[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6511597,"mediaKeyId","5322184-01cc0b4c12c1b9c57f1c78dbf308e8e3","parentId",5322184,"title","Garland council reviews state change on mixed‑beverage sales, weighs petition and local vote options","audioSeconds",1687,"startMs",2645000,"endMs",4332000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322184-01cc0b4c12c1b9c57f1c78dbf308e8e3&start=2645&end=4332","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322184-01cc0b4c12c1b9c57f1c78dbf308e8e3/thumbnail_2645000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511597/Garland/Dallas-County/Texas/Garland-council-reviews-state-change-on-mixedbeverage-sales-weighs-petition-and-local-vote-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511597-73e40a65f85677c7464a8ad4649e60c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447957&Signature=kiUwJqFOib9PkeKSSDxl3zWVGKCIFIMLbrx5m~Ej7ap~gELUmVN2ofEliRV09Hi7zlZe6l-rck7vq6oKhzg-S8yw9FZxYduH6E4oLtTzVM-qehO52KIkLQwqrSluGn4A9HeoUahdqD26K9EDLpuOiyTU-mGoUGA5ipNcUPJHjUPIzvDzRkE0NtOEotoJXEEkSSXajgnueWEziFD9NqEfccBj-wMHDg7iAjwE-WZ9Q1aa-ZaMx5xJsnKck3eBRTM6CULv47pP5mVvt0zAZUS~Prpp5WMqTqBS66G2kUk50i9zicWZC4VAjy4Spurw~A15dbTLEqVvAZpCn5NM1cgsJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Garland","date","2025-07-07T00:00:00Z","article","Garland City Council on July 7 received an update on state legislation and local options related to alcoholic beverage sales and considered the path forward now that state law has changed.

City staff presented background on Garland’s current partial‑wet status: beer and wine sales are allowed in certain circumstances, but off‑premise liquor stores are not. Under prior local rules, restaurants that have at least 51% of receipts from food may sell mixed drinks; retail liquor stores are barred absent a successful local petition or state action. The presentation recounted two recent legislative efforts filed in the 2024–2025 cycle (described in packet materials using the transcript phrasing) and said the amended language passed and would be effective Sept. 1, 2025.

Staff spelled out the three main options for council: (1) adopt a resolution to order a local option election (a petition method remains available under state law); (2) pursue further legislative change to create zone‑based liquor store authority; or (3) hire a consultant to run a petition drive. Staff noted the petition threshold in statute requires signatures equal to 35% of the registered voters in the political subdivision who voted for governor in the most recent gubernatorial election — roughly 37,000 signatures for Garland — and the signatures must be collected within 60 days.

Council members voiced a range of views. Council member Bass said his original intention had been to pursue a zoning‑style approach that would permit the city to restrict location and size of liquor‑sale outlets; he said the legislative route initially pursued was intended to preserve local control. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Luck and others said they would like to hear more from the community and stakeholders before committing to a petition or election. Council member Thomas asked about likely effects on existing restaurants; staff said whether existing 51% restaurants would convert to bar‑only businesses would be a decision for individual owners.

City Attorney addressed zoning and private‑club rules: a city may not treat a TABC‑permitted establishment (for example, a private club) differently than similarly situated retail or restaurant establishments, meaning a citywide local option vote would permit mixed‑beverage sales wherever restaurants or similarly situated establishments are allowed. As the City Attorney summarized, \"a city is not allowed to discriminate against a TABC‑permitted establishment.\" That guidance shaped the discussion about whether zone‑by‑zone controls remained feasible.

Speakers also discussed revenue estimates (Council member Bass cited prior staff estimates in the neighborhood of several hundred thousand dollars annually) and concerns about aesthetics, police workload and traffic. Council member Thomas suggested a paid petition contractor might be the most feasible route if the council wants an expedited signature drive; staff said consultants exist to assist with petition efforts but that the 60‑day signature window would still present constraints.

At the close of discussion councilors reached consensus to send the item to the Legislative and Public Affairs committee for further study and stakeholder outreach. Staff said it will collect additional information on petition‑drive costs, stakeholder positions, likely local impacts and next steps for council consideration.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Garland - Work Session - Jul 07, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Garland officials discussed a recently passed state amendment that allows mixed‑beverage sales effective Sept. 1, 2025, reviewed options including a local option election (petition), further legislative efforts and hiring a consultant, and referred the matter to the Legislative and Public Affairs committee for additional study.","taxTitle","Garland, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",2783,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511602,"Garland council seeks detailed briefings after DART outlines proposed service cuts and fare changes",1254,1384000,2638000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322184-01cc0b4c12c1b9c57f1c78dbf308e8e3&start=1384&end=2638","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322184-01cc0b4c12c1b9c57f1c78dbf308e8e3/thumbnail_1384000.jpg","/articles/6511602/Garland/Dallas-County/Texas/Garland-council-seeks-detailed-briefings-after-DART-outlines-proposed-service-cuts-and-fare-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511602-7e6ed7b1fa4abe779223b987ba989357/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447957&Signature=Ek0TEfKRuTNCV-k0M0~uWBOAmQkHIvE1KusaXR~MOosWX~maVAI-bJG77CWrdOKQmc9siH5DLDdf1QHz3t7nJKudwioaHxaguS06t-EFHLb9GCnxlBBFWMeFEDc-NzWDFw--DpC3T8VIDgtjIsOcuvRjsxFqRZuSRy~-VZQE9vWEeIaRmFVGjb9rHtJ7YthPlt0ccQsurhPkSKPHFcp~Fz2Zmu0pCy9ATjvSPUGw6KCpIjwGRA3KG7qCZ90yUe7tPow564kRpEW34eBS9G7p5DpUedkHHtmwOzFnvJFrYWPIfIt3U07kWI213ysKQ8SGnpT13ileptRlvZeNuOF4kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Garland City Council members on July 7 received a detailed presentation on Dallas Area Rapid Transit service changes, potential legislative actions and a DART general mobility program that could redirect funds. Council instructed staff to return with a summary of Garland’s position and invited DART representatives for a follow-up work session.

Ariel Schraum, listed in the packet as managing director of legislative and public affairs, reviewed DART’s system and recent actions: 93 miles of light rail, 65 stations, 570 buses and interagency partnerships across the region. Schraum described ongoing projects that involve Garland, including the South Garland Transit Center redevelopment and Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center work.

The presentation summarized recent legislative efforts and a DART internal General Mobility Program (GMP) intended to redistribute roughly $42.5 million across member cities. Schraum quoted DART board representative Mark Enoch’s testimony to the Texas House Transportation Committee: “If our buses don't run as often, we don't get as many riders. If our trains aren't repaired, they fall apart and we can't keep people riding.” The council and staff discussed that DART is proposing cuts that would reduce frequency (for example, some peak‑period service moving from 20‑minute to 30‑minute intervals and weekend service from 30 to 60 minutes) and increase certain fares, including a cited ADA paratransit fee increase from $3 to $6.

Council members raised concerns about the local impacts of reduced frequency and higher paratransit fees. Mayor Pro Tem Ed Moore urged a focused internal review and suggested a special meeting or a dedicated work session to consolidate Garland’s position. Council reached a consensus to place a DART item on a future work session agenda, ask staff to prepare proposed Garland position points in advance, and invite DART representatives to participate.

City staff noted DART has been meeting more frequently with member city managers and that some proposed cuts may stem from DART efforts to cover capital requests and other funding shortfalls. Staff offered to return with a concise list of Garland position points and suggested July 21 as a possible date for the follow‑up work session. A DART public hearing was noted for July 8 at 6 p.m.

No formal council vote on a resolution or ordinance occurred during the July 7 session; council members instructed staff to prepare materials for the next discussion.

","Council members heard a DART overview July 7 about planned cuts to route frequency, possible route eliminations and fare changes including a proposed ADA paratransit fee increase. Garland asked staff to summarize a city position and bring DART representatives back for a work session discussion.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511607,"Garland council interviews two candidates for Texas Municipal Power Agency board; appointment set for next day",1451,115000,1566000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322184-01cc0b4c12c1b9c57f1c78dbf308e8e3&start=115&end=1566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322184-01cc0b4c12c1b9c57f1c78dbf308e8e3/thumbnail_115000.jpg","/articles/6511607/Garland/Dallas-County/Texas/Garland-council-interviews-two-candidates-for-Texas-Municipal-Power-Agency-board-appointment-set-for-next-day","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511607-694f41409d1ce6f21b8e304e9fdcbb12/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447957&Signature=BbTAnwtecqg0tPBvFXn6j1pV9yRJ4L4DwUROccGziHHfm1ouXgqxEaGZuqj2820QjBBs57lzGFe1w24mA~0pl3hvY78nurUXwzxGf7Y9EGQyFz63NY3XHtk~EVBqGhxBBSMZL1AZorSyNA9cOH6DwdAyu1a-HxsyXTQjIBwNyf~B1dC9k0Jj7J~EBGwxf4AbrV635H4EwWoRcD8Y7-DnP8DdOcLhrN1SyNbnqeN5ew8f98OnHlx5dvRaClYZRTbOp5jOhxBttnfUpOW~1xFgSS858S0Lvm0fdhloDTGM1tYTbZnwsTXmzFct~0iC30hxSEwJImCWwqJJ0qdfsXOg-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Garland City Council on July 7 interviewed two candidates for a possible appointment to the Texas Municipal Power Agency board and said it will make the official appointment at its regular council meeting the following day.

Tom Jeffries, a long‑time TMPA member and Garland resident, described TMPA's origins and current role and outlined his decades of experience. “TMPA was first founded back in the seventies when the nation had a crisis with natural gas,” Jeffries said, adding that the agency now ","The Garland City Council interviewed two applicants July 7 for a possible appointment to the Texas Municipal Power Agency board. Longtime TMPA member Tom Jeffries and resident Stephen Flores spoke about representing Garland while balancing TMPA fiduciary duties. Council will make an appointment at its July 8 council meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Garland council reviews state change on mixed‑beverage sales, weighs petition and local vote options

Garland council seeks detailed briefings after DART outlines proposed service cuts and fare changes

Garland council interviews two candidates for Texas Municipal Power Agency board; appointment set for next day