

[1:19:35] factory hot condition, and we have Jonathan Wade to brief us on this out of good evening,

[1:19:41] Thank you to Mayor and City Council.

[1:19:43] City received a request from Vansaliles for the abandonment of four unopentracts of

[1:19:47] Rotterweigh, South of South-Eat Street, and east of South Lillio Avenue within the factory

[1:19:50] hot condition.

[1:19:52] City has no plans to use this right away for future purposes if abandoned, all in the right way we go to adjacent property owners.

[1:19:59] So you sent out the minimum random to city departments and utility representatives, utility representatives, requested easements, be retaining attracts one to and for

[1:20:09] She's closing and banning this route away and retaining these easements

[1:20:13] Attaching the packet or memorandum and responses

[1:20:17] Staff recommends approval and I'll be happy to answer any questions

[1:20:21] On the other, there's a request in this item from SWEPCO as far as the overhead lines to remind

[1:20:26] will that be done? Yes, that's one of the, that will be one of the

[1:20:30] easements of your team. Okay. All right, we're getting questions for Jonathan

[1:20:35] on this out of? Okay, thank you, sir. All right, appreciate your time.

[1:20:41] At this time, we belong to our public hearings, so we do have five public

[1:20:45] hearings scheduled for this evening. Out of one is August number 2025-189,

[1:20:49] approving a site plan on approximate .777 acre tract of land being

[1:20:54] Track 58 and 59, J.A. Talbot Head Rott Survey, A-564, located at 5817, Richmond Road,

[1:21:03] more five, fun, lean, tan, Alex, owner. At this time of the clear of the public hearing

[1:21:10] open on this item, if there's anyone who would like to address the council, if you will

[1:21:14] please come forward and state your name for the record.

[1:21:21] Not since anyone coming forward

[1:21:23] at this time of the clear of the public hearing closed, is there a motion for approval of

[1:21:27] ordinance. So moved. We have a motion by Councilmember Metter. Is there a second?

[1:21:34] Second.

[1:21:38] You want to yield to Mr. Davis? Okay. So Councilmember Thompson yields to Mr. Davis.

[1:21:43] So we have a second on that motion from Councilmember Davis and Ms. Evans to the caption place.

[1:21:51] Inordinates of the City Council of the City of Texarkana, Texas,

[1:21:54] A Mending PD-25-3GR for site plan approval on an approximate 0.77 acre and 59.

[1:22:05] J.A. Talbot HRSA-564 located at 5817 Richmond Road in the city of Boe County, Texas,

[1:22:14] excuse me, in the city of Texture Canada, Boe County, Texas,

[1:22:17] containing a repealer clause, containing a severability clause and establishing ineffective date.

[1:22:21] All those in favor say I I suppose no the ordinance passes out number two this ordinance number twenty twenty five dash one

[1:22:30] Hello, granting a specific use permit to allow the location of a billboard, off-premise advertising sign, on approximate 0.21, a contract of land being tracked, 13, Howard efferage, headwife survey, A-182, located at 1502, New Boston Road in Ward 2, Mark Stevens, owner and Taylor Bongardner agent.

[1:22:54] And Council will please note that a three-force vote of the Council is required to approve this request.

[1:23:01] This item was voted down by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

[1:23:06] At this time of declare the public hearing open on this item,

[1:23:10] if there's anyone who would like to address the Council, if your place come forward at this time.

[1:23:19] Not seeing anyone coming forward at this time of the clear of the public hearing closed,

[1:23:23] and Councilman, you make your motion on this item, you can make a motion for approval or a motion for denial and the according vote.

[1:23:33] So do I have a motion on this item?

[1:23:37] Make a motion that we deny.

[1:23:41] Sit agenda item.

[1:23:43] We have a motion by Councilmember Davis for denial. Is there a second?

[1:23:47] Second. There's a second by Councilmember Metter.

[1:23:50] Is Evans the caption please?

[1:23:53] Inordinates of the City Council of the City of Texas,

[1:23:56] amending the zoning map showing the location boundary

[1:23:59] and use of certain property.

[1:24:01] By the granting of specific use permit number,

[1:24:04] S-818, for the location of one additional use of

[1:24:08] an off-premises outdoor advertising sign or billboard

[1:24:12] on a portion of an approximate one-acre tract of land,

[1:24:17] being tracked 13. Howard F. Rich HRSA-182, located at 1502 New Boston Road in the city of

[1:24:25] Texarkana Buie County, Texas, containing a repealer clause, containing a severability clause,

[1:24:30] and establishing ineffective date. All those in favor of the motion say aye. I oppose no,

[1:24:37] the ordinance does not pass. Mayor, may I make a point of order? Yes, or ask if any council

[1:24:42] I never wanted to make a motion to approve.

[1:24:45] Okay, was there any council member that wanted to make a motion to approve the item?

[1:24:51] I want to add a question.

[1:24:53] Yes, ma'am is hard.

[1:24:56] Why is it in discipline?

[1:25:00] Well, there are a couple of reasons for that.

[1:25:02] There are a large number of billboards within a very short proximity from that area.

[1:25:07] I believe also this is kind of considered a congested area over head power lines and other congested structures in the area where I think a couple of reasons for that if I'm not mistaken.

[1:25:20] I don't think the property has been replayed either.

[1:25:23] It's one of the steps that actually is needed before this comes in front of us.

[1:25:29] It needs to be replated, it needs to come in front of us.

[1:25:37] Is this a port to school?

[1:25:39] It's right across the street from where the old taco bell used to be on the boss road.

[1:25:44] The vicinity of water all in Taylor Street, kind of between those two streets.

[1:25:49] Yes, ma'am.

[1:25:51] Okay.

[1:25:52] I like that.

[1:25:55] Okay.

[1:25:55] So,

[1:25:59] okay, so there was not a counselor to not make a motion for approval. The original motion was for denial, and then that was voted on.

[1:26:09] So let the record reflect that Ms. Matt Lockup stands on the vote.

[1:26:14] Okay. And lack of emotion to approve also is an alternative grounds for denial since it takes emotion to get a vote for approval.

[1:26:23] That was the point I wanted to make, would take a three-force vote also.

[1:26:28] Okay, so the motion is, this particular item has been turned down.

[1:26:32] Okay, not a bridge.

[1:26:34] I have number three, is orders number 2025-191, rezoning an approximate 1.74-acre tract

[1:26:40] of land being tracked 1B and 2A.

[1:26:43] Flower acres located at 3326 South Lake Drive and Ward 2 from planned development to 2 family

[1:26:49] 2 to plan development, multiple family 1.

[1:26:52] Now the Shaver's owner, Kaila Wood, MTG engineers and surveyors agent.

[1:26:58] At this time the public hearing is open on this item, if there's anyone who would like

[1:27:02] to address the council, if you will please come forward and state your name for the record.

[1:27:10] Not seeing when coming forward this time of the public hearing close is a motion for approval

[1:27:15] of the ordinance.

[1:27:18] We have a motion by Councillor MATLAB, is there a second, second by Councillor HART, Ms.

[1:27:25] Evans the caption plays in ordinance of the city council of the city of Texarkana, Texas,

[1:27:32] amending the zoning ordinance of the city of Texarkana, Texas by rezoning on an approximate

[1:27:37] 1.74-acre tract of land being tracks 1B and 2A. Flower acres located at 3326 South Lake Drive

[1:27:46] in the city of Texarkana, Buick County, Texas from planned development to family 2 to plan development

[1:27:53] multiple family, one containing a repealer clause, containing a severability clause, an establishing

[1:27:58] ineffective date.

[1:28:00] All those in favor say aye.

[1:28:03] Aye.

[1:28:03] Opposed.

[1:28:04] No.

[1:28:04] The ordinance passes.

[1:28:06] Out of number four is related to out of number three, it pertains to the stop plan approval.

[1:28:13] So at this time, I'll read the caption for item four, order number 2025-192, approving

[1:28:19] a stop plan.

[1:28:20] on an approximate 1.74 acre tract of land being tracked 1B and 2A, flower acres located 3326 South

[1:28:29] Lake Drive and Ward 2, Nelda Shaver's owner and Kayla Wood, M.P.G. engineers and

[1:28:35] surveyors agent.

[1:28:37] At this time of the public hearing open on this item, if anyone would like to address

[1:28:40] the council, please come forward.

[1:28:48] At this time of the public hearing closed, is there a motion for approval of the ordinance?

[1:28:52] We have a motion by Councilmember Matlock, is there a second by Councilmember Davis, Ms.

[1:29:00] Evans, the caption.

[1:29:02] In order to set the City Council of the City of Texarkana, Texas,

[1:29:06] amending PD-10-3MF-1.

[1:29:10] For site plan approval on an approximate 1.74 acre tract of land,

[1:29:15] being tracks 1B and 2A, flower acres.

[1:29:18] Located at 3326 South Lake Drive in the city of Texarkana, Bully County, Texas, containing

[1:29:25] a repealer clause, containing a severability clause and a salvaging ineffective date.

[1:29:30] All those in favor say aye.

[1:29:32] Opposed, no.

[1:29:33] The ordinance passes.

[1:29:35] Audit number five is ordinance number twenty twenty five.

[1:29:37] That's one ninety three.

[1:29:38] Approving a stop plan and approximate three point four nine eight eight.

[1:29:42] tract of land being tracked to a one. George Brindley had Ross Survey A-18, located

[1:29:49] 31-33 pleasant grove road in Ward 5, David Potter, the second owner in Caleb Wood, MTG engineers

[1:29:56] and serve higher age. If it's time of the clear, the public.

[1:30:00] I'm going to open on this item, if anyone would like to address the council, please come forward.

[1:30:08] This time of the public hearing clause, is there a motion for approval of the ordinance?

[1:30:12] So moved.

[1:30:13] Motion by Council Member Metter, is there a second?

[1:30:17] Second by Council Member Thompson, Ms. Evans, the captioned please.

[1:30:21] Inordinates of the City Council of the City of Texarkana, Texas,

[1:30:25] A Mending PD-25-20O for Site Plant Approval on an approximate 3.498 acre being tracked

[1:30:34] 201.

[1:30:35] George Brindley HRS A-18 located at 3133 President Grove Road in the city of Texarkana, Buick County

[1:30:43] Texas, containing a repeller clause, containing a severability clause, and establishing

[1:30:48] ineffective date.

[1:30:49] All those in favor say aye.

[1:30:52] Aye.

[1:30:52] Opposed?

[1:30:53] No.

[1:30:53] The ordinance passives.

[1:30:55] This concludes our public hearings portion of the agenda.

[1:30:58] We'll now move along to the City Manager's report.

[1:31:01] Dr. Orp.

[1:31:02] Good evening again, Mayor and Council.

[1:31:05] So just a few updates for each night.

[1:31:07] First off, our 2025 annual report is available.

[1:31:11] Thanks to Brookstone for her work on coordinating this report,

[1:31:15] which highlights a number of city-wide accomplishments throughout 2025.

[1:31:18] That includes annual sales tax data, property tax,

[1:31:22] mygov statistics, and metrics, as well as new business activity,

[1:31:26] and I look forward to 2026.

[1:31:29] The report is posted on the C's Home page.

[1:31:31] It's also shared through social media.

[1:31:34] And in addition to the January edition of Tushkin

[1:31:36] magazine features the article and highlights

[1:31:39] the accomplishments and directs residents

[1:31:41] to the full report online.

[1:31:43] There's also a link in my report to access that online.

[1:31:47] and there's copies at your desk as well.

[1:31:50] GFOA certificate of achievement for excellence

[1:31:52] and financial reporting was awarded earlier this year.

[1:31:57] And so we received a notification of that.

[1:31:59] This is for the fiscal year ending September 30th, 2024.

[1:32:04] This marks the 31st consecutive year

[1:32:06] that the city has received this distinction.

[1:32:08] It highlights our commitment to high standards

[1:32:10] financial reporting and transparency.

[1:32:13] Just want to congratulate Chris and her entire finance team

[1:32:16] for this well-deserved recognition.

[1:32:19] Mayer, you covered the prayer breakfast this Saturday.

[1:32:22] I also went to highlight the Toshana Homos Coalition

[1:32:25] and Shilly Cook Off is Friday, January 23rd,

[1:32:28] from 530 to 730 downtown, first Baptist.

[1:32:32] There's also the Chamber of Commerce annual banquet

[1:32:34] that'll take place at Northridge Country Club,

[1:32:37] January 24th from 6 to 9 p.m.

[1:32:40] That's all I have.

[1:32:43] Thank you, Dr. Ower, appreciate the report.

[1:32:44] At this time of a long-term administrative comments, any comments from the council this evening?

[1:32:51] I just want to share that, you know, maybe they have to wear this last Wednesday at our

[1:32:56] Puanus meeting, I have a program chairman for January, and we had Matt Solomon from our

[1:33:01] Overture of Tim is our city historian who came and made a presentation about the history

[1:33:07] of Texas Canada.

[1:33:08] He did an excellent job with his presentation, a lot of positive comments,

[1:33:13] of actual words at the meeting, so I want to thank Matt for taking the time to come and

[1:33:18] to speak to our club and his words were rightly appreciated, so once again, do a very

[1:33:24] very good job.

[1:33:26] Any other comments from the council this evening?

[1:33:30] All right, at this time we'll move along to our information item, Executive Assembly, the

[1:33:37] some at CPI-rated adjustment, material related to orders number 2025, this 188 in reference

[1:33:43] that the December 8, 2025 council meeting. Anything else to add on that, David?

[1:33:51] Oh, with that?

[1:33:51] No, that executive summary was submitted to us from Summit Pass the agenda deadline,

[1:33:56] so we're just putting in the packet for the record.

[1:33:58] Okay. Okay, gotcha. All right. All right. Is there any other business to be brought

[1:34:03] for the council this evening. If not, I will entertain a motion for adjournment, is there a motion

[1:34:10] for adjournment? We have a motion by Councillor Matlock, is there a second? Second by Councillor

[1:34:18] Bert Hart, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed no. Once again, I'm eating is adjourned.

[1:34:23] I want to thank you all for being here this evening, and also those who have joined us online,

[1:34:28] so we hope it's your choice for the rest of the day.

City Council Meeting

Agenda

Transcript