Title
Consider Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting September 15, 2026
Body
City of Killeen, TX
City Council Meeting Minutes
City Council Chamber, City Hall
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM
Mayor Solomon called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Presiding: Mayor Joseph Solomon
Attending: Mayor ProTem Jessica Gonzalez, Councilmembers Beverly Ann Williams, Anthony Kendrick, Mellisa Brown, Charles Kimble, Debbie Nash-King, and David Bass
Also attending were Interim City Manager Kent Cagle, City Attorney Holli Clements, City Secretary Elaine Simpson, and Deputy City Secretary Megan Magallon, Sergeant at Arms: L. Smith and C. Pascal.
Chaplin Dave Rasmussen, of Advent Health Of Central Texas gave the invocation. Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez led the Pledge Of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Kendrick, to approve the agenda. Motion carries by a unanimous vote of 7-0.
Presentations
1. PR 26-019 Killeen Star Award -26-019 Killeen Star Award
Councilmember David Bass and Mayor Joseph Solomon awarded the Killeen Star Award to Carolyn Brown, of the E-Center.
Work Session
Discuss agenda items 9-15 from September 15, 2026, Regular Session as Work Session.
Resolutions
9. RS-26-142 Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing a five year
Sponsorship agreement with Rodeo Killeen, for the Killeen Rodeo, in the
amount of $250,000.
STAFF: TIFFANIE MCNAIR, Executive Director of Community Dev.
Ms. McNair introduced the item, presented a short Powerpoint presentation, and explained the funding source (Hotel Occupancy Tax) of the funds and the structure of the agreement - being 5 years at $50,000 per year.
10. RS-26-143 Consider a memorandum/resolution appointing members to vacant,
expired and unexpired terms on various boards, commissions and
committees.
STAFF: MEGAN MAGALLON, DEPUTY CITY SECRETARY
Ms. Magallon introduced the item and discussed the vacancies and applicants from each of the city’s Boards and Commissions. Going alphabetically through the list of Boards and Commissions the following applicants were requested by Council for appointment or re-appointment:
• Animal Advisory Committee: Jamie Carroll
• Arts Commission: Ashley Rodriguez, Monique Brand, Kimberly Johnson, and Jami Sulter.
• Audit Committee: Phillip Brown, James Ralston
• Bell County Board of Health: Amy Mersiovsky
• Capital Improvement Advisory Committee: - no appointments
• Civil Service Commission: Kenneth Hawthorne
• Community Development Advisory Committee: Tiffany Hall, Christy Wilbanks, Bear Jones, Angela Galbreath, Delcina West and Scotty Hilder
• Heritage Preservation Board: Mark Manning, Rebecca Williams and Treymont Cannon
• Killeen Economic Development Corporation: Todd Fox, Jose Guzman
• Killeen Sister Cities: Janice Anderson, Raymond Monaco
• Main Street Board: Councilmember Nash-King suggested Ramon Alvarez, Councilmember Brown suggested reappointment of all the sitting members, since they requested reappointment.
• Parks & Rec: Emilio Fenderson, Michelle Lammers, Damascus Ross, and Jamie Carroll.
• Planning and Zoning Commission: James Sills, Ken Wilkerson, and Cyndi Rowe
• Senior Citizens Board: Darrin Turley, David Fleming, Julio Hinkson, Misty Durrin, Luis Rivera, Vincent Washington, Emilio Fenderson and Michele Lammers.
• Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number Two (TIRZ #2) Board: Louie Minor, Toni Ringgold, Charles ‘Rex’ Weaver, and Councilmember Debbie Nash-King (to serve in designated City Council Member place).
It was agreed by consensus that these recommendations would be appointed by formal motion when the item comes up during the Regular Session. The City Council decided to wait until that time to determine who would be seated on Main Street Board.
11. RS-26-144 Consider a memorandum/resolution ratifying the City Manager’s approval of
the emergency procurement for the Avendesora emergency sewer repair and
contract with TTG Utilities, Inc. in the amount of $146,700.00.
STAFF: KRISTINA RAMIREZ, EXEC. DIR. OF PUBLIC WORKS
Ms. Ramirez introduced the item, gave a brief presentation and fielded questions.
12. RS-26-145 Consider a memorandum/resolution approving a negotiated settlement
between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy
regarding the 2026 Atmos Rate Review Mechanism Filing.
STAFF: HOLLI CLEMENTS, CITY ATTORNEY
Ms. Clements introduced the item, explained the city’s position as a member of the Atmos Cities Steering Committee, provided history on this issue, and noted that staff recommends approval. Tammy Bowman from ATMOS also fielded questions from the councilmembers.
13. RS-26-146 Consider a memorandum/resolution awarding RFP 27-11 to Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) for an excess risk policy (stop-loss
insurance) for medical and pharmacy claims under the City health
insurance plan, effective October 1, 2026, in the amount of $1,509,582.
STAFF: KATE MCDANIEL, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Ms. McDaniel introduced the item, presented a Powerpoint presentation regarding background of the issue, and clarified that Voya was disqualified because their proposal did not contain required information, therefore staff recommended award of contract to Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
14. RS-26-147 Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the submission of a
Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant application to the Texas
Military Preparedness Commission, in an amount up to $5,000,000, for the
Restationing Facility Improvements, New Fiber Backbone project.
STAFF: JUDITH TANGALIN, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Ms. Tangalin introduced the item, provided a Powerpoint presentation, and fielded questions from City Council. She noted that city staff recommends approval of the proposed Resolution.
15. RS-26-148 Consider a memorandum/resolution approving the Killeen Arts Commission
grant recommendations for Fiscal Year 2027.
STAFF: JUDITH TANGALIN, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Ms. Tangalin introduced the item, provided a brief staff report, and then fielded questions from City Council. She described that the funding source of this grant is Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT).
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON THE AGENDA FOR COUNCIL’S CONSIDERATION
The following citizens spoke on the following agenda items:
1. Ramon L. Santiago: Data Center regulation: DS-26-081 proposed data center standards.
2. Michael Fornino: RS-26-143 (item #10) and RS-26-140 (item #7)
3. Joseph Szymkowski: DS-26-081 Data Centers
4. Jami Salter: Item #15 - Arts.
5. Erin Riddle: Item #15 - Arts.
6. Heather McMillian: RS-26-142 (VIRTUAL ATTENDEE)
Mayor Solomon recesses the meeting for a ten-minute break at 6:33 PM.
Regular Session - Consent Agenda
2. MN-26-027 Consider Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting of July 7, 2026
3. RS-26-136 Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the award of Bid No.
27-01, FY27 Water and Sewer Annual Supplies to multiple vendors
based on awarded unit prices, for aggregate expenditures in an amount
of $1,040,000 in Fiscal Year 2027.
4. RS-26-137 Consider a memorandum/resolution ratifying a Meet and Confer
Agreement with Killeen Police Employee Association FOP Lodge 32.
5. RS-26-138 Consider a memorandum/resolution accepting the Fiscal Year 2025 BJA
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Jag Grant) and
approve an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Temple and Bell County to
administer the grant.
6. RS-26-139 Consider a memorandum/resolution granting an Operating Authority to
Ambience Limousine and Executive Transportation, LLC.
7. RS-26-140 Consider a memorandum/resolution awarding RFP 26-26, Demolition and
Asbestos Abatement - 202 N. 24th Street to RNDI Companies, Inc. in the
amount of $137,690.
8. RS-26-141 Consider a memorandum/resolution approving a fireworks display
application from Big Dog Pyro, LLC on behalf of Advent Health Medical
Center.
There were no items pulled from Consent Agenda.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Bass, seconded by Councilmember Nash-King to approve all items on the consent agenda. Vote on the motion: Motion carried with a unanimous vote of 7-0.
Resolutions
9. RS-26-142 Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing a five-year sponsorship
agreement with Rodeo Killeen, for the Killeen Rodeo, in the amount of
$250,000.
Motion by Councilmember Nash-King, seconded by Councilmember Bass, to approve the Resolution, as presented. Vote on the motion: motion carried unanimously by a vote of 7-0.
10. RS-26-143 Consider a memorandum/resolution appointing members to vacant,
expired and unexpired terms on various boards, commissions and
committees.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Brown to reappoint the members of the Main Street Board who requested reappointment. There was no second so the motion died.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Nash-King, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to appoint Ramon Alvarez and remove Daniel Watkins, this motion was clarified by Councilmember Nash-King at the suggestion of the City Attorney, to be: Motion by Councilmember Nash-King, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to appoint the following to the Main Street Board: Ramon Alvarez, Toni Ringgold and Joshua Pemberton. Motion carried by a vote of 6-1. (Nay: Brown)
MOTION: Motion to appoint all the rest of the members to their respective boards and commissions as recommended during the work session, made by Councilmember Brown and seconded by Councilmember Nash-King. Vote on the motion: motion carried unanimously by a vote of 7-0.
Mayor Solomon recessed the meeting briefly at 7:01 PM to allow Communications Team to address issues with the audiovisual equipment.
11. RS-26-144 Consider a memorandum/resolution ratifying the City Manager’s approval
of the emergency procurement for the Avendesora emergency sewer
repair and contract with TTG Utilities, Inc. in the amount of $146,700.00.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Kimble, seconded by Councilmember Nash-King, to approve the Resolution, as presented. Vote on the motion: motion carried unanimously by a 7-0 vote.
12. RS-26-145 Consider a memorandum/resolution approving a negotiated settlement
between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy
regarding the 2026 Atmos Rate Review Mechanism Filing.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Nash-King, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to approve resolution, as presented. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a 7-0 vote.
13. RS-26-146 Consider a memorandum/resolution awarding RFP 27-11 to Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) for an excess risk policy (stop-loss
insurance) for medical and pharmacy claims under the City health
insurance plan, effective October 1, 2026, in the amount of $1,509,582.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Kimble, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to approve resolution, as read. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 7-0.
Mayor Solomon recessed a second time to allow city staff to address continued issues with the audiovisual equipment from 7:09 PM to 7:13 PM.
14. RS-26-147 Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the submission of a
Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant application to the Texas
Military Preparedness Commission, in an amount up to $5,000,000, for the
Restationing Facility Improvements, New Fiber Backbone project.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Kimble, seconded by Councilmember Nash-King to approve the resolution, as presented. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 7-0.
15. RS-26-148 Consider a memorandum/resolution approving the Killeen Arts
Commission grant recommendations for Fiscal Year 2027.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Williams, to approve the resolution, as presented. Vote on the motion: Motion carried unanimously by a 7-0 vote.
Public Hearings
16. PH-26-031 Hold a public hearing and consider a request submitted by Rachel Shanks
on behalf of Quantum 195, LLC (Case# Z26-13) to rezone approximately
4.88 acres, being Lot 1, Block 1, Walnut Creek Estates, Phase Six from
“A” (Agricultural District) to “B-3” (Local Business District). The subject
property is generally located northwest of the intersection of White Willow
Court and South Fort Hood Street, Killeen, Texas.
STAFF COMMENTS: WALLIS MESHIER, EXEC. DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Ms. Meshier introduced the item, gave the staff report and fielded questions from City
Council. She explained that due to the number of neighbors in opposition to this request, it would require a ¾ majority of City Council to approve it. She informed Council that city staff and the Planning and Zoning Commissioners both recommend approval of this request.
The applicant, Rachel Shanks, gave the applicants report at 7:24 PM. She explained that there had been some confusion and controversy about the project she is planning. She explained that she is requesting a postponement of consideration until a future meeting would allow her to discuss things further with her neighbors.
Mayor Solomon opened a Public Hearing at 7:30 PM.
Speakers were:
• Rafael Garcia
• Michael Fornino
• Anca Neagu
• Lydia Friesz
Mayor Solomon closed the Public Hearing at 7:49 PM.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Nash-King, seconded by Councilmember Kendrick, to postpone consideration of the PH-26-031 until the next regular City Council meeting. Vote on the motion - Motion passed by a vote of 6-1. (Nay: Brown)
When the Ordinance comes back on the next regular agenda, the requirement for a ¾ majority vote needs to be added to the ordinance caption.
17. PH-26-032 Hold a public hearing and consider a City-initiated request (Case# Z26-14)
to rezone approximately 25.101 acres out of the G. W. Allison Survey,
Abstract No. 52 and R. A. McGee Survey, Abstract No. 561 from “A”
(Agricultural District) and “B-3” (Local Business District) to “B-4” (Business
District) with CUP (Conditional Use Permit) for an automotive wrecking
and salvage yard. The subject property is locally address at 12077 South
Fort Hood Street, Killeen, Texas.
STAFF COMMENTS: WALLIS MESHIER, EXEC. DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Ms. Meshier introduced the item, provided a staff report, and fielded questions from City Council.
She explained that the staff recommendation was to approve the request with 6 specific conditions as described in the Powerpoint presentation.
Mayor Solomon opened a Public Hearing at 7:57 PM.
Michael Fornino: spoke in favor of request.
Mayor Solomon closed the Public Hearing at 7:58 PM.
MOTION: Motion by Councilmember Kimble, seconded by Councilmember Nash-King, to approve request, as discussed. Vote on the motion - carried unanimously by a vote of 7-0.
18. PH-26-033 Hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year
2026 Annual Budget of the City of Killeen to increase revenue and expense
accounts in multiple funds.
CITY SECRETARY READ CAPTION FOR ORDINANCE INTO THE RECORD.
ORDINANCE NO. _____
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KILLEEN, TEXAS, AMENDING THE FY 2026 ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF KILLEEN TO INCREASE REVENUE AND EXPENSE ACCOUNTS IN MULTIPLE FUNDS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
STAFF COMMENTS: BONNIE HANCHEY, BUDGET MANAGER
Ms. Hanchey introduced this item, presented the staff report and fielded questions from City Council.
Mayor Solomon opened a Public Hearing at 8:09 PM.
There were no speakers.
Mayor Solomon closed the Public Hearing at 8:09 PM.
MOTION #1: Motion by Councilmember Kendrick, seconded by Councilmember Nash-King to not approve, this Budget Amendment. Councilmember Kendrick rescinded his motion, and Councilmember Nash-King rescinded her second to Motion #1.
MOTION #2: Motion by Kendrick, seconded by Nash-King, to approve the Ordinance with two items removed - $200,000 for Homelessness services, and $50,000 for IBCC. Councilmember Nash-King calls the vote, Councilmember Williams seconds. Vote on the motion: Motion failed 3-4. (Nay: Kimble, Brown, Gonzalez and Bass). Councilmember Nash-King rescinds her second. Motion #2 dies for lack of second.
Motion #3: Councilmember Brown moved, and Councilmember Bass seconded, to approve the PH-26-033, as presented. Vote on the motion, motion carried unanimously by a vote of 7-0.
Discussion Items
19. DS-26-080 Discuss donation funds for the proposed Killeen Civic and Conference
Center (KCCC) fountain.
STAFF MEMBER: TIFFANIE MCNAIR, EXEC. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Motion of Direction: Motion by Councilmember Bass, seconded by Councilmember Nash-King, to direct staff to use the funds for ‘enhancement of public space at the community gardens’. Vote on the motion: motion carried unanimously by a vote of 7-0.
20. DS-26-081 Discuss proposed data center standards.
STAFF COMMENTS: WALLIS MESHIER, EXEC. DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Ms. Meshier introduced the agenda item, presented a PowerPoint presentation, and fielded questions from City Council.
Motion of Direction: Motion by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to draft an Ordinance related to this item to require Conditional Use Permits (CUP) for a data center to come in, regardless of size. Councilmember Kimble called for the vote, Nash-King seconded that motion. Vote on the Call for the Vote motion: motion passed 6-1. (Nay: Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez). Vote on Motion of Direction: motion carried by a vote of 5-2 (Kimble and Nash-King). Mayor Solomon announced that due to an error in the technology, the vote would be conducted again by a ‘show of hands vote’. Motion passed 6-1 (Nay: Kimble).
21. DS-26-082 Discuss Short Term Rental Regulations
STAFF: MATT GRADY, CITY AUDITOR
Mr. Grady introduced the item, presented a short Powerpoint, and fielded questions from City Council.
Motion of Direction: Motion by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Nash-King, to direct staff to come back with the recommended changes from the presentation for City Council review. Vote on the motion: motion passed unanimously by 7-0. (per ‘show of hands vote’)
22. DS-26-083 Discuss National Night Out and City Council Meeting conflict on October 6,
2026 and consider possible time or date change.
STAFF: KENT CAGLE, INTERIM CITY MANAGER
Motion: Motion by Councilmember Bass, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to move the meeting from Tuesday the 6th to Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5 PM. Vote on the Motion: motion passed by a vote of 5-2 (Nay: Kimble and Kendrick)
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
The following speakers spoke on items that were not listed on/related to items listed on the agenda:
1. VIRTUAL SPEAKER - Heather McMillan - spoke regarding item(s) not listed on the agenda.
2. Dr. Sue Neesy Croft
3. Malcolm Gray
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 9:55 PM was made by Councilmember Nash-King seconded by Councilmember Brown and carried without objection.