Forensic audit update, potential industrial development, Civic Center technology upgrades and railroad bridge repairs also highlight a packed October 13 agenda.

The Amarillo City Council has a full agenda Tuesday, October 13, with discussions ranging from mandatory microchipping for dogs and cats to a forensic audit update, hundreds of acres of proposed development and several major infrastructure projects.

Council members will also consider spending proposals for the Amarillo Civic Center, improvements to the city's water and wastewater systems, and an agreement that would help fund repairs to a railroad bridge on Southeast 34th Avenue.

One of the largest land-use proposals involves rezoning more than 355 acres in northeast Amarillo for light industrial development. Another proposal could change the rules governing alcohol-related businesses in the Town Square development.

The meeting begins with a closed executive session at noon, followed by the public session at 3 p.m. at Amarillo City Hall, 623 S. Johnson St.

Mandatory microchipping proposal heads to council

One of the more closely watched discussions could involve a recommendation from the Animal Management and Welfare Advisory Board to require microchipping for dogs and cats in Amarillo.

Council members will discuss a possible amendment to the city's animal management ordinance that would establish the requirement.

Microchips can help animal shelters and veterinarians identify lost pets and reconnect them with their owners, but a citywide mandate could also raise questions about costs, enforcement and responsibilities for pet owners.

Tuesday's agenda lists the proposal as a discussion item rather than an ordinance scheduled for a vote. The agenda does not specify potential penalties, exemptions or a timeline for implementing the requirement.

Forensic audit update on the agenda

The council is also scheduled to receive an update on the city's forensic audit.

The agenda provides no additional details about the audit's findings, progress or potential recommendations. However, the discussion gives council members an opportunity to address the status of the review in a public setting.

No specific action related to the audit is listed for consideration.

More than 355 acres could be rezoned for industrial use

Among six proposed zoning changes, one of the most significant involves 355.40 acres near Lakeside Drive and Northeast 24th Avenue.

The request, submitted by Furman Land Surveyors on behalf of Happy Horizons Properties LP, would change the property's zoning from Agricultural District to Light Industrial District.

The proposed change could open the door to industrial development on a substantial tract of land in northeast Amarillo.

The agenda does not identify a specific industrial project or business planned for the property.

The council will hold a public hearing and consider the ordinance on its first reading.

Town Square proposal could expand alcohol-related businesses

Another zoning request could change how many alcohol-related businesses are allowed within a portion of the Town Square development.

The proposal would amend the existing planned development zoning near Town Square Boulevard and Union Square.

Under the proposed change, four businesses classified as primarily engaged in on-premises alcohol sales and service would be permitted within the designated area. Other alcohol-related use categories would be allowed without a numerical limit.

The application was submitted by Tim Ruse on behalf of Texas Residences at Town Square LLC.

Council members will consider the ordinance on its first reading following a public hearing.

Additional residential development proposals

Several other zoning requests could reshape residential development in different parts of Amarillo.

Near Moon River Road and Honeybee Avenue, Betenbough Homes, representing 87th Street Partners LLC, is requesting that 51.94 acres be rezoned from agricultural to moderate-density residential zoning.

Near Soncy Road and John Thomas Street, a separate request would rezone 17.78 acres, dividing the property between two residential zoning classifications.

Additional proposals include rezoning 9.07 acres near Southeast 46th Avenue and Stoney Fork Street, along with 24.81 acres near Eastern Street and Southeast 29th Avenue.

Together, the residential proposals cover approximately 103.6 acres.

All five residential and the separate industrial rezoning proposals are scheduled for public hearings and first readings. Approval on Tuesday would not necessarily represent final adoption.

Civic Center technology upgrades could cost $724,000

The council will consider a $724,013.31 technology upgrade for the Amarillo Civic Center Complex.

The proposed project includes new network switches, wireless internet access points, fiber connectivity and system management software intended to improve internet and network services throughout the facility.

The package also includes five years of hardware and software licensing.

The proposed spending is divided between two contractors:

- Sterling: $644,730.19
- Dan Monk Construction: $79,283.12

Funding would come from hotel occupancy tax revenues and Amarillo-Potter Event Venue District funds.

The improvements are included on the council's consent agenda, meaning they could be approved along with several other items in a single vote unless a council member requests separate discussion.

Southeast 34th Avenue railroad bridge repairs

Another significant infrastructure item involves a proposed agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for repairs to the Southeast 34th Avenue Railroad Bridge.

The city would contribute $433,250, representing 10% of the estimated project cost.

That puts the overall estimated project cost at approximately $4.33 million.

Council members will consider a resolution authorizing the city to enter into an advanced funding agreement with TxDOT.

The agenda does not provide a construction schedule or details about potential traffic disruptions.

Water and wastewater projects also on the table

The council will consider several items related to Amarillo's water and wastewater infrastructure.

One proposal would authorize a $319,260 engineering services contract with HDR Engineering for the first phase of replacing Lift Station 19.

The work would include evaluating alternatives, preparing preliminary designs and examining whether Lift Stations 16 and 25 could be consolidated as part of the project.

Two additional agenda items would transfer existing capital project funds to support improvements at the 34th Street Pump Station and design work associated with relocating Lift Station 19.

The agenda does not specify the dollar amounts for those budget transfers.

Separately, council members will consider a $9,182.11 change order for an ongoing fire hydrant replacement project, bringing that contract's total to $273,782.11.

Other spending proposals include airport security, golf products and emergency communications

Several additional contracts and purchases are scheduled for consideration.

The council will review a three-year purchasing agreement of up to $750,000 for Titleist, FootJoy and Pinnacle golf products sold through the Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail golf course pro shops. The purchases would be funded through general fund revenues generated by merchandise sales.

Other proposed expenditures include a $125,292 renovation of the Fire Marshal's Office, a $103,517.60 cement storage silo for the city's Street Division and a $55,500 software subscription for the Amarillo Emergency Communications Center.

The city is also considering a $49,500 renewal for software supporting Emma, Amarillo's digital human assistant on the city website. That renewal would be funded through American Rescue Plan Act grant money.

At Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, the council will consider a $104,000 extension of a worker screening services contract, bringing the total agreement to $416,000.

A separate airport item would authorize an electrical easement allowing SPS/Xcel Energy to install a transformer serving the Albers Aerospace building.

Cybersecurity and child protection partnerships

Two proposed agreements would expand the city's participation in public safety and cybersecurity initiatives.

One agreement with the City of Dallas would allow Amarillo to participate in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Amarillo would receive $12,000 under the arrangement.

Another agreement with Angelo State University would give the city access to a state-funded Regional Security Operations Center offering cybersecurity monitoring, incident notifications and reporting services.

The cybersecurity agreement would carry no direct contract cost to Amarillo.

Closed-door discussions include economic development and interim city manager

Before the public meeting, council members will enter executive session to discuss four confidential economic development projects.

The projects involve manufacturing, petroleum refining and scientific services.

The agenda identifies the discussions by project numbers but does not disclose the businesses involved, potential investment amounts or proposed incentives.

Council members are also scheduled to discuss the interim city manager position during executive session.

Any final decisions requiring council action must be made in an open meeting.

How to attend or watch the meeting

Amarillo City Council — Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Noon — Executive session

3 p.m. — Public session

Amarillo City Hall, Council Chamber, Third Floor, 623 S. Johnson St.

[Watch the meeting online](https://www.amarillo.gov/city-hall/city-government/view-city-council-meetings)

Residents who want to address the council can register through the city's public comment system, call the City Secretary's Office at (806) 378-3014, or sign up in person at City Hall. Registration should be completed at least 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting start time.

Tuesday's meeting covers a wide range of issues affecting Amarillo residents, from animal ownership rules and neighborhood development to major investments in public facilities and infrastructure.

While many of the proposed purchases could be approved together through the consent agenda, the zoning hearings, forensic audit discussion and potential changes to animal management regulations could draw particular attention.

The meeting will also offer a clearer picture of which projects the council is prepared to move forward and which proposals may require additional discussion before final decisions are made.