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Council approves consent items, AT&T incentive, zoning amendments and Via contract; votes listed
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Summary
The Plano City Council approved the consent agenda and several individual items including an AT&T economic incentive agreement, multiple zoning ordinances (antenna stealth design and two zoning amendments), a Via microtransit contract (7–1), and the program name 'Plano Rides'.
The council approved multiple routine and substantive items in a single meeting, including economic development incentives, zoning amendments and a contract for alternative transit services.
Consent agenda: the council approved the consent motion (with items H and I pulled for speakers) by an 8–0 vote.
Economic incentive (item H): Council approved an economic development incentive agreement with AT and T Services Inc.; public comment questioned whether the $10 million grant and additional incentives were necessary or equitable. "Is it appropriate to commit that level of long term taxpayer subsidy to a corporation worth billions?" a public speaker asked.
Zoning votes: the council approved zoning case 2025‑16 to amend a specific use permit for an antenna support structure, reducing permitted height from 120 to 95 feet and approving a magnolia‑style stealth design to conceal antenna panels (voted 8–0). The council also approved two additional zoning matters: an SUP expansion for a new vehicle dealer (case 2025‑20) and repeal of a plan development district to return 99 acres to base commercial employment zoning (case 2025‑23); both votes were 8–0.
Procurement: The council approved a contract with Via Transportation Inc. to provide alternative transit services (initial six‑month term, not‑to‑exceed $3.95 million initially and an estimated annual amount of $8 million for renewals). After public comment urging coordination with DART and caution about Via’s app/usability, the council approved the contract 7–1.
Branding: Council selected the vendor‑neutral name and wrap design for the city’s alternative transit program: "Plano Rides." Staff noted the decision preserves vendor flexibility for future changes.
Votes at a glance (recorded in the transcript): - Consent agenda approval: Motion passes 8 to 0 (SEG 1415). - Item H (AT&T economic incentive): Approved 8 to 0 (SEG 1501). - Zoning case 2025‑16 (antenna SUP amendment): Approved 8 to 0 (SEG 1797). - Zoning case 2025‑20 (vehicle dealer SUP expansion): Approved 8 to 0 (SEG 1902). - Zoning case 2025‑23 (PD repeal): Approved 8 to 0 (SEG 1969). - DART ILA and governance resolution: Approved 8 to 0 (see DART article). - Repeal of prior DART withdrawal ordinance: Motion passes (vote recorded in transcript at SEG 3224; prior actions rescinded). - Via alternative transit contract: Approved 7 to 1 (SEG 3469).
Council members said they expect staff to return with implementation details and recommended scopes for projects or incentives before disbursing funds.
