[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-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",[32,75,87,97,109],{"_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",6500426,"mediaKeyId","5474834-cbda600314b0c489dfbd98b51470603b","parentId",5474834,"title","Committee recommends translation baseline for development and CIP signage; QR-code and request language advised","audioSeconds",1156,"startMs",226000,"endMs",1382000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474834-cbda600314b0c489dfbd98b51470603b&start=226&end=1382","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474834-cbda600314b0c489dfbd98b51470603b/thumbnail_226000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6500426/Garland/Dallas-County/Texas/Committee-recommends-translation-baseline-for-development-and-CIP-signage-QR-code-and-request-language-advised","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500426-ef71e369a1e27be70f60d60940615d0c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770424111&Signature=BbOOmNi8ydpKHkaBAlvOhuRa7WdsRXew2CbUtL9d4NB95aWUGYJVFQh-Lzgg8jgr42OIBZiVz5539TQJEJHxTKH8EvvLTjhUkgUg7f7NkC9D7Iz206PK1plc2aq1rer6dExVa9sUmax1pL4wtk4ec9pX7fLC7Y24JJm~Zee-JjOseJp4ovx0ZuAHQXBuWjVgbQsTra0~i~av9NZXtvU-y2VPql8CTpFZiabrhnbdQToz5x7gguytby15zrhCar5bYOJz56Rg4TMfgghr61vMFrtT2yuDVez7iCI47ZkpPfi465jRKhimS0X3fk62xQn~IuE6tArY8D9jpu42-~x0uQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Garland","date","2025-07-24T00:00:00Z","article","The Garland Boards & Commissions Committee heard a staff presentation on translation and accessibility for public notices and signage tied to development and capital improvement (CIP) projects and recommended staff advance the proposal to the full council for direction.

“Tiffany Vino” presented department practices and a set of recommendations to improve access for non‑English speakers. She said planning and development road signs are English only but include a QR code linking to a web page available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese; planning also mails letters in English, Spanish and Vietnamese to properties inside notice zones. “Those signs are English only, but they do have a QR code that leads to a website with information in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese,” Tiffany said. Engineering, PMO and water utilities use English-only road signs at project sites; water door hangers are printed English/Spanish and some mailed notices have been sent in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Tiffany outlined a recommended baseline to improve access while limiting new costs: keep fixed road signage in English, add a short translated line (Spanish and Vietnamese) that points to the QR code for translations, and include a short sentence on printed materials and digital promotions explaining how to request translated materials. “If we are producing something in English only…the standard can be that we include statements, in Spanish or Vietnamese on how to request that translation so that someone knows we are willing to provide that,” Tiffany said. She recommended preserving multilingual yard signs and meeting materials only where bilingual staff are present to avoid implying on-site interpretation will be available.

Committee members raised cost and scope concerns and suggested promoting existing, low-cost tools such as smartphone translation apps. One committee member said many residents already use phone camera translation tools and urged the city to publicize those options. The presenter and committee agreed the QR-code-and-request-language approach would be applied to new signs as they are produced and would not require wholesale reprinting of all existing signs.

Ending: The committee asked staff to include the recommendations and the conversation’s clarifications in a report to the full council; staff will add increased public awareness about translation tools and note that reprinting existing signage is not automatic.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Garland - Administrative Services Committee","oneSentenceSummary","The Garland Boards & Commissions Committee recommended staff move forward to present translation-access recommendations for development and CIP signage to the full council.","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},6500431,"Committee moves to standardize bylaws, to return draft at next meeting",261,0,261000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474834-cbda600314b0c489dfbd98b51470603b&start=0&end=261","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474834-cbda600314b0c489dfbd98b51470603b/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6500431/Garland/Dallas-County/Texas/Committee-moves-to-standardize-bylaws-to-return-draft-at-next-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500431-5248420e04b04de35ad0672f7c231862/orig.mp4?Expires=1770424111&Signature=hBwo3-QB5QWILPKD6AWZpfo9n-MoXn9vdHfmMfgHTC3xzb91nTixP9EebZfyTCqqB11Xttgs0fK8Y1sWk6LcAVQ4nmCoPM6Rf0h6kua90qmv-ID4MfESEhuqiDZgNQxTe6FqnQQSSGANn2rwVjEaKqxPSO4fhMo~oc5cCP6uuCckRUIzCjlAPhTqp0bHxdAKm3Y8x6vBjAYGuNvpw7rwl6fviRMZuERrIRIXKq7mRBfmBb5~MObz6z8l4~9as1ITyAaXFxLNk-BREGMZUFbWHjkCkCVevx6V1~eCvCo-GTk-Wi26RIHUt7GStAVdZsQgNimQOp1d~QuAPNNEF0lf9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Garland Boards & Commissions Committee asked city staff to develop a draft to standardize bylaws for city boards and commissions and return the item to the next committee meeting.

Committee members said bylaws across boards vary and that some bodies must follow state or federal rules while others have locally written bylaws. “The big issue was the bylaws are just now we understand that some have to be as they are based on, state regulations or federal regulations. But others, it's like everybody just wrote their own bylaws and there are no there's no consistency between them,” a committee member said.

The committee asked staff to examine several items as part of the standardization effort, including whether to permit a rotating chair and a vice chair, and whether boards should deliver an annual report to city council. “We also wanted to include an annual report by each board and commission to council every year,” a committee member said. Staff agreed to follow up and draft a standardized bylaws template and to return with a proposed draft at the next committee meeting.

Committee members and staff noted legal exceptions will be made where state or federal law requires specific language or structure. A staff member said some committees are governed by state law and would be treated accordingly. No formal motions or roll-call votes were recorded on this item; staff described the next step as drafting the template and returning to committee for review.

Ending: The committee took no formal action today and expects a staff-drafted bylaws template, including options on rotating chair/vice-chair terms and an annual reporting requirement, at the next meeting.","The Garland Boards & Commissions Committee asked staff to draft standardized bylaws, consider rotating chair/vice-chair roles and annual reports from boards, and return with proposals at the next committee meeting; no formal vote was taken.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":79,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500414,"Committee delays decision on half‑staff flag policy; staff to return with proposal",3092000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474834-cbda600314b0c489dfbd98b51470603b&start=3092&end=3092","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474834-cbda600314b0c489dfbd98b51470603b/thumbnail_3092000.jpg","/articles/6500414/Garland/Dallas-County/Texas/Committee-delays-decision-on-halfstaff-flag-policy-staff-to-return-with-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500414-575034b539f9af55a995c8ecf997e897/orig.mp4?Expires=1770424111&Signature=IklOOocv3okbd2r9eh8J2ch9lDbfHouBaxw768kVMg2zWQs1ABiF6pKue8yDeWxGTWXkN6MHFyDcbbNMIs8Bh6Nn68KTM179~eWLbs0lFy0-cK-KX2rizjdsqbvJ1Bg~Fnpcl0xV4rwA2dqMIdgVptqwHP0R6YAarEvCY5KdCELIThcz09~ibcJpZhP5E81nPbK1y~dTSV4x~egIrCl7YxA99w3OPHZ1K8Eri~~o5avhIDm9vFcrsGl-F4JL4zFV-ir3P9lVjU8FYjehCAmjQfFBYAHgxeEOF0kxQbcSfVpfj5VQ1fnEavwZO0kNNtJGuV3T0XhpC88alSwmvby4SA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee heard a presentation on U.S. and Texas flag guidance and discussed whether Garland should adopt a consistent policy for lowering municipal flags to half staff for current or former council members, mayors or employees. The committee postponed a decision and asked staff to return with a draft policy and communications guidance.

Kathleen, the library public services administrator, reviewed applicable guidance: the U.S. flag code (U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1) provides advisory guidelines, the president issues national half‑staff proclamations, and the governor may order the Texas flag lowered for state observances. Kathleen noted that mayors and city leaders generally have authority to direct lowering of a municipal flag on city property but not to order the U.S. or Texas flags (which are managed by federal and state proclamations). She recommended that any local decision include a public‑facing explanation when flags are lowered to avoid public confusion.

Committee members raised consistency and practical concerns: how to confirm the death of a former employee, whether family members want the recognition, and who decides whether an individual is 'significant enough' to merit a half‑staff order. One committee member recounted past experiences of families who declined public recognition and urged a process that confirms family wishes before lowering flags. Concerns were also raised about overuse of half‑staff orders at higher government levels and about practical safety concerns if members of the public attempt to photograph road-side signage or QR codes while driving.

The committee did not adopt a formal policy at the meeting and asked staff to return with a draft procedure that could include guidance on: who qualifies for half‑staff recognition (current employees, former employees upon family request, elected officials), how family notification and consent would be handled, and a public communications plan explaining reasons for lowered flags.

Ending: The committee postponed action and will consider a drafted policy and communication approach at a future meeting.","After a presentation on U.S. and Texas flag codes, the committee discussed whether to adopt a consistent practice for lowering municipal flags to half staff for current or former city officials and employees; committee asked staff to return with a draft policy and communication plan.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500418,"Committee recommends creating an All Abilities advisory board; draft mission to go to full council",1364,1908000,3272000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474834-cbda600314b0c489dfbd98b51470603b&start=1908&end=3272","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474834-cbda600314b0c489dfbd98b51470603b/thumbnail_1908000.jpg","/articles/6500418/Garland/Dallas-County/Texas/Committee-recommends-creating-an-All-Abilities-advisory-board-draft-mission-to-go-to-full-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500418-ceb508cf57531803586c808fc35118f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770424111&Signature=Vv8bAF72nPPeKQIWwg73d-uTKVyY518sfAjVDzQ0fOdDalx9A5eLWbTxN3qbf-JO5QbGXCa5VyspYVPeh3zoO4kzA7~QwJHmMguKVGqMp893YXE5G0oMEKWvjpvvtqmMLG8GU68m-jT4DKYEPsxx9b8a20WEIpsNcF48QkUIKv9HY5ofCiqFNPQTnhr7c2c8HYPWwkYpXy-QxlFRgHC3fsZTT1WKT9wnUe0bVirhXSEH0ZboY~8zjGuBwcVH2Ny4FJj2cLbbLMSWXmuPATcvd2eHFP1zHJlPYfQ8DoIYY49K98xXzBQ8uP-1eHFQhV3o7EKSDZgQNMKfYI21M6nL9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boards & Commissions Committee agreed on a consensus recommendation to create an All Abilities Advocacy advisory board and asked staff to take a draft mission statement and proposed criteria to the full council for direction.

Committee members discussed purpose and membership. Staff highlighted existing ADA complaint processes handled by a legal compliance specialist and noted that parks, libraries, special events and other departments already work with outside partners on inclusion. Committee members said an advisory board would provide a citizen voice to identify accessibility gaps and recommend improvements, while formal ADA complaints would continue through existing staff channels.

A draft mission statement circulated by staff and committee members read in part: the board would \"exist to advocate for, support, and improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs and their families,\" and might advise council and staff on policies, identify gaps in accessibility, raise awareness and promote collaboration among city, schools, nonprofits and businesses.

Members emphasized appointing a diverse membership with life experience across different disabilities. Some committee members said council should use discretion during appointments to avoid a board composed solely of one type of experience; others cautioned against too-stringent eligibility rules that could limit representation.

Ending: The committee asked staff to forward the draft mission statement and suggested criteria to the full council as a starting point for discussion and for council to consider bylaws and appointment criteria. No formal vote was recorded at the committee meeting.","The committee agreed to recommend the formation of an All Abilities Advocacy advisory board to advise council and staff on accessibility and inclusion; staff will forward a draft mission and bylaws template to the full council for consideration.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500421,"Staff outlines economic development agreement process; committee to move item to full council",641,1303000,1944000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474834-cbda600314b0c489dfbd98b51470603b&start=1303&end=1944","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474834-cbda600314b0c489dfbd98b51470603b/thumbnail_1303000.jpg","/articles/6500421/Garland/Dallas-County/Texas/Staff-outlines-economic-development-agreement-process-committee-to-move-item-to-full-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500421-85001eea3a058c723d056ec8350a9558/orig.mp4?Expires=1770424111&Signature=KNtTJSiz7GqiT1pde2a8~zexwuheVbm~qsoiuSKNmsHKz2ksLg8fP3ZmkDErgF9wrg2sB4V7sADZunlFOem1CIe80IGxTxuQQhavA8nJDlkY7iMCjMPwVpj3tDtrk0kJulAHm5gp-bSdH13KATznN87sZPx~qYCB~19Qp-4ciEE3BnY62vuIIz~tl366APeP-YOKeYiQtufSJ~8EuT1X9i2DJz9vBV0q9GjcgwcX9sct8dDks5wvJtn2DPqt57tTqoMbweA6HHLdHXE0YWEeKY0QAqHSvU-oI67Zefrbj3g~X7vzIZ5iZv4CTzPa2jL-lo31cRDB-rkOabv97W8gGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff outlined Garland's economic development agreement process, describing how proposals are initiated, evaluated, negotiated and tracked for compliance, and told the committee the item is ready to be reported to the full council.

An economic development staff member, Ariel, summarized three primary ways projects begin: prospect inquiries from site selectors or brokers; inquiries from existing businesses seeking expansion; and leads from external partners such as the governor’s office or regional chambers. Ariel said the staff requires a Garland Incentive Application with project details — space, tax generation, job counts and other financials — and that additional incentive programs, such as an exterior improvement program, use separate application forms and committee review.

“We always require them to give us written proposals, including all the project detail, how big they what's the space they need, what is the tax generation, how many jobs, and then all the details. It's an application,” Ariel said. Staff described follow-up steps: feasibility and financial analysis, executive-session direction, drafting legal agreements with performance-based provisions and clawbacks, and an annual compliance and payment process. Ariel said staff is finalizing compliance for the 2024 tax year and currently manages roughly 30 to 50 active projects at different stages.

Ariel gave typical timelines: initial evaluation usually takes 30 to 60 days; the public hearing process commonly takes 60 to 90 days; and drafting and negotiating the legal agreement often adds another 60 to 90 days, subject to project variability. Committee members asked questions; no committee action was required and staff indicated the matter is ready to be moved forward for full-council consideration.

Ending: Staff will provide the committee’s summary to the full council; no formal vote was recorded at the committee level.","Economic development staff described how Garland evaluates incentive requests, negotiates agreements and performs annual compliance; staff said typical timelines and audit/compliance steps and asked the committee to forward the summary to council for information.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee recommends translation baseline for development and CIP signage; QR-code and request language advised

Committee moves to standardize bylaws, to return draft at next meeting

Committee delays decision on half‑staff flag policy; staff to return with proposal

Committee recommends creating an All Abilities advisory board; draft mission to go to full council

Staff outlines economic development agreement process; committee to move item to full council