City Council - Regular Meeting

I now call to order the city council regular meeting on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. and and the council chamber city hall announcement of quorum at 6:40 p.m. We will now have the pledge and invocation by council member Laura Alvarado, District 1. Join me to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Honor the flagg and indivisible. Father, we gather before you as stewards of our community and of your will. We ask that you grant us the wisdom to listen with compassion, speak with kindness, and act with understanding. May you protect our community through this next several days and all those that work to keep our community safe throughout this weather um the storm. Um in your name we pray. Amen.

Amen. We're going to start off with citizen comment. Do we have anyone signed up to speak? Moving on. Oh, that's right. Go ahead, sir. Can I take just a minute of your privilege, please? Um, I was informed this morning that a former member of our community um

who who was a partner to an significant member of our community that Lupe Alero has passed away and that her funeral was actually this morning at St. John's Catholic Church. For those of us that knew Mayor Alfro and Lupy, um she will she will be missed and my condolences to her family. Those two individuals made a significant impact on me as a staff member with the city and I know that they made a significant impact to many, many others in this community and I just couldn't let it pass without acknowledging her passing and condolences to her family. Mayor, thank you. Yeah, let's take a point.

Go ahead. Kind of want to add on to Mr. Lester's comments. Um, growing up here in this community and and in the '9s seeing the Alaros and what they did for this community and for the Hispanic community and showing a lot of pride to the Hispanic community and showing us leadership and values that we could look up to and mentor to. And uh I wouldn't probably never ran for public office if it was not for the Al Faro family. So I they'll be deeply missed and in the community and in district 4. And uh it has been an honor to to represent them uh in district 4.

Thank you. Let's have a moment of silence. Okay, now we will move on to 2 A. Consider approving the minutes the meeting minutes of the city council meeting held on December 10th, 2025 and city council work session held on December 11th, 2025. I need a motion.

Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I any opposed? Motion carries. Now it's time for recognitions and citizen communications. Mr. Lopez. Good evening, Mayor Council. We have one employee to recognize for the month of January.

Johnny Malone, BAWA, 30 years. Johnny Malone started with the city of Baytown as a utility maintenance [music] specialist on January 15th, 1996. During his time as a s performed water and sewer service taps in [music] addition to waterline repairs. In 1997, Johnny was promoted to the mechanical maintenance specialist at BAWA, where he learned [music] the water treatment process and the subsequent mechanical equipment. Johnny is extremely dependable and hardworking, even working through multiple hurricanes, most notably hurricanes Ike and Rita. During his 30-year tenure, Johnny has been an integral [music] part of many of the Bawa improvement projects. Some of which include plant expansion from 21 [music] to 26 million gallons per day, scattera integration, sludge collection upgrades, chemical system improvements, new highservice pump station, various electrical system [music] upgrades, and Bawa East plant construction and commissioning to name a few. When asked about his time at the city, Johnny simply responds, "I am [music] very passionate about and love my job." In his spare time, Johnny enjoys his time [music] as a group leader at his church where he strives to teach others about the gospel of Jesus, reading his Bible, weight training, and refurbishing gym equipment. Johnny has been married to his wife, Marissa, for 14 years, currently [music] has one daughter, five stepchildren, and six grandchildren. Thank you, Johnny, for 30 years of excellent service [music] to our great city. Ordinances consider an ordinance amending chapter 90 taxation article two ad valerum taxes section 90-27 exemptions to add a new subsection entitled childc care facilities

establishing an exemp an exemption from ad valerum taxes for qualifying child care facility properties providing a repealer continuing containing a saving claw savings clause and providing an effective date Miss Councilwoman Laura Alvarado Mr. Lam, I'll speak to y'all from here if that's okay. Um, so we've actually been working on this for a couple of years and um, in speaking to Thomas, who Thank you, Thomas, for helping me put this work together. um we wanted to take a pause because at the time that it was enacted, there was not enough time for us to review it um and really think about um you know the the impact to Baytown. And so a lot of this work actually started at the state um in back in 2021. um they recognized uh over a $9 billion loss um due to the lack of child care and you know families saying that they can't afford child care. And so from that point on state legislators got together to see what could be done, what support um can be can be done for these families. And then since then done then of course additional studies were done um because as we know we all like data um before we make any decisions. And so in Texas alone the average cost of infant care is over $9,000 a year um which is more than you know some incity uh state colleges. And so

taking that further, the Texas um restaurant association as well as Texas Business Association, Early Matters, several different organizations got together to work on policy in time for the 88th Legislature um to pass some sort of um cost savings to child care facilities. And so in 2023 um they uh passed uh bipartisan uh bill um that went to all of Texas voters. Um so it wasn't just something that the Texas just just blessed. It was something that went out to the voters um throughout the state of Texas to approve a tax exemption for a set number of child care facilities. And I'll touch a little bit um on those. And one of the the datas that they used as part of the Texas Restaurant Association is that um 60% and and this is just one nugget um but um 60% of non-working parents say child care is the top reason that they don't participate in the workforce. And um especially those that are in the restaurant business where they struggled to you know people call out sick because their child is sick or they couldn't get child care etc. There's just a number of reasons and so but the the primary one was for the lack of child care. Um and so from then on um they worked on this. it passed at the state level and so what they ended up doing is putting it back on counties and municipalities. Um so um from then the municip the county level um they passed it Harris

County unanimously passed it to where at the county level these child care facilities would would be able to get um tax exemptions and then from that point each municipality would then also have to um pass a bill at the local level or an ordinance to say okay yes we want to offer these um uh daycarees or childcare facilities a tax exemption as well. Um we would not have to go out for voter approval because again in 2023 the state already did that. Um so county officials as city officials would be the ones deciding within their own um uh borders or guidelines um whether they want to pass them or not. Um, and so what we're looking for, um, there is a range, but what we're looking for is a 100% tax exemption. And, um, in doing our research, we found really only a handful that would qualify. Um, we pulled a list of 15. Uh, from those 15, we dwindled it down again to maybe 13. uh because what's required is that um they are part of the Texas rising star initiative which is governed by the state and workforce solutions. So they have to meet certain parameters to to be like a top quality child care facility. Aside from that 20% of their um children in daycare have to be accepting subsidies. So um that's the biggest. So I mean if if they they're not meeting those two big qualifiers, then they wouldn't qualify for the exemptions. Um, this does not um count home facilities.

So, if you're a a home child care centers, this would not apply. Um, it's only for the licensed childcare facilities. There was one that we thought was going to qualify, but it belongs to one of our um uh educational partners, so they would not qualify. So, we started weeding all of those out. Um, and the way the exemption would happen is that they would file an application for exemption just as they would have done for homestead exemption. Um, so they file it with the appropriate re um entity. That entity would then have to go and review the application, see if they qualify, do they meet all the parameters, and then at that point they would qualify for the exemption. Um there are uh some entities and I'm told that um Harris County is one of them that goes in there and checks um on an annual basis to make sure that they are still qualified under those parameters. Um but even if they didn't um work for Texas workforce solution already does that through the TRS system which is the Texas rising star. Um so when that falls off they make it makes them unqualified not just for the tax exemption but for a lot of different funding mechanisms that they use for whether it's federal grants and whatever they apply for because a lot of them have that um parameter in in effect. Um and so once again it it's just a handful maybe 13 within the the state within the city. Um now I I was asked also if could other um child care centers apply and and get on this? They could. However, they still need to make that to qualify for those parameters. So if there's a brand new child care

facility that opens up, they have to go through Texas Workforce Solutions, make sure that they're qualified or they're certified as a Texas Rising Star. and also um have the 20% of subsidies um for their um uh students that that go to that childc care center or or children. Um, so they still have to meet those parameters. But so since this was enacted in 2024, uh, of January 1st, since then, um, when I pulled the record, it was still the same amount because we pulled it back in 2024 when we first thought maybe we could do this. And it's really the same amount that are in there. So it hasn't in it hasn't increased even though they know that Harris County is utilizing those exemptions. So, no other childcare facility has um gone in to get um a TRS and a 20% subsidy um so they can get on the exemptions. Um we did have a group that obviously is is supporting this at the local level um which is the babies in Baytown group. Um they could not be here tonight. Um a lot of them did not have childcare [laughter] um to be able to come to the meeting. others were just busy with um their older kids activities. Um um so they couldn't be here and um I I'm opening the floor for any questions. Thomas, I don't know if I've missed anything. Um but that that's really just the bulk of it. Um we didn't, you know, um act on this lightly. Again, we took our time to ensure that one, we would be able to to this at the city level. Uh, and two, what kind of economic impact it would have um on our city. And it was very minimal because again, this is just the

city portion of the taxes, not like Goose Creek or any of that. And actually, Goose Creek would their taxes would not qualify for this exemption. It's only the county and the the city level. Next one. So, I'm open to any questions. Yes, sir. Couple questions and and I'll just start off. I' I'd like to I would have preferred this to go through a work session so we could really have some time to think about it. Um, who you say an entity

who is going to review the application on an annual basis to ensure that they're compliant? That is a Texas appraisal or Harris County appraisal. The same ones appraisal district does it. The same ones that review your homestead exemption reviews the applications for this type of exemption

and what's the economic impact to the city? Gosh, did we get the numbers, Thomas? It was only a handful. Should we pass it? Um, so I I think the last time we got the numbers it probably wasn't even like a 100,000. Not even. It could be very much less than that. And I'm sorry I didn't have those numbers with me. Yeah, that's you know, we got we got beat up over an issue recently in budget discussions that was only 100,000.

So here we're taking a h 100,000 out of our budget. it. I don't disagree with this. I just would have liked to had some more time before I vote on something, especially with what's going on nationally right now that again, this has been well thought out and and well pursued and and I appreciate that. I know you do your homework, Laura. You really do. Um, but those are just some of the the questions I had. So, Harris County Appraisal District would do it on an annual basis. So, we're assured somebody's going to follow up. somebody will be so we don't have what's going on at a national level. Yes.

Um and and it's again I won't say minimal impact but it's not a significant impact to the budget force. So th those are my two main issues

and I will add that um it's not just the appraisal district. also uh Texas Workforce Solutions because they're the ones that monitor the Texas Rising Star and for those that are in the child care business that's not an overnight, you know, certification. They have to go through a lot of hoops, a lot of structural changes to their facilities to even get the certification. Are are these entities is is the idea that if we lower their taxes, are they going to lower their rates? Because your comment was people there's not enough daycare. I think there's plenty of daycare. It's just extremely expensive

and if it's going to impact that, I'm all for it.

Yeah. So, there's not enough daycarees that fall under the guidelines for the exemption. You're right. There's a lot of daycarees, but not all of them are under the TRS system and not all of them accept minimum 20% subsidies uh for those that they serve. So, those are the key things and um it it it's again not an overnight thing. Um, we're wanting there's there's actual also a timeline because as you know with your taxes, you have a certain amount of time to fill out um your applications or fight your taxes. And so we we need to get this in the books in time for them. We're hoping by April 1st because they need to start working on those applications to get qualified before April 30th, which is the appraisals office um deadline for any exemption applications.

I can say that Texas Rising Stars, my wife owns a home daycare, so she's not going to qualify for this, but she recently went through that process. And Texas Rising Stars can pop in anytime unannounced. They're outside of the licensing uh branch state of Texas that monitors. Also, Texas Rising Stars actually you have your what they call a minimum standard through the state of Texas. Texas Rising Stars have levels above that that if you it it takes a lot of time. I want to say it took my wife almost six to eight months

to qualify at the highest level. And you have to be literally you have to be teaching these kids. It's not just some people think daycare they think they're going to come play and just do what they want to do. It's an advanced level of care. Yes. And

I'll ask can I get to one of other Mr. Lester's questions real quick? I'm so sorry. So, um, in terms of what's going to happen with the savings and so we do anticipate that they're going to have a savings because they'll be exempt from taxes and because there is a high cost related to operating child care facilities that would lessen their burden on on that. Um, they could use that for additional training for their child care providers. They could give them raises because they are severely underpaid. um and um also could add additional subsidies to children that may qualify.

First of all, Laura, thank you so much for everything that you do trying to um help the community in in um very innovative ways. So, I appreciate that and doing all that homework outside of just council meetings. Um you did what you said to Mike is actually what I was going to ask. Um, I want to to think that those savings would be passed on, but I feel like I need more data to show because I I definitely want to help mothers, parents have the ability to um get child care at an affordable rate. I'm just I don't I need to see more data in Harris County about how that savings has been passed on to the families because I have a high concern that the savings will only be passed on to the business owner. And I know that um in our own community some of the ones that qualify are um based under national companies.

And so I'm just worried about that. And so I was wondering, I know they mentioned the the work session. Um, and I I don't want anybody to think that I don't support this because I do on on so many levels, but I I wish we could have a little bit more data to see and and and maybe even um a way to show where this program um this tax exemption some proof that the savings has or the trainings, it somehow has trickled down to helping the families, not just the business owners.

Yeah. And that's fair. And we did try to get some data from Harris County, but there was not enough time to go in there and really dig. And the individual that we that Thomas actually reached out to didn't get back to us in time for today. Um, and so we're we're fine. Um, you know, at least I am, Thomas. Um, uh, I'm fine tableabling this for the February meeting, but I I just want to stick to the deadline to ensure that the providers that do get the exemption have enough time to go through the application and everything. Now, when this was first enacted, the state thought about that same thing. Well, how do we know? Well, because of the burden, the high burden uh in cost of operating child care centers, there probably wouldn't be a good measure to know other than calling them, let's look at your finances, etc. What did you use this for? And so, for the entity of the tax appraisals office that is already overburdened, would they be able to do that aside from just making sure that they qualify for it? And so even if it provided them just the additional cover that they could pay the light bill, buy lunch for the kids, pay the water bill for the for the building. That's at least something that they get because they've lost a lot of money. Childc care is all over uh because of certain federal funding that's gone away. Um, a lot of them were built um during the COVID era when there was money left and right for child care facilities. Um, and those were put in areas that were completely underserved. And so now they're left operating at minimum levels. And so, um, we can definitely find out if there's been other cities

that have been able to successfully track how the monies were used. And hopefully we can do that before the next council meeting. I did have one more question. You talked about um to be under to qualify they have to the the families have to receive you said 20% subsid not the families themselves. Well the child care centers have to offer minimum 20% in subsidies. So when you say subsidies, can you tell me one of the the entities that would that be like wick or

Well, it no it could be that um they are sponsoring a child like kind of a tuition type situation where a family can't afford the full amount of you know um child care expenses to send their child there then they could either get full exemption or they can get partial coverage. Um, there are some, as you may know, that offer a sliding scale for some families. Um, and so maybe a a certain family is like $10 away from meeting the full exemption, then they can apply the $10 so they meet the the exemption status. So, it doesn't go directly to the family. It's actually covering the cost of tuition for child care. That's a subsidy, not I mean, this money could be for that. Um, and applied for that. But that's what the subsidy means for them.

Thank you. Yes, sir. Oh, I kind of agree. I think we kind of need a table and kind of go to work session. I just just to give a little more information on that. I mean, not saying that any business has, but I know a lot of businesses that will take advantage a lot of the co stuff, not only in daycare and in every single thing. And then Yeah. And so, we just want to make sure that it is going to where it's meant to be, not to the owner's pocket.

No, I completely understand. And I know this is the first time we're bringing it through and um again I'm not in a rush to pass it at right this minute. Um but I just want to make sure that um we are able to provide some sort of you know um support for our childcare facilities within our within our city. So that's all I have. I mean are we good? So we want to table this. Is there a motion in the table? We have motion.

I'll make a motion to suspend to the February 12th, which is the next meeting to see if it's a probable to put it both on the work session and the council agenda so we can discuss it a little more thoroughly and then take action. Right. I just I just Or you just want it on the agenda? No, I mean the work session and the agenda is fine. I just want to staff didn't put this together, so we just want to make sure. Okay with that. Okay. That you're okay. That's well that's the next meeting and I think between now and then if we get additional information that's great but

if we do it at the work session then we have a little more time to openly talk about it and then I want it also on the agenda that night so then we can go ahead and make a decision. Can we just put before the um March meeting? Yeah. That way if the it gives us time to get the information in. Yes. Okay. All amended before the March meeting. That gives us potentially two meetings in February. Yeah. Second. Sooner. Second. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Motion carries. We will be talking about this sometime before the March meeting. Thank you.

4B. Consider an ordinance awarding a construction contract to Texas [snorts] Contractors, Inc. for fire station 2 replacement project. Mr. Simino.

Good evening, mayor and council. Um, this item relates to the replacement of or the construction for the replacement of fire station 2. You see a uh rendering of the new fire station. Here on your screen, um, the existing station has uh several issues that uh require it to be replaced. It's aging facility that incurs high maintenance costs. Uh it's undersized for modern use and the layout does not protect firefighters from uh cancer risks in addition to being uh out of compliance with ADA. Um a modern station has been designed in consultation with the fire department. Uh the project was procured through competitive seal proposals. uh nine proposals were received um and range from 10.7 million to 14 million and Integrity was selected as the best value with a cost of 10,665,331. Uh, Integrity is also currently constructing the city's uh, West District wastewater treatment plant operations building and um, we've had uh, good experience with contractor so far. So, um, staff recommends uh, selection of this contractor. Uh, the project uh, includes replacing parking spaces that will be uh, removed with the project. So the the balance of the parking spaces will be about the same. However, um uh handicap parking at the community center will be improved. There'll be some additional spaces and that that whole layout will will be improved. Um contract is with within the available

budget and staff recommends approval. Uh quick question. When it come when it says best value, how would you how are we defining best value? That is not that doesn't necessarily mean this was the lowest bid, right? It it happened to be the lowest bid. Uh there is uh different criteria that we grade the contractors on. Uh price is one component. There's experience as another component. So, we can talk more about the grading criteria if if you Well, I'm bringing it up because we actually talked about changing it to where we weren't just going for the lowest bid anymore. Correct. And and that's what this does and that's what I would like the citizens to hear

and and allow them to see that's what was that's what has taken place with right with this project. Yes, sir. Mr. on my council. Best value is a procurement. It's defined in our purchasing act. It's a it's a term of art. So, it does not mean lowest and it it takes into consideration various factors. I can uh get you a laundry list if you want. I don't have it up right now, but um it is uh a a wide ranging definition that gives us some flexibility.

Yeah, like I said, I just wanted individuals to realize that this was not about the lowest bid that we had discussed changing that process and that new process was used for this. Yes, sir.

Yes, sir. Go ahead. Uh just kind of real quick I'd like to it's under the budget which was great which is another project we see coming under budget. That's kind of that point that right now there's a lot of str there there's a lot of struggle with with finding projects for these contractors right now. So you're going to continue getting low bids for a little bit on these. you're going to start keep seeing that. And I I give you kind of credit in Brandon and when we talked about that, there was some a lot of questions on that and and y'all went back and and and clarified that to get that questions because there was some discrepancies on the bid numbers. Uh when I think we kind of had to talk about that and that that this is I'm glad that y'all did all y'all's due diligence to make sure y'all had the correct value and the correct budget for correct bids coming under this project. Y'all did a great job on that. Yes sir.

I do have that laundry list here. Yeah, let's hear it. Uh best value includes price, uh the offerers's experience, reputation, the quality of goods or services that are offered, the impact on the ability of the city to comply with rules relating to historically underutilized businesses, the offerers safety record, the offerer's proposed personnel, whether the offerer's financial capability is appropriate to the size and scope of the project, and any other relevant factors specifically listed. in the request for bids that the city puts out. Thank you. Anything else?

Good deal. I need a motion. Second. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion carries. We are on to consent agenda. Um, and does anyone wish to pull any items? Okay. Well, if not, I need a motion for consent. Motions are approved. Second. All in favor? Any oppose?

Motion carries. We are going to take going to executive session. We're going to take items 10 A, B, and C out of order. We're going to move it up here before 6A. Um, so we are going to recess into and convene an executive session pursuant to section 551.074. 074 of the Texas Government Code to discuss personal personnel matters concerning an extension of line of duty illness under Texas Local Government Code 143.073. And we will also recess into and conduct an executive session pursuant of section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code to discuss economic development negotiations and recess into and conduct an executive session pursuant to section 551.0 074 of the Texas Government Code to discuss personnel matters regarding the municipal court judge ordance with section 551 551.102 of the Texas government code. No action was taken in executive session. We are now moving on to 6A proposed resolutions. Consider a resolution of the city council of the city of Baytown extending the civil service line of duty injury leave of absence of firefighter Justin Kennedy for a six-month period at full pay. Mr. Lopez, this item is a state code provision that allows council the governing body to extend the leave injury illness for an employee. firefighter Justin Kennedy and you have that resolution before you to make that if you like. So,

good deal. Make a motion. Yes, sir. Move to approve 6A as discussed in executive session. Second. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Motion carries. We are on to 7A appointments. consider a resolution authorizing the appointment of the associate municipal court judges for the term of office which begins immediately and ends on January 31st, 2028. We have the full list and they are all seeking reappoint. I need a motion. Move to approve 7A as listed. Second. All in favor?

I. Any oppose? Motion carries. 7B. Consider the appointment of the municipal court judge of the municipal court of the court of record in the city of Baytown, Texas, Miss Sarah Graham and Mr. Joey Lopez or Councilman Sarah Graham and Mr. Joy Lopez. Would you want to just Yeah, I'm Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, before we move on to this item, could we go back to the to 7A, please?

Okay. Um, this item did not have any of the associate judges specified. So, if we could amend the motion, actually resend the motion and the vote. Okay. uh and take a new motion and vote to appoint uh the individuals specified or specific individuals as associate judges. Okay. So, does a motion have to be made to resend the last motion? That's correct. And because we have not moved on to 7B, we can uh change what happened in 7A. Okay. I think it was I move to resend my motion.

Second. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Motion carries. And new motion would be to approve 7A consider resolution authorizing appointment of the associate municipal judges for the term of office which begins immediately and ends January 31st, 2028. And that is Eddie Calderon for a term of uh what is it February 13 or it's all for? Okay. So I don't have to tell you the terms. Eddie Calderon, Larry Bailey, Kelly Benvites, and Michael Mark. Second. All in favor? Any oppose?

Motion carries. Now consider the appointment of the municipal court judge of the municipal court of record in the city of Baytown, Texas. Councilwoman Sarah Graham and Mr. Joey Lopez. Um, yes. I think we are going to table this item suspend or we're going to suspend it. Okay. Until the I don't know what date did what date we discuss. Let's do the end of second meeting. Second meeting in February. Okay. All right. Um motion later. No later than the second meeting in February.

Uh motion to suspend item 7B no later than the second meeting in February. Second. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Motion carries. We are now on to the manager's report.

Good evening, mayor and council. Uh, I'd like to begin by recognizing our police department for sever several recent accomplishments. Officers successfully located and apprehended a felony suspect uh connected to a Deer Park PD evading case. Uh following a flock alert, Sergeant Brown and Detective Vice initiated an investigation that led to the recovery of multiple vehicles and related stolen items. So, thank you to them. John, please pass that on. Officer Velasic and Vega responded to a runaway juvenile call and quickly identified the victim of a of a recent sexual assault through prompt investigation, evidence collection, and coordination with detectives in the Children's Assessment Center. A suspect was identified, arrested, and confessed. uh the victim and her family express gratitude for the department's swift response, professionalism, and um victim- centered care. So, thank you again. And then have a few community shoutouts for our police department. Officer Garza was recognized by a stranded motorist after pushing their vehicle to safety and and obtaining fuel for them. Officer Thompson was commended by a crime victim for her professionalism and empathy in and helping them regain access to their vehicle. Officer Calhoun was recognized for his compassionate response to a traffic accident involving an elderly motorist. And officer Frell and police services rep Kim Gayton were also commended for providing exceptional customer service at the station following an accident. Thank you to all of our officers and staff for dist de demonstrating professionalism and compassion. So, thank you. Um I'd also like to highlight the combined efforts of HR and PD during the recent recruitment. Please look at the screen. Um, uh, recent recruitment in civil service testing, there were 138 test takers, which is pretty extraordinary. And, uh, these are some of the highest numbers that we've seen since 2013. So, uh, thank you to everyone helped make this success. It was quite a few departments coming together to help coordinate all this. And a big shout out

to HR, uh, and even to the people sharpening 500 pencils up front just in case they were needed. So, a lot of a lot of went into this and pretty amazing to see that many people show up. So, thank you to everybody. Looks like that gentleman was really enjoying himself. You can buy sharpened pencils. We have special requirements. We have to have special erasers and the pencil can only be sharpened. I'm just kidding.

All right. Anthony Collins from public works earned his CTCQ groundwater operator license. Congratulations, Anthony. Keep up the great work, Frank. Please pass that on. Uh Stacy Weise from tourism u recently uh contributed her expertise to this uh Simmons energy training conference at the Hyatt. Her professionalis professionalism and creative touch, ensured a seamless event, and showcase Baytown as a premier host destination. Awesome job, Stacy. And please pass that on. Uh okay, Grant, please pass that on. All right. The public affairs team alongside uh public works and contractors have been building the new Brunson multimedia studio funded by PEG funds. Funded by PEG funds funded by PEG funds. Uh the studio will support new social media and channel 16 programming and allow public partners to create Baytown specific content. The grand opening is expected in February. And I believe that what you see on the right with the brick walls is a light pattern and that's how it's it's yeah it's a light pattern. So like that's some of the special effects that are going in there that the public content uh accessibility will be available to the people. I think we're piloting that with Lee College. So we're already having some great partners uh signed up to to do this. So excited about how all this is going to end up. And I know Ryan is back there geeking out about new video equipment. So, but looks fantastic. All right. Uh, we are finalizing the preparation for the winter event this weekend. Uh, oh, sorry, the grand opening is February. I forgot that part. So, the grand opening is in February. Look forward to that. We are finalizing the preparation for the winter event this weekend. Facilities and infrastructure have been winterized. Sand is staged for the roadways. The EOC strike team is in place and ready. The warming center will be located at the Baytown Community Center uh with a shelter team staffed by the American Red Cross. I was told by the mayor that I'm sorry the name of the church again,

mayor. Um over on John Martin on the north side, it's not city ran. No, it's uh encouragers. Encouragers church.

Okay. Uh so they will also have a warming center, but the city uh the city coordinated one is here at the community center uh with a shelter team staffed by the American Red Cross. It will operate from Saturday at noon until closure on Tuesday morning. We've coordinated with all partners and believe we are ready to take care of the city. Uh residents should continue to monitor the city's website and official social social media channels for updates and are encouraged to sign up for Baytown Alert, a free notification service that provides weather and emergency notification. Sign up at baytown.org/alert. And then I want to take uh one minute. This is the last council meeting uh for two of our long-erving directors. Uh uh Frank, uh thank you for everything that you've done for the city of Baytown. Uh the 10 years that you've been here have made a lot of uh a lot of progress for the city and we appreciate everything that you've done. Um, uh, I appreciate the team that you built over there and where you've put the city and left our infrastructure and we will miss you and wish you the best of luck, uh, in your next endeavor. Thank you for everything that you've done. Uh, Tony, um, our health director, he's been here for 24 years and, uh, apparently a few minutes too long because he's not at the council meeting anymore. Um,

wow. And um Sean, if you don't mind passing this along, but uh just like Frank, Tony has been another excellent director and uh we appreciate everything that he's done and set you up for success and uh the rest of your team up for success. Y'all have made great strides and we uh we are very proud of the work that y'all done and the work that he's done. So please pass that on and we wish him Godspeed as well. Mayor and Council, that's all I have. Now, we will receive a council member district report from council member Laura Alvarado regarding projects, programs, and events in district number one.

Thank you, mayor. I'm going to forgo the PowerPoint. [laughter]

Um so in terms of district one, our Bay Area homeless shelter is continuing to move forward um with business development and are currently under inspection. So that one's at 3404 Wisconsin. We also have a Baytown Primary Medical Tower on 2802 GR. Um as well as a new uh Roland Brook Center facility building. We don't know what's going to be in there yet. They're building out and then going out for leasing. So, I'm excited to see what could possibly go there. Um, that's at 1901 Rolling Brook. Uh, Mount Cal Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Missionary Baptist Church continues to move forward in their development. Um and then of course our city of Baytown traffic control building which is right down the street uh is going through some um renovations as well. Um our scattera package or SCADA which actually measures um whether or not the um lift stations are working properly. Uh they have uh they're getting control panels and supporting concrete pads. They've been installed um at the big Missouri uh Blafer and Little Missouri lift stations and that's going to improve the wastewater system reliability. Uh fire station 2, thank you all for today. [laughter] Uh construction of fire station 2 is scheduled to begin in February following the award construction contract that was done today. Um, public work operations is currently completing a street repair on Scenic Drive. I know there'll be more to come uh for that particular area. So, thank you uh public works for for working on that. Um, and of course,

little known fact, we have a 7 foot tall landmark sign that says Baytown on it at the marina. I don't know if y'all knew that. [laughter]

Um, it's been all over social media. I know several people have already used it as um photo ops and um since the installation we've had Christmas lights on them. Um they now have permanent electricity to it. Uh uh back lighting, all that good stuff. And then plans are underway for a volunteer upkeep program as well and future concrete standing pads. [snorts] And uh I know the mayor is excited about this and of course anybody else who will be attending the Daddy and Me glow Dance which takes place um Saturday, January 31st from 2 to 8:00 p.m. It is a come and go. Um it'll be at the community center featuring a glow dance floor, music, activities, and more. Um, so the tickets are still available online through the 29th or at the door, uh, with registration available at baytown.org/events. Um, and then of course, um, chair volleyball is now underway at the community center. I thought that was going to be super hard, but they're making it look like

nothing. Um so it uh that is held um every Wednesday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Uh it is a free program which encourages physical activity um social connection and accessibility with no equipment uh equipment required. Um, and then just lastly, I just want to thank you all for listening to the childcare presentation and we'll make sure to have uh more information to you um before the designated time frame that was given. So, really appreciate that. And um just a few words for Frank. Um you know, I I really appreciate all of the all of your time and and effort within the city. you and I've had had a lot of projects within District 1. You've always been very open um to receiving feedback and then changes and uh I'd rather go here and so just thank you for always being professional and just letting me know when it just can't be done. Um but I I do appreciate you and I wish you the best and um same same goes um for our health inspector and and just uh wish him the best. Good deal. Well, um I want to talk about a few things real quick. I'm not monologuing. I'm just giving information and it has to do with our library. Before I do that, line dancing is going on at the community center also.

Okay. And it's a lot of fun. That's always a hit. If I can learn to line dance, anybody can because I have no rhythm. Um, I'm going to be giving just brief updates of what's going on at the library since I walked into and um put myself in a bind by not having a library card. Does everyone up here have a library card? Mhm. You didn't. Okay. Well, I do. And um you don't. I encourage you to go get one. It's going to take less than 3 minutes guaranteed.

And um but on Monday, February the 2nd, 10:30 a.m. you have baby time. 5:00 p. p.m. you have tween twe Valentine sunnies. I don't know what that is. And then you have for those of you who need a date, you have a blind date with a book. That's when it starts. Okay. I don't know what that all all that entails. That's really fun. Tell us more, Laura. [laughter]

So, the blind date really is they put covers on books so you have no idea what book you're going to get and then you're asked to review it um as well and um you turn that in. And I think there's uh prizes available as well. Um so it's like you never know what you're going to get until you rip off the cover. So don't judge a book by its cover. You can't judge by it cover. A box of chocolate. That's right.

What you're going to get. Good deal. Tuesday. And this is going to be every Tuesday 10:30 a.m. prek story time. 6:00 p. p.m. Crochet club 6 pm even evening story time. and also 6 pm teen chess night. That seems like it's something for everyone in your family on Tuesday night. So, please stop by. Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. is bilingual story time and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. For those of you who have small children, it is toddler time. And at 5:00 pm is afternoon paper quilling. What is that?

Really? Okay, I may have to check check that out. Um, they're going to be closed on February 9th. And then you have everything I mentioned the previous Tuesday plus teen art night woven watercolor hearts. Um, on the 11th 10:30 a.m. bilingual story time at 5:00 p.m. 3D printing workshop, 5:00 p. p.m. virtual reality night. And at 6 PM, robotics for beginners. And then on February the 12th, 10:30 a.m. toddler time. These sound like some very interesting things. They weren't doing this when I was going to a library. I was just renting Disney VHS tapes and checking out paperback books. So, um, I would encourage everyone to stop by, see what's going on at the library. They have some frequent flyers there. They show up for just about everything. And I've learned my lesson. I will be I have my library card. I may have a date with a book. And I think

Huh. It is what it is. And um I'm I think I may be trying out the virtual reality night and seeing what that's all about. Other than that, thank you all for hanging out. And having exhausted everything on this agenda, I now adjourn this meeting at 9:01