City Council Report

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Running head: COUNCIL MEETING REPORT

Council Meeting Report

University of Texas at Arlington

Social Policy 5303-005

Professor Karen Magruder

March 23, 2020

COUNCIL MEETING REPORT

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Overview

On February 20th, 2020, I attended the monthly meeting for the Northwest Dallas

Business Association. The association is made up of local business owners who support one

another in their endeavors and seek help with any issues within the community. During a typical

meeting, about 20-30 people are in attendance consisting of members, a liaison from the Dallas

Police Department (DPD) and a special guest speaker. Meetings are held in a conference room at

the La Quinta Inn off Walnut Hill and I-35 where lunch is provided.

Agenda

Eric Lindberg, the President of the Northwest Dallas Business Association, started the

meeting and gave the following agenda: Crime watch by the DPD, guest presentation by Renee

Breazeale, association updates, and introduced tornado clean-up workshops.

The designated liaison from the department who attends the monthly meetings and gave

the following updates: Crime overall is up 14% from this same time last year which was only

one additional crime. Most of the crimes are non-violent, the cause is speculated to be an effect

of the tornado damage that happened in October 2019. Next, an officer from the VICE unit

discussed about January statistics and updates. They had made 25 prostitution arrests and a new

law was coming into effect soon that would make the penalty for soliciting services even higher.

Renee Breazeale, the guest speaker, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who

cofounded The Harbor Drop-in Center that is run through The Salvation Army. Renee presented

information about The Harbor and its goal to help those being sexually exploited in the

community. She wanted to bring awareness and help reframe the notion of “choice” for the

women the public sees “voluntarily” engaging in these activities.

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At the end of her presentation, a few individuals in the meeting asked questions about the

services that were offered and best ways to help. One member inquired how they could offer jobs

to these individuals who were trying to rebuild their lives. Renee seemed excited to potentially

partner with another organization to offer second chance jobs.

Most business owners have been doing their best to secure damaged buildings and make

repairs in a timely manner. Unfortunately, progress has been slow regarding funds from

insurance companies and business owners are receiving notices about being out of code, even

though they’re doing all that they can to move forward. Business owners are also frustrated with

people taking shelter in their buildings and causing even more damage and feel there isn’t

adequate support from the city to prevent vandalism. Lastly, owners are frustrated with the city

for not taking more initiative to be on top of businesses who aren't attempting to clean up. Due to

this apparent lack of motivation, the current “curb appeal” is deterring clientele away from those

who are open and attempting to stay in business.

The tornado workshops are a new portion of the meeting initiated by the President to

gather city officials each month to help answer and give support to business owners in their

efforts to clean up after the storm. A representative from the city who works within the building

code department introduced himself and expressed with sincere openness his desire to answer

questions and help as much as possible.

Advocacy Strategies

During Renee’s presentation, she utilized education and consciousness raising. She

started by educating members what was classified as human trafficking and how prevalent it was

in the area. She shared statistics on the demographics of these victims and how they get taken

COUNCIL MEETING REPORT

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into this industry. Statistics were shared about the effects human trafficking has on the economy

and how that could affect business owners directly. Most individuals in attendance were

surprised by these numbers and wanted to know more on how they could help.

Consciousness raising was also the main strategy when explaining frustrations and

concerns with code inspectors. The city knows damage was done, but they don’t realize how

long insurance is taking and because of this delay buildings are sitting vacant longer. The

individuals who were most likely unknowingly using this tactic seemed outwardly agitated and

brash. Other members in the meeting responded in a defensive manner which led to some

misunderstandings and added tension within the room. Not a lot of constructive dialogue was

done until the members explaining their points of view had calmed down some.

Personal Advocacy

I would want to find a way to increase collaboration between business owners and local

organizations to provide services and employment opportunities to victims of human trafficking

and those with minor felonies. I would use social liberation and persuasion after this initial

meeting in order to show them options that could not only increase their business revenues but

help those individuals improve their lives overall.

Lessons Learned

Being prepared, mindful of tone and body cues, keeping emotions in check, and knowing

the audience would be the key lessons from this meeting. Being able to stay in control of oneself

is a skill when trying to convey concerns and frustrations with those who may or may not be the

cause of such issues. Often, people will be open to dialogue if they feel that they aren’t being

attacked.

City Council Meeting Report

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City Council Meeting Report

SOCW 5303-005

City Council Meeting Report

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Overview/Introduction of the Meeting

On January 28, 2020, I attended the Fort Worth City Council Meeting in the City Hall

building located at 200 Texas Street. The mayor, Betsy Price, was in attendance with the mayor

pro tempore, city manager, city attorney and council members representing eight districts seated

around her. The city secretary and her two assistants were seated in front of them on a lower tier

of seats. There were approximately seventy-five people in the audience that came and went

throughout the evening.

In order to appear before city council, one must request to do so by 5:00 p.m. the day of

the meeting. If you wish to present a form of electronic media during your presentation, all files

must be turned in by 3:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Presentations are limited to 3 minutes,

with a bell ringing when only 30 seconds are remaining.

Agenda and Meeting Discussion

Citizens attended this meeting to advocate and express their concerns, primarily on three

sizeable topics. The first was a resolution designating the Rosemont Neighborhood as the

improvement target area for 2020. Four citizens were advocating for their neighborhood as they

detailed the togetherness of their community and how the proposed money could improve their

livelihood. One gentleman was not opposed to the motion, however, wished to express concern

over where the monies would be allocated and suggested a better drainage system in a particular

area of concern. A second resolution was addressed supporting efforts to eliminate the use of

e-Cigarettes, vaping and other tobacco products by teens. Members of the American Heart

Association along with a cardiologist presented a strong, factual case endorsing this pro-active

measure. The third item was the authorization of an agreement to purchase a Bell helicopter for

the Police department. One citizen spoke against this measure, stating the councilmen had not

City Council Meeting Report

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done their due diligence in their research of helicopters and the city of Fort Worth was already

“over-policed”.

Advocacy Strategies

The citizens who attended to advocate for and promote the Rosemont Neighborhood as

the improvement target area were very much united, with some wearing volunteer t-shirts. They

described the group they had formed, named “Las Familias of Rosemont Neighborhood

Association,” as a very tight knit community group that informs and encourages each other.

They believe the resolution for their neighborhood would not only improve the community

physically but would encourage community pride and relationships. The motion passed

unanimously.

The second resolution pertaining to efforts aiding in eliminating the use of e-Cigarettes,

vaping and other tobacco products by teens was powerfully supported by members of the

American Heart Association, all wearing matching red t-shirts with the word “Relentless” on it.

This word was reinforced many times in the speeches they presented; which in my opinion, made

a strong effective impression. This motion also passed unanimously.

The third resolution requesting authorization of an agreement to purchase a Bell

helicopter for the Police department, was only opposed by one citizen. The woman raised many

questions pertaining to the council’s research and accused them of over-policing Fort Worth.

Her speech was accusatory, suggesting a misappropriation of funds and largely criticizing the

council for a lack of transparency. The Representative from District 6, Jungus Jordan, addressed

her concerns with informative statements acknowledging the research that had been done, the

purchase was long overdue, and many agreed the implementation would lead to lives being

saved. There was a motion and second, with the motion carrying unanimously.

City Council Meeting Report

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Personal Advocacy

During a segment of the meeting, the council members of each district went through and

discussed past events and their achievements along with future events and opportunities to

become involved. I believe these opportunities could be more successful with improved

publicity and exposure available to the general public.

While I did not speak at this meeting, citizens who did each briefly commented on a lack

of information provided to the public. If I were to have addressed the council, I would commend

their efforts; however, I would also challenge them and make myself available for discussion and

research on improving transparency and community involvement. This issue is one that should

be undertaken with a team willing to research and brainstorm the most effective and innovative

means of communicating with and involving the general public, such as increasing social media.

Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways

Assessing the overall meeting and witnessing different citizens speaking out, it is clear to

me that you truly do catch more flies with honey. The citizens who presented well-supported

facts in a respectful manner were graciously received and thanked by the council. It is also

important to note the groups who wore t-shirts showing their alliance demonstrated a sense of

community and confidence that was apparent to all.

As a whole, my attendance of a Fort Worth city council meeting was really a great

experience. The amount of police force that was present for security purposes was

commendable, creating an environment in which I felt secure and protected. I was exceptionally

impressed with how the mayor and the councilmembers conducted themselves throughout the

meeting; exhibiting grace and professionalism, even when a citizen seemed to be personally

attacking their character and their ability to fulfill their job duties.

Running head: CITY COUNCIL MEETING REPORT 1

City Council Meeting Report

University of Texas at Arlington

CITY COUNCIL MEETING REPORT 2

City Council Meeting Report

Overview/Introduction of Meeting

I viewed the recorded version of the Houston City Council Meeting that was held on

March 31, 2020 during the COVID-19 public health crisis. This was my first time watching the

Houston City Council Meeting and it was very informative, interesting and well-organized. I

choose this particular meeting because I was interested in hearing about some of the residents

concerns and the actions taken place by Mayor Sylvester Turner and the City Council Members

in regards to the COVID-19. The Houston City Council is structured by the Mayor, Controller,

eleven District Council Members and five AT-Large Council Members. The turnout was not

large because of the group restrictions due to COVID-19; however, there were two speakers who

each discussed matters that COVID-19 has impacted in a negative way.

Agenda and Meeting Discussion

The meeting agenda included presentations (no presentations will be made), invocation

and pledge of allegiance, roll call and adopt minutes of previous minutes, public speakers, recess,

reconvene, the Mayor’s report, consent agenda, miscellaneous, accept work, purchasing and

tabulation of BIDS, ordinances, consideration of matters removed from consent agenda, non-

consent agenda, non-consent miscellaneous and matters to be presented by council members.

The first speaker was Hany Khalil an Executive Director at the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor

Federation who spoke about the impact that COVID-19 has on the health, employment and

finances of Houston working families. Mr. Khalil asked for the council to create a more

aggressive labor plan to protect working families by using the COVID-19 funds for sanitation

supplies, medical care and hotel rooms for workers when needed. First, he asked the council to

mandate public and private employers to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all

CITY COUNCIL MEETING REPORT 3

essential employees, provide firefighters with janitorial services to clean stations and trucks, city

inspectors to receive adequate sanitizers and allow airport workers to park close to terminals.

Secondly, he asked the council to stop evictions without additional fees and lastly all utilities

such as electrical, gas and phone services to remain on during the pandemic. In response to Mr.

Khalil’s concerns, Mayor Sylvester Turner reassured him that all of the necessary steps were

taken to ensure that all employees were being provided PPE, sanitizers, airport workers could

park closer, there would be no evictions during the pandemic and the Public Utilities

Commissioner is in control of extending those utilities.

The second speaker was Christopher Busby who spoke about the impact that COVID-19

has on renters and the affect it will have on their credit report if reported to the credit bureau. Mr.

Busby suggested a rent freeze and forgiveness solution to help renters during this pandemic since

a lot of people are out of work. Mayor Turner reassured him that the city is working with

landlords, mangers and apartment complex owners to avoid evictions and to work with families.

Mayor Turner also suggested that the council plans on looking into the credit reporting issue, so

that families who are unable to pay rent are not being reported to the credit bureaus. Council

Member Pollard suggested to Mr. Busby and to renters to talk to their landlords. Council

Member Pollard stated that most renters are required to pay first and last month rent upfront;

however, they can take the last month rent and apply it to their current rent. Council Member

Pollard also suggested that the renters use their security deposits to put towards their current rent

and to set up payment plans to pay off their balance overtime.

Advocacy Strategies

The advocates are using strategies to effectively communicate their positions by making

personal statements, researching the issues, using information such as surveys, facts, evidence,

CITY COUNCIL MEETING REPORT 4

asking for additional time, capturing their attention, organizing their points, recommending

suggestions and showing appreciation for the actions already taken by the mayor and the council.

These strategies are very important in effectively communicating their positions because the

primary goal is to help make a difference and to bring about change. I enjoyed the overall

performance of both speakers as well as the strategies used to state their viewpoints.

Personal Advocacy

The social issue I would address at a future meeting is to make the COVID-19 testing

free to everyone with or without symptoms. I chose this particular issue because as of now there

is not an expiration date to when this pandemic will be over. It is very critical for everyone to be

tested because this can stop the spreading of the virus and provide accurate data. The tests are

very limited; therefore, some places are offering them for free with symptoms, while others are

charging $150 or charging the insurance companies. For example, an individual can have the

virus, but not show the symptoms; therefore, this individual will not be able to get tested. This

will cause the virus to spread because the individual is around the people who live in the

household and can pass it down to them. The strategies I would use to persuade the elected

officials is by telling a story, researching the cause, use evidence to support my viewpoint,

recommend suggestions and to show how it would help the city as a whole.

Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways

In conclusion, the key takeaways are to be prepared, know the information, time the

speech and prepare for questions. Both of the speakers were very prepared, they knew the

information, prepared for questions, but did not time their speech. Overall, I enjoyed completing

this assignment because it gave me the opportunity to do something I have never done.