Work session of the El Paso City Council on Nov. 9, 2026: council heard a UNICEF USA Child-Friendly Cities update and youth survey results; adopted a 2026–2036 Parks & Recreation Master Plan after extended public comment focused on aquatics and northeast El Paso; authorized submission of a nomination to host the Department of Defense's Next Great American Base; received veterans- and housing-related briefings and audit reports; reviewed HUD CAPER results and an economic small-business update.

Discussion Points

•Audit A2026‑06: program compliance found but indebtedness verification across city departments needs a standardized form and checks.
•CAPER: ~$3.1M expended across HUD programs with examples of client outcomes and facility projects (Alamito learning space).
•Committee urged pursuit of Texas Veterans Commission grants and outcome tracking rather than ad hoc reporting.
•Council asked for more district‑level outcome tracking and CRM data to validate referrals and long‑term impact.
•Council pressed staff for feasibility studies, clearer cost estimates and funding strategies, noting bonds may be necessary for major capital projects.
•Data shows El Paso scored 26 on the Child Opportunity Index with health resources driving low scores; youth surveys and administrative data informed 20 priorities.
•FY27 Internal Audit Plan: new PESTEL risk assessment, TeamMate adoption and planned slate of audits.
•Letters from Rep. Escobar and Sen. Blanco signaled cautious or conditional support; local institutions offered workforce and research backing.
•Programs used ARPA to seed loan capital, innovation factory support and digital upgrades; early metrics show jobs and capital deployed.
•Residents and ACWA emphasized northeast aquatic facility need; consultant noted plan prioritizes quality improvements and activation rather than simply adding parks.
•Staff emphasized the exploratory nature of a nomination; representatives urged robust, written technical assurances before commitments.
•VAC recommended strengthening employment pipelines, veteran‑focused outreach and mental‑health navigation; it emphasized linkages between employment and housing stability.
•Youth summit will be held Feb. 13 to socialize the local action plan ahead of UNICEF review; partners emphasized two‑year measurable goals for designation.

Decisions

•Council accepted the renovation program audit and approved the FY27 Internal Audit Plan; CAPER presented for comment and will be submitted to HUD after public comment period closes.
•Council adopted the master plan as the 10‑year strategic framework.
•Council authorized nomination submission to the governor; no land, funding or infrastructure commitments were made.
•No formal council action required at this update.
•No immediate city appropriation approved; council endorsed coordination and followup.
•No new funds approved at meeting; council encouraged continuation of programs and data reporting.

Directions

•DCHD to adopt indebtedness verification form and require proof of good standing before assistance is completed.
•Finalize State of the Child report and circulate to city and UNICEF; host inaugural youth summit in February for community feedback.
•Include Veterans Pool and other northeast priorities in short‑term feasibility planning.
•Internal Audit to implement TeamMate and begin FY27 audits per schedule, and report carryover findings to FOAC and council.
•Maintain regional coordination and provide additional briefings to council as federal criteria are clarified.
•Staff to develop feasibility studies and costings for major facilities and to return with funding scenarios.
•Staff to produce district reports and refine tracking via CRM; continue procurement training and partnerships.
•Task force to gather written utility/infrastructure assessments and return with analysis prior to any commitments.
•VAC to coordinate with strategic and legislative affairs on grant applications and to present homelessness recommendations to the Continuum of Care board.

Nov

City Council 11/10/2026

El Paso City Council meeting on 2026-11-10: mayoral proclamations (Transgender Day of Remembrance; Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week; Veterans Day; Walk to End Alzheimer’s; Eric Chaparro Day), a lengthy public comment period (police accountability, animal cruelty/FBI requests, neighborhood flooding, Chamizal quality-of-life), multiple consent items and interlocal JAG grant approvals, zoning and franchise hearings, a contested land-sale and campaign‑contribution disclosures, approvals of bridge and port-of-entry planning studies and related funding, and approval to make the city the collaborative applicant for the local Continuum of Care.

Discussion Points

•Advocates urged city support for housing, health access and safety.
•Amendment separates commercial triggers from residential reimbursement to accelerate retail.
•CIP includes toll upgrades, IT systems, customer offices, canopies, parking and master plans.
•City read a proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance and acknowledged local advocates.
•Clarified that one JAG application is a FY24 documentation cleanup; FY26 application will fund handheld radios.
•Council members disclosed campaign contributions and queried restrictive covenants and water rights.
•Council members requested clearer spending breakdowns and procurement transparency.
•Council read a proclamation and recognized multiple providers.
•Horizon City requested release to manage fractured ownership and allow orderly development; residents worried about water rights and long‑term control.
•Isleta port study will coordinate binationally and go through presidential‑permit processes.
•Multiple callers described animal cruelty incidents and urged FBI involvement.
•Public commenters expressed concerns about developer influence and fiscal exposure to taxpayers.
•Release is owner‑initiated and parcels are private; ETJ previously allowed subdivision control only.
•Residents requested targeted infrastructure spending and use of community foundation funds.
•Sale awarded to highest responsive bidder (Joe Materials LP) for $8,152,000.
•Speakers said city shelter capacity and local enforcement are insufficient.

Decisions

•Amendment approved by council.
•CIP approved; Isleta feasibility contract awarded; community project funding application authorized.
•Interlocal agreements approved unanimously.
•Ordinance adopted unanimously.
•Resolution approved unanimously.

Directions

•Council to continue coordination with Borderland Rainbow Center and partners (no specific next steps recorded).
•Initiate procurement and studies; pursue community project funding and federal grants where applicable.
•Staff and police to review reporting and investigative options and report back (no formal direction recorded).
•Staff to continue coordination and share flyers/information about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and other campaigns.
•Staff to coordinate with Horizon City and track annexation petitions; the resolution includes a reverter clause.
•Staff to monitor compliance and to provide periodic reports on infrastructure delivery and reimbursement triggers.
•Staff to provide itemized use of funds and inventory plans; purchasing/auditor oversight requested.
•Staff to provide recorded restrictive covenants and related documents in the record.

Nov

November 9, 2026 El Paso County Commissioners Court Meeting

El Paso County Commissioners Court met Nov. 9, 2026. The court accepted public comment about election procedures, approved contracts including a $5.18 million body‑worn camera purchase, adopted a public improvement district assessment update for Tierra del Este, accepted multiple grant awards and ARPA portfolio adjustments, and approved a Chapter 381 agreement for a battery energy storage project and a small infill housing incentive.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners and staff discussed safety, fire response and long‑term maintenance obligations.
•Commissioners asked about responsibility for roads, medians, lighting and process for future construction funding.
•County Attorney Christina Sanchez read a factual statement describing that some locked boxes were delivered without seals but remained under election worker and sheriff control, later sealed, and that the Office is reviewing the matter with the Texas Secretary of State.
•Court took a verbal tally due to technical issues and approved the consent agenda item.
•Housing Authority is acquiring four properties adding 10 units and received 15 additional housing vouchers.
•HR reported vacancies and academy pipeline; staff will present overtime analysis and budget amendments.
•ITD presented the procurement and confirmed funding.
•Portfolio is 94% spent with ~$486k available; several active projects may not meet the federal deadline.
•Project is co‑located with a solar facility; temporary road improvements are needed to mobilize heavy equipment.
•Public commenter alleged seven election judges reported ballot boxes lacked seals and requested formal complaint procedures and ballot inspection.
•Recommendation to reallocate identified savings to ARPA‑eligible public safety salaries and use contingency fund to cover four projects.
•Revised sheriff budget and a net estimated deficit of ~$7.54M were presented.
•Staff emphasized preservation of affordability and potential for additional units per site.
•Staff presented assessment breakdown and clarified purpose of maintenance funds.

Decisions

•Contract awarded and motion carried.
•Court accepted the quarterly report.
•Court approved staff authority to implement ARPA portfolio adjustments.
•Court approved the amended assessment plan and levied the $35 maintenance assessment per lot.
•Court approved the Chapter 381 agreement.
•No immediate budget action; follow-up items scheduled.
•No immediate formal enforcement action taken by the court in open session.

Directions

•Budget staff to present overtime analysis and budget amendments in November; HR to continue academy recruitment.
•County to inspect and accept improvements only when they meet subdivision standards and to require performance and maintenance bonds.
•County to manage maintenance using collections and coordinate with public works on eligible expenditures.
•Elections administrator to continue working with the Texas Secretary of State on the review.
•Housing Authority to pursue due diligence on properties and return with feasibility updates.
•ITD to finalize contract and begin vendor onboarding and implementation.
•Staff to implement recommended reallocations and return in early December with final adjustments.

Nov

Capital Improvement Advisory Committee Meeting 11/05/2026

The committee heard a semiannual El Paso Water impact fee report covering March 1–August 31, 2026, received a presentation from El Paso Water staff on subdivisions, rates, and capital projects, voted to accept the presentation and to file the semiannual report, approved minutes and adjourned.

Discussion Points

•Chair handed meeting to Mr. Hernandez to proceed.
•CIP totals ($521.7M water; $727.2M wastewater) and spending to date.
•Counts of recorded (144) vs in-process (67) subdivisions.
•Filing required under Chapter 395.
•Impact fees cover a small portion (~6%) of project costs.
•Legal maximum set by a state formula; council sets actual charge below the maximum.
•Major projects: Advanced Water Purification Facility and Bustamante plant.
•May 2024 28% increase applies to new development only.
•Nomination and second for vice chair.
•Possibility of recommendation to City Council to study the impact-fee system.
•Three fee areas (west, northeast, east) guide capital planning.
•Total collections $26.2M vs CIP totals over $1.2B.

Decisions

•Committee accepted the presentation for filing.
•Semiannual report filed; motion passed and vote to be recorded.
•Vice chair confirmed by voice vote (one opposition recorded).

Directions

•Assistant city attorney to confirm legal authority for committee recommendations; staff to provide tutorials for new members.
•Committee to consider more in-depth briefings and possible recommendation to council.
•Consider grants, bonds and alternative revenue sources.
•Staff to provide presentation materials for committee review.

Nov

City Plan Commission 11/05/2026

El Paso City Plan Commission met Nov. 5 and handled subdivision and right-of-way requests, debated a contentious sidewalk waiver for Mountain View Acres, approved a conditioned special-permit setback for a Loma Linda porch, and voted to forward the Envision El Paso comprehensive-plan update to City Council for adoption.

Discussion Points

•Airport noted landscaping limits to deter birds near aeronautical operations.
•Applicant argued waiver was consistent with existing character and would avoid awkward solitary sidewalks.
•Applicant concurred with staff; no exceptions requested.
•Applicant said two on-site ponds would hold ~five acre-feet and discharge into existing inlets, subject to El Paso Water coordination.
•Commissioners argued for pedestrian safety and starting sidewalks versus concerns about orphaned sidewalk segments.
•Commissioners raised concerns about historic flooding on Donovan Drive and drainage management.
•Commissioners requested presentation materials and clarification on process to Council.
•Owner presented neighbor petition in favor of leaving the porch as-is.
•Staff found exceptions met Title 19 criteria.
•Staff recommended approval of subdivision and exceptions under Title 19.
•Staff recommended conditioned approval so improvement plans are available prior to Council action.
•Staff recommended denial but offered conditions if commission chose approval.
•Staff recommended denial of sidewalk waiver and approval of other exceptions.
•Staff summarized engagement, deliverables and housing need estimate (~35,000 units over 10 years).
•ZBA previously granted a 5-foot reduction (maximum 50%).

Decisions

•Commission recommended forwarding Envision El Paso to City Council.
•Dedication approved with condition.
•Replat approved with exceptions.
•Special permit approved with four conditions; item forwarded to City Council.
•Subdivision approved with exceptions.
•Subdivision approved with sidewalk requirement; two exceptions granted, sidewalk waiver denied.

Directions

•Applicant to comply with staff recommendations and permit processes.
•Applicant to work with El Paso Water on inlet/outlet details and obtain required permits.
•Approval limited to existing footprint and conditioned to prevent future expansion; owner must obtain permits and inspections.
•Require sidewalk construction as part of approved subdivision improvement plans.
•Staff to confirm submission of subdivision improvement plans prior to council consideration.
•Staff to email presentation slides and post materials; forward plan to City Council for first reading and adoption target Dec. 8.

Nov

November 5, 2026 El Paso County Commissioners Court Special Session Meeting

El Paso County Commissioners met Nov. 5, 2026, and approved a request to seek cooperating‑agency status with the U.S. Army for a proposed hyperscale data center at Fort Bliss; heard a detailed presentation from the El Paso Transportation Authority about service changes including a proposed discontinuation of Route 50; recessed to executive session on a Chapter 381 economic development negotiation; and handled several procedural and litigation items.

Discussion Points

•Anthony described volunteer work connecting veterans to resources and encouraged others to volunteer (SEG 914–SEG 969).
•Assistant County Attorney Galgaranda reviewed the letter and provided edits to reflect changes in CEQ procedures (SEG 122–SEG 131).
•Commissioner Butler requested cooperating agency status to allow county input on impacts to unincorporated communities and county facilities (SEG 038–SEG 076).
•Commissioners requested a 30‑day follow‑up on contractor Transdev performance and rider complaints (SEG 611–SEG 657).
•Counsel requested that closed session deliberations be recorded by court administration (SEG 895–SEG 897).
•County and ETA staff discussed invoice timing and reconciliation practices; commissioners raised concerns about late billing and verification (SEG 757–SEG 815).
•County officials summarized community services and grant activity supporting county programs (SEG 1011–SEG 1017).
•EPATS board will use fund balance to cover Route 84/paratransit outstanding balances and pursue a settlement with Sun Metro for partial cost sharing for FY23–FY25 (SEG 719–SEG 735).
•ETA described funding shifts (approx. $2 million county contribution) and federal funding sources including 5307/5310 (SEG 159–SEG 196).
•ETA proposed reconfigurations, added weekend service, and recommended phasing out Route 50 pending monitoring through Dec. (SEG 370–SEG 396).
•Staff read legal memo describing negotiation topics and justification for closed session (SEG 865–SEG 886).

Decisions

•Court voted to move item 5C into executive session; motion carried.
•Motion to approve cooperating‑agency request carried; action authorized.
•No final decision to discontinue Route 50 was taken at this meeting; the board directed a transition monitoring period and follow‑up.
•No separate Commissioners Court vote recorded at this meeting; board action reported as having occurred at the prior day's EPATS meeting.

Directions

•County judge to send the formal cooperating‑agency request letter and ask for written explanation if the Army declines (SEG 108–SEG 113).
•Court to recess into executive session; court administration to ensure closed session is recorded.
•Court to reconvene for any official action following the closed deliberation.
•ETA and EPATS to negotiate settlement terms with Sun Metro and implement a reduction of 5307 funds to cover negotiated amounts (SEG 731–SEG 734).
•ETA to hold a follow‑up meeting within 30 days with county staff and report on Transdev implementation (SEG 611–SEG 657).
•ETA to monitor transition statistics for Route 50 and present data to the board before any final discontinuation decision (SEG 393–SEG 396).

Nov

November 2, 2026 Commissioners Court Meeting

El Paso County Commissioners Court met Nov. 2, 2026, to recognize veterans and community groups, approve multiple grant awards, authorize comment on a proposed U.S. Census rule, review sheriff staffing and budget shortfalls, and hear presentations on two major roadway projects and possible State Infrastructure Bank financing.

Discussion Points

•BJA applications would support specialty courts and have required local matches; funder allows multiple county applications.
•Concerns about lost federal funding and reduced representation were raised.
•Financial adviser modeled repayment and debt‑service impacts; staff proposed SIB loan application development.
•He requested legal help and better follow‑up from county staff.
•HR reported 13 detention vacancies and 25 cadets expected to graduate Dec. 4.
•Judge and commissioners expressed gratitude for flood response by veterans and partner organizations.
•Multiple grant awards on consent; county matches noted for certain grants.
•Projected FY26 sheriff's deficit ~$7.16M driven by overtime and salary accruals.
•Proposal would remove race/ethnicity questions and rely on tax records for residence, risking undercounts of hard‑to‑count populations.
•Proposed rule would exclude noncitizens other than LPRs from apportionment totals.
•Resident described repeated attempts to secure mental‑health services and alleged inadequate responses from client‑rights offices.
•Sheriff's office said requested contingency access is for forecasted operations, not new funds.
•Staff described scope, funding gaps and right‑of‑way requirements for Tierra Este and Bob Hope.
•Veterans Advisory Board presented background on nominees and community contributions.

Decisions

•Court approved submission of comments opposing the proposed rule.
•Court gave direction to prepare amendment and requested further detail on overtime usage before final transfers.
•Direction to develop SIB application (no borrowing authorized yet).
•Grants ratified and applications approved for submission.
•No formal court action taken during public comment.
•Resolutions adopted recognizing the veteran of the year and designating Operation Greenlight week.

Directions

•Authorize county judge to sign and accept awards; Budget & Finance to manage matches and reporting.
•Communications will promote Operation Greenlight events and make bulbs available.
•County judge authorized to sign comment letter and staff to submit and forward to congressional delegation.
•County staff (noted in transcript) were identified as follow‑up contacts though no formal assignment recorded.
•County staff to present certificates and take photos with nominees.
•Prepare final budget amendment for Nov. 30; provide monthly overtime reconciliations and a staffing update for FY27 trends.
•Staff to draft full SIB loan application and return to the court for final approval before submission.

Oct

City Council Meeting 10/27/2026

El Paso City Council held a long October 27, 2026 meeting of proclamations, public comment and a packed regular agenda; the council directed staff to draft a resolution calling for closure of Camp East Montana, approved safety- and traffic-related actions for downtown buildings and Trans Mountain Road, and heard multiple presentations including El Paso Electric filings.

Discussion Points

•Council decided to direct staff to prepare a resolution and compile supporting reports for a vote within 30 days.
•Council presented ceremonial proclamations for local institutions including municipal courts, physical therapists, a fraternal chapter and UMC’s trauma center.
•Dozens of speakers alleged systemic neglect and called for closure; council weighed limits of local authority vs. moral leadership.
•Hospital and court leaders described services and community programs tied to the proclamations.
•Long-term engineering fixes (alternate routes, speed/permit controls) will require TxDOT collaboration and likely multi-year work.
•Short-term enforcement blitz yielded numerous violations; staff to coordinate inspections with TxDOT and law enforcement.

Decisions

•Council authorized staff to proceed and to request TxDOT consider limiting oversized permits on Trans Mountain.
•Draft resolution directed (unanimous)

Directions

•City manager/city attorney to draft resolution including media, congressional and civil-rights reports and return in 30 days.
•Report back within 30 days with findings and proposed actions.

Oct

Video

The El Paso City Council met Oct. 27, 2026; members approved direction to draft a resolution urging closure of the Camp East Montana detention site, asked staff to pursue truck restrictions on Trans Mountain Road, approved a plan to develop downtown building-safety inspections, heard El Paso Electric updates on refunds and transmission filings, and approved several community and economic items including a pilot impaired-driving voucher program.

Discussion Points

•Council debated authority limits because the facility is on Fort Bliss (federal land) but framed a resolution as a public statement and request for federal action.
•Council emphasized near-term enforcement (inspections) and longer-term engineering/route changes to protect neighborhoods and road users.
•Council members sought clarity about staffing, legal process, and prioritization based on existing complaints and risk.
•Council required a 45‑day return showing fee structure and disclosing how private donations are apportioned for marketing, admin and vouchers.
•Donor Charm will route private donations through a 501(c)(3) foundation to allow tax receipts and transparency; city funds will pay vouchers and be tracked.
•Fuel refunds issued for summer months; fuel-reconciliation shows an over-collection company proposes to carry forward.
•Police presented data from a short enforcement sweep: 142 commercial-vehicle inspections and 50 trucks removed from service.
•Public commenters described alleged medical neglect, outbreaks and deaths at Camp East Montana and urged the council to take a formal position.
•Staff can conduct curbside/visual inspections quickly but cannot see hidden structural problems without engineering assessment; many buildings require writs of entry for interior inspections.
•Transmission cost-recovery filing asks to recover investments between Oct 2024 and June 2026; company estimates $52M and small average bill impact if approved.

Decisions

•Council approved pilot with conditions and an amendment requiring a fee-structure accounting.
•Council approved the direction unanimously.
•Council approved the plan-as-feasibility directive; further action to follow on recommended enforcement or ordinance changes.
•Council voted unanimously to direct staff to draft the resolution.
•Informational briefing; no council vote required.

Directions

•Approve MOU and $10,000 District 5 funding; require fee-structure disclosure within 45 days.
•City manager and city attorney directed to draft resolution calling for closure and to return it for council adoption within 30 days.
•City manager and city attorney to coordinate with TxDOT and report back in 30 days; staff to explore restricting oversized/overweight state permits.
•City manager to return in 45 days with a feasibility plan, staffing/cost estimates and a prioritized list of properties; initial emphasis on a short set of at-risk buildings in the first 30 days.
•Utility to continue public outreach and brief council monthly on PUC filings and community programs.

Oct

October 26, 2026 Commissioners Court Meeting

El Paso County Commissioners Court met Oct. 26, 2026, and adopted a no-new-revenue tax rate and the FY2027 budget, approved multiple grants and procurements, advanced a public-improvement-district assessment for Tierra Del Este, and heard public comment including calls to condemn a local incident involving KKK attire.

Discussion Points

•$35 maintenance assessment recommended to cover maintenance and admin costs; $10 increase from prior years.
•Axon consolidation aims to combine body-worn cameras, in-car systems and other Axon products for cost efficiency.
•Budget presentation emphasized maintaining essential services and supporting the county workforce.
•County attorney recommended issuing a notice to cure under the contract.
•Court described the adopted rate as 1.7% lower than last year.
•Equipment list included 3D-scanning, drones, digital forensics and mobile computing.
•Examples of per-lot amortization and total installments presented for phases 1–3.
•Motorola purchase replaces end-of-life radio infrastructure and supports interoperability.
•NAACP requested public condemnation, education and accountability.
•Presenters said funds are focused on equipment and supplies; not personnel for immigration enforcement.
•Project funded with county ARPA and local Lower Valley Water District funds.
•Project included ~17.5 miles of sewer construction and serves 862 households.
•Public comments alleged noncompliance in accounting and operations.
•Veterans and other residents called for leadership statements and action.

Decisions

•Adopt cost-determination resolution and preliminary plan; set hearing
•Adopt FY2027 budget and adopt no-new-revenue tax rate
•Approvals of both procurements
•Court authorized application
•Court authorized notice to cure

Directions

•Budget to be implemented Oct. 1, 2026; staff to publish adopted documents.
•Call a public hearing for Nov. 9, file rolls and publish notices.
•Issue notice to cure and work with the food bank to resolve issues; county attorneys to review responses.
•IT and purchasing to finalize contracts and coordinate with operational staff and city partners.
•Proceed with grant application; county attorneys to review award conditions if successful.

Oct

Video

The El Paso City Council held a work session on 2026-10-26, recessed to executive session to consider several personnel/claim matters and economic development negotiations, returned to open session and approved denial of multiple claims and authorized continued negotiations on a Northeast El Paso project.

Discussion Points

•Council authorized continued negotiations; no open-session discussion of terms recorded.
•Council moved into executive session under El Paso City Charter §3.5(a) and Texas Government Code chapter 551 provisions to consult with attorney and deliberate economic development negotiations.
•EX8 appeared on the executive-session agenda but was recorded as 'No action' in open session.
•No substantive details of the underlying claims were discussed in open session; motions directed City Attorney and City Manager to proceed with denials.

Decisions

•Authorization to continue negotiations recorded as unanimous.
•Denials for claims EX1–EX7 approved; EX6 recorded 6–1 with Representative Acevedo voting 'nay'.
•No action recorded; no further instructions captured in the transcript.

Directions

•City Attorney's Office, in consultation with the City Manager, authorized to deny specified claims and to execute any necessary documents.
•Economic and International Development Department to continue negotiations per council guidance.

Oct

Metropolitan Planning Organization 10/23/2026

media_eligibility: eligible (see media_eligibility.reason)

Discussion Points

•Conformity deadline Nov. 4 for RMS 2052; staff working with federal partners to address comments.
•Five hotspot clusters identified for feasibility study (e.g., McNutt/Racetrack).
•MPO hosted FHWA/FTA reviewers; report expected soon.
•Presenter explained TIP/STIP relationship and the reason for the change (street name).
•Scenario 1 (closure at Bridge Of The Americas) diverts majority of trucks to Zaragoza and Santa Teresa, increasing delays and emissions.
•Staff described item as straightforward and noted TPEC approval.
•Study links El Paso and Juárez travel demand models to analyze cross‑border trips and scenario outcomes.

Decisions

•Board approved the amendment.
•Board approved the amendment; action recorded.
•Board received the report; no formal vote required.

Directions

•Staff to prioritize hotspots and produce feasibility‑level concept layouts with magnitude cost estimates.
•Staff to report back when certification review report is received.
•Staff to schedule expanded public outreach once project-level details are ready.

Oct

City Plan Commission 10/22/2026

El Paso City Plan Commission met Oct. 22 to approve a street renaming for Fred Loya Drive, to approve a comprehensive-plan amendment and rezoning (items 5 & 6) for property along Artcraft Road with conditions, to grant a special permit for a City Streets & Maintenance facility at Murchison Drive with tree-planting conditions, and to adopt a downtown density-bonus ordinance restoring pre-SB 8/40 residential density flexibility downtown.

Discussion Points

•Staff explained SB 8/40’s impacts and proposed carve-outs to avoid residential neighborhoods where anti-displacement work is ongoing; commissioners questioned the map carve-outs and the ordinance’s limits to residential density only.
•Staff explained the land-use and rezoning rationale, conditions to protect nearby residences, and that the conceptual plan is nonbinding; commissioners raised traffic and access concerns and noted that C-3 zoning permits supermarkets and potentially larger commercial uses by right.
•Staff noted the special permit requires a detailed site plan that is binding; commissioners stressed the need for trees to screen the parking lot; Streets & Maintenance staff said they concurred and would install trees.
•Staff presented the location, length (0.35 miles), and lack of frontage properties; applicant emphasized Loya's philanthropy and holiday lights; a family member provided public comment in support.

Decisions

•Approve comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning to C-3 with staff conditions.
•Approve special permit with landscaping/tree condition.
•Ordinance to add a downtown density-bonus program adopted by commission.
•Street segment renamed to Fred Loya Drive; motion approved.

Directions

•Applicant to pay for sign and implementation costs per staff process.
•Conditions imposed (items 1–6) to limit certain uses, require setbacks and sidewalk installation prior to occupancy; applicant to pursue TxDOT approvals for Artcraft access at building-permit stage.
•Impose street-tree and buffer-tree requirements per City standard on the site plan before City Council review.
•Target downtown commercial and mixed-use zoning districts most affected by SB 8/40; avoid residential neighborhoods noted for displacement concerns.

Oct

Financial Oversight Audit Committee 10/22/2026

The Financial Oversight and Audit Committee reviewed and approved minutes, adopted a new citywide donation policy to centralize reporting, received an audit of the single-family owner-occupied renovation program that found one administrative shortcoming on indebtedness checks, and approved the Fiscal Year 2027 internal audit plan emphasizing a program-based, PESTLE-driven risk approach and a new audit management tool, TeamMate.

Discussion Points

•Audit scope covered 2023\u00021025 and found staff applied HUD and program requirements in approvals and reporting.
•Finding: incomplete verification of indebtedness to other city departments in sampled files.
•Members flagged inconsistent threshold language for in-kind donations in backup materials and asked staff to correct it.
•Members raised distinctions among campaign contributions, donations to the city, and event sponsorships.
•Multiple motions were made and passed by voice vote; transcript does not record roll-call tallies or named movers for each motion.
•Planned Q1\u0004Q4 audits and several carryovers; citywide p-card analytics to be performed with analytic tools.
•Presenter outlined purpose, guidelines, authority, reporting requirements and training for the donation policy.
•Shift to program-based budgeting and PESTLE scoring across 283 programs.
•Staff will develop an indebtedness verification form and operationalize cross-department checks.
•TeamMate implementation to consolidate audit lifecycle, risk scoring and issue tracking.

Decisions

•All recorded motions passed by voice vote.
•Audit report accepted by the committee (voice vote).
•FY27 internal audit plan adopted by the committee (voice vote).
•Policy adopted by committee (voice vote).

Directions

•Correct inconsistent threshold language in policy backup materials prior to publication.
•Develop and implement an indebtedness verification form to check tax office, planning and inspections, and ESD records.
•Provide annual summary reports to the committee.
•Provide follow-up briefing with counts of successful projects and broader program metrics.
•Provide quarterly progress reports and analytics on follow-up items via TeamMate.
•Publish 'report a donation' form on myelpasotexas.gov and create a repository of reported donations.
•Stand up a controls identification project to allow evaluation of control risk.

Oct

Retirement Trust Board 9/16/2026

Regular meeting of the El Paso City Employees Retirement Trust covered the September treasury and investment reports, the investment-manager search with authorization to negotiate with CCNL (fallback to BlackRock), the resignation of Trustee Robert Studer, administrative updates, and a closed-session discussion on executive-director recruitment (no action).

Discussion Points

•Administrative budget for FY27 approximately $2,710,000; September expenditures $103,000
•Arrow Street continued to add value and protect capital
•Board entered executive session for attorney consultation and personnel matters regarding executive-director recruitment
•Fallback: authorize negotiations with BlackRock if CCNL talks fail
•Investment committee recommended CCNL after finalist interviews
•Market drivers cited: inflation concerns, rate increases, stronger dollar
•November committee and board meeting dates adjusted for Veterans Day
•Office hours to revert to Mon–Fri 8–5 for Nov–Jan
•Options discussed: post now (Nov/Dec) or wait to align with April election
•Proposed ~$75,000,000 mandate funded from index exposure; target structure 40% Arrow Street, 30% index, 30% new manager
•Resignation of Trustee Robert Studer accepted
•September investment earnings reported at -$11,500,000; net assets ~ $1,185,000,000
•Staff adjusted budget to account for larger refunds tied to vesting rules
•Staff works with outside vendor (Berwyn/Berwin) for death verification and maintains ongoing pending recovery list
•Total-fund monthly return approx. -1.4%; one-year +11%
•Vacancy policy requires notice and ASC vetting of qualified employee applicants

Decisions

•Authorize contract negotiations with CCNL; authorize fallback negotiations with BlackRock
•No formal board action taken; discussion recorded as proceedings
•No public action reported after executive session

Directions

•Authorize staff to negotiate and return with contract documents for signature upon successful negotiation
•Investment committee to consider rebalancing next month
•Staff to post notice on trust website and coordinate with ASC; ASC to evaluate applicants and recommend appointment when appropriate
•Staff will continue monthly monitoring and provide further detail in upcoming reports
•Update website and signage with new hours; staff to consider adding historical-status detail on pending recoveries to consent reports

Oct

Zoning Board of Adjustments 10/19/2026

Zoning Board of Adjustment of El Paso met Oct. 19, 2026, heard two special-exception requests to legalize existing encroachments at 1056 Francine Street and 3716 Hamilton Avenue, approved both with staff conditions, accepted a public comment of no objection, and moved to adjourn after agreeing housekeeping items and appointments.

Discussion Points

•Announcements of reappointment of Martha Wayo as alternate and appointment of Gloria Clark as regular board member.
•Board asked why the canopy must be removed; staff explained it is a more recent addition that cannot be legalized under exception K.
•Board discussed November schedule, elections for chair and vice chair, and adoption of next year’s meeting calendar.
•Board members raised drainage/runoff concerns; owner described slope directing water to front and back.
•No written support or opposition was received by Planning, only one phone inquiry noted.
•Public comments: neighbors who received mailed notice said they had no objections.
•Staff described the encroachment size (approx. 520 sq ft) and a plan to detach a 5-foot portion to comply with setbacks.
•Staff presented aerial evidence (2010 image) to show the encroachment pre-dates the current ownership and quantified the encroachment (~137 sq ft).
•Staff reported mailed notice to property owners within 200 feet on Oct. 8 and no written support/opposition in the planning file.

Decisions

•Board approved the exception with the planning recommendation.
•Board proceeded with votes after hearing no recorded opposition.
•Minutes approved; appointments announced; November schedule to include two meetings.
•Motion to approve with staff conditions passed.

Directions

•Applicant must remove the newer canopy to qualify the older encroachment under exception K before legalization can be finalized.
•Clerk/Staff to publish minutes and share adopted calendar once finalized.
•Staff to notify applicant of the decision and ensure conditions are clear for compliance.

Oct

Building & Standards Meeting 10/15/2026

The Building and Standards Commission considered a public hearing on a derelict structure at 607 South Florence in El Paso and voted to approve staff recommendations to require securing the property within 30 days and allow 90 days to submit rehabilitation permits before demolition may be ordered; minutes were approved and the meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Discussion Points

•A member urged protection of shared wall and waterproofing if demolition occurs.
•Commissioners questioned fire date (2014), tax arrears and probate status (since 2021).
•Inspector Johnston presented investigative chronology and structural findings for 607 South Florence.
•Minutes approval on consent agenda.
•Motion to approve staff recommendation; motion and second recorded.

Decisions

•Both motions passed by voice vote; numeric tallies not specified.
•Motion to approve staff recommendations passed; exact vote tally not specified.

Directions

•Clerk to file minutes; Code Enforcement to follow up on 607 South Florence compliance.
•Secure property within 30 days; require submission of rehabilitation permits/construction documents within 90 days; staff to ensure neighbor protections are included in plans.

Oct

Veterans Advisory Committeec 10/15/2026

The Veterans Advisory Commission (El Paso City) convened for routine updates across county and city veteran services, committee reports, events planning and procedural business. Major items included a county veteran assistance update, discussion of a state tax-relief bill for veterans, subcommittee employment and outreach plans, community programming and routine motions to excuse absences.

Discussion Points

•Abeyta's free and paid class options, experience teaching a wide age range and the request to teach at VA clinic sites.
•Announcement of a planned veterans business center by the Texas Veterans Commission.
•Coffee with Veterans scheduled Nov. 10 hosted by GECU at Endeavors Health and Wellness.
•County estimate of ~8,800 veterans at 100% was cited as justification for seeking funds.
•County to declare Veteran of the Year at commissioners' court Nov. 2 and adopt Operation Greenlight resolution; bulbs to be distributed at county court and from county office.
•House Bill 235 described as dormant; would provide sales-tax exemptions for 100%-rated veterans (up to $25,000 cited).
•Legislative subcommittee volunteers require ethics training ahead of filing season; laws can be filed Nov. 4.
•Need for better publicity for clinics; recent attendance low (~15) at Miho Rec clinic.
•Needs assessment closed with ~1,200 responses; top needs were claims assistance, benefits knowledge and mental health support.
•Outreach clinics and resources aim to reduce silos and improve veterans' access to services.
•Statutory reference Local Government Code 140.011 cited as basis for seeking reimbursements.
•Tech for Troops' interest in refurbishing and distributing laptops to veterans.
•Texas Veterans Commission grants moving to a two‑year cycle.
•VAC briefing to city council moved to the second council meeting in November due to scheduling.
•VCUSA initiative to be moved to BABB subcommittee with county office leading the relaunch.
•Veterans Business Connect event scheduled Nov. 4 at Northeast El Paso Community College.
•Volunteer and district support for identifying free classroom or community space.

Decisions

•Committee to pursue coordination and report back on grant application status and Tech for Troops partnership.
•No formal decision; staff agreed to follow up on venue availability.
•No legislative change adopted locally; commission supports continued advocacy.
•Proceed with Nov. 2 proclamation and Operation Greenlight resolution; continue neighborhood clinics.
•Schedule confirmed for Coffee with Veterans and council briefing timing; staff to follow up with documentation.
•VCUSA will be transitioned to the BABB subcommittee; continue outreach work and legislative preparation.

Directions

•Abeyta to leave business cards and schedule follow-ups.
•Commissioners to coordinate recommendations for the city council briefing.
•Committee recommends city apply for relevant two‑year grants and to publicize the Veterans Business Connect event.
•District representatives and staff to follow up on venues and partnership opportunities with the VA clinic.
•District representatives to help coordinate downtown business participation.
•Employment subcommittee to follow up with Tech for Troops CEO and provide details to city staff and council members.
•Hunt to share clinic dates and distribution logistics with the commission.
•Panel to seek follow-up and report back to VAC and judge's office.
•Staff to compile summit materials and share the needs-assessment results with commissioners and legislative affairs.
•Staff to coordinate ethics training and provide calendar for filings and VCUSA activities.
•Subcommittees to provide updates on outreach schedules and collaboration with veteran groups.
•VAP to continue outreach to the state comptroller and legislators; county commissioners provided a letter of support.

Oct

October 15, 2026 El Paso County Commissioners Court Special Session Meeting

Regular/special meeting of the El Paso County Commissioner's Court (10/15/2026) covering bond/CIP updates, Escarate Park design options and community concerns, county strategic plan closeout, parks WiFi proposal, MPO transportation items, and a brief executive-session motion; public comment period had no speakers.

Discussion Points

•$1.5M HUD funding awarded for a port‑to‑port master plan covering Tornillo Port of Entry and Fabens Airport.
•Comparative research: Harris County and Travis County have implemented WiFi in some parks; costs vary by fiber availability and park conditions.
•Issuance A (~$12M) is mostly encumbered/spent; $694,000 available balance reported.
•Issuance B ($26M) has $19.2M encumbered and will fund additional projects as Issuance A closes out.
•Item 5b was deleted upon county attorney request after a motion and vote.
•Items 6a and 6b were discussed and no action was taken on migrant detention centers or polling sites.
•Medical examiner site work progressing with shop drawings, temporary utilities and upcoming construction; animal shelter design ~50% complete and targeting early 2027 construction.
•Motion to go into executive session was moved and seconded and passed; court recessed for legal briefing.
•Pickleball options range between 4–8 courts and mixed-use configurations; no dedicated funding specifically for pickleball beyond allocated bond amounts.
•Proposed MPO amendments include a funding update for Southern Park Drive intersection reconstruction and a technical project limit change for the Playa Drain shared‑use path.
•Q4 progress: 16% of milestones achieved; 62% of plan on track; some actions moved off the plan due to lack of progress or external constraints.
•Small lake renovation options: minor repairs vs. major dredge/liner (~$7.2M cited for major renovation in discussion) and staff has not secured funding for major renovation.
•Spectrum Technology feasibility estimate: Year 1 capital ~ $4,000,000 and recurring maintenance $700K–$826K per year for 16 parks.
•Two roadway alternatives (Option 1 retains partial vehicular waterfront access; Option 2 prioritizes pedestrian access and reduces vehicular perimeter).
•Upcoming MPO presentations: international border crossing strategic plan and Border Highway Connector phase 2 hotspot analysis.

Decisions

•Executive session approved; Item 5b deleted; no action on Items 6a and 6b.

Directions

•Consider tiered service offerings (public basic vs. event premium).
•No further action recorded in this meeting on the items deleted or discussed; staff to handle legal briefings in executive session as appropriate.
•Procure consultant and proceed with the 24‑month port‑to‑port study and related outreach; staff to continue updating milestones and carry over actions into the 2027–2031 plan as appropriate.
•Staff to analyze procurement paths, pilot sites, digital‑signage contract leverage and potential revenue for event organizers.
•Staff to continue coordination with IT, facilities and legal on complex projects.
•Staff to forward backup materials to commissioners for the MPO agenda items.
•Staff to include distance-to-parking visuals and clearer parking maps for the community meeting.
•Staff to present funding options and tradeoffs at the public meeting and to continue seeking grants/savings to support lake renovations.
•Staff to proceed with procurement packages (CMAR) and submit to purchasing within 60–90 days.

Oct

Animal Shelter Advisory Committee 10-14-26

The El Paso Animal Shelter Advisory Committee met on Oct. 14, 2026. Members heard a directors report showing increased intakes, higher returns-to-owner and a rising live-release rate; recommended the council explore a no-cost spay/neuter pilot for returned animals; reviewed the Shelter Savvy assessment response; and discussed foster program policies.

Discussion Points

•Additional fees were added to reflect the EPVMA surgery program bundled services.
•Council awarded a five-year supply contract to Midwest Veterinary Supply for $601,212.95.
•Department clarified foster policy: standard contract 4 weeks with ability to extend for core fosters; dedicated foster staff and new dashboard ("Dubert") to improve tracking.
•Field intakes reported: 910 APO pickups; stray intake slides showed 1,915 strays for the month.
•Funding sources suggested: nonprofit partnership (EPVMA), grants from Texas Department of State Health Services, or city funding in future budget cycles.
•Implemented changes include daily disinfecting, post-op monitoring, sterilization processes, and a monthly deep-clean closure for training.
•Increase in call and field intake volumes for September (about 200 more calls than normal).
•Legal context: a committee member reviewed the Texas Health and Safety Code and found no explicit prohibition to recommending stricter spay/neuter requirements.
•Live-release rate for September 84.90% (up from 82.85% last year).
•Medical services: 167 surgeries scheduled with EPVMA; infectious-disease euthanasia down ~40%.
•Operational changes include stopping staff carouseling, creating a red-shed team for adoption paperwork, and monthly foster meet-ups.
•Proposal to offer no-cost spay/neuter for RTO animals and waive impound fees if owners agree.
•Reports that fosters were told to adopt rather than foster or were asked to return animals prematurely.
•Request to add city-council agenda item to discuss forming a board of directors or oversight committee for animal services.
•Return-to-owner (RTO) activity rose: 176 RTOs and described as a record for field returns.
•Schedule C adoption fee upper range amended from $110 to $198 to allow situational, higher-end fees; standard adoption pricing unchanged.
•Shelter Savvy assessment identified sanitation, surgical suite and process gaps.
•Staffing turnover remains high (~21%); internal audit planned and recruitment for department head is underway.
•Volunteer asked about owner-request euthanasia definitions and processes.
•Volunteer described frontline rescue experiences and asked for more transparent coordination and input from rescue groups.

Decisions

•Committee voted unanimously to recommend exploration to council.
•Contract award approved; Schedule C amendment approved 5-3.

Directions

•Committee requested future reporting on whether grants or partnerships can cover costs.
•Department to continue explaining situational pricing rationale and EPVMA partnership to the public.
•Highlight foster sub-stage reporting in future ASAC reports so the committee can monitor foster-to-adopt outcomes.
•Include more detailed follow-up metrics for RTO repeat addresses and 311 ticket tracking in future reports.
•Internal audit to be scheduled and findings presented publicly with management responses.
•Provide further spatial analysis of trauma (hit-by-car) incidents.
•Public explanation of fee changes and updated Schedule C to be published.
•Recommend exploration to city council; staff to investigate funding and program design if council refers.
•Solicit advisory board input on policy revisions for foster/adoption/transfer programs.
•Staff to follow up with the speaker for clarification on owner-request euthanasia and to consider whether advisory input on oversight structure merits a council referral.
•Standardize training for shelter and Westside staff so messaging is consistent across sites.

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