Apr 21, 2026 City Council

AND

[A. CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:12]

[1. Announcements/Reminders:]

[2. Public & Employee Recognitions:]

[APPLAUSE]

[00:05:09]

>> I WAS TOLD TO WRITE A FEW COMMENTS AND I MIGHT HAVE OVERDONE IT BUT.

[LAUGHTER] THANK YOU TO THE MAYOR AND VICTORIA CITY COUNCIL FOR YOUR SUPPORT >> WE'VE BEEN IN BUSINESS SINCE 2018 WE STARTED WITH A TOTAL OF 31 PREAPPRENTICES AND APPRENTICES, STUDENTS CAME TO US FROM THE ISD, EIGHT YEARS LATER, WE WERE TRAINING STUDENTS SAINT JOE, AND INDUSTRIAL, THE VINE SCHOOL, AND SOME OTHER WHOLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS AROUND THE AREA.

OUR NUMBERS HAVE GROWN THIS YEAR TO 74 STUDENTS IN TOTAL, OUR HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS ARE MASTERS IN THEIR CRAFT, WE HAVE TRAINED STUDENTS AS YOUNG AS 15 AND AS OLD AS 54 YEARS OLD.

THE M.KAY WAS STARTED OUT AS A NECESSITY AND BY THE ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS WHEN MEMBERS COMPLAINED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND GOOD NEW HIRES WITH PRACTICAL SKILLS. WE ARE STARTING TO SEE A BIGGER PUSH FOR JOBS IN THE TRADES AND APPRENTICESHIPS.

BABY BOOMERS AND GEN X ARE STARTING TO RETIRE FASTER AT A FASTER RATE THAN THOSE GETTING HIRED TO REPLACE THEM CAUSING AN EMPLOYMENT VACUUM NOT EVERYONE NEEDS TO GO TO COLLEGE FOR A GOOD PAYING JOB, YOU JUST NEED STRONG WORK -- WORK ETHIC. TEXAS HAS SEEN HUGE GROWTH IN APPRENTICESHIP TRAININGS ACROSS THE STATE AND IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR THERE WERE 1028 REGISTERED PROGRAMS WITHIN -- WITH 40,710 ACTIVE APPRENTICES.

THAT IS AN 11% INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE APPRENTICES ACROSS THE STATE.

WHEN WE BEGAN IN 2018, WE ONLY OFFERED COURSES IN PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL BUT BECAUSE OF DEMAND WE STARTED OFFERING HIGH SCHOOL HVAC CLASSES A FEW YEARS AGO THIS YEAR THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR APPROVED US FOR HVAC APPRENTICESHIP WE CONTINUED TO GROW AND WE APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS PARENTS, AND OUR LOCAL LEADERS. THANK YOU AGAIN, WE APPRECIATE IT.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU, WE APPRECIATE THE IMPORTANT WORK YOU GUYS ARE DOING TRAINED SKILL AND LABOR IN THE WORKFORCES, IS IMPORTANT AND KEEP IT UP.

WE WILL MOVE INTO OUR SECOND PROCLAMATION WHICH IS A NATIONAL LIBRARY PROCLAMATION.

>> LABORATORIES -- LIBRARY OFFER THE OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE TO LEARN, FURTHER PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS, AND PURSUE THEIR PASSIONS AND WHEREAS LIBRARIES HAVE LONG SERVED AS TRUSTED INSTITUTIONS, STRIVING TO ENSURE ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AND WHEREAS LIBRARIES ADAPT TO THE EVER NEEDING -- EVER CHANGING NEEDS EXPANDING COLLECTIONS, PROGRAMS PARTNERSHIPS AND SERVICES AND WHEREAS LIBRARIES ARE ACCESSIBLE AND WELCOMING PLACES THAT PROMOTE A SENSE OF LOCAL CONNECTION, ADVANCING UNDERSTANDING, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND SHARED COMMUNITY GOALS, AND WHEREAS LIBRARIES CONNECT PEOPLE TO TECHNOLOGY BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC DEVICES, BROADBAND INTERNET AND TRAINING THAT ARE CRITICAL FOR ASSESSING EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND WHEREAS LIBRARIES PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY PROVIDING RESOURCES AND SUPPORT FOR JOB SEEKERS, ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, CONTRIBUTING TO LOCAL PROSPERITY AND GROWTH AND WHEREAS LIBRARIES ARE TRUSTED INSTITUTIONS THAT PRESERVE OUR COLLECTIVE HERITAGE AND KNOWLEDGE SAFEGUARDING BOTH PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR FUTURE, PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS, THEREFORE I, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF VICTORIA PROCLAIM APRIL 19TH TO 25TH AS NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK IN VICTORIA TEXAS AND ENCOURAGE ALL RESIDENTS TO VISIT THEIR LIBRARY, EXPLORE THE RESOURCES AND CELEBRATE ALL THE WAYS THAT LIBRARIES DRAW US TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY.

[APPLAUSE] >> HELLO.

GOOD EVENING MAYOR AND COUNCIL, IT IS AN HONOR TO STAND BEFORE YOU TONIGHT.

ON BEHALF OF OUR LOCAL LIBRARIES AND RESIDENTS OF VICTORIA, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT IS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR CITY'S FUTURE.

LIBRARIES ARE NOW -- NO LONGER JUST ABOUT BOOKS, THEY ARE ESSENTIAL TO GOING -- GROWING VICTORIA THROUGH MODERN TECHNOLOGY, ESSENTIAL RESOURCES AND MEANINGFUL PROGRAMS THAT SERVES ALL AGES.

[00:10:02]

THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING THE VITAL ROLE OUR LIBRARIES PLAY IN THE LIVES OF EVERY VICTORIAN.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU AND ALL OTHERS HERE IN ATTENDANCE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PUBLIC AND EMPLOYEE RECOGNITIONS?

>> I HAVE A FEW THIS EVENING THIS MONTH OUR MUNICIPAL COURT EARNED BOTH STATE AND NATIONAL RECOGNITION CONTINUING A STRONG TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE.

ON APRIL SECOND THE COURT WAS HONORED AT THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL TRAFFIC SAFETY INITIATIVES CONFERENCE FOR THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, RECOGNIZING ITS COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SAFETY THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH A RECOVERY OUTREACH CENTER, MIDCOAST FAMILY SERVICES AND THE PROGRAM. JUST DAYS LATER ON APRIL EIGHTH THE COURT RECEIVED PUBLIC SECTOR EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR PERFORMANCE AND INNOVATION FOR THE SECOND TIME FROM TYLER TECHNOLOGIES AT THE TYLER CONNECT CONFERENCE IN LAS VEGAS I WANTED TO GO BUT THEY DID NOT.

THIS NATIONAL AWARD HIGHLIGHTS THE COURT'S INNOVATIVE RECORDS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE THROUGH OUTREACH DOCKETS WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS AS WELL AS EXPANDED EVENING AND WEEKEND COURT OPTIONS. PLEASE JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING THE MUNICIPAL COURT ON THESE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AND I CONTINUED DEDICATION TO INNOVATION, SAFETY AND SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY, SPECIAL THANKS TO OF COURSE OUR MUNICIPAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR AND OUR MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE WHO I KNOW WANTS TO SAY A FEW WORDS BUT CONGRATULATIONS TO THEM BOTH FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP AND THEIR RECOGNITIONS.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] >> GOOD EVENING, WELCOME.

>> WELCOME I WILL BE VERY BRIEF WITH YOUR TIME WHICH I KNOW IS UNUSUAL WHEN YOU HAVE A LAWYER AT THE MICROPHONE.

REST ASSURED I WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR THE RECOGNITION AND CERTAINLY I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH AT THE MUNICIPAL BOARD I HAVE, AN INCREDIBLE TEAM THAT TELL PEOPLE ALL THE TIME, THEY MAKE ME LOOK AMAZING.

THEY WORK SO HARD AND I AM VERY PROUD TO BE A PART OF THAT TEAM.

BUT I ALSO WANTED TO TAKE A MINUTE AND THANK ALL OF YOU BECAUSE I WILL BE HONEST WITH YOU, THE STATE WIDE AWARD IS UNUSUAL FOR A COURT TO GET SIX TIMES, IT'S INCREDIBLE.

THE NATIONAL AWARD HOWEVER IT REALLY TOOK THE BRIDE AWAY WITH RECOGNIZING THAT OTHER COURTS IN THE CITY OF TEXAS ARE NOT DOING IN OTHER COURTS IN OTHER STATES ARE NOT DOING THIS.

WE FELT A LITTLE BIT LIKE CELEBRITIES WHEN WE WERE THERE IN LAS VEGAS, WE HAD TELEVISION INTERVIEWS, WE HAD PODCAST INTERVIEWS, WE HAD A PANEL DISCUSSION IN FRONT OF A HUGE GROUP OF PEOPLE AND WHEN I SAY HUGE GROUP, 6000 ATTENDANCE AT THIS CONFERENCE. ALL WANTING TO LEARN WHAT IT WAS WE WERE DOING.

AND SO I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU BECAUSE YOU ALL TRUSTED US AND GAVE US THE FREEDOM IN A WAY TO FIGURE OUT INNOVATIVE WAYS TO ADDRESS AGE OLD PROBLEMS IN THE ADMINISTRATION. THAT IS QUITE ATTENDANCE, BECAUSE YOU ALLOWED US TO HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF FREEDOM IN THAT THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX AND THINKING CREATIVELY ABOUT HOW TO ADDRESS THESE THINGS, THEY'VE COME UP WITH THIS CONCEPT OF AN OUTREACH DOCKET WHICH HAS BEEN AN AMAZING SUCCESS FOR THE CITY OF VICTORIA. THANK YOU, I HOPE THIS IS A NOTCH FOR ALL OF YOU, THE OTHER THING I WANT TO SAY IS WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK HARD TO BRING HONOR TO MY -- TO THE CITY OF VICTORIA, WE HAVE SO MUCH TO BE PROUD OF THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

[APPLAUSE] >> WELL DESERVED RECOGNITION AND CONGRATS TO YOU AND YOUR TEAM YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB.

>> I STILL GOT SOME. >> I WAS LIKE THAT WAS ALL I HAD HERE.

>> IT FEELS LIKE I SHOULD END HERE. I DO WANT TO CONTINUE WITH A FEW RECOGNITIONS ON BEHALF OF THE VICTORIA POLICE DEPARTMENT WE WANT TO RECOGNIZE ONE OF OUR TELECOMMUNICATION OPERATORS CHRISTINA JACKSON IF HE WOULD NOT MIND STANDING, CHRISTINA FOR BEING AWARDED THE OUTSTANDING EMERGENCY OPERATOR AWARD AT THE 25TH ANNUAL MID COAST HURRICANE AND DISASTER CONFERENCE LAST WEEK,

[00:15:02]

SERVICE. [APPLAUSE] >> LASTLY SOMEWHAT OF A BITTERSWEET OF ANNOUNCEMENT, TONIGHT IS OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LAST COUNCIL MEETING.

I HAVE A FEW WORDS TO SHARE AND I PROMISED HER EYE WILL PUT HER ON THE SPOT TO SAY A FEW WORDS HERSELF.

BUT DANIELLE HAS BEEN WITH US WITH THE CITY OF VICTORIA FOR 18 YEARS.

SHE BEGAN HER CAREER WITH US AS A RECREATION SPECIALIST AND THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT IN 2008, IN 2013 SHE WAS PROMOTED TO RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER AND SOON AFTER PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN 2014.

IN 2020, WHEN THE CITY TOOK OVER THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM, THEY ENLISTED HER ASSISTANCE AND SHE BECAME THE FIRST MAIN STREET EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UNDER THIS NEW MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE. IN THIS ROLE SHE HELPED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN AND SPEARHEADED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SEVERAL KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THEIR PLAN INCLUDING IMPROVEMENTS IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE DOWNTOWN STAKEHOLDERS TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF OUR FIRST AND STILL ONLY TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE, THE PROGRAM BUILDING AND IMPROVING GRANT PROGRAM OF COURSE THE BIG EXPANSION THAT OCCURRED DOWNTOWN AND THEN IF TAPPING INTO HER FOR THAT WAS NOT ENOUGH, IN 2022 WE TAPPED HER -- SERVICE HAD TO BECOME THE FIRST EVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR AND SHE IMPROVED THE RECENT RECRUITMENT EFFORTS WHICH HELD -- WHICH TURNED TO INVESTMENT -- PROJECTS.

BUT DIDN'T INCLUDED ONGOING VICTORIA DEVELOPMENT WHICH INCLUDES BERLIN TEXAS FIVE BELOW, ET CETERA THAT'S CURRENTLY OPEN AND STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

SHE ALSO ASSISTED WITH THE CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GROWING VICTORIA EFFORT AND SHE WAS INVOLVED WITH THE VISION BEHIND IT CREATING A WEBSITE, LAUNCHING IT, AND OF COURSE WAS PART OF THE RECENT VICTORIA SUMMIT.

AND CURRENTLY BEEN FOCUSING A LOT OF HER TIME ON HELPING US EXPAND THE RECRUITMENT AND EXPANSION EFFORTS OF COURSE WITH THE RECENT HIRING, WE ARE FOCUSED MORE ON THAT. ALL IN ALL CONTRIBUTED QUITE A BIT TO OUR ORGANIZATION BOTH WITH PARKS AND RECREATION, MAIN STREET AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SHE'S CERTAINLY GOING TO BE MISSED IN THE ORGANIZATION.

I THINK IT'S EVERY CITY MANAGER'S DREAM GOAL TO HAVE FOLKS DEVELOP PROGRAMS, PROMOTE GROW PROFESSIONALLY, AND JUST BE PART OF THE OVERALL MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION AND I THINK DANIELLE TRULY EXEMPLIFIES WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A TEAM PLAYER, WHAT IT MEANS TO BE IN IT FOR THE OVERALL MISSION, I'VE ALWAYS APPRECIATED HER ABILITY TO BE OPEN AND TO TRY NEW THINGS AND TRYING NEW THINGS IS WHAT HAS LED HER TO THE OPPORTUNITY THAT SHE IS GOING TO BE GOING TOWARDS OR MOVING TO.

AGAIN I THINK IT SPEAKS HIGHLY TO JUST HER -- WHAT MOTIVATES HER WHICH IS OF COURSE THE OVERALL MISSION SO I'M VERY GRATEFUL FOR HER LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE TO THE CITY AND SO DANIELLE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND WE WISH YOU THE VERY BEST.

[APPLAUSE] >> I HOPE SHE IS WALKING UP BEHIND ME.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT RECOGNITION AND THOSE KIND WORDS, REALLY MEANS A LOT.

THE CITY OF VICTORIA HAS BEEN THE MOST MEANINGFUL CHAPTER OF MY CAREER, I STARTED HERE RIGHT OUT OF COLLEGE AND NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD EVER LEAVE BUT GOD HAS A DIFFERENT PLAN AND TAKING IT ALL THE WAY. MORE IMPORTANTLY ANY SUCCESS THAT I'VE HAD HERE IS BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM, AND ACROSS THIS ORGANIZATION AND THE COMMUNITY.

SO COUNCIL I THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND FOR TRUSTING THE STAFF FOR HELP CARRYING OUT THE VISION TO JESÚS A.

GARZA AND THE TEAM I THANK YOU FOR YOUR GUIDANCE, YOUR WORSHIP AND YOUR STEADY SUPPORT AND TO THE STAFF, THIS ORGANIZATION IS FULL OF PEOPLE WHO DEEPLY CARE ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY AND IT'S BEEN AN HONOR TO WORK ALONGSIDE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU OVER THE PAST 18 YEARS AND SO I AM INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR THE RELATIONSHIPS BUILT AND THE WORK WE HAVE DONE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF VICTORIA WITH PRIDE AND I WILL BE CHEERING THIS COMMUNITY CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HOPEFULLY GOOD NEWS AFTER THE BOND PASSES.

[00:20:07]

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU DANIELLE, BEST OF LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

MOVING ON, DOES ANYONE HAVE THIS EVENING? >> I HAVE ONE, MR.

[3. Items from Council:]

AN UPDATE ON THAT IF YOU WOULD PLEASE. >> I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE TOPIC AND CLARIFY A COUPLE OF MISCONCEPTIONS.

I CAN CERTAINLY CONFIRM AS WE RECENTLY DID SEVERAL STATEMENTS TO MEDIA OUTLETS THAT WE DID RECEIVE AN OPEN RECORDS REQUEST FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ON APRIL EIGHTH REQUESTING A COPY OF OUR FISCAL YEAR 2025 AUDIT.

THIS REQUEST IS FOR OUR ANNUAL AUDIT THAT WE CONDUCT EVERY YEAR THEY ACTUALLY SUBMITTED A VERY SIMILAR OPEN RECORDS REQUEST LAST YEAR FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AUDIT.

I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT THE AUDIT THAT THEY ARE REQUESTING IS NOT AN ADDITIONAL OR SUPPLEMENTAL AUDIT OF ANY KIND, THIS IS PART OF JUST OUR ONGOING BUSINESS AS A CITY TO HAVE AN EXTERNAL AUDITOR CONDUCT THIS AUDIT FOR US EVERY YEAR.

OUR FISCAL YEAR 2025 AUDIT HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE PER REQUEST AND IN ADDITION IS NOW AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE AND AUDITOR PLANS TO BE HERE AT THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING TO PRESENT IT AS THE CITY MANAGER'S REPORT VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT SHE'S DONE FOR THE LAST MANY YEARS. I ALSO THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE CITY OF VICTORIA TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN OUR FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY AND I THINK THAT IT'S REFLECTIVE OF THE 40 YEARS THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED GFO RECOGNITION FOR EXCELLENCE AND FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY I THINK IT SPEAKS TO JUST OUR DECADES LONG DEDICATION TO THAT FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY AND TO THESE EXTERNAL AUDITS AND SO I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THAT AND AGAIN THIS REQUEST FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE IS SIMPLY FOR OUR RECURRING ANNUAL AUDIT THAT WE CONDUCT EVERY YEAR AND IT'S

CITIZEN COMMUNICATION:] BEEN SUBMITTED AS A REQUEST. >> WE WILL MOVE DOWN THE AGENDA THIS EVENING WE MOVE TO CITIZENS AGENDA

[4. Citizen Communication:]

WE WILL BEGIN WITH MICHAEL. WELCOME. >> WELCOME GOOD EVENING MAYOR AND COUNCIL I LIVE ON 20107 NORTH BEN JORDAN.

WHEN YOU WORK FOR SOMEONE I THINK IT'S THE EMPLOYER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE YOU OR HELP YOU WORK IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND A LOT OF THE BUSINESSES HERE I DON'T THINK ARE SAFE TO WORK AT BECAUSE THERE'S A LOT OF HOMELESS PEOPLE THAT LIVE AT THE BUSINESSES, I DON'T MEAN JUST TO COOL DOWN I MEAN 24 HOURS A DAY AND ALL OF THEM ARE LIVING THERE DURING WORKING HOURS.

I DON'T WANT IT PUBLICLY NAMED THESE BUSINESSES BUT THE CITY OF VICTORIA AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT KNOW OF THEM AND IT IS JUST A PITY KARAOKE Y TRYING TO WASH YOUR CAR AND THERE'S HOMELESS PEOPLE THERE BY THE SALVATION ARMY SO YOU GO TO ANOTHER ARE THEY ARE TRYING TO HUSTLE MONEY FROM YOU.

AND HOMELESS PEOPLE ARE LIVING THERE PERMANENTLY AND THAT CAR WASH BY THE SALVATION ARMY AND TRASHING IT OUT AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE BUSINESS OWNERS ACCOUNTABLE AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR IT AND ALL THE TRASH AND STUFF LIKE THAT. THERE IS A VACANT HOUSES ON THE EAST AND LEWIS STREET WHERE THE HOMELESS PEOPLE PICKED UP A BARREL OF TRASH AND MOVED IT ALL OVER THE PLACE AND THIS IS CONTINUING EVERY DAY, RIGHT NOW QUEEN CITY PARK IS ALL TRASHED OUT AND THAT VICTORIA PARK AND RECREATION HAVE TO COME THERE EARLY IN THE MORNING AROUND 06:00 A.M.

TO CLEAN IT OUT AND I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY CALL IT A PARK.

IT SHOULD NOT BE QUEEN CITY PARK IT SHOULD JUST BE QUEEN CITY HANGOUT BECAUSE IT IS NO PARK.

I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYONE FROM THE CITY COUNCIL BRING THEIR CHILDREN, Y, BECAUSE THEY HAVE ENOUGH SENSE NOT TO.

I'VE NEVER SEEN CHILDREN THERE I WOULD RECOMMEND NOT TO BRING CHILDREN THERE.

IT'S BEING TRASHED OUT EVERY DAY AND NOTHING GETS RESOLVED AND I JUST WISH THEY COULD JUST CLOSE IT DOWN AND DON'T SERVE -- IT DOESN'T SERVE ANY PURPOSE. AND VICTORIA PARKS AND RECREATION HAVE TO DO EXTRA WORK EVERY DAY TO CLEAN IT UP AND YOU CANNOT

[00:25:07]

WORKERS THANK YOU AND HAVE A GREAT AFTERNOON. >> THANK YOU.

NEXT CARD I HAVE IS RICHARD. GOOD EVENING, WELCOME.

>> GOOD EVENING. I WROTE MY NOTES DOWN ON MY PHONE, I APOLOGIZED.

I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF VICTORIA.

I WANTED TO SHARE BRIEFLY WHY THE UPCOMING BOND IS SMART NECESSARY INVESTMENT FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

THIS BOND FOCUSES ON THE URGENT NEEDS IN OUR SCHOOLS, AGING BUILDINGS, FAILING INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES THAT ARE COSTING TAXPAYERS MORE EVERY YEAR. PASSING AND NOW PREVENTS EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS LATER AND ENSURES STUDENTS LEARN IN A SAFE FUNCTIONAL ENVIRONMENT.

THIS IS WELL ON ITS WAY OF EARNING THE COMMUNITY'S TRUST IN JUST ONE YEAR ATTENDANCE IS UP, 18 CAMPUSES HAVE MET THE GOAL. THE ACADEMIC TURNAROUND HAS BEEN DRAMATIC.

IN 2024 THEY HAD 9F RATED SCHOOLS AND ZERO AIDS.

BY THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF BEING THE SUPERINTENDENT, WE HAD ZERO F'S, THREE A-RATED -- CAMPUSES.

THE DISTRICT ENTIRE RATING ROSE ONE LEVEL FROM A D TO A C WHICH IS VERY DIFFICULT AS THE DISTRICT TO DO.

REAL MOMENTUM THAT WE CAN BUILD ON, IT'S ALSO EXPANDING REAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS, DUAL CREDIT ACCESS HAS BEEN GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY, PARTICIPATION IS UP, SUCCESS RATES ARE HIGH AND THAT INITIATIVE LED TO STUDENTS BEGIN EARNING COLLEGE CREDIT AS EARLY AS NINTH GRADE POTENTIALLY FINISHING AN ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE BEFORE GRADUATION AT NO COST TO FAMILIES.

BUT OUR BUILDINGS ARE NOT KEEPING UP WITH OUR STUDENTS SUCCESS. AT O'CONNOR ELEMENTARY STAFF AVOID THE RESTROOM BECAUSE THE ODOR IS SO SEVERE AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL BROKEN PIPES ARE FOR STUDENTS TO BRING BOTTLED WATER FROM HOME.

THESE ARE DAILY CONDITIONS AFFECTING REAL CHILDREN AND EDUCATORS AND THEY WILL ONLY GET WORSE AND MORE EXPENSIVE IF WE DO NOTHING.

THUS BOND ISSUES -- DEALS WITH THESE ISSUES DIRECTLY, AND MODERNIZES VIABLE CANDIDATES AND RIGHTS AS A DISTRICT TO SAVE ROUGHLY $2 MILLION EVERY YEAR, MONEY THAT CAN GO INTO CLASSROOMS, PROGRAMS AND TEACHER RETENTION.

AND MODERN SCHOOLS MATTER BETTER AIR QUALITY, LIGHTING, TEMPERATURE CONTROL AND SAFETY LEAD TO HIGHER TEST SCORES, BETTER ATTENDANCE, FEWER BEHAVIOR ISSUES AND STRONGER GRADUATION RATES.

NEW INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS CONSISTENTLY CLOSE ACHIEVEMENT GAPS CALCULUS ALSO STRENGTHENS OUR LOCAL ECONOMY, STRONGER SCHOOLS ATTRACT FAMILIES, EMPLOYERS AND NEW BUSINESSES THEY PROTECT PROPERTY VALUES AND BUILD THE WORKFORCE VICTORIA NEEDS TO GROW.

FOR THE AVERAGE HOME IN VICTORIA THE PROPOSED TAX IMPACT IS $17.37 A MONTH, THE COST OF ONE TAKEOUT MEAL.

INVESTED INSTEAD IN SAFER SCHOOLS AND A STRONGER COMMUNITY.

AND THIS IS DIFFERENT THAN PAST ONES WAS BUILT BY 43 MEMBER BOND ACTION COMMITTEE MADE WITH PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT ACCESS TO OUR COMMUNITY BASED ON DATA AND FACILITY ASSESSMENTS.

A COMMUNITY LED BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE WILL MONITOR EVERY DOLLAR IN PROJECTS, VICTORIA IS MOVING FORWARD, THIS BOND KEEPS THE MOMENTUM GOING, STRONGER BOND MEANS A STRONGER VICTORIA, LET'S CHOOSE PROGRESS ON THE FUTURE OUR KIDS DESERVE THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS. AND THEN FINALLY I HAVE THE LAST CARD IS WOODROW THE SECOND GOOD EVENING,

WELCOME. >> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS WOODROW WILSON AND I WAS BORN AND RAISED HERE IN VICTORIA, MULTIPLE GENERATIONS OF MY FAMILY HAVE HELPED BUILD AND EDUCATE THIS COMMUNITY.

I WAS PROUD TO WORK FOR V I. SD AT MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL DURING THOSE FIRST THREE DIFFICULT YEARS OF CONSOLIDATION TONIGHT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT TWO WORDS, TRUST AND RESULTS. IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS THE CITIZENS OF VICTORIA HAVE BEEN ASKING THEMSELVES WHY SHOULD WE TRUST THE VISD SCHOOL BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT TO MANAGE A $240 MILLION BOND PACKAGE.

A VALID QUESTION WITH A SIMPLE ANSWER. RESULTS.

NOT PIE IN THE SKY MAYBES, NOT HYPOTHETICALS AND PROJECTIONS.

ACTUAL EMPIRICAL AND QUANTIFIABLE AND MEASURABLE RESULTS.

WHEN A NEW SUPERINTENDENT WITHIN ONE YEAR REDUCES ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS BY $3.1 MILLION, THAT RESULTS.

WHEN THE DISTRICT IMPROVES ITS STATE ACCOUNTABILITY RATINGS FROM ZERO A CAMPUSES TO THREE AND 9F CAMPUSES TO ZERO,

[00:30:01]

TRUST IS EARNED, NOT SIMPLY GIVEN AWAY AS PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN ONCE SAID, TRUST BUT VERIFY.

INDEED THAT SUPERINTENDENT AND SCHOOL BOARD HAVE THE RESULTS TO VERIFY AND EARN OUR TRUST.

NOW SOME HAVE SUGGESTED THAT VISD IS HIDING THINGS FROM US AND CREATED THIS BOND PROPOSAL AND SECRET BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

YET THE FACT IS THIS BOND PACKAGE WAS CREATED BY WE THE PEOPLE, SPECIFICALLY 43 OF OUR FELLOW CITIZENS REPRESENTING A CROSS-SECTION OF ALL WALKS OF LIFE IN VICTORIA.

I FOR ONE TRUST MY FELLOW CITIZENS INCLUDING BUSINESS LEADERS LIKE DAVID AND TAMMY MURPHY, BEN, RUSSELL DEMPSEY, AND MANY OTHERS WHO SUPPORT THIS BOND AND SEE IT AS A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH.

IN TERMS OF TRANSPARENCY, SUPERINTENDENT HAS MADE HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF PRESENTATIONS TO DOZENS OF COMMUNITY GROUPS.

SHE ANSWERS EVERY QUESTION, NO DODGING, NO DOUBLE TALK, NO OBSCURITY.

OUR DEMOCRACY THRIVES ON DIFFERENCES OF OPINION WHEN IT COMES TO SOLVING OUR PROBLEMS. YET VOTE NO IS NOT A PLAN. I INVITE ALL WHO MIGHT BE LISTENING, TRUST THE GOOD IDEAS OF OUR FELLOW CITIZENS, TRUST THE TANGIBLE RESULTS OF OUR SCHOOL BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT.

PASS THIS BOND SO SAY WE ALL. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS, APPRECIATE IT.

THAT WILL CLOSE OUT CITIZENS

[1. An ordinance amending Chapter 14, Occupational Licenses, Taxes and Reg...]

LICENSES, TAXES AND REG...] COMMUNICATION FOR THIS EVENING AND WE WILL MOVE ON TO SECTION C ITEMS AND WE WILL BEGIN WITH ITEM C ONE. >> ORDINANCE FOR CHAPTER 14 OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES AND REGULATIONS OF CITY VICTORIA CODE OF ORDINANCES AND ADDING ARTICLE 11 SHORT TERM RENTALS ON FIRST READING.

>> GOOD EVENING. >> GOOD EVENING MAYOR AND COUNCIL, THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME AGAIN TO TALK ABOUT THE SHORT TERM RENTAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE.

I HAVE A SHORT PRESENTATION FOR YOU, I WILL BE BOILING DOWN THE MAIN POINTS OF THE ORDINANCE LANGUAGE BUT BEFORE WE BEGIN, A LITTLE BACKGROUND. JUST TO HIGHLIGHT THAT USES THIS PROGRAM AS THIS IS A PROCESS THAT MANY OTHER CITIES HAVE IN PLACE.

OUR FOCUS IS ON SHARING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PEOPLE RENTING THESE SHORT TERM RENTALS IN VICTORIA.

BUT ADDITIONALLY IT CREATES A FAIR BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL LODGING OPTIONS INCLUDING HOTELS AND MOTELS, OFFERS MORE LODGING OPTIONS THAT WE CAN MARKET SOMETHING VERY MUCH NEEDED ESPECIALLY IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA.

IT ALLOWS THE CBD TO SERVE AS A MARKETING ARM FOR SHORT TERM RENTAL OWNERS AND CREATE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS FOR THEM.

JUST A QUICK OVERVIEW, ALL SHORT TERM RENTALS WITHIN CITY LIMITS MUST REGISTER WITH THE CITY, THOSE INCLUDE THOSE SINGLE ROOMS, APARTMENTS ONTO A LARGER STRUCTURE THAT SORT OF THING.

ANY TYPE OF SHORT TERM RENTAL LISTING WILL NEED TO REGISTER WITH THE CITY.

IT WILL BE A MANDATORY PROGRAM, AND AGAIN AS I MENTIONED EACH SEPARATE RENTAL UNIT OR STRUCTURE REQUIRES ITS OWN REGISTRATION SO IF YOU HAVE A PLOT OF LAND WITH THREE HOUSES ON IT AND EACH ONE IS ITS OWN RENTAL, EACH ONE NEEDS ITS OWN REGISTRATION.

AS AN EFFECTIVE DATE, SHORT TERM RENTALS WILL HAVE 60 DAYS TO OBTAIN THE REGISTRATION OR FILE AN APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION WHICH WOULD THEN LEAD TO AN INSPECTION AND REGISTRATION FEE OF $25 RENEWABLE IS EVERY TWO YEARS.

SO, THE APPLICATION. WHAT WE REQUIRE IS SOME BASIC INFORMATION.

THE PHYSICAL ADDRESS, THE OWNER'S NAME, ADDRESS AND EMAIL ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, THE OPERATOR IF THEY HAVE A MANAGER OR SOME SORT OF STAFF THAT OVERSEES THE OWNER OPERATOR THAT IS THE SAME PERSON, SOMETIMES THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY MAY HAVE SOMEONE THEY HIRE TO RUN IT FOR THEM.

THE NAME AND INFORMATION LINK TO ALL SITES THAT THE SHORT TERM RENTAL ADVERTISES, WE KNOW AIRBNB AND VRBO, THE NAME ADDRESS AND EMAIL, THE CONTACT IF A LOCAL PERSON, AND NUMBER OF BEDROOMS IN A SHORT TERM UNIT. AND PROPOSED NUMBER OF SO I MENTIONED SAFETY, BEFORE REGISTRATION IS ISSUED AND THESE REQUIREMENTS GIVEN TO US BY OUR FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE,

[00:35:05]

REGISTRATION IS ISSUED WHEN ALL FEES HAVE BEEN PAID, THE APPLICANT HAS SUBMITTED A COMPLETE APPLICATION AND IS -- HAS PASSED THE FIRE MARSHAL INSPECTION. WITH THAT APPLICATION BE DENIED, POSSIBLY.

FALSE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION THAT THE OWNER IS OVERDUE ON ANY PAYMENT TO THE CITY ON ANY OTHER KIND OF TAXES OR FEES OR FINES.

THE APPLICANT FAILED THE FIRE MARSHAL INSPECTION, OR THE APPLICANT PROPERTY IS PENDING COMPLAINTS OR VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE.

THEN OF COURSE ANY CHANGE IN INFORMATION, ON THAT APPLICATION MUST BE REPORTED TO TO THE DIRECTOR OR DESIGNEE WITHIN TEN CALENDAR DAYS.

SO AS WE LOOK OVER THE LANGUAGE OF THE ORDINANCE -- POTENTIAL LANGUAGE, SINCE OUR LAST MEETING I MET WITH OUR CITY ATTORNEY WE DECIDED TO MAKE THE LIFE OF THE REGISTRATION TWO YEARS, SO OUR FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE IS NOT HAVING TO EXPECT -- INSPECT FOLKS ALL THE TIME. WITH OWNERSHIP CORRECT THE REGISTRATION WILL EXPIRE IF THE OWNERSHIP OF THE SHORT TERM RENTAL CHANGES, THEY WILL NEED TO FILE A RENEWAL APPLICATION AT LEAST 30 DAYS BEFORE THE EXPIRATION, RENEWAL SHOULD BE APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR AND ANOTHER FEE OF $25 SHALL ACCOMPANY THE RENEWAL APPLICATION.

WE WILL GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY AND WE WILL PRODUCE IT AT OUR OWN EXPENSE TO SHOW THAT THEY ARE A REGISTERED SHORT TERM RENTAL, THEY MUST PROVIDE ALL THE INFORMATION TO OCCUPANTS SO THE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THAT 24 OVER SEVEN LOCAL CONTACT PERSON, THEY SAID THE CONTACT INFORMATION, WEBSITE AND EMERGENCY NUMBERS AND A FLOOR PLAN OF THE SHORT TERM RENTAL AND SHOWING EMERGENCY EVACUATION ROUTES. AND THE OWNER OPERATOR MUST REMAIN CURRENT, PAYMENT OF HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAXES OWED FOLLOWING THE INITIAL APPROVAL.

THOSE HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAXES ARE THE STANDARD 7% AS WELL AS 2%.

SO CAN A BUDGETARY FREE BE TAKEN AWAY CARLG FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY PROVISION WITH CITY ORDINANCES, APPLICABLE TO SHORT TERM RENTALS PROVIDING FALSE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION IF THAT'S EVER DISCOVERED, AFTER AN APPLICATION OR REGISTRATION HAS BEEN APPROVED, IF THERE IS FOUND TO BE FALSE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION THE FAILURE TO NOTIFY A CHANGE OF INFORMATION, NOT FORBIDDING THE HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAXES OR FAILURE TO PAY ANY REQUIRED FEES AS PURSUING THE CHANNEL. IF SOMEONE IS -- IF THE REGISTRATION IS REMOTE WE WILL GIVE THEM A NOTICE THEY HAVE TEN CALENDAR DAYS WHICH IN SENDING OR DELIVERY OF THAT NOTICE TO REMEDY THE VIOLATION UPON THE NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT ALONG FOLLOWING THE BASIS OF IT AND INFORMATION THAT THE OWNER HAS A RIGHT TO APPEAL.

SOME REVOKED SHORT TERM RENTAL REGISTRATION MIGHT BE REINSTATED, IF VIOLATIONS ARE REMEDIED AND $25 REINSTATEMENT FEES IS PAID.

NOW I MENTIONED, THE PROCESS TO APPEAL, WE HAVE A CHANCE TO APPEAL SO IF THE DIRECTOR DENIES THE REGISTRATION OR IT'S REMOTE, THE ACTION IS FINAL UNLESS THE OWNER OPERATOR FOLLOWS A WRITTEN APPEAL IN TEN CALENDAR DAYS.

IF A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR APPEAL IS FILED THE CITY MANAGER SHALL HEAR THE APPEAL WITHIN 30 CALENDAR DAYS AND AT A DIFFERENT DATE MUTUALLY AGREED UPON BY THE CITY MANAGER OR THE OWNER OPERATOR AND THEN THE CITY MANAGER WILL REFER OR REVERSE A DENIAL IT'S PROVED THAT THE DIRECTOR ERRED IN ANY OF THOSE RULINGS AND THE CITY MANAGER IS PRETTY SIMPLE ORDINANCE, WE FOLLOW THE STRUCTURE OF 1I LIKED, IT'S VERY SIMPLE AND WE HAVE A LOT

[00:40:06]

BUT IT HAS GROWN FROM A HANDFUL TO ABOUT EIGHT YEARS AGO TO NOW OVER 40, WE ARE SEEING GROWTH THERE AND THIS IS BEING VERY FORWARD THINKING AND SEEING CONTINUED GROWTH IN THAT AREA. AND AT THIS TIME I CAN ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.

>> WAS THE DEFINITION OF A SHORT TERM RENTAL? AND IN THE ORDINANCE DOES THE SHORT TERM RENTAL, I'M SURE THERE'S A STATEMENT.

>> YOU MEAN THE ACTUAL DEFINITIONS OF THE ORDINANCE OR THE AMOUNT OF DAYS.

>> WHAT IS THE DEFINITION AND IS IT WRITTEN IN THE ORDINANCE?

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION? >> SURE. SHORT TERM RENTAL ALSO KNOWN AS TRANSIENT RENTALS, SHORT TERM VACATION RENTALS OR RESORT DWELLING UNITS, MEANS ANY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE INCLUDING A SINGLE FAMILY HOME, AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE OR AN APARTMENT OR CONDOMINIUM BUILDING OR ANY PORTION USED FOR ACCOMMODATIONS TO OCCUPANTS FOR A.

OF LESS THAN 30 CONSECUTIVE DAYS. THE DEFINITION OF SHORT TERM RENTAL DOES NOT INCLUDE A HOTEL, MOTEL, BED AND BREAKFAST, EXECUTIVE SUITE OR ANY OTHER NONRESIDENTIAL USE, LONGER FOR 30 DAYS THAT ARE STILL ADVERTISED AS AVAILABLE ON A NIGHTLY BASIS ON THOSE

CATEGORIES. >> AND 30 DAYS IS CONSISTENT WITH HOW THEY WILL APPLY TO REGULAR HOTELS?

>> IT WAS THE STATE DEFINITION? >> IT STEMS FROM IT, IT ORIGINATES FROM IT.

>> IF YOU STAY IN THE HOTEL, THE SAME ROOM CONTINUOUSLY LONGER THAN 30 DAYS YOU CAN APPLY FOR THE HOTEL TAXES.

>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS. >> IS THERE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE FIRE MARSHAL INSPECTION

AND WHAT IS THAT INSPECTION LOOK LIKE? >> THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE FIRE MARSHAL INSPECTION THAT WOULD BE SCHEDULED WITH THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE ONCE THE APPLICATION FORM HAS BEEN COMPLETED, IT IS REVIEWED AND IT'S SEEN AS COMPLETE.

THAT WOULD BE THE NEXT STEP AND THAT WILL REQUIRE COOPERATION WITH MY OFFICE AS WELL AS FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE TO SCHEDULE THAT INSPECTION.

>> WHAT'S THE EXPECTATION DURING THE INSPECTION, WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

>> I HAD IT LISTED IN THE PRESENTATION, I CAN GO BACK.

>> IS IT THE BEDROOMS? >> THAT'S FROM A FIRE MARSHAL WHAT THEY WOULD SPECIFICALLY INSPECT.

>> THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS. WE'VE SEEN THIS DRAFT AND THIS WILL BE ON FIRST READING.

APPRECIATED. WITH THAT, I WILL OPEN UP A PUBLIC HEARING WITH RESPECT TO ITEM C ONE, IF THERE'S ANYONE WHO WISHES TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON THIS ITEM PLEASE COME FORWARD AT THIS TIME.

SEEING NO ONE I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON ITEM C ONE AND THIS WILL BE BACK AT A LATER MEETING.

DO WE NEED TO VOTE TO APPROVE? >> I THOUGHT IT SAID THIS WAS A FIRST READING.

B ONE SECOND. >> I HAVE A MOTION ON THE SECOND, ALL IN FAVOR, ALL OPPOSED? IT PASSES. THANK YOU.

WE WILL MOVE ON TO ITEM B WHICH IS THE CONSENT AGENDA,.

[D. Consent Agenda:]

>> ITEM D ONE IS THAT REGULAR MEETING HELD ON APRIL SEVENTH 2026 ITEM D TWO IS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SETTLEMENT PARTICIPATION AND RELEASE FORMS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS OPIOID LITIGATION AGAINST SIX REMNANT DEFENDANTS.

ITEM D THREE APPROVED -- RESOLUTION APPROVING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH VICTORIA COUNTY FOR 2025 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM.

MD4 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ADDITION OF TASK NUMBER 5 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH VICTORIA ENGINEERING INCORPORATED URBAN ENGINEERING FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY'S BOAT RAMP AND KAYAK TAKEOUT POINT IN RIVERSIDE PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,698 WHICH INCREASES CONTACT TOTAL FROM $105,389 TO $144,087. ITEM D FIVE IS A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ADVANCE FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF -- THE CITY AND TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE GRANT TRAIL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF 3,029,000.

ITEM SIX IS A RESOLUTION APPROVING RENEWAL OF CITY EMPLOYMENT CONTACT, ITEM D SEVEN IS RESOLUTION APPROVING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ALL FOUR LLC TO APPROVE -- PROVIDE AIR QUALITY PLANNING SERVICES FOR THE RIDER SEVEN AIR QUALITY PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $281,250,

[00:45:02]

$253,653. >> THANK YOU. DO I HAVE A MOTION ON THE CONSENT AGENDA?

>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> SECOND. >> I HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND, ALL IN -- ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

AND THE CONSENT AGENDA IS NINA CAMPOS, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RE...] APPROVED, WE HAVE NO ACTION ITEMS THIS EVENING SO WE WILL JUMP INTO CITY MANAGER REPORTS. MR. GARZA.

[1. Civil Service Implementation Update. Nina Campos, Director of Human Re...]

>> WE HAVE ONE UPDATE THIS EVENING, IT'S BEEN A FEW MONTHS SINCE WE HAVE LAST SPOKEN TO YOU ABOUT CIVIL SERVICE AND THE EFFORT TO IMPLEMENT IT SO WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE NINA WHO IS OF COURSE OUR DIRECTOR OF HR AND MORE IMPORTANTLY OUR CIVIL SERVICE DIRECTOR AS WELL TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE FOR YOU THIS

EVENING. >> GOOD EVENING, THANK YOU. >> GOOD EVENING MAYOR AND COUNCIL, TODAY CIVIL SERVICE PRESENTATION IS GOING TO TELL YOU ABOUT WHERE WE WERE AND WHERE WE ARE GOING AND WHAT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE, AND OVERALL

INSTITUTIONS. >> I

THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THAT. >> THEY APPROVED THE APPROVAL OF THIS FOR THE VICTORIA FIRE DEPARTMENT.

CHAPTER 143 ESTABLISHES A FORMER CIVIL SERVICE FRAMEWORK, WITH INDEPENDENT OVERSIGHT BY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TO ENSURE FAIRNESS, CONSISTENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. AT ITS CORE CHAPTER 143 ENSURES THE MERIT-BASED SYSTEM WITH DUE PROCESS PROTECTION OBJECTIVE HIRING AND PROMOTIONS, STRUCTURE DISCIPLINARY PROCESS, CONSISTENCY AND TRANSPARENCY.

THESE PRINCIPLES HAVE GUIDED ALL INVOLVED IN ESTABLISHING A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION.

THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION CONSISTS OF THREE MEMBERS, AND I WANT TO COMMEND OUR CITY MANAGER FOR TAKING A DELIBERATE AND STRATEGIC APPROACH IN SELECTING INDIVIDUALS WHOSE EXPERIENCE AND PERSPECTIVE NOT ONLY STRENGTHENED BUT ADD CREDIBILITY TO THIS PROCESS.

LEE KEELING WHO HAS BEEN A POINT CHAIR, CASEY CULLEN, JOSEPH DECATUR KHAKSARI JOSEPH, THE CITY MANAGER, RSILVA SERVICE DIRECTOR, CITY ATTORNEY AND FIRE CHIEF PARTICIPATE IN REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS TO PROVIDE OPERATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL OVERSIGHT.

IN ADDITION THE CITY HAS ENGAGED FRANK TO ALIGN -- ENSURE ALIGNMENT AND PROVIDE SPECIALIST GUIDANCE AS NEEDED.

THE TIMELINE SHOWS THE TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTS THE INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION PHASE FOR CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION FROM JANUARY 2026 THE COMMISSIONER BEGAN ITS WORK IN JANUARY STARTING WITH THE INITIAL FORMATION MEETING WHERE EXPECTATIONS WERE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND OVERALL DIRECTION WERE ESTABLISHED.

THIS WAS A CRITICAL FIRST STEP IN SETTING EXPECTATIONS ON THE SCOPE OF WORK AHEAD.

IN FEBRUARY THE FOCUS SHIFTED TO THE INITIAL REVIEW OF FOUNDATIONAL RULES, SPECIFICALLY ONE THROUGH FOUR.

RULES ONE THROUGH FOUR ARE PRIMARILY FOUNDATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE IN NATURE WHICH MAKES THEM MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD REQUIRING LESS INTERPRETATION, OPERATIONAL IMPACT AND POLICY DISCRETION. AS WE MOVED INTO MARCH, RULES SUCH AS HIRING PROMOTIONS AND DISCIPLINE BECAME MORE COMPLEX.

BECAUSE THEY DIRECTLY AFFECT EMPLOYEES AND OPERATIONS REQUIRE GREATER POLICY DECISIONS AND CARRY HIGHER LEGAL AND OPERATIONAL IMPLICATIONS.

SO YOU CAN SEE AS WE'VE MOVED THROUGH THE FIRST FOUR THAT WAS THE FIRST MEETING BUT IT'S UNDER DEFINITIONS AND TERMS SO THAT THERE IS NO MISINTERPRETATION OF WHAT WORDS LIKE FIREFIGHTER OR SHIFT OR DEPARTMENT HEAD OR SOME OTHER WORDS THAT COULD BE INTERPRETED DIFFERENTLY ARE NOT.

RULE TWO IS GENERAL PROVISIONS, IT ESTABLISHES CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM, SCOPE, AUTHORITY, LEGAL PRECEDENTS, COVERS, IT CLOSELY ALIGNS WITH THE CITY POLICIES THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY PRACTISING.

AND THEN RULE THREE ESTABLISHES EXACTLY WHAT THE COMMISSIONER'S RESPONSIBILITIES ARE.

WHAT IS THEIR ROLE, WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND OUTLINES AUTHORITY'S.

IT DEFINES NOT ONLY THE CIVIL SERVICE DIRECTOR'S ROLE BUT ALSO THE COMMISSIONER'S.

[00:50:03]

>> PAUSE RIGHT THERE FOR A SECOND AND TAKE A BREATH.

SO I REALLY QUICKLY, IF YOU COULD GO BACK SO I JUST WANT TO APOLOGIZE, FOR THE MISSPELLING, IF YOU'RE LISTENING SORRY ABOUT THAT, AND JUST THAT.

>> RULE NUMBER 4, ESTABLISHES HOW THE COMMISSION CONDUCTS BUSINESS INCLUDING OPEN MEETINGS, AGENDA POSTING AND COMPLIANCE WITH TEXAS OPEN MEETING, DETAILS, MEETING PROCEDURES, PUBLIC PARTICIPATION RECORD KEEPING AND FORMAL HEARING PROCESSES FOR DISPLAYING MATTERS. THE COMMISSION HAS AGREED TO MEET REGULARLY AND IT WILL HOLD QUARTERLY MEETINGS THAT THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH. SPECIAL MEETINGS MAY BE CALLED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE DIRECTOR OR CHAIRPERSON ABOUT THE COMMISSION.

UNDER CITIZEN'S COMMUNICATION IT WAS AGREED CITIZENS ARE ALLOTTED A MAXIMUM OF 3 MINUTES TO ADDRESS ANY ISSUES WITH THE COMMISSION.

CIVIL SERVICE ROW FIVE CLASSIFICATION IT REFERS TO THE STRUCTURED SYSTEM OF JOB TITLES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT.

DEFINING EACH POSITION'S DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND PLACE WITHIN CHAIN OF COMMAND.

THESE CLASSIFICATIONS ESTABLISH A CLEAR ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK THAT SUPPORTS EXISTING PAY STRUCTURES, OUTLINES PROMOTIONAL PATHWAYS ENSURES POSITIONS ARE APPLIED UNIFORMLY ACROSS THE DEPARTMENT, CREATING FAIRNESS, CLARITY AND ALIGNMENT IN HOW ROLES ARE DEFINED AND ADVANCED.

THE COMMISSION HAS AGREED ON THE FOLLOWING CLASSIFICATIONS UNDER FIREFIGHTING, BATTALION CHIEF CAPTAIN, LIEUTENANT, ENGINEER AND FIREFIGHTER. UNDER EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BATTALION CHIEF CAPTAIN, LIEUTENANT, PARAMEDIC CREW LEAD AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN.

REGARDING PAY IT WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE COMMISSIONERS THE INTENT IS TO ALIGN PAY WITH CURRENT STRUCTURES OF OUR EXISTING STAFF PROGRAM.

RULE SIX TAKES A DEEPER DIVE AT THE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS FOR FIREFIGHTERS.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY OR WILL IN THIS ROLE BE DEFINED AS HAVING REACHED THEIR 18TH BIRTHDAY, HAVING NOT REACHED THEIR 35TH BIRTHDAY, HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION, GED, HOMESCHOOL, ALL OF THOSE MUST BE VERIFIED AND THEY MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENTS. IN ADDITION TO MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS APPLICANTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO A PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE TEST TO DETERMINE THEIR ABILITY TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS. RULE SEVEN OUTLINES A STRUCTURED AND COMPETITIVE PROCESS FOR PROMOTIONS ENSURING DECISIONS ARE BASED ON MERIT, FAIRNESS AND TRANSPARENCY.

EMPLOYEES MUST MEET ESTABLISHED ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS INCLUDING MINIMUM TIME IN RANK AND SUBMIT A FORMAL NOTICE OF INTENT TO TEST WITHIN REQUIRED DEADLINES.

PROMOTIONS ARE DETERMINED THROUGH WRITTEN EXAMINATION, DESIGNED TO ASSESS JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE WITH A MINIMUM SCORE REQUIRED AND SENIORITY AWARDS APPLIED TO FINAL RANKINGS. RESULTS ARE POSTED PROMPTLY TO MAINTAIN TRANSPARENCY AND CANDIDATES ARE PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW AND APPEAL EXAMINE OUTCOMES THROUGH THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION PEER AS YOU CAN SEE THE RULES MOVING FORWARD ARE CURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENT, WE ARE MEETING AS A GROUP TO ESTABLISH WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO DEFINE THOSE RULES AS, BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN PRESENTED YET. RULE EIGHT, DISCIPLINE AND ACCOUNTABILITY, RULE EIGHT -- DEFINES DISCIPLINARY STANDARDS INCLUDING CAUSES FOR SUSPENSION, EMOTION, OR TERMINATION.

THIS RULE OUTCOMES DISCIPLINARY LEVELS, APPEAL RIGHTS, HEARING PROCEDURES AND DECISION MAKING STANDARDS, IT ALSO ESTABLISHES DETAILS AS TO HOW DISCIPLINARY CASES ARE REVIEWED AND RESOLVED.

WHILE ALL RULES ARE IMPORTANT YOU CAN SEE THAT AS WE MOVE FORWARD THESE RULES NOT ONLY AFFECT OPERATIONS BUT THEY CARRY HIGHER LEGAL AND OPERATIONAL IMPLICATIONS.

RULE NINE, RULE NINE SPECIFIES THE TYPES OF LEAVES INCLUDING MILITARY, ADMINISTRATIVE, LINE OF DUTY, VACATION, BEREAVEMENT, SICK LEAVE AND LEAVE WITHOUT PAY.

THIS RULE DEFINES ELIGIBILITY, USAGE AND CONDITIONS FOR EACH LEAVE TYPE WHILE ALL ROLES AGAIN PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE THIS ONE NOT ONLY IMPACTS HOW WE STAFF SHIFTS BUT IT ALSO IMPACTS HOW WE MAINTAIN SERVICE LEVELS AND MANAGE LONG TERM COSTS.

THE COMPLEXITY OF THIS ROLE WILL DERIVE FROM FINDING A MUTUAL SOLUTION AS WE TRANSITION FROM WHAT WE CURRENTLY OFFER TO WHAT CHAPTER 143

[00:55:03]

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION MENTAL FITNESS, IT ALLOWS FOR MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS WHEN NEEDED, IT ESTABLISHES A PROCESS FOR RESOLVING FITNESS DISPUTES AND DEFINES STANDARDS FOR BOTH CURRENT EMPLOYEES AND APPLICANTS.

AS WE GO THROUGH THE TIMELINE AGAIN AND GO THROUGH TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING I AM GOING TO HAND IT OVER TO MR.

GARZA. >> THANK YOU FOR THAT, I APPRECIATE THE OVERVIEW.

I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO REMIND YOU OF THE FACT AND THE PUBLIC OF THE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING, AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CIVIL SERVICE WHICH NOW WE HAVE THE GOOD SENSE AS TO WHAT THAT ENTAILS, THE TIMELINE AND THEN THE SECOND PIECE OF WHAT WAS ADOPTED IN NOVEMBER IS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND IF YOU GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IS THE FORMATTING OF THIS THING, I DON'T KNOW HOW THAT HAPPENED, I PROMISED IT WASN'T MADE THAT WAY.

BUT ANYHOW, WE ARE AT THE BEGINNING STAGES OF THAT, WE RECEIVED FORMAL INTENT TO BARGAIN FROM THE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, WE MADE INITIAL FORMAL CONTACT WITH M, WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF FINALIZING THE VERY FIRST INFORMAL MEETING AMONGST NEGOTIATIONS -- NEGOTIATING TEAMS DID TAKE PLACE THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY.

WE ARE WORKING WITHIN COLLABORATIVELY ON DOING SOME TRAINING, SINCE THIS OF COURSE IS NEW FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED, THEY HAVE BEEN VERY COLLABORATIVE AND VERY PROFESSIONAL IN OUR DEALINGS IN REGARDS TO SETTING IT ALL UP.

WE ANTICIPATE THAT FORMAL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING MEETINGS WILL COMMENCE IN MAY.

THOSE MEETINGS ARE MEETINGS THAT ARE OPEN AND PUBLICLY POSTED AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE ALL OF THOSE MEETINGS TAKE PLACE AT THE PUBLIC SAFETY HEADQUARTER FACILITY WHICH IS ALSO WHERE THE SERVICE COMMISSION'S MEETINGS HAVE TAKEN PLACE.

AND SO YOU MAY RECALL FIVE OR SIX MONTHS AGO WHEN WE WERE TALKING ABOUT HOW ALL THIS WAS GOING TO PLAY OUT, THIS IDEA THAT IT'S IMPORTANT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO GO FIRST AND BE FINALIZED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE PRIOR TO BEGINNING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

AND I WANT TO GIVE YOU A FEW EXAMPLES OF WHY THAT IS IMPORTANT AND SO IF YOU WOULD NOT MIND GOING BACK TO I THINK IT IS RULE NUMBER 5, I WILL TELL YOU WHEN TO STOP, RIGHT THERE. I GUESS ONE MORE.

IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND. WE NOTE THAT THESE RULES THAT ARE BEING ESTABLISHED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION HAVE TO FOR THE MOST PART ABIDE THIS CHAPTE. AND SO EVERYTHING THAT NINA WENT OVER IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THAT STATE LAW.

HOWEVER, COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ALLOWS OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH SIDES TO MAKE CHANGES THAT MAY BE A REASON THAT MAKES SENSE.

AS AN EXAMPLE IT'S NOT UNCOMMON FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING TO COME IN AND SAY WE THINK 36, HAVING TO BEAT 36 YEARS OLD LET'S NEGOTIATE THAT TO INCREASE THAT AGE TO OPEN YOUR POOL OF CANDIDATES TO BE MUCH LARGER AS AN EXAMPLE.

IT'S A VERY MINOR EXAMPLE OF THAT, IF YOU GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT ALSO IS VERY COMMON TO ADDRESS AS PART OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING OR ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH ELIGIBILITY, WITH EXAMINATION, WITH CIVIL SERVICE REQUIRES THAT PROMOTIONS BASICALLY OCCUR BASED OFF THE RESULTS OF A TEST, AND SO IT IS COMMON TO TRY TO NEGOTIATE ASSESSMENT CENTERS SO THAT DECISIONS FOR PROMOTION ARE BASED OFF A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT TOPICS AND NOT SOLELY A TEST.

JUST TO GIVE YOU ANOTHER EXAMPLE. IF YOU ACTUALLY GO BACK SEVERAL SLIDES, THAT ONE, HERE IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THAT.

UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW EVERYONE BASICALLY IS A FIREFIGHTER.

WE'VE HAD TO WORK VERY CREATIVELY WITH OUR OUTSIDE LEGAL COUNCIL AND THE COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH THIS SERVICE, WHICH YOU DON'T SEE IS FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE.

BECAUSE UNDER CIVIL SERVICE, EVERYBODY FOR THE MOST PART IS A FIREFIGHTER AND SO PART OF ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF SOMETHING THAT MAKES SENSE TO BRING UP AS PART OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IS TO STRUCTURE THE DEPARTMENT IN A MANNER THAT IS BASICALLY HOW WE HAD IT BECAUSE IN THE ABSENCE OF THAT, THERE NO LONGER IS -- THERE ARE NO LONGER FIRE MARSHAL POSITIONS AND SILVER SERVICE WOULD REQUIRE THAT EVERYONE IN THE DEPARTMENT BE A FIREFIGHTER ENGINEER OR BATTALION CHIEF. AND SO THE WAY THAT WORKS IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS IS BASICALLY SOMEONE BECOMES AN ENGINEER BUT GETS ASSIGNED TO THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE.

[01:00:01]

SO IT IS DOABLE, IT'S A DIFFERENT THAN WHAT IT'S ACCUSTOMED TO.

MOVE FORWARD PLEASE. NEXT SLIDE. NEXT SLIDE.

ONE ITEM THAT OFTEN COMES UP IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IS THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS PART OF IT, THIS IS ALSO A COMMON TOPIC THAT COMES UP ESPECIALLY IN COMMUNITIES THAT DON'T HAVE GREAT ACCESS TO PSYCHOLOGISTS OR GREAT ACCESS TO RESOURCES TO CONDUCT PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND SO IT'S A COMMON ITEM THAT COMES UP DURING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND ANTICIPATE IT WILL COME UP AS WELL DURING HOURS.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE, PICK AND SO THAT IS JUST AN EXAMPLE OF SOME THINGS THAT EITHER SIDE MAY WANT TO BRING UP AS PART OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING WHICH IS WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT TO GET THROUGH THE CIVIL SERVICE PART OF IT FIRST SO THAT BOTH SIDES UNDERSTAND WHAT THINGS NEED TO CHANGE, WHAT THINGS WE NEED TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT GOING FORWARD TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS.

IN ADDITION TO CLEANING ALL OF THAT UP, A BIG PART OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING WILL CENTER AROUND COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS THAT TYPICALLY IS OF COURSE THE HEAVY TICKET ITEMS INVOLVED WITH THAT AND OUR GOAL IS TO TRY TO WRAP UP COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BY THE SEMI TIME SO THAT COME OFFICIAL PROPOSAL OF THE OFFICE, ALL OF THAT IS TAKEN CARE OF. BUT, ONLY TIME WILL TELL AND SO WE HOPE THAT IS THE CASE

AND WITH THAT I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. >> ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON THE UPDATES? I KNOW THAT THERE HAS BEEN MANY MEETINGS SETTING THIS UP EARLY FROM OUR COMMISSION SO I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR DILIGENT WORK THAT THEY PUT IN OR CONTINUE TO DO SO PLEASE KEEP US UPDATED.

>> ABSOLUTELY. >> THAT CONCLUDES WHAT WE HAVE ON THE AGENDA AND I UNDERSTAND WE DO NOT HAVE AN EXECUTIVE SESSION IS THAT CORRECT? THEN WE ARE OUT

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.