Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee

CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CITY HALL - COUNCIL BRIEFING ROOM, 300 W. MAIN STREET MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2025 AT 2:00 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chairman Lopez called the meeting to order at 2:01 p.m. PRESENT Chairman John Lopez Council Member Bessye Adams Council Member Jacquin Headen STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. Lake Parks Educational Programming & Special Events Special Events Manager Emily Linares presented this item to the committee noting the key goals of the Lakes Parks Educational Programming and Special Events is community engagement, bring repeat customers to these locations, collaboration with recreation centers and future growth. Ms. Linares gave details on the Family Campout at Lynn Creek and Loyd Parks, Bug Fest at Lynn Creek Park, the summer concert series at Lynn Creek Park, Movies on the Beach at Loyd Park, and Nature Club at Loyd Park. Council Member Adams inquired on the age group for the Nature Club. Ms. Linares noted the age group is 5-18; and young children will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Council Member Headen asked how these events would be promoted. Ms. Linares said Parks is working with the city's communication team to promote these events via the city's website, social media, pipeline and will have handouts at the city's libraries. Chairman Lopez asked staff to consider promoting on the city's digital boards and after year one of the events, consider a summer pass as well as to promote with Grand Prairie, Mansfield and Arlington Independent School Districts. Council Member Adams asked staff to consider reaching out to the Boys and Girls Scouts to encourage their scouts to attend and earn a badge. The committee thanked Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Ray Cerda and his staff for their vision to bring these events to the lake parks. 2. Staff presentation and discussion on the current operations of the Police Department’s Code Compliance Division Assistant Director of Police Ryan Simpson presented the Code Compliance org chart, the 2024 Statistics, the FY2024 New Positions, Outreach, update on Short Term Rentals and Pending Legislation. Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – March 17, 2025 Page 1 of 6  Mr. Simpson provided clarification on the violation and citation process for short term rentals and the citation cost. In addition, discussion was had on Residential Accessory Structures and the city's requirements. The committee thanked staff for the update. CONSENT AGENDA Chairman Lopez asked if the committee had any questions on the Consent Agenda items. Council Member Headen noted for Consent Agenda Item Six, Amy's Alterations is located in Arlington, TX. Assistant Director of Police Ryan Simpson said the Police Department has used Amy's Alterations in Arlington, TX and Sylvia's Alterations in Grand Prairie, TX for several years as these locations are conveniently located for staff. Council Member Headen moved, seconded by Council Member Adams, to approve item three and recommend approval to council of items four through seven. The motion carried unanimously. 3. Minutes of the February 10, 2025 Public Safety, Health and Environment Committee Meeting Approved on Consent Agenda 4. Contract with Straight Line Sawing & Sealing, Inc. for Airport Pavement Repairs in the Amount of $62,000 Approved on Consent Agenda 5. Ordinance amending the FY2024/2025 Lake Parks Operations Fund in the amount of $50,000 in order to produce new outdoor/nature special events and programs at Lynn Creek Park and Loyd Park Approved on Consent Agenda 6. Annual Contracts for Alteration and Sewing Services from Sandy Pham dba Amy’s Alterations in an amount not to exceed $10,000 annually and from John Alegria dba Sylvia’s Alterations in an amount not to exceed $10,000 annually for each contract. These contracts will each be for a one-year initial term with the option to renew for four additional one-year terms totaling $100,000 if all extensions are exercised on both contracts Approved on Consent Agenda 7. A Resolution ratifying a FY2026 BG- Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant application submitted to the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office for the replacement of 62 expired Ballistic Vests, Rifle Plates, Internal Carriers and External carriers in the amount of $136,409.92 with no cash match required and authorizing the City Manager to accept, reject, alter or terminate the grant, if awarded Approved on Consent Agenda Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – March 17, 2025 Page 2 of 6 INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 8. Price Agreements for Ballistic Vests with Angel Armor, LLC. (up to $180,000 annually and $900,000 total) and M-Pak, Inc. (up to $20,000 annually and $100,000 total) for an initial one year term with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods for a total authorized expenditure not to exceed $1,000,000 Mr. Simpson presented this item to the committee noting this contract is for the purchase of balistic vests and related accessories. Ballistic vests have a National Institute of Justice mandated five-year warranty and must be replaced upon expiration. Angel Armor, LLC and M-Pak Inc. meet the specifications and are recommended for award. These contracts will be utilized on an as-needed basis. Council Member Adams moved, seconded by Council Member Headen, to recommend approval of this item to Council. The motion carried unanimously. 9. A Resolution ratifying a FY 2026 Victims of Crime Act Formula Grant application submitted to the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office for the purpose of continuing the funding for the annual salary, benefits, and training for two Victim Assistance Coordinators in the amount of $174,174.23 with a cash match of $8,046.22 and in-kind match of $35,497.34 and authorizing the City Manager to accept, reject, alter or terminate the grant, if awarded Mr. Simpson presented this item to the committee noting the Police Department is seeking ratification of the application for the FY 2026 Victim Assistance Program Grant, which the department has been receiving since 1996, to continue to fund two full-time Victim Assistance Coordinators and training. Mr. Simpson provided clarification to Council Member Adams advising the grant for the Victim Assistance Program is from the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office, Criminal Justice Division. Mr. Simpson informed Council Member Headen that the Police Department would look at options for this funding if the grant was not awarded as the Police Department must have this program. 10. A Resolution Ratifying a FY 2026 First Responder Mental Health Program grant application submitted to the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office for the purpose of providing first responder mental health resources not to exceed $76,395.00 with an in-kind Match of $19,098.75 and authorizing the City Manager to accept, reject, alter, or terminate the grant, if awarded Mr. Simpson presented this item to the committee noting first responders face numerous barriers to accessing resources for stress reduction while on shift due to inconsistent break times, busy call loads, low staffing, and limited access to health promoting resources that are open 24/7 to accommodate shifts outside of regular business hours of operation. The Grand Prairie Police Department Wellness Program’s project currently features the addition of health-promoting equipment and access to health education and assessment from culturally competent providers to meet the needs identified in the survey of personnel. Programs for FY2026 will feature equipment for cold water immersion, wearable biometric devices to track key measures to help them achieve optimal physiological status and help make appropriate lifestyle changes, and traumatic brain injury assessment screenings. Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – March 17, 2025 Page 3 of 6  11. A Resolution ratifying a FY2026 Violence Against Women Advocate Formula grant application to the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office for the purpose of continuing to fund the salary, benefits, and training for one Violence Against Women Advocate in the amount of $60,304.30 with a cash match of $15,992.52 and an in-kind match of $9,852.18 and authorizing the City Manager to accept, reject, alter, or terminate the grant, if awarded Mr. Simpson presented this item to the committee noting the Police Department is requesting ratification of an application for the FY2026 Violence Against Women Formula Grant for the continuation of funding the Violence Against Women Advocate within our Victims Assistance Unit. The Grand Prairie Police Department Violence Against Women Advocate (VAWA) focuses on a Victim Centered approach, addressing the needs and concerns of the female survivors of violent crime, in addition to providing them with support and educating them on their rights and criminal justice system, enabling them to be active participants of the process. 12. Resolution ratifying a FY 2026 CI-Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program grant application submitted to the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office for the purpose of continuing funding for a portion of the salary, benefits and training for a Crisis Support Specialist position in the amount of $62,989.50 with no cash match required and authorizing the City Manager to accept, reject, alter or terminate the grant, if awarded Mr. Simpson presented this item to the committee noting the Police Department is currently utilizing this grant to fund a Crisis Support Specialist position. This proposed grant will continue to fund a portion of the annual salary, fringe benefits and training so this unit can continue to effectively serve specialized populations within the community. The specialized populations include group home residents suffering from mental health and intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) and persons experiencing homelessness. There is an increased number of group homes and homeless community members in Grand Prairie and retaining this fourth Crisis Support Specialist whose duties are specific to providing services to these populations will allow for timely follow-up and continuity of care for these community members. Council Member Headen inquired on what the city is currently doing regarding group homes. Mr. Simpson said staff will give an update to the committee in May. Council Member Adams asked if the city receives support from the state level to monitor the safety of the group home residents. Mr. Simpson provided clarification on this inquiry noting the safety concern is higher for the elderly and intellectually disabled. Chairman Lopez asked that the update to be presented include if there is any help received from federal grants. Council Member Headen moved, seconded by Council Member Adams, to recommend approval of items nine through twelve to Council. The motion carried unanimously. 13. Ordinance Amending Sections 13-501. 13-507, 13-509, and 13-510 of Chapter 13, Article XIX “Gas Drilling and Production” of the Grand Prairie Code of Ordinances to Modify Regulations for Data Campuses; Providing a Savings Clause and a Severability Clause; Providing an Effective Date Public Health and Environmental Quality Director Cindy Mendez presented this item to the committee noting state law restricts a city from regulating gas drilling operations except for certain above ground activity which includes establishing reasonable setback requirements. Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – March 17, 2025 Page 4 of 6  The city has established gas well setbacks for public parks, residences, nursing homes, hospitals, and religious institutions. Last year the city annexed land which includes plans for a Data Campus. The Data Campus is expected to house several data centers. Data Centers are a new use in the City of Grand Prairie which did not exist at the time the gas well setback restrictions were adopted. This ordinance amendment will create a 1,500-foot gas drilling setback for data campuses. The proposed restrictions will not effectively prohibit gas drilling as horizontal drilling techniques are capable of drilling more than 1,500 feet. Chairman Lopez and Council Member Adams asked if the setback was from the next property. Ms. Mendez clarified the setback is from the boundary of the property. Council Member Adams moved, seconded by Council Member Headen, to recommend approval of this item to Council. The motion carried unanimously. 14. Approval of an Access Agreement with TEP Barnett USA, LLC to allow for 5,000 linear feet of temporary surface laid water lines to supply water to the Barnes Carpo gas well pad site Ms. Mendez presented this item to the committee noting the purpose is to authorize and approve an Access Agreement with TEP Barnett USA, LLC to allow for the installation of 5,000 linear feet of temporary surface laid water lines for the purpose of fracturing gas wells. The temporary water lines shall be placed on the north and south right of way of Lake Ridge Parkway from Polo Parkway to Matthew Road and through a drainage culvert 500 feet to the west of Matthew Road. The agreement will have a one-hundred-and-eighty-day term with either party having the right to terminate without cause with sixty (60) day’s written notice to the other party. The agreement may be extended for one additional term for up to sixty (60) days upon written agreement of all Parties. Comprehensive general liability insurance will be required and maintained during the term of the agreement. The city will be monitoring and closely evaluating water levels, usage and water system pressure levels to determine if water rationing measures need to be implemented. Further, the city’s Fire Department may, in its sole discretion, determine that water is needed from a Fire Hydrant to conduct emergency fire operations. Per the agreement, TEP Barnett USA, LLC and its employees and contractors shall abide by any and all requests from any city’s Public Health and Environmental Quality, Utilities, Fire, or other city department staff member to disconnect water connection and halt water pumping activities. Council Member Headen asked if enforcement to comply with the city's requests seem to be of concern. Ms. Mendez noted the city has not had any issues in the past. Council Member Headen inquired if there would be any lane closures. Ms. Mendez said there would be no lane closures. Council Member Adams inquired on the location of the temporary holding tanks and who monitors the above ground wells. Ms. Mendez indicated the location of the temporary holding tanks in the map presented and said building inspections department monitors the above ground wells. Chairman Lopez voiced his concern with the noise at the gas well pad site. Ms. Mendez said there will be a 30-foot noise wall in place to help minimize the noise. Council Member Adams asked if landscaping could be considered as the structure is unsightly. Ms. Mendez noted the city has never received a complaint in this regard. Council Member Headen inquired how long after the project is over will the water storage tanks be removed. Ms. Mendez said it should be soon after the project is over as the storage tanks are rented. Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – March 17, 2025 Page 5 of 6  Council Member Adams moved, seconded by Council Member Headen to recommend approval of this item to Council. The motion carried unanimously. EXECUTIVE SESSION No executive session held. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. ADJOURNMENT Deputy City Attorney Julie Dosher introduced Senior Assistant City Attorney David Wilkins to the committee. Chairman Lopez adjourned the meeting at 3:05 p.m. Chairman John Lopez Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – March 17, 2025 Page 6 of 6