When I was a young boy, my favorite thing was riding shotgun in the old truck with my dad through the grapevines on our farm. Harvest time was a marvel. I’d watch the workers move row by row, their hands stained purple, their rhythm steady, their laughter honest. One day, watching it all unfold, I looked at my father and said, “You must be the King Grape.”
He chuckled, looked me square in the eye, and said:
“Boy, no kings live here. Only hard-working hands.”
“But you’re important,” I replied. Dad just shook his head.
“If I teach you anything, it’s this — don’t get too big for your britches. Or you’ll find yourself alone.”
Later, Mom explained the phrase. “Too big for your britches” meant someone full of themselves — bloated with self-importance, an exalted ego, floating above the rest of us like a parade balloon.
And when I look at our current Frisco City Council? Let’s just say we’re one helium tank away from liftoff.
The Pelham Pattern
It is time to remind Angelia Pelham where she came from! In our blog In Debt We Trust, we told you back in 1996, she and her husband Dono filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida under the name “Just for You Cosmetics.” According to the Orlando Sentinel(April 1, 1996), their reported assets totaled $1,245, while their debts? A staggering $343,466. Major creditors included:
Community First Bank (Jacksonville) – $140,000
Eric Stern (Carrollton, TX) – $35,000
Schroder Center Management (Dallas, TX) – $35,000
A “learning experience,” Angelia later called it in the Dallas Morning News. Fair enough — who hasn’t fallen and gotten back up? Most of the time, you learn your lesson, but the Pelhams the pattern didn’t stop there. Since then, her Frisco HOA has filed multiple liens:
Nov 2006 – $2,088.90
Oct 2011 – $956.80
June 2013 – $1,335.65
July 2020 – $1,233.70
Wells Fargo filed a civil judgment against Dono in 2014–2015 for $10,375. In 2016, a local business owner placed a lien for unpaid landscaping work: $4,039. Then came a Notice of Lis Pendens in 2020 — the county warned the Pelhams that a lawsuit had been filed over delinquent property taxes. That one appears to have been settled in 2022. (Wait, a city councilwoman, not paying property tax?)
Life has changed for the Pelham Power Couple these days. Angelia is draped in designer threads, seen at every gala and brunch in town, flanked by her friends in the gated communities across Frisco like the Stonebriar elite. Her husband’s church is growing, her influence expanding.
None of that is inherently wrong — if you rise and remember the folks who helped you climb. The issue is when you forget those who supported you and start swinging that shiny new status around like a scepter.
The Luncheon Debacle
Then came the text. A whistleblower sent us a screenshot of Councilwoman Pelham sending a text about a luncheon she coordinated for Frisco Lakes residents during Black History Month. A noble cause — supporting Black-owned businesses — and it took place at Earnest B’s, a public restaurant.
Angelia starts the text message with taking credit for coordinating the luncheon and specifically noted it was not a campaign rally. When Angelia arrived, she was surprised to see a candidate running for office there “campaigning” at an event they were not invited to!
First, this was not a private event! Angelia did not rent out Earnest B’s place of business for this luncheon. Other customers were coming and going because it is A PUBLIC BUSINESS! Angelia lives on MARS if she thinks she can tell any customer in a public business how and what they should do!
Angelia continues, if you were there to get some lunch, you should have done so without campaigning with a group that you were not invited to attend.
Second, how did Angelia know the candidate was “campaigning?” Earnest B’s is not a huge restaurant, so what if they were stopping by for lunch and knew someone there and started talking (like we all do across Frisco) and Angelia happened to walk in on it, now she accuses the candidate of campaigning. Even if they were campaigning, it is a PUBLIC BUSINESS that you have no say over. If the restaurant had an issue with someone “campaigning” on their property then they should have said something – not Angelia a patron of the business who is there to SUPPORT BLACK BUSINESSES.
Angelia continues, “Yes, I called Gopal since you decided to HIJACK MY EVENT and make it into a campaign event. Gopal is MY CANDIDATE, so I absolutely felt that he needed to be there since YOU made it a campaign event.”
I can hear my mom now from the window of our house, “Mannaggia Angelia, Mannaggia!” That is our “Damn” as you Americans would say, and used to express utter frustration with someone, something or a situation. Accusing someone of HIJACKING YOUR EVENT? Newsflash, this was not a private facility or shut down for just you and your glorious presence, Ms. Pelham, it is a PUBLIC BUSINESS! Second to accuse someone of that you better have proof and DAMN good proof! Next, you call Gopal “MY CANDIDATE” – do you own him? Is he your property? That is how you made it sound!
Lastly Angelia says, “it is that kind of self-seeking behavior that you display (meaning the candidate) that causes me concern about you on council. I want to be very clear about my thoughts on your actions yesterday”
Angelia – we want to be very clear on our thoughts as well! You come across as an entitled SELF-SEAKING witch who is “TOO BIG FOR HER OWN BRITCHES.” My Event, My Candidate, My Luncheon! What’s next? My Oxygen? How dare you come into a public business and say hi to anyone at my table – this is my table! Take your food and go, peasant!
Queen of the Dias
It’s campaign season, so is it plausible to say the candidate was out and about wearing a vote for me shirt, stopped in to get lunch from a popular Frisco place, happen to know someone at the table and said hello when you walked in. Last year when you were running Angelia, we saw your shirts all over the city on folks and we also know “your people” attempted to attend an event paid for by a private citizen at the country club until they were asked to leave. The difference in the space, it was rented and paid for by a private citizen who had every right to determine who they wanted at their event vs your public space luncheon. Guess it was okay then when they were supporting you.
Oh, how the mighty Queen of the Dias, Angelia Pelham sees herself today. Gone are the bankruptcy days, today she can cast stones, throw accusations anywhere and everywhere, send demeaning and rude texts to other candidates, and then expect “healing sessions” to fix it when it’s all over. How did that work out with the Fire Department?
Newsflash: You’re not the queen of Earnest B’s. Or Frisco, for that matter. Now it appears Pelham is more concerned with control than compassion. More interested in ownership than stewardship. More inclined to protect her own than to empower others.
Mannaggia Angelia!
Well, Mannaggia, Angelia.
Don’t forget the vineyard. Don’t forget the struggle. And don’t mistake a city council seat for a throne.
Because when you get too big for your britches — Frisco Whistleblower knows how to hem you back down to size.
While the world tackles climate change, AI ethics, and the moral collapse of TikTok, Frisco is dealing with… loss of our children’s innocence, assaults and stolen/vandalized political signs. That’s right, political signs! Welcome to the great political crime spree of 2025 in what our Mayor and Council claim is one of the safest cities in America, or is something else going on?
If you’ve driven down Preston, Legacy, Main Street, or Eldorado lately, you may have noticed something peculiar: political signs popping up like spring weeds, then suddenly poof—gone. Others are bent, knocked over, or tossed into ditches like yesterday’s Whataburger cup. Some have been found face-down in drainage ditches, others mysteriously sliced like a scene from a low-budget political thriller.
On March 30th, we had a candidate reach out to us letting us know that 15 of her political signs were stolen and several more intentionally damaged. She also stated that zip ties were cut, poles were pushed over, and some poles were completely missing. She documented the damage with pictures to us and said she would be filing a police report. We decided to pull a PIR and research the issue because last year we got the same complaints from candidates.
Now, don’t get us wrong, sign fatigue is real. By week three, those smiling headshots and bold promises start to blur together. But here’s the twist: it’s not just Mother Nature or rogue sprinklers. Nope. It seems there’s something more coordinated—and sneakier—going on.
Reporting Political Signs
First step, we indexed the reports in order. What we found or should we say who we found reporting them – was quite interesting!
1/26/25: Email to City Secretary from Mel M (kookykate) asking how she would make a report for political signage being out more than 90 days before the election.
1/26/25: Email to City Secretary from Councilman John Keating, yes, he used his official city email to report a Elad sign at Legacy & Eldorado. He wanted to know when signs can go up and reported that it does not have Place 4 on the sign. Kristi Morrow replied to him they can go up 90 days prior to an election and nothing in the state code says it has to have a place number on it.
Side Note: Keating has endorsed Elad’s opponent, he is one of the longest councilman in the history of Frisco, he has run several times – so shouldn’t he know the rules by now? Nope. He has to email the City Secretary to ask which shows off his complete incompetent nature.
2/25/25 Case 25023400: Reporting Party said a political sign struck a water line for the HOA water which has now been turned off and they wanted to file a vandalism complaint and complained to be with the HOA. The reporter was unsure if it was a city pipe or commercial pipe and he was told to contact the city water department.
2/25/25 Service Request 4914712: Ann Anderson reported a political sign at the corner of Preston / Warren and wanted to know if it was allowed to be there because she has never seen signage in Stonebriar area of the city.
2/27/25: Email to City Secretary from John Lettelleir, Director of Development Services for the City of Frisco. He was concerned about a sign located on the west side of Independence Pkwy, just north of SH 121 (in front of Race Trac) and was concerned if that was city property. Kristi Morrow, City Secretary responded she also noticed there are signs in the right-of-way along Dallas Parkway / Cotton Gin, and Dallas Parkway / Main. She went on to say some seem to be running down Dallas Parkway by the hospital but not necessarily at an intersection but placed close to the road.
2/27/25: Email to City Secretary from Cindy Hons asking for the city to check the placement of the following signs below.
Muni Sign: NE corner of 121/Preston
Sangita Sign: SE corner of Gaylord/Preston
Sangita Sign: SW corner of Warren/Preston
Sangita Sign: SE corner of Eldorado and Dallas Parkway (alongside Eldorado)
Side Note: We can only assume Cindy Hons makes her away around the city often to see all these signs in one day.
2/27/25 Case# CE25-00618: Randy Archambualt called code enforcement to make a complaint related to “incorrect sign placement” regarding a Burt Thakur political sign on teal parkway. It is interesting that Randy was once married to Rene (Frisco ISD BOT) and is a known supporter for the opposite side of the isle.
2/28/25 Email to City Secretary: Ginni Scott emailed the city secretary regarding the political sign she felt was a “safety concern” at the intersection of Teel Pkwy / The Trails Pkwy.
2/28/25 Email to City Secretary from Ben Brezina Assistant City Manager regarding a “big giant political sign” for Burt Thakur at Teel / The Trails Parkway and he is concerned that is hard to see oncoming south bound traffic when trying to turn south on to Teel.
Amy Moore, Code Enforcement Supervisor immediately sends it to Amy Smith telling her to have it checked TODAY and if this is VISION CLIP to remove it. She specifically notes “THIS IS FROM 5TH FLOOR AND BEN LIVES OVER THERE”
Side Note: Why does it matter that it came in from the 5th FLOOR? The fact that Amy Moore wrote that in her email, clearly shows a bias. Ben Brezina works for the City Manager’s Office, who clearly supports the encumbant and the FCFA. If it is not a targeted attack by all of these folks – it sure looks like it.
3/4/25 Case# CE25-00681: Reporter listed as ADMIN sent an email (which the city did not provide us) lodging a complaint for “Incorrect Sign Placement” at the NE Corner State Hwy 121 and Preston for a MUNI sign. It was determined by code enforcement that the sign as NOT in violation. Who is the ADMIN that reported it?
3/4/25 Case# CE25-00695: Email complaint received by Caleb Davis for a Burt Thakur sign located at the NE Corner of Preston / Lebanon and it was later determined it was NOT in violation.
3/4/25 Case# CE25-00697: Email complaint received by Caleb Davis for a Burt Thakur sign at the SW Corner of Preston / Lebanon and it was later determined it was NOT in violation.
Side Note: We researched the number on the report for Caleb Davis and funny thing – the number did not come back to a Caleb Davis nor anyone that lives in Frisco.
Is This the Pettiest Political Season Yet? Yes! City officials and supporters of specific candidates are now going around documenting and reporting their opponents’ signs to the City—for being too close to the curb, for not having the right permit, or just for existing in the wrong median. It’s like Mean Girls but with clipboards and zoning codes.
Sign Stealer in our Midst? Multiple candidates have emailed us that their signs have been damaged or stollen. Removing your opponent’s signs doesn’t make your message stronger, it makes you look desperate. It’s political sabotage with the maturity level of a middle schooler sneaking gum into detention.
For those thinking of tampering with a campaign political sign – don’t! In Texas, tampering with campaign signs is a crime and is a Class C misdemeanor. That’s the same category as public intoxication and fireworks violations—basically, it’s for people who lack impulse control and creativity.
Why the Drama Over Corrugated Plastic? Is it just ego? Control issues? The thrill of a late-night mission to liberate signs from a busy intersection? Maybe. But more likely, it’s a symptom of something deeper, a political culture that’s forgotten how to win people over with ideas and instead relies on eliminating competition by any means necessary. Including sign sabotage.
What does this say about us as voters, as neighbors, as a city? Maybe it says we need to start demanding more maturity from the people asking for our votes. Or maybe it just says that campaign season turns otherwise reasonable adults into territorial raccoons with a hammer and a clipboard. Either way, the message is clear: Frisco deserves better. We can disagree on policy without disappearing each other’s signs in the dead of night. Let’s raise the bar, not just the yard signs.
We want to hear from you: Do you think Burt Thakur, Muni, Jared Elad and Sangita Datta are being targeted?
Seen any suspicious sign activity? Know someone with a trunk full of political signage that doesn’t belong to them? Report it to the police or drop us a line—anonymity guaranteed.
Elections are just around the corner, and while the yard signs are blooming like bluebonnets in May, the details on Frisco’s shiny new “Broadway-style” Frisco Center for the Arts remains as clear as a foggy morning on Preston Road.
We’ve got the Smart Frisco PAC telling us this whole thing is “free”—which is fitting, considering their treasurer once filed as indigent to get a reduced bond. I guess if it’s good enough for the courts, it’s good enough for taxpayers. Free must be her favorite word—right after entering a “plea” for her charges of assault causes bodily injury to a family member.
Then there’s Councilman Bill Woodard—who donates to the PAC and then insists he’s supporting it “as a citizen.” That’s like Clark Kent donating to the Daily Planet and swearing Superman had nothing to do with it.
Meanwhile, Cheney is pitching this project like a used Buick with a busted transmission—“low miles, clean title, don’t ask too many questions!” And let’s not forget Councilmember Tammy Meinershagen, who’s dressing this deal up like she’s starring in Pretty in Pink—but she fights like a jaguar defending her turf in the Amazon. Ask a question and you’ll find yourself swatted into next week.
And yet, no one—not one single elected official—wants to talk about the actual nuts and bolts of that build this deal. Residents need to stop and ask themselves, “Why are we voting on a project with more gaps than a 1970s punch card?”
“Just go with it,” city leaders say. I think we heard that before when they were talking about Universal Kids Studios. Remember the night of the vote, all the major elements hand changed like how late the park can open, how high the rides can be, and of course that mysterious traffic report. The city wants us to trust them again, like they are magicians, and we should just hand over our wallets.
I can still hear my dad saying, “Son, nothing in life is free.” Especially not a $340-million-dollar arts center being peddled like cotton candy at a county fair. Buckle up, Frisco. It’s time to pull out the wrench, tighten the screws, and see what this Broadway baby is really made of. Spoiler: it might not be glitter and show tunes under the hood.
The conversation of a Performing Arts Center has been ongoing for years in Frisco. We started by filing a PIR for a complete copy of all the performing arts center studies done over the years and any associated documentation related to the reports including those from consulting groups, or 3rd parties. However, the city leadership who claims to be transparent, upfront and honest, sent our request at the time to the Attorney General claiming “trade secrets” as to why they wanted to withhold details.
Take the Delorian back to 2002 and that is when the City was in discussions for the Arts of Collin County (ACC) which was to be owned and operated by the Cities of Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano. At the time the survey conducted said there were no adequate medium-too large facilities in Collin County to support the enjoyment of the arts. At that time the city council supported an initial facility program that included a flexible multipurpose theater with a seating capacity of 800 to 1200 seats. It should also include a second theater with a seating capacity of 350 to 600 seats. The initial location was to be 121 and Custer Road on a site that contained 80 acres donated for the project. The funding for the ACC was to be $76 Million split 4 ways between each city. A bond package put before Frisco voters in 2002 was approved but the road ahead was not going to be without speed bumps.
What Killed The ACC?
The beginning of the end is when McKinney voters opted not to pony up the $19 Million membership fee leaving Allen, Plano and Frisco to pony up more money. The economy had turned downward. The project which had taken 10+ years to advance was not again in front of Frisco voters in 2011. At that time Frisco had the highest voter turnout in 14 years with over 18 percent. Roughly 53% of the voters decided to revoke the city’s authority to sell the $16.4 million in bond money for the ACC. At the time of the vote more than $8 million in bond money had already been spent on researching and designing. It was the final curtain call for the Collin County ACC. Former Mayor of Frisco, Mike Simpson, who was the ACC’s project executive director told the DMN at the time, “There is no question that the city of Frisco making the decision to withdraw their funding and withdraw their support was the biggest challenge. We pretty much had full funding with Frisco’s participation.”
Economy Bounce Back
It was time to dive back into an arts facility pool in 2015. At a February city council meeting the city council voted on two key items. The first was item #17 which was to consider an act to publish a Request for Qualifications for the development and implementation of a study to examine the feasibility of a performing/theater arts facility within Frisco City Limits. It does not say how much it would cost to do but it does say the funding for services would be handled during mid-year adjustments.
That same night they also approved the Citizen Bond Committee recommendation for the 2015 Bond Package which included $10 Million for a performing arts center. One of the many residents who spoke at that time to support the line item was none other than Tammy Meinershagen.
In November of 2015, the Frisco Creative Center for the Arts commissioned a Facility Programming Report by Page Southerland Page which is a program study to discover what the needs were by local groups in an arts facility. Based on those needs Page Southerland Page prepared 5 scenarios and in January of 2016, Tammy Meinershagen (the Arts President), presented the preliminary program and needs assessment to the City Council at the Winter Work Session. What was the outcome? The 5 outcomes included one 300 seat, three different 800-seat options, and a 1200 seat option which would be overboard.
2018 Brings More Studies
Sometime in 2018 the City of Frisco commissioned a “Needs Assessment” by Webb Management Services and Parkhill, Smith & Cooper. It was presented to the council on June 29, 2018, at the Summer Work Session. What did it cost taxpayers? Well, we don’t know exactly but we do know based on the Check Register in 2018 Parkhill, Smith & Cooper was paid a total of $315,600.30 for professional services. What were the suggestions? A marriage of two facilities:
1) 300 – 500-seat facility for community use which was currently in high demand but lacking in availability with a potential cost of 40 to 50 million dollars including parking and land.
2) 1200 – 1500 seat facility that will a gap for Frisco and surrounding areas in the region, but it would require a partnership with private entities and cost 50 to 60 million range.
What were the concerns: If the city opted for only the larger facility it would not be sustainable and would not likely be cost-effective for community performing arts groups.
Frisco ISD and City of Frisco Swim Together in the Arts
In August of 2020, we found another Visual & Performing Arts Center Feasibility Report that had been commissioned by Frisco ISD and City of Frisco. We filed a PIR with Frisco ISD and learned that the report cost the district $28,000 and the City of Frisco reimbursed Frisco ISD in the amount of $14,000. It lists Garfield Public Private and Schuler Shook. What was the outcome?
In early January of 2021, Chief Innovation Officer Jason Cooley updated the Council on the Performing Arts Center. He recapped feasibility studies concluded in December 2020, indicating a consensus on the flexibility required for such a facility in Frisco in order to accommodate various needs of the entities using the facility. Dr. Cooley stated the next steps are to have discussions with the school district to determine the appropriate size of the venue. City Manager George Purefoy updated Council on the status of the agreement, indicating the draft is with the school district for their review and comments. A final agreement was not expected until March or April of that year.
By June of 2021, then President of Frisco EDC, Ron Patterson was bringing before council a request to approve a Master Development Agreement for a Performing Arts Center, Parking Garage and Park. The deal included City of Frisco, Frisco ISD, Frisco CDC and EDC, and HP Frisco Holdings, aka Hall Group. The public private partnership was shouted from the rooftop by Mayor Cheney and it was to include 1,250 seat Main Performance Hall, 250 Seat Community Venue, a 1,100 stall parking garage and a 5-acre public park. The estimated total at the time was $99 Million ($66 Million for the PAC and $33Million for the garage).
Financial Considerations:
· $43M FISD will source their funds through approved bonds
· $13M City will source these funds through approved bonds ($2M of the $13M already sold and the remaining will be sold as required for the project)
· $33M CDC and\or City CO bonds to be funded through TIRZ#6 with a backstop of this debt by Hall
· $10M Hall will provide funding for the PAC, fund $15M for the Park development, provide the PAC and Park Properties at no cost to the City and FISD
Key Point: The FEDC, while not part of the master development agreement, will provide up to $5 million toward redevelopment of a portion of Hall Park for two buildings, according to the memo. One facility will contain a 15-story office building, hotel space and a parking garage. The second will be a luxury high-rise residential building with a parking garage.
In November of 2021, the city council was taking the next step to approve an agreement for the Program Manager Services (CBRE Heery) who would act as the representative for the planning, design, and construction of the project. The cost is a lump sum fee of $2,074,400.
In February of 2022, an agreement was executed with Corgan + Studio Gang for architectural services for the PAC and garage in the amount of $175,000. The initial agreement was for a spatial analysis study to determine the appropriate size and scale of facilities which can then be used to determine an appropriate construction budget and schedule.
THE IMPLOSION
By August 2022, it was announced that the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD were parting ways on the plan to build the joint performing arts center in conjunction with Hall Group. The school district announced it will move forward with its own PAC using the $3 million approved in bonds back in 2018 by voters.
A community impact article from that time stated, “Some local arts supporters advocated for a larger facility to attract touring Broadway shows and other commercial acts. A fundraising campaign launched in August 2021 set out to raise $100 million more for the project. An online petition about the efforts to build a new performing arts center sought to have at least 1,750-2,000 seats.” It went on to say, “But city and school officials learned in May that costs in materials, labor and equipment had increased more than 50% since the June 2021 agreement. Representatives with Corgan, which was chosen as the project architect, stated that a 1,250-seat venue would carry a price tag of between $135.7 million-$151.1 million. A 1,500-seat venue would cost between $146.1 million-$158.2 million, and a 1,750-seat venue could cost as much as $181.1 million, according to Corgan estimates.”
HERE COMES BROADWAY
In January of 2023, the council was again voting to execute an agreement with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc. for consulting related to a PAC which includes a performing arts venue business plan. It would also include developing a utilization strategy, management approach, and business plan for three different venue options: a 350-seat community venue, a 1,500-seat flexible venue, and a 2,000-seat proscenium venue. Total cost for these services is $99,300. Bond funds were available for this project.
In May 2023, at a special called city council meeting, Chief Innovation Officer Jason Cooley introduced Alex Keen of Keen Independent Research and Gena Buhler of Theatre Projects who gave a presentation regarding the current study for the proposed Performing Arts Center. After discussion, Council determined to envision large and small facilities located together and to focus first on Broadway, with an emphasis on making it a uniquely Frisco venue. Council encouraged Alex Keen and Gena Buhler to consider including a VIP or club experience which would generate revenue to help with the maintenance and operations of the facility.
In September of 2023, the council executed an agreement again with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc for more “consulting services” in the amount of $1,415,500 to be paid for by bond funds. This new scope will include exploration, development, costing, and preliminary design for the proposed performing arts complex. Elements include multiple costing studies, site analysis (Hall Park site), comprehensive community engagement, economic impact analysis, a design competition, capital stack/funding study, and refinement of the final business plan and City investment. This is a phased approach over the next eighteen months, offering flexibility to adjust along the way.
On October 3, 2023, at a city council Work Session, Assistant City Manager E. A. Hoppe gave a presentation (Exhibit B) reviewing the scope and timeline for the Performing Arts Center. He also reviewed the proposed venue and club touring schedule and the establishment of a Council Ad-Hoc Committee, including three (3) Council Members and City Manager Wes Pierson. Mayor Jeff Cheney, Council Member Tammy Meinershagen, and Mayor Pro-Tem John Keating volunteered to be the members of this Ad Hoc Committee. *** Look at that the 3 Amigos volunteered for the committee***
The next update came June 25, 2024, at CC Summer Work Session, whenGena Buhler, Principal of Theater Projects and Alex Keen, Principal of Keen Independent Research gave a presentation, reviewed the updated timeline, project phasing and tasks, refining the business plan, and priorities for the project. They also provided an update on a possible Broadway partnership update and a funding study. Also, they mentioned the community engagement feedback project is still in progress.
In September of 2024 at a city council meeting they received an updated Item # 7which was a status update on Phase 1A/1B planning study for FCFA. Gena Buhler, with Theatre Projects, and Alex Keen with Keen Independent Research gave an update to Council regarding the Phase 1A/1B planning study for the Frisco Center for the Arts.
At the same meeting the council also authorized the City Manager to finalize and execute the First Amendment to the Agreement with Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc., for consulting services related to a performing arts venue in the amount of $214,350. These changes from the original contract, resulted in a new project total of $1,629,850. According to city records, bond funds are available for this project and were utilized for the initial Phase 1A/1B portion of the project.
By November 2024, the council was ratifying the execution of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Broadway Across America/Broadway Dallas related to the proposed Frisco Center for the Arts. Based on Phase II, the City Council and community were informed of two exciting partnership conversations. One with a proposed Broadway presenting partner, and the other with a potential educational/community partner.
The attached Letter of Intent with Broadway Across America (BAA) and Broadway Dallas outlines key expectations of both parties during the process of continuing to explore the Frisco Center for the Arts project. The Letter of Intent is non-binding and does not have a specific financial implication to the City.
Then in December 2024 the council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement based on the Request for Qualifications #2510-001 Frisco Center for the Arts Facility Concept Design to Pelli Clarke & Partners. These services will cost $385,000 in the amount of $385,000.
The scope will provide for the facility concept design of the Frisco Center for the Arts that will host a variety of events, including theater, concerts, dance performances, and community gatherings. The center will feature multiple performance spaces, including a Broadway-caliber main theater, a community hall, and flexible spaces for educational and community programming. The projected facility size is approximately 220,000 square feet, and will feature multiple performance spaces, including a 2,800-seat proscenium venue (Large Hall), and a flexible 300- to 400-seat community and education-focused courtyard venue (Community Hall). Funds are available through bond funds
2025 Steam Rolling Ahead
At the end of January at the CC Winter Work Session, Gena Buhler, Principal of Theatre Projects began a presentation updating Council on the status of the Frisco Center for the Arts. She began by explaining the partnerships of the project with the City of Frisco being the owner of the building, Prosper ISD as the educational partner, Broadway Across America and Broadway Dallas as the Broadway presenter, and the Venue Operator which is currently in negotiation. Ms. Buhler continued the presentation by reviewing Phase 2 of the project and the fundraising assessment results.
Gena Buhler then updated Council on partnership agreements with Prosper ISD, the Broadway presenting partner, and the operator selection process. Assistant City Manager E. A. Hoppe reviewed the Frisco model versus a venue management model. He emphasized the modified Frisco model, including the financial model which allows the operational partner to provide a moderate capital contribution.
Wes Pierson then explained the propositions that will be determined by the citizens of Frisco in a Bond Election in May 2025. City Attorney Ryan Pittman explained the ballot language and the public hearing process required prior to the Bond Election.
Proposition Language:
(1) authorizing the Frisco Economic Development Corporation to use proceeds of its sales and use tax, including all amounts previously authorized and collected, for projects related to the proposed Center for the Arts development project, including but not limited to, land, buildings, equipment, facilities and improvements found by the Frisco Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors to be required or suitable for use for the proposed Center for the Arts development project.
and (2) the issuance of bonds in the maximum amount of $160,000,000 for a City-owned performing arts facility, and levying taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds;
February 2025, public outcry began swiftly upon reading the propositions language. At the Feb 4 council meeting a presentation was for the public by Gena Buhler, Principal of Theatre Projects. Several residents including candidates running for city council came to speak against the use of EDC funds for the project. Jared Elad and Burt Thakur who are currently running for city council, and John Redmond, former candidate for council in 2024, spoke in opposition to Agenda Item #38. However, Josh Meek, candidate for council spoke in favor of Agenda Item #38.
The Council was in agreement to move forward with the proposed funding process and agreed on moving forward with the proposed location at US 380 and the Dallas North Tollway. They also agreed to move forward with the currently proposed modified Frisco Model for an Operator contract. When it came time for a vote it Passed Vote: 5 – 1 with Brian Livingston be the 1 against.
The next council update came on March 18th at a CC Work Session, E. A. Hoppe introduced Mitch Hirsch, Design Partner with Pelli Clarke & Partners, who gave a presentation updating Council on concept design. They described the steps taken to learn the culture and history of Frisco to best develop a concept design for the proposed facility.
Next Big Step: Letter Of Intent
On April 1, 2025 at the Frisco City Council Meeting, Agenda Item #26 was to consider and act upon award of Request for Proposal #2510-011 Frisco Center for the Arts Facility Operator to Frisco Live and authorizing the City Manager to finalize and execute a Letter of Intent related to these services.
In Fall 2024 the City of Frisco solicited a Request for Proposal (RFP) #2510-011 Frisco Center for the Arts (FCFA) Facility Operator, and received proposals on December 2, 2024, from Frisco Live (submitted as Frisco Arts Community Entertainment), Oak View Group, TVG Hospitality, and ASM Global Theater Management. Using the criteria listed in the RFP, the evaluation team consisting of representatives from City staff, Prosper ISD, and Theatre Projects consultants ranked Frisco Live as the top proposer.
The following requirements and expectations for management of the FCFA facility were established and included in the Request for Proposal included venue operations, programming and content management, education and workforce development, financial management, marketing, and Club & VIP Experience Management.
A week later the city held a special called meeting of the council to conduct a public hearing regarding Proposition A on the May 3, 2025, Election Ballot, and the City will inform the City’s residents of the cost and impact of the proposed Center for the Arts project that is the subject of Proposition A on the May 3, 2025, Election Ballot.
Well, that was a long road trip to take you on to understanding the nuts and bolts of the Frisco Center For The Arts. It’s is time to stretch our legs and tomorrow we are going to tell you about The Final Act which is what questions you should be asking beyond the Glitz and Glam of Broadway. What should you consider before voting for or against the propositions that could forever change Frisco?
Well, well. The Frisco ISD Superintendent has finally broken his silence. After being called out by Frisco Chronicles for their district’s lack of leadership during this recent tragedy, Dr. Mike Waldrip has released a statement. Not a press conference. Not a town hall. A carefully worded, non-emotionally packaged letter.
Some might say it’s heartfelt. Others—especially those who’ve been watching this district duck accountability like it’s an Olympic sport—might call it something else: too little, too late. Let’s be clear, bullets hit an elementary school and no response. Then rocked with another tragic event that left one student dead, and another charged with Murder, that has left our schools and community shaken to the core. The students, the staff, and the community deserved an immediate, transparent, and unflinching response from district leadership that would lead us through this difficult time. What we got instead was silence—and then, finally, a statement that reads more like a press release drafted in the PR department’s “Cover Your Assets” war room.
Let’s break down Waldrip’s response, starting with “two deeply concerning incidents.” Concerning Incidents? Are you kidding? Then you say you are “reminded that challenges often bring out the best in us, revealing our collective strength, resilience and compassion.” Your response revealed a lot – too little, too late! Where was that courage when parents were begging for answers after these events unfolded? Where was that resilience when students returned to school with more trauma than guidance, more rumors than facts, and more fear than support?
This letter expresses gratitude for emergency responders, and rightly so. But that’s not the leadership vacuum we’ve been calling out. That’s not the black hole of communication from the people paid—handsomely, I might add—to protect, inform, and lead this district through the worst of times. Instead, we got radio silence, save for the whisper campaigns and online confusion the district now blames on “fake social media profiles” and “fraudulent fundraising.”
When leadership abdicates its duty to communicate with clarity and conviction, it creates the perfect breeding ground for confusion. Leadership isn’t just about showing up when your asking residents to vote yes to propositions—it’s about showing up immediately, honestly, and with a clear plan of action. Instead, Frisco ISD waited. And waited. And waited.
Now, we’re being told to stand united. That’s fine. But unity starts with trust, and trust is built on transparency. Not platitudes. Not PR. And certainly not finger-wagging at a public left in the dark. Parents aren’t asking for perfection. We’re asking for truth and for our leadership to lead. If you wait until the storm passes to address the community, you’re not leading. You’re hiding in the bunker, hoping the wind blows over before anyone notices the silence.
So, Dr. Waldrip, thank you for your words. Now we ask—where were they when we needed them most?
Since last week momentum across the nation on social media and in the news continues to grow about the tragic death of Austin Metcalf and the alleged suspect, Karmelo Anthony who has been charged with Murder – 1st Degree Felony. Our community is grieving, and it is compelled by the outside hate and accusations being hurled at the victim, the families, and the community.
Everyone has questions that of course will go unanswered until the Frisco Police Department finishes their investigation. The fact is that two families are torn apart, and both families are grieving in very different ways. Young adults witnessed this and will most likely suffer from some sort of PTSD as they cannot unsee what they experienced that day. What has transpired since the tragedy could have been avoided. What could have helped in this situation is for our City and ISD leaders to come out with a strong voice that a full and complete investigation would be carried out and to support the ongoing investigation by Frisco Police.
Where’s Waldrip? That is a good question! From a scan of social media, we can find no comments made by the Superintendent of the ISD anywhere. All he did on Twitter was repost the Frisco PD post about fake accounts and then Chief Shilson’s letters to the public. No personal comments from Waldrip anywhere. What a good way to lead during crisis. If you remember in 2024 he was all over social media in videos telling residents why they should support the four propositions on the upcoming Nov 5th ballot. Now, it is a game of Where’s Waldo Waldrip.
Where’s Frisco ISD? A clear view of their page shows a post at 10:01 am right as the first 911 call came in relating to 5th graders. Then April 5th at 6am reminds people the last chance to complete the k-12 survey and share your feedback with district leadership. Fast forward to today…nothing! Great leadership FISD telling students you will have therapists on hand, that our ISD community is strong, etc. Nothing – absolutely nothing!
Where is the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees? Dynette Davis, Frisco ISD Trustee made a statement on April 2nd at 2:33 pm. She writes “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a student within Frisco ISD. The Board of Trustees shares in the profound grief of this senseless act of violence and extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones. A young life ending far too soon is a heartbreaking reminder that violence is never the answer to conflict. In times like these, we must come together in support and compassion. Students who need help processing this tragedy are encouraged to speak to their parents or guardians and to reach out to school counseling services for guidance and support. Frisco ISD is committed to providing all necessary resources for everyone impacted by today’s terrible events.”
Current Frisco ISD Board of Trustees who made a comment or shared Davis comment includes Sherrie Salas and Stephanie Elad.
Current Frisco ISD Board of Trustee members who have made no comment are Keith Maddox Sr., Mark Hill, Marvin Lowe, and Gopal Ponangi (who is running for Frisco City Council).
Candidates running currently for the Board of Trustees that commented include Renee Sample, Stuart Shulman, Amit Kalara, Muniraj Janagarajan. and Melanie Jones
Others candidate running currently for the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees who have made no comment include Suresh Manduva and Ange Yao.
Just look back over time:
We had a bullet hit a Frisco ISD elementary school prompting the early release of students, where is that investigation? What happened?
What happened to the students involved with vandalism at Memorial High School a few years ago during a senior prank day. Damages included paint on the walls, furniture destroyed, and fire extinguishers set off, closing the campus for several days.
Multiple kids have been killed in Frisco just walking to school or riding their bike in the early morning hours to school. What is the district doing along with the city to prevent that?
We even had a child arrested for bring a BB gun to school back in 2019.
Heck the Attorney General of Texas sued our district for electioneering back in 2024.
Where is the leadership within our school district? What we don’t understand is why more people are not asking questions of the school district? This is the time for them to come out holding hands with a powerful message of unity, forgiveness and strength … but nothing! You could hear crickets’ chip from across the city. Where is the leadership in our district? Why is no one asking…. WHAT IS HAPPENING IN FRISCO ISD?
At Whistleblower, we have said we feel for both families – this was a tragedy that did not have to happen. These types of things should not be happening in our community. When it comes to Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony, instead of being able to heal, we are faced with a firestorm of media outlets, content creators, and others whose goal is to create their narratives that include pushing hatred and divisiveness. Every rumor, accusation, and false narrative only hurts this case and our community.
Today the Next Generation Action Network in Dallas met with Frisco Police. They are concerned about a fair trial, and they are concerned about the false narratives across the board. They were concerned about the Anthony families fear to leave there home and the death threats the family is receiving because their child was involved in this incident. They want to make sure the Anthony family is receiving the protection they need. The President of NGAN said the disinformation out there is actually hurting the case, and social media has been a stomping ground for them to launch any disparity they want to. President, Dominque Alexander said after he met with Frisco PD, he feels comfortable as of right now things are being done properly, but they will have to wait and see how things go moving forward. Frisco PD should look into the threats against the Anthony family as well. We agree they should!
Next NGAN wanted to clear up some of the rumors being spread which include:
The Autopsy Report Online: Fake
The Statement From an account under Chief Shilson’s name: FAKE
Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony knew each other before this incident: False
Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony partied together before: False
Austin Metcalf and his twin brother were not on the roster to be at the track meet: False
Kamelo Anthony was not on the roster to be at the track meet: False
ALL THREE BOYS WERE ON THE ROSTER AND SUPPOSED TO BE THERE!
All three young men arrived at the track meet via Fisco ISD school buses.
Karmelo Anthony was kicked out of his home days before this event: False
Concern about if all witnesses have been interviewed: Per the President of NGAN, Frisco PD confirmed they have interviewed several people and are ongoing, and they have more to interview.
Video of the event: Yes – Frisco PD confirmed they have confiscated video footage of the event. That will not be released to the public as it is part of the investigation and will come out in court.
At Whistleblower we would also like to clear up two issue we have heard:
Frisco ISD does not own the event/stadium? False, it is owned by the school district, so state laws apply
What was Anthony right when it came to him carrying a knife on school grounds?
Can a weapon, such as a knife be carried on school property? Texas Penal code Section 46.03 (Places Weapons Prohibited) states, “A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, location-restricted knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05 (Prohibited Weapons)(a):
(1) on the premises of a school or postsecondary educational institution, on any grounds or building owned by and under the control of a school or postsecondary educational institution and on which an activity sponsored by the school or institution is being conducted, or in a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or postsecondary educational institution, whether the school or postsecondary educational institution is public or private, unless:
pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the school or institution;
on the premises where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting event or interscholastic event is taking place, unless the person is a participant in the event and a firearm, location-restricted knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05 (Prohibited Weapons)(a) is used in the event;
Instead of creating a narrative that this is a race issue, ask Frisco ISD and its leadership some serious questions about how their actions have failed students. Why don’t they back up their teachers? What have they done over the years to bury issues? Why would they not have security at the stadium? What medical personnel did they have at the stadium? The big shockers that come from this are going to fall on the lack of leadership from our school district, starting with Superintendent Waldrip.
Most of all, continue to pray for both families and our community.
***** IF YOU WORK FOR FRISCO ISD AND WANT TO TELL US SOMETHING YOU CAN EMAIL US AT FRISCOWHISTLEBLOWER@PROTONMAIL.COM. WE WILL PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY ********
Yesterday morning, two families woke up in Frisco excited for their kids who had UIL Championship Track Meet at Kenkuydall Stadium. Neither family had any clue or saw coming that by the end of the day one family would lose a son, and the other family would have a son facing murder charges. This should not be happening in Frisco, Texas.
Today, it is compounded by the fact that America (yes America, this has gone viral) has an opinion on what happened. Rumors are being crafted, hate is being spread across social media calling this racial because of the colors of the boy’s skin tones, accusations are being hurled. People are digging through these two teenage boy’s social media accounts looking for the “worst of the worst” to post and they will find it – but how does that change this now? The end result is spreading more hate and divide in a time when we should be waiting for answers.
Believe me when I say this is a parent’s worst nightmare come true on both sides. The parents had no clue as their kids went out the door, neither of them would be coming home. The father of Austin Metcalf, the victim who died in his twin brothers’ arms, spoke out and said, “I want to clarify something right off the start because I have already heard some rumors and gossip. This was not a race thing; this is not a political thing …this is a human being thing! This young man made a bad choice, and it affected his family and our family forever. It is a very unfortunate thing.” He went on “I forgive this boy, not for him but for me, as a father to have peace. His life is destroyed, my life is destroyed; it is an unfortunate, tragic event that will affect us for the rest of our lives. I want to get the word out to other parents so they will talk to their children, so this does not happen again. Senseless acts of violence have become more acceptable, and we have become more callous to them. That needs to change.”
He is an incredible father to have faith over fear today! My wife and I would like to follow in his father’s footsteps and send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to both families. We will be lifting them all up in prayer as well as for our community to heal from this. Last night, Austin Metcalf was called home. Last night Karmelo Anthony spent the first of many nights in jail. Nobody Wins!
Part of that healing is asking legitimate questions that we expect investigators to find answers to:
1. Why did a young man bring a knife to a track meet?
2. At what moment, did he loose control and make the decision to stab him in the chest?
3. When did the first call to 911 get logged?
4. What was the dispatch time, enroute time, and arrival time of the first arriving unit, and was the clear time?
5. Were there any medical personnel for the school on-site at this track meet? If no, why not?
6. Did the revitalization construction happening downtown directly affect the response time of EMS units. What was the time frame delay between him being stabbed and receiving life saving measures by police and fire including CPR and the administration of blood?
7. Is the school offering mental health services to the kids involved and around?
8. Is the city offering mental health services to the first responders who had to watch this young adult die?
9. Were there any warning signs in the young adult’s life or history that would have led the school to believe that he could become a dangerous offender or be carrying a weapon?
10. How could this have avoided? What security measures did the school district have in place at this event?
Both families have to live with Karmelo Anthony decision for the rest of their lives. These questions will tell us who dropped the ball and at what level because a kid does not wake up and say Today, I am taking a knife to a track meet. We need to know where, how, and when the failures happened to keep all the students safe in our schools. One young man made a decision that would affect both families’ lives forever yesterday. We need to stop and talk to our kids and make sure they understand that it doesn’t matter if this was over a seat, a cellphone, or a simple exchange of teenage verbal words — none of those reasons, or any reason, is acceptable to take a person’s life. That is the conversation parents should be having today with their kids. The other day, I took my wife to HEB, and she is in a wheelchair. I had a hard time getting it up over the curb. A group of kids laughed and snickered – no one offered to help and that is what is wrong with our country today. It is time to reteach our kids about humanity and being good stewards. We need to ask ourselves, “What is happening to our town, to our community, that this would be how an otherwise normal day ends?”
This should not have happened in Frisco, Texas …. Yet it did!
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