John Bloch

The 2021-26 Strategic Plan for the Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau focuses on four key pillars: maximizing organizational sustainability and growth, increasing community outreach and collaboration, advocating for destination-enhancing development, and enhancing the visitor experience. The plan's purpose is to ensure the financial stability and operational oversight of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Convention Center, thereby enhancing Irving's visibility and overall viability as a destination.

This document outlines the Fiscal Year 2023 Water and Wastewater Budget, encompassing operating expenses, projected revenues, and the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). It details the financial impacts of inflation on budget categories including salaries, supplies, and wholesale treatment costs. Key initiatives include the addition of a Civil Engineer and an Environmental Compliance Technician to enhance development review and environmental compliance. The document presents a $41.9 million CIP for FY2023, which is part of a broader five-year capital improvement plan averaging $46.5 million annually, focusing on critical infrastructure such as water mains, pump stations, and wastewater mains. Specific projects like the Carbon Pump Station Replacement are highlighted. The plan also proposes FY2023 water and sewer rates, with an overall 5% increase (an 11.46% increase in sewer rates and no increase in water rates), designed to achieve cost-of-service balance, maintain bond ratings, and ensure working capital.

The work session covered citizen comments on agenda items, followed by a review of the Regular Agenda consent items. Key discussion points included the resolution awarding a contract for the West Park Basketball Court Replacement Project and approving a change order for the Senter Park Indoor Swimming Facility Project. The Council also reviewed resolutions regarding additional design services for the Municipal Drainage Utility (MDU) Campus Master Plan and the Jack D. Huffman Building renovations, both of which staff requested be pulled to the next meeting. An Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Fox Television Stations, LLC, was discussed. Further agenda items included the first reading of an ordinance regarding a negotiated settlement with Atmos Energy Corp. concerning their 2025 rate review, and an ordinance amending noise definitions to align with state law. Several zoning cases were considered, involving requests for alcohol distance variances, zoning changes for various parcels to accommodate commercial uses or accessory dwelling units, and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map. Key topics in the later session included updates on Parks Department fees, Economic Development Budget Retreat items (which were not discussed), the framework for RFPs for development at 318 E Second Street and 100 W Rock Island, and an overview of the Irving Police Department Facility Assessment. The session included two separate executive sessions to deliberate on real property acquisition and economic development negotiations (Project Power).

The meeting commenced with organizational service announcements, invocation, pledge of allegiance, and proclamations recognizing student winners of the Irving Police Department Gang Prevention Poster Contest. The Citizens' Forum included comments on local issues such as property damage from an Airbnb, noise level compliance for a hookah lounge, and concerns regarding lobbyist engagement and the Ethics Code. Key agenda items involved the adoption of a resolution supporting Senate Bill 2118 concerning the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority (DART). The Council approved resolutions designating the Mayor as the authorized official for the Other Victim Assistance Grant (OVAG) application, an appointment to the Tarrant County 9-1-1 District Board of Managers, and agreements for consulting services for Fire Department employees and professional services for sales tax compliance. Several contract awards and renewals were approved, including those for RFID-enabled library material handling systems, stage labor for the Irving Arts Center, asphalt restoration, ready-mix concrete supply, and fiber optic network locate services. An ordinance revising registration and insurance requirements for short-term rentals was adopted. The Council approved Homeless Prevention Program agreements with Catholic Charities Dallas and Family Gateway, Inc., and later, one with Irving Cares, Inc. (with one abstention). Several zoning cases were considered, resulting in the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and a corresponding Zoning Change for 4216 S. Greenview Dr., and an amendment for 1301 Ronne Drive. The zoning change for 1301 Ronne Drive ultimately failed. Other zoning actions included the adoption of changes for light industrial use, a zoning change for 2546 E. Grauwyler Road, and approval for a Pet Crematory at 1405 N. Union Bower Road. One ordinance concerning variances for signage at 401 W Las Colinas Blvd. and another for variances at 451 Promenade Parkway were approved. One zoning ordinance (6201 Colwell Boulevard) was postponed indefinitely, and another (2799 N. O'Connor Road) was postponed to May 29, 2025. Comprehensive Plan Amendments and related zoning changes for 4105 Esters Road were also addressed.

The meeting, which appears to consolidate information for the May 23, 2022 meeting, included the approval of the March 28, 2022, regular meeting minutes following a requested correction regarding the Circulation Policy. Key discussions involved the Chair's suggestion for Robert's Rules of Order training, a Council Liaison report covering potential changes to food-to-alcohol ratios and economic incentives in Irving, and updates from the Friends of the Library regarding volunteer hours and merchandise sales at the North Texas Teen Book Festival. The Board recommended the revised Collection Development Policy and supported the revised Circulation Policy, noting that procedures like auto-renewal are addressed outside of the main policy document. The Director's Report detailed various Key Performance Indicators, discussed the launch of WiFi Hotspots and AWE computers, and provided an update on the TSLAC Makerspace Grant, noting delays in receiving a van for the MiYGo Outreach Van project. Further discussion centered on adjusting future meeting schedules, with the consensus leaning towards canceling the December 2022 meeting and potentially adopting an ad-hoc scheduling approach. The board unanimously voted to cancel the April 2022 meeting and keep the May 23, 2022, and June 27, 2022, meetings scheduled. The board also requested future meeting packets be posted earlier.