[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6464676,"mediaKeyId","5782986-524d2c86ae1d3f8a81ec971e7df42f35","parentId",5782986,"title","Council accepts audits, approves 911 budget and authorizes bond transfer; summary of votes","audioSeconds",660,"startMs",3600000,"endMs",4260000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5782986-524d2c86ae1d3f8a81ec971e7df42f35&start=3600&end=4260","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5782986-524d2c86ae1d3f8a81ec971e7df42f35/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6464676/El-Paso-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/Council-accepts-audits-approves-911-budget-and-authorizes-bond-transfer-summary-of-votes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464676-4e4faaf9a95bd866f5105a028086c256/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159285&Signature=a~Mgly~aDoCJy6~6fNuR35cAqUWHfmskQZCCimD3AGZ~fSEeD3Lthg45otUB3NHr6BPbRO69HbrXG14FoaguuRdbt44VDYTjeXfC4TRfOY-kLJRWSHHPkqTxOrEK1K1wbWXl9hUuUwW2FQATKVT7Glj8GmWnUQpPZAERl9YLixB0eIbIDQmNhX6~xI5ysvspXPA5U5fUQ-3kb9beqX25AEIZnhVf79J5Ry-YRZSNLkpucWKk7rXU3yMHq24w2F5MdbBC9T0VpEFUWrxtyNtigiqHnTG4tZeYgIYYRvV4pQq0lHHL~l-SDSydVLuUXbAlhvA6Io2FyDvT9RtQvHkrHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of El Paso TX","date","2025-09-17T01:13:06.733Z","article","The City Council took several administrative and budget actions on Tuesday. Highlights:

- Audit results accepted: Council unanimously accepted the results of the budget transfer audit and the follow-up review of Streets and Maintenance permitting procedures. Audit staff reported that written procedures for some internal functions were in draft and that code updates and finalization are expected by December 2025; council accepted both audit reports.

- 911 District budget approved: The council approved the El Paso County 911 District’s FY2025–26 budget as presented by Scott Calderwood, the district executive director. Calderwood said the district expects a shortfall this year but is pursuing long-term plans and partnerships with the city to sustain operations.

- Bond proceeds transfer authorized: The council approved a resolution transferring $3,600,000 of unspent 2018 capital project bond proceeds to the debt service fund related to certificates of obligation series 2021C. Staff said the transfer will help address maintenance work for the Veterans Recreation Center and allow facilities funds to be used for repairs rather than incurring additional long-term debt.

All of the items above were approved by recorded unanimous votes during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ciy Council Meeting 09/16/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At Tuesday’s meeting the council accepted two audit reports, approved the El Paso County 911 District budget and authorized a $3.6 million transfer of unspent bond proceeds to debt service for certificates of obligation.","taxTitle","El Paso City, El Paso County, Texas","taxId",2792,"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},6464681,"Council approves $12 million bond certificate for South Mesa Hills affordable rental project",210,1980000,2190000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5782986-524d2c86ae1d3f8a81ec971e7df42f35&start=1980&end=2190","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5782986-524d2c86ae1d3f8a81ec971e7df42f35/thumbnail_1980000.jpg","/articles/6464681/El-Paso-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/Council-approves-12-million-bond-certificate-for-South-Mesa-Hills-affordable-rental-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464681-5e2a1eca8655fe8f2f1866cb2583f55d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159285&Signature=cQ3vg5s5iZ7g-pmMMlvO~~41y9tW5OYzlkPlq6hm02-kZzW1bjkj9GuSXtCzohy6SyogAnB2XIUaWAc9fP8L2Z0WDY~JouGBekKXpoD0u9sANW~2VZOI7RcyG6HIWHwE5mTYUUwPTEXjVb7BrUP9AWHdFcCPijDBoO3g5wADQ1Vc-linu1cQHrQuoNz2-je46OTM-q21xroH7hVhMm--M9Hi9oaud4GKplzIy2u0q1Ms~Y8XScZw0UABj8Dj5J9ux2aKFAtgmJUt5lx8nJrS9NVTh1zsD7zMCQQTzuqBKV44Z9ZQQnRNvH~vfvGrw7EAXWUqmiUOAFB4MKnBIQu8ZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","El Paso City Council on Tuesday approved two related resolutions authorizing the mayor to sign a certificate approving proposed bond financing and confirming that the city has no objection to a South Mesa Hills residential rental project financed through tax-exempt bonds and low-income housing tax credits.

City staff and legal counsel said the Alameda Public Facilities Corporation — a public facility corporation associated with the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso (HOME) — seeks authority for an issuance not to exceed $12,000,000 to satisfy IRS and state requirements tied to a tax-credit-financed affordable housing project. The council also authorized the city clerk to certify the no-objection resolution to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

Shelly Rivas, in-house counsel for HOME, told the council that all units in the development will be affordable. Counsel for the issuer said the project includes a 40-unit first phase and a 64-unit second phase, for a total of 104 units. Counsel said the $12 million in bonds represents roughly half of the financing structure required to meet the IRS ratio test that enables tax-credit equity to be used in the project; total project cost was stated in the meeting as about $25 million.

William Avila, bond counsel, described the broader conversion strategy that HOME has used nationwide to attract private capital for rehabilitation of former public housing and to fund large-scale renovation while preserving tenant vouchers and resident rights. Avila said the project’s anticipated place-in-service date is December 2026 and that the bonds are structured so the city does not incur contingent liability if the project does not perform; bond investors could pursue property remedies but the city would not be financially exposed.

Council members noted the long-running process of rehabilitating former public housing units through 4 percent tax-credit and tax-exempt bond financing and expressed support for the project’s preservation and rehabilitation outcomes.

Both resolutions passed unanimously. Staff said the project remains subject to usual closing, tax-credit allocation and construction processes but that council approval clears the municipal steps required for bond issuance and the TDHCA certification process.","The council approved resolutions authorizing up to $12 million in tax-exempt bond issuance and a no-objection letter to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for a South Mesa Hills affordable rental project. The development will deliver 104 affordable units in two phases and is expected to be in service by December 2026.",{"_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},6464685,"Council hears USGS presentation on Urban Waters partnership and considers joining steering committee",2820,720000,3540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5782986-524d2c86ae1d3f8a81ec971e7df42f35&start=720&end=3540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5782986-524d2c86ae1d3f8a81ec971e7df42f35/thumbnail_720000.jpg","/articles/6464685/El-Paso-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/Council-hears-USGS-presentation-on-Urban-Waters-partnership-and-considers-joining-steering-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464685-27b200c064347dae4db3929d70d147fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159285&Signature=MXIcCBJWsFdNs0tKoW9UxYvV5evqB6U0psluyt3S0iLb8Ekoi9PT4WztFvEIFuk7dGEIzNvzQ57D01UmQSRbtx-v1TeZaomGcaj83YUyVYtwvDkIvnqHsj5AvLUcoZvl8tGZ6ie3EO4Ym41wD7RnrU4pcEDh6rC5u3BbdDYOR4wgDHDYMhvgI558IyR51IFPaV73KUe34HGiPB2Z9SpMOiRdfL~o61I~~TjNfFTUeiLtanUlhviu52yeXAp1v1vhl8ALEz6bqYRPxRA7V7OsFuhGSpJdOSR7ivmZt1az4Amh2hMYTM2b6ri3OxY1yffO7LFVoXNakaZWB5FHscwcHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Paso City Council heard a presentation on Tuesday from America Alvarez of the U.S. Geological Survey’s New Mexico Water Science Center about the Urban Waters Federal Partnership and discussed joining the partnership’s steering committee to help coordinate water-quality, stormwater and river-restoration work across the region.

Alvarez described the partnership — launched by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2011 — as a collaborative, non-hierarchical federal program that supports local priorities by aligning federal, state and local resources. She told the council the program’s objectives include improving coordination across agencies, supporting community-led efforts and advancing government efficiency.

“The program will support what the community is already currently doing,” Alvarez said, and emphasized that the partnership “listens to [the community] and encourages their participation.” Alvarez also noted that the program typically relies on a locally housed Urban Waters ambassador to coordinate partners; she said the ambassador position is preferred to be full time but that funding for the role is not currently available through EPA and would likely need to be obtained from a local partner or other grant sources.

Public commenters and local organizations urged city participation. Annie Montes, who identified herself as the Urban Waters ambassador for the Bridle Rio Grande watershed, told the council the program “creates opportunities to tackle shared issues, like protecting our drinking water resources, keeping pollution out of the Rio Grande, conserving water,” and said El Paso would strengthen regional work by joining.

Representatives of local organizations described existing demonstration projects and partnerships. Maya Sanchez of the El Paso Community Foundation described rainwater-harvesting demonstration sites and ongoing work at the McCall Neighborhood Center; Mike Gaglio of High Desert Native Plants highlighted local wetlands and stormwater projects and said an ambassador “would be a voice” to leverage federal technical and funding resources. Marissa Nunez, a community organizer who spoke in her personal capacity, urged councilmembers to “reimagine our relationship with water,” pointing to stormwater as an underused local resource.

Several councilmembers asked whether membership on the steering committee would create an immediate financial obligation for the city. Alvarez said joining the steering committee does not require a financial commitment by itself and that committee membership is primarily a forum for sharing ideas and coordinating resources, though funding for an ambassador or specific projects would be a separate question for the council.

Councilmembers expressed broad interest and directed staff to return with a formal recommendation. Several members said they would seek a formal agenda item within about two weeks to direct the city manager to appoint a city representative to the steering committee so El Paso can move toward formal designation as an Urban Waters location.

No ordinance or funding decision was approved at the meeting. The council received letters of support from county commissioners and local conservation partners and heard that potential local hosts for an ambassador include the El Paso Community Foundation and other nonprofits; funding options could include cooperative USGS matching funds and philanthropy.

Outcome: Discussion only; councilmembers signaled support and asked staff to prepare a recommendation on appointing a city representative to the Urban Waters steering committee.","The council heard a presentation from America Alvarez of the U.S. Geological Survey about the Urban Waters Federal Partnership and discussed having the city join the partnership's steering committee and help identify an 'ambassador' for the region; no formal action was taken.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6464688,"Council directs staff to design an Adopt-a-Street program; staff to return in 60 days",500,366000,866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5782986-524d2c86ae1d3f8a81ec971e7df42f35&start=366&end=866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5782986-524d2c86ae1d3f8a81ec971e7df42f35/thumbnail_366000.jpg","/articles/6464688/El-Paso-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/Council-directs-staff-to-design-an-Adopt-a-Street-program-staff-to-return-in-60-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464688-ab63971c5907d0b3452b9e2b8cc25179/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159285&Signature=oNdSwq0GGehSBpCazdIh4Jl9EnxR-Hu-SSHic2Mt0C~O2dzrDatFo66Snvk3tCGHGREvKPDK~1nH8TpruMnqbUbhby~cbtcDSnjZjllyxKA6jQA7whwAyAYnCxIIRvA-1XoPXG6g7jvdr0jcE9tbQdpwqPNduZFWR7YstMEgXjFA6AsxUQcJ00msRU6UYdN4IKW3Qm1NHgijwKUjyvRKxFMEnQeeXbr68ZwZSo~AXvg~yH64bRIK-jZ6SWF8wEDCwIpWUQ5WzqtDPMqVrsxtLkoUgSyyvDf-lY0k9n7NqsJ~sHgJBHC6cei~sq93j~5BmlglAFFbizjR~mt8UQS2UA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","El Paso City Council on Tuesday directed the city manager and city attorney to return within 60 days with recommendations for an Adopt-a-Street program that would allow neighborhood groups, schools, businesses and other organizations to partner with the city on litter control and beautification.

The resolution, submitted by Representative Nino and enacted unanimously, asks staff to review model programs from TxDOT and other Texas cities and to propose program rules, safety guidelines, signage, supply support and estimated costs and funding options.

Representative Nino said the program is intended to promote civic pride and provide short-term, community-driven solutions for cleaning medians and other public spaces. “I will challenge each one of our district offices to adopt maybe a median or a portion of our district to help our community get cleaned up,” she told colleagues.

Representative Canales raised cost and safety concerns, referencing a recent work-session briefing from the city’s environmental services director: “It actually costs multiples of, having civilians working in the roadway,” he said, noting the need for barricades, closures and other protective measures that can raise program costs.

An environmental services official responded that staff would present a range of options, not just median cleanups. “We thought this was an opportunity for us to look at all the ways we might be able to engage,” the official said. Staff described potential alternatives such as off-arterial cleanups, business-led median adoptions, or third-party contracts that can extend hours and achieve similar results.

Council members also discussed whether the city’s environmental fee should be revisited to provide funding. Staff said a broader review of fees is already underway through the Office of Management and Budget and that the timing should allow fee recommendations to be considered as part of the budget process.

The motion directs staff to examine successful municipal models, identify eligible adoptable segments of city-maintained streets, propose city support (litter bags, safety vests, recognition signage and waste collection), and present cost estimates and potential funding sources.

The council approved the direction unanimously and asked staff to return with multiple policy options that balance volunteer engagement with public-safety and budget constraints.

Outcome: Council approved direction to prepare a program recommendation and return in 60 days.","The council unanimously instructed staff to return within 60 days with recommendations for an Adopt-a-Street program modeled on TxDOT and peer cities. Councilmembers discussed volunteer safety, costs and possible revenue adjustments.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6464691,"City Council approves resolution to advance land deal; adjacent outreach not yet conducted",180,0,180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5782986-524d2c86ae1d3f8a81ec971e7df42f35&start=0&end=180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5782986-524d2c86ae1d3f8a81ec971e7df42f35/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6464691/El-Paso-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/City-Council-approves-resolution-to-advance-land-deal-adjacent-outreach-not-yet-conducted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464691-cac6a57c84bcdceb0dda065dc59a32dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159285&Signature=USm2L68iWVvS1kORARtJQP6zS0ZQodbLW3dIkJbxOk5gqu-Ud~LgBF5wSNUV71PVm-~5MWL9frb1Kgb8Mz2430suTQ2L4Oqe~pqm99QOPl1GrUF7YHP6R6iZGkDnPFzLi1OJtFoqSYnG0nPA1Dlq~4tAT2T3QwIl8T88pY0wcvrEB2j3o82Fzz5WIahXOh1fRAm-WGkObeEIcZEVKx49xKNnjI1Q8m6Hlv5Umb5MUKMAm70l6miOZmYkS9DaegttKNAzW13QyvgA4qOptbLoQnokgTYCxU8G2jnzxZmjFHHLjZA2cVNf2azSb9~cXq0-BDx~jgYOGLIIZeDdyLgKZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","El Paso City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution to move forward with a land transaction tied to a larger development, a measure council members said will allow the purchasing entity to begin planning and engineering work ahead of seeking construction funding.

Council members and project representatives said the developer does not expect the agreement to reduce the commercial acreage originally planned for the area and that the parcel includes land already reserved for schools and regional parks. Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution.

The resolution advances a contractual step that the city described as needed to settle land acquisition so the sponsor can pursue building funds at the next legislative session. A council member summarized the legislative approach described by project proponents, saying the initial appropriation was intended to buy land first and then seek construction money later so inflation would not erode a future building budget.

City and developer representatives said the developer had set aside extra acreage within the 300-acre area they are developing to accommodate public uses while still meeting commercial obligations. A representative for the developer’s contracting partner said, “We are currently just under contract with DPS,” and that the land is zoned for mixed uses and offers flexibility for siting public facilities.

Council members asked whether adjacent neighborhoods had been notified about the change. A representative identified in the record as a representative of FSW said, “We have not. This is very early on in the process.” The same speaker said officials with the purchasing agency intend to hold public meetings and work with the city on development of the site.

Council members who spoke in favor highlighted anticipated job gains and economic-development benefits. Speakers at the meeting said the project would create roughly 200 permanent jobs and about 1,500 temporary construction jobs, figures discussed by council and staff during the item.

Following the vote, councilmembers and staff reiterated that outreach to adjacent residents remains outstanding. One councilmember urged a proactive approach: “I think it would behoove everybody to be a little bit more proactive in speaking with the adjacent neighbors.”

The presenters said schedule estimates for building depend on when construction funding is obtained; one speaker said the project team hopes to complete the building within two to three years after funding and contracting are secured. The council approved the resolution without amendment and called for follow-up engagement and public meetings as the planning process continues.

Notes: The record shows the motion passed unanimously. Specific technical, environmental or design details beyond those discussed at the meeting were not provided.","The El Paso City Council unanimously approved a resolution to advance a land transaction tied to a larger development. City and developer representatives said the change will not reduce planned commercial acreage; outreach to adjacent residents has not yet occurred and the purchasing agency plans public meetings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council accepts audits, approves 911 budget and authorizes bond transfer; summary of votes

Council approves $12 million bond certificate for South Mesa Hills affordable rental project

Council hears USGS presentation on Urban Waters partnership and considers joining steering committee

Council directs staff to design an Adopt-a-Street program; staff to return in 60 days

City Council approves resolution to advance land deal; adjacent outreach not yet conducted