[0:04] All right. We're going to get this started.

[0:06] City Council meeting, 6:30 PM, September 1st.

[0:12] I'll call this meeting to order. We're going to have an invocation by Amber Munoz.

[0:17] All right. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us together tonight

[0:21] and for the opportunity to serve our community.

[0:24] Please give our council and city staff wisdom, patience, and understanding as they

[0:29] make decisions for the people they represent.

[0:31] As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th, we remember the lives lost,

[0:37] the families forever changed, and the first responders and everyday Americans who

[0:42] showed incredible courage that day.

[0:44] Help us never forget, not only the tragedy, but also the way our country came

[0:48] together afterward. Make that same spirit of unity remind us to care for our

[0:52] neighbors, appreciate those who serve and protect us, and work together for the

[0:57] good of our community. Please watch over our first responders, our military, their

[1:01] families, our community, and everyone gathered here tonight.

[1:05] Guide us in all that we do. In your name, we pray. Amen.

[1:09] Amen. All right. We're going to do the pledge.

[1:13] Declan Carlson.

[1:24] Just so you all know, Declan is our youngest firefighter in the town. All right.

[1:34] If he hears those sirens, he's hitting the front door. That's what I was told.

[1:40] He's making sure they're doing their job and they're driving down his street

[1:43] safely.

[1:47] He's going to lead us in the pledge, and I'm going to help him out.

[1:57] I pledge allegiance. I pledge allegiance.

[2:00] To the flag of the United States of America, to the Republic for which it stands,

[2:06] one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[2:12] All right.

[2:12] Let's give him a big hand. Thank you, young man. I appreciate you.

[2:21] Awesome kid right there.

[2:38] Yep.

[2:46] What's up, Karen?

[2:49] All right. At this moment, I would like to recognize Frank Fiero of the Hispanic

[2:54] Angels of Tarrant County. It's a recognition of your

[2:59] dedication and service and commitment to our community.

[3:02] Your efforts to serve others and make a positive difference reflects the spirit of

[3:07] community, compassion, and service that strengthens Tarrant County and the

[3:12] communities within. With sincere appreciation for your contributions and continued

[3:17] dedication to those

[3:20] you serve, we thank you, sir.

[3:51] I know one of them.

[3:53] Yeah, go ahead.

[4:07] It's a small world. Small family.

[4:12] I have a little bit of a stomach

[4:18] ache. I

[4:18] don't

[4:48] remember mine. Mayor, may I add a note to what we just said

[4:54] for the Hispanic Angels of Tarrant County?

[4:56] Sure.

[4:57] September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Hispanic Angels of Tarrant

[5:01] County serves and helps families whose children are going through

[5:07] cancer and diseases. They're selfless.

[5:10] They go to the hospitals when it's time to go.

[5:13] They make dreams come true of quinces for children who may not have the opportunity

[5:18] financially. They take them to beaches to make it accessible, and a memory that

[5:22] those families will forever have.

[5:24] So again, I want to thank Hispanic Angels for your service to the families of

[5:26] Tarrant County, children who are going through illnesses. Thank you.

[5:36] All right. Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

[5:40] Whereas the month of October has been dedicated to breast cancer awareness, and

[5:44] whereas Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity for the City of White

[5:49] Settlement to recognize those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer,

[5:54] including survivors, patients, caregivers, families, healthcare professionals,

[5:59] advocates, and those we have lost.

[6:02] And whereas according to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is one of the

[6:07] most common diagnosed cancers among women in the United States, and the

[6:12] second leading cause of death from cancer in women.

[6:16] And whereas increasing awareness, education in early detection, and access to

[6:22] medical screenings and treatments are crucial to improving the outcomes and saving

[6:27] lives. Whereas this October, our police department proudly

[6:32] displays a dedicated patch and badge to recognize breast cancer

[6:38] survivors, those still battling the disease, their families who offer

[6:43] unwavering compassion and support, and applaud the continuous efforts of

[6:49] our medical professionals and researchers working to find a cure.

[6:53] And now therefore, I, Faron Young, Mayor of the City of White Settlement, Texas, on

[6:59] behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2026 as

[7:04] Breast Cancer Awareness Month in White Settlement.

[7:08] And further, our City Council urges all citizens of White Settlement to join

[7:12] together in raising awareness about early detection, supporting those affected, and

[7:18] working towards a future where breast cancer no longer threatens any individuals

[7:21] and families of our community. In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and

[7:27] cause the seal of the City of White Settlement to be affixed this, the first day of

[7:31] September 2026.

[7:34] I think we can all

[7:37] understand that more than likely everybody in this room has been affected by

[7:41] somebody who has had breast cancer.

[7:45] So yeah, early detection's important, so if you know somebody, push them to go get

[7:50] their examinations. This is important. Oh, all right.

[7:54] I think Amber's going to accept this

[7:55] award.

[8:46] National Code Enforcement Month

[8:53] Proclamation Code Enforcement Month, October 2026, White Settlement, Texas.

[8:59] Whereas code enforcement officers play a vital role in protecting the health,

[9:04] safety, and quality of life of the residents of the City of White Settlement by

[9:08] promoting safe neighborhoods and maintaining community standards.

[9:12] And whereas these dedicated professionals work with residents, property owners, and

[9:17] businesses to provide education, resources, and assistance while encouraging

[9:23] voluntary compliance with local ordinances and regulations.

[9:28] Whereas the duties of code enforcement officers require professionalism, integrity,

[9:33] fairness, patience, and a strong commitment to public service, often while

[9:38] addressing challenges in complex situations.

[9:41] And whereas National Code Enforcement Month provides an opportunity to recognize

[9:46] code enforcement professionals and thank them for their efforts to make our

[9:50] community safer, cleaner, healthier, and a more attractive place to live, work, and

[9:56] conduct business. And now, therefore, I, Faron Young, as the Mayor of the City of

[10:01] White Settlement, Texas, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2026 as Code

[10:06] Enforcement Month in the City of White Settlement.

[10:09] And further, our city council encourages our community to recognize and thank our

[10:14] code enforcement professionals for their dedication, professionalism, and service.

[10:19] In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the City of White

[10:24] Settlement to be affixed, this the first day of September 2026.

[10:30] Who's accepting this proclamation today?

[10:33] Lovely leaders over there.

[10:34] I did not see them.

[11:00] More picture.

[11:01] One more.

[11:30] National Night Out.

[11:33] Proclamation recognizing October 6th, 2026, as National Night Out, White

[11:37] Settlement, Texas. Whereas the 43rd annual National Night Out has been scheduled

[11:42] for Tuesday, October 6th, 2026. And whereas National Night Out is an annual

[11:49] community-building campaign that enhances the relationship between neighbors and

[11:54] law enforcement, promoting positive interaction to make our neighborhoods safer

[11:58] places to live and work. And whereas National Night Out provides an

[12:04] opportunity for the City of White Settlement to join with communities across the

[12:08] country in supporting positive police-community partnerships and promoting

[12:13] neighborhood safety. And whereas all residents and businesses play a vital role in

[12:18] assisting the White Settlement Police Department through joint crime, drug, and

[12:23] violence prevention efforts, and the City of White Settlement is supportive of

[12:27] National Night Out locally. And whereas neighbors

[12:32] in the City of White Settlement and the White Settlement Police Department build a

[12:36] safer community by hosting National Night Out.

[12:39] And now, therefore, I, Faron Young, as Mayor of the City of White Settlement, do

[12:44] hereby proclaim October 6th, 2026, as National Night Out in White

[12:49] Settlement. And further, our city council urges all neighbors of White Settlement

[12:53] to come together and join the White Settlement Police Department, the National

[12:59] Association of Town Watch, and all community partners in supporting the 43rd annual

[13:04] National Night Out on Tuesday, October 6th, 2026.

[13:09] In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the City of White

[13:15] Settlement to be affixed, this the first day of September 2026.

[13:54] Pass this

[13:56] one.

[13:58] Well, here, reach over again.

[14:13] All right. Senior Center Month

[14:16] proclamation, September 2026. Whereas the Senior Center plays an important

[14:23] role in strengthening communities by providing older adults with opportunities for

[14:27] connection, recreation, education, wellness, and continued involvement in the

[14:33] community life. And whereas the White Settlement Senior Center provides a

[14:38] welcoming place for older adults, can build friendships, participate in

[14:44] activities and programs, access valuable resources, and remain active and

[14:49] engaged. And whereas our senior residents have contributed

[14:54] immeasurably to the history and character and strength of our community through

[14:59] their families, careers, service, and countless contributions over the years.

[15:05] And whereas Senior Center Month provides an opportunity to celebrate our older

[15:10] residents and recognize the staff, volunteers, and community partners who help

[15:16] make the White Settlement Senior Services Center a place of friendship, support,

[15:21] and belonging. Now, therefore, I, Faron Young, Mayor of the City of White

[15:26] Settlement, Texas, do hereby proclaim September 2026 Senior Center Month,

[15:33] and the City of White Settlement encourage our community to celebrate our senior

[15:37] residents and recognize the important role the White Settlement Senior Service

[15:41] Center plays in enriching their lives and our community.

[15:45] In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the City of White

[15:51] Settlement to be affixed, this the first day of September 2026.

[15:56] I think we

[16:00] have Marcus

[16:03] from Meals on Wheels. Well, that's not where. That's weird.

[16:08] Good afternoon,

[16:11] everybody. How y'all doing today? Good. Fantastic.

[16:16] Have plenty to talk to both on

[16:21] that. My name is Marcus Rocco. I'm the Vice-

[16:24] Wait. I'm sorry. We need you to talk in the microphone.

[16:28] Okay.

[16:40] There we go.

[16:41] Hello? Hello?

[16:42] There we go.

[16:43] There we go.

[16:43] Good afternoon. My name is Marcus Rocco.

[16:45] I'm the Vice President of Adult Activity Centers for Meals on Wheels of Tarrant

[16:49] County. We have a total of 23 adult activity centers throughout Tarrant County, and

[16:54] White Settlement happens to be one of our partners, and thank you for delivering a

[16:58] meal to the homebound older adults recently as well.

[17:01] So early in the morning, about, I would say about 5:00 in the morning, we start

[17:06] cooking meals for Tarrant County, and we cook about 3,500 meals every day, Monday

[17:11] through Friday, and get those out in the community to older adults, whether they're

[17:15] at an activity center or whether they're at home.

[17:18] So we are excited to be able to come here and be a part of this evening with you to

[17:22] celebrate Senior Center Month, and we're kicking it off, of course, September 1st,

[17:27] so I like that. So thank you all again for inviting me to come out.

[17:42] Appreciate

[17:50] you.

[17:52] I want to invite each and every one of these council members, if you haven't had an

[17:56] opportunity to deliver

[18:01] I invite you to come out just like

[18:04] different meals, you and me.

[18:08] Sounds good. I could testify to that.

[18:17] Good.

[18:22] All right. Amber's going to read the next proclamation.

[18:25] It's not on our schedule, but-

[18:27] We added two more, so I apologize.

[18:31] So in relation to our First Gentleman, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

[18:36] Whereas childhood cancer affects thousands of children and families each year,

[18:40] bringing challenges no child or family should have to face alone.

[18:44] And whereas children facing cancer demonstrate extraordinary courage and strength,

[18:48] supported by families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and

[18:52] advocates throughout their journey.

[18:55] And whereas continued research and advancements in treatment are vital to improving

[18:59] outcomes and giving every child the opportunity for a healthy future.

[19:04] And whereas Childhood Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to honor

[19:07] children fighting cancer, celebrate survivors, remember those that we have lost,

[19:12] and support the families whose lives have been forever impacted.

[19:16] Whereas the City of White Settlement joins communities across the nation in raising

[19:21] awareness, supporting affected families, and encouraging continued efforts toward a

[19:25] future where no child faces cancer without hope.

[19:28] Now, therefore, we, the City Council of the City of White Settlement, do hereby

[19:32] proclaim the month of September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Month in the City of White

[19:37] Settlement. And further, our City Council encourage our community to join in

[19:41] honoring children and families affected by childhood cancer, remembering those that

[19:45] we have lost, celebrating survivors, and supporting the continued pursuit of better

[19:49] treatments and cures. And Mr. Fierro, if you'll come up to accept this.

[20:36] All of us?

[20:45] Yes.

[20:45] Thank you.

[21:11] Hold on.

[21:16] City of White Settlement Council, appreciate it.

[21:58] Let's see if I can do this one.

[22:01] Okay, last proclamation.

[22:04] 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, Day of Remembrance.

[22:09] Whereas on September 11th, 2001, our nation endured devastating tragedy when

[22:15] terrorist attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon, and aboard United Airlines

[22:19] Flight 93 claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent people.

[22:24] And whereas we remember the men, women, and children whose lives were lost and

[22:29] honor the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, and ordinary

[22:33] citizens who responded with extraordinary courage and selflessness.

[22:37] And whereas we also recognize the survivors, families, first responders, members of

[22:42] our armed forces, and countless others whose lives were forever changed by the

[22:47] events of September 11th in the years that followed.

[22:51] Whereas in the aftermath of the tragedy, Americans came together with remarkable

[22:56] spirit of unity, compassion, service, and resolve, reminding us of the strength

[23:01] found in standing together as one nation.

[23:04] And whereas as we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, we

[23:09] reaffirm our commitment to remember those we lost, honor those who served and

[23:13] sacrificed, and ensure that the courage and lessons of that day are never

[23:18] forgotten. Now therefore, we, the City Council of White Settlement, do hereby

[23:22] proclaim September 11th, 2026 as a day of remembrance in the city of White

[23:27] Settlement. And further, our City Council encourage our community to pause in

[23:32] remembrance of the lives lost, honor the heroes of September 11th, and carry

[23:37] forward the spirit of unity, compassion, and service that brought our nation

[23:40] together.

[23:42] And if I can get all the first responders to come up, please.

[25:27] There's a couple of things I'd like to remind everyone, that North Texas Giving Day

[25:32] is coming up on September 17th. It's a great opportunity to support the nonprofit

[25:37] organizations that serve our community and causes that are important to you.

[25:43] Even a small donation can make a meaningful difference, and I encourage everyone

[25:48] who is able to participate. I also would like to take a moment to recognize that

[25:52] September 11th is Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

[25:58] This will mark the 25th day of September 11th, and we kind of went over that in

[26:03] depth. Just remember the fallen and the people who we lost that

[26:09] day. It's a tragic day, and we're thankful for all of our first responders.

[26:15] Also, the fire department has a clothes drive on September 19th,

[26:21] 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. So y'all, empty your closets and bring them to the

[26:27] fire department. And they're working with Goodwill, so it's a great program.

[26:32] I'd like to see you all participate if you can.

[26:35] I play.

[26:38] All right. Presentation of Mayor's Kindness Award to Dusty and Allen

[26:43] Theresa-- Theresa Allen. These guys have been in business

[26:49] at some point or another for 45 years in our community.

[26:53] They-

[26:59] Their act of kindness, I happen to go into the dry cleaners quite often, not as

[27:05] often as I probably should, but yeah, I will.

[27:09] But I noticed this big pile of clothes and all these bags of clothes, and I asked

[27:14] Dusty what it was for. And they take in all these clothes and clean these clothes

[27:19] for the Hope organization, and that...

[27:23] Yep

[27:36] Yeah.

[27:58] Wow, that's amazing.

[27:59] It's a challenging subject.

[28:00] Amazing. Yeah. And they provide those clothes, it helps them find jobs and stuff,

[28:04] and prepare for jobs and things like that. So y'all give Dusty a big hand.

[28:39] Thank you. Together, kindness matters. Thank you all.

[29:01] Thank you.

[29:04] Thank you.

[29:10] All right. Has Allen's dog notified everyone?

[29:14] It's Paul's Pet of the Month. Introduction, Mayor Pro Tem.

[29:20] Now, I'm going to introduce Caesar. He's a little skittish.

[29:23] There's a lot of people, so bear with him. But he has a sweetheart.

[29:34] Microphone. Fine, it's working. I have with me Caesar.

[29:37] I'm going to do this a little bit differently because he is nervous.

[29:40] I'm going to sit on the ground with him so he can be cuddled up close to me.

[29:43] That is his favorite thing to do. Caesar came to our shelter nearly a year ago.

[29:49] He has quite the sad story. We got a call that someone had abandoned a dog at some

[29:55] apartment complexes here in the city.

[29:58] So we show up, and he is laying on a big blanket with a bowl of dog food and a bowl

[30:03] of water next to him. We could tell that whoever his owner was did love him very

[30:08] much, and we're not sure what their circumstances were that made them feel the need

[30:11] to leave him there, but they were obviously trying to find someone to care for him.

[30:16] We can tell this because he is the sweetest dog in the world.

[30:20] He's a big marshmallow baby. He likes to lay in laps.

[30:24] He likes to ride in the front seat and stick his nose out the window.

[30:28] He loves treats. He loves to play with toys.

[30:30] He knows sit, he knows down, he knows shake, he knows come, and he's potty trained.

[30:35] Whoever his previous owner was also got him fixed.

[30:38] So he was very much loved, and we very much love this dog at the

[30:44] shelter. It took him a little bit of time to warm up to us.

[30:48] Again, he can be a little bit nervous with new people.

[30:51] But once he warms up to you, he is the happiest dog we have ever met.

[30:55] He likes to do zoomies with us in the lobby or outside.

[31:00] He likes to play with other dogs. Toys are his favorite thing.

[31:04] You get a toy out, and he lights up with a big old tail wag and a smile.

[31:09] He likes hugs a lot, as he almost hugs me. Isn't that right? What do you think?

[31:15] But this guy is the sweetest thing.

[31:18] He very much deserves the best home he could possibly have.

[31:22] I'll try to walk him around and let you all meet him, but again, I think he was a

[31:26] little more enthusiastic, and then he heard all the people, and now he's being very

[31:30] shy. But we'll try to walk around for people to meet him.

[31:33] We'll take a five-minute recess so everybody can meet Caesar.

[34:52] That's

[36:06] a good dog.

[36:17] All right. We're going to reconvene in open session at 7:06.

[36:31] All right.

[36:32] Consent agenda. All items on the consent agenda are routine or previously discussed

[36:38] items and will be approved with one motion.

[36:40] However, should a member of the city council wish to discuss any item, said item

[36:45] may be removed from consent agenda and considered under the deliberation agenda.

[36:52] Not hearing anybody wanting to move anything to the deliberation agenda, I need a

[36:56] motion to approve.

[36:57] I'll make a motion we approve the consent agenda.

[37:00] I second.

[37:01] All in favor?

[37:02] Aye.

[37:03] Any opposed? The motion carries.

[37:06] Public hearing. We hold a public hearing considering a discuss act on a

[37:12] replat for Lots 1R1A and 1R1B, Block 12,

[37:18] Sunset Gardens, an addition in the City of White Settlement, Tarrant County, Texas,

[37:24] being a replat of Lot 1R1, Block 12, Sunset Gardens, and

[37:31] as recorded under Clerk's File Number

[37:34] D225036792, Real Property Records,

[37:40] Tarrant County, located at 220 Saddle Road, White Settlement, Texas.

[37:45] I'm going to open the public hearing.

[37:47] Mayor, I'll do a brief staff report just regarding the replat itself.

[37:53] So, the property is zoned R6, single-family residential

[37:58] district, 5,000 square foot lots.

[38:00] The property is currently vacant since the residence on the property, which was

[38:03] built in 1941, was recently demolished.

[38:06] The property is part of the Sunset Gardens Addition, Block 12, Lot 1 at the

[38:09] southeast intersection of Saddle and Raymond.

[38:12] In 2025, Lot 1 was subdivided by replat into three residential lots, 1R1,

[38:18] 1R2, and 1R3, and this replat would separate Lot 1R1 into two lots,

[38:24] 1R1A and 1R1B. The proposed lots have a width of 50 feet

[38:31] by 170 feet deep and have a lot area of 8,500 square feet.

[38:36] Lot R11A has frontage along Raymond and Saddle, with Lot

[38:43] 1R1B having frontage on Saddle. The proposed lots are compliant with the minimum

[38:48] area, yard, and height regulations for the R6 zoning district.

[38:52] The replat would allow for the orderly development of two residential properties,

[38:55] bringing additional housing and improvements such as sidewalks to the area.

[38:58] Subdivision replats are regulated by Section 10990 of the City of White Settlement

[39:02] Code of Ordinances, and this replat does not have included reconfiguration of more

[39:07] than three lots, so a preliminary plat is not required.

[39:10] The proposed plat is compliant with the code, a public hearing is required, and

[39:14] staff is recommending approval after the public hearing.

[39:17] I will open the public hearing. Anybody want to speak?

[39:21] Not hearing any, I'll close the public hearing.

[39:24] I need a motion to-

[39:25] I make a motion that we accept the

[39:30] replat for Lots 1R-1A and

[39:34] 1R-1B, Block 12, Sunset Gardens, an addition

[39:40] in the city of White Settlement.

[39:44] All in favor?

[39:45] Aye.

[39:46] Any opposed? The motion carries. Deliberation agenda.

[39:50] Discuss and consider Ordinance 2026-8-22-034,

[39:56] affixing and levying

[40:02] multiples ad valorem taxes for the City of White Settlement, Texas,

[40:08] at a rate of

[40:09] 0.762261 for the

[40:15] fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027,

[40:21] providing for collection of ad valorem taxes.

[40:26] Good evening, Mayor and Council. Brittany Huff, I'm the finance director here.

[40:30] The fiscal year 2027 proposed tax rate is, as you said, approximately 76 cents per

[40:35] $100 valuation. The slide shown on the overhead shows the proposed rate compared to

[40:40] the current rate. It also shows the comparison of the calculated benchmark rates.

[40:44] The calculated rates were presented to the city council in August, and a record

[40:47] vote was taken on the 11th for the proposed rate tonight.

[40:50] The proposed rate for FY27 is the calculated no new revenue rate.

[40:54] It is also the rate that funds the FY27 approved budget.

[40:58] Staff is recommending approval.

[41:01] Any discussion?

[41:06] Need a motion.

[41:09] I make a motion we approve Ordinance 2026-08-22-034,

[41:15] affixing and levying municipal ad valorem taxes for the City of White Settlement at

[41:20] a rate of 0.762261 for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2026,

[41:26] and ending September 30th, 2027, providing for collection of ad valorem taxes.

[41:31] I second.

[41:33] All in favor?

[41:34] Aye.

[41:35] Any opposed?

[41:37] Motion carries.

[41:45] All right. No public comment. So remember, we're better together,

[41:51] so everybody stay strong, stay hydrated, and hopefully the heat's going to break

[41:56] soon. We're adjourned. Thank you

Sep 1 2026 Council

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