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 FRIDAY, MAY 09, 2025 AT 4:00 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chairman John Lopez called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Chairman John Lopez Council Member Jacquin Headen Council Member Bessye Adams STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. 36th Quarterly Judicial Report Tabled until the June 9, 2025 Meeting 2. Summer Reading Club 2025 Administrator of Library Programs Ashley Wyche provided an update on key dates and program changes for the 2025 Summer Reading Club. She noted that this year’s theme is Color Our World, with the kickoff event scheduled for May 31, 2025, at the Main Library. Council Member Headen inquired about the targeted age group for the Summer Reading Club, and Ms. Wyche responded that the program is designed for all ages. Council Member Adams raised questions regarding the special Friday daytime performances—specifically, who attends and how the scheduling impacts working mothers. Ms. Wyche noted that the daytime performances are very well attended and that the library will also offer Friday evening performances to accommodate those who are unable to attend during the day. Deputy City Manager Megan Mahan noted that staff continuously monitors attendance data and adjusts event schedules accordingly. In response, Council Member Adams emphasized that the concern is not solely about attendance numbers, but rather about expanding accessibility to ensure a broader range of individuals can participate. Chairman Lopez asked whether some of the performances could be incorporated into the mobile library services. Ms. Wyche responded that staff is actively working on this initiative and that an announcement will be made soon. 3. Epic Central Illuvia Pond Signage - Update Managing Director Lisa Norris provided an update on signage improvements at the Epic Central Illuvia Pond, following up on questions raised during the April meeting of the Public Safety, Health, and Environment (PSHE) Committee. The update addressed the number, cost, and content of the signs. New signage—featuring English, Spanish, and graphic icons—are Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – May 09, 2025 Page 1 of 4  being ordered to clearly communicate rules and include the relevant ordinance number for transparency and enforceability. These signs will help inform visitors that bathing, fishing, swimming, and boating are prohibited in the pond. The PSHE Committee was briefed on related ordinance changes in April, and the City Council formally approved those changes on May 6, 2025. Chairman Lopez requested that staff ensure the signage is adequately illuminated at night. The committee expressed their appreciation to staff for the presentation. 4. Peddler and Solicitor Regulations Police Assistant Director Ryan Simpson gave an update on the Chapter 20 Peddler and Solicitor Regulations discussing permit requirements, residential soliciting, fixed location soliciting, and throughfare soliciting. Council Member Headen noted that the peddler/solicitor permit is valid for one year and inquired about the number of individuals currently registered. Chairman Lopez added that residents have expressed concerns about peddlers and solicitors approaching homes late at night. Chief Scesney responded that most individuals encountered have the required permits, but some arrests have been made for violations. Chairman Lopez asked whether a one-page flyer could be created in both English and Spanish to inform residents about the rules regarding peddling and solicitation. Deputy City Attorney Tiffany Bull emphasized the importance of clearly distinguishing between the types of solicitation that are permitted, those that are prohibited, and what the city is legally authorized to regulate. Council Members Headen and Adams inquired about individuals engaging in thoroughfare solicitation within the community. Mr. Simpson clarified that thoroughfare solicitation is subject to specific regulatory requirements under City code and that any violations would be addressed accordingly. 5. Code Enforcement Compliance Process Mr. Simpson provided an overview of the Code Compliance Division’s enforcement process, emphasizing that the primary goal is achieving voluntary compliance. He outlined the general procedures, including the issuance of notices of violation or warnings, the citation process, and abatement measures. Council Member Headen expressed concern that some violators do not pay their fines or take corrective action. Mr. Simpson responded that, in such cases, the city proceeds with abatement and, on the civil side, refers the matter to collections. He also clarified that Code Compliance does not have the authority to enforce Homeowners Association (HOA) bylaws. Code Compliance Director Chad McGowen provided an overview of enforcement efforts related to high grass violations. Deputy City Attorney Tiffany Bull offered an update on state laws concerning agricultural exemptions, noting that the City is limited in what it can enforce under current statutes. Council Member Headen also inquired about how residents can report code enforcement concerns. Mr. Simpson reviewed the available options for public reporting. Additionally, Council Member Headen raised concerns about the potential weaponization of code enforcement. Chief Scesney explained that it is a violation of the law to knowingly make a false report, and residents who feel they are being harassed should call 911. He added that the Police Department evaluates such cases Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – May 09, 2025 Page 2 of 4  individually. The committee expressed appreciation to the Code Compliance staff for their continued efforts. CONSENT AGENDA Chairman Lopez asked if the committee had any questions on the Consent Agenda item. Council Member Headen moved, seconded by Council Member Adams, to approve item six. The motion carried unanimously. 6. Minutes of April 21, 2025 Public Safety, Health and Environment Committee Meeting Approved on Consent Agenda INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 7. Interlocal Agreement with the University of North Texas in an amount not to exceed $63,144 for Health Assessment component of the Parks Master Plan Senior Park Project Manager Dana Woods presented this item to the committee, highlighting the Interlocal Agreement between the University of North Texas and the City of Grand Prairie Parks Department to complete the Health Assessment portion of the Parks Master Plan. She noted that Change Order No. 2 is being processed concurrently to remove the Health Assessment from the existing contract with Halff Associates, Inc., the consultant for the Parks Master Plan update. Council Member Headen asked what aspects were being assessed in the Health Assessment. Ms. Woods responded that the evaluation would focus on the overall health of neighborhoods, identifying six representative neighborhoods. The assessment will consider factors such as air quality, pedestrian access, methods of accessing parks, the impact of recreation on public health, and the inclusion of both well-served and underserved areas. She noted that the goal is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the selected neighborhoods. Council Member Adams asked how student data would be cross-referenced with the tree study. Ms. Woods responded that the tree survey will be more specifically focused on the selected neighborhoods, allowing for targeted data collection and analysis. Council Member Headen asked whether City Council would need to approve the selection of the six neighborhoods. Ms. Woods responded that Council approval is not required, as the intent is to select a representative sampling rather than finalize specific neighborhoods. Council Member Adams inquired whether the information gathered would help inform development in the southern areas of the city. Megan explained that this effort is one component of the broader Parks Master Plan and confirmed that the data will indeed support future development in the southern region of the city. Council Member Adams moved, seconded by Council Member Headen, to recommend approval of this item to Council. The motion carried unanimously Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – May 09, 2025 Page 3 of 4  8. Purchase and Installation of the alerting system for Fire Station 11 made by US Digital Designs and installed/managed by Mobile Communications of America, Inc. for the price of $102,570. This purchase is a sole source product and installed at all fire stations Fire Chief Robert Fite presented this item to the committee noting that all of the Grand Prairie fire stations have the USDD alerting system as each station is directly linked to the city's main communications center. The purchase of this product includes installation, software, video screen access and app licenses for each firefighter. Council Member Adams stated that the item is necessary but questioned how it qualifies as a sole source procurement. Budget Director Thao Vo provided an update on the procurement process. Chief Fite provided an example of how the product integrates with existing systems, making compatibility a key factor. Ms. Mahan responded that this item is an addition to the City's existing system, and compatibility is essential. Council Member Adams emphasized the importance of showing due diligence in evaluating options to ensure the City is securing the most effective product at the best cost. Council Member Headen moved, seconded by Council Member Adams to recommend approval of this item to Council. The motion carried unanimously. EXECUTIVE SESSION No executive session was held. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Lopez adjourned the meeting at 4:56 p.m. Chairman John Lopez Public Safety, Health, and Environment Committee – May 09, 2025 Page 4 of 4