The DeSoto City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, was marked by heated debates over a censure motion against Council Member Crystal Chism, highlighting deep internal tensions within the council.
Despite the discord, the council addressed several key community issues, including upcoming elections, infrastructure improvements, and zoning changes.
Internal Tensions: Censure Motion Divides Council
The meeting took a contentious turn when Council Members Pierette Parker and Dinah Marks filed a notice of censure against Council Member Crystal Chism. The allegations included:
- Overstepping her role as a liaison by influencing the Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC).
- Making public statements on social media that appeared to represent the council without authorization.
Chism defended her actions, stating the allegations were baseless and politically motivated.
She emphasized her right to free speech and noted that other council members have made similar public statements without censure.
Public Comments:
Several residents spoke in support of Chism, praising her dedication to the community and questioning the timing of the censure during an election season.
Others expressed concerns about the divisiveness of the allegations and urged the council to focus on city business.
Council Discussion:
- Council Members Parker and Marks argued the censure was necessary to address repeated violations of council rules.
- Council Members Letitia Hughes, Andre’ Byrd, and Mayor Rachel Proctor emphasized the need for private resolution and expressed concerns about the chilling effect on free speech.
- Council Member Nicole Raphiel called for a review of council policies and procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.
Vote: The motion to dismiss the censure passed 4-3, with Parker, Marks, and Raphiel voting against dismissal.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
Upcoming Elections and Community Events
The council announced that the city will hold a general election on May 3, 2025, for Mayor (Place 1) and two council member positions (Places 3 and 5).
The voter registration deadline is April 3, 2025, with registration cards available at various city locations.
In addition to election updates, the council highlighted several upcoming community events:
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Greenhouse Lounge and Wellness Center on March 20.
- A MWBE certification class hosted by the DeSoto Area Chamber on March 25.
- A crawfish festival at Elm Fork Shooting Sports on April 5.
- A Teen Expo at the DeSoto Public Library on April 19, which is seeking volunteers.
The council also announced budget talks scheduled for May 8 and August, aimed at gathering community input on the city’s financial planning.
Citizen Appearances
During the public comment period, two residents addressed the council:
- Keisha Nixon, a long-time resident, expressed frustration with the DeSoto Police Department’s handling of stolen campaign signs. She filed three police reports, but the cases were suspended without investigation. Nixon also raised concerns about Council Member Chism’s alleged involvement in disparaging her character in communications with the Dallas County Democratic Chair.
- Daniel Cruz, a 10-year-old resident, requested a covered picnic area at Carver Park to provide shade and shelter from rain. The Parks Department noted the request and pledged to follow up.
Council Approvals and Public Hearings
1. Consent Agenda
The council approved several items, including:
- Proclamations honoring American Red Cross Month, National Read Across America Day, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, and Women’s History Month.
- Acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit Report.
- Authorization for the DeSoto Police Department to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cedar Hill ISD Police Department for per-prisoner contract services at the DeSoto Regional Jail.
2. Public Hearings
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan: Dr. Esther Williams, Community Service, and External Affairs Director presented the plan, which will guide $273,000 in annual federal funding for affordable housing, community development, and economic activities. A community survey will be launched to gather input on fund allocation.
- Zoning Amendments:
- The council approved rezoning Tracts 7.1 and 8.1 from Agricultural to Single Family Attached (SFA) after a public hearing. Concerns about traffic and neighborhood impact were addressed by the applicant, who confirmed the development would include a homeowners’ association (HOA) and meet city requirements.
- A request to amend Planned Development-193 (PD-193) was postponed until April 15, 2025, to allow for further community outreach.
Regular Agenda Items
1. Fitness Equipment for Aquatics and Recreation Center
The council approved purchasing and installing fitness equipment for $654,310 from FitSupply.
The equipment, featuring industry-leading brands, will support the center’s goal of fostering community health and wellness.
Council Member Chism questioned the lifespan of the equipment, and staff confirmed it is expected to last 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
2. Amendment to Professional Services Agreement
The council authorized an amendment with Integrated Project Solutions for additional project management services related to the Aquatics and Recreation Center, not to exceed $308,307.69.
The extension was necessary due to design alterations and delays in the project timeline.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn by Council Member Hughes, seconded by Council Member Byrd.
Key Takeaways
- Internal Tensions: The censure motion highlighted significant divisions within the council, with some members advocating for accountability and others emphasizing the importance of free speech.
- Community Engagement: The council demonstrated a commitment to community involvement through public hearings, budget talks, and support for local events.
- Infrastructure and Development: The approval of fitness equipment and zoning changes reflects the city’s focus on improving infrastructure and supporting development.
- Election Season Dynamics: The timing of the censure motion, just weeks before the city election, raised questions about political motivations and its impact on public perception.