City of El Paso City Council met Feb. 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A Regular Meeting of the El Paso City Council was called to order by Mayor Mool on February 16, 2026, at 7:05 PM.
Council Members Present: Wilkey, Rigsby, Kilpatrick, Gray, Howard, and Brucker. Absent: None. Present in Person: Director of Public Service Barry Kauther, Colton Scott, Administrative Assistant Sandee Kessinger, Police Chief Joe Montemurro and Clerk David Fever. On Zoom: Casey Jones, Brandon Mounce, Don, IDOR, Porter, TB Kim Kearney and others. Also present: Dennis and Lisa Hocker, Jim and JoEllen Skolek, ISU Intern Omorefe Best, Neil Gauger, Clint Barker, Jeff Price, Ben Kingdon, Kelly Mool and Jenny Kearney as the local press.
Pledge of allegiance to the flag was recited.
Approval of Agenda: Motion by Brucker, seconded by Howard to approve the agenda as submitted. Voice vote taken of all ayes.
Consent Agenda.
Council Minutes: The minutes of February 2nd, 2026, City Council Meeting were presented in written form.
Audit Committee Minutes: The minutes of February 2nd, 2026, Audit Committee Meeting were presented in written form.
Register of Bills: The Register of Bills in the amount of $ 103,446.44 as of February 16th, 2026 was presented.
Treasurer Report: The Treasurer’s report for the month ending January 31, 2026, showing investments, revenue and expenses was presented in written form.
Approval of Consent Agenda: Motion by Brucker, seconded by Kilpatrick to approve items on consent agenda. Voice vote taken of all ayes.
Public Comments: Jeff Price spoke concerning the possible creation of a TIF District in El Paso. Mayor Mool then explained that this meeting is the first step to starting TIF. If approved, Ordinance 1092 is authorizing a company to begin the planning process. There are many requirements to meet, council actions and hearings before the TIF can start.
New Business:
New Audit Firm: Motion by Howard, second by Kilpatrick to approve a letter of understanding with Phillips, Salmi and Associates, LLC for them to provide audit services for the year ending April 30, 2026. Roll call vote taken of all ayes.
Professional Service Agreement: TIF District: Motion by Brucker, Seconded by Rigsby to approve proposed Ordinance 1092, which authorizes the execution of a professional service agreement to establish and the annual administration of Tax Increment Financing District with Jacob & Klein, LTD The Economic Develop Group, LTD. Roll call vote taken of ayes.
TIF Project Cost Resolution 2026-1: Motion by Rigsby, seconded by Gray to approve Proposed Resolution 2026-1 which is a Resolution to incur TIF eligible cost for the City of El Paso. Roll call vote: Rigsby, Gray, Howard, Brucker and Kilpatrick. Nays: Wilkey.
Table Proposed Resolutions 2026-2, 2026-3 and 2026.4: Motion by Wilkey, seconded by Howard to table proposed Inducement Resolution 2026-2, 2026-3 and 2026-4. Roll call vote taken of all ayes.
Golf Simulator Buildout: Motion by Brucker, second by Gray to approve the expenditure for the down payment of $8,000 to $9,000 for a Golf Simulator Buildout. Roll call vote taken of all ayes.
Fiscal 2025 Annual Financial Report (Audit): Motion by Rigsby, seconded by Kilpatrick to accept the Audit for Fiscal Year ending April 30, 2025, as presented by Phillips & Associates, CPAs. P.C. Roll call vote taken of ayes.
Director of Public Service: Report was presented in written form. He also announced an Administrative Assistant was hired and will start on March 2, 2026.
City Council Comments: None.
Police Chief Report: The Chief’s report was submitted in written form and he spoke of an accident at Main and Oak Streets. The Public Works Department witnessed and responded to aid as EMS responded.
Operations Supervisor: Report submitted in written form. He was available on Zoom and said. bids for Clay Street Water Main are due in Mid-March.
Parks and Recreation Director: Report submitted in written form with nothing additional.
City Attorney: Attorney Stoller was absent.
City Clerk: Clerk Fever reported Sales Tax for after 11 months it is 14.00% for SPLY.
Mayor’s Report: The mayor reported he has met with the Corn Festival Committee, and they will be changing their proposed theme this year to 250 America. He also wishes to include an additional $10,000 in our budget for the celebration of 250th anniversary of USA
https://www.elpasoil.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02162026-357
