Keith Bonds

The meeting included a presentation covering the fourth quarter and year-in-review economic commentary, highlighting market performance metrics for the S&P 500, small caps, and the bond index for 2025. Key economic factors discussed included tariffs, artificial intelligence, inflation rates (CPI and PPI), and interest rate trends, noting the recent rally in lower-quality assets due to falling rates. A detailed review of the pension fund's balance sheet, asset allocation, unit values, and overall performance metrics over 15 years was presented. A significant discussion point involved the recommendation to excuse the floating rate fund position due to its declining utility as interest rates fall, proposing reallocation to total return managers. The asset liability study, using the last 10 years of data, compared the current portfolio structure against a proposed structure that excludes the floating rate fund.

The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting addressed several applications. Item A involved a public hearing concerning application S26-01, filed by Brookwood Village Ltd, requesting a specific use permit for a restaurant with a private club in a general retail zoning district near McCann Road. The staff noted consistency with the future land use map. Item B covered application Z26-02, a request by First T Piney Woods to rezone approximately 5.464 acres from agricultural to heavy commercial zoning to accommodate a nonprofit organization office and outdoor putting greens. Item C involved application Z26-03, requesting a rezoning from agricultural and Single Family 4 to Single Family 5 for 14.13 acres to facilitate the development of a single-family subdivision with houses planned between 1,650 to 1,700 square feet. Public testimony raised significant concerns regarding erosion and cliff instability adjacent to the proposed development in Item C, as well as infrastructure compatibility concerning Swinging Bridge Road.

The meeting agenda includes several presentations, such as one from the East Texas Council of Governments regarding Longview's Veteran Friendly Community designation, and proclamations recognizing Pine Tree Pirate Day and Sam Schott as NCAA Woman of the Year. The consent agenda involves numerous actions, primarily seeking authorization to apply for various grants, including up to $100,000 from the PETCO Love Foundation and up to $500,000 from Texas Health and Human Services for spay/neuter services at the Animal Care and Adoption Center. Other consent items include budget amendments for FY 2025-2026 related to grant allocations (Zoonosis Control, Cybersecurity, Body Worn Camera, Rifle Resistant Body Armor, First Responder Mental Health), waiving penalties and interest for delinquent property tax, supporting housing tax credits for the Longview Senior Lofts development, accepting the December 31, 2025 Quarterly Investment Report, awarding a mowing services contract to Southern Grounds Maintenance, authorizing the purchase of two 2026 Chevrolet Silverados and one paratransit vehicle, and canceling the District 4 General Election while designating polling locations for the May 2, 2026 General Election for District 3. Action items include a public hearing regarding an ordinance updating the Unified Development Code related to platting, and authorizing an agreement with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc. for a newborn safety device.

The meeting agenda included the recognition of guests, followed by a consent agenda which addressed the acceptance of minutes from the prior meeting. Key discussion items involved the approval of the final payment to LeTourneau University for the Robotics Center. The board was also scheduled to consider entering into an executive session to discuss matters pertaining to real property and economic development negotiations with a prospect.

The City Council meeting included citizen comments regarding an ordinance affecting camping and homelessness, specifically concerning the organization 'One Love Long View.' Presentations were given recognizing Partners in Prevention for National Mentoring Month, including a proclamation declaring January 8th as Aspire Mentoring Day, highlighting the contributions of 87 mentors serving 96 mentees. Additionally, the Fleet Service Division was recognized for earning the Blue Seal of Excellence from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. During the consent agenda discussions, the Council addressed several items, including approving a resolution for future pay plan studies for 14 cities, amending the Unified Development Code based on TCEQ requirements related to on-site sewer facilities and lead pipe thresholds, and establishing associated fees. The Council also approved an ordinance amendment to allocate fund balance for repairs to the Paul Martin Jones pool and awarded the contract for these repairs to Sunbelt Pools for $417,000.