The DeSoto Planning and Zoning Commission convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, primarily focusing on staffing updates and introductions of new personnel within the department.

The meeting commenced with the announcement of new hires, including civil engineer Geeta Chagolte, who has joined the city’s engineering team. The department head, Ahmed O'Kasey, emphasized the importance of having a fully staffed team to meet the city's needs. He invited each new staff member to introduce themselves and share their professional backgrounds.

O'Kasey highlighted his own extensive experience in engineering and construction, having worked with both private and public sectors, including the Texas Department of Transportation and the City of Dallas. Following him, Cambria Jordan, a senior planner, detailed her career trajectory, which included roles at Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the City of Dallas, where she specialized in planning.

Geeta Chagolte, the new civil engineer, shared her educational background and previous roles in inspection and project management within the City of Dallas. She expressed her readiness to contribute to the city’s engineering efforts.

The meeting also featured David Kosom, a consultant brought in to support the planning and zoning department. Kosom, who has a wealth of experience in planning and building inspection, will provide guidance on aligning city codes with state legislation. His role is intended to be flexible, adapting to the department's needs as they arise.

Commission members engaged with the new hires, asking questions about their roles and experiences. The discussions underscored the commission's commitment to transparency and effective governance as they welcomed the new team members.

As the meeting progressed, the chair noted the importance of maintaining focus on the agenda and suggested that deeper discussions about staffing expertise could be addressed in private conversations later. The meeting concluded with a positive note on the full staffing of the department, setting a collaborative tone for future planning and zoning initiatives in DeSoto.