City Council - Regular Meeting

Somebody's been on my

No, you're or uh you're good. I thought she was getting me a peppermint.

I got any peppermint? I now call to order the city council meeting on Monday, March 23rd, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Council Chamber, City Hall. an announcement of quorum at 6:59 p.m. We will now have pledge and invocation given by council member Jacob Powell, district number five.

Please join me in the pledge algiance 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. Now the Texas flag. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge algiance to the Texas. One state under God, one and indivisible. Please join me in prayer.

Dear Lord, we come before you this evening and we just um thank you for another day that we have to um just enjoy um this this earth, this life that you've given us, Lord. And uh God, I pray that you just give us um wisdom, give us discernment as we discuss the items on the agenda before us this evening. God, I lift up uh every one of the employees that works for the city of Baytown. God, um across all of our departments, those that show up each and every day and and just give it their all for the citizens of Baytown. Lord, um God, we just thank you for all um of our many, many blessings that you've given us. God, we just can't say thank you enough. And we thank you most of all for your son Jesus Christ. And it's in his name we pray. Amen.

Amen.

Thank you. Okay, we're going to start off with citizen comment. Uh before we get there, just a brief reminder. Whenever you are addressing council, we do not address council members individually. We address council as a whole. And um I'm going to ask that everyone please be respectful when addressing council. The purpose of citizen comment is to give all interested citizens the right to express their views. Everyone desiring to speak should have either signed the appropriate list of forer or emailed the city clerk prior to the posted time of this meeting. Each citizen shall give his or her name and address in order to provide a proper record of these comments. Rules allow each person one minute to speak. A citizen may pass his or her time to another person who has requested to address council. However, no citizen remark shall exceed three minutes in total. Either the one minute or the three minute limit may be extended by a majority vote of counsel. I encourage everyone to be as brief and to the point as possible. Please keep in mind council cannot discuss or deliberate on items for which public notice has not been given on this agenda. First person we have up would be Mr. Brandon Terry. And Mr. Terry, you have time given to you from Mr. Joseph Fallon. So you would have a total of two minutes if you don't mind giving us your name and your address. Uh Brandon Terry, 811 Sugarcane Drive, Baytown, Texas 77523.

Good to go.

Appreciate being given an opportunity to speak tonight. I'm here to talk about the uh city's towing contract. Um, we used to have a rotation of like 10 different trucks and the city created a towing monopoly and the city basically rigged it to get their chosen shenanigan company fixed and the other companies were told if this company slips up or falters we'll open it back up. That's not what happened. Did not happen at all. In fact, under the guidelines, they're supposed to follow local, state, and federal laws. They're supposed to be responsive 24/7. They're supposed to respond within 25 minutes, and in most cases, upwards of 45 minutes. Then this company was also fined and reprimanded by the state and the city did not open it back up. They renewed the contract. I don't know who's in charge of reviewing the contracts, but that's big time. That should not be allowed. And the companies that got put out, they went under. You put these people out of business. And like I said, things were working. There was no reason to create a monopoly. No reason at all. So, if you're willing to cut corners on a towing contract, what else are we doing? Just to give you contrast, you hold an illegal meeting to bail out the golf course developer. So, anyone dealing or dealt with the golf course developer, those vendors all got paid off, they all got made whole, they got bled out. The

towing companies, they got stomped out. Why the preferential treatment? Why is there a monopoly? Okay, Mr. Terry, that's your two minutes. Thank you. Next, we will have Mr. David Isaac. And Mr. David Isaac, you have time given to you from June Stansky and Aelia Stretcher. So, you have a total of three minutes. If you don't mind giving your name and stating your address for pointer Thank you, Mr. Mayor. David Isaac, 2812 Landmark Drive. My favorite color is orange.

Mr. Mr. Mayor, I want to talk about the uh car uh the the dually elected mayor pro Tim position that we we did last week that we executed two weeks ago. Two weeks ago, this body, this chamber witness us elect a new mayor pro Tim. So my question is I would like to ask this question. Why is it that our old mayor pro Tim is on the flight to go to Washington DC this week to advocate for to present for to lobby for the interests of the Bayonian. I think two weeks ago we made it loud and clear that that individual who is scheduled to go to Washington DC lost that person lost their position to be over uh one of the committees CIP. Okay, that person also lost their mayor pro Tim position and that's for a reason. That's because that person right now does not reflect the interests, the needs and the wants and the concerns of the Bayonian. The person voted down childcare. Our district 5 representative is who of which I am referring to. That person voted in favor of a battery storage facility, very dangerous battery facility that's going to have uh uh uh firefighters work and hazmat units have to pay and and work extra hours and use extra funds. But that person also voted down child care. We don't need any 12, 14-year recent carpet baggers coming to Baytown ruling on these issues that affect everyday people in the negative and then wanting to go to Washington DC after we voted them out and they lost already. Mr. Mayor, we also don't need anybody to go and represent us that doesn't answer their phones. I have been over this. Mr. Mayor made a phone call recently. I'll elaborate on this on a later speech, but we need our individuals who represent our council, who represent these people to answer their phones. There are no excuses and no exceptions in my book, Mr. Mayor. And finally, our individual are has

refused interviews in the past. If you cannot answer phone calls, if you cannot interview with regular everyday individuals, then what are you to do as a public servant? What exactly is your job? Is I want to ask that representative, Mr. Mayor, we need good, clean, ethical government from this governing body. We don't need to send individuals that we did not elect to represent us. And so, I'm asking this council to ensure that we get whatever we need to do. We need to change the flights on the hotel, change the flights on the flights, change the name on the flights, but get it done. Send our representative. Send the person that we elected dually as a city council to represent us in Washington DC, not somebody that we threw out two weeks ago already. That's what I got to say today, Mr. Mayor. And let's have more ethical, transparent individuals representing us on this city council. Thank you very much.

Thank you. There being no one else desiring to speak, this concludes our citizens comment portion of the agenda. On to 2 A. Consider approving the city council minutes of the municipal development district and city council joint meeting held on February 26, 2026. I need a motion. Motion to approve item 2 A. Second. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Motion carries. 3A. Recognitions and citizen communications employ Bay City of Baytown employees of the um for their years of service. Mr. Joey Lopez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council. We'd like to recognize an employee for March this month.

Levi Mastersonson, it 25 years. Levi was born in Baytown in 1981 to a family with roots dating back to the days of Umble Oil, long before Baytown consolidated. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1999 and later from Lee College. always having a love for anything electronic or mechanical. While still in school, he was recruited to work for the local school district's IT department. After two years with the school district, he was hired to fill a PC technician role at the Bayound Police Department, where he was assigned to the Harris County Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force. When the task force spun down, he was offered a position with the city's IT department, where his career has progressed to the point it's at today. As a team lead for the computer system specialist, system administrators for the city. When not at work, Levi enjoys spending time outdoors, whether camping, cycling, or gardening. He loves spending time with his family or working on anything electronic or mechanical that requires tinkering. Thank you, Levi, for 25 years of dedicated service. Now we will be presenting a proclamation for Sisters Savoring the Spectrum. Council members, I'm going to ask that you all would join me for a photo after we present this proclamation. If I forget to ask again, it's not because I don't like you. is because I'm getting older and I just forgot. So, please accept this invitation whenever the opportunity presents itself. So, this is a proclamation

for an um an event that's going to bring awareness for autism and would you like to have a few words before we present this?

Good evening. My name is Brittany Dole. I hold a bachelor's of science in interdisciplinary studies and I have a deep passion for advocating for and supporting individuals with special needs. Sister saving the spectrum is about celebrating, understanding, and honoring our differences while building a community rooted in compassion, love, and acceptance. First and foremost, I give all honor and thanks to God. Without him, none of this would be possible. Autism is a spectrum, beautiful, diverse, and filled with incredible unique gifts. Our role is not to change anyone, but to listen, to learn, and to love people exactly as they are. Awareness leads to acceptance, and acceptance leads to meaningful action. The proclamation we are receiving today represents both awareness and acceptance for individuals with autism who experience the world differently. It shows that you care, that you see them, and that you believe in creating a more inclusive world for all. I would like to extend on my heartfelt gratitude to my family and friends for your unwavering support. Thank you to the city of Baytown, Joe V's top ladies of distinction, the family counseling center, and GCC GCC ISISD for standing with me and supporting the vision. A very special thank you to my pastor, Dr. Steven Richard, Senior, for your support. An extremely warm and heartfelt thank you to my awesome parents for taking time out of your busy week to bring your amazing kiddos out this evening. Your support truly means so much and helps make this this cause so special. And thank you to Mayor Charles Johnson for the incredible work you have done to help bring this vision to life. Your support and dedication truly made this possible. Together, we are making a

difference. If you are interested in attending this event, it will be held on Saturday, March 28th at 11:00 a.m. at Fellowship Community Baptist Church here in Baytown, Texas. We would love to see you there.

So, Proclamation, City of Baytown, Sisters Savoring the Spectrum. Whereas autism spectrum disorder impacts individuals and families across all communities and each with unique strengths and experiences. And whereas sister savoring the spectrum promotes autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion through education, connection, and community support. And whereas fostering understanding and acceptance of neurodeiversity strengthens communities and creates opportunities for autistic individuals to thrive. And whereas community gatherings provide meaningful spaces for advocacy, shared learning, and the celebration of diverse abilities and voices. And whereas recognizing and amplifying autistic voices is essential to building a more inclusive and equitable society. Now therefore, I, Charles Johnson, Mayor Baytown, do hereby recognize on this 23rd day of March, 2026, sisters savoring the spectrum and commend them for their commitment to honoring neurodeiversity, uplifting autistic individuals, and supporting families through unity, understanding, and community engagement. It's time for a picture. Pastor Riches, that's you. I see in the audience back there. Just a little bit.

That was a good cheese.

Squeeze in just a little bit. Here we go. One, two, three. Now you can say cheese. There you go. Good job. Cheese. Yeah. Cheese. Good job.

Thank you so much. What's on it? Public hearings 4A. We will now go into public hearings. The public hearings today are being held for the purpose of giving all interested persons the right to express their views regarding the subject of these public hearings. Everyone desiring to be a part of today's hearing should have either signed the appropriate list in the foyer or emailed the city clerk prior to the posted time of this meeting. Each participant shall give his or her name and address in order to provide a proper record of these hearings. The rules allow each person three minutes to present information. However, I encourage everyone to be as brief and to the point as possible. If you are a group of persons wishing to address the council on the same subject, please select the spokesperson to present the information and if anyone has any questions, please direct them to me. 4 A, conduct a public hearing to amend section 2.25G 25G of the Unified Land Development Code to incorporate language from ordinance number 15,756 reaffirming that planned un unit developments PUDS shall not automatically expire but shall remain in effect until the PUD is amended or the property in question is reclassified to another zoning district. It is now 7:17

p.m. and I call to order this public hearing conducting a request to amend section 2.25G of the Unified Land Development Code to incorporate language from ordinance number 15, 756, reaffirming that planned unit developments or PUDS shall not automatically expire but shall remain in effect until the PUD is amended or the property in question is reclassified to another zoning district. I would like now request staff to summarize the subject of this public hearing. Mr. Martin Scribner. Thank you, Mayor and Council. For the record, Martin Scribner, Planning and Development Services. Um, this is more or less a uh a housekeeping item. So, uh, back in 2014, uh, the ULDC, or excuse me, the 2014 ULDC, um, had a regulation in it that said that any of our PUDs would expire after two years, uh, if nothing had happened, uh, on the on the ground. So, in March of 2024, we got rid of that two-year expiration. Uh, and that we also made sure to specifically include any previously approved PUDS. So, in January of 2025, when the new ULDC uh came online, it did incorporate the change uh for for new PUDS uh but it did not specifically include the previously approved PUDS. So, what we're asking tonight is to basically amend the code to make sure that we take care of that and kind of correct that that which was omitted before. So, uh, specifically, this would add a, uh, a piece to section 2.25 of the ODC that that's, uh, adds the language, uh, including so all plan unit developments districts, uh, including those approved prior to January 1st, 2024 will remain in effect until um, either someone comes in and requests a

change or uh, that's reclassified to a different zoning district. Um, with that concludes my presentation. I'm happy to answer any questions. Yes, sir. Do we have anyone sign up to speak? Good deal. Any questions or comments?

There being no one else desiring to speak, I now close this public hearing at 7:19 p.m. concerning a request to amend section 2.25G 25G of the Unified Land Development Code to incorporate language from ordinance number 15,756 reaffirming that planned unit development shall not automatically expire but shall remain in effect until the PUD is amended or the property in question is reclassified to another zoning district. Five note 4B consider an ordinance to add section 2.25G 25G to the Unified Land Development Code to incorporate language from ordinance number 15,756 reaffirming that planned uni unit planned unit developments PUDS shall not automatically expire but shall remain in effect until the PUD is amended or the property in question is reclassified to another zoning district. Mr. Scrier.

Um, thank you, Mayor. I have nothing to add. Good deal. I need a motion. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Scribner. I think you're going to be hanging out, huh?

4C, conduct a public hearing for a proposed text amendment to chapter 11, Unified Land Development Code, ULDC, of the Baytown Code of Ordinances to revise divisions 2.32, 2.33, 2.35, 2.36, and 10.2 two of the ulc regarding shipping containers and the definition of container or shipping container as it applies to the 2025 code. Mr. Scribner,

um thank you, Mayor and Councel. Um I'm actually going to let uh Mr. Abram do most of the talking tonight. Um I wanted to just kind of point out to you you you're going to remember we had this conversation back in January at a um at a uh work session. we took kind of what we heard from this body and from others to to figure out kind of where we were headed with this. So again, um Mr. Abram's going to kind of give you more of that information. I wanted to point out to you tonight that you are seeing only the public hearing for this and you're not seeing the ordinance. Um we had a little bit of a timing issue, but we didn't want to skip having the public hearing tonight. So that's why you're only doing one now and we'll do the other one at the next meeting. So um with that, I will turn it over to uh my assistant director, Calvin Abram. Well, hold on a second. Let me open this public hearing. It is now 7:22 and I can call to order this public hearing conducting a proposed text amendment to chapter 111 of the Unified Land Development Code of the ULDC of the Baytown Code of Ordinances to revise divisions 2.32, 2.33, 2.35, and 2.36 and 10.2 two of the regarding shipping containers and the definition of container or shipping container as it applies to the 2025 code.

Staff to summarize the subject of this public hearing. Mr. Calvin Abram, Mr. Abram,

uh Calvin Abram, uh planning and development. Uh thank you, Mayor, council uh members as well. Um, I'm before you today to identify a text amendment to the unified land development code pertaining to shipping containers. As uh Martin has identified at December of 2025, um, the planning and development services came before you with a shipping container text amendment. At that time, what we received was you would like for us to do a little more um research to identify how we can holistically improve the unified land development code as it pertained to storage containers. With that, in January of 2026, we came before uh this body in a work session and discussed several ideas of the story I mean of shipping containers. We asked what did you like? What we can improve on? What would you like to see? And from that we expanded our research reaching out to several other cities that are in proximity to uh Baytown and also the Dallas Fort Worth area uh Austin and Houston as well as we looked at uh shipping containers and how they're incorporated into the residential, commercial, and industrial zoning district. And what we presenting to you today is essentially the culmination of all the research that we gathered including the feedback we received from you planning commission and what we've heard from our constituents and both uh stakeholders as well. Uh what this proposal would do is it would allow shipping containers to be used in particular zoning districts. Again, it's the residential, commercial, and industrial as either a primary uh

structure or as an accessory structure. Um depending on where they're um identified at. Uh this will improve the ability of the city of Baytown to be uh proactive as we see conventional and infield development coming to our city and allow us to align with you know the character of our communities and as well as development trends as they're going through the nation to include city of Baytown. Um we'll be looking at uh what we're presenting to you is a couple of things. One is to refine the definition of shipping containers. Uh the past definition didn't necessarily identify that they are materials or structures that could be used within particular zoning districts and that they are material. So we updated the uh definition of shipping containers to make to give it that clarity that that's what they are and the intents of them. uh and additional that they can be used in residential zoning districts. If they are used in a residential zoning district, they can be used as the primary structure or as an accessory structure. If they're used as a primary structure, they're allowed to be stacked um so that they can have a more robust, larger footprint and more in alignment with the community. if they're used as an accessory dwelling unit or another type of storage unit, they would not be allowed to be stacked. Uh we would look at those as any other type of storage uh item that would be within a residential zoning district. What you see before you now are three um photos uh ranging from uh St. Louis, Missouri. That's the upper left hand picture where you can see this is a shipping containers stacked as a primary structure. You can see how they're

having setbacks to add depth and character to the development. You can see the alignment of the horizontal vinyl clad uh windows as well as the hback uh system outside. these type of developments will still meet all regulations, setback requirements and meet all applicable codes for the city and etc. Uh as you see the Michigan container home, this is a similar product that you can see they have setbacks. Um they have a garage. Uh you see shipping containers incorporated into a larger structure. Um allowing articulation where you can see in the middle of the uh of the development. And then the lower left hand corner as you see the ranch homes a singlestory shipping container used in a way that it allows both the shipping container with uh glass and glazing in the front and it's a one level with this outside patio as well. Uh in addition to allowing shipping containers in residential zoning districts, we're also proposing to allow them in commercial zoning districts as well. the same difference. A commercial zoning district, if it's used as the primary structure, it will be allowed to be stacked. Uh in addition to that, they must follow all other city codes. Uh they would be treated like any other structures and if used as storage, they would have to be screened and also we would take in consider as they transition or if a shipping container is used in a commercial zoning district just like any other developments. If it goes from a higher intensity use to a lower intensity use, uh buffers and screenings will be required as well. In addition to allowing them as a primary and or accessory structure, uh they would also have temporary uses as well.

And those temporary uses would look uh such as uh seasonal um seasonal shopping as if you see a Walmart or Lowe's. They sell products seasonally during whatever um season and they would use those shipping containers to go along with those as they have their product sales. Uh what you see before it here, this is actually part of an overall shipping containment uh shipping container uh development. Um the entire uh area, this is within the Dallas Fort Worth area. And as you can see here, this is a shipping container, a multitude of shipping containers stacked and combined. Uh this is of course commercial. You can see the awnings projecting from the uh front of the second uh story of this development. Uh you can see how they labeled it. Again, you see the symmetrical lines and windows along the frontage of the rear end of the upper level of shipping containers. And on the lower level, you see it appears the uh barber shop where they're using the lining of the shipping containers to provide a vertical element to the design, adding character, additional color. And on the far right, you can see the stairwell providing access to the second story of the uh development. And as we look here, this is uh our neighboring uh city uh Leaport. This is Leaport High School where a um construction development is going on and this would be a temporary use. And in this use, you see they have it fenced um allowing some separation security from the uh public right of way. In addition, they're using shipping

containers as staging to secure their um their product. as well. In the left side of the um of the picture, you also see where they're using a shipping container as an office or a construction office as well. And these would be allowed under uh if the text amendment is approved by city council, these would be allowed in addition to what we have as of this date. Um, and lastly, what we have currently in the light industrial zoning districts and heavy industrial zoning districts, allowing shipping containers is an expected use within those zoning districts. But as of this moment, our unified land development code is silent on allowing shipping containers to be used uh in light industrial zoning districts and heavy industrial zoning districts. But gentlemen leave because we know that's an expectation and a requirement for light industrial and heavy industrial uh uses. We allow those because that is the expectation. So this last uh this last item is more of a cleanup item so that we can allow light industrial and heavy industrial uses to further move forward with the rights and the um the the needs of what they would do what they would have to have in order to be successful. In addition, we also identify a height requirement of stacking for shipping containers. For instance, in light industrial, you see that a 30 that shipping containers can be stacked up to 30 feet in height. And in heavy industrial, it's up to 50 feet in height. These were um items that were allowed uh previously under the 2014 Unified Land Development Code, which was um the regulating feature for the

regulating document for the city of Baytown before the 2025 ULDC was approved and uh came into action is January 20 uh 25. So, with that being said, as this was brought before the planning commission in February of 17, uh was approved by the uh planning uh commission and now it's moving forward to the city council. Um so, with that, this concludes my presentation. If you have any questions, I'm here to answer them. Bill,

anyone sign up to speak? No questions or comments? Okay. Thank you. Thank you, mayor. Now, um, city attorney, we're moving on to 5A, but I want to know can, um,

Oh, I do need to close it. Thank you for that, sir. There being no one else desiring to speak, I now close this public hearing at 7:33 p.m. concerning the proposed text amendment to chapter 111 Unified Land Development Code ULDC of the Baytown Code of Ordinances to revise divisions 2.32, 2.33, 2.35, 2.36, and 10.2 of the ULDC regarding shipping containers and the definition of container or shipping container as it applies to the 2025 code. Now we are on to 5A. Uh we do need to take an executive session for that. Uh yes sir.

Okay. Now what I would like to ask as a point of privilege if we could go ahead and also do 12 A to 12B and 12 BD D in executive session also or do we have to do two separate executive sessions for all of that? No sir, we can take them all at the same time. That's what I'd like to do. You want to do it right now, Mayor? Yes. No, it's going to be about two hours. Oh, lord. Yeah, but let's do the rest of it. We can come back to 5A after if we want to finish.

Let's do that. Let's do that. So, let's go ahead and we will um take 12 A B and D now and we'll come back to let's finish the meeting. Finish the meeting. Okay. Okay. need executive. Yes. Yes, I see what you're saying. So that we don't have to keep everyone else here. Excellent. So let's move on on to 6.

No, 5B. 5B. We don't have to do executive session for it. Let's go to 5B. Consider an ordinance authorizing the declaration of sur surplus of property setting of fair market value and approving the donation for public use to Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District of 11 vehicles. Chief Stringer,

as we continue our cooperation in support of the uh ISD police department, uh we came across a need uh for vehicles. Uh we have several vehicles on our deadline that have reached end of life with the city of Baytown and this is one of our efforts to be able to continue to support their police operations with the ISD uh police department. We request permission to donate these to the department. Good deal. Any questions or comments? Yes, sir.

Questions and comments. Typically, vehicles owned by the city would go to auction if if that's correct after they serve their value to us. That's correct. These were actually on uh on uh uh schedule to be auctioned off and we identified these vehicles could probably last them a little bit longer and help them meet their needs. And we have estimated values of total of $189,000. That's a pretty sweet gift to the school district.

Yes, sir. You know, that's, you know, we get pounded all the time of trying to find funds and monies to support city operations and city projects and we run under a tight budget and we have to deliberately cut things from time to time that is painful

for all of us up here. Uh, and and basically I know we probably get pennies on the dollar going to auction so I understand that. that that I just want to be clear that this is what we do and I'm I'm not in disagreement with doing this because it'll help them out as well, but this is one of the things that we will get feedback on, I'm sure. Um especially with an estimated value of around $189,000. Now, we wouldn't get near that at auction. No, sir.

Not near. But it's just one of those things that we got to be conscious when we do this and make sure everybody understands that when they see $189,000 out there, we'd probably get 50,000 total maybe at auction if we got that much. So it's just deceptive, but we got to be clear with that. Um, and that we're helping out another local entity that we work hand inand with.

So again, I'm not opposed to it. I just want to be real clear because I know there'll be some push back from certain individuals that you just gave away money and you could have used it for something else. That's not necessarily the case because you go to auction and when I was on the other side of the dice here, we would take stuff to auction and we would get pennies on the dollar for estimated value. So, it's just to be clear that don't get hung up on that big number because it wouldn't be that much. That's correct. But we also need to recognize that when we do that, that's funds that's not coming back to the city that we could use for other projects.

We we do have a number of vehicles that have recently been auctioned off and we have more that are that are slated to be auctioned as well. Uh so this isn't the the uh total inventory that is slated for auction. Okay. Yes, ma'am.

Thank you, Councilman Lester, for making that clear. Um I I agree with that. I also though wanted to take the opportunity, chief, to tell you thank you so much. I I've seen you uh reach out to the other uh police department in our community numerous times and uh I thought this was a very um innovative way to to look at some of the ways that we can work together with them and create more bridges so that um it'll be better for our community as a whole. So, I just also wanted to recognize that. Thank you for thinking outside the box. Thank you very much.

Yes, sir. Yeah, thank my colleague for pointing that out. And uh thank you Chief Stringer for being creative about this. I think one thing we need to point out is, you know, the the school district's a taxing entity, too. So instead of them having to go out and purchase brand new cruisers, it's being used within the school district and and the citizens who are paying into it. So it's getting a max use out of it. And I think it's very creative. And so going to auction again, getting pennies on the dollar. So, I think that's ultimately the big picture. It's a pretty innovative move. So, thank you, sir. Thank you. Is this the first time we've done this?

To the best of my knowledge, it is. It's the first time we've done it since I've been here. And again, looking at the the opportunity to give them the resources they need to be able to do their jobs, take care of our children. Um and and then ultimately, I mean, we could even be looking at uh maybe opportunities where or instances where they don't necessarily need on duty police officers to respond to assist them because they do have vehicles where they can get from school to school. Awesome. Awesome. Good deal. Not that we won't assist them. If they call for assistance, we're absolutely going to be there. Yeah. Anyone else? Okay. I need a motion. Motion to approve item 5B. Second. All in favor?

I. Any opposed? Motion carries. On to 6A. Consider a resolution authorizing the publication of the notice of intent NOI, to issue certificates of obligation approving the preparation of one or more preliminary official statements and providing for the effective date thereof. Miss Teresa McKenzie, can you put that in layman's terms?

My slides in um good evening, mayor and council. I thought I had a slide in here for the debt. So, um this notice of intent. It this uh resolution is going to authorize us to publish the notice of intent for the water and sewer certificates of obligation in the amount of 59,000 uh 59.4 $4 million for water and sewer projects. Um, as far as the preliminary official statements, it's going to allow us to prepare the pre preliminary official statements for both the GEO bonds that were approved uh by the voters, which is a total of $34.7 million. And that was for the neighborhood streets and fire station 4. And then um once we uh publish the the notice of intent, I'm sorry, my slide threw me off. Notice of intent, the first publication will be April 6 and the next one April 9th and then the second publication will be April 16th. And then we will have the preliminary official statement finalized with the notice of sale on May 28th on May 20th, which will allow us to bring back to you the approval of both the CEO and the GEO bond issuance for both the GEO and the COS. And remember again, the CEOs is for the water and sewer projects only. We do not need to do a notice of intent for the GEOS because those were approved by the voters. and I'm happy to answer any questions.

Questions or comments? Nothing. Good deal. I need a motion. Motion to approve. Second. Second. Thank you. All in favor? Any oppose? Motion carries. Thank you, Miss McKenzie. 7A, receive the City of Baytown annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending September 30th, 2025. Miss McKenzie.

Okay. So, Mayor and Council, I'm happy to announce that for the first time in a couple of years, we've presented you the we're presenting you the audit, the annual financial audit by the May 31st deadline. Um, the staff and the auditors work really hard to get us to this place. It's been a great deal of uh frustration, long hours, and hard conversations, but we're here. Um, what you need to remember though is that as you notice, you don't see where the single audit is mentioned, which is our compliance with our grants. That single audit report will be presented later um before the June deadline, which is different for us this year. We've never done that before, but we're um going to proceed with that this year in hopes that next year we'll have them both together as normal. Um so we'll be bringing back the single audit which is again our grants compliance that we have to do. Um we'll bring that back uh by the June deadline. And so um Steven Smith with Weaver and T Well is here to present um the audit findings.

Awesome. Thank you.

Good evening. Uh as Teresa had mentioned, I'm here to present the audit results for the for the fiscal year ended uh September 30th, 2025. Uh as Theresa mentioned, uh we we appreciate the hard work that the finance team has put forward to being uh towards the audit and working with our requests. Uh so as far as for the audit process uh so the audit standards that were uh we had performed the audit was in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as well as generally accepted auditing standards and the audit we take a risk based approach and we focus on internal controls and compliance requirements as well perform sustained procedures uh and testing analyticals and things like that. Uh and included in the financial statements are two auditor reports including our opinion on the financial statements as well as uh a report on compliance. And this slide we go over the uh results uh for the draft report. Here we have a unmodified or clean audit opinion that financial statements included here are free of material misstatement and are fairly presented. Uh as far as for the internal controls over financial reporting and the prior year audit uh this is a a recurring find that we had is as far as after we had started audit uh our auditing procedures uh we had identified uh accounts that uh needed to be subsequently adjusted uh in the financial statements here all of the adjustments that we identified with management um they had already uh they have recorded the adjustments that we identified uh and they've been included in here already Uh as far as that third point, uh we didn't have any instances of uh non-compliance materials to the financial statements. Uh and then here is is just as far as uh

management's uh corrective action plan uh to to remedy the the re recurring finding uh in hopes of uh next year of of having it addressed. Uh and then with that I'll I have a few u slides for uh to go over some of the financial highlights here. We have uh as far as this is a from the statement of net position included inside the report. Uh just going to go over some of the the things that have changed uh in that total column that you see in 2024 2025 on the far right. Uh you'll see for current and other assets that you'll see about $103 million increase year-over-year. uh that's primarily due to the unspent uh proceeds from the certificates of obligation that were issued during uh fiscal year 2025. Uh as well as you'll see uh that fixed asset additions had increased 18 million year overyear relating to um fixed asset activity during the year. Uh going down you'll see for your total liabilities uh that it had increased about $65 million from $440 million from 24 fiscal year 2024 to about 56 million uh and 25. Uh that's related to the certificates of obligations that were that were issued during the fiscal year. Uh and at the end of the year, you'll see as far as uh for net position that ended the the year with 636 million of net position. Um in those columns where you see to the left for governmental activities versus business type. Business type just means as far as the the city's water and sewer fund and some of the other um types of uh funds there versus for governmental which is more uh the standard governmental activities or government functions I should say.

Uh next just showing some of the trends by the different uh general obligations and certificate uh uh liabilities that the city has uh over the last three years. Uh we'll see that uh in total from from fisc year 24 to 25 that there's a a net increase of about 2.5 million in its in the city's governmental activities. Um you'll see you know year-over-year that there was a little bit of an increase relating to the issuance of the certificates of obligation from uh about 92 million to 103 million uh 25. Uh and then the rest of uh there the total 153 million that you see there was net of debt service payments that happened during the year. And then going down to for the business type activities, you'll see that the largest change year-over-year was relating to the certificates of obligation. Uh about in total for the liabilities there about a $59.3 million increase. Next, just showing a a three-year trend in the revenues and expenses in the city's general fund. uh and also comparing it to an assigned fund balance. Uh so as far as year-over-year uh revenues in the general fund had increased by about 5 million um from 135 million to $140 million in in 2025. You'll see that uh expenses uh increase by about $6 million year-over-year uh somewhat consistent with the revenues. Uh, and then you'll see that total fund balance year-over-year increased by about 7.2 million. And then that um that percentage that you see on the bottom there, that's just uh putting things in reference as far as um how the uh so to speak the reserves in the general fund are year-over-year as far

as the u the operating reserves that are available to be able to to manage the um the general fund budget there. And this is just a summary comparison of the final budget for the general fund compared to actual results. Um so you'll see that uh for the the revenues the budgeted revenues was about 129.7 million compared to actual also about 140. Um and then expenses uh it was budgeted for 141 million and the city had only uh occurred 135.9 million. Uh transfers all the budgeted transfers matched what was actually transferred during the year. So, uh, in combination with the revenues and the, um, uh, revenues being better than expected and expenditures being less than anticipated, you see a a $16 million uh, uh, net surplus, I guess you could say, compared to budget, I should I should clarify. Uh, with with that, is there anything I can uh, point out or explain or address any questions that y'all have? questions, comments.

Okay,

back to the general fund trend. Um, I just want you to see that right now it puts us at 103 days in reserves, but our 25 um year is not over just yet, and we have more expenses. Um, and I know that's a little above the trend that we wanted in the past, but again, I I I believe Jason, that we're going to spend some of that down, correct, before our um, uh, year 25 is over. Um, and then, uh, over the past year, um, as Jason noted in our meeting, our finance meeting earlier today, that we've had a really good mix of, um, expenses versus revenues. So, we're doing really, really well. Um and the fact that we have to get this um March approval is is due to a a new state state amendment that you know we have to get this in before the last meeting um in March or by the end of the month in March. Um but uh for us as a goal for moving forward is to have both the single audit as well as um this general fund um or the the financial report done together um in the future even though the single audit is not due until like the June time frame. But we've always done them together as Teresa noted earlier and so we want to make sure to kind of keep with that. Um, it's not bad that we're not doing it together. It's just something that we're used to and we're hoping that we can move forward next year to present both of them together so you have the full scope um before approving. But this is in a draft form as we as we were told

and so there's just some some minor um you know edits that may have to be done. Um but it's just it's not anything that has to come back to council and so he'll have that done before the end of the month. Correct. Um so we can stay in in tune with our deadlines. And I did want to publicly welcome our new uh finance members to the committee. So Sarah and uh Franco

that's all I have. I just want to say thanks to the finance team. As Teresa alluded to, it's kind of been playing catch-up for a couple years, few years. Um, and so I I just appreciate all the hard work. Um, happy to see this getting to us on time and and a good report. So, thank you. Um, just for record purposes, um, I went and did the calculation after the finance committee and it's around about it's around 101 days. 101. Okay. Thank you.

Fine. I I'll do kudos as well. I just I I want to acknowledge the finance team. Um there's been a lot um as we noted in the finance committee meeting. Um we are celebrating this um audit should be done by the end of March. Um if y'all remember back I I believe it was 23 right when we first got when I first got here um one of the audits that we turned in was almost 18 months late. And so um this has been a huge transformation for the financial team for the for the organization as a whole. One to put us in a good financial position um and also for the finance team to reconcile even though there was a finding on there for reconciliation. It's something that this council this body has been aware of for quite a few years at this point that uh we feel very comfortable going forward that uh we're getting there. We we keep chopping away and making sure that this thing is taken care of and um uh we appreciate the the work Weaver's done as well working with our team. I know there were many many late nights and many many weekends uh just to get this audit underway and um and to keep it going and um you know this is something that they were working on. This was their Christmas present to themselves was to do this. Um, so this has been ongoing for quite some time and I just want to say a big thank you to everybody that's been involved.

Good deal. Well, thank you. We will consider this report received. Now we are on to the consent agenda. Um, I'd like to take items A through. Does anyone wish to pull any of them? Pull D. I'm just pulling it because I wanted to beat Councilman Lester to it. I've got nothing to say about it. He'll say

friends like that. So, I need a motion to Oh, come on, man. to um I need a motion. A motion to approve consent items A through I with the exception of D. Second. All in favor? Any oppose? Motion carries. Mr. Lester, why don't you have the honor, sir? I appreciate my colleague pulling that for me.

Again, this is one of the issues that's near and dear to my heart. Uh the household hazardous waste collection day tentatively sk scheduled for Saturday, April the 18th. um at the Baytown source facility located at 12200 Lee Drive uh from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is always a well celebrated, well participated event by the citizens. And and again, I've tried to coach our city manager that that when we do good things, we need to brag about it. And this is one of the things that I get a lot of calls on from my constituents is when are we going to have it? When's the next one? So, there's a there's a definite interest out there. So I just always want to highlight it and and bring it to light. I guess if you want to expound on staff can expound on it a little bit.

Juan Mas polar works and engineering. Yeah, as you mentioned, thank you for um bringing this to the citizens attention. This is the household hazardous event. We're wanting to have it on April 18th from 9 to 2. So um we look forward to uh holding the event that day. mayor. Hopefully, it'll be a nice day and people will come out. It's again, for years we'll go through and it's amazing what people bring us. Um, and I'll I'll just tell one short story. We had a lady once many years ago and thank goodness we have the fire department there with us. She brought her husband had passed away and she was bringing all of his reloading stuff to the household hazards waste event. She had literally boxes of gunpowder and primers in her back of her car. Fire department got real excited at that point.

So, you just never know what people are going to show up with, but it's a great event and we don't want to miss it. Uh I know public works and the city will advertise it absolutely significantly. But it it's always a great event. So, I I always try to pull these off when I see them. We just added on consent, mayor, just to have more attention. So, Mr. Let's pull it off. Well, I'm I'm going to say whenever you said that there was a lady who brought whose husband had died and she brought I thought you were about to say she brought her husband. That might be household hazardous waste, too. I don't know why. But mayor, I'm make a motion to approve item 8. Second.

All in favor?

Any oppose? Motion carries. We are now on to appointments. consider a resolution authorizing three appointments to the Baytown Housing Authority. And since they've been I've actually ran into some um some individuals from the housing authority periodically throughout Baytown, I've asked them how things are going. Um they seem they they seem excited about what they're doing there. They said everything's going great. Pastor Riches actually serves on that board and he was here tonight and just talking to him briefly again. He was just saying, "Hey, everything is working together and since they all want to be reappointed, I am going to um reappoint all three all three that have asked." So, um I need a motion.

Motion to approve. You need a name. Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. What I do? Could we have the names, please? Oh, Grace Coronado, Tammy Gry, and Steven Richard. Move to approve said candidates. Second. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Motion carries. We are now on to the manager's report.

Mayor and council. Thank you. Uh like to point out human resources, police, fire, PDS, uh and public works teams participated in Lee High School career day, leading interactive sessions and engaging at the career fair to showcase city of Baytown opportunities and inspire future public servants. So thank you for everybody that went out there, represented the city. And if anybody is looking for a job, we are hiring. Uh police fire have vacancies and many of our other departments have vacancies. Uh we have our police chief here, our fire chief here and our HR director in the back over there trying to hide. Uh Joey, you want to raise your hand? There we go. Um so if anybody is looking for a job or wants to uh go to our website or come find these three uh individuals or anybody that works for the city, we'll be happy to tell you all about it. And thank you all for attending. All right. Uh Jonathan Tel and Fazal Say from public works recently earned their SP 102 certification. So, congratulations to both of you. Uh, keep up the great work. Great photos as well. All right. Uh, a big shout out to, uh, PW Streets Division for being recognized by Higher GF Coast Youth in appreciation of of their uh, participation and outstanding contributions at the recent career fair. Thank you for continuing to build strong community connections and for representing us so well. And if anybody does want to work for public works, they're all hiding out on the back wall over here. So, go find them as well. So, they'll they'll hook you up with something. Um, I do want to give um we can please look at our the city's website. Please look at our social media. Uh, we will be posting about the hazardous waste day. Uh, we will also be posting about the MBEC uh public outreach session that will be happening April 16th at 6 p.m. at the community center. Uh, there is more information on the city's website, baytown.org/imbeck, that will give you all of it may answer all the questions that you have. If it doesn't, let us know. We will continue to fill all the information that we can.

I know the public affairs team is back there. Uh they will they try to get as much information out there as we can. But that will be one of the first meetings that we have and you will have continued meetings here at the city council. Mayor and council, that is all that I have. Good deal. Now it is time for a council member district report from council member Jacob Powell, district 5.

All right. A few updates from around the district. Uh some new business development. Jindal Pipe is um adding development out on FM565. There's a Panda Express coming to uh Highway 146. Also, Swiftander, that's a new service station there at Shlander and I 10. Uh there the Plaza Shops at Baytown. That's a retail center that's going in on North Main. And then finally, Credit Union uh remodel going on out in Chambers Commons. So, that's the uh that development out on 146. related to that. Uh the project construction has been completed on that Chambers Commons lift station. Uh just a few punch list items remaining. That's that's an item that's been on my report for quite some time. Um it's had a few various delays, but that'll really help um development continue out there on 146. We needed that lift station upsized to support that that new development in the area. Street maintenance progress continues on Tomkins Road. There's some panel replacement going on there um in King's Bin and also uh Spring Lane. Um last I came through it looked like it was wrapping up. Maybe a little bit of curb work left there in uh Whispering Pines. Uh finally, Jenkins Park. Um several updates here related to Jenkins Park. I think it's the best park in Baytown, but I might be biased. Uh there's collegiate summer baseball is coming to Jenkins Park as Baytown debuts the Baytown Bulkheads in the new Cowboy Collegiate League. Uh it's a multi-year partnership bringing high level competition and familyfriendly entertainment. They'll be facing off from teams from cities like Periland, Tyler, Witchah Falls, and Denton. So uh stay tuned for more information on that league. Uh related to that, parks and its have been upgrading the Jenkins Park fields with high-speed fiber and enhanced Wi-Fi coverage. So that I know that's something we've talked about um for the last couple years in some of our uh you know some of our uh retreats is just

improved Wi-Fi around city parks and so it's good to see that going in at Jenkins. Um they're in early planning and site evaluation phase with completion expected later this year. The Jenkins Park Park Run has been going strong since June of 25 uh with consistent volunteer support. Only two cancellations to date. Uh it's a free weekly event open to both walkers and runners. Um they've welcomed approximately 1,450 runners over 39 events. Um and it's continuing to attract park run tourists. So check that out. Um, we will also have uh a 2026 Baytown disc golf festival at Jenkins Park Disc Golf Course that's scheduled for October and we'll attract players and fans from across Texas and Louisiana. Um, and and uh that's being the the event is being professionally organized and featuring major cash prizes sponsored by LightFiber. So, I guess start practicing your disc golf if you want to win some prizes in October. There's also new signage for neighborhood and pocket parks that's nearly complete. Um that's following our 2020 master our park's master plan and that was a standard set by Jenkins Park. You if you recall we did that perfect trail project where we kind of uh piloted multiple different things, signage, lighting, things of that nature. And so some of the learnings out of that being applied to other parks and the beloved alligator slide is back at the splash pad. There you go. Uh after a seasonal refurbishment, it's freshly painted and ready for fun. So, it's kind of hard to believe that we already need splash pads, but it was pretty warm out there today. So, get out to Jenkins Park and enjoy the splash pad. Slide down the alligator. And that's all I got.

That thing was used, man. Um, mayor and council, the Oh, go ahead. Sorry. We have someone that was signed up to speak on 11A. Um, I'm just going to ask that whenever we are speaking to council, we are not referring to individuals, that we are courteous and not referring to anyone by name, please. Mr. David Isaac has signed up to speak on 11A. If you don't mind giving your name and your address for to provide proper record for the proper record, Mr. Mayor David Andrew Dakota George Isaac 2812 Lmark Drive. Yeah. Go ahead.

May I? Yes, sir.

So, let's begin with the report for district 5. Uh, I intended to speak before the report was given, but since I am given the privilege to speak after the report was given, I'll just say, Mr. may be that there was no mention of the warehouses being developed in district 5 and outside of district 5. That of which our district 5 representative did in fact approve and our district 5 uh uh uh constituents are tired of. And of course, Mr. Mayor, I did make the effort to reach out to our district 5 representative. However, that phone call was not received. Also want to talk about the lack of child care, not only in this nation, not only this city, but it also affects us all over this nation. and our district 5 representative missed an opportunity to vote in favor of subsidizing childcare. I just came from outside had a talk with individuals that work in that industry and were very disappointed to see that take place. Mr. Mayor, also the District 5 report didn't make no mention of the battery storage facility. Our District 5 representative approved despite the behest of several individuals that came here and spoke and said that in their opinion that those battery storage facilities were dangerous, that they were a threat to their community, that those who have lived here their entire lives, Mr. Mayor, didn't want those. And unfortunately, since uh the District 5 representative is not answering the phone calls, this is my opportunity to tell you, Mr. in front of that representative that indeed it is unpopular and they do not want that going forward. Mr. Mayor, moreover, Mr. Mayor, uh the bond was failed. I don't think our district 5 representative talked about how the bond was failed, how the district 5 representative played a role in that failed bond proposal. They did played those politics here on this stage and part of that those politics led to the failure of that bond, Mr. Mayor. And let's talk about how those failures took place. When you don't answer phone calls to those who knock on doors, those in this indivi in this community who stand up for everyone. When you don't answer phone calls, Mr. Mayor, that's what leads to a lack of trust in the public, who leads

to killed bonds. It leads to battery storage facilities dangerous to our community. It leads to warehouses unsightly, sore to the eyes. Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor, I have a resolution to make today for District 5. We should make a resolution to take away the stipen, the $500 a month stipen we pay our district 5 representative. If they can't answer the phone, Mr. Mayor, they don't need to be paid by the taxpayer. They don't need to have gas being put in their car to my dime, Mr. Mayor. If they can't answer phone calls from, let's say, my uh individuals from the Chamber of Commerce who've been there for decades, uh he and she can't get a phone call. Mr. Mayor, the HOA in district 5, there's an HOA in district 5. They also can't get phone calls. can't get any participation from their district 5 representative. Mr. Mayor, so I'm here to give a clean and clear cut vision of district 5, a report of district 5, the real one with dangerous battery facilities, with warehouses, with a lack of child care approved by our representative. Mr. Mayor, there is a leadership gap in district 5, and we need the council's help to address that.

I'm David Isaac. Thank you very much. Thank you. Now, we will Mr. Can I take a point of privilege? Yes, sir. I heard a lot of things on uh the manager's report, but I didn't hear anything about the party on the peninsula March 28th. I'm sorry. Oh, what's up with that? Come on out to Well, you know what? You take some time and talk about it. Well, well, it's the best park in Baytown.

It's at our nature center. Our nature show will be having our party at the peninsula this Saturday. We'll have Zodico music and Tyler more local talent. Uh plenty of food. Bring your lawner out and and have a good time. What time does it start? It's in the evening. It's the evening 6 o'clock. So, just in time for a beautiful sunset over the the beautiful nature center. And uh come and come and have some have a good time. And it's free. Yeah, it's free. Mosquitoes aren't but this big this year. Well, everybody knows to bring mosquitoes on party at the peninsula. Yeah, they leave for the night.

The fre the mosquitoes aren't invited. We just tell them to shush. Well, I'm just going to say as mayor, I like all of our parks. I think all of our parks are great. They do an awesome job. Right up there. Right up there with our is amazing. Right up there with our library. How convenient. Just saying.

So, We will now recess and and convene recess into and convene an executive section pursuant to SE Texas government code 551.071 to seek the advice of city attorneys regarding pending or contemplated litigation. 551.072 to seek the advice of city attorneys regarding the deliberation of real property. And 551.087 087 to seek the advice of the city attorneys to deliberate economic development negotiations and it is eight and that would be 551.074 to discuss personal matters concerning an extension of line of duty illness under Texas government code 143.073 for firefighter Vanessa Chavez. No, it's D. A B.

Yeah, I got them all.

I now reconvene our open meeting of the Baytown City Council at 9:58 p.m. an announcement and announced that in accordance with section 551 102 of the Texas government code no action was taken in in executive session having exhausted mayor mayor we have to no action on 5a 5 yeah yeah you're right no action on 5A we need to make a motion is that on 12 12 C 12 5 A 5 A 5 No mo no action was taken on 12.

No action was taken in executive no action was taken in executive session but we do need a motion on 5A. No you can just take no action on it. Okay. So, we're just recognizing that when we were in executive session, no action was taken at all. But with specific reference to 5A, there will be no action taken tonight. Okay? But you don't need a motion to do that. You just need to say it. Okay? So, no action has been taken on 5A or anything else we talked about, sir. In executive session, that's correct. I got a question now, but I'll ask it after.

Haven't exhausted everything on this. I still want to make it clear. We want that brought back council meeting. Yeah. April the 9th. Make that clear. Got you. Yeah. Yeah. Having exhausted everything on this agenda, now adjourn this meeting.