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Work Session Room at City Hall
Monday, March 17, 2025
6 p.m.

William E. Dollar Municipal Building
200 N. Fifth St.
Garland, Texas

CITY OF GARLAND
WORK SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

The Garland City Council extends to all visitors a sincere welcome. We value your interest in our community and your participation in the meetings of this governing body. Visit GarlandTX.gov/Council for a full list of meeting dates.

The Council Chambers at Garland City Hall is wheelchair accessible, and ADA parking is available on State Street as well as in the public parking garage behind City Hall. Persons who may need assistive listening devices or interpretation/translation services are asked to contact the City Secretary's Office at 972-205-2404 as soon as possible prior to the meeting so that we may do all we can to provide appropriate arrangements.

Garland City Council meetings are livestreamed and available on-demand at GarlandTX.tv. They are also broadcast on Spectrum Channel 16, Frontier Channel 44 and AT&T Uverse Channel 99. Closed captioning is available for each in English and Spanish.

NOTICE: Pursuant to Section 551.127 of the Texas Government Code, one or more members of the City Council may attend this meeting by internet/video remote means. A quorum of the City Council, as well as the presiding officer, will be physically present at the above identified location. Members of the public that desire to make a public comment must attend the meeting in person.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON WORK SESSION ITEMS
Members of the audience may address the City Council on any Work Session item at the beginning of the meeting. Speakers are allowed three minutes each, grouped by agenda item and called in the order of the agenda. Anyone wishing to speak must fill out a speaker card (located at the entrance to the Council Chambers and on the visitor's side of the Work Session Room) and give it to the City Secretary before the Mayor calls the meeting to order. Speakers are limited to addressing items on the Work Session agenda only. Items on a Regular Meeting agenda should be addressed at the respective Regular Meeting. Items not currently on an agenda may be addressed during the citizen comments portion of any Regular Meeting.

CONSIDER THE CONSENT AGENDA
Council may ask for discussion or further information on any item posted in the consent agenda of the next Regular Meeting. Council may also ask that an item on the consent agenda be pulled and considered for a vote separate from the consent agenda at the next Regular Meeting. All discussions or deliberations are limited to posted agenda items and may not include new or unposted subject matter.

WRITTEN BRIEFINGS
Council may ask for discussion, further information, or give direction to staff on an item posted as a written briefing.

FY 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget Amendment No. 1

Council is requested to consider approving changes to the FY 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget to appropriate available funds for: projects approved in last year's budget but not yet completed, the rollover of open purchase orders from the 2023-24 fiscal year, and expenditures not anticipated in the 2024-25 Adopted Operating Budget. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the April 1, 2025 Regular Meeting.

Grant Disbursement Agreement - Garland Housing Finance Corporation

Council is requested to consider accepting a $540,000 grant from the Garland Housing Finance Corporation (GHFC) to continue the Garland Partnership Program with the City of Garland. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the April 1, 2025 Regular Meeting.

GPS: Garland's Pathway to Success

Council is requested to consider approval of GPS: Garland's Pathway to Success, the City Manager's work plan for aligning City Council direction with the work of Team Garland. Council was briefed on this item at the November 18, 2024 Work Session. Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the March 18, 2025 Regular Meeting.

VERBAL BRIEFINGS
Council may ask for discussion, further information, or give direction to staff on an item posted as a verbal briefing.

Introduction of a New Director

Council will be introduced to Joe Ellis, the new Director of Emergency Management, by Mistie Gardner, Managing Director.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Update

Council will be updated on DART's services, activities, programs and projects within Garland.

519 State Street: Further Consideration of the Sales Agreement and Development Agreement, to Discuss Possible Amendments

This item was requested by Councilmember Beard and seconded by Councilmember Ott.

Annual Review of Homestead and Senior Tax Exemptions

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Margaret Lucht, Chair of the Administrative Services Committee, along with staff, will present options recommended at the February 27, 2025 Administrative Services Committee Meeting.

Legislative & Public Affairs Committee Report

Councilmember B.J. Williams, Chair of the Legislative & Public Affairs Committee, and staff will provide a committee report. Ariel Traub, Managing Director of Legislative & Public Affairs, will discuss the 89th legislative session thus far.

ANNOUNCE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
A Councilmember, with a second by another member or the Mayor alone, may ask that an item be placed on a future agenda of the City Council or of a committee of the City Council. No substantive discussion of that item will take place at this time.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Deliberate or discuss:

The City Council will adjourn into executive session pursuant to sections 551.071, 551.072, and 551.087 of the Texas Government Code to deliberate and discuss the following:

1. Certain commercial or financial information that the City has received from a business prospect that the City seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in the downtown district of the City and with which the City is conducting economic development negotiations (551.087), including the possibility of the conveyance of real property (551.072), and attorney/client discussions related to the same (551.071).
2. A potential offer by the City of financial and other incentives to a business prospect and the receipt of commercial or financial information that the City has received from that same business prospect, which the City seeks to have locate within the City in the area of I-H 635 and Shiloh Road, and in the area of President George Bush Turnpike and Holford Road, and with which the City is conducting economic development negotiations (551.087); and attorney/client communications related to the same (551.071).

ADJOURN
All Work Sessions of the Garland City Council are broadcast live on CGTV, Time Warner Cable Channel 16 and Frontier FIOS TV 44. Meetings are rebroadcast at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesdays - Sundays. Live streaming and on-demand videos of the meetings are also available online at GarlandTX.tv. Copies of the meetings can be purchased through the City Secretary's Office (audio CDs are $1 each and DVDs are $3 each).

NOTICE: The City Council may recess from the open session and convene in a closed executive session if the discussion of any of the listed agenda items concerns one or more of the following matters:

Pending/contemplated litigation, settlement offer(s), and matters concerning privileged and unprivileged client information deemed confidential by Rule 1.05 of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Sec. 551.071, Tex. Gov't Code.
The purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, if the deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City in negotiations with a third person. Sec. 551.072, Tex. Gov't Code.
A contract for a prospective gift or donation to the City, if the deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City in negotiations with a third person. Sec. 551.073, Tex. Gov't Code.
Personnel matters involving the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissalof a public officer or employee or to hear a complaint against an officer or employee. Sec. 551.074, Tex. Gov't Code.
The deployment, or specific occasions for implementation of security personnel or devices. Sec. 551.076,Tex. Gov't Code.
Discussions or deliberations regarding commercial or financial information that the City has received from a business prospect that the City seeks to have to locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the City and with which the City is conducting economic development negotiations; or to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect of the sort described in this provision. Sec. 551.087, Tex. Gov't Code.
Discussions, deliberations, votes, or other final action on matters related to the City's competitive activity, including information that would, if disclosed, give advantage to competitors or prospective competitors and is reasonably related to one or more of the following categories of information:

generation unit specific and portfolio fixed and variable costs, including forecasts of those costs, capital improvement plans for generation units, and generation unit operating characteristics and outage scheduling;
bidding and pricing information for purchased power, generation, and fuel, and Electric Reliability Council of Texas bids, prices, offers, and related services and strategies;
effective fuel and purchased power agreements and fuel transportation arrangements and contracts;
risk management information, contracts, and strategies, including fuel hedging and storage;
plans, studies, proposals, and analyses for system improvements, additions, or sales, other than transmission and distribution system improvements inside the service area for which the public power utility is the sole certificated retail provider; and
customer billing, contract, and usage information, electric power pricing information, system load characteristics, and electric power marketing analyses and strategies. Sec. 551.086; Tex. Gov't Code; Sec. 552.133, Tex. Gov't Code]

Image of Garland%20 Mission Vision Strategic%20 Focus%20 Areas

Each year, the City Council reviews and updates its goals for the Garland community and City operations. City management uses these goals to guide operational priorities, decision-making and resource allocation.

GARLAND
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT

City Council Work Session

Work Session Item 1.

Meeting Date:

03/17/2025

Title:

FY 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget Amendment No. 1

Submitted By:

Allyson Bell Steadman, Budget Director

Strategic Focus Area:

Sound Governance and Finances

Issue/Summary

Amend the 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget to appropriate available funds for the following purposes:

Projects approved in last year's budget but not yet completed,
The rollover of open Purchase Orders from the 2023-24 Fiscal Year,
Expenditures not anticipated in the 2024-25 Adopted Operating Budget.

Background

I. Carryover of 2023-24 Incomplete Projects

(a) Rolled-Forward Funds in the TIF #1 Fund for the Downtown TIF Project and Financing Plan

The FY 2023-24 Revised Budget for the TIF #1 Fund included $580,890 in funding for the Downtown Development Office that was not spent or committed prior to the end of FY 2023-24. Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the TIF #1 Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $580,890 to continue implementing the Downtown TIF Project and Financing Plan.

A Budget Amendment is required due to the timing of the expenditures only. There is no additional financial impact.

(b) Rolled-Forward Funds in the IT Replacement Fund for IT, Police, Library, and Electric Equipment Replacement

The FY 2023-24 Revised Budget for the IT Replacement Fund included $392,350 in funding for equipment replacements for the IT, Police, Library, and Electric Departments that was not spent or committed prior to the end of FY 2023-24. Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the IT Replacement Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $392,350 to complete the equipment purchases.

A Budget Amendment is required due to the timing of the expenditures only. There is no additional financial impact.

( c) Rolled-Forward Funds in the IT Project Fund for Prior Year Projects

The FY 2023-24 Revised Budget for the IT Project Fund included $10,080,004 in funding for various projects that was not spent or committed prior to the end of FY 2023-24. Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the IT Project Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $10,080,004 to complete outstanding projects.

A Budget Amendment is required due to the timing of the expenditures only. There is no additional financial impact.

(d) Rolled-Forward Funds in the General Fund for the Home Improvement Incentive Program

The FY 2023-24 Revised Budget for the General Fund included $64,115 in funding for the Home Improvement Incentive Program that was not spent or committed prior to the end of FY 2023-24. Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the General Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $64,115 to continue implementing the Home Improvement Incentive Program.

A Budget Amendment is required due to the timing of the expenditures only. There is no additional financial impact.

(e) Rolled-Forward Funds in the Infrastructure Repair & Replacement Fund for Alley Improvements and Railroad Crossing Maintenance

The FY 2023-24 Revised Budget for the Infrastructure Repair & Replacement Fund included $3,000,000 in funding for an alley improvement package and railroad crossing maintenance that was not spent or committed prior to the end of FY 2023-24. Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Infrastructure Repair & Replacement Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $3,000,000 to complete these infrastructure improvement projects.

A Budget Amendment is required due to the timing of the expenditures only. There is no additional financial impact.

(f) Rolled-Forward Funds in the Stormwater Management Fund for Stormwater Equipment

The FY 2023-24 Revised Budget for the Stormwater Management Fund includes $243,650 in funding for two emergency response trailers, a channelizer trailer, a heavy-duty flatbed trailer, a heavy-duty dump trailer, and a work tool attachment power grappler, that were not spent or committed prior to the end of FY 2023-24. Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Stormwater Management Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $243,650 to complete these equipment purchases.

A Budget Amendment is required due to the timing of the expenditures only. There is no additional financial impact.

(g) Rolled-Forward Funds in the Economic Development Fund for the "Make Your Mark" Campaign

The FY 2024-25 Revised Budget for the Economic Development Fund included $335,726 in funding for the "Make Your Mark" campaign that was not spent or committed prior to the end of FY 2023-24. Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Economic Development Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $335,726 to continue the "Make Your Mark" campaign.

A Budget Amendment is required due to the timing of the expenditures only. There is no additional financial impact.

(h) Rolled-Forward Funds in the Equipment Replacement Fund for One (1) Police Unit and Two (2) GP&L Units

The FY 2023-24 Revised Budget for the Equipment Replacement Fund included $118,000 in funding to replace one (1) Police passenger van, one (1) GP&L sedan, and one (1) GP&L cargo van that was not spent or committed prior to the end of FY 2023-24. Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Equipment Replacement Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $118,000 to order the three (3) replacement units.

A Budget Amendment is required due to the timing of the expenditures only. There is no additional financial impact.

(i) Rolled-Forward Funds in the Water Utility Fund for One (1) Additional 1-Ton Truck

The FY 2023-24 Revised Budget for the Water Utility Fund included $117,950 in funding to purchase an additional 1-ton service truck that was not spent or committed prior to the end of FY 2023-24. Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Water Utility's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $117,950 to order the additional unit.

A Budget Amendment is required due to the timing of the expenditures only. There is no additional financial impact.

(j) Rolled-Forward Funds in the Water Utility Fund for a Risk and Resilience Assessment

The FY 2023-24 Revised Budget for the Water Utility Fund included $40,000 in funding to complete a Risk and Resilience Assessment that was not spent or committed prior to the end of FY 2023-24. Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Water Utility's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $40,000 to complete the assessment.

A Budget Amendment is required due to the timing of the expenditures only. There is no additional financial impact.

II. Rolled-Forward Encumbrances from Fiscal Year 2023-24

When an order is placed for goods or services, a Purchase Order is issued that encumbers the budgeted funds. This has the effect of reserving the funds for future payment of the items covered in the Purchase Order. Every year on September 30, when the fiscal year ends, there are open Purchase Orders related to goods or services that have been ordered but not yet received. Accordingly, the funds reserved for these open Purchase Orders are still in the year-end fund balances since the transactions are not yet completed.

Because the purchase of these open items was authorized by Council in the previous fiscal year (2023-24), the City's practice has been to roll these encumbrances forward into the current fiscal year (2024-25). This has the effect of increasing the current year's appropriation by the amount of the open Purchase Orders or encumbrances. The funding to cover the expenditures is available in the fund balance since payment was not made before the close of the fiscal year.

The projected fund balance for the current fiscal year is unaffected by the "roll forward" because it was assumed in the 2024-25 Adopted Budget that the expenditures would be completed in the prior year. The presence of the funds in the fund balance is above and beyond what the Budget assumes for the 2024-25 year-end balance.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes that encumbrances totaling $13,332,300 to be rolled forward to 2024-25. Of the total rollover amount, $1,990,951 is related to the General Fund. Attachment A provides a detailed listing by fund of individual outstanding encumbrances over $25,000.

A Budget Amendment is required due to the timing of the expenditures only. There is no additional financial impact.

III. Expenditures Not Anticipated in the 2024-25 Adopted Operating Budget

(1) All Funds

(a) Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Increase to Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) Contributions

At the October 8, 2024, Regular Session, Council approved Ordinance 7559 adopting a 50% non-retroactive repeating COLA for City Retirees under the TMRS pension plan. The COLA increased the City's 2025 contribution to TMRS from 11.20% of eligible wages, as appropriated in the 2024-25 Adopted Budget, to 17.92%. A Pension Bond issuance will be considered in June which will lower the TMRS contribution rate if approved. The FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget included available reserves to fund the COLA and this Budget Amendment seeks to appropriate funding for each respective fund.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase each Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation per the below, totaling $7,809,214 Citywide, for the COLA adoption. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time balance reserves in the respective funds and changes to support service allocations as a part of the FY 2024-25 Revised Budget.

Fund

Appropriation Increase

General Fund

$4,800,503

Economic Development Fund

28,522

Electric Utility Fund

1,107,220

Water Utility Fund

189,393

Wastewater Utility Fund

280,775

Sanitation Fund

241,671

Firewheel Fund

61,767

Stormwater Management Fund

56,473

Group Health Insurance Fund

46,219

Self-Insurance Fund

17,100

Information Technology Fund

284,601

Facilities Management Fund

78,861

Fleet Services Fund

84,092

Customer Service Fund

198,051

Hotel/Motel Tax Fund

20,160

Housing Assistance Fund

36,540

HOME Fund

1,781

Community Development Block Grant Fund

11,184

CASA Fund

1,660

Fair Housing Fund

2,541

Infrastructure Repair & Replacement Fund

240,813

Culture & Recreation Grant

2,655

Public Safety Grant Fund

3,025

Community Development Rehab Fund

8,020

Downtown TIF Fund

5,587

Total

$7,809,214

(2) General Fund

(a) Library - Walmart Grant

The Library has received a $5,000 grant from Walmart for the purchase of makerspace equipment at the West Branch Library.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the General Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $5,000 for the makerspace equipment. Funding for this request will come from grant funds, recognized as a $5,000 increase in revenue in the General Fund.

(b) Environmental Compliance - Disposal of Hazardous Materials

Environmental Compliance requests $6,600 to dispose of hazardous materials stored at the Warehouse. The materials are from various City departments and are not able to be disposed of at the Landfill.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the General Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $6,600 for the disposal of hazardous materials. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves in the General Fund.

(c) Environmental Compliance - Encampment Clean-up and PPE Supplies

Environmental Compliance requests $34,715 for PPE materials, cleaning supplies, and contracted labor for the clean-up of encampments.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the General Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $34,715 for encampment clean-up. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves in the General Fund.

(d) Special Events - Cinco de Mayo

Special Events requests $15,000 in additional funding to produce the Cinco de Mayo event. The funding will provide additional elements to the celebration.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the General Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $15,000 for the event. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves in the General Fund.

(e) Special Events - Hand Dolly

Special Events requests $5,900 in additional funding to purchase a hand dolly for use in the event materials storage areas in the Armory building. The dolly will allow for the safe and efficient access to materials stored on high shelves in the facility.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Recreation Performance Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $5,900 for the purchase of a hand dolly. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves in the Recreation Performance Fund.

(f) Parks - Mowing Contracts

Parks requests $65,100 in additional funding to meet the increase in the costs of mowing contracts. In 2024, Parks and Recreation identified 100% of the project cost. However, the contract renewal from the vendor requested a 3% to 5% increase due to inflationary pressures.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the General Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $65,100 for the increase in cost. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves in the General Fund.

(g) Animal Services - Two (2) Temporary Veterinary Technician Positions

Animal Services requests $48,858 for the addition of one (1) full-time Veterinary Technician position. The new Technician is required to handle increased surgeries and other medical services as the number of intakes and surrenders to the Shelter continues to grow.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the General Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $48,858 for the new full-time Veterinary Technician. Funding for this request will come from ongoing revenue sources in the General Fund.

(3) Other Funds

(a) Hotel/Motel Tax Fund - Hotel Feasibility Study

Visit Garland requests $50,000 for a hotel feasibility study to assess the viability of a proposed hotel project by evaluating market demand, financial projections, competitive landscape, potential risks, and return on investment (ROI). The study will help minimize financial risks, optimize resource allocation, and provide key insights for stakeholders, ensuring the project aligns with market needs and trends.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $50,000 to assess the feasibility of a proposed hotel project. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves in the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund.

(b) TIF #1 Fund - Downtown Development Office Redevelopment Plan

The Downtown Development Office requests $250,000 to complete a redevelopment implementation plan. The plan will work in tandem with a previously approved infrastructure study to streamline Downtown Garland's vision, provide urban design standards, direct development in the District, and protect the Historic District designation.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the TIF #1 Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $250,000 for the completion of a redevelopment implementation plan. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves in the TIF #1 Fund.

(c) Narcotic Seizure Fund - SWAT Rifles and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Technician Bomb Suit

Police requests $50,000 to purchase replacement SWAT rifles and an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician Bomb Suit in the Narcotic Seizure Fund. The purchase of SWAT rifles will replace aging rifles used by the SWAT Precision Marksmen. The Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician Bomb Suit will be worn by a certified EOD Technician during training and callouts and will safeguard against the effects of explosions, such as pressure waves and fragmentation.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Narcotic Seizure Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $50,000 for the purchase of the SWAT rifles and bomb suit. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves in the Narcotic Seizure Fund.

(d) Sanitation Fund - Commercial Compactor

Sanitation requests $30,053 for the purchase of a commercial compactor to be rented and utilized by commercial customers.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Sanitation Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $30,053 to perform the purchase of a commercial compactor. Funding for this request will come from revenue generated through commercial customer contracts in the Sanitation Fund.

(e) Stormwater Management Fund - Transfer to Flood Detection Devices and Automated Gates Stormwater Capital Project

At the February 3, 2025, Regular Session, Council approved the 2025 CIP which included a transfer from the Stormwater Management Fund of $400,000 to the Flood Detection Devices and Automated Gates CIP project.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Stormwater Management Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $400,000 to complete the Flood Detection Devices and Automated Gates project. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves in the Stormwater Management Fund.

(f) Information Technology Fund - Dillon Morgan Consulting for Process Improvements

At the December 10, 2024, Regular Session, Council approved a $1.2 million contract to continue work with the Dillon Morgan Consulting (DMC) firm on process improvements throughout the City.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Information Technology Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $1.2 million to complete the process improvements. Funding for this request will come from one-time transfers from the General Fund, Electric Utility Fund, Water Utility Fund, Wastewater Utility Fund, Sanitation Fund, Stormwater Management Fund, Group Health Insurance Fund, Self Insurance Fund, Information Technology Fund, Facilities Management Fund, Fleet Services Fund, and Customer Service Fund in the FY 2024-25 Revised Budget.

(g) Information Technology Fund - Service Contract Costs for Council Automation, Envisio, and Salesforce Customer Service Portal

Information Technology requests $82,333 for service contract expenses associated with Council meeting technology improvements, the implementation of Envisio as a strategic planning software, and the creation of a Customer Service portal within Salesforce to allow access to departmental data.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Information Technology Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $82,333 for these software licenses. Funding for this request will come from increased ongoing transfers from various funds in the Information Technology Fund.

(h) Information Technology Project Fund - Project Costs for Bar Coding Software for Cityworks, Envisio, and Workday Extend

The Information Technology Project Fund requests $296,344 for the implementation of three new projects: Bar Coding Software for Cityworks to support the Garland Water Utilities warehouse; Envisio for strategic planning; and Workday Extend for enhanced business process functionality in the Workday Finance system.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Information Technology Project Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $296,344 for the implementation of these software. Funding for this request will come from a combination of interest earnings and excess, one-time fund balance reserves generated through project savings in the FY 2024-25 Revised Budget.

(i) Water Utility Fund - Message Board Replacement

Water requests $20,000 for the replacement of a message board that was hit by a third-party driver and damaged beyond repair. $13,650 in recoveries were received from the third-party driver.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Water Utility Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $20,000 for the replacement message board. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves as well as recoveries from the third-party driver.

(j) Fleet Services Fund - Additional Samsara GPS & Camera Units

Fleet Services requests $21,000 to purchase additional GPS and dual-facing camera units for the remaining Sanitation collection vehicles and future reserve units. The integration of dual-facing cameras and GPS technology into collection vehicles has proven instrumental in enhancing efficiency and accountability in field operations. These tools enable the management team to review area maps daily, ensuring complete coverage of all streets within assigned collection areas. The cameras also document missed set-outs by employees and late set-outs by customers, providing valuable data for performance monitoring and service improvements. Since the initial implementation of this technology, reported missed collections have decreased by nearly 90%, demonstrating its significant impact on operational effectiveness.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Fleet Services Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $21,000 for the additional GPS and camera units. Funding for this request will come from changes to the Fleet Service support allocations as a part of the FY 2024-25 Revised Budget.

(k) Recreation Performance Fund - Improvements for Recreation Centers

Recreation Performance requests $37,000 for interior improvements for the Hollabaugh and Bradfield Recreation Centers. Hollabaugh Center is in need of $22,000 for manual shades in the new multi-purpose room to minimize glare and heat from the sun. Additionally, the Bradfield Recreation Center is in need of $15,000 for chair replacement that is used for programs, camps, and reservations.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Recreation Performance Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $37,000 for the shade installation and chair replacement. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves.

(l) Electric Utility Fund - Production Operations

Electric requests $940,000 to support unexpected maintenance activities and additional support services for GP&L Production Operations.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Electric Utility Fund's FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $940,000 for the maintenance activities and support services. Funding for this request will come from excess, one-time fund balance reserves.

(m) Infrastructure Repair & Replacement Fund - Pleasant Valley Road Improvements

Streets requests $1.5 million for improvements on Pleasant Valley Road and Elm Grove Road.

Budget Amendment No. 1 proposes to increase the Infrastructure Repair & Replacement Fund FY 2024-25 operating appropriation by $1.5 million for improvements on Pleasant Valley Road and Elm Grove Road. Funding for this request will come from short-term tax note proceeds.

Financial Considerations

Projects continued and outstanding Purchase Orders carried forward were fully funded in the FY 2023-24 Budget, and the funds required to cover these expenditures remain within each fund's respective fund balance. As a result, there is no financial impact from approval of these items. The additional expenses will be funded out of excess fund balance reserves in each respective fund as well as additional revenue.

Attachment A outlines all Open Encumbrances by Fund being rolled forward greater than $25,000.

Attachment B outlines the Proposed Amendment by Fund, showing the combined impact of the amendment and encumbrance roll forward as proposed.

Consideration / Recommendation

Consideration:

Approve FY 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget Amendment No. 1 as proposed.
Approve portions of FY 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget Amendment No. 1.
Do not approve FY 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget Amendment No. 1.

Recommendation:
Option (1) - Approve FY 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget Amendment No. 1 as proposed. Unless otherwise directed by City Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the April 1, 2025, Regular Meeting.

Attachments

Attachment A - Schedule of Open Encumbrances being Rolled Forward

Attachment B - Schedule of Proposed Amendments by Fund

GARLAND
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT

City Council Work Session

Work Session Item 2.

Meeting Date:

03/17/2025

Title:

Grant Disbursement Agreement - Garland Housing Finance Corporation

Submitted By:

Mona Woodard, Neighborhood Services Administrator

Strategic Focus Area:

Vibrant Neighborhoods and Commercial Centers

Issue/Summary

Council is requested to consider accepting a $540,000 grant from the Garland Housing Finance Corporation (GHFC) to continue the Garland Partnership Program with the City of Garland and authorize the City Manager to sign and execute a disbursement agreement for deployment of these funds.

Background

The City of Garland has partnered with Garland Housing Finance Corporation for the previous 4 years to offer homeowner assistance to low-income Garland residents. The purpose of the 2025 grant is to provide funding and support for emergency home repairs, substantial home repairs and qualified exterior repairs. Fifteen percent of the total grant is allocated to cover salary and administrative expenses. The GHFC Garland Partnership Program augments the City of Garland's existing Home Repair Program, which is funded annually by HUD for home repairs. The GHFC grant programs are administered by the Community Development Department, with support from the Office of Neighborhood Vitality and Code Compliance departments. In 2024, the GHFC offered $540,000 through a Garland Partnership Program grant to the City of Garland. To date, 100% of these funds have been spent or committed to projects.

Consideration / Recommendation

Unless otherwise directed by the Council, this item will be scheduled for formal consideration at the April 1, 2025, Regular Meeting. Staff recommends acceptance of the 2025 Garland Partnership grant funds to enable the continuation of the Program.

Attachments

GHFC 2025 Grant Agreement

GARLAND
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT

City Council Work Session

Work Session Item 3.

Meeting Date:

03/17/2025

Title:

GPS Staff Report: Garland's Pathway to Success

Submitted By:

Letecia McNatt, Assistant to the City Manager

Strategic Focus Area:

Growing Economic Base
Commercially Thriving Downtown
Well-Maintained City Infrastructure
Arts, and Events
Safe Community
Vibrant Neighborhoods and Commercial Centers
Reliable, Cost Efficient Utility Services
Customer-Focused City Services
Sound Governance and Finances
Future-Focused City Organization

Issue/Summary

The City Council will receive a presentation on GPS: Garland's Pathway to Success during the March 17 Work Session, followed by a request for formal adoption on the March 18 consent agenda. The GPS serves as a strategic framework aligning City operations with Council priorities, ensuring a clear, actionable roadmap for policy implementation, resource allocation, and performance accountability. Developed through collaboration with City leadership and Team Garland, the GPS defines ten strategic focus areas, each supported by specific destinations and actions that guide citywide initiatives. This framework is designed to be a dynamic, evolving document that integrates governance, infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and quality-of-life enhancements into a cohesive strategy. Departmental work plans and the FY2026 budget will be structured around the GPS to maintain alignment between strategic objectives and operational execution.

Background

To ensure effective governance and accountability, a structured implementation framework is being developed to clarify roles and responsibilities at all levels of the organization. The City Council provides strategic oversight, while the City Manager and leadership team drive execution through departmental initiatives, data-driven performance tracking, and continuous improvement efforts. Additional initiatives in the works will help leverage automation, analytics, and process enhancements to support GPS objectives. Regular reporting to the Council, including semi-annual updates, will ensure transparency and adaptability to evolving priorities. Council's formal adoption of the GPS will solidify its role as a guiding document for decision-making, operational planning, and long-term community development.

Consideration / Recommendation

Discuss the strategic framework of the GPS as presented by staff and consider for formal adoption on the consent agenda of the March 18, 2025, Regular Meeting.

Attachments

GPS: Garland's Pathway to Success 2025

GARLAND
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT

City Council Work Session

Work Session Item 4.

Meeting Date:

03/17/2025

Title:

Introduction of a New Director

Submitted By:

Mistie Gardner, Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives

Strategic Focus Area:

Safe Community

Issue/Summary

Mistie Gardner will introduce the new Director of Emergency Management to Council.

Background

Joseph Ellis will join the City of Garland as Emergency Management Director on February 24, 2025.

Joseph brings over 15 years of broad experience in Emergency Management and Business Continuity across both public and private sectors. Before entering the field, he served as a public safety dispatcher and later as a police officer. His emergency management career began as the first full-time Emergency Manager for the City of Carrollton, followed by positions with the Rockwall County Office of Emergency Management and the City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management.

Transitioning to the private sector, Joseph worked as a Risk Manager at Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings, the U.S. subsidiary of a Tokyo-based semiconductor company, where he managed business continuity, corporate insurance, and physical security for its U.S. operations. He later joined the Texas Department of Transportation as the Business Continuity Manager, overseeing business continuity efforts across the statewide agency.
Joseph holds a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management with a minor in Homeland Security from Jacksonville State University. He is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) and a Certified Business Continuity Practitioner (CBCP).

Consideration / Recommendation

Council will be introduced to the new Director of Emergency Management, Joe Ellis.

GARLAND
CITY COUNCIL ITEM SUMMARY SHEET

City Council Work Session

Work Session Item 5.

Meeting Date:

03/17/2025

Item Title:

DART Update

Summary of Request/Problem

City Council will be updated on DART's services, activities, programs and projects within Garland.

Recommendation/Action Requested and Justification

Council discussion.

GARLAND
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT

City Council Work Session

Work Session Item 6.

Meeting Date:

03/17/2025

Title:

519 State Street: Further Consideration of the Sales Agreement and Development Agreement, to Discuss Possible Amendments.

Strategic Focus Area:

Growing Economic Base
Commercially Thriving Downtown
Arts, and Events
Vibrant Neighborhoods and Commercial Centers

Issue/Summary

The City Council is requested to consider a Development Agreement for 519 State Street, which proposes the redevelopment of the historic property into The Owl Icehouse. The project aims to revitalize a long-standing, vacant site in Downtown Garland while maintaining its historical character. The proposed development includes a significant private investment, is expected to create new jobs, and generate additional sales revenue, contributing to Garland's economic growth.

Background

519 State Street has been vacant for several decades and presents an opportunity for redevelopment.
The Owl Icehouse is envisioned as a modern gathering space, honoring historical character while introducing new dining and entertainment options.
The project is led by The Owl Icehouse Garland LLC, with Don Day as the Managing Partner. This team has exemplary experience in historic preservation and community-oriented development, including successful projects in Downtown McKinney.

Consideration / Recommendation

Further discussion of the proposed terms in the Development Agreement and Real Contract of Sale as presented.

Attachments

519 State St. Development Agreement

519 State St. Contract of Sale

GARLAND
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT

City Council Work Session

Work Session Item 7.

Meeting Date:

03/17/2025

Title:

Administrative Services Committee Report

Submitted By:

Phillip Urrutia, Assistant City Manager

Strategic Focus Area:

Sound Governance and Finances

Issue/Summary

Annual Review of Homestead and Senior Tax Exemptions

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Margaret Lucht, Chair of the Administrative Services Committee, along with staff, will present options recommended at the February 27, 2025 Administrative Services Committee Meeting.

Background

The briefing will provide City Council with updates concerning the Administrative Services Committee agenda item recently discussed.

Consideration / Recommendation

Unless otherwise directed by Council, this item will be marked as complete on the Administrative Services Committee Pending Items List.

GARLAND
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT

City Council Work Session

Work Session Item 8.

Meeting Date:

03/17/2025

Title:

Legislative & Public Affairs Committee Report

Submitted By:

Letecia McNatt, Assistant to the City Manager

Issue/Summary

Councilmember BJ Williams, Chair of the Legislative & Public Affairs Committee, and staff will provide a committee report. Ariel Traub, Managing Director of Legislative & Public Affairs, will discuss the 89th legislative session thus far, bills filed related to transportation that could have potential impacts on the City of Garland, and qualified hotel project and bill draft language.

Background

The briefing will provide City Council with updates concerning Legislative & Public Affairs Committee agedna items recently discussed.

Consideration / Recommendation

Unless otherwise directed by Council, these items will remain open on the pending items list as discussions continue during the 89th Legislative Session.