Summary
Highlights
The meeting began with a good morning address and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by students from Del Valle High School, invited by City Representative Lemon.
The Mayor issued a proclamation declaring February 22, 2026, as National El Paso Marathon Runners Day. The El Paso Runners Foundation, established in 2006, promotes physical activity, health, and fitness, and organizes the annual Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon. Speakers highlighted the marathon's 20-year history, its growth to nearly 7,000 participants from 46 states and eight countries, and its contribution of nearly $450,000 to local charities. The 2026 event will include the full marathon, half marathon, 5K, and Kids Dash, with the main races starting on Sunday, February 22.
A proclamation was made to recognize Amigo Man's 50th birthday, declaring February 16, 2026, as Amigo Man Day. Amigo Man, created in 1976 by Jean Stalin and illustrated by Clive Cochran, serves as an iconic symbol and friendly ambassador for El Paso, promoting tourism, community pride, and civic engagement. Destination El Paso announced a 50th birthday celebration on February 19 at the downtown Visitor Information Center, featuring a commemorative statue reveal, cake, and photo opportunities.
The Mayor proclaimed February 17, 2026, as Mission Trail Association Founders Day, commemorating 40 years of service. The El Paso Mission Trail Association, incorporated in 1986, is dedicated to promoting and preserving historic sites along the Mission Valley and El Paso Camino Real. Speakers emphasized the association's role in fostering education, heritage tourism, and economic vitality through tours, historical presentations, exhibits, and community initiatives, sustained by dedicated volunteers.
A proclamation was issued for Black Children's Book Week, to be celebrated from February 22-28, 2026. The 'Turn the Page,' 'Start the Adventure Story Fest' event will take place on February 28 at the Esperanza Acosta Moreno Library. Taffany Hopper, owner of a Black-owned bookstore, and Megan Jimmerson, an early childhood educator, spoke on the importance of diversity in children's literature, literacy, and community engagement. Carla Brown highlighted the significance of the proclamation in affirming the value of Black stories and fostering inclusivity.
February 17, 2026, was proclaimed El Paso Heart Safe School Awareness Day. The proclamation recognized the efforts of Region 19 school nurses, in partnership with Project Adam through El Paso Children's Hospital, to certify every school as a Heartsafe School. This initiative provides accessible AEDs and trained personnel to improve survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest events on school grounds. Various school officials and healthcare professionals spoke on the importance of this standardized cardiac emergency response plan, making Region 19 the first in Texas and the nation to adopt such a comprehensive plan.
The formal city council meeting began with an invocation by El Paso Police Chaplain Joe Marada, followed by a moment of silence requested by Representative Lemon to honor the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Several citizens addressed the council regarding item 13, a proposed data center policy framework. Jonathan Zion, a software engineer, urged the city to mandate no evaporative water use and create a citizen oversight board with veto power over future expansions. Other speakers, including Vanessa Almada and J. Mana, expressed concerns about data centers' unsustainable demand on water, electricity, and gas, particularly in a desert region like El Paso. They highlighted potential negative impacts on infrastructure, the environment, and utility rates, calling for stricter regulations, a prohibition on further data center development, and the termination of existing agreements like the one with Meta.
Representative Tjo introduced a motion for a 60-day pause on new data center negotiations to develop a policy framework, emphasizing community engagement and legal analysis of all agreements. Representative Fierro moved to postpone or delete the item, suggesting further collaboration with the county first. After much discussion and amendments concerning the budget, timeline, and scope of the policy, the council ultimately approved the motion to direct the city manager to develop a proposed data center policy framework, emphasizing community engagement, utility provider collaboration, and legal analysis of 380 agreements, without a specific 60-day deadline.
Patricia Osmond provided the sole public comment on item 14, expressing agreement with some council members about the need for immediate and effective pothole repair. She referenced earlier discussions and presentations about substantial street repair contracts and highlighted safety concerns for cyclists and drivers due to poor road conditions. She criticized the idea of “prettier” repairs over functional ones and questioned the city's approach to coordinating with utility companies on street maintenance.
Representatives Tjo and Aso introduced a proposal to direct the city manager to evaluate and implement improvements in pothole repair practices, including different repair methods, criteria for repeated failures, and stronger inspection for utility work. Representative Tjo presented visuals of temporary patches versus a proposed full-depth repair, questioning the long-term effectiveness and cost of repeated patching. Other representatives, including Canales and Fierro, praised the current efficiency of Streets of Maintenance but raised concerns about the cost implications of implementing new methods without additional funding. Miss Mack clarified that many streets shown required reconstruction, not just patching, and that the department was already efficient, making 3,100 repairs per month at a cost of $96,000.
Representative Aso introduced a motion to begin the process for a November 2026 city charter amendment special election, including public outreach and potentially reactivating the ad-hoc charter advisory committee. Miss Mack informed the council that such an election would cost between $1.2 to $1.6 million, straddling two fiscal years. Several representatives, including Fierro, Canales, and Rocha, expressed reservations due to the significant cost and the short timeline, suggesting it would be more fiscally responsible to align charter amendments with regular mayoral elections. Patricia Osmond critically questioned the timing and motivations behind the proposal, alleging a 'power play' and a failure to deliver past promises to residents.
The council considered and approved solicitation 2026-0191 for citywide pavement markings, awarded to PMI Pavement Markings LLC for an estimated $6.82 million. Patricia Osmond questioned whether these markings were for new streets and past projects lacking clear explanations, expressing skepticism about the city's spending priorities in light of budget constraints.
The council discussed and approved a resolution to adopt the city of El Paso's state legislative agenda for the 90th Texas Legislative Session. Cesar Ortiz from Strategic and Legislative Affairs presented the proactive approach to advocacy, emphasizing coordination with the state delegation, protecting local authority, and securing state funding for infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. Council members praised the detailed and early planning, highlighting the agenda's role in making El Paso's advocacy efforts more effective.
The council adopted the 2026-2036 Public Art Master Plan and the 2026 Public Art Plan. Ben Fe, Managing Director, and Meredith McKinley of VIA Consulting presented the 10-year master plan, highlighting community input, the program's successes since 2014, and strategies for future projects, artist support, and funding diversification. Miriam Garcia detailed the 2026 plan, showcasing recent and ongoing projects, including installations at the El Paso International Airport and workshops for local artists. Patricia Osmond criticized the spending on art, calling them 'vanity projects' amidst other city budget struggles.
A resolution was approved to authorize the city manager to sign a golf course operation and concession agreement with EP Golf Co LLC for the Lonestar Golf Club. Lisa Garcia from the airport presented the new 30-year agreement with two 10-year options, emphasizing significant capital investments by the concessionaire ($1.3 million for a putting golf course and dining area expansion) and a shift in responsibility for critical infrastructure maintenance. The agreement is projected to enhance quality of life, increase non-aeronautical revenue for the airport, and modernize the facility. Council members lauded the win-win nature of the contract and the benefits to the community.
The council approved a resolution adopting the Advanced Manufacturing Incentive Policy (AMD policy) and a $1.2 million allocation from the Texas Economic Development Fund for the 'Dibs Readiness Incentive.' Jessica Cordova from Economic and International Development explained the policy's goal to reinvent El Paso's manufacturing roots into high-growth industries, leveraging federal funding and existing infrastructure like the Innovation Factory. The incentive aims to help 150 manufacturers achieve defense industrial-based readiness by May 2027 by funding certifications and providing a suitable environment at the AMD. Council members praised the initiative for fostering economic growth and creating high-paying jobs. Patricia Osmond questioned the sustainability of using the TED fund and raised concerns about partnerships with Fort Bliss.
The council approved a resolution to authorize the city manager to sign the second amendment to the agreement with Jordan Foster Construction LLC for the Advanced Manufacturing District, accepting a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $26,154,391. Victoria Ree from Capital Improvements presented the project, funded by a $25 million EDA grant and airport enterprise funds, focusing on 50,000 square feet of warm shell building, infrastructure, and amenities. The project aims to cultivate an environment conducive to strong economic development and is tied to the city's strategic plan. Patricia Osmond questioned the inclusion of a dog park in the plans as unnecessary.
The council accepted the results of the Accounts Receivable Program Second Follow-up Audit (A2025-10). Miguel Montiel from the Internal Audit Department presented the findings, indicating that the Office of the Controller had updated the accounts receivable policy and created training courses to address previous recommendations. While the Controller's office met its objectives, departments still need to define and track services, set payment plans, and ensure timely invoicing. Patricia Osmond used her public comment to criticize the audit process for allegedly failing to address a specific case of a constituent facing financial hardship due to unacknowledged payments, suggesting a broader issue of money going missing.
A resolution was approved to transfer $159,198.55 from 2020 capital funding plan project savings to the Downtown Bicycle Improvements Phase One project, specifically for resurfacing Virginia Street. Wen from Capital Improvements explained that the street's poor condition necessitated resurfacing before installing bicycle striping. Sasha Donski clarified that this involved using existing, budgeted funds. Patricia Osmond questioned the necessity of additional funds for downtown bike lanes, referring to them as 'bike lanes to nowhere' and suggesting they would worsen traffic, implying a prioritization of specific development interests over citizen needs.
The council approved a resolution to submit an application for a $50,000 Texas A&M Forest Service grant program, with a $21,000 cash and $29,000 in-kind city match. Dora Hernandez from Strategic and Legislative Affairs, representing the Climate, Sustainability, and Energy Division, presented the grant's focus on enhancing urban adaptability and resilience by planting 250 trees. The program will involve partnerships with San Brando Espiransa for outreach and UTEP/El Paso Water for education, targeting homeowners in low-tree-equity areas. Council members supported the initiative, though Representative Nino raised concerns about the accuracy of the tree equity score map. Patricia Osmond questioned the effectiveness of past tree grants and continued to express general distrust in city programs.
The city council entered executive session to discuss legal advice regarding a notice to airmen (NOTAM) concerning a temporary flight restriction issued on February 10, 2026. No immediate action was taken upon reconvening.