City Council - Regular Meeting

Perfect.

It's a little hot. You know what?

Lord have mercy. Town Municipal Development District on Thursday, March 12th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the council chamber and announcement of quorum at 6:38 p.m. We will now have the pledge and invocation by council member district 4, James Franco.

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.

I aliance to thee, Texas.

Let's bow our heads and go to our heavenly father.

Dear Lord, we thank you for this day. We thank you for the bountiful rain that you've brought upon us to to re replenish the water source and replenish the the earth. We thank you for all the things that you've given us here. We thank you for allowing us to to try to serve the best we can for you, Lord, and for those who are in our community. We ask that you be with all our our service members and all our our armed forces and all our firemen and police officers. We ask you pray for the families of those who have lost their their loved ones in this this recent weeks. And we ask you to to pray over them. We remember what you say in John 13. Greater love than one who lays down his life for his friend. We ask you to be over them and watch them and watch their families. We ask you to to to guide them through these through these miserable times. We thank you for all these things that you've given us, Lord. And we thank you for for for us being here today. We ask you for these things in your son and your savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

I'm going to start off with citizen comment. And it looks like we have some sign up to speak. The purpose of citizen comments is to give all and arrested citizens the right to express their views. Everyone desiring to speak should have 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 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 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 majority vote of council. 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. And we are going to start with Miss June Stansky. Good evening. Jean Stansky, 4601 Driftwood Drive, Baytown, Texas, 77521. Um, it is National Women's History Month and I would love the city council to make some nice history and to make Mayor Prom um our longstanding Laura Elvarado. So, I would love for you guys to vote on that. The second thing is we also would love to have women in charge of the uh CIP and finance committee. So, please keep women in the front. Lastly, Girl Scout leader for 25 years. Today is National Girl Scout Day. Thank you.

Thank you. I'm going to go watch my cookies. My cookies. Next we will have Mr. David Isaac and he actually has time given to him from Miss Denise Graves. So Mr. David Isaac you will have a total of a whopping two minutes. I believe that's three Mr. Mayor. Also from the esteemed Jeff Walters Jeff are you giving your time to you guess so. Thank you Mr. Walters. So it looks like you're going to have three minutes. Thank you very much Mr. Mayor. I'll start and I'll take it from the top. I want to start off by address

David Isaac 2812 Landmark Drive 77521. Did I say Baytown? Harris County. I like long walks on the beach on Sundays. Anything else? Social Security number. I want to start by commenting on the the vote that we took not too long ago. Just two weeks ago, this council had an opportunity to make an investment in our children here in Baytown, child care here in Baytown. I heard a councilman say that, Mr. Mayor, that it would only be an incremental help because of how little it would help the child care industry here in Baytown. And Mr. Mayor, I found that to be a disheartening comment uh from this council considering a lot of us get free child care here in this chamber uh more often than not. Secondly, moreover, when we talk about incremental changes, this council on many occasions, I have seen it. I have witnessed it. No other engaged citizen more than I have been in this chamber and witnessed this council give many incremental changes in incremental gifts, incremental handouts to major large corporations, major firms, major consulting issues. My esteemed colleague Jun Stansky just talked, Dr. Dr. Stansky has talked more than once about how how much we pay these firms to consult for us. Yet we can't find incremental help, incremental money, money from the taxpayer to help our children in child care. I find that disheartening, m Mr. Mayor, and while somebody has commented on tonight's vote, a very important vote, I I must say about our mayor prom, I say that we shouldn't vote for anyone who had voted against that child care uh uh legislation. We also shouldn't vote for anybody who is consorting uh with former mayors and big oil industry and doesn't answer phone calls from their constituents. I think anyone who doesn't answer phone calls, any councilman who has a reputation for not returning phone calls to the constituents whom of which largely they elected them should not be qualified to serve as mayor pro Tim. I

think we should turn the page on that one that has been here, one that knows Baytown, one that who is in touch with Baytown, didn't move here 12 years ago and beholden to former councilman and big oil lobby that paid for their campaign. So I just want to reiterate that once again, Mr. for mayor and council that when we sit here, we don't just represent big oil interest, Mr. Mayor. That we don't sit here and just represent those that funded our campaigns. We represent everybody in Baytown. When we look at district one, when we look at district two, when we look at this very district that this council chamber is in, there are food deserts uh uh ridden through here. We can't even go to a grocery store from this very location that's not too far. And there are child care deficits here in this town. And we need to think about that. These aren't pawns. These aren't games. These aren't chess pieces and a matter of making ideological moves to make a point for your donors and potential to run a future campaign for mayor, Mr. Mayor. So, that is my message today. Keep in mind those that are underprivileged, many of which voted for me, many of which thousands of which if you accumulate those over the years, and I am here to speak bold chestedly in favor of them and for those who are too afraid to speak. Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor and council and to my esteemed colleagues who lent me time tonight. I guess

thank you Mr. David Isaac. We are now that now ends our public comment section. We are going on to 2A municipal development district items. consider a resolution authorizing a professional services agreement with admin CFO LLC to provide financial oversight services related to the Hyatt Regency Baytown Houston project. Miss McKenzie. Uh good evening board. Um this is the professional service agreement for the admin CFO for the Hyatt Regency. If you remember um our consultant is Jimmy Flanigan and it's in an amount not to exceed 120,000. and I'm happy to answer any questions if you have any.

Excellent. Any questions or comments? There being none, I need a motion. So moved. Second mot. We got a first and a second. All in favor? I. Any oppose. Motion carries. 3A. Consider approving the minutes of the city council work session and city council regular joint MDD meeting held on February 12th, 2026. I need a motion. Move to approve. Second. All in favor?

Any oppose? Motion carries. On to 4A recognitions and citizen communications. We have two for two wonderful groups that have um been helping beautify our comm community. I actually went out with them and visited with them after they had done their work on January 18th and it was a little cold out there but there were probably about four to five times as many of them that we see sitting in the audience today and many of them were teenagers young adults. So, I'm going to invite you all after this proclam these proclamations are presented to please join me in the picture with these wonderful individuals.

Everyone's going to join me. Yes, sir.

That's what I'm talking about. So, the first proclamation for Aziz Star proclamation. City of Baytown Aziz Star Community Cleanup Day. Whereas the city of Baytown recognizes the importance of engaging youth in positive civic action and encouraging responsibility for the cleanliness, safety, and beauty of public spaces. And whereas Aziz star is a student-led volunteer initiative composed of middle and high school students who participate in community service projects that promote envir environmental stewardship, leadership, development, and civic engagement. And whereas Azie Star empowers students to take an active role in improving their communities by working collaborative collaboratorly working together with families, schools, and local governments through organized volunteer efforts. And whereas on January 18th, 2026, Aziz star students conducted a community cleanup at Britain Park in Baytown, dedicating their time and energy to removing litter, improving park conditions, and caring for shared public spaces. Now therefore, I Charles Johnson, mayor of Baytown, do hereby proclaim and recognize the 18th day of January as Aziz Star Community Cleanup Day and commend the Azy Star students for their commitment to service, leadership, and positive community impact, setting an example for young residents. And I need to sign this now. Should I do the other one also right now? I should. I can follow directions.

Let's see here. Proclamation City of Baytown for Aziz Wah. Am I right? Good deal. Community cleanup day. Whereas the city of Baytown recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship, civic responsibility, and community pride in maintaining clean, safe, and healthy public spaces for all residents. And whereas Aziz WAP is is a global young adult volunteer group composed of working professionals and young adults dedicated to community service, environmental protection and sustainable development. And whereas Azizwah partners with local governments, organizations, and communities to address environmental changes through handson volunteer efforts, public awareness and collaborative collaborative action. And whereas on January 18th, 2026, Aziz Wah volunteers will conduct or have conducted a community cleanup in Baytown, dedicating their time and effort to removing litter, improving public spaces, and promoting environmental responsibility. And whereas this cleanup initiative supports the city of Baytown's goals for beautifification, environmental sustainability, and community involvement. And now therefore, I Charles Johnson Baytown mayor do hereby recognize the 18th day of January as Azy's water community cleanup day and commend the positive impact of Aziz W volunteers whose service fosters civic pride, environmental awareness, and a stronger, more connected community. Now you all are in for a treat because they shocked me on January 18th when they did a chant or a cheer. Would you all come up? Yeah. Come on up. And can you all give them a taste of what I experienced? Come up here. Come

on up. Of what I experienced on those days. and for them to come out on a cold day and be youth to get out of their bed and come clean up like big part. I mean, they had towers of trash when it's hard to get some teenagers to clean up their own rooms is amazing. So, can you all share with them what you shared with me? Okay, let's do it. One, two, three.

But I ask the council members come join me. Try to get everybody. So, who's who's going to hold these? You made eye contact. So, this Are you fill in?

Yeah. Now, if I go in the back, nobody's in the ceiling because y'all will call everybody. Can I get in the middle right here?

I'm do my best to get everybody in one shot. Oh, no. We're missing one. Yeah, you can't hide. Okay. All right. Here we go. One, two, three. Take one more. One.

Thank you. Sorry. One, two, three. One more. Okay, very good.

Nice to meet you. Oh, can we brought the mayor and council members gifts? Is it okay if we give you the gift now?

Thank you very much.

Thank you. Thank you, sir.

You need to confiscate that now.

Who knows? I got 10 minutes today. And they're in the refrigerator right now. Oh, man. Glass of milk. It is Girl Scout cookie time. So, I'm gonna take a point of privilege and say if you know a Girl Scout, and I know one in particular, I committed and bought one box of every type of Girl Scout cookie that they had. Please support them because they do some wonderful things in our community. Can we get a commitment from people that they can to do that? Yes.

Thank you. Thank you. On to 5A. We will be taking items 5 A and C together. Cons A through C. Consider an ordinance amending section 70-8 alcoholic beverages of the code of ordinances Baytown, Texas to permit alcohol beverages at cityowned or controlled properties for qualified eventspecific tourism or sports tourism initiatives subject to restrictions and permitting requirements. B. Consider an ordinance amending section 70-1 park hours of the city of Baytown code of ordinances to exempt properly permitted tourism impact events occurring at a municipal park from the application of standard park hours and C consider an ordinance amending section 74-28 of the code of ordinances to exempt sales made at properly permitted qualified event specific tourism or sports tourism activities. Mr. for I remembered your name this time.

Clifford Hatch.

There you go. Uh Clifford Hatch, parks, recre tourism director. Um and good evening, mayor and council. Um uh if you remember, we brought the 5A portion of this to a work session uh back on November 13th of last year after we were approached by a collegiate baseball team wanting to utilize Jenkins Park um for their league. Uh as part of their rental, they wanted to uh explore the the idea of uh selling and consuming alcohols at the park. After a length of conversation with our parks board and with our staff, uh rather than just trying to stick a square hole or stick a square peg in a round hole uh of just adding Jenkins to the list, we took a more of a holistic approach to try to uh build something out for tourism. As you all remember, tourism was recently moved over uh to parks and wreck. And so this is kind of the first step in building this out, right? Um and so uh when we brought it to you guys uh back on the 13th uh and oh and please remember this is only to deal with a third party event not anything that parks and recck does now so it is separate just remember that uh from that event uh or from that work session rather uh councilman Griffin your concern was the uh who would be ultimately responsible I just wanted to reiterate that it would be the uh it would be the onus of the event organizer the third party event organizer organizer to obtain and then adhere to a TABC DC uh requirements and all that. They would also have to uh get a they'd also have to adhere to the policy that we currently have that we use for our uh the couple parks that are on already on that list. Uh that's been working really well. So, it' be double uh there. Uh Mr. uh Powell, you had issues with the wordage. Our legal team took it back and uh rewarded it and the draft is in front of you there. Uh and then Mr. Lester, your concern was that it would die on the vine with Parks Wreck. Uh we put in an appeal process now that would take it directly to city management. Uh the reason it goes to city management and not council is because uh our parks and wreck is of an advisory board and we

felt it was a better chain of command since it's ultimately the parks and recck's decision that it would go up the chain of the ladder to the city management office who could then bring it to council if if he so desired to. So uh so we were there and we addressed all those concerns uh and we we talked it over with parksport again and uh we were ready to move forward. uh at the last council agenda. Uh this item was on the last council agenda. It was pushed to this one because uh in in true fashion of trying to take that holistic approach uh when talking to the legal team who did a phenomenal job with us uh on this endeavor uh they they understood that uh uh they understood that there were some more things that were in play. The the 5B in this is uh the parks hours. That's really only uh that's really only uh an issue with the lights. Uh currently uh the Wayne Grey Sports Complex is exempt already from that. Uh typically we program adult leagues at uh Wayne Grey Sports Complex. So it's not an issue being up after 10. Uh this uh now would be a tourism endeavor would could qualify could qualify for that. Uh for instance, the Jenkins Park is collegiate baseball. So I mean they're older individuals. Um, and so we just wanted to have it to where if there was a rain delay or if it a game did go into extra innings, we would not be breaking an ordinance going past 10 p.m. We we don't have any desire to schedule games all night long or anything like that, but we wanted to just clean it up while we're cleaning it up. And then the last portion, uh, item C, uh, pertains to the open air vending. Um, the, uh, currently, again, since this is a third-party endeavor, it would not allow for them to have a any kind of vending at their event, right? Um, and so what this does is it will allow uh an event coordinator or organizer to come in uh and then have merchandise for sale at their event, right? Uh so at the end of a run or at the end or at a baseball game, they can sell hats or shirts or merchandise or whatever, right? Um and

um and so all three of these kind of components are really just if you're taking a a big picture look at it, it's just allowing a third party to come in, utilize a space for the event only. And the the beauty of it is that it's not sticking around forever. If if we have a an event that utilizes alcohol or merchandise sales or anything at Jingus Park, it's only during their event. Once their event ends, the alcohol policy goes with them. The vending policy goes with them. It does not open the door for pop-up vendors at random parks or alcohol sales or anything like that. So, uh we made it important to note that everything that we are talking about has to be tied to a tourism initiative and and the expectation is that they be rolled in together, right? Um, our hope with doing all this is that it makes Baytown a more desirable destination for larger thirdparty uh event organizers to bring events uh like marathons or this collegiate baseball or any of this kind of stuff to Baytown to give people something to do. Right. Uh, with all that said, I have Cal Fry here uh, and I'll be happy to answer any questions. Uh, again, we took this to parks board a few different times and uh, both the uh, parks board and parks recreation team uh, um, uh, recommend approval. Thanks. Thank you. Any questions or comments? Yes, sir.

I got a couple of comments. Cliff, I appreciate the effort y'all done on this and with legal and everything. And and I like it overall. You know, you mentioned in your presentation several times, Jenin Parks, you know, baseball league, that type of stuff, but this could apply to other events occurring at other parks. Correct. Correct.

Okay. A lot of our parks have neighborhoods that back up to them. I appreciate the fact that the hours would be contingent on whatever the third party event is based on, but we also need to be very respectful of the neighborhoods that are close to some of these parks. If it's at Jenkins or some of the larger parks, houses are further away, but it could be somebody could do an event at a smaller park that has residential close to it. We need to be pretty respectful of the timing issues. that that would be a concern for me. But overall, I like I like what y'all have done. I think it's a good step forward. We just as we move forward and actually implement it, we need to be conscious that if something like that happens, y'all you'll get a hold of it pretty quick.

Yes, sir. And and all of that we hope uh that would be vetted out during the process of booking and and organizing this that we could steer them away from something like that. We try to be the best neighbor that anybody in Baytown can have and uh and so yeah, we'll take that into account and a lot of our facilities that have bigger stadium lights are bigger parks. A lot of our smaller parks couldn't even host Yeah. a lot of nighttime activities. But I appreciate the point. Good talk.

Yes. several several years ago. Um, I know alcohol uh came up when a a group was trying to bring in like wine for one of their events and um and we thought about, you know, what that could be for some of our neighboring parks as well and adding that there. And at the time it wasn't really um I felt I know I was against that one that that time because I don't think it was as well out well thought out as I thought it could be. Um, but I'm happy with this one. I have no issues with people drinking. I I just thought for a city facility, um, that's not something that I think we should be opening up our doors to. But when it comes to outdoor sports, we know that that's a trend. Um, and so in order for us to be able to compete um, with other communities to bring some of these large events in, and as long as it's well handled, then I have no issues with it. But I do see this one much more thought out and and you know planned and so I really appreciate that. Thank you.

Anyone else? I just want to echo to thank you to you that actually heard council and implemented some of those address some of those issues with who's responsible and the liability. I think ultimately it could have a a positive effect on, you know, tourism bringing it into town and really creative idea to have this collegiate ball team, you know, pay into this without any any expenditures coming out from the city. So, uh, just really good job taking time and and pinning forth an ordinance that that, uh, I think it's pretty solid. So, thank you.

Yes, sir. And thank you, Cliff. and um tell the parks board we really appreciate the effort that was put forth and staff also Kyle. Uh so now I need a motion. Motion to approve items 5 A through C. Second. Good deal. Any opposed? No. So many seconds got me discombobulated. All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carries. Y'all were excited about that alcohol, huh? Just saying. Just saying. 6 A has been pushed at the request of the applicant. Um we will revisit that on April the 9th. On to 6B. Consider a resolution nominating Cvestro LLC to the Governor's Office of Economic Development for designation as a qualified business in an enterprise project of the Texas Enterprise Zone Program.

Just making sure there's Mr. Moran.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Brian Moran, Economic Development. Um the resolution uh tonight before you proposes Cvestro for an additional uh enterprise zone designation. Um this is a state level competitive program that's managed by the governor's office. It provides incentives through a state sales and use tax rebate and does not have an impact on the city's revenues nor is the city providing any type of local incentives um for this specific project. Um, as you may recall, the previous nomination in November of 2025, uh, focused broadly on general infrastructure and production capacity. The proposal tonight and the project represents a separate and additional 250 million at their facility. Uh, this phase specifically targets voluntary safety and environmental modernization. The investment will be used for capital improvements to modernize their machinery, including upgrades for their analyzers and performing critical maintenance on electrolyers, specifically um reging. These efforts are designed to improve efficiency and production while reducing overall environmental impacts. Uh this project is scheduled to run uh beginning June 2026 through June of 2031. The economic impacts and benefits of this project include retaining approximately 490 employees and the creation of 10 new time positions. As part of the program requirements, um Cabestro has committed to recruiting their employees and the new hires um through this project. um as residents of the enterprise zone, veterans or environmentally or excuse me, economically disadvantaged individuals. We do have Mr. Baker who's here with Cathstro this evening to

answer any technical questions that you might have about the project or the um positions that are being created. Questions or comments? I mean speak if he has any comments. Nothing nothing really to add. Okay. I didn't realize he was here to speak on behalf of us. But uh but it is separate from the the nominee nomination that you passed last year. So I think that's why they asked me to come to make sure there wasn't any concerns or misunderstanding. Okay. Well, I I do have one thing. Uh

oh. um is I just want this to be highlighted when we talked about the hiring of people in the zone. Can you elaborate on that? So, uh we use a process technology program through Lee College where we bring in folks that are going to school for the process technology program and that's how we hire operations pool. Uh we also recruit locally from other colleges and Sanjack and stuff to promote within the state of Texas. Most of our technical engineering and that kind of stuff come from those areas. That's awesome. Awesome. Good deal. Well, I need a motion. Second. All in favor? I.

Any oppose? Motion carries. Thank you.

7A. Discuss and take possible action regarding the capital improvement plan committee and finance committee. Um, I've given a lot of thought to this since last year actually. And what I would like to do is for finance, I'd like to appoint Laura as chair, Sarah and Mr. James Franco, and for CIP, I would like to appoint Ken as chair with Mike and Jacob serving with him. Any questions or comments? I have comment, Mr. Mayor.

Yes, sir. Uh, last year when you brought this up, we pushed back a little bit from the committees and and I appreciate your tolerance with that,

but we were right in the middle of of the general obligation bond planning and and as I stated then and I'll state now, I thought it was very important that we kept those two committees whole and solid at that time. We're past that now. It it actually is good timing for for you to make some some adjustments, but I'll support your your adjustments uh at this time, but I do appreciate you having the tolerance to stick with us so that we could get through that bond process with this two sta very stable and hardworking committees. Um so, but I do appreciate that. Um and and and I have no opposition to your modifying the the committees at this time. Well, I appreciate that and I wouldn't say it was tolerance. Um, I've told people that there's a lot of times when we come to this dis and we have our mindset, but the only time we can speak to everyone is in a public meeting. And after hearing from everyone, some things make more sense when you can hear from everyone because I'm not going to think like everyone up here. and I can appreciate the comments, the concerns, and the um judgment of all of our council members. So, thank you for that. You had something?

Yeah, I mean, again, kind of echo my my colleagues comments. Uh I just ask that I know we just got through doing one CIP meeting. Um, I guess we can kind of finalize that term and go one more finance meeting because I don't want to have any issues where we already, you know, me and Sarah already discussed something in city IP and now we're going to go discuss it in in finance where there might be any type of issues with quorum or anything on that part. No, I don't think it will be. I think it'll be it should be okay. Mr. Okay. I'm sorry. Yeah, we just could repeat question.

We had just finished our CIP meeting where we went over the projects that they proposed for 27 through 30 and the finance committee has hasn't gone to the finance committee yet. So, let's move into CIP. Me and Sarah moving from CIP to finance. Would that cause any issues with quorum or anything? Or do we need to go one more term where the current finance hears those and then moves forward? Uh, I would say it probably creates no uh legal conflict or or issue, but you could certainly uh continue until the following meeting as a just in case, but I I don't think there is a hard and fast rule in the situation.

Thank you. I think if I may add, mayor, all shared with all of us at least what y'all had worked on and so we've already seen those. So I I don't think it'll be a major issue. I just wanted to make sure there was no Yeah, it it was a good question. Yeah, definitely a good question because generally that's kind of how key try to keep it apart where one sees it. That way it's you know two separate. Yeah.

Okay. Anything? Anyone else? Yeah, I just want to thank you for the opportunity to serve on another committee, the CIP, and actually chair it. Um, looking forward to uh working with one of the colleagues on that that committee and and looking over those CIP projects and getting something out meaningful for our constituents. Uh to council Leser's point, you know, last year at this time was probably not the best time to make such a change and um if we're going to do something like this, this is probably the most optimal time to make such a such a change. So anyway, uh thank you for the opportunity and I'm looking forward to serving.

Yes, sir. I need a motion. Motion to approve item 7A. Second. Second. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Motion carries. On to 7A, I mean 7B, discuss and take possible action regarding the city of Baytown mayor proel. So, we've discussed at the retreat going back to the rotation. We decided not to do that. We also discussed um doing six months and we decided to stick with it for a year. And so we're going to follow the same procedure we did last year where we can take nominations and then we're going to vote on them going forward. So do we have any any nominations for mayor prom?

I'll go ahead and make a nomination that we just keep Jacob as mayor prom and move forward. I think everything's gone pretty smooth. Um again I like the current process. I have concerns about the former process, but we've had those discussions. So, at this point, it's pretty pretty stable. Uh you've made a couple of changes with the the other two committees, so at some point in time, we stability counts. So, that would be my nomination.

Okay. Uh I want to nominate myself for this. Um, I think moving forward, you know, with you guys being in an election year, we're talking about stability. I know we've made some of decisions in forming committees based on being in an election year. So, to look at those who may not be facing an election this year, uh, in the spirit of stability might be a good way to go. So, I was like to nominate myself for that. Maybe I'm rolling my dice. I'm already carrying a committee, but I think I'm something I'm ready for. Served three years on council. Uh reelected dually by my people who trust that I could do the job. So, uh I'm nominating myself.

Okay. Mayor.

Yes, ma'am. Um I can certainly understand um the need for stability but at the same time even in the old roles each one of us are qualified to serve. Um in the past we also had a choice whether we wanted to take the appointment or not and then it would skip to the other person. Um, and so I I would like a change and not anything in, you know, I I think Jacob's done a great job. He's, you know, been on council um for a while and, you know, overall he represents the city well. Um, I I think for me, uh, I would like to, uh, nominate myself. Um, you know, being on council now for 10 years, I've pretty much held every committee, um, that we've had, um, on council. Um, I would have no problem. You know, I I know we did stop the the rotation, but if at any point we want to bring that back, I mentioned it during the retreat that I would be okay staying a year and rotating it for a year. Um, but if the choice is to stop the rotation, uh, keep it a year. Um, I I don't think the, um, the point of someone's campaigning, uh, because we've never set up that guideline. I don't think that it would be fair to instill that tonight. uh possibly in some other committees, but for this one um I I wouldn't put a campaign season on as qualifications whether you can serve or not, but I think for myself, I would like to nominate myself.

Okay. So what we decided to do a year ago is when we have multiple nominations, we would vote on them and if there's a tie between two, we would do a final vote to determine between the two. Am I correct? Believe this. That's and same thing happened last year. So we're going to take the same approach this year. Okay. So your nomination was for Jacob. Jacob. We're going to take that vote first and then we're gonna go Ken and then we'll go Laura. Okay.

We'll do a show of hands. Now, before we do this, what I'm going to say is that um I served on council when we had the rotation and we did have people that skipped because for whatever reason they decided they didn't want to participate. as mayor pro Tim if they had things going on with family they didn't think they could fulfill the role and um even this last time right before I came on we had someone that said that they didn't think they had been here long enough to serve in that role now personally the way I what I feel Jacob has been here a long time excellent job I do think that we all can have an opportunity so that we all can get that that under our feet. We can we can experience it. Uh I can tell you this, I don't plan I plan to attend everything that I can attend. And um if I'm ever able not to attend, I will most definitely let someone know. Well, let Mayor Prom know so that they can step in. And Jacob, you stepped in wonderfully. You reminded me for a Lee College event.

It was Yeah. So I appreciate that. But I am in favor of giving other people an opportunity. Um if we wanted people to serve a longer time, we could do two years. I mean that's for us as a council to decide, right? So all and Oh, you have something? Yes, sir. Go ahead. I just kind of wanted to clarify. I believe that this is that the term is continuing because when we were up for a vote because I think when we discussed it last year it was supposed to be voted on right after the election the election no the election I believe this actually only finalizes the term to the end of this year that correct he was a hold over

yeah it was a hold over because we were come we were supposed to to to vote on it but we didn't so we extended it so this actually doesn't go for the next mayor pro Tim vote won't be this this time next year it will be actually earlier coming further. I just wanted to make sure. Yeah, it would be. Yeah, that's true. Will you go over how we're voting again?

Since we had a nomination for Jacob in that order, we're going to vote in the order that the nomin nominations were given. So, we're going to vote whoever would be in favor of Jacob. Show of hands is the same way we did it last year. Whoever is in favor of Ken, whoever is in favor of Laura, if we have a tie between any two, those two, we will vote between those two again. And we're going to do it by a show of hands.

That's good. Yeah, that I'm just following what we did last year. This that's how we did it last year because I think we had three nominations last year. If I do remember correctly, collect three long issues.

Yeah. So, same thing like we did last year. So, all in favor of Jacob being Mayor Pro Tim by a show of hands, raise your hand. A good good deal. All in favor of Ken being Mayor Pro Tim by a show of hands, raise your hand. All in favor of Laura being Mayor Pro Tim by a show of hands, raise your hand. So, we have a tie going to come down between Jacob and Laura. All in favor of Jacob being Mayor Pro Tim, raise your hand. All in favor of Laura being Mayor Pro Tim, raise your hand. So Laura is going to be our mayor prom. The term ends. Can we Can we um get a date for the end of that term?

I'll get it for you. Okay. Thank you. Um, so Jacob, thank you. Yes, sir. Mayor, I believe, and maybe Angie can can find it while we're talking. I believe the term uh ends at the first meeting after an election, right? Really, a runoff. If there's a runoff, then we would have to wait for the runoff, right? Okay. Okay. So, general election, not not midterms. Yes. So that would be in November then the first meeting the first meeting that we have in November. I think it wasn't necessarily after the election. It was after after the swearing in swearing. Yeah. Canvasing and swearing in. Yeah.

We did like January or something in December. Yeah. Okay. The first full meeting first meeting after so the election is confirmed and then the mayor proton is elected after that. We we do have that in the either in a resolution or uh in the the rules. So there is a a set time frame for this to happen. I don't I can't say it's uh end of December, beginning of January, but somewhere in that general vicinity.

Good deal. So thank you, Jacob. Um, congratulations Laura. Thank you. We are moving on to consent agenda. We are going to pull item 8 C. Mayor, I'm I'm requesting that we pull that just so that we can discuss it out loud. This this is something where

we get comments all the time that, you know, we don't listen, we don't listen, we don't listen. And this is where staff actually listened to to the citizens and have done an extraordinary job of reaching out and looking at some potential grants to offset our actual costs for several projects. And and as I've told our city manager in the past, cities in general are the worst at talking about how hard and good things that they work on. And this is an example of some really good opportunities. Staff has worked hard on it. and I just thought it's just a good opportunity to expound on that a little bit. So that's that's why I pulled it. So I'll turn it over to to the city manager, Mr. Reynolds. And

yeah, mayor, council, citizens, um that the HC is an item u with Harris County Precinct 2. We are very fortunate that this council does have a very good relationship with precinct 2. Um and uh Commissioner Garcia has done a really good job supporting a lot of the projects in Baytown and um we we continue to find success with this grant process and we want y'all to know that we do hear what you're asking for and uh specifically with this grant, we are reaching out uh $51 million in total for the grant across four projects. 26 million in grant money and 21 million in matching money. And the 21 million in matching money is actually the bonds that the city passed already. And so, uh, the bonds that the city passed are the first piece of the extra, uh, development in these four bonds. One of those, uh, grant pieces is the continuation of the Jenkins Trail overpass. Uh so the citizens voted on the uh design element for the Jenkins uh uh Jenkins Park railroad overpass and this is a grant request for the actual construction of that project. We then have fire station 4. Fire station 4 was passed by the voters uh for the design and land acquisition of roughly $4 million. We are requesting approximately 12 million for the construction of fire station 4 as well. And so this would be continuation of those pieces. And the good thing here are the the last one is uh or the last two are streets. Um my goodness and I'm drawing a blank on the absolute um uh oh marina and the marina um uh streets continuation of the street projects that were passed in the bond and then the uh the the marina uh which is in part of the strategic plan. Uh and that one's specifically for David Isaac because I got a ribbon from him uh last

week on the strategic plan. But uh that is those four things were pieces that the citizens had asked for and we are trying to to put those things in the grant process because this will forgo us from having to issue future debt for those projects uh that the citizens already voted on. So it was it was intentional is the bottom line.

Yeah. Yeah. And this is not the first time that we've had that a grant kick in to save us money is what I'm going to say. And so I'm I'm going to say thank you to staff for doing your due diligence and going out finding these opportunities for us because if it wasn't for staff going out looking for these opportunities. We couldn't brag about this right now. And Mike, thank you for wanting to pull this item to discuss it in a positive way. And again, staff listens to us. They work hard.

If you've ever been part of an organization that's gone out for a grant, Laura's been involved. It's not easy. And there is a lot of effort and work that goes into obtaining grants. And here the city's looking at getting potentially $21 million plus in grant funding to to offset $51 million worth of projects. Uh so that's tremendous. Um, sometimes when you get the grant, you think, "Oh, what did I do?" Because of all the the ties and and the hurdles you got to go through, but it's well worth the time and effort. So, again, as I always push, Mr. Reynolds, when we have these good things and we hide them in consent, um, we need to pull them out every now and then and and let folks know that, yeah, we're working hard behind the closed doors.

Yeah. So, yeah. Thank you. Appreciate it, mayor. So, I need a motion. Move to approve HC. Second. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion carries. We're going to go back up to the mayor prom. And I'm going to ask, did we got the motion? We got the second. Did we get the con the vote? We had the four hands or Yeah. So, do I have to go through all that again? No, sir. the the hand vote is official and in fact at this point we can't even revisit it because you've already gone to another item.

Okay. But the the hand vote is an official vote and it's been tallied and and uh written down by the city clerk. Okay. I just wanted to be sure. Duly recorded. Okay. Um we need to do the other consent. Yes, we do. Yeah. Yeah. So now we need the other consent agenda items. Move to approve items 8A through Iing. Second. All in favor? I. Any oppose?

Motion carries. Consider 9A. consider a resolution authorizing the appointment of the city of Baytown's local health authority. Um, after many years of service, local health authority, Dr. James Bernick has indicated that he will no longer be serving in this role. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service. And Dr. Neil Gandhi Gandhi, a licensed physician, has expressed interest in serving as the city's local health authority and is being considered for appointment. If appointed, Mr. Gandes will serve a year of two terms. Um, is Mr. Mr. Cochran here?

A term of two years. Two years. I'm sorry. I said two terms, didn't I? Yeah, a year of two terms. A year. Yeah. I'm I'm so sorry. Sean Cochran, interim health director. I take just a moment and introduce myself. Some of you know me, some of you don't. So, thank you for the opportunity to come and speak tonight. So, um this is um an annual agreement that we go through and this is part of normal business. Dr. Bernick has served since 1998. Yes. And what a wonderful, wonderful relationship we had with him.

Um really happy to uh explain that Dr. Gandhi is our fire and EMS medical director and so he has a long-standing relationship with us and so I'm glad to have him in this role. He's offered to step up and do that and that will just add a lot of continuity across the organization when it comes to this role. So looking forward to having him on board. So just for the purpose of everyone understanding this role, can you give a little educate us a little bit on what is required in this role expectations?

Sure. So he will be our official advisor to the health department when it comes to things that affect our community as a whole in relation to public and environmental health. Um things that are uh detrimental to our citizens, keeping us safe. Um, it's a it's a great back and forth between us and the medical community and him being on the Methodist staff, uh, having a local participation here as our EMS director and, uh, the EMS services coordinator for the hospital. It's a great relationship. Good deal. Yes, ma'am.

I I know you've clarified his relationship with the the fire and EMS and with Methodist, but Dr. Bernick um was part of our community and and had a lot of relationships with with families and and things like so with with Dr. Gandhi because I'm not familiar with him. Does he have an established practice here or does he just come in and work shifts at Baytown Houston Methodist or does he have other forms of relationships outside the ones that you've mentioned in our community? My understanding is is that he is a senior member of the emergency staff at Baytown Methodist. All right. He oversees the the emergency medical department. Thank you very much. Okay. Anything else?

I got a couple of comments. Um my colleague brought up a good point. It's one of the things I visited with u city manager Mr. Reynolds about. Typically your local health authorities have some real close ties to the community. That's why they're the local health authority.

Um I understand that he's Dr. Gandhi is our EMS coordinator or and everything and that's great but it doesn't have the same connection. U I think it's wonderful if he's on the senior staff here at Methodist. Uh he he has a commitment to the community. So that's I'm I'm okay with that. You know, Dr. Bernick serving for close to 30 years as our local health authority. Ho hopefully we're going to do something more than just a little letter of thanks. Yeah, maybe a proclamation from the mayor or something kind of nice. Uh Dr. Bernick was a unique individual.

Uh he was his primary focus was geriatric care. Most people don't know that that he has several degrees and he is an attorney. Uh so I've talked about him in the past. He was a he is a great individual and when I saw that he was stepping down, it didn't surprise me. Um he's probably just going to get more active somewhere else. Really hate to see him go. really hate to see. So, but I look forward to to working with the the the new local health authority and have hopefully we'll have him for 15 or 20 years as well. So, yeah. Excellent. Thank you. Okay, I need a motion. Motion to approve item 9A. Second. Second.

All in favor? Any oppose? Motion carries. We are now on to 10 managers report. Mr. Jason Reynolds. Um, Mayor and Council, I'd like to begin by highlighting the parks team for hosting their first uh safety rodeo. Employees participated in hands-on training with trucks, trailers, forklifts, and other equipment to strengthen workplace safety. The event also completed the requirements for the department to earn the road ready certification from the TML uh risk pool. Congrats to the team on this great accomplishment. And is there a reason Leonard Graham's name is not in this update? No, he's in it now.

Must be a scribbers error or whatever.

Uh, I'd also like to recognize our finance department for sever several accomplishments. Uh, the national GFO awards. The city received the distinguished budget presentation award for the FY2526 budget book and the certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting for FY24 annual comprehensive financial report. This marks the 33rd year the city has earned these recognitions. So, great job y'all for keeping that alive and and the work that you do. Uh, this month also the the finance department celebrates National Procurement Month and Government Finance Professionals Week honoring the finance team and city department whose hard work ensure compliance and supports the delivery of services to our community. So, thank you to everything you do. Um, we recently received a shout out for public works prompt response or repairing a sidewalk affected by a utility repair, completing the work within 24 hours of the report. So, thank you for your quick action and keep up the great work. Sharon, if pass it on, please. Um, a big congrats Al Alejandra Moss from public works for being featured in the national magazine for the American Public Works Association. So, great job. That's pretty fantastic to be in a national magazine. Thank good stuff. Uh Cliff talked a little bit earlier about what the tourism department is doing and I have a few other things that I kind of want to uh highlight. Um Baytown will host the three uh the three verse three kick soccer tournament on Saturday, June 13th, 2026 at the Baytown soccer complex. The all-day event is expected to attract at least 60 teams. Held alongside FIFA World Cup activities in Houston, the tournament invites visitors to explore Baytown and nearby attractions. So, a big thanks to our sports tourism coordinator, Donna, uh, and everyone who helped make this event possible. Uh, they have hit the ground running. I, Mayor, I believe you were somewhat involved with one of these, uh, kick it off programs as well, and the tourism team has really done a heck of a job getting more and more uh, youth

activities uh, to Baytown with our complexes that we have. Um, in addition to that, Lee College is hosting its second annual junior college basketball tournament uh this week with 16 out of town teams staying in the Baytown hotels. Our tourism team is collaborating with the athletic directors to support future tournaments including a regional volleyball event planned for November. So, uh, and finally with the tour with the parks and wreck and tourism department, they've partnered with Houston Dynamo Football Club as an official youth soccer partner, strengthening Baytown's presence in the greater Houston soccer community. Participants in Baytown's fall 2026 youth soccer program will be recognized on the field during the October 17th Texas Derby between Houston Dynamo Football Club and Football Club Dallas. Uh the partnership also opens the door for future collaborations including appearances, community engagement and participation in events such as Baytown's July 4th celebration and Greo Fest. So they are doing quite a bit to to get teams out here right now. Um I don't see it on here. Um but I do want to give another shout out to the finance department uh for the work that they are doing with the transparency stars. They they have been knocking it out uh updating our city's website. They've recently earned an additional star um and uh making trying to get all of the stars that they possibly can to be as transparent as the city possibly can with all of our all of our finances. They have um completely changed the way they operate in in in a more productive, efficient, and uh transparent manner at the finance department. And big kudos to what y'all are doing. So, thank you. That's all I have. Mayor and counsel.

I got a quick question. Can we go back to the slide with the events for finance week? Thursday, play finance bingo citywide. Are they hiding Mario coins across the city or something? I can't answer that. I can call Teresa up if you want to ask her directly. Don't go hit your head on bricks.

It says citywide. So, is everyone in the city welcome to participate? And what is it? Yes. Um, we're going to have we're going to play finance bingo in the city council chambers at 12:30. From 12:30 to 1. Oh, we invited like bingo. You can come. Okay. And if you win, your water bill's paid or something. No, no, no. This is going to be full.

Very nice. Very nice. And then I just want to comment on the FIFA. Um I did go to an event a couple of weeks ago on a Friday where there were a lot FIFA is actually partnering with some programs around the city of Houston and we are the farthest partner uh the the Baytown soccer complex with the Saints. You you look at the map, you see all these clusters and then you look way to the right and what do you see? you see Baytown and all the commissioners that were there and Houston Sports Authority and even the president of the Dynamo and Dash mentioned Baytown specifically and that was something I I consider that a big deal and I felt it's an honor that they chose not to just stay within the confines of Houston but they saw an opportunity to come to Baytown and they're investing to try to double the soccer partition participation here in Baytown. That's that's going to be wonderful for us. Yes, ma'am.

And if I may, mayor, um the Baytown Saints have actually been working on that for quite a while. Um and so it it's a fruit of their labor as well to to have them in Baytown. So, yeah.

Yeah. Excellent. Now, we were on to Council Member James Franco for his District 4 report. District four, District 4 uh report. So, right now, uh we continue to see new business development in the following in in B in district 4 and there's been a lot of new restaurants, little things coming. We're seeing the the district north Maine, which is the office uh warehouse on 57 5278 North Main. Um Baytown Boat and RV self storage on 4500 Main Street. Uh Houston Methodist uh is doing the remodel of their Gar Road location. Uh Roselina's Restaurant on I 10 is coming. Uh Texas Heart Center remodel on 1510 I 10. Uh the Gross Business Park on 7204 I 10. Uh the Cottage Green Multif Family Development Hunting Road is coming. That's that's a great development up here that they're actually also going to expand and possibly come to more do another development center in Baytown. So please go out there. That's a very nice development. Uh Baytown Vetinarian Hospital on 5360 I 10 right there next to the Honda dealership. That's it's moving fast. So, we're we're we're glad to see that one's going to open. And I believe it's going to be possibly a 24-hour in time.

Yeah. Emergency clinic. So, that's going to be great for the for for for the district and for the city in Baytown. Um we also have right now the Roma Italian that's opened up right there next where the old uh rest of the Papa John's right there on Gar Road and right next to it also is Locina the Lulu. Both of those have opened up and uh both of those are should be having the grand opening here pretty soon. um on that part. Please go buy a state go try their food at all the restaurants because everybody's asking for new restaurants in Baytown and I'm going tell you right now I've tried all three of these and they're good. I I I still I'm still going to go to Antonio's. Don't me wrong. I'm not going to split my time between both them and Roma, but it is very good Italian food there. And Locina, it keeps me from going. Sorry, I don't get to go to District 2 as much and get my tacos because now I have it closer to me. But

you were there today?

I was there today. Yes, I was. I did get from him over there, but they're they're good over there, too. Um, and he's he's interested actually in maybe potentially I talked to him this weekend and he may be looking to move something also near 146. So I told him there's there's some development going over there. Both them and Roma are thinking about partnering up because they've both had so much success there. Maybe doing another development similar off of 146. Uh on our sports complexes uh adults the softball leagues are ripening up with they got 26 teams across two nights drawing 400 plus participants and spectators weekly weekly. Uh the first 20 20 2026 adult kickball league is now registering. Uh and the senior softball league starts March 16th. Uh they should have some orthopedic surgeons there because they will see some blown out knees and some broken an broken legs and twisted ankles.

I'm just saying if I'm if I'm getting kickball or senior softball, I'm hurting myself. Uh tournament days at the Wayne Grey Sports Complex average 30 teams uh 500 participants. Uh the site is active six days a week with rentals le uh leagues from UTSA tournaments and Montro Montro softball spring season. Uh their opening day saw 400 participants and spectators alongside vendors like Pirates Bay and Sugarland Space Cowboys. We also saw Little League had their o their opening ceremonies a couple of weeks ago. I I went by there and watched it. They have a lot of teams participating. I believe up to 40 I think they have 48 teams also using district 5's Jenkins Park for their senior league. Um Pirates Bay Water Park uh there is preparing for the 2026 season. They're recruiting marketing uh and facility readiness is underway included seasonal staff outreach in Baytown area high schools and house and hosting Baytown's first polar plunge on February 20th. That might be pretty cold around February 20th next year. Um just that's usually really usually the coldest week of the year. Uh season pass sales uh remain strong with almost 20 a little over 2400 passes sold so far and about 56% of the total 2025 season sales. And that's all I have for district 4 right now.

Yeah, talked about that right there with the with the uh softball tournaments. Okay. Well, we will now thank you for that. We are going Well, you know what? One other thing. I got to keep my word. Um, gonna talk about the library events real quick. Um, if you haven't heard, we've had a council member that finally finally finally got his library card and he lost. He was the last council member to get his library card because I had mine and then But I'm not the last. Who else? I have one. Oh, I guess I'm the last.

I just said I had a book that was out and turned back. There got one. I I want to I want to thank the the library staff before you say anything else for not being judgmental when I showed up and really being discreet about getting my library card. But go ahead. Well, well, I have an issue because they were judgmental with me and they were not discreet. They were pulling people from the back to come see that the mayor didn't have his and made me take pictures. Yeah. So, we

And if I may, as we're talking about the library, I I love that y'all got your library cards. Um, but they held an amazing event this past week and which was the library the night at the library instead of kind of like the night of the museum and it was very very good. Took us through lots of history. I know council member Graham is going to be excited to do something um about that and um something that came up from that and uh I just encourage it's it's done once a year and I just encourage y'all to to go the next time. I had a lot of fun. Um but one of the things that they did mention is a lot of people wanted to go. They just didn't have that opportunity to. And so if we have a moment when it comes up again, it could be in our new state-of-the-art library um for us to all go and and kind of support our our library. So

join. Did you go? Oh, I didn't see you. Okay. I'm glad that you went. Yeah, that was good. So what we have Friday, March 13th. That's tomorrow. Friday the 13th. It is. Oh, wow. I'm staying home.

Okay. Friday Morning Book Club will join other readers to talk about this month's book pick. I'd like to know what it is. Friday the 13th at 11:30 a.m. Adult coloring. That sounds fun. Come de-stress with some calm coloring. Saturday, March 14th at 10:00 a.m. The classic book club discuss a lit literary classic you should have read in school but didn't. March 16th at 5:00 PM, Tween Story Explorers. This month, Explore Japan ABCs. I see it woke someone up in the crowd by Sarah Hyman. Join us for a fun buddy read. Learn cool facts about Japan and create a themed craft inspired by what we discover. Tuesday, March 17th at 6 PM, Teen Game Night, Pokemon Dice Battle. Wednesday, March 18th at 5:30 p.m., kids craft night, Lucky Charms necklaces. Are those are going to be edible? We don't know. Okay, I'm show up to find out. Thursday, March 19th at 5:30, diamond art cross keychains. Tuesday, March 24th at 6 PM. Teen 3D printed dumpster friend. I'm thinking about a Cabbage Pale Kid for some reason.

Yeah. Wednesday, March 25th at 5:00 PM virtual reality night. I think I may try to show up to two or three of these. Um especially the Lucky Charms necklace. That may be something you could wear and snack on throughout the day, actually. Yes,

ma'am. You know, I appreciate you bringing up the library when we have our meetings, but I I had an aha moment with with our library um earlier this week. So, being on spring break, my daughter took my grandson to baby time. And um I was just we've had a lot of feedback with the community about how important our library is and we want to sustain it as we we go through some of these some of this change that's happening on this side of town. And I I just want you to know this after I share the story in a few seconds that this library really is just woven into so many important moments. So my daughter has uh my grandson who I call Boogie at the library and she sends us a video. He I'll argue took his first steps at the library this past week. She says it was just a longstanding moment, but I saw the foot lift up and you know there was a but you know there at our at our beautiful library at baby time my my grandchild

took his first step. Kind of look like it to me. So but but the library is very important. There's so many moments that have happened there over the past uh what are we at 60 years I think with that library. It's been there since the 60s 40. It's old. It's old. So, but that's just one of many moments in so many families, right, that take place there. So, it's it's an important place in the community. Yeah. And we're glad Ken finally got the card. 60 years was nothing, right?

Now, we're not imagining that. So now we will um recess into executive con recess into and convene an executive session pursuant to Texas government code sections 551.087 087 to deliberate regarding economic development negotiations.

I now reconvene on our open meeting of the Baytown City Council at 8:40 p.m. and announce that in accordance with section 551.0102 of the Texas Government Code, no action was taken in executive session. Having exhausted everything on this agenda, I now adjourn this meeting at 8:40 Hell.