City Council

Summary

This resolution authorizes the City Manager to deprogram two proposed projects funded by the 2012 Quality of Life Bond program.

• "Montana to I-10 EP Electric Corridor, Section D": This paved trail project, with an estimated budget of $551,161.26, is being deprogrammed due to insufficient available budget.
• "Palisades Trailhead": This trail head parking area project, with an estimated budget of $300,000.00, is being deprogrammed because of the inability to enter into an agreement with an adjacent property owner.

Both projects were identified in the 2012 bond program which was approved by Council on November 6, 2012.

Citizen Impact

Residents will not see the development of the "Montana to I-10 EP Electric Corridor, Section D" or the "Palisades Trailhead" as originally planned due to budget constraints and land ownership issues.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution amends Schedule C of the FY2026 Budget to introduce a new $50 registration fee for dogs designated as ‘Vicious Dogs’. This fee aligns with companion ordinances that establish new regulations and definitions for aggressive and vicious dogs under City Code Sections 7.12.070 and 7.12.080. The fee is intended to ensure cost recovery for the enforcement of these new regulations. The amendment to Schedule C will be effective upon Council approval and the effective date specified in the resolution, which is anticipated to be in 2026.

Citizen Impact

Residents who own dogs designated as ‘Vicious Dogs’ will be subject to a new $50 annual registration fee. This fee is directly tied to new regulations defining and regulating aggressive and vicious dogs within the city.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution authorizes the City Manager to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with El Paso Electric Company (EPE), the City of El Paso (CEP), Project Bravo (PB), and CLEAResult Consulting Inc. The MOU will direct the use of Low-Income Assistance Funds, totaling $1 million over five years ($200,000 annually), for the installation of energy-efficient Cool Roofs on qualifying low-income homes within El Paso city limits. Project Bravo will be the implementing agency, and CLEAResult will administer the program. The funds are derived from a franchise amendment ordinance approved in 2020. CLEAResult will receive approximately $26,000 for administrative fees, and the remaining ~$974,000 will go to Project Bravo for administrative costs and contractor compensation for roof installations, with each project not exceeding $30,000.

Citizen Impact

Low-income homeowners in El Paso can benefit from free cool roof installations, which can help reduce energy costs and improve home comfort. This program is funded through existing franchise agreement funds and will be implemented by Project Bravo and CLEAResult.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of El Paso Police Department is seeking to submit a grant application for "Project Safe Neighborhoods FY2027" to the Public Safety Office of the State of Texas. The grant requests $33,000.00 with no cash match required. The grant period will be from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. The funds will be used to maintain 11 Gunshot Detection sensors and tracking services for the Gang Unit, and to purchase 9 level 3 mini ballistic shields for the Gang Unit to enhance protection during high-risk critical incident encounters. This initiative aligns with the city's strategic goal to set the standard for a safe and secure city by increasing public safety operational efficiency.

Citizen Impact

This grant will enhance public safety by funding gunshot detection technology to improve law enforcement response times and providing ballistic shields for the Gang Unit to increase officer safety during critical incidents.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of El Paso Police Department is seeking to secure a grant of $200,000.00 from the State of Texas Public Safety Office for its "Peace Officer Mental Health Program, FY2027". This funding will support and expand the department's existing program, which provides mental health services to police officers and first responders. The program aims to reduce barriers to early intervention for trauma-related psychological injury, burnout, and impaired functioning by offering embedded clinical support and coordinated external referrals. The grant period is from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, and requires no cash match from the city. The resolution authorizes the City Manager or designee to submit the grant application and manage the funds.

Citizen Impact

This grant will enhance mental health support for El Paso police officers, potentially leading to improved officer well-being and more effective public safety services for the community. The funding directly supports the mental health of those who serve the city.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution authorizes the City Manager or their designee to apply for and submit Grant Application Number 4365505 to the Public Safety Office of the State of Texas. The grant, titled "Body Worn Camera, FY2027," is for the El Paso Police Department and aims to provide financial assistance for the purchase of 85 new Body Worn Cameras and accessories. The total project cost is $170,204.00, with the grant requesting $127,653.00 and requiring a city cash match of $42,551.00. The grant period will be from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027.

Citizen Impact

This grant will fund new body-worn cameras for El Paso Police Department patrol and traffic officers, potentially enhancing transparency and accountability in citizen interactions.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of El Paso Police Department is requesting $462,560.00 in grant funding from the State of Texas Public Safety Office through grant application number 5381302 for the "Criminal Justice Grant- JAG (Justice Assistance Grant) FY2027" project. This funding will be used to replace 50 outdated APX 6000 portable radios with 50 new APX Next Single Band radios that feature LTE connectivity. The grant period is from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. No cash match is required from the city. This upgrade aims to enhance communication reliability, reduce safety risks, and ensure seamless connectivity for officers, especially during periods of radio interference.

Citizen Impact

This grant will improve the reliability of police radio communications, enhancing officer safety and response capabilities, which indirectly benefits residents by ensuring more effective public safety operations.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution appoints District 2 Representative Josh Acevedo as a City Representative to the Metropolitan Planning Organization's Transportation Policy Board (TPB). He will replace District 8 Representative Chris Canales. The appointment is effective immediately.

Citizen Impact

Residents will be represented on the Transportation Policy Board by a new elected official, who will influence regional transportation planning decisions.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item concerns the appointment of Susannah Byrd to the Public Service Board Selection Committee. The appointment is made by Representative Deanna Maldonado-Rocha of District 3. Susannah Byrd has a strong background in engineering, economic development, and public service, having previously served on the City Council from 2005-2013 and on the PSB Selection Committee from 2021-2025. Her term on the committee will begin on October 26, 2025, and expire on October 26, 2029. The reason for the vacancy is that the previous appointee's term expired.

Citizen Impact

Susannah Byrd's reappointment to the Public Service Board Selection Committee means residents will continue to have an experienced member involved in selecting candidates for the Public Service Board, which oversees utility services.

Confidence

high

Summary

Carlos Gonzalez is being considered for reappointment to the Civil Service Commission. His current term expires on January 31, 2026, and this proposed reappointment would extend his service to January 31, 2029. Gonzalez has a background in labor, having served as a Business Agent for Iron Workers Local Union 263 and holding Vice-President roles in the El Paso Central Labor Union and the El Paso Building and Construction Trades.

Citizen Impact

As a member of the Civil Service Commission, Carlos Gonzalez will continue to play a role in matters related to civil service employment within the city, impacting hiring, promotions, and disciplinary actions for city employees.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item concerns the appointment of Cynthia Retana to the Ethics Review Commission. The appointment is made by Representative Ivan Niño of District 5 and is a regular appointment to fill a term that expired. Ms. Retana's qualifications include extensive executive leadership experience in public and nonprofit sectors, with a strong background in ethical governance, regulatory compliance, policy oversight, and financial management. She holds a Master of Education and is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership. Her term begins on February 21, 2025, and expires on February 20, 2027. She replaces Ryan Woodcraft, whose term expired.

Citizen Impact

Cynthia Retana's appointment to the Ethics Review Commission means a new member will be involved in reviewing ethical conduct and compliance matters, potentially impacting transparency and accountability in city governance.

Confidence

high

Summary

Jose Luis Lopez has been nominated by Representative Art Fierro, District 6, for a regular appointment to the Public Service Board Selection Committee. Mr. Lopez is the founder and CEO of Lopez PR & Marketing Group, the largest Hispanic-owned PR and marketing firm in El Paso, with over 30 years of experience in public relations and marketing. He has held significant leadership roles in various business and community organizations, including the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce and the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. His term on the committee will begin on January 20, 2026, and expire on January 20, 2030, replacing Cristian Botello whose term expired.

Citizen Impact

This appointment will place Jose Luis Lopez on a committee responsible for selecting members for the Public Service Board, which oversees essential city services. Residents may be impacted by the board's decisions on utilities and public services based on the qualifications and perspectives of the appointed members.

Confidence

high

Summary

This agenda item concerns the appointment of Jeffrey Dan (JD) Cotham to the Civil Service Commission. The appointment is made by Representative Deanna Maldonado-Rocha, District 3, and is placed on the Consent agenda for the January 20, 2026, City Council meeting. Cotham's term will begin on February 1, 2025, and expire on January 31, 2028. He previously served over 20 years with the El Paso Police Department, holding positions such as Police Sergeant and Criminal Investigations Detective, and possesses a Master of Public Administration. He is also a former trustee of the El Paso Fire and Police Pension fund.

Citizen Impact

Residents may be impacted by the decisions made by the Civil Service Commission, which oversees personnel matters for civil service employees. Jeffrey Dan Cotham's experience in law enforcement and public administration will contribute to the commission's oversight.

Confidence

high

Summary

Lynn Jordan Westbrook has been appointed as an Alternate Member to the Fair Housing Task Force. This appointment was made by Representative Deanna Maldonado-Rocha of District 3 and is effective January 20, 2026, with a term beginning May 1, 2024, and expiring April 30, 2027. Westbrook, a licensed real estate professional with over 21 years of experience and a recent Juris Doctor graduate, previously served on the El Paso City Council's Veterans Affairs Committee.

Citizen Impact

This appointment will bring a new alternate member with real estate expertise to the Fair Housing Task Force, which addresses housing discrimination and accessibility issues impacting residents.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item concerns the appointment of Chris Canales to the Financial Oversight and Audit Committee by Mayor Renard U. Johnson. The appointment is for a one-year term, beginning and ending on January 20, 2026. Chris Canales will serve as a representative and will provide legislative oversight of the Internal Auditor, review financial policies, and make recommendations to the City Council regarding city finances. Canales is currently a resident of District 8 and holds several other board memberships, including with the City of El Paso Employees Retirement Trust Board of Trustees. The previous appointee was Representative Josh Acevedo, who was removed from the position.

Citizen Impact

The appointment of Chris Canales to the Financial Oversight and Audit Committee means there will be a representative focused on city finances and audits, potentially leading to improved fiscal responsibility and transparency in city operations.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item is for notation only and presents expenditures from Special Projects, Discretionary Funds, and P-Card transactions for the period of November 21, 2025, to December 20, 2025. The expenditures cover the Mayor, City Council Representatives, City Attorney's Office, City Manager's Office, and staff. The document lists various P-Card transactions, including travel for legal conferences, office supplies, community event expenses for various districts, and software subscriptions. It also notes a few special project expenditures for District 1, District 3, and District 8, such as event supplies and waste management services.

Citizen Impact

This is a notation-only item, meaning no action is taken by the council. Residents can review these expenditures to understand how public funds are being used by city officials and departments for operational needs and community engagement activities.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance authorizes the City of El Paso to convey real property located at 1926 Bassett Avenue to Don Luciano or Assigns for a purchase price of $483,142.68. The sale is being conducted in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code, utilizing a broker listing procedure. The City Manager, or their designee, is authorized to execute the contract of sale, sign all necessary closing documents, and manage any contract amendments that do not alter the sale price or extend due diligence periods. The property is legally described as Lots 1 through 3, and the East 10 feet of Lot 4, Block 31, BASSETT’S ADDITION. The Contract of Sale specifies that the property is sold "As Is" and outlines responsibilities for inspections, title insurance, surveys, and environmental matters post-closing, with the buyer assuming liability for any future environmental issues. The closing is scheduled to occur within 30 calendar days following the expiration of the Title Review Period.

Citizen Impact

This action represents the sale of a city-owned property at 1926 Bassett Avenue for a specified price. Residents are not directly impacted by this transaction, as it is a standard conveyance of municipal real estate.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of El Paso is authorizing the conveyance of a city-owned real property parcel, legally described as Lot E and a portion of Lot F, Block 15, Mills Map Addition, to Romity Ventures, LLC. The sale price for this approximately 0.45-acre property, which includes a parking garage, is $1,530,000.00. The property was marketed through a licensed real estate broker in accordance with Texas Local Government Code, ensuring it was listed for at least 30 days and sold to the highest cash offer. The City Manager or their designee is authorized to execute the contract of sale, sign necessary closing documents, and handle amendments that do not affect the sale price.

Citizen Impact

This transaction involves the sale of city-owned property for $1.53 million, which will contribute to the city's tax base. Residents are not directly impacted by the sale itself, as it concerns a commercial property.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance authorizes the City of El Paso to convey a parcel of real property, municipally known as 212 Dolan Street, to Jesus Martin Lara and Lorena Villar for a purchase price of $1,608.00. The property is approximately 0.04 acres and is described as a portion of Lot 6, Block 3, Map of Pasadena. The sale is being conducted under an exception to the public bid notice requirement in Texas Local Government Code Section 272.001(b)(1), as the parcel cannot be developed independently due to its shape, lack of access, or small area, and is being sold to an abutting property owner. The ordinance also authorizes the City Manager or their designee to execute the contract of sale and all necessary closing documents. The sale is expected to be finalized in 2026.

Citizen Impact

This action will result in the sale of a small city-owned parcel of land at 212 Dolan Street to adjacent property owners for a nominal fee. Residents will not experience any direct costs or service changes as a result of this conveyance.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance amends Ordinance No. 16015 to grant the City Manager administrative authority to enter into and sign certain contracts on behalf of the City. This change aligns the City's purchasing policies with recent updates to the Texas Local Government Code Section 252.021, which increased the competitive bidding threshold from $50,000 to $100,000. The amendment allows the City Manager to execute contracts up to this new statutory limit, or an aggregate of the per annum amount on multi-year contracts up to 5 years, without requiring individual City Council approval for each contract within this threshold. Ordinance No. 016736 is repealed as part of this update. The previous authority granted to the City Manager under Ordinance No. 16015 was limited to $25,000 per annum or $50,000 on multi-year contracts.

Citizen Impact

This change streamlines the contracting process for the City, potentially leading to faster procurement of goods and services by allowing the City Manager to approve contracts up to $100,000 without direct Council action. This administrative efficiency is not expected to directly impact residents' taxes or services.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of El Paso is authorizing the conveyance of a parcel of real property, legally described as a portion of Lot 31, Block 11, Womble Addition, to Tepabe Properties, LLC. The sale price for this approximately 0.13-acre vacant lot is $36,227.50. This transaction is being conducted under an exception to the standard notice and bidding requirements, as the buyer, Tepabe Properties, LLC (owned by Hector & Isabel Murguia), is the sole abutting property owner in the same subdivision. The property was appraised at $34,000.00 in October 2025. The City Manager is authorized to execute the contract of sale and any necessary documents to finalize the transaction.

Citizen Impact

This action involves the sale of a small, vacant city-owned lot for $36,227.50 to an adjacent property owner. Residents are not directly impacted by this sale, as it does not involve public services, taxes, or significant community resources.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance authorizes the City Manager to finalize the sale of approximately 271.876 acres of land, currently owned by the El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board (EPWater), to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The sale price for this significant land transfer is $7,528,957.

Key Details:

• Purpose: The land, located across various parcels in El Paso County, was declared "inexpedient" to EPWater's water, wastewater, and stormwater systems on March 13, 2024, meaning it is no longer needed for utility operations.
• Buyer's Project: This acquisition by TxDOT is for the Borderland Expressway (Spur 320) Phases II and III project, following a similar land sale approved on August 15, 2023.
• Reservations: EPWater will retain specific easements for its existing water and wastewater infrastructure within the conveyed land, ensuring continued utility service. Additionally, EPWater reserves all groundwater, oil, gas, and sulfur rights, though surface access for exploration is waived by the grantor.
• Legal Basis: The sale to TxDOT, a governmental entity with eminent domain power, is permitted without competitive bidding under Texas Local Government Code.

Citizen Impact

This land sale generates $7,528,957 in revenue for the city, which can be reinvested. It facilitates the development of the Borderland Expressway (Spur 320), potentially improving regional transportation and connectivity for residents. Existing water and wastewater services in the area will continue uninterrupted due to retained utility easements.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance authorizes the City Manager to execute a deed and other necessary documents to convey approximately 1,055.8691 acres of land. The sale price for this significant parcel of real property, located in Sections 9, 15, 16, 17, and 18, Block 81, Township 1, Texas and Pacific Railway Company Surveys, is $420,000.00. The buyer is the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Citizen Impact

This action involves the sale of a large tract of city-owned land to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for $420,000.00. The specific use of this land by TPWD is not detailed in this item, but it represents a significant land transaction by the city.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance introduces new regulations for "Vicious Dogs" (Section 7.12.070) and "Aggressive Dogs" (Section 7.12.080) into the El Paso City Code. The new sections aim to address gaps in current state law regarding animal-on-animal attacks and repeat aggressive behavior. Key provisions for owners of designated dogs include:

• Secure Confinement: Dogs must be kept in secure enclosures on owner's premises and on a secure leash when off-premises.
• Signage: Visible "Warning: Vicious Dog" or "Warning: Aggressive Dog" signs must be posted.
• Owner Responsibilities: Owners must ensure dogs are vaccinated, registered, microchipped, and wear a vicious dog tag when off-premises. A responsible pet owner course is also required.
• Reporting & Investigation: Incidents can be reported via sworn statement, with investigations to be completed within 30 days.
• Due Process: Owners will receive written notification of designation, with options for judicial review and compliance hearings. Appeals to the Municipal Court of Appeals are permitted.
• Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to impoundment, seizure, removal from city limits, euthanasia (if an ongoing threat), or confinement until compliance and fees are paid.
• Designation Removal: Vicious dog designation can be petitioned for removal after three years of compliance, and aggressive dog designation after one year, provided the dog is spayed or neutered.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance establishes new definitions and requirements for owners of dogs deemed "vicious" or "aggressive" by the city. Owners will face stricter confinement, leash, and registration rules, with potential for impoundment or euthanasia for non-compliant animals. Residents reporting incidents will have a defined process for investigation and designation.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance amends Title 7 (Animals), Chapter 7.04 (Definitions and Administration), Section 7.04.010 (Definitions) of the El Paso City Code. The primary purpose is to update and add definitions to align with new provisions in Chapter 7.12 regarding Aggressive and Vicious Dogs. Key changes include:

• Amending the definition of "Animal" to include every living nonhuman creature.
• Reorganizing the definitions to maintain alphabetical order.
• Adding new definitions such as "Aggressive dog," "Vicious dog," and "Responsible Pet Owner Course."
• Clarifying terms related to enforcement and investigations to ensure consistency with new ordinances and support uniform application of regulations.

The ordinance is a companion to the Aggressive/Vicious Dog ordinance and is necessary for its enforcement.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance clarifies definitions related to animal behavior and ownership, which will support more consistent enforcement of animal control laws. Residents can expect clearer regulations regarding aggressive and vicious dogs, contributing to a safer community for both people and pets.

Confidence

high

Summary

This agenda item is a presentation and discussion regarding the City of El Paso's role in regulating and enforcing animal-related issues. The presentation will outline the available tools for addressing these issues and highlight the significant roles played by the Animal Services Department, El Paso Police Department, City Attorney's Office, and Municipal Courts. It will cover common City Ordinances and Laws related to animal issues that are investigated and prosecuted. This presentation was previously given to the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee on December 10, 2025. No Council action is required.

Citizen Impact

Residents can learn about the city's processes and departments involved in handling animal-related issues, including common ordinances and enforcement procedures.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item involves a discussion and presentation regarding legislative bills from the Texas 89th Legislative Session that have implications for animal cruelty investigations within the city. The El Paso Police Department, specifically Assistant Chief Humberto Talamantes, is leading this discussion. The strategic goal aligned with this topic is to maintain El Paso as one of the nation's safest cities. No specific funding amounts or districts affected are detailed in the provided summary form.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect potential changes in how animal cruelty cases are investigated and prosecuted, which could lead to improved protections for animals within the community.

Confidence

high

Summary

This agenda item is a preliminary discussion and presentation for an upcoming strategic planning session focused on the City of El Paso's revenue limitations and opportunities. The session aims to prepare for future strategic planning by examining the city's financial landscape. This is a preparatory step for broader strategic discussions concerning fiscal management.

Citizen Impact

This is a preparatory discussion for city leadership and will not have direct immediate impact on residents. Future strategic decisions based on this discussion could affect city services and taxes.

Confidence

high

Summary

This agenda item is a presentation providing a comprehensive update on the active and completed projects funded by the 2019 Public Safety Bond. The presentation will cover the status of various initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety within the city.

Citizen Impact

Residents can learn about the progress and outcomes of projects funded by the 2019 Public Safety Bond, understanding how these investments are being utilized to improve city safety.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution authorizes the City Manager or designee to perform budget transfers totaling $22,307,925 for Fire and Police Department initiatives. Key transfers include:

• $3,300,000 from PCP20FDRENOMSTR to fund renovations at various Fire Stations (PCP22FS03RENOV8, PCP22FS18RENOV7, PCP24FS27RENOV1, PCP25FS02RENOV1, PCP25FS06RENOV6, PCP25FS07RENOV2, PCP25FS28RENOV4).
• $4,462,886 to PCP20FDTRAININGI for the Fire Department Training Academy.
• $4,462,886 to PCP20PDTRAININGI for the Police Department Training Academy.
• Reallocation of $5,000,000 from PCP20PDRENOMSTR to PCP20PDTRAINING.
• Reallocation of $8,000,000 from PCP20FDRENOMSTR to PCP20FDSTATIO40.
• A net increase of $22,307,925 to PCP20FDTRAINING from various sources including PCP20FDRENOMSTR and PCP20FDSTATIO40.

Citizen Impact

This action will fund necessary renovations for multiple fire stations and support training academies for both the Fire and Police Departments. Residents can expect improved facilities and enhanced training for public safety personnel.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering awarding Solicitation 2025-0219, "Downtown Bicycle Improvements Phase I," to El Paso A.R.C. Electric, Inc. for an estimated amount of $2,590,065.09. This project involves the construction of various bicycle facilities in downtown areas, including bike lanes, shared-use paths, signage, striping, lighting, and intersection improvements. The contract term is 153 workweek days. Funding will come from Capital Projects through the Texas Department of Transportation and a State Infrastructure Bank Loan. This is a low-bid procurement, unit price contract, meaning the final cost may vary based on measured quantities. The City Manager is requested to be authorized to establish funding sources, make budget transfers, and execute necessary documents. The City Engineer may approve minor contract changes without further Council authorization, provided they do not alter prices or exceed the budget.

Citizen Impact

This project will enhance downtown infrastructure by adding new bicycle lanes and paths, aiming to improve safety and accessibility for cyclists. Residents can expect potential disruptions during construction, but the long-term benefit is improved non-motorized transportation options.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a three-year contract with LSC Environmental Products, LLC, for Posi-Shell base mix, a material used at the landfill. This is a sole source procurement due to patents held by the supplier, as indicated by U.S. Patent Numbers 7,544,243 and 8,029,616-B2. The estimated total cost for the contract is $189,354.00. This represents a significant increase of 136.44% compared to the previous contract, attributed to an increase in the number of bags required (from 900 to 1,320), a price increase per bag (from $42.60 to an average of $47.82), and an additional year added to the contract term (from 2 to 3 years). The funding will come from operating funds.

Citizen Impact

Residents may see an impact on landfill operations and costs due to this sole source contract for essential landfill material. The significant price increase and extended term are key factors to note.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution authorizes the City Manager to deprogram several previously approved capital improvement projects due to a City Council decision not to issue remaining authorized certificates of obligation. The affected projects include:

• Hunter Drive, McCombs Street, Trawood Drive, Rojas Drive, Edgemere Boulevard, and Resler Drive Median Improvement Projects (from the 2019 Capital Plan).
• Tom Lea Park Slope Rehabilitation Project (from the 2018 Capital Plan).

Additionally, the City Manager is authorized to transfer $1,820,200.16 from the deprogrammed Tom Lea Park Slope Rehabilitation Project to the Unprogrammed Project Balances fund. This action effectively cancels these projects and reallocates a portion of the funding for the Tom Lea Park project.

Citizen Impact

Residents will no longer see the planned median improvements on Hunter Drive, McCombs Street, Trawood Drive, Rojas Drive, Edgemere Boulevard, and Resler Drive, nor the Tom Lea Park Slope Rehabilitation project. A significant portion of the funding allocated for the Tom Lea Park project is being moved to a general fund balance.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution proposes to deprogram eight sports field lighting projects from the 2020 Capital Plan. These projects, initially approved on December 9, 2019, include lighting for McCord Ball Field, Ralph T. Cloud (Yucca Park) Ball Field, Grandview Ball Field, Skyline Ball Field, Franklin Ball Field, Lionel Forti Ball Field, Nations Tobin Pool, and Modesto Ball Field #3. The total estimated budget for these projects was $737,000.00. City staff recommends deprogramming them because they are not financially feasible within the current available budget. The City Manager, or designee, will be authorized to remove these projects from the capital plan.

Citizen Impact

Residents will not see improvements to lighting at eight specific sports fields as these projects are being canceled due to budget constraints. This means existing field conditions for nighttime use will remain unchanged.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a Resolution to approve the Vision Zero Quick Build Program Policy. This policy aims to rapidly implement safety improvements on El Paso streets with a documented history of fatal or high-injury crashes. These improvements will utilize low-cost materials such as paint, signage, and modular products. The program aligns with the City's Vision Zero Action Plan, adopted in June 2023, and the Complete Streets Policy. The program will be funded by an annual allocation of $750,000 from the General Fund, with projects programmed bi-annually. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to implement the program and execute necessary agreements. The policy provides guidance for identifying, prioritizing, and implementing rapid safety improvements, but does not commit the City to specific funding levels or projects.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect to see rapid, low-cost safety improvements on streets known for dangerous crashes, such as new paint, signage, and traffic calming measures. This initiative aims to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries across the city.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item authorizes the City Manager or designee to ratify and pay an outstanding invoice of $50,000.00 to Goldbelt Security LLC (also known as Hicks Police Training). These funds are for services rendered to the El Paso Police Department between September 2024 and August 2025, including instructor recertification, original officer certifications, recruit certifications, and train-the-trainer courses. The payment will be made from the General Fund. This action follows a contract initially entered into on November 1, 2022, for up to $100,000.00, which was amended on November 1, 2024, to extend its duration to October 31, 2025.

Citizen Impact

This action ensures that essential police training services continue to be funded, supporting the El Paso Police Department's operational capabilities. The payment is funded through existing General Funds, meaning no new taxes or fees are levied on residents.

Confidence

high

Summary

This agenda item proposes a budget transfer of $699,558 to increase the FY2026 Confiscated Funds and appropriations for the El Paso Police Department. These funds, derived from State and Federal Confiscated Funds, are designated for law enforcement activities. The budget will support the purchase of public safety equipment, employee training, and substance abuse prevention programs. Major allocations include $236,000 for the Lexipol System, $126,000 for Fusion Center software subscriptions, $100,000 for travel funds, and $71,600 for Axon Camera licenses. Additionally, 10% of State Confiscated Funds ($31,748) will be allocated to drug prevention programs in collaboration with Community Development.

Citizen Impact

This budget transfer will enhance public safety through improved equipment and training for the police department, and support substance abuse prevention programs within the community. The funds are derived from confiscated assets, meaning no direct tax increase for residents.

Confidence

high

Summary

This agenda item directs city staff to retain an external recruiting company to find a new Chief Internal Auditor. This action follows a City Council directive on August 5, 2025, and a subsequent motion on August 19, 2025, which also specified that outside counsel Lea Ream would serve as the Recruitment Facilitator. The process will involve City Council selecting the top five applicants, after which a special meeting will be held for the Council to collectively decide which candidates will proceed to interviews.

Citizen Impact

This action is administrative and focuses on the hiring process for a key city official; it does not directly impact residents' daily services or costs but ensures a structured approach to filling a critical oversight role.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item is a presentation to the City Council by El Paso Water regarding a significant water main break that occurred on January 10, 2026, near Gschwind Avenue and Antonio Avenue in Northeast El Paso. The break led to the depletion of water reservoirs, causing widespread outages and a boil water notice for residents. The presentation will detail El Paso Water's efforts to repair the main, stabilize the distribution system, restore service, and lift the boil water notice.

Citizen Impact

Residents in Northeast El Paso experienced widespread water outages and were under a boil water notice due to the main break. The presentation will update on the restoration of services.

Confidence

high