[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