City Council - Regular Meeting

present a presentation for 9-11 in remembrance of 9-11.

I pledge allegiance 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 Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state, under God, one and indivisible. I've asked Chief Doherty, being that this is the day before the terrible tragedy happened to us 25 years ago, to say the invocation for us tonight.

Mr. Mayor, Council, thank you all for this opportunity. I greatly appreciate it. I'm truly humbled and honored by the opportunity to share a word of prayer with everybody tonight. If you would bow your heads and join me in prayer. Father God, We come to you tonight in prayer, thankful for this day and for the opportunity you have blessed each of us with to serve this great community. Father God, I lift up this meeting to you and ask that you bless our city leadership team with grace, guidance, wisdom, and discernment. as they continue the important work of making our community safer and more prosperous, while always seeking to remain in line with your will. I ask that you fill this room with your Holy Spirit. Bless the members of our community who are here tonight with your grace, mercy, and favor. Work within each of us, Father, and bring us closer together in unity and purpose, and most importantly, closer to you. Father God, I pray for all of our first responders who stand in the gap between good and evil. Surround each of us with your hedge of protection. Give us wisdom and discernment in the difficult decisions we make. strength when we are weary, grace in our hearts, and the courage necessary to keep our community safe. Father, as we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, one of the most tragic days in our nation's history, we remember and honor the innocent lives lost, the first responders who courageously ran toward danger, and all those whose lives were forever changed that day. Be with their families and with the first responders who continue to carry the physical and emotional scars of that tragic day. Fill their hearts with the peace, strength, comfort that only you can provide. Father God, I also ask that you cover our community and our great country with your peace and mercy. Heal the divisions within our land and remind us that there is far more that unites us than divides us. Help us to never forget September 11th, but also help us to remember September 12th. A day when in the midst of unimaginable tragedy, we came together as one nation, cared for our neighbors, supported our first responders, and stood united. Father, bring us back to that spirit of unity and purpose with our eyes fixed firmly on you. Father God, we praise you, we love you, and we give you all the glory. We pray all these things in your son Jesus Christ's holy and precious name. And everyone said, Amen. Thank you.

I'd like to thank also Laura Alvarado who spearheaded this also. We were trying to get a list. There was multiple officers who are now retired and firefighters who actually went to 9-11 to New York to help with the recovery efforts in those. Upon going through and finding a list of these names of those, we actually have Detective Lance Watkins who was a member of the New York Police Department during the 9-11 tragedy. And I've asked him to say a couple of words in remembrance of the 2,977 souls we lost. Thank you for your service, Detective Watkins.

Thank you. Can everyone hear me okay? All right. So mayor, city manager, council members, my fellow first responders, and members of our community, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to stand before you today as we pause to remember September 11, 2001. Before I read this speech, which I was actually not going to prepare one and I was just going to speak from the heart because I was actually there. But this is such an important day. Tomorrow's the day. 25 years. I didn't want to miss a beat. So pardon me. I will read from the script that I have. Okay. So 25 years have passed since that morning, 25 years since our nation was attacked, 25 years since thousands of people began what they believed would be an ordinary Tuesday, going to work, taking their children to school, boarding planes, and beginning their daily routines. But September 11th was not an ordinary day. It became a day that changed our nation forever. And for those of us who serve as first responders, it became a day that forever changed the meaning of service, sacrifice, courage, and duty. When we think about September 11th, we remember the images, we remember the airplanes, we remember the buildings, we remember the smoke, we remember the people trying desperately to escape, and we remember the first responders running toward the danger. But today I want us to remember more than the images. I want us to remember the people, the fathers, the mothers, the wives, the husbands, the sons and daughters, the brothers and sisters, the friends and coworkers, and the first responders who left home that morning and never returned. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives on September 11th. Among them were firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to save others. They were not statistics. They were people. They had families. They had dreams. They had plans for that evening. They had people waiting for them to come home. But when the call came, they answered. That is what first responders do. When someone else is running away from danger, we are trained and called to move toward it. We don't always know what we are going to encounter, but we don't always have all of the information. and we don't always know whether we will make it home, but we respond because someone needs our help. That is the responsibility we accept when we put on the uniform. On September 11th, that responsibility was demonstrating on a scale our nation had never seen before. Police officers entered the buildings, firefighters climbed stairs, paramedics established treatment areas, dispatchers continued answering calls. Emergency personnel searched for survivors and helped people evacuate. They carried the injured, they comforted the frightened, and they continued working as the danger around them increased. They did not know how the story would end. They simply knew that people needed them. And they answered the call. That is courage. Courage does not mean that you are not afraid. Courage means that you recognize the danger, but you choose to serve anyway. On September 11th, thousands of first responders demonstrated that kind of courage. Some survived, some were injured, and some gave everything they had. For the families of those who were lost, September 11th did not end that afternoon. For many families, the loss continues every day. There are children who grew up without a mother or father. There are spouses who had to learn how to live without the person they planned to grow old with. There are parents who had to bury their sons and daughters. And there are families who continue to carry the sacrifice of a loved one who gave their life while serving others. So today, although it's officially tomorrow, as we remember those who were lost, we must always remember their families. Those families deserve our continued respect and remembrance. September 11th also taught us something powerful about community. In the days following the attacks, Americans came together. Political differences seemed smaller. Personal disagreements seemed less important. People stood shoulder to shoulder. Neighbors helped neighbors. Strangers helped strangers. People donated blood, volunteered. People prayed. Flags appeared everywhere. And for a moment, our nation remembered something important. We belong to one another. That lesson remains important today. Our communities still experience emergencies. People still face tragedy. Families still need help. And every day, first responders answer those calls. Police officers respond to dangerous situations. Firefighters run into burning buildings. Paramedics care for people during some of the worst moments of their lives. Dispatchers answer calls from people who are frightened and desperate. Emergency personnel work nights, weekends, holidays, and special occasions. They leave their own families to help someone else's family. And most of the time, they do it without expecting recognition. They do it because they have accepted a responsibility to serve. As a first responder, I believe that is one of the greatest responsibilities a person can accept. The badge is not about power. The uniform is not about status. It is about responsibility. It is about protecting people who may never know your name. It is about helping people on what may be the worst days of their lives. It is about remaining calm when others are afraid. And sometimes it means putting someone else's life before your own. September 11th reminds us why that commitment matters. It also reminds us that people behind the badge are human beings. We have families, we experience fear, we become tired, we carry difficult memories, and sometimes we need help too. We have learned much about first responders' wellness since September 11th. We understand better that taking care of those who take care of everyone else is part of public safety. Supporting our first responders means more than providing equipment and training. It also means supporting their well-being. It means making sure they know that asking for help is not a weakness. And it means recognizing that some calls stay with a person long after the report has been completed. There is another responsibility we have as we remember September 11th. Someone in here had mentioned it to me earlier. We must teach the next generation. There are young people today who were not alive when the attacks occurred. They know September 11th as history. They have seen photographs, heard stories, but they did not experience the uncertainty of that morning or witness the nation, excuse me, the way our nation responded. Those of us who remember our responsibility to tell the story, not to create fears, not to open wounds, but to preserve history, We must tell future generations about the lives lost. We must tell them about the courage of those who responded. We must tell them about the families who sacrificed. And we must tell them about the unity that emerged from tragedy. Because never forget is more than a phrase. It is a commitment. Never forget the lives lost. Never forget the families left behind. Never forget the first responders who sacrificed everything. Never forget the courage displayed that day. And never forget what happens when people choose to stand together. As we gather here today in this council chamber, we are reminded that public service comes in many forms. Elected officials serve, first responders serve, our public employees serve. and citizens serve their communities in countless ways. We may have different responsibilities, but we share one common purpose, to serve our community. September 11th reminds us that our communities are strongest when we protect one another, support one another, and stand together. So today, let us remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives. Let us remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, dispatchers, and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us remember the families who continue to carry their loss. Let us remember those who survived and those who continue to live with the physical, emotional consequences of that day. But let us also remember what September 11th brought out of people. Courage, compassion, unity, service, selflessness. And I'll tell you, those qualities are not just the qualities belonging to New York. They belong to all of us. And they are qualities we can choose to demonstrate every day. We can choose to serve. We can choose to help, listen. And we can choose to stand with our neighbors. We can choose to support those who protect our communities. And we can choose to remember. 25 years later, our nation has moved forward. But moving forward does not mean forgetting. We can build for the future while honoring the past. We can teach our children while remembering those who came before them, and we can live our lives in a way that gives meaning to the sacrifices made on September 11th. To the families who lost loved ones, we remember them. To the survivors, we remember what you endured. To the first responders who continue to serve, we honor your commitment. And to those who gave their lives, we will never forget your sacrifice. 25 years later, the message remains the same. We remember, we honor, we serve, and most importantly, we will never forget. Thank you.

Thank you. I'm going to start off with citizen comments. We have one person signed to speak. The purpose of citizen comment is to give all interested citizens the right to express their views. Everyone desiring to speak has either signed the appropriate list in the foyer 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. THE RULES ALLOW EACH PERSON ONE MINUTE TO SPEAK. A CITIZEN MAY PASS HIS OR HER TIME TO ANOTHER PERSON WHO IS REQUESTED TO ADDRESS COUNCIL. NO CITIZEN REMARKS SHALL EXCEED THREE MINUTES IN TOTAL. EITHER THE ONE MINUTE OR THE THREE MINUTE LIMIT MAY BE EXTENDED BY MAJORITY VOTE OF COUNCIL. I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO BE AS BRIEF AND TO THE POINT AS POSSIBLE AND PLEASE KEEP IN MIND COUNCIL CANNOT DISCUSS OR DELIBERATE ON ITEMS FOR WHICH PUBLIC NOTICE HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN ON THIS AGENDA. AND THE PERSON THAT WE HAVE SIGNED UP TO SPEAK IS MR. LARRY DAGLE. Please state your address. And since this is citizen comment, you have one minute.

Thank you. My name is Larry Daigle. I'm at 410 Park Street. I want to let that gentleman know back there that he did a wonderful reminder of who we all are. But for the last few months, I've been further investigating this company called Flock, which The way that he described our country 25 years ago is not the way that I would describe it today with respect to this company Specifically this company no more My contention I have a data network Background so I know data networks and where they go and I would contend that this information ultimately ends up at the hands of the Chinese and Until they prove differently and until these networks are dismembered, that's the way it is. But since I wanted to mention one quick thing and bring up the Ten Commandments. And it says, thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor. And what this product does is exactly that.

Thank you, Mr. Daigle. HAVING NO ONE ELSE DESIRING TO SPEAK, THIS CONCLUDES THE CITIZEN PORTION COMMENT OF THE AGENDA. WE'RE NOW ON TO THE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ITEMS. TO A, CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ALLIANT INSURANCE SERVICES, INC., AS BROKER TO SECURE AGREEMENTS FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE POLICIES FOR THE BAYTOWN MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT'S PROPERTY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 AND 2027. MR. LOPEZ.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. This is allowing Alliant to secure the property coverage that we're required to have for the Hyatt Hotel, and I'm here to answer any questions if you have any.

I do have one question. The policy, how much is this policy for?

This policy is $945,000 for the property coverage for the Hyatt.

Okay, and has this policy decreased over the past few years?

It has decreased, yes, from the $1.8 million it originally was down to the $945,000 through the use of our Alliant insurance broker.

Excellent. So we're about half of what we were spending before? Yes, sir. Good deal. Any questions or comments? I need a motion.

I move. Second.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, MR. LOPEZ. COUNCIL ITEMS. 3A, CONSIDER APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 13TH, 2026. I NEED A MOTION.

MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. NOW WE WILL HAVE A PRESENTATION FROM THE GULF COAST PROTECTION DISTRICT, MS. NATALIA ELANIS.

HI, EVERYONE. GOOD EVENING, COUNCIL. MY NAME IS NATALIA ELANIS, AND I'M WITH THE GULF COAST PROTECTION DISTRICT. I SERVE AS OUR COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST. SO A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE GULF COAST PROTECTION DISTRICT, ALSO KNOWN AS GCPD. WE ARE... OH, WE GOT IT? OKAY, COOL. We are a special purpose district that was created by the state of Texas legislature back in 2021. Our main priority is to oversee the implementation of coastal resilience strategy for the upper Texas coast. Two of those projects include the coastal Texas project, which I will speak more about this evening, as well as the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay project. We are governed by our board of directors, half of which are appointed by the counties we represent. So that is Harris County, Galveston County, Chambers, Jefferson, and Orange County as well. And then the other six members are appointed by our governor. We serve as a non-federal sponsor, which means that we are the local entity that partners with the Army Corps of Engineers to help oversee and follow through on water resources projects such as flood protection. So some of those key responsibilities on our end include cost sharing, land and access, project development, construction, compliance, and then later down the line, long-term maintenance and operations. As you know, in our region and where we are today in Baytown is home to several critical assets that keep our country moving in more than one way. So protecting this stretch of the coast really means protecting national infrastructure, which includes like our ports, our refineries, petrochemical facilities that supply our nation's gasoline refinery capacity, as well as military grade fuel. So one single major storm event does put these critical assets at risk, including, of course, the economy, the jobs, the people, and our environment that make our region so great. Over the past 25 years, we have experienced 13 storms with almost 600 lives lost, $212 billion in economic loss. There is too much at risk here, and it is time to move forward with a solution. So what is the Coastal Texas Project? The Coastal Texas Project is the largest coastal surge protection effort combining engineered barriers with nature-based features to protect the Upper Texas Coast. So there are three different Components to this are elements. We have the South Padre Island beach nourishment part of it, which is down in South Texas that is overseen by our partners at the General Land Office. And then GCPD is responsible for the Galveston Bay shoreline and island protection piece of it, which is wetland and island restoration work and the Galveston Bay barrier system, which a lot of us here in the area know as the Ike Dyke. So that is the largest element of the project, and it accounts for 85% of the project's total cost. But ultimately, there are seven features within it, two which are moving forward, the beaches and dunes, and then the gate, the Boulevard Roads gate system. So a little bit on what's been going on this year since we have a lot of momentum going on at the moment. Back in 2025, GCPD awarded two engineering design contracts for the gate and for the beaches and dunes that I just talked about. Jacobs was awarded for the work of the Bolivar Rose Gate system that is along the two mile wide waterway between Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula. and it's a storm surge barrier gate and also acts as flood mitigation tool when it's when closed at low tide and it creates a detention reservoir in galveston bay hdr was awarded for the engineering design of the beaches and dunes that's a natural feature that is along bolivar peninsula and west galveston island so that includes widening beaches and creating a double dune feature acting as another form of storm surge barrier. In general, this project was – or is authorized for $34 billion, and this year we have seen Congress appropriated $6.75 million for Coastal Texas Project in the FY26 budget. The Trump administration has also identified Coastal Texas project in the president's budget for FY27, which is a big accomplishment for a project this size. And we've also seen Congress propose $10.6 million for this work as well through the ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL. IN ADDITION TO THE FEDERAL SUPPORT, WE HAVE TEXAS SUPPORT OF APPROPRIATED $950 MILLION TO GCPD TO ADVANCE THE PROJECT. Something that I'm particularly excited about is our stakeholder engagement efforts. So this is the first year that we bring on full time community relations staff, such as myself, and we are actively hiring another position as well to join our team. We have launched two stakeholder advisory committees, one from the perspective of environmental expertise and knowledge and the other representing industry. So these conversations with Both sides have been really interesting, very impactful already to the work of our design and actively engages our engineering firms as well. So that way they can actively share their input and incorporate that into our design work. We've hosted some workshops this summer, which one that the city of Baytown was able to participate in. And so we want to make sure that our local leaders, our chambers and municipalities are informed and aware of what is happening with the project and that it understand that is actively moving forward. We're also meeting one on one with city leaders and providing public updates such as we are this evening. Next, we're also really excited about our Coastal Research Council. This was created earlier this year in partnership with Texas A&M Galveston. It includes Rice University as well as TU Delft out in the Netherlands. And we are excited about the possibility of other academic institutions joining this work in the future. But ultimately, they serve as our scientific arm of the project, and they'll conduct key science and environmental key research and science projects on the engineering, the environmental work, and societal challenges related to the project. lastly back in march our board of directors approved a resolution to reaffirm the district's commitment to navigation safety this is also part of our stakeholder engagement work making sure that we are in close coordination with all of the pilots and ports across our region to ensure that We are not impeding two-way traffic or navigation safety. And so we, they're part of our committees. They're actively engaging in those conversations one-on-one and with the larger groups. So that way we're working together across the region. WITH THAT, I DO ENCOURAGE YOU TO CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT, AS WELL AS FOLLOWING US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE PROJECT AND GULF COAST PROTECTION DISTRICT. AND WITH THAT, COUNCIL, I WILL WELCOME ANY QUESTIONS.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING. I DO REMEMBER WHEN THIS PROJECT WAS FIRST COMING INTO FRUITION, AND WE'VE COME A LONG WAY, BUT I'M HAPPY TO SEE IT CONTINUE TO PROGRESS. THANK YOU.

ANYONE ELSE? THANK YOU, MS. ELLENESE. WE ARE NOW MOVING ON TO I'M GOING TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING. THE PUBLIC HEARING TODAY IS BEING HELD FOR THE PURPOSE OF GIVING ALL INTERESTED PERSONS THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS REGARDING THE SUBJECT OF THE PUBLIC HEARING. EVERYONE DESIRING TO BE A PART OF TODAY'S HEARING SHOULD HAVE EITHER SIGNED THE APPROPRIATE LIST IN A FOUR-YEAR E-MAIL TO THE CITY CLERK PRIOR TO THE POSTAL TIME OF THIS MEETING. Each participant shall give his or her name and address in order to provide a proper record of the hearing. 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're a group of persons wishing to address the council on the same subject, please select a spokesperson to present the information. And if anyone has any questions, please direct them to me. We are now going to conduct a public hearing on a proposal to adopt a tax rate of 0.69803, which is effectively an 8.03% increase in the tax rate. It is now 7.01 p.m., and I call to order this public hearing concerning a proposal to adopt a tax rate of 0.69803, which is effectively an 8.03% increase in the tax rate. I'd like now to ask staff to summarize the subject of this public hearing. Ms. McKenzie.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. As you know, before you today is the tax rate, which you just said, 0.69803. This is the tax impact statement that you've seen before, where with the new rate, proposed rate is the same rate as our rate of last year. But due to the way the calculation is, if you have a change in your medium value homestead, you would still incur a tax increase. AND THAT $43.87 A YEAR EQUALS TO ABOUT $3.65 A MONTH. IF WE KEEP THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE, WHICH IS .68517, THE CHANGE REDUCTION IS $16.88, AND I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

none we do have one person signed up to speak and that is miss desiree klaus please state your address

Yes, Desiree Klaus, 9026 Blue Star Lane, Baytown, Texas. Good evening. I'm a lifelong Baytown resident and candidate also for Texas House District 128. For those that don't know, Texas workforce has recently recorded, Baytown has one of the highest unemployment rates among the 19 tract cities in the Gulf Coast workforce development area. The City Council has also proposed a tax rate increase of 8%. So while working families are already struggling to find stable work and pay for everyday expenses, I asked the City Council before adopting this 8% increase, I would like the Council to explain what additional services residents will receive And I would also end with the city prioritize local long-time job opportunities. Between Harris County tax increase and now the city of Baytown tax increase, families are taking on a burden they are not prepared for. I urge the city council to be good stewards of their tax dollars. Thank you so much.

Thank you. There being no one else desiring to speak, I now close this public hearing at 7.04 p.m. concerning the proposal to adopt a tax rate of 0.69803, which is effectively an 8.03% increase in the tax rate. GOT YOU. NOW WE'RE ON TO 6A, MUNICIPAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT OR POSTPONE THE CITY OF BAYTOWN FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 PROPOSED MUNICIPAL BUDGET. MS. MCKENZIE.

BEFORE YOU IS A DOCUMENT THAT INCLUDES A LIST OF OUR MULTI-YEAR CONTRACTS. AS WAS MENTIONED PREVIOUSLY, WE'RE DOING A NEW PROCESS THIS YEAR WHERE WE'RE HAVING YOU APPROVE THESE CONTRACTS WITH THE BUDGET SO THAT WE'RE NOT HAVING TO BRING THEM TO YOU ANNUALLY. The update is to two of the contracts that had red font previously, and so they were missing some information, and we have included that information in that document. Those were the only changes that have been made to the budget. The budget is the same, and this is the highlight of the general fund revenue, is still one $149.4 million. The operating expenditures, $144.9. I won't read all the highlights, but nothing else has changed other than the document before you where we've added additional information that was missing.

Good deal. Questions or comments? Yes, ma'am.

So I know that with this budget we are adding new positions, correct? Because we haven't had any new or budget items to add new employees to our budget in a little while. It's always been like a vacancy and then we fill those vacancies. But we do have some new positions that have been added to this budget.

There are two positions that the city council added as part of the homeless initiative for code enforcement that are supporting the PD. Staff had recommended one new employee for the general fund, which was the e-business solutions analyst, I believe was the title. That is the only one that staff had recommended for the general fund. And then there were three positions that were added for the water sewer fund. TO BETTER CARE FOR THE LIFT STATIONS, ALIGNING THE STAFF WITH THE RESOURCES THAT WE HAVE.

SO WE DO HAVE NEW POTENTIAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES, NOT JUST WITHIN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN. But we have just in a marketplace who we've heard that Sam's is already hiring. And so we hope that individuals that are looking for jobs are starting to sync up with Sam's. And then as the new stores start coming into play, there will be additional jobs there. As a council, we've always held any new development to hire from within the city. Obviously, that's not going to be a guarantee, so we can't hold them to that, but we do ask them to do that. So there are jobs that hopefully will be available to city of Baytown residents, just for them to apply. There is, as we heard as well, competition in terms of pay and some other businesses within the city that may pay more and so that may attract other individuals who may not want to work in some of these other businesses like Sam's, etc. But ultimately the jobs are there. I have heard of the number from Gulf Coast Solutions or Resource, Gulf Coast Resource, and Our unemployment rates could be a little skewed because of the fact we are a heavily industry city with a lot of them in contract positions. And so I know for one, my family, when we moved here, that's what we moved here for. And my dad would work a cycle. And then he's off, he would do unemployment until he ended up getting a new cycle with a local company. And so I believe those numbers, if we want to as a city kind of look and work together with Gulf Coast, that we can maybe look to see if there's anything that we can change with those numbers. I've heard that and I appreciate you bringing that forward because that's always something that people tell me is that we have a low. I mean, a high unemployment rate, but that's what happens when we have industry within a community and to say that we don't have any jobs available. We do. We are adding some with the city of Baytown. and we have some new retail that's available for folks who would want to get a job. I think our school district is doing an amazing job also with their academies where students come out already job ready. It's just a matter of hopefully finding the right companies that we can keep them here locally instead of them moving out to other communities. But that is an ongoing thing. THE FACT THAT GOOSE CREEK STARTED THOSE ACADEMIES HERE SAYS A LOT, AND HOPEFULLY THEIR COMMITMENT TO BAYTOWN WILL CONTINUE. JUST WANTED TO POINT THAT OUT.

THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE? OKAY. I NEED A MOTION. Oh, that's right. I do have two people signed up to speak. Dr. June Stansky, my apologies. Where is she? There she is. Okay, good deal. Again, I'm going to have to ask you for your address because I just can't remember it.

Hi. I'm still at 4601 Drifter Drive. My concerns remain the same with the budget. On line 54007, under professional services, there's a $1,260,000 fund sitting there. which includes the Harris County bus services, which we need more of because there's going to be a marketplace and maybe an activity center. And people need to get to and from those places. So it's currently set at 250,000 Then there's all kinds of other consultant services, including $200,000 for Project Vector, which we just paid $5 million for an architect to do that. So maybe that $200,000 could go back in the bus budget. And once we get the marketplace open, wouldn't it be nice if we had Park and Ride that would go back into Houston so people could go to their jobs and THINGS LIKE THAT. SO I THINK WE NEED TO INCREASE THE BUS BUDGET, EVEN THOUGH IT REALLY DOESN'T HAVE ITS OWN LINE ITEM ON THIS BUDGET. IT SHOULD. AND I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD BE UNDER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. I'VE MADE CONTACT WITH HARRIS COUNTY. TO GET RIDERSHIP NUMBERS. I DON'T HAVE THOSE YET FROM HARRIS COUNTY, BUT I HAVE REQUESTED THOSE. SO I WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THE HARRIS COUNTY RIDERSHIP NUMBERS, BUT I'M HOPING COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER INCREASING THE BUS BUDGET.

THANK YOU. MR. TROY WHITENACK, IF YOU WOULD PLEASE STATE YOUR ADDRESS.

Troy Whiteneck, 9946 Bayou Woods Drive. City Council's absence of human decency, humanitarianism, and Christian duty are now on full display for the citizens of Baytown and the surrounding area. bus service baytown's bus service price tag of 250 000 seems to be a real thorn in the side the city council you all claim that you need more information that you can't get stupidity is a lame excuse Information hasn't been a problem for your pet projects. Millions spent on two failed golf courses, over a million dollars mistake in the Hyatt Regency insurance amount, $559,262 for exposed underlying construction defects in the Hyatt Regency, and the Baytown Sun reported $560,000 for the homeless. And then a few days later, it was upped. The Baytown Sun reported $580,000. Oh, I'm sorry. That homeless money didn't go to the homeless. It went to the police department to hassle and intimidate the homeless. The city spent $5 million on blueprints for a new library with no bathrooms. One council member was filmed bragging about voting to cut funding for free childcare services so the parents could work, and cutting funding for the bus service canceling a bus route. A year ago when city council cut $150,000 from the bus service canceling the bus route, a busload of actual bus riders showed up to tell council why they needed the bus service. And a man was there that gave you all ridership numbers. That was information that you're now asking for, so I stand corrected. Stupidity is a legitimate excuse. Y'all became public servants. That's what you need to do. Serve the public, even the disadvantaged.

Thank you. That's everyone that has signed up to speak, so now I'm going to ask any questions or comments.

I have a question to our city attorney. Yes, ma'am. Because we're on 6A, right? Can you remind me, because I know we talked about this the night that I had to recuse myself, since the budget does include the bus service, can I approve the entire if I want to, or do I need to take that one out?

IN THIS CASE, YOU ARE NOT BEING DIRECTLY BENEFITED THROUGH YOUR OTHER EMPLOYMENT BY DELIBERATING OR VOTING ON THIS ITEM. THERE IS NO ACTUAL OR EVEN A PERCEIVED CONFLICT OF INTEREST, SO THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH YOU PARTICIPATING AND VOTING ON THIS MATTER.

THANK YOU.

ANYONE ELSE? I NEED A MOTION.

MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 6A. SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. 6B, CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE ADVERLAYRUM TAX RATE FOR THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING IN SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2027. APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE WILL SET THE PROPERTY TAX RATE AT 0.69803. PER $100 VALUATION FOR THE 2026 TAX YEAR. THE GENERAL FUND MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS TAX RATE WILL BE SET AT .43812 PER $100 VALUATION. AND THE DEBT SERVICE TAX RATE SET AT .25991 PER $100 VALUATION. MS. MCKENZIE.

So, Mayor and Council, you have before you a verbiage that you must say or someone must make a motion. So I want to explain the difference between the percentages. The 8.03 percent is based on the M&O rate. So you know there's an M&O rate and a dead service rate. The State makes us record the difference between The M&O rate for this year are what was calculated in the calculation and what we're proposing to the citizens. And that's where the 8.03% is coming from. The actual percentage change for the property tax rate is 1.88% because it is 0.69803. Minus the .68517 no new revenue rate, that is 1.88%. And so although we have to post it that way because that is the state requirements, it is actually the difference between the M&O rate, which it does not include the debt service rate. So I just wanted to provide clarity on that.

Is everyone clear on that?

I actually asked that in my meeting earlier this week because I didn't understand.

Yeah, and that was a question I asked Jason. I asked that we give the explanation so that the citizens would understand. And if you don't understand, guess what you can do? You can call us or you can call that man right over there, the city manager. He knows this stuff very well and he can explain it to you. He actually gave a good presentation. Was that at our last budget meeting when we did the formula or the meeting before that? IT WAS ONE OF THE BUDGET MEETINGS, BUT YOU CAN GO BACK AND WATCH THOSE MEETINGS AND SEE WHAT THE FORMULA IS AND YOU CAN EVEN PUT A PEN OR PENCIL TO IT. I WOULD ADVISE PUTTING A PENCIL TO IT BECAUSE YOU'RE PROBABLY GOING TO HAVE TO USE YOUR ERASER. THAT BEING SAID, YES, SIR.

SO THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED A 7% INCREASE?

Yes, the no new revenue rate would still be considered an increase just because, to Ms. McKenzie's point, it's based off the M&O rate. And so part of our balance with this, Mayor, to your point, it is a give and take, and we don't We would prefer that the tax rate didn't go up and down, up and down all the time. And when we did the bond education two years ago, a year ago, whenever that was at this point, we talked about keeping the tax rate steady. And we've been talking about this for over a year now to keep it steady. WHEN YOU DO THIS, YES, IT DOES MAKE A SMALL BUMP IN THE M&O, BUT THAT GIVES THE CITY THE ABILITY, IF WE HAVE TO ISSUE DEBT, IT'S ABSORBED AND THE TAX RATE STILL DOESN'T HAVE TO GO UP. AND SO WE'RE TRYING TO CALCULATE EVERYTHING WHERE IT CAN BE AS FLAT AS POSSIBLE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. THAT WAY IT DOESN'T, THE CITIZENS DON'T CONTINUE TO SEE INFLUX AND DEFLUX IN THE TAX RATE OVER TIME. AND THIS WILL SUSTAIN OPERATIONS. If it continues to drop, as we've talked numerous times, at the no new revenue rate, service delivery will have to change in the city. And we've talked about that ad nauseum, and I'll kind of stop.

And we're making sure we don't have high tide and low tide when it comes to the tax rate. Good deal. Anyone else?

I'LL MAKE A COMMENT, MAYOR, AND I'VE TALKED ABOUT THIS FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. OVER THE LAST ALMOST SIX YEARS NOW, WE AS A COUNCIL HAVE LOWERED THE TAX RATE, I LOOKED AT IT TODAY, IT'S ALMOST 12 CENTS OVER THE LAST FIVE AND A HALF, SIX YEARS. THAT'S PRETTY SIGNIFICANT. BUT AS I TRIED TO STRESS LAST YEAR, AND I'LL STRESS AGAIN THIS YEAR, IF WE CONTINUE TO LOWER THE TAX RATE FOR OUR CITIZENS, AS IT'S INDICATED, IT'S ABOUT A $40 A YEAR IMPACT BY LEAVING IT STEADY. The real entity that gets the tax break are our industries, and I'm not anti-industry. I love our industries in this area, but we have them in industrial district agreements, IDAs, and they pay approximately 65% of the tax rate based on a negotiated value for their industry. Whereas as a homeowner, my value goes up. Their value stays the same, but they pay less. So there's the biggest negative impact when we continue to lower the tax rate. We've heard our citizens, and we all knew the tax rates needed to be reduced over the last several years because we had, I'll say it this way, there was lots of money and lots of expenditures. We have trimmed the budgets. We have cut costs. We've trimmed as hard as we can, but now that tax rate is at a balance point. So really the only entity that's getting the big tax break is industry. We need them to continue to pay their fair share, in my opinion. And so we hold the tax rate steady. Their fees stay steady. But the disadvantage to our citizens is our values go up. It makes a $40 a year difference. And I'll use the subsidies we used to have for the trash subsidy and sewer subsidies. It used to be $10, $20 a month. Well, okay, so it cost me $40 more a year for my taxes, but I lost $240 a year in subsidies. So that's not fair to our citizens. Can we get that back if we hold it steady? Probably not, because we've trimmed it to that point. But if we lower the tax rate again, industry gets a big cut, and we're going to have to find that difference in services or fees. Because I have yet to have a citizen tell me they want less service. They normally want more. They want the streets repaired faster. They want ditches dug out more often. I hear you, and we're doing all we can. But our costs go up as well. So to hold the tax rate steady... Yes, it's going to cost us a little bit more, a couple of dollars a month was the example, or a few dollars a month, but industry continues to pay a significant amount more. And that's important for our citizens to understand, that we're at that tipping point now, that really the only entity that gets a real break if we continue to lower our tax rate is industry. And again, everybody deserves a break, but industry can... much better afford to pay their share than our citizens. And I harped on that last year. Mr. Reynolds and I had a lot of discussions on it. And I just want to make it clear this year that I support keeping the tax rate steady. As he indicated, yes, a little bit extra comes into our coffers, but we also just passed a bond that we're going to be starting to issue debt on, and that little bit extra can pay some of that debt so we don't have to raise taxes. I think that's a good tradeoff. Thanks, Mayor.

Whenever we talk about a reduction in services, what would that look like, City Manager?

Mayor and Council, it's goodness gracious. Right now, to Mr. Lester's point, over the last four years, we have reduced the budget to, I believe, between $10 and $12 million in expenses. There were... THERE WERE SOME AREAS THAT WERE EASY TO LOOK AT. THERE WERE SOME AREAS THAT WERE NOT EASY TO LOOK AT. AND THOSE WERE THE PUBLIC MEETINGS THAT WE HAD. ONE OF THOSE WAS HARRIS COUNTY TRANSIT. OTHER ONES WERE SUBSIDIES. WE HAD TO RAISE FEES IN THE GREEN CENTER. WE HAD TO RAISE WATER RATES, WATER AND SEWER RATES BECAUSE WE WERE SUBSIDIZING THOSE. THERE WERE PROGRAMMING CUTS IN PARKS AND RECREATION AND TOURISM. THERE WERE PROGRAMMING CUTS IN THE LIBRARY OR redistributions of the programs, maybe is a better word. The citizens did not see a lot of the changes because we did everything we could to really trim where we can without actually impacting the citizens. But the next step is actually cutting the hard things in the organization. The next step is an extreme example, right? If If we went to the no new revenue rate for the next two years, we roughly have, we have created a delta with the no new revenue rate where anytime the industry is growing, it takes the no new revenue rate negates that growth of industry. Okay. And so we grow by roughly $2 million in revenue, but our expenses grow by 4 million to $5 million a year. And so if we had to do maybe address a $2 million, that's cutting 1%. So if we had to cut 1% in the organization, that's roughly $2 million. That is one department. So you could cut a whole department and that department is full of programming and just goes away like that. And so if you had to make that up. Council's priority has been public safety and so with public safety you have police fire public works because public works is a public safety element and then From there, you have the support services that help support those ongoing. The other stuff that has to be looked at are the services that actual citizens see that are what some people call the amenity piece for Baytown. So those would be the first thing that would be looked at to address those things. And those are not the public safety elements.

Good deal. Okay. Well, I just wanted that explanation to go on record. So anyone who would like to go back and watch this, you have the information you can research. That being said, I'm going to make a motion that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of 0.69803, which is effectively a 1.88% increase in the tax rate. I need a second. All in favor? I made the motion. I can make the motion. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? We have one nay on record. motion carries on to 7a proposed ordinances consider an ordinance approving the 2026-2027 annual update of the service and assessment plan and assessment role for the bay creek public improvement district including the collection of the 2026 annual installments mr moran

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Brian Moran with Economic Development. As you indicated, Mr. Mayor, for your all's consideration tonight, we do have the 2026-2027 Annual Assessment Plan and SAP for Bay Creek Public Improvement District. This is required on an annual basis by the Texas Local Government Code.

We do have Mark and Abdi from UNICAP who are five components of the service and assessment plan are required to be updated each year. Those has a program of about 5.9 million so far. SO THE BALANCE IS EXPECTED TO BE PROVEN UP, BUT PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THAT FIRST PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT IS COMPLETED. THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE DISTRICT, THE AMOUNTS THAT THE DISTRICT NEEDS TO COLLECT TO PAY ITS OBLIGATIONS, A TOTAL OF 380,490 WILL NEED TO BE COLLECTED FROM THE PROPERTY OWNERS IN PHASE ONE OF THAT SUBDIVISION. OF THAT AMOUNT, 333,000, THERE ARE NO PARCEL SUBDIVISIONS THAT WERE INCLUDED IN THIS UPDATE THAT YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU. One property owner has chosen to pay off their assessment in full. One of the things about a PID is a property owner has the option of paying off their assessment in full if they don't want to pay an annual amount, including interest. So one property owner has chosen to do that. So for this particular cycle, we have one owner that has chosen to pay their assessment in full. SO HOPEFULLY YOU'LL HAVE A CHANCE TO LOOK AT THE ANNUAL UPDATE THAT WE PRESENTED BEFORE YOU. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER. ONCE YOU APPROVE THAT, IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO SO, WE WILL GET THAT INFORMATION OUT TO THE GOOSTER TAX COLLECTOR SO THEY CAN PUT THAT ON THE TAX BILL AND COLLECT IT FROM THE PROPERTY OWNERS WITHIN THE PID. THANK YOU. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER.

I WAS GOING TO SAY THANK YOU. ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? GOOD DEAL. I NEED A MOTION.

SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES ON TO 7B. THANK YOU, SIR.

THANK YOU.

CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE FOR THE SECOND READING OF THE PROPOSED VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 0.998 ACRES AT 8820 NORTH STATE HIGHWAY 146, LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF NORTH STATE HIGHWAY 146, SOUTH OF PINE METALS BOULEVARD. MR. SCRIBNER.

Thank you, Mayor and Council. For the record, Martin Scribner, Planning and Development Services. So this is just under an acre, again at 8820 North State Highway 146. This is the final steps in annexation of this property. Just one quick note, and that is that in the preface of your staff report, That was mentioned certain dates for the notices that went out for this those dates are that date is actually the 25th It is in all the other documentation as the 25th.

So just a real questions the comments Thank You mr. Scribner. I need a motion All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries on to 7C, considering ordinance adding the newly annexed properties generally described as approximately 0.998 acres located at 8220 North State Highway 146 to City Council District Number 5. Mr. Scribner.

Thank you mayor. This is again. This is the same as the last item. This is just placing it in one of the council district districts. Uh, the surrounding areas, all district 5. So staff is proposing to place this in district 5.

Questions or comments happened in the past. Um, what is the process once we approve it? What is the timeframe for the jurisdictions that need it to ensure that the right people are in the right districts? Or the people are in the right districts, excuse me.

So we actually worked through that. Martin has been looking at that. When we, the process as it is right now is by and large, when something's annexed, it currently aligns with the Boundaries that are in play right we we can say if it's on this side of the street or that side of the street as through our conversations, I did not want staff to have to make a recommendation of where a You know a parcel would go inside of a zoning district that kind of puts us into like choosing right, you know And so we just work on the current boundaries that we have that currently based on the streets and we put it in there. And then as we spoke through this process with the attorney, I believe after the census, there's a formal process where council, we hire a third party and then they redo the boundaries for council to decide on. That's the current process as it is.

Thank you so much.

And keep in mind, too, that this particular property is going to be commercial. It is anticipated to be commercial, so we wouldn't see any voter registration issues or anything like that with that property.

Perfect. Thank you.

I need a motion.

Motion to approve 7C. Second.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, MR. SCRIBNER. 8A, CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF BAYTOWN 2027-2029 LIST OF PRIORITIES FOR THE 90TH TEXAS STATE LEGISLATURE SESSION. MR. REEVES.

GOOD EVENING, MAYOR AND COUNCIL. IT'S TIME. THE 90TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS UPON US. YES, I HEARD SOME EXCITEMENT. CHIEF DORIS, EXCITED? Okay, so ladies and gentlemen, I'm here to present the draft program for your adoption this evening. There's so many metaphors that we can use to describe the legislative session here. I'll spare you, but you know them, you know them well, and I appreciate your support of the program every two years. And so tonight, I will address how we got here, what led us to this point today. the work that we are currently doing, and then the work that's coming up next. This program that you have before us is built from previous sessions and with department heads in mind. I look at what worked in the previous sessions, what didn't work, what passed, what almost passed, what didn't pass. AND WHAT BILLS AND POLICIES WOULD HELP OUR DEPARTMENT HEADS BETTER SERVE OUR CONSTITUENTS. WE ALSO USE THE ADVICE OF THE LEGISLATIVE BATHOCK COMMITTEE, WHICH YOU BUILT A COUPLE MONTHS AGO. AND THE MEMBERS OF THAT COMMITTEE, OF COURSE, COUNCILMEMBER ALVARADO, COUNCILMEMBER GRAHAM, AND COUNCILMEMBER GRIFFITH HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL. We met in July to review the plan that is before you and I received advice at that time and again advice from staff as well. And so since that time I've kept the ad hoc committee in the loop as we look at that refining the program. We've worked and have done meet and greets with a couple of legislators already, as you know. We've met with our new State Senator Ligon and Representative Terry Leo Wilson just a few weeks ago. And then with the policy summit that Texas Municipal League puts on, in August I had the privilege of representing Baytown as a delegate. TO THAT SUMMIT, WHICH IS AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO REPRESENT BAYTOWN AND OUR INTEREST TO ALIGN WITH OTHER MUNICIPALITIES THAT ARE ALSO IN A SIMILAR SITUATION. AND WE RECOMMEND POLICY POSITIONS AIMED AT SUPPORTING CITIES ACROSS THE STATE. So the program that you have in front of you is divided into three sections. The first section is the legislation that the city intends to actively pursue during the next session. The second section is issues on which the city will actively advocate during the session. And then the third section is issues the city will monitor during the session. And I'll explain briefly each of those. So Section 1, legislation the city intends to actively pursue. There are two pieces of legislation, which is new for Baytown. We've never done two before at the same time. We will pursue two pieces of legislation specifically. And one is with the help of Senator Alvarado, who has indicated her support of this. And that is the procurement modernization for special districts. And specifically, that's CCPD and FCPEMSD. And that allows for, it would authorize the procurement bidding threshold to match that of the municipality that sponsors it. And so that's just modernizing that threshold. And then the second is the design build authority for regulatory compliance. AND FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS SPECIFICALLY. AND REPRESENTATIVE HERNANDEZ HAS INDICATED HER SUPPORT OF THAT AND WE'RE WORKING WITH HER OFFICE ON THAT PIECE OF LEGISLATION. WE'RE IN THE EARLY STAGES OF THAT. THERE HAVE BEEN DRAFTS THAT ARE BEING WORKED OUT AS WE SPEAK AND OF COURSE I WILL SHARE THAT WITH YOU AND WE WILL ADVOCATE TOGETHER FOR THAT AND I WILL LET THE AD HOC COMMITTEE KNOW WHEN THAT PROGRESSES THROUGH BOTH OF THOSE OFFICES. Section two, I'm not gonna read through all of our positions with regards to each section, but you can see the basic themes for section two. That is local authority and municipal governance, infrastructure utilities and environmental resilience, economic development and industrial competitiveness, transportation and freight mobility, public safety and emergency preparedness, neighborhood quality and community standards, open government and public engagement, and regulatory compliance and infrastructure funding. These are the issues that we will closely monitor, and we may formally offer our support or opposition or testimony if Baytown would be affected by any bill that comes through that would touch these things. And again, I would use this program as a general guide for our support or opposition, and if there's ever a time where I need some help advising or interpreting, I would use that ad hoc committee as we discussed at our retreat. Section three, again, these are issues where Baytown will stay informed and engaged as needed, but the scope or complexity of the issue might make active advocacy a lower priority. And that's growth in housing policy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and government technology, election administration and public information, health, food service, and local licensing, utility and energy policy, and municipal finance and special district governance. These issues are very important. We're watching them, but it's not necessarily something that Baytown will be able to take the lead on. So what's next? January 12th is when the session begins. I know you all have that marked on your calendar. Thank you. February 1 through 3 is Baytown Day at the Capitol. And so that is when we will take a group of supporters to Austin to advocate for Baytown and meet with our six legislators. We will continue our advocacy on legislation with education. And finally, I will continue to keep the ad hoc committee work informed. And a special note on that ad hoc committee, my goal is to make sure that your efforts, even outside of Baytown, whether you're involved in a committee or a board or a commission, THAT YOU ARE A PART OF, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE POLICY WORK THAT YOU'RE DOING THERE IS ALSO CAPTURED IN OUR NOTES AND IN OUR REPORTING. AND SO AS WE GO FORWARD, I'M GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT COUNCIL IS INVOLVED AND AWARE OF THE WORK THAT YOU ARE DOING INDIVIDUALLY ON THOSE SEPARATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. AND SO WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THAT AS A GROUP AT OUR AD HOC COMMITTEE MEETING. I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.

ANYTHING? THANK YOU, MR. REAMS. WE ARE OVERWHELMED WITH EXCITEMENT. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CONFETTI? BUDGET CUTS. WE CAN'T AFFORD CONFETTI. WOW.

I GOT WATER, THOUGH. NEVER MIND.

Thomas, thank you so much for your work and your team. And, you know, we we had to go through all of the items. And, you know, I think the committee is committed to ensuring that, you know, we stay focused and look at these items. We had an amazing previous chair. AS WELL THAT WORKED CLOSELY. ONE OF THE TOP ITEMS THAT WE WERE LOOKING AT WAS THE TRUCK TRAFFIC ON 146, AND I'M SURE THAT'S GOING TO CONTINUE TO BE A FOCAL POINT. AND THROUGH OUR PREVIOUS CHAIR'S HELP, WE WERE ALSO ABLE TO GET THE EAR OF UNION PACIFIC, AND IT TAKES THAT CONTINUING PUSH, AND I THINK As we've said before, Baytown is unique because we do have six legislators that we have to work with, or let me rephrase that, that we get the pleasure of working with. And so trying to get all of them all at once has been a little difficult, but I know that they continue to have us in mind and with your continuous work, you know, we only meet when You asked for our help, but you're continuously moving the needle. And for that, I do appreciate you.

Thank you. Mayor, I'll make a comment. My colleague mentioned, you know, we have six legislatures in this. That just shows you how important we are because everybody wants a piece of Baytown. There you go.

Yeah, I'll add, Mayor. I just want to say thank you, Thomas, for the work you and the ad hoc committee did. I think what you've done over the last few years, the Baytown Day at the Capitol, and then bringing legislators here, just a great idea to bring them here and let them see Baytown. You know, I want to thank those that participated. We have six. Not all six sometimes reciprocate the excitement to work together, but I appreciate those that do. AND SO, YEAH, JUST THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK. THANK YOU. I NEED A MOTION.

MOTION TO APPROVE.

ALL IN FAVOR? ALL AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, MR. REEVES. NOW WE WILL CONSIDER A RESOLUTION DISSOLVING THE BAYTOWN STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE, OR SPAC. As part of the city's review of boards, commissions, and committees whose mission has been completed or that are no longer necessary to conduct the operation of city government. Laura and Sarah? Yeah.

Okay, well. No, that's not it. So if y'all remember, Sarah and I worked really hard on all of the committees and boards and commissions that we have within the city that our constituents serve on. staff serves on some of those and one of the ones that we looked at originally was the SPAC committee and so thanks to those members that served previously we did have kind of a shortfall on our end in recognizing the work that they did THEY DID A LOT OF GOING OUT IN THE COMMUNITY AND ADVOCACY AND HEARING FROM OUR CONSTITUENTS ON WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO THEM TO BUILD ESSENTIALLY THIS FIVE-YEAR PLAN. AND THEY DID AN AMAZING JOB. AND AS WE LOOK TOWARDS WHAT'S NEXT FOR BAYTOWN, And in my opinion, we're not doing away with the work that was done. We're incorporating that as we go into our new initiatives. And I really appreciate the members who have served on this committee. Some of them are continuing to serve in other capacities and boards and commissions that we have. And so I just appreciate this coming to light and really, again, just thank the members of that committee. And I think at this point, we feel that we're ready to dissolve this particular committee. But again, reiterating that we're not doing away with the amount of work that was done and the things that came out of SPAC and and working and finding a way to incorporate some of those items into the future of Baytown. Jason, I don't know if you have anything else to add.

Well, I got a question. When was the SPAC started? When was it commissioned?

I believe it started in 2021 or maybe earlier. Then they worked for a few years to get the five-year strategic plan going for 22 to 27.

And so we're in the, we have another year of that five-year plan?

That, for all intents and purposes, that plan is complete. But technically, yes. We have another year. Okay. The rest of FY27. Okay, good deal.

And just to give you an example, one of the things that came out of SPAC, among several others, was the new animal shelter. And so... The product of SPAC at that time that was proposed to us is that was going to be kind of a guide for us to look at the needs and priorities, taking that SWOT analysis back into those quadrants. it felt lower on the quadrant. There was still a high amount of constituents that said, no, we want to move that up. And so having it as a guide allowed us to do that because we could have just said, no, it's too low on the priority for the constituents that participated in the feedback. But we essentially did take that guidance and said, okay, we're going to move it up. And we're going to build this new animal shelter.

Yeah, I was on council when that happened. And I don't think that we would ever tell the citizens no after they elect us. Our job is to hear them, listen to them, and try to do the things that with us within the budget that will allow us to do it. AND I'M GLAD TO HEAR THAT EXAMPLE OF US LISTENING TO SOMETHING THAT STARTED OUT LOW ON THE LIST, BUT WHEN THEY SPOKE UP, WE STEPPED UP AND PROVIDED SOMETHING THAT WAS NEEDED. SO ANYONE ELSE WITH ANY COMMENTS? GOOD DEAL. SO I NEED A MOTION.

MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 8B. SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. WE ARE ON TO CONSENT AGENDA. DO WE NEED TO PULL ANYTHING FROM CONSENT AGENDA? NOTHING? OKAY. I NEED A MOTION.

MOTION TO APPROVE ITEMS 9A THROUGH L. SECOND.

All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Now we are on to City Manager's report.

Yes, Mayor and Council, I'd like to begin by recognizing several team members from Public Works and Engineering for their accomplishment at PWX, a national and international conference hosted by the American Public Works Association. Several of our team members were selected for leadership positions on PWX's working committees, including David Kirkpatrick, Allie Maas, and Nikki Swearingen. The team also brought home several awards, which I do get to show you all these things. So the barbecue cook-off, two third place awards, two fifth place awards, and fourth place overall out of 11 teams. The participants include Blake Oden, Ronald Dempsey, Carol Haddock, Paul Singleton, and Scott Fisher. In addition to that, the Equipment Rodeo. We had KP with his third place in the backhoe. And this was his bell buckle. And that's pretty cool. And then we had first place in the pipe cutting, Ally Maas. And first place women's combined backhoe and mini excavator, Blanca Rubio. And then third place women's combined backhoe and mini excavator, Ally Maas. Oh, this is for the barbecue. Sorry about that. Yeah. So there we go. Nice little barbecue, uh, uh, trophies. My goodness words. Um, all right. And then, uh, fourth place, women's combined back home mini excavator, Nikki Swearingen. And so a big thank you to everyone who participated and presented to Baytown. Uh, so well, we appreciate all of your hard work and dedication. I KNOW THEY HAVE A GOOD TIME WITH THAT, AND, YOU KNOW, CAROL, THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR TEAM AND GETTING THEM OUT THERE, AND THANK YOU FOR GETTING INVOLVED AND BRINGING HOME A TROPHY AS WELL. I'D ALSO LIKE TO RECOGNIZE BAWA OPERATOR ANDREW GONZALES FOR HIS OUTSTANDING COLLABORATION DURING THE ONGOING PLANT INSPECTION. ANDREW HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB COORDINATING WITH THE DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTOR, AND HIS EFFORTS HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROJECT. SO THANK YOU, ANDREW, FOR ALL THAT YOU DO. Like all of our employees. Thank you so much for all y'all do. Mayor and Council, that is all I have tonight.

Good deal. Council Member District Report. Council Member James Franco, District Number 4.

We're going to go quick. District 4 continues to see new business development with the following locations in progress. And nobody's getting Mingo tonight, by the way. Development updates. Cottage Green on Hunt Road has two active permits for construction of the building. SWIMMING POOL AND THE PICKLEBALL COURTS. MAPLEWOOD INDUSTRIAL ON 78505 GATEWAY BOULEVARD CURRENTLY HAS TWO PERMITS ISSUED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF HARD GRAY SUBSTANCE TILTWALL SHELL BUILDING AND ASSOCIATED SITE WORK. CONSTRUCTION IS MORE THAN HALFWAY COMPLETE ON THE BAYTOWN VETERINARIAN HOSPITAL ON I-10. GARTH ROAD CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD FROM I-10 TO HUNT ROAD. FINAL SUBGRADE PREPARATION IS UNDERWAY. THE RAIN IS NOT HELPING THAT, BY THE WAY, FOR THE PAVING TO CONTINUE. Weather permitting, the new pavement is on track for completion the end of September, followed by striping and then signage. The goal is to move traffic onto the new pavement before the holiday season. That is really going to be important. Crews are replacing a portion of a panel and driveway section at 4710 Burning Tree Drive. They are also replacing the section of panel at 4716 Andrew Street. A contractor is currently replacing the water lines on Village Lane, which is actually in Craigmont District 3, but that does affect residents of District 4 in the Country Club area. As we saw, they just, over at Foodtown, they had some issues a couple of weeks ago. So I appreciate the staff actually getting on that and fixing that right away to get that water back to or residents with an issue they have there. Wayne Gray Sports Complex continues to see high usage through adult leagues and tournament play. This summer, the complex hosted 43 adult teams, including 35 softball teams and eight kickball teams. An additional 16 teams participated in a one-day adult softball tournament. Looking ahead, five tournaments are scheduled for September, and registration is underway for five new adult league sessions beginning at the end of the month. P2-3 over at Byers Bay, they're starting the 2027 season pass, allowing current pass holders to renew it at a discounted rate of $39.99. The company also partnered with Baytown Fire Department to conduct a swift water rescue training at the facility and plans to continue supporting future emergency response exercises. Also, tomorrow at 8 a.m. at the Firefighter Memorial and Bicentennial, we will be doing a memorial, the firefighters will be doing a memorial for the 25th anniversary of 9-11. So please, if y'all can attend, go out there and remember our fallen heroes. That's it for me.

Good deal. Now the moment you've all been waiting for. We've had some updates to what's going on at the library, so I'm going to read up until the next council meeting to try to conserve us on some time. See if we can get us out of here by 8 o'clock if I read fast enough. Friday, September 11th, 10 a.m., Morning Book Club. Saturday, on the 12th, 10 a.m., The Classics Club. And 3 p.m. on Saturday, Make, Do, and Mend. Monday, the 14th, 10.30 a.m., Baby Time. 5 p.m., Tween, Pokemon Night. The 15th, 10.30 a.m., Pre-K Story Time. 6 p.m., TEENS TALKING VIDEO GAMES BETTER THAN BOARD GAMES? ON THE 16TH, 1030 AND 1130 A.M., BILINGUAL STORY TIME, 5 P.M., KIDS CRAFT NIGHT DOOR HANGERS. THE 17TH, THURSDAY, 1030 AND 1130 A.M., TODDLER TIME. ON THE 21ST, MONDAY, 1030 A.M., BABY TIME, 5 P.M., TWEEN STEM STRAW ROCKETS. Tuesday the 22nd, 10.30 a.m. Pre-K story time, 6 p.m. Teen OC training. Teen OC trading card creation. What is OC? No? Oh, come on. Okay, well, we'll have to look that one up. No, not Orange County. Wednesday the 23rd, 10.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., bilingual story time, 5 p.m., Tech Night 3D printing and virtual reality. And on the 24th, 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m., toddler time, 5.30 p.m., seashell trinket dish. That being said, and having exhausted everything on this agenda, I now adjourn this meeting at 7.58 p.m. I could have read a little slower.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife television series is funded in part by a grant from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Through your purchases of hunting and fishing equipment and motorboat fuels, over $50 million in conservation efforts are funded in Texas each year. Additional support provided by Ram Trucks, built to serve. coming up on Texas Parks and Wildlife.

This is the rooftop butterfly garden. We wanted to do something to help out our little pollinator.

Been a pretty good spot over the years, but it's a grind.

The water that was flowing through the creek went from being muddy and opaque to being clear and pure.

Texas Parks and Wildlife, a television series for all outdoors.

At the new public library in Austin, there are many ways to learn about ecology, sustainability, and wildlife like birds and butterflies. Come on in. One way is to go to the top. Before opening day, library facilities manager John Gillum discusses some of the building's more unique features.

Homage to the Grackle. Everybody goes, why is it red? Because it's art.

The art may be red.

A third of our energy is going to be produced by solar power.

But the building is all green.

It will be the greenest building that the green city of Austin has yet produced. Right up to the roof. This is the rooftop garden, which we also call the butterfly garden. It is a green roof. It means a roof that's actually landscaped.

The library is crowned with an outdoor habitat, landscaped with native plants.

We wanted to do something to help out our little pollinator. We'll do anything we can to track them. If we can come up with different plants, we think we'll draw more butterflies, we'll do it.

An oasis of native plants can help bees and butterflies, like migrating monarchs, make their way through increasingly urban landscapes. And it also makes for a nice spot to sit and read.

This is really the best part of the library as far as a natural setting to sit in. It should be a lot of fun.

Putting a park on a building also saves space and lowers energy costs when temperatures soar.

We don't have a lot of yard here, right? This is a very urban environment where we've built. And so we had to get really clever about how we got vegetation and nature into the immediate area as opposed to the concrete around us. This is gonna be an area that really absorbs heat rather than reflects it out. So even in the kind of summers that we get here in Austin, this is still gonna be a pretty pleasant place to be.

So birds, bugs, and bookworms, in an age when news about nature is not always so cheery, look for some good news way up on the top shelf of Austin's Central Library.

Oyster season is underway in Lavaca Bay.

This is my home port right here, Port Lavaca, Texas. I've been in a pretty good spot over the years, but that's a grind. This is what I do for a long time. That was 30 years yesterday. That's what I've been teaching over here, this bait. We got so much salt in our blood that that's what I love to do. If you love what you do, I mean, you're going to stay for a long time like me. 30 years. They call them the oysters. What they're doing right now is they're making sure that they got three-inch oysters. The state law says that it had to be three inches. Plus, you see, there's the clusters, what they come up. They don't come pretty like when you put them on your table.

Historically, Texas has been one of the top states in oyster production, dating as far back to the late 1800s. Texas reefs held what seemed like an endless supply, but times have changed. Over the years, the daily sack limits have been cut back. There used to be 150 sacks a day. Now Mauricio can keep a fifth of them.

Now they went down from 150 sacks to 90 sacks. And then from 90 sacks, they went to 50 sacks. This year, the state limit is 30 sacks. So every year, we're getting less and less and less. And the bad part is the fuel, it don't go down. It goes up and up. But like right now, we're probably going to make 20 sacks all day long, maybe.

Recent science has indicated that really most oyster reefs are operating right on the border of sustainability. Everybody realizes that something needs to be done.

This part of Galveston Bay is getting some much-needed TLC in the form of a new reef bottom.

The key to restoring the habitat is putting fresh culch out there. Culch could be any materials that oysters can grow on.

This reef's getting 7,000 tons of crushed limestone.

That's good. It's really amazing how you're able to operate this giant piece of machinery on a barge.

This is really important because the oyster reefs are in pretty bad shape. They've been suffering from a number of stressors, including drought and hurricanes. And on top of that, there's a lot of heavy fishing pressure being put on. Pretty sad state of affairs for the oyster reefs currently. So these materials provide a nice clean, what we call a substrate for oyster larvae to attach to and grow into spat, which are baby oysters.

The site will be closed to commercial harvest for two years, allowing the baby oysters time to grow into adulthood. By the fall, there should be millions of baby oysters growing on this rock out here.

Galveston Bay is not alone. Many Texas bays are temporarily closed to oystering as the reefs recover. You the captain's bay? To protect the bays as they rest, game wardens are on the water. This area is open to oystering, but nearby San Antonio Bay is closed and off limits.

Today, what we did, we tried a different technique we haven't tried yet. We actually stuck a boat in the water that was an undercover vessel, and he actually drove out into San Antone Bay, hid up in the brush for a little bit. TX4051. And he drove down that line and basically wrote down the TX numbers of every boat that was located in the San Antonio Bay system site.

They were too close to land, and they were in closed water, and they don't have any tags.

Take game order. Y'all were in closed waters this morning. Me? Yeah. No. Yes.

It's not all the oyster industry that's actually doing this. There's a few bad apples.

He observed you in closed water.

No.

Yes. You're going to have to dump the oysters, too.

If we let them do what they want, then they would take too much of the resource, and there wouldn't be any of the resource left.

OK, one ticket for oyster in closed waters. OK. Contact Judge Hunt. Do you have your license on you?

If they over-harvest an area, it does them no good the next year and the year after that and the year after that. Short-term gain, long-term loss is what we're looking at.

It's going to be nothing. How is the base going to come back? If you kill the chicken, you ain't going to have eggs. We need those oyster-restricted areas for them to spawn and get oysters everywhere. Bottom line, you kill the chicken, you ain't going to get no eggs.

To protect the reefs, at times, there's more bays close to oystering than those that are open, which adds to the grind.

You know, you leave one area, a small area, open, everybody's going to put pressure on the area because it's the only thing that's open. And that's what happened right now. When you overfeed the resources, they just don't disappear. A lot of small ones. This person.