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City of Houston City Council met Jan. 19.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A Consolidated City of Houston City Council Meeting at 9:00 a.m. Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin presiding, with Council Members Amy Peck, Tarsha Jackson, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Tiffany Thomas, Greg Travis, Karla Cisneros, Robert Gallegos, Edward Pollard, Martha Castex-Tatum, Mike Knox, David Robinson, Michael Kubosh, Letitia Plummer and Sallie Alcorn; Arturo Michel, City Attorney, Marta Crinejo, Agenda Director present. Mayor Sylvester Turner out of the City on City business. Council Member Abbie Kamin absent on personal business.
At 9:05 a.m., Mayor Pro Tem Martin called the meeting of the Houston City Council to order and requested the City Secretary to call the roll.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Sylvester Turner out of the City on City business. Council Member Abbie Kamin absent on personal business.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin recognized Council Member Plummer for the Invocation and she invited Elder Brian Cuvelier (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) after which she led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Castex-Tatum moved to adopt the minutes of December 7-8, 2021, December 14-15, 2021 and January 5, 2022 and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION ADOPTED
Due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, this meeting will offer the options to participate by videoconference or in-person. The meeting will be open to the public but restrictions regarding masks, allowable room capacity, and seating arrangements may be in place.
The public meeting location will be City Hall Council Chamber, 901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, Texas 77002. The Mayor, as presiding officer of City Council, and some Council Members will be physically present. Other Council Members will be participating by videoconference in accordance with the provisions of Section 551.127 of the Texas Government Code applicable to a governmental body that extends into three or more counties. The meeting will also be 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.
Members of the public may also provide public comment during the public session portion of the meeting at (936) 755-1521; Conference ID# 759 268 565#. Details for signing up to speak in person or virtually are posted at https://www.houstontx.gov/council/meetingsinfo.html.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin 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’S REPORT
Mayor Pro Tem Martin stated Mayor Turner is in Washington D.C. today, where he is attending the 90th U.S. Conference of Mayor’s meeting. He serves as a trustee on their board. Mayor Turner will be meeting with key administration officials as the Federal Government is working to allocate billions of dollars to cities and states passed by Congress thru the infrastructure. COVID relief, climate change and affordable housing are all issues to be discussed during this meeting. It is critical that the City of Houston is represented during those conversations and he is sure that Mayor Turner will represent us well.
On this Saturday, January 22, 2022, the City of Houston will take part in the 36th Annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration at Montie Beach Park, 915 Northwood Street 77009. Thanks to the Houston Parks Director, Mr. Kenneth Allen, and his team for leading this movement to make Houston greener, provide more shade and protect our environment. As a friendly reminder, please get vaccinated or tested. The Health Department have five mega sites and dozens of smaller sites across the area. Find nearby free testing sites at houstonhealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.
The 2022 homeless count will start next week. This count includes individuals who are sheltered, those living in emergency shelters, transitional housing and also unsheltered folks living on the streets, in vehicles and parks or any unfortunate place they can reside. The shelter count will be pulled directly from their online client level database, the Homeless Management Information System, which is the HMIS, on the night of January 24th, 2022. The unsheltered portion of the count will occur from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. over 3 days. During these days, hundreds of volunteers will conduct surveys of individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the three county region. The survey is completed on mobile devices using our app. They appreciate all the partners who are taking part in this very important and critical endeavor.
For those who are enjoying the nice warm weather today, appreciate the weather that will be in the upper 70s today because tonight, around 10:00 p.m., it will drop into the 60s. Then on Thursday morning they have temperatures in the upper 30s. Be prepared for Thursday afternoon, where we understand, according to Public Works, that we might see a few snow flurries that will probably not stick. We do not have any anticipation of any major road problems in our weather report. On Friday morning, the wind chill factor will be in the teens.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin stated that District G’s Special Election to replace, Mr. Greg Travis, will be on January 25th.
At 9:17 a.m., Mayor Pro Tem Martin requested the City Secretary to call the Consent Agenda
CONSENT AGENDA NUMBERS 1 through 28
MISCELLANEOUS - NUMBER 1
1. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the appointment or reappointment of the following individuals to the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION:
Panel A:
Position A2 - THOMAS E. BRENTS, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2023 Position A4 - JENIFER RENÉ POOL, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2023 Position A5 - ANTHONY FREDDIE, appointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2022
Panel B:
Position B2 - VICTOR L. CARDENAS, JR., reappointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2023
Position B4 - MICHAEL E. CRAMER, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2023
Alternates:
Position a2 - MARLENA BERGER, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2023 Position a4 - ALPHONSO DELANEY, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2023 Position a6 - DOUGLAS E. HAMMEL, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2023 Position a8 - BESSIE MANSFIELD, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2023
Was present, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0027 ADOPTED
ACCEPT WORK – NUMBER 2
2. RECOMMENDATION from Director General Services Department for approval of final contract amount of $2,192,273.00 and acceptance of work on contract with TIMES CONSTRUCTION, INC for Brock Adventure Park - 4.89% over the original contract amount - DISTRICT B – JACKSON - Was present, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0028 ADOPTED
PROPERTY - NUMBER 7
7. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works, reviewed and approved by the Joint Referral Committee, on request from Phillip Bullock, authorizing the disclaimer of a 25 foot-wide proposed right-of-way, from Royal Street east to the eastern boundary line of Lot 7A, being within the H.B. Rumseys Subdivision, out of the J.S. Collins Survey, Abstract 196, Parcel SY22-033 - DISTRICT H – CISNEROS - Was present, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0029 ADOPTED
PURCHASING AND TABULATION OF BIDS - NUMBERS 9 through 13
9. FLATIRON CONSTRUCTORS, INC for Emergency Ramp Repair at HOU Wilson Air Center for Houston Airport System - $172,828.53 - Enterprise Fund - Was present, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0030 ADOPTED
10. HOUSTON FREIGHTLINER INC - $489,272.00 and RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF TEXAS, LP - $2,800,254.00 for Purchase of Medium and Heavy-Duty Cab & Chassis and Truck Bodies through the Interlocal Agreement for Cooperative Purchasing with the Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC) for the Fleet Management Department on behalf of Houston Public Works - $3,289,526.00 - Storm Water and Other Funds - Was present, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0031 ADOPTED
11. STRYKER SALES, LLC for sole source purchase of Power-PRO XT Ambulance Cots and Stair Chairs for Houston Fire Department - $259,380.64 - Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund - Was present, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0032 ADOPTED
12. THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for Sole Source Purchase for FiveCast Insight Software License Annual Fee for Public Safety and Homeland Security on behalf of the Houston Police Department - $144,248.00 - Grant Fund - Was present, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0033 ADOPTED
13. DOGGET HEAVY MACHINERY SERVICES - $772,900.00 and MUSTANG MACHINERY COMPANY - $234,069.25 for purchase of Earthmoving Equipment through the Interlocal Agreement for Cooperative Purchasing with Sourcewell for the Fleet Management Department on behalf of Houston Public Works - $1,006,969.25 - Storm Water and Other Funds - Was present, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0034 ADOPTED
ORDINANCES - NUMBERS 16 through 28
16. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Subrecipient Agreement between City of Houston and the COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS OF HOUSTON/HARRIS COUNTY to provide up to $130,000.00 in Community Development Block Grant Funds for Strategic Homeless Planning Services and Activities – Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0034 ADOPTED
17. ORDINANCE awarding contract to MAGNA FLOW ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC for City-Wide Special Waste and Stormwater Interceptor Pump Outs for the General Services Department; providing a maximum contract amount - 2 Years with 1 one-year option - $1,950,000.00 - General Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0035 ADOPTED
19. ORDINANCE establishing the north and south sides of the 400 block of West 21st Street, within the City of Houston, Texas, as a Special Minimum Lot Size Block pursuant to Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances, Houston, Texas - DISTRICT C – KAMIN - The City Secretary advised that Item 19 has been pulled by the Administration and will not be considered.
20. 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 Kingwood Drive Improvements Project; authorizing the acquisition, by gift, dedication, purchase, or eminent domain proceedings, of fee simple title or easements in and to seven parcels of land required for the project and situated in the Elijah Votaw Survey, Abstract No. 283, Harris County, Texas, and two parcels of land required for the project and situated in the Asmara Turner Survey, Abstract No. 757, Harris 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 or easement interests to nine parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICT E – MARTIN - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0036 ADOPTED
21. 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 Wilson Gully Storm Sewer Repair Project; authorizing the acquisition, by gift, dedication, purchase, or eminent domain proceedings, of fee simple title or easements in and to six parcels of land required for the project and situated in the William White 1/3 League Survey, Abstract No. 836, Harris 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 or easement interests to six parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICT G – TRAVIS - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0037 ADOPTED
22. ORDINANCE finding and determining that public convenience and necessity no longer require the continued use of various water line, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and drainage easements, all easements being located in the John Austin 2 League Grant, Abstract 1, in Harris County, Texas; abandoning said easements to BB PARCEL B NORTH OWNER, LLC, BB PARCEL E SW OWNER, LLC, BB PARCEL A NE OWNER, LLC, BB PARCEL G PARK OWNER, LLC, and BB PARCEL F CENTER OWNER, LLC, the abutting and underlying fee owners, in consideration of their cash payment to the City of $1,023,661.00 and BB LAND DEVLEOPMENT HOLDINGS, LLC’S conveyance to the City of the fee interest in four 60 foot-wide streets recorded as right-of-ways in the Buffalo Bayou Park Street Dedication Plat, all streets being located in the John Austin 2 League Grant, Abstract 1, Houston, Harris County, Texas, and other good and valuable consideration; extinguishing the easements in the conveyed streets - DISTRICT C – KAMIN - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0038 ADOPTED
23. ORDINANCE finding and determining that public convenience and necessity no longer require the continued use of a 10-foot-wide prescriptive sanitary sewer easement (SY20- 025), situated in the John Austin Survey, Abstract No. 1, and being out of Unrestricted Reserve “A”, Block 1 of Modera at Waugh, a subdivision per plat thereof, Houston, Harris County, Texas; abandoning the easement to McREF III WAUGH APARTMENTS, LLC, the Owner, in exchange for conveyance to the City of a 25-foot-wide sanitary sewer easement (DY20-030), also situated in the John Austin Survey, Abstract No. 1, and being out of Unrestricted Reserve “A”, Block 1 of Modera at Waugh, a subdivision per plat thereof, Houston, Harris County, Texas, and other good and valuable consideration - DISTRICT C – KAMIN - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0039 ADOPTED
24. ORDINANCE authorizing the sale of a ten-foot-wide utility easement, with an attending aerial easement, out of a City fee owned tract of land located at the Cedar Bayou Wastewater Treatment Plant situated in the John Merry League, Abstract No. 49; selling the easement to CENTERPOINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC, in consideration of its payment to the City of $4,185.00 and other good and valuable consideration - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0040 ADOPTED
27. ORDINANCE appropriating $1,230,273.45 out of Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Capital Fund - Drainage Charge as an additional appropriation; approving and authorizing first amendment to Professional Engineering Services Contract between City of Houston and SES HORIZON CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC for Melrose Park Section 2 Drainage and Paving Improvements (as approved by Ordinance No. 2016-0435); providing funding for CIP Cost Recovery relating to construction of facilities financed by the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Capital Fund - Drainage Charge - DISTRICT H – CISNEROS - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0041 ADOPTED
28. ORDINANCE appropriating $8,065,000.00 out of Metro Projects Construction DDSRF, awarding contract to GRAVA LLC for FY2022 Citywide Asphalt Overlay Rehabilitation Package #1; 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, CIP Cost Recovery and contingencies relating to construction of facilities financed by the Metro Projects Construction DDSRF - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0042 ADOPTED
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
3. RECOMMENDATION from Director General Services Department for approval of final contract amount of $1,039,142.74 and acceptance of work on contract with MILLIS DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION, LLC for Construction Services for Waldemar Park - 5% over the original contract amount - DISTRICT G – TRAVIS – Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0035 ADOPTED
4. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $3,849,757.26 and acceptance of work on contract with NBG CONSTRUCTORS, INC for West Lake Houston Pkwy Bridge Rehab for Bents 25 - 28 - 1.42% over the original Contract Amount and under the 5% contingency amount - DISTRICT E – MARTIN - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0036 ADOPTED
5. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $17,458,937.62 and acceptance of work on contract with INDUSTRIAL TX CORP. for Keegans Bayou Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements - 4.99% over the original Contract Amount and under the 5% contingency amount - DISTRICT J – POLLARD - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0037 ADOPTED
6. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $15,426,628.63 and acceptance of work on contract with LEM CONSTRUCTION CO., INC for Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements - 1.98% over the original Contract Amount and under the 5% contingency amount - DISTRICT A – PECK - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0038 ADOPTED
8. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works, to purchase Parcel DY19-015, located at 9333 Main Street, Houston, TX 77025, for the WESTRIDGE REGIONAL LIFT STATION CONSTRUCTION PROJECT - DISTRICT K - CASTEX-TATUM - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0039 ADOPTED
14. HACH COMPANY for sole source purchase of Water Testing Materials and Maintenance Services for Various Departments - 3 Years with 2 one-year options - $7,609,322.06 - Enterprise and Other Funds - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0040 ADOPTED
18. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Professional Services Agreement between BRACEWELL LLP and City of Houston relating to Contamination of Property and Groundwater in the vicinity of Kashmere Gardens, the Fifth Ward, Denver Harbor and Trinity Gardens; establishing a maximum contract amount $900,000.00 - Property and Casualty Fund – Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0043 ADOPTED
25. ORDINANCE altering and establishing Prima Facie Speed Limits in certain zones in the City of Houston; containing findings and other provisions relating to the foregoing subject; providing a repealer; containing a savings clause; providing for severability; declaring certain conduct to be unlawful and providing a penalty; and declaring an emergency - DISTRICTS A - PECK; B - JACKSON; C - KAMIN; D - EVANS-SHABAZZ; E - MARTIN; F - THOMAS; G - TRAVIS; H - CISNEROS; I - GALLEGOS and J – POLLARD – Was presented and Tagged by Council Member Robinson.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin recognized Council Member Alcorn for a procedural motion. Council Member Alcorn moved that the rules be suspended to delay Item 15 after the Public Session and Seconded by Council Member Travis, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0041 ADOPTED
At 9:30 a.m., Mayor Pro Tem Martin requested the City Secretary to Call the List of Speakers
#1 - LAUREN LOONEY – 6501 E Hill Dr., Apt. #114 – Austin, TX – 78731 – 512-534-7939 – Item No. 15 – Support for Chapter 6/Animals and Fowl – (Virtual) – lloney@humanesociety.org.
#2 - ELIZABETH ORECK – 5001 Angel Canyon Rd. – Kanab, Utah - 84741 – 435-574-1249 - Item No. 15 – Chapter 6/Animals and Fowl – (Virtual) - elizabetho@bestfriends.org.
#3 - GLORIA ZENTENO – 7742 Broadview Dr. – 77061 – 281-904-5622 - Item No. 15 – Support for Chapter 6/Animals and Fowl – (Teleconference).
Council Member Gallegos thanked Ms. Zenteno and to all the volunteers with Barrio Dogs. He thanked her for everything that she and her group do out in their community. He knows that working together with Unity for Solutions and glad for the past three or four years of providing monies from his district service funds every year for the “big fix” so that cats and dogs can get spayed and neutered.
#4 - TENA LUNDQUIST FAUST – No Address – 713-828-6304 – Item No. 15 – Support for Chapter 6/Animals and Fowl (Virtual) – tenafaust@gmail.com.
Council Member Gallegos thanked Ms. Faust and Ms. Tama Faust for everything that they do in their community. For years they have been very big advocates in providing care for our 4-legged friends, especially the strays.
#5 - SHELBY BOBOSKI – 6823 La Vista Dr. – Dallas, TX – 75214 – 214-708-4292 - Item No. 15 – Chapter 6/Animals and Fowl – (Virtual) – shelby@thln.org.
Council Member Travis thanked all of the speakers today. He also wanted to thank Council Member Alcorn. This is about a love for animals. We concentrate a lot around this horseshoe and sometimes we forget about our little furry friends. It’s not just a health issue but it’s also a personal issue among people. We do care and all of these speakers he knows they care. He values their opinions. He is glad to hear from them and he thinks what they are doing today is the right thing. It doesn’t mean there can’t be more down the road but it is a good start and he thinks it goes a long way. He wants to thank Council Member Alcorn for bringing this up in her committee and getting this off center.
Council Member Alcorn thanked Council Member Travis. She stated that a lot times working with Council Member Travis, she saw his deep passion for the animals and credit much of this to his work, to the work of Council Member Gallegos, to the work of Council Member Cisneros and others that have been dedicated to our furry friends. She wants to really thank all of the speakers because they are the ones that did all of the work. They looked at other cities and told her what was going on across the country. They come back with data. They were instrumental. They were out in the field, literally with the animals, and seeing things done. She really valued their perspective and their expertise.
Members of Council thanked the speakers and commented on Item 15.
#6 - TAMA LUNDQUIST – No Address – 832-477-6700 - Item No. 15 – Support for Chapter 6/Animals and Fowl (Virtual) – tamalundquist@gmail.com.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin stated that it is very rare that we have 100% of our public speakers speaking on agenda items and they‘re all in agreement with what the City of Houston has proposed. A special thanks to Tina Paez and her department for making sure this opportunity passed in front of us and we have the ability to pass such a great item.
#7 - ASHLEY MITCHELL – 1475 Gears Rd., Apt. #1112 – 77067 – 504-275-0492 – Water problems/Apartment complex – (Teleconference).
Mayor Pro Tem Martin stated to Ms. Mitchell that he understands that she was contacted by Houston Public Works regarding her pipe bursting. An inspection will be scheduled and needs to be conducted. We also have information from the Council B District office that the concern is mostly mold that is in her apartment.
Council Member Jackson stated to Ms. Mitchell that her Constituent Services Director will follow up with her and keep working with her on getting her situation resolved.
#8 - AVIS SCOTT – 1475 Gears Rd. – 77067 – 346-432-7417 – Water problems/Apartment complex – (In Person).
Mayor Pro Tem Martin stated to members of council that this is the same address as Ms. Mitchell spoke about. Houston Public Works has informed us that an inspection has been scheduled and will be conducted at this apartment complex.
TOWANA BRYANT – No Address – 281-431-0011 – Mayor’s Administration Office/Waiting for a response – (Virtual) – logistics@trinityfreightservices.com. NOT PRESENT
Mayor Pro Tem Martin stated that Ms. Bryant has come to us many times before. He thinks that she has made the decision, since the Mayor wasn’t here, to not bring up this discussion. The Mayor has stated that he will bring an independent hearing officer into this case and to look into it in further detail. He knows that Council Member Pollard has been all over this. They will have to get more details when the Mayor comes back.
Council Member Pollard asked the City Attorney, “can he give some clarification and insight on what the process is with an independent hearing? Has the City done an independent hearing on a matter such as this before?”
City Attorney Arturo Michel said that he believes this may be the first time that we have an independent hearing officer. The policies were amended last fall and prior to that, there was an arbitration process. This may be the first and essentially when you reach this point in a grievance process and there is a request for an independent hearing officer, the Mayor makes a selection and it’s at his discretion. He would rely on the expertise and knowledge of someone who is familiar with this process.
ARECIA BARLOW – 4120 Grassmere St. – 77051 – 346-251-2285 – Rental Assistance – (Teleconference). NOT PRESENT
#9 - PATRICIA HEADEN – 14001 Fondren Rd. – Missouri City, TX – 77489 – 713-383-8739 – Proposed street name change – (In Person).
Council Member Gallegos stated to Ms. Headen in regards to the procedures in renaming a street, there is a policy in the City of Houston to rename a street but unfortunately it doesn’t seem like it’s followed the way it should be followed. Therefore he and Council Member Evans-Shabazz have been talking and they want to approach the Mayor to see if they can change that policy to be a uniform policy. They want to have a policy that would be fair to everybody. What he is understanding is that Ms. Headen is asking for a certain number of streets on Griggs Road (5200 block to 5700 block of Griggs). Council Member Gallegos stated that he has been told in the past is that you can’t just rename a certain section of the street, it has to be where it starts to where it ends on Griggs Road. If it all has to be renamed, people will have to go out to get 67% of the property owners that face the street in order to get that whole street renamed. That is how you are supposed to do it. They need to make sure that they correct this so it can be a fair system for everyone.
Council Member Evans-Shabazz stated that she was quite familiar with Charles Bush and he had quite a presence in the 5200-5700 block of Griggs back in the day. This is the first that she’s hearing of this. Certainly she wants to help Ms. Headen get clarity in regards to the procedure and the proceedings. She’s requesting Ms. Headen to reach out to her office.
#10 - CHARLES LUCEY – 515 Avondale St. – 77006 – 202-509-7126 – Tree – (Virtual) – ctlucey@yahoo.com.
Council Member Robinson stated to Mr. Lucey that some of them have been following his case since last fall and know of the images of the tree and the situation he’s described.
GAIL ZURET – No Address – 484-554-7527 – Public housing – (In Person). NOT PRESENT
#11 - ANNICK ANGOH – 2822 Chalet Knolls Ln. – Katy, TX – 77494 – 713-894-1721 – Public housing – (In Person).
STEVE WILLIAMS – No Address – No Phone – Will appear to express personal opinion – (Teleconference). NOT PRESENT
PERCY LOWE – 5782 Westover St. – 77033 – 713-299-2055 – Sunnyside Solar Project – (Virtual) – lowesfinancial@yahoo.com. NOT PRESENT
January 19, 2022, Page 11
#12 - PAUL VASQUEZ – 1310 Elliston St., Unit A – 77023 – 713-445-6015 – Nephew’s murder and HPD – (Teleconference).
Mayor Pro Tem Martin stated to Mr. Vasquez he knows this is an ongoing investigation led by HPD and he will refrain from commenting.
#13 - CONCEPTION MORENO – 13130 Edgehill Dr. – 77049 – 346-432-0507 – My son’s murder and HPD – (Teleconference).
Council Member Peck thanked Ms. Moreno and Mr. Vasquez for speaking today. She has been in contact with the Assistant Chief of Homicide making sure the case is being investigated. She wants both them to know that she will continue to follow up with HPD to get updates and to make sure that this case is still being investigated.
JUDY HARDIN – 3614 McKinley Ln. – 77088 – 346-406-9732 – METRO – (Teleconference). NOT PRESENT
ROLAND CURRY – 5911 Bent Bough Ln. – 77088 – 832-977-9305 – Freedom of Information Act – (Virtual) curryroland@gmail.com. NOT PRESENT
BALDOMERO GARZA – 7211 Mississippi Rd. – Manvel, TX – 77578 – 713-775-5207 – City of Houston redistricting – (In Person). NOT PRESENT
#14 - SERGIO LIRA – 7001 Sloan St. – 77087 – 832-541-6130 – Equitable representation – (In Person).
#15 - GARY LYNN – No Address – 832-325-8966 – Sidewalks – (Virtual) – garyjlynn@yahoo.com.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin stated to Mr. Lynn that he has spoken to Gabe Casarez about this subject several times. We need to do a better job of our sidewalks for folks that are handicapped in the City of Houston. What he is going to do is to reach out to Houston Public Works and to Mr. Casarez to set up a meeting with him to go over his concerns because they are very legitimate in the world that we live in today.
Council Member Jackson thanked Mr. Lynn for coming in today and being a strong advocate for folks with disabilities. She knows that they have had a lot of conversations about the issues with Metro. Mr. Lynn has been advocating very strongly about Metro and sidewalks and her office will continue to work with him, work with Metro and the Mayor’s Office to try to address these issues.
#16 - ILY RIVAS – 9390 FM 1960 Bypass West Rd. – Humble, TX 77338 – 832-795-6272 – Business practices in City of Houston – (In Person).
For more information and details from the speakers list, please click here: houstontx.swagit.com/play/01202022-503
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 10:42 a.m., Completed the Speakers List and went back to the Agenda
15. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, HOUSTON, TEXAS, relating to Animals and Fowl – Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Kubosh absent. ORDINANCE 2022-0044 ADOPTED
26. ORDINANCE appropriating $581,059.23 out of Water & Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund; approving and authorizing Interlocal Agreement between City of Houston and HARRIS COUNTY for the Anderson Road Project; providing funding for CIP Cost Recovery relating to construction of facilities financed by the Water & Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund - DISTRICT K - CASTEX-TATUM - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Kubosh absent.
ORDINANCE 2022-0045 ADOPTED
NON CONSENT AGENDA - NUMBERS 29 and 30
MISCELLANEOUS
29. MOTION TO SET A DATE not less than seven days from January 19, 2022, to receive nominations for Positions One and Two and Two Alternate At-Large Positions of the HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, for a one year term to expire December 31, 2022 - Was presented, Council Member Castex-Tatum moved to set a date for January 26, 2022 to receive nomination and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Kubosh absent.
MOTION 2022-0042 ADOPTED
30. MOTION TO SET A DATE not less than seven days from January 19, 2022, to receive nominations for Position One of the PORT OF HOUSTON AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY, for a two year term – Was presented,
Council Member Castex-Tatum moved to set January 26, 2022 to receive nominations and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Kubosh absent. MOTION 2022-0043 ADOPTED
Council Member Castex-Tatum moved to amend Item 30 to receive nominations for Position 2 and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0044 ADOPTED
Council Member Castex-Tatum moved to adopt as amended Item 30 to set 1/26/2022 to receive nominations for Position 2 and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0045 ADOPTED
MATTERS HELD - NUMBERS 31 and 32
31. ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2018-0410, as amended, to increase the maximum contract amount for contract between City of Houston and PREMIER FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC for Financial Services for Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services Program $5,318,279.00 - Special Revenue Fund - TAGGED BY COUNCIL MEMBER POLLARD
This was Item 18 on Agenda of January 12, 2022 – Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Kubosh absent. ORDINANCE 2022-0046 ADOPTED
32. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing agreement between City of Houston and STERLING INFOSYSTEMS, INC, d/b/a STERLING, for Background Investigation Services for the Human Resources Department; providing a maximum contract amount - 3 Years with 2 one-year options $1,560,000.00 - Central Service Revolving Fund - TAGGED BY COUNCIL MEMBER POLLARD
This was Item 19 on Agenda of January 12, 2022 - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Kubosh absent. ORDINANCE 2022-0047 ADOPTED
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS - Council Member Martin first Members of Council announced events and discussed matters of interest.
There being no further business before Council, the City Council adjourned at 11:21 a.m. Council Members Thomas, Travis, Gallegos, Pollard, Castex-Tatum, Knox, Kubosh and Plummer absent.
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