City of Houston City Council met July 27.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the Houston City Council was held at 2:00 p.m., with Mayor Sylvester Turner presiding with Council Members Amy Peck, Tarsha Jackson, Abbie Kamin, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Dave Martin, Tiffany Thomas, Greg Travis, Karla Cisneros, Edward Pollard, Martha Castex-Tatum, David W. Robinson, Michael Kubosh, Letitia Plummer and Sallie Alcorn; Randy Zamora, Legal Department, and Marta Crinejo, Agenda Director, present. Council Members Robert Gallegos and Mike Knox absent on personal business.
At 1:50 p.m., Mayor Turner called the meeting to order and recognized Council Member Plummer for a proclamation.
Council Member Plummer presented a proclamation to the Major Taylor Houston Cycling Club in honor of on American Bicycle Racer, Marshall Walter Taylor. He was the world’s first black sports superstar World Cycling Champion in 1889. Accepting the proclamation were members of the Major Taylor Houston Cycling Club.
Mayor Turner recognized Council Member Martin (on behalf of Council Member Gallegos) for the Invocation after which he led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Robert Gallegos and Mike Knox absent on personal business.
Council Member Castex-Tatum moved to adopt the minutes for July 13–14, 2021 and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. Council Members Thomas and Pollard absent.
MOTION ADOPTED
Due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, this meeting will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams, a web-conferencing platform and streamed as usual on the City’s website (https://www.houstontx.gov/htv/index.html).
Facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/pg/HoustonTelevision/videos/) and the municipal channel on public television. The Council Members will be participating by videoconference in accordance with the provisions of Section 551.127 of the Texas Government Code that have not been suspended by order of the Governor. Public comment will be allowed on Tuesday via teleconference at (936) 755-1521; Conference ID# 190 221 904# and details for signing up and participating are posted at https://www.houstontx.gov/council/meetingsinfo.html. Members of the public may call in Wednesday via teleconference at (936) 755-1521; Conference ID# 749 951 87#, however no public comment will be allowed.
Mayor Turner stated that he wanted to review some of the procedures for conducting the Virtual Public Session. He is requesting for Council Members to speak slowly and clearly because this will help the City Secretary, the Closed Captioner and the General Public. After roll call, they established there was a quorum. If by chance, for example, they have to leave, just let them know on the chat screen if they are leaving temporarily or if they are leaving for the duration because otherwise, they will assume that Council Members are present. If they are making the motion or seconding a motion, they will need to state their name and their action clearly so they can have it down for the record. The Agenda Director will be monitoring the chat and will provide him their names. Please don’t use the chat room just for chatting. Please mute themselves when they are not speaking and unmute themselves when they are recognized to speak. For the general public, in order to be recognized as a public speaker, they have to sign up for the meeting on Monday by 3:00 p.m. in the Office of the City Secretary and then they will call the speakers name in the order that they have signed up. When their name is called, press *6 to unmute themselves. They may only speak when recognized and to please note that if they speak during the meeting and he hasn’t recognized them, he will have to mute and/or remove them off the call.
Mayor Turner recognized Council Member Kamin for a procedural motion. Council Member Kamin moved that the rules be suspended for the purpose of moving John Geiss, James Evans, Kellie Lauren, Andrew Fetzner, Kathryn Evans and Gregg LeGrande to the top of the three minute Non-Agenda list of speakers and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0433 ADOPTED
Mayor Turner recognized Council Member Thomas for a procedural motion. Council Member Thomas moved that the rules be suspended for the purpose of moving Doug Smith to the bottom of the one minute Non-Agenda list of speakers and Seconded by Council Member Alcorn, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0434 ADOPTED
Mayor Turner recognized Council Member Kubosh for a procedural motion. Council Member Kubosh moved that the rules be suspended for the purpose of moving Patrick Lancton after Gregg LeGrande and Seconded by Council Member Peck, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0435 ADOPTED
Mayor Turner recognized Council Member Jackson for a procedural motion. Council Member Jackson moved that the rules be suspended for the purpose of moving Bridgette Murray to the top of the speakers list for two minutes and Seconded by Council Member Alcorn, all voting aye, nays none.
]MOTION 2021-0436 ADOPTED
Mayor Turner stated that because of the number of speakers, it triggers the one minute marker. Everyone has one minute, including the Council Members.
At 2:10 p.m., Mayor Turner requested the City Secretary to call the list of speakers
#2 - AMY DINN – 6724 Silvan Rd – 77023 – 713-501-5070 – Item No. 46 - Municipal Setting Designation/ Univar USA Inc.
#3 - MARY FONTENO – 8743 Ginevere – 77029 – 832-797-6803 - Item No. 46 - Municipal Setting Designation/ Univar USA Inc.
Council Member Jackson stated that she wanted to thank the previous speakers for their leadership in Pleasantville and that she supports them 100%.
#4 - YOLANDO BEO – 2408 Lucas St. – 77026 – 713-673-1716 - Navigation Center on Jensen Dr.
Mayor Turner stated to Ms. Beo that this is going to be a Navigation Center, not a Shelter. For example, there are over 200 homeless people right there in that Fifth Ward area. It‘s a Navigation Center where they meet their needs and then place them someplace else. They deal with their issues, put them in a better position and help provide them with jobs. In addition, there are other things that they are doing for the area.
Council Member Pollard stated to Ms. Beo that he wants her to recognize the difference between a Navigation Center and a Shelter. A Navigation Center is for individuals who are willing to receive help and willing to go somewhere in the interim until they get transitioned into housing with wrap around services, additional counseling and social work. The people that would be utilizing the Navigation Center have been vetted by their team to make sure that they are people who want and are volunteering to go there to get a hand up and not a hand out. This is going to help the homeless situation for the entire city.
#5 - PATRICIA McGLORY – 1810 Benson St. – 77020 – 832-754-7727 - Homeless Navigation Center on Jensen Dr.
Mayor Turner stated to Ms. McGlory that this is a Navigation Center. For example, there are over 200 people who are homeless that are in the Fifth Ward area. This brings them to the Navigation Center. It provides tools that they need in order to be able to stand up on their own feet and go elsewhere for jobs or other living accommodations. This helps to equip them. Otherwise we just have homeless people on the streets. This provides them with the essential services they need. There is a neighborhood jobs training program that is part of this. It will come with enhanced law enforcement. Then they can transition and be any place they want to be in the City of Houston. This is not where they come and stay forever. In addition to this, there are things that the City of Houston should do for the Fifth Ward community as a whole. He told his staff that he is willing to go out there to talk and visit with people as long as he needs to to try and explain what we are trying to do. He knows that there‘s a lot of misinformation out there about this being a shelter and folks are going to be milling and walking around all over the place. There are no walk-ups. He hopes this explanation helps a little bit.
Council Member Jackson thanked him for just explaining this vision for the Nagivation Center. A lot of the community in Fifth Ward are against this. She thinks that it‘s a great program that is needed but she has to support what the people support. When she had conversation with Marc Eichenbaum, they said that they are going to have a clinic for the community, as well as some job training for the surrounding community. She thinks it’s a great idea but just wants to make sure that folks are clear on how it’s going to benefit the community and we won’t have homeless people just hanging around the center.
#6 - TIMOTHY JOHNSON – 1218 Peden St. – 77006 – 713-705-3907 - Homeless Navigation Center on Jensen Dr.
#7 - BOB EURY – 4306 Peckham – 77019 – 713-248-2677 - Homeless Navigation Center on Jensen Dr.
#8 - GWENDOLYN JONES-FIELDS – 3241 Garapan – 77091 – 832-681-0879 – Speed cushions in neighborhood (Yorkdale Subdivision).
Mayor Turner stated to Ms. Jones-Fields that they are looking for funding to get these speed cushion devices put in.
#9 - PATRICK JACKSON – 6535 Nuben St. – 77091 – 713-8222-1149 - Speed cushions in neighborhood (Yorkdale Subdivision).
#10 - VERNA FITZHUGH – 6626 Nubin St. – 77091 – 713-304-8572 - Speed cushions in neighborhood (Yorkdale Subdivision).
LEIGH HAJOVSKY – 508 E. Huvar St – Weimer, TX – 78962 – 832-660-8522 – BARC. NOT PRESENT
EMANUEL GIBSON – 3401 Fannin St. – 77004 – 346-450-4650 – Police misconduct. NOT PRESENT
#12 - CAMIL BOYD – 4925 Mayflower St – 77033 – 713-264-2706 – Homeless Navigation Center on Jensen Dr.
CAROLYN SMITH – 2602 Lorraine St. – 77026 – 832-534-0661 - Homeless Navigation Center on Jensen Dr. NOT PRESENT
#13 - MEG POHODICH – 602 Girard St. – 77007 – 713-221-6262 - Homeless Navigation Center on Jensen Dr.
#14 - THAO COSTIS – 2015 Congress St. – 77002 – 832-566-3727 - Homeless Navigation Center on Jensen Dr.
JULIE FALCON – 1117 Texas Ave. – 77002 – 713-408-0177 - Homeless Navigation Center on Jensen Dr. NOT PRESENT
#15 - LAUREN BALDASSARI – 914 Lester St. – 77007 – 337-309-4995 – Noise violation on Washington Ave.
ERMA JEFFERSON – 6635 Nuben St. – 77091 – 713-443-8623 – Speed cushions (Yorkdale). NOT PRESENT
BASIL SEBASTIEN – 3219 Dalview St. – 77091 – 713-812-0121 – Speed cusion (Yorkdale). NOT PRESENT
#16 - CAROL DAWSON – 3002 Carmel St. – 77091 – 832-439-5253 - Speed cusion (Yorkdale).
Council Member Jackson stated that she wanted to clarify that her office does have an application on file for Yorkdale speed bumps. The issue they have was that they had speed bumps at one point but the speed bumps were removed for street repairs and they were never replaced. They have the application on file where we’re trying to get these speed bumps replaced as soon as possible.
ROSEANNE PETERS – 5102 Berrycreek Dr. – 77017 – 713-542-6187 – BARC. NOT PRESENT
MATTHEW OGU – no address – 713-409-3138 – Reinstatement to be able to work as airport/taxi driver. NOT PRESENT
#24 - IKE UMAR – 2432 Chimney Rock Rd. – 77056 – 305-989-6028 – HPD response time.
#25 - DEBORAH ELAINE ALLEN – 12000 Martin Luther King #2509 – 77048 – 346-260-1574 – Cure for virus and cancer. Spiritualization rising from the dead.
#28 - JOETTA STEVENSON – 1916 Worms St – 77020 – 713-502-7181 – Planned Homeless Navigation Center in Fifth Ward
#26 - WALTER MALLETT – 7129 Lavender St. – 77016 – 281-630-4312 – Navigation Center on Jensen Dr.
#27 - DELORES McGRUDER – 1502 Featherstone St. – 77020 – 346-221-4428 – Homeless Navigation Center.
ERMA MARSHALL – 5415 San Juan – 77020 – 713-647-1915 - Homeless Navigation Center. NOT PRESENT
RITA ROBLES – 7410 Laredo St. – 77020 – 713-410-1504 - Homeless Navigation Center. NOT PRESENT
#30 - CARMEN CAVEZZA – 10226 Wildpoint Ln. – Missouri City, TX – 77459 – 209-403-7505 - Homeless Navigation Center.
#28 - MARY STRAUGHTER – 4218 Stonewall St. – 77020 – 832-620-5732 – Homeless Navigation Center.
#29 - BETTY GREGORY - 6207 Hirsch Rd. – 77026 – 713-993-6426 - Homeless Navigation Center.
#33 - ALVIN BYRD – 2010 Roanwood Dr. – 77090 – 281-914-1950 – Homeless Navigation Center.
#31 - WILLIAM LYONS – 10007 Valley Hills Dr. – 77071 - Homeless Navigation Center.
#32 - MIKE NICHOLS – 2122 Dunston – 77005 – 281-788-3059 - Homeless Navigation Center.
ERIC THOMAS – 5021 Nichols St. – 77020 – 281-610-6286 - Homeless Navigation Center. NOT PRESENT
#34 - STEVEN REICHECK – 1921 Hollister St. – 77080 – 713-806-1555 – Public Works Sign Administration change of Address Form.
#35 - TASHIA ROBINSON – 2706 Meandering Elm Trail – 77045 – 704-674-7274 – Almeda West Orem Community.
#36 - JOSEPH BALLARD – 6302 Rocky Nook Dr. – Humble, Tx – 77396 – 281-850-0388 – City of Houston encroachment.
#37 - SANDRA EDWARDS – 2925 Lavender St. – 77026 – 832-423-6692 – Flood Bond.
#17 - JOHN GEISS – 1836 Lexington St. – 77098 – 713-828-5240 – Fairmont Museum District Apartment Project.
Council Member Kamin stated that Mr. Geiss laid out, along with the next few speakers, multiple issues that the neighborhood has had with this entire process. She wants to thank Council Member Robinson for his involvement in this, which predates her coming into office. He has been instrumental in working with our community. Council Member Kamin stated to Mayor Turner that we will be hearing multiple residents that are going to bring up some issues around flooding, which is very concerning to her as to how all of this came about and somehow it made it through the process with rules changing here and there.
Mayor Turner stated that he is in the process of reviewing all of this. He got a very thick memo on this and this is going back to 2007. As John indicated, things taking place in 2013. There were permits that were obtained prior to changing Chapter 19 and we started to require more detention and some other things. So, there were some permits obtained prior to that time and then when those permits were expiring, we continued those permits or allowed those permits to continue. We are now looking at revisiting this because these permits can remain for some some time, if nothing happens. There are certain codes that we can change and we’re grandfathering things that took place prior to. We are finding ourselves in this situation where the developer obtained permits prior to and we allowed them to continue before expiring. Now we have found ourselves with this particular development being built where there may be concerns with flooding. All of those things he is taking a look at in detail, along with Legal. We are looking at the deed restrictions on what’s allowed and not allowed and all of that is under review. This came to his attention when Council Member Robinson brought to his attention last week.
Council Member Robinson stated that this is a long story and he appreciates the Mayor for taking this so seriously since they spoke last week. This is a matter that has been part of his jurisdiction since he was president of the Super Neighborhood that is Neartown Montrose Super Neighborhood 24. There are newspaper clippings from the local newspaper, a neighborhood component of the Houston Chronicle, that quotes him from 2007 or 2008 saying that along the Richmond Avenue corridor is actually a great place for higher density development. At the time, this project was already pending. Something that he will hear from the other speakers is that there is a long list of vigilance and moments where they have been attempting to work with the developer. In this case, he thinks that the Mayor has done a great job in summarizing what is a long story. He appreciates all of his colleagues for looking into this and for the work of our departments trying to approprivately review the content of this building permit application. 12 stories, which he believes its 350 to 400 units on Woodhead between Richmond and US 59 is an interesting challenge with existing flood concerns that Mr. Geiss laid. It was in his office in the same year as Hurricane Harvey that they met with assurances from the Legal Department and Planning Department that the neighborhood would be notified about that replat and that is what occurred in January. No notification happened in the neighborhood, which was the first domino to fall in recent years, which has triggered the moment that we have come to today with this group of carefully vigilant neighbors trying to protect their deed restricted neighborhood.
#19 - JAMES EVANS – 4415 Woodhead St. – 77098 – 713-826-5031 – Fairmont High Rise/Richwood Place Civic Association.
#18 - KELLIE LAUREN – 1807 Portsmouth St. – 77098 – 713-876-9545 – Fairmont High Rise.
#20 - ANDREW FETZNER – 1803 Portsmouth St. – 77098 – 614-256-8958 – Fairmont High Rise.
#23 - CATHERINE EVANS – 4415 Woodhead St. – 77098 – 713-826-8016 – Fairmont High Rise.
#21 - GREGG LeGRANDE – 2611 Stanford St. – 77006 – 713-598-6291 – Fairmont High Rise.
SIMONE MAYNARD – 3209 Eagle Ridge – Harker Heights, TX – 76548 – 254-368-1420 – BARC. NOT PRESENT
MIKE MURRAY – 10210 Londonderry Dr. – 77043 – 281-788-9854 – BARC/Animal Control. NOT PRESENT
FRANCISCO TIJERO – 2925 Lidstone St. – 77023 – 713-478-3482 – BARC. NOT PRESENT
CINDY CASABLANCA – 19602 Franz Rd. – 77084 – 832-216-9624 – BARC. NOT PRESENT
#38 - RHONDA JONES – 8403 Bird Meadow Ln. – Missouri City, TX – 77489 – 281-438-0291 – Super Neighborhoods.
#39 - YVONNE LONON – 2719 Carmel St. – 77091 – 713-688-4426 – Speed Cushions in the Yorkdale Area.
#40 - ETTA JAIMESON – 2807 Garapan St. – 77091 – 214-364-4521 - Speed Cushions in the Yorkdale Area.
#41 - CORA DAWSON – 2715 Dalview - 77091 – 713-686-5290 – Speed cushions.
#42 - DAMIAN DERBY – 505 White Wing Ln. – 77079 – 832-797-0561 – City sidewalks.
#43 - JUDY HARDIN – 3614 McKinley Ln. – 77088 – 346-406-9732 – Sylvester Turner Park.
#44 - RICHARD LIGHTHOUSE – Post Office Box – 15990 – 77220 – 713-306-8267 – Awareness about abuse of Civil Rights.
#22 - PATRICK LANCTON – 1907 Freeman – 77009 – 713-223-9166 – Elections.
Mayor Turner stated to Mr. Lancton that on average it takes 3 months to count these petitions, even with more additional staff, which has been authorized. These petitions were turned in approximately 2 to 2 ½ weeks ago.
Members of Council commented and questioned Mr. Lacton’s statement.
#45 - TASHYA COLE – 8519 Biscus – Humble, TX – 77346 – 281-235-0057 – BARC.
#1 - BRIDGETT MURRAY – 1403 Laurentide – 77029 – 713-675-3331 - Item No. 46 - Municipal Setting Designation/ UNIVAR USA INC.
Mayor Turner stated to Ms. Murray that he is looking at a memo that’s been provided to him and he wants to take a look at it.
#11 - DOUG SMITH – 11542 Sands Point Dr. – 77072 – 832-723-1652 – HTV Website. At 3:04 p.m. Council Member Thomas left the left the meeting.
At 3:52 p.m. Council Member Kamin left the meeting.
For more information and details from the speakers list, please click here: houstontx.swagit.com/play/07272021-1306
Note: During the public session motions may be offered to extend time for questions of various speakers, and votes taken, which were not prepared in written form and may be viewed on HTV Houston or on disc.
At 4:47 p.m., the City Council was recessed until 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Pat J. Daniel, City Secretary, read the description or captions of the Items on the Agenda.
The Houston City Council reconvened at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 28, 2021 with Mayor Sylvester Turner presiding with Council Members Amy Peck, Tarsha Jackson, Abbie Kamin, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Dave Martin, Tiffany Thomas, Greg Travis, Karla Cisneros, Edward Pollard, Martha Castex-Tatum, Mike Knox, David W. Robinson, Michael Kubosh, Letitia Plummer and Sallie Alcorn; Arturo Michel, City Attorney Legal Department, and Marta Crinejo, Agenda Director, present. Council Member Robert Gallegos absent on personal business.
At 9:05 a.m., Mayor Turner called the meeting of the Houston City Council to order and requested the City Secretary to call the roll.
ROLL CALL
Council Member Robert Gallegos absent on personal business.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Turner stated that everyone should know by now that the CDC has updated its mask guidance and recommend that people fully vaccinated wear their mask. To all City of Houston employees, if you want to put your mask on, that is fine and there is no problem with that. The main thing that he wants to encourage is for people to get vaccinated. The beginning of last week or the week before, we had about 500 people in the hospitals and when he looked this morning we had about a little over 1,000 people in the hospital. 95% are people that chose not to get the vaccination and that number speaks for itself. We have the kids about ready to go back to school and again he wants to encourage people to take the time and get vaccinated. And bear in mind it’s free and it’s available. There are no lines and we are doing everything that they can to make it available. He knows that his team, the team here at the city and the complete response group are working with many of the area schools and others for a massive initiative. The first week in August, there will be more of an announcement on that information which is coming along very well. The focus is on kids and the students that are returning back to school.
Mayor Turner wanted to thank the Council Members who where present at the press conference this week as it relates to GLO and the Home Repair Program. He really appreciates them being there and being supportive for residents of Sagemont, Pleasantville, Studewood, Independence Heights and Kirkwood. The president of the Kirkwood Civic Association was there, as well. These are people, for example, that had a 3 bedroom home at the time of Hurricane Harvey and what GLO is doing is they are building them a 2-bedroom home. They’ve been in these 3 bedroom homes for at least 20 plus years. Then in some cases, like Pleasantville in District B, they are building homes without garages. They had garages before in which deed restrictions says they should have them but they’re building homes without them. This reduces the value of the people’s homes and it also diminishes the value of the neighborhood. If you look at where they are building the homes, they aren’t even building on the same lines in that neighborhood. Many of these peoples are seniors and GLO should really rethink their position and asking HUD for greater supervision over this program because it’s their money. And what GLO said to the homeowners is that, “if you don’t proceed with the contract, you are out of the program.” One of the GLO representatives said that they are not in the business of building mansions. He wanted to say this, “when the City of Houston had this program, every little thing we didn’t do, was a major media story”.
Later this afternoon at 1:00 p.m., he will attend the ribbon cutting at the renovated Bellfort Park Apartments on the southwest side of town. The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities will recognize Disabilities Pride Month and the 31st anniversary of the Americans Disability Act at the Disability Unity and Pride celebration. This will be a 2-part virtual presentation on July 29th and 30th on the Mayor Office for People with Disability’s Facebook page.
He wants to congratulate the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and Cheniere Energy for an event this past Saturday at Malone Park. This was a part of the Complete Communities Initiative to improve parks in under-resourced neighborhoods. On Friday afternoon, he was with Council Member Travis with his initiative in teaching kids to swim working with the YMCA. That was an exciting event, and this is a great program. And lastly, he wanted to send a shout out to Simone Biles and to show our support and love for her because it takes a lot of courage for a champion to say they need a break for mental health.
Members of Council commented and questioned Mayor Turner on the Mayor’s Report.
CONSENT AGENDA NUMBERS 1 through 48
MISCELLANEOUS - NUMBERS 1 through 7
1. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the appointment or reappointment of the following individuals to the EAST END DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS, for terms to expire June 1, 2025:
Position One - ANNA DEANS, appointment
Position Two - BLANCA BLANCO, reappointment
Position Three - STEPHEN J. QUEZADA, reappointment
Position Four - ANN M. BACON, appointment
Position Five - ROY LIRA, appointment
Position Six - JOE MEPPELINK, appointment
Position Seven - LANI BAKER, appointment
Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0437 ADOPTED
2. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the reappointment of the following individuals to the HARRIS COUNTY-HOUSTON SPORTS AUTHORITY, for a term to expire August 31, 2023:
J. KENT FRIEDMAN as Chair
Position Four - MARTYE M. KENDRICK
Position Five - LAURA G. MURILLO
Position Eleven - ROBERT WOODS
Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0438 ADOPTED
3. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the appointment or reappointment of the following individuals to the REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER TWELVE, CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS (CITY PARK ZONE) BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Position One - WILLIAM E. MORFEY, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2022
Position Two - ELIJAH J. WILLIAMS, appointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2021
Position Three - MATTHEW K. ZEVE, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2022
Position Four - WILLIAM P. HADDOCK, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2021
Position Five - LEIGH KILLGORE, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2022
Position Six - LENORA SOROLA-POHLMAN, HISD Representative, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2021, and to serve as Chair
Position Seven - MANUELA CABRAL FLY, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2022
Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0439 ADOPTED
4. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the appointment or reappointment of the following individuals to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the CITY PARK REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Position One - WILLIAM E. MORFEY, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2022
Position Two - ELIJAH J. WILLIAMS, appointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2021
Position Three - MATTHEW K. ZEVE, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2022
Position Four - WILLIAM P. HADDOCK, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2021
Position Five - LEIGH KILLGORE, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2022
Position Six - LENORA SOROLA-POHLMAN, HISD Representative, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2021, and to serve as Chair
Position Seven - MANUELA CABRAL FLY, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/7/2022
Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0440 ADOPTED
6. RECOMMENDATION from Chief of Police for approval of Extension of Injury on Duty Leave (Salary Continuation) for Police Officer JARVIS ROBINS, for the period December 20, 2020 to January 10, 2021 - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0441 ADOPTED
7. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Emergency Center for approval of Extension of Leave of Absence without pay for SHELIA GULLY, 9-1-1 Telecommunicator, for the period July 26, 2021 through January 26, 2022 - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0442 ADOPTED
ACCEPT WORK - NUMBER 8
8. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $2,231,213.43 and acceptance of work on contract with T CONSTRUCTION, L.L.C. for Wastewater Collection System Rehabilitation and Renewal - 2.24% under the original contract amount (4235-92) - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0443 ADOPTED
PROPERTY - NUMBER 11
11. RECOMMENDATION from City Attorney to deposit the amount of the Award of the Special Commissioners into the Registry of the Court and pay the costs of Court in connection with the eminent domain proceeding styled City v. Victor Remedios LLC, et al., Cause No. 1161788 for acquisition of Parcels No. DY17-029, DY17-030 and DY17- 030A for Lift Station Diversions for MUD #237 and MUD #159 Project - DISTRICT A – PECK - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0444 ADOPTED
PURCHASING AND TABULATION OF BIDS - NUMBERS 14 through 19
14. FARRWEST ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPLY, INC for sole source purchase of a Griffin G510 Portable Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer and Refill Kit for Public Safety and Homeland Security on behalf of the Houston Fire Department - $148,150.00 - Grant Fund- Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0445 ADOPTED
15. COTTON COMMERCIAL USA, INC for Emergency Purchase for Water Damage Restoration at 1200 Travis St. and 8000 N Stadium Dr. for the General Services Department - $99,738.39 Maintenance Renewal and Replacement Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0446 ADOPTED
17. NETSYNC NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC for approval of spending authority for purchase of a Cisco NetApp FlexPod Infrastructure through the Texas Department of Information Resources for Houston Information Technology Services - $589,104.70 - Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0447 ADOPTED
18. GLOBAL TREAT, INC for Vaporizer and Chlorinator Equipment for Houston Public Works - $142,018.00 Enterprise Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0448 ADOPTED
19. HARPER BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION, LLC for approval of payment for Emergency Services for S. Post Oak & Gasmer Sanitary Sewer and Pavement Repairs for Houston Public Works - $413,535.42 Enterprise Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0449 ADOPTED
ORDINANCES - NUMBERS 20 through 48
20. ORDINANCE authorizing the issuance of Public Improvement Refunding Bonds in one or more Series (Tax-Exempt and/or Taxable); authorizing the payment and security thereof and certain designated officials to approve the principal amount, interest rates, prices, redemption features, terms and sale thereof in accordance with certain parameters; authorizing such officials to determine the outstanding obligations to be refunded or defeased; approving certain other procedures, provisions and agreements related thereto, including one or more Purchase Contracts, Paying Agent/Registrar Agreements, Escrow Agreements, and other Agreements; approving the preparation, distribution and use of a Preliminary Official Statement and Official Statement in connection with such offering; making certain findings and other declarations necessary and incidental to the issuance of such bonds; and declaring an emergency – Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0629 ADOPTED
21. ORDINANCE authorizing the issuance of the City of Houston, Texas Certificates of Obligation (Demolition Program), Series 2021C; authorizing the payment and security therefor and certain other designated officials to approve the principal amount, interest rates, prices, redemption features and terms and sale thereof in accordance with certain parameters; authorizing and approving a purchase contract, paying agent/registrar agreement and other related documents; approving the use of a Preliminary Official Statement and authorizing the preparation and distribution of an Official Statement in connection with such offering; making certain findings and matters incident thereto; and declaring an emergency - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0630 ADOPTED
22. ORDINANCE relating to the issuance, sale and delivery of Airport System Special Facilities Revenue Bonds (United Airlines, Inc. Terminal E Project) Series 2021A (AMT); and providing for the security thereof; approving the form and substance, and authorizing the execution and delivery, of a supplemental trust indenture and Amendment No. 1 to Terminal E Lease and Special Facilities Lease Agreement; approving and authorizing the execution and delivery of related transaction documents; approving the use and distribution of a Preliminary Official Statement and the use and distribution of an Official Statement; making certain findings with respect thereto and containing other provisions relating to the subject; and declaring an emergency - The City Secretary advised that Item 22 had been pulled by the Administration and would not be considered.
23. ORDINANCE authorizing the issuance, sale and delivery of Airport System Special Facilities Revenue Bonds (United Airlines, Inc. Terminal Improvement Projects) Series 2021B-1 (AMT) and providing for the security thereof; approving the form and substance, and authorizing the execution and delivery, of a supplemental terminal trust indenture and amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Special Facilities Lease Agreement; approving and authorizing the execution and delivery of related transaction documents; approving the use and distribution of a Preliminary Official Statement and the use and distribution of an Official Statement; making certain findings with respect thereto and containing other provisions relating to the subject; and declaring an emergency - The City Secretary advised that Item 23 had been pulled by the Administration and would not be considered.
24. ORDINANCE authorizing the issuance, sale and delivery of Airport System Special Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (United Airlines, Inc. Terminal Improvement Project) Series 2021B-2 (AMT) and providing for the security thereof; authorizing certain designated officials to determine the obligations to be refunded consistent with certain procedures, provisions and agreements approved herein; ratifying the Special Facilities Lease Agreement; approving the form and substance, and authorizing the execution and delivery, of a supplemental terminal trust indenture; approving and authorizing the execution and delivery of related transaction documents; approving the use and distribution of a Preliminary Official Statement and the use and distribution of an Official Statement; making certain findings with respect thereto and containing other provisions relating to the subject; and declaring an emergency - The City Secretary advised that Item 24 had been pulled by the Administration and would not be considered.
25. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Amendment No. 1 to Terminal C South Net Lease and Use Agreement between City of Houston and UNITED AIRLINES, INC for its operations in Terminal C at George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Houston – DISTRICT B- JACKSON - The City Secretary advised that Item 25 had been pulled by the Administration and would not be considered.
26. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing first amendment to Subrecipient Agreement between City of Houston and HOUSTON AREA COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC d/b/a AVENUE 360 to provide up to an additional $783,009.64 in Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds for individuals impacted by COVID-19 to help prevent homelessness - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0631 ADOPTED
27. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing first amendment to Subrecipient Agreement between City of Houston and CAREER AND RECOVERY RESOURCES, INC to extend the term of the contract and provide additional Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Funds for the continuing administration and operation of Rapid Rehousing Case Management Services to households impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0632 ADOPTED
28. ORDINANCE creating “ARPA Entitlement-Concessions-No Match” Fund for the Houston Airport System with a zero beginning net position; establishing the sources and uses of those funds; approving the appropriation of funds received into the fund and authorizing expenditures - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0633 ADOPTED
29. ORDINANCE creating “ARPA Entitlement-General-No Match” Fund for the Houston Airport System with a zero beginning net position; establishing the sources and uses of the grant proceeds - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0634 ADOPTED
31. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing the submission of an electronic grant application to the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE OF MINORITY HEALTH FOR FAMILY CENTERED APPROACHES TO IMPROVING TYPE 2 DIABETES CONTROL AND PREVENTION (the "Program") on behalf of the City of Houston Health Department; declaring the City's eligibility for assistance under such program; authorizing the Director of the Houston Health Department (the "Director") to act as the City's representative in the electronic grant application process; authorizing the Director to accept the Grant and expend the Grant Funds, if awarded, and to apply for, accept and expend all subsequent awards, if any, pertaining to the program - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0635 ADOPTED
32. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Settlement and Release Agreement between City of Houston and Michael Gregg (USDC Civil Action Number 4:18-CV-04822) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston, Division - $75,000 - Property and Casualty Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0636 ADOPTED
33. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing second amendment to Construction Manager At-Risk Contract between City of Houston and MORGANTI TEXAS, INC to increase the General Services Director's Authority to approve Change Orders from 5% up to 10% of the guaranteed maximum price - DISTRICT H – CISNEROS - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0637 ADOPTED
34. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing contract between City of Houston and THE PUBLIC GROUP, LLC, for Online Auction Services for the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department - 5 Years with 1 five-year option – Revenue - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0638 ADOPTED
36. ORDINANCE awarding contract to MAXIM CRANE WORKS, LP for Truck-Mounted Crane Rental Services for Houston Public Works; providing a maximum contract amount - 3 Years with two one-year options - $622,041.00 - Enterprise Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0639 ADOPTED
37. ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2018-0328 (Passed on April 18, 2018) to increase the maximum contract amount for the Sole Source Agreement No. 4600014745 between City of Houston and AWC, INC for purchase of Siemens related Process Control, Data Acquisition Equipment, Replacement Parts, Professional Services, Training and Technical Services for Houston Public Works - $875,000.00 Enterprise Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0640 ADOPTED
39. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing agreement between City of Houston and NEW HOPE HOUSING, INC for the Urban Prairie Project (Approved by Ordinance No. 2020- 788) - $400,000.00 Grant Fund - DISTRICT D - EVANS-SHABAZZ - The City Secretary advised that Item 39 was not received and was not considered.
40. ORDINANCE appropriating $100,000.00 out of Contributed Capital Project Fund; approving and authorizing Interlocal Agreement by and between City of Houston and EAST END DISTRICT to contribute funds to the Lawndale at Wayside Esplanade Beautification Project - DISTRICT I – GALLEGOS - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0641 ADOPTED
41. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing the submission of a joint application for grant assistance from the BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE TO FUND THE FY2021 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM and approving an Interlocal Agreement between City of Houston and HARRIS COUNTY as joint applicants for such Grant; declaring the City’s eligibility for such Grant; authorizing the Chief of the Houston Police Department to act as the City’s representative in the application process, to apply for, accept, and expend the Grant Funds, if awarded, and to apply for, accept, and expend all subsequent awards, if any, pertaining to the application and to extend the budget period - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0642 ADOPTED
42. ORDINANCE consenting to the addition of 3.225 acres of land to NORTHWOOD MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1, for inclusion in the District; granting consent to exercise road powers and authorizing the District to issue bonds for road facilities within the City of Houston, Texas - DISTRICT B – JACKSON - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0643 ADOPTED
43. ORDINANCE finding and determining that public convenience and necessity no longer require the continued use of a 10-foot-wide prescriptive sanitary sewer easement, a 10- foot-wide prescriptive storm sewer easement and a 10-foot-wide prescriptive waterline easement, all located within the S.M. Williams Survey, Abstract No. 87, Harris County, Texas; abandoning said easements to Campanile on Commerce, LP in consideration of its payment to the City in the amount of $200,400.00 and other good and valuable consideration - DISTRICT H – CISNEROS - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0644 ADOPTED
44. ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2020-0417 finding and determining public convenience and necessity for the acquisition of real property interests in connection with the public improvement project known as the Northpark Drive Overpass Project; authorizing the acquisition, by gift, dedication, purchase, or eminent domain proceedings, of fee simple title, easements, and restrictive covenants in and to eleven additional parcels of land required for the project and situated in the Mary Owens Survey, Abstract No. 405, Montgomery County, Texas, said parcels of land being located along the north and south lines of Northpark Drive in Houston, Montgomery County, Texas; authorizing payment of the costs of such acquisitions, including the purchase prices for the property interests and costs associated with relocation assistance, appraisal fees, title policies/services, recordation of instruments, eminent domain proceedings, court costs, and expert witness fees, and authorizing the retention of special counsel to be selected by the City Attorney in connection with the acquisition of fee simple title, easements, and restrictive covenants, to eleven additional parcels of land required for the Project - DISTRICT E – MARTIN - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0645 ADOPTED
45. ORDINANCE finding and determining public convenience and necessity for the acquisition of real property interests in connection with the public improvement project known as the 24-inch water line along Highway 3 Project; authorizing the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to thirty parcels of land required for the project and situated in the G.P. Burnett Survey, Abstract No. 1062, the Walton, Hill, & Walton Survey, Abstract No. 1052, the J. Pruitt Survey, Abstract No. 628, the George Dedrick Survey, Abstract No. 241, the H.T. & B.R.R. Survey, Abstract No. 387, and the Luke Hemenway Survey, Abstract No. 801 in Harris County, Texas, said parcels of land being located along Old Galveston Road (State Highway 3) from Fuqua Street to Dixie Farm Road, in Houston, Harris County, Texas, by gift, dedication, purchase and the use of eminent domain and further authorizing payment of the costs of such purchases and/or eminent domain proceedings and associated costs for relocation assistance, appraisal fees, title policies/services, recording fees, court costs, and expert witness fees in connection with the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to the thirty parcels of land required for the Project DISTRICT E – MARTIN - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0646 ADOPTED
46. MUNICIPAL Setting Designation Ordinance prohibiting the use of designated groundwater beneath a tract of land containing 5.035 acres commonly known as 8425 Market Street, Houston, Harris County, Texas; supporting issuance of a Municipal Setting Designation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at the request of UNIVAR USA INC - DISTRICT B – JACKSON - The City Secretary advised that Item 46 had been pulled by the Administration and would not be considered.
47. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding between City of Houston and THE WILLOW FORK DRAINAGE DISTRICT for the Barker Reservoir Flood Risk Reduction and Park Project - DISTRICT F – THOMAS - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0647 ADOPTED
48. ORDINANCE appropriating $3,540,000.00 out of Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Capital Fund - Drainage Charge, awarding contract to GRAVA LLC for FY2021 Drainage Rehabilitation Storm Water Action Team (SWAT) Work Orders #4; setting a deadline for the bidder's execution of the contract and delivery of all bonds, insurance, and other required contract documents to the City; holding the bidder in default if it fails to meet the deadlines; providing funding for testing services and CIP Cost Recovery relating to construction of facilities financed by the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Capital Fund - Drainage Charge - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0648 ADOPTED
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
5. RECOMMENDATION from the Director of the Finance Department that the City Council receive the estimated Tax Year 2021 Appraisal Roll information, Certification of the Anticipated Collection Rate and appoint Melissa Dubowski and Alma Tamborello to calculate and publish the City’s No-New-Revenue and Voter-Approval Tax Rates in accordance with the “Truth-In-Taxation” provisions of the State Tax Code – Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0450 ADOPTED
9. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $1,169,966.26 and acceptance of work on contract with PM CONSTRUCTION & REHAB, LLC for New Front Easement Reconnections (5159-05) - 0.69% under the original contract amount - DISTRICTS B - JACKSON; C - KAMIN, D - EVANS-SHABAZZ; H - CISNEROS and I – GALLEGOS – Was presented and Tagged by Council Member Pollard.
10. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $37,204,664.18 and acceptance of work on contract with OSCAR RENDA CONTRACTING, INC for Memorial Drive Paving and Drainage Improvements from North Kirkwood Road to North Eldridge Parkway - 113.7% over the revised total contract amount and under 5% contingency amount - DISTRICT G – TRAVIS – Was presented and Tagged by Council Members Martin and Travis.
12. LION FIRST RESPONDERS PPE, INC dba LION for sole source purchase of Fire Training Simulators for Public Safety and Homeland Security on behalf of the Houston Fire Department - $698,994.00 Grant Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0451 ADOPTED
13. LION FIRST RESPONDER PPE, INC for Sock Style Firefighting Hoods for the Houston Fire Department 3 Years with 2 one-year options - $598,325.50 - General Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0452 ADOPTED
16. FIRETROL PROTECTION SYSTEMS, INC for Emergency Repairs of Smoke and Fire Dampers at 1200 Travis St, for the General Services Department - $135,406.90 - Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none.
MOTION 2021-0453 ADOPTED
30. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing second amendment to agreement between City of Houston and GREATER HOUSTON HEALTHCONNECT, INC, for the Emergency Telehealth and Navigation Program (ETHAN), to extend the term and amend Section IV of the agreement - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0649 ADOPTED
35. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing agreement between City of Houston and KORN F.ERRY (US) for Professional Talent Acquisition Services for the Houston Airport System; providing a maximum contract amount - 1 Year with one six-month option - $315,000.00 - Enterprise Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0650 ADOPTED
38. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing contract between City of Houston and SOGETI USA, the Technology and Engineering Services Division of CAPGEMINI AMERICA, INC, for Court System Management And Resource Technology (CSMART) Application Management Services for the Municipal Courts Department; providing a maximum contract amount - 5 Years with two one-year options $16,392,869.00 - General and Municipal Court Technology Funds - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0651 ADOPTED
MATTERS HELD - NUMBER 49
49. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing contract between City of Houston and TDINDUSTRIES, INC for Full-Service Facility Operations and Maintenance through Interlocal Agreement for Cooperative Purchasing with Omnia Partners, Public Sector, for Houston Public Works; providing a maximum contract amount - 5 Years - $75,424,713.00 - Enterprise and Other Funds
TAGGED BY COUNCIL MEMBER KUBOSH
This was Item 13 on Agenda of July 21, 2021 – Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2021-0652 ADOPTED
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS - Council Member Pollard first At 10:12 a.m. The City Secretary advised that Item 39 has been received.
39. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing agreement between City of Houston and NEW HOPE HOUSING, INC for the Urban Prairie Project (Approved by Ordinance No. 2020-788) - $400,000.00 Grant Fund - DISTRICT D - EVANS-SHABAZZ – Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Thomas absent.
ORDINANCE 2021-0653 ADOPTED
Members of Council announced events and discussed matters of interest.
There being no further business before Council, the City Council adjourned at 10:30 a.m. Council Members Thomas, Travis, Knox, Kubosh and Plummer absent.
https://houston.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/