Garland, TX – The Garland City Council convened for a work session on November 17, 2025, where Assistant City Manager Andy Hesser stood in for City Manager Judson Rex. Several significant agenda items were discussed that will shape the Council’s internal governance and community initiatives. The Work Session may be watched in its entirety online here or embedded below:
One of the primary topics was the proposed amendments to the city’s Council Policies. City Attorney Brian England led a verbal briefing, highlighting potential changes related to personal electronic device usage during meetings. The council reached a consensus to bar personal electronics, such as cell phones and tablets, during executive sessions. Additionally, members noted the need for clearer penalties for leaking information from these confidential meetings.
Another major agenda item involved a discussion on memorializing Roxanne Reyes. Councilmember Carissa Dutton proposed that a memorial be established between the recently constructed West Garland Library and Hollabaugh Recreation Center, citing the importance of honoring Reyes’s legacy. The proposal received unanimous support and will be further reviewed by the Administrative Services Committee.
The Keen Creek Substation Project was also on the agenda, focusing on property acquisition along Shiloh Road. Dutton expressed concerns that placing the substation along a major thoroughfare conflicts with long-term city planning goals. Hesser defended the selected location, emphasizing its logistical advantages and the necessity for efficient land use given the complexity of utility infrastructure.
Additionally, Councilmember Ed Moore suggested adding an audit of the City Manager’s office to the Audit Committee’s agenda, though it remains undecided if it will be included in the upcoming meeting or scheduled for a later date.
