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City of Houston City Council met April 12 & 13.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the Houston City Council was held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 12, 2022, with Mayor Sylvester Turner presiding with Council Members Amy Peck, Tarsha Jackson, Abbie Kamin, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Dave Martin, Tiffany Thomas, Mary Nan Huffman, Karla Cisneros, Robert Gallegos, Edward Pollard, Martha Castex-Tatum, Mike Knox, David W. Robinson, Michael Kubosh, Letitia Plummer and Sallie Alcorn; Randy Zamora, Legal Department, and Marta Crinejo, Agenda Director, present.
At 2:04 p.m., Mayor Turner called the meeting to order and recognized Council Member Gallegos for the Invocation.
Council Member Gallegos gave the Invocation after which he led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
All Present
Council Member Castex-Tatum moved to delay the minutes 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 may participate 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# 441 664 881#. Details for signing up to speak in person or virtually are posted at https://www.houstontx.gov/council/meetingsinfo.html.
Members of the public may attend the Wednesday Council session in-person at 901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, Texas, 77002, if there is a public hearing where City Council will be allowing hybrid public comment. Members of the public may attend the Wednesday Council session in person, or via Teams at (936) 755-1521; Conference ID# 339 605 191# but no public comment will be allowed outside of the public hearing.
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 Castex-Tatum for a point of personal privilege. Council Member Castex-Tatum stated that today they have visiting with them at City Hall, some dynamic students from Dulles High School and their teacher, Ms. Ruth Robinson. They were here today to take a tour of Downtown. They are engineering and architecture students and wanted to see the architecture of the buildings Downtown, they are working on a big project. They had the opportunity to see the tunnels, many of them for the first time and to see the City Hall and their government work in action. They had an opportunity to speak with them. When their teacher called her and said that they are engineering, and architecture students you know who she called from the Members of Council which was Council Member Robinson. Council Member Robinson had an opportunity to visit with the students as well. What she loved when she did ask the students what’s their favorite part of their visit today, they said by being here in City Hall has been the best part of their visit today. She was so happy that the Dulles students are here today and they wish them the very best success in their academic careers.
Council Member Robinson stated that he wanted to join Council Member Castex-Tatum in saluting these students. They had a nice chat in talking about what they are interested in. They are so keen, alert and he think that they are so attuned to what Council Member Castex-Tatum had to say. They were joined by Commissioner Dean Corgey with the port. They got to see what a person working in the engineering space really does for a living. He is really pleased that they joined them today.
Mayor Turner welcomed the students to City Hall and to Downtown. Council Member Castex-Tatum recognized there was only 1 female in the group and encouraged her as the Council is now dominated by females 10 to 7.
Mayor Turner recognized Council Member Kamin for a procedural motion. Council Member Kamin moved that the rules be suspended for the purpose of moving Ellen Cohen to the top of the three (3) minute Agenda List of Speakers and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0180 ADOPTED
Mayor Turner stated that it was good to see the former Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen here with them today and he wanted to acknowledge her.
Mayor Turner recognized Council Member Jackson for a procedural motion. Council Member Jackson moved that the rules be suspended for the purpose of adding Charles Noble after Percy Moultry on the three (3) minute Agenda List of Speakers and Seconded by Council Member Kubosh, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0181 ADOPTED
At 2:13 p.m., Mayor Turner requested the City Secretary to call the List of Speakers
#1 - DEAN CORGEY – 6615 Juanita Place – 7007 – 713-569-4400 - Item No.17 - Amending Chapters 14 and 34/Parental Paid Family Leave – (In Person).
#2 - MARK SMITH – 2000 Crawford – 77002 – 832-531-6067 – Item No. 22 – Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County – (Teleconference).
PERCY MOULTRY – 5902 Bretshire Dr. – 77016 – 713-962-0721 – Item No. 28 – Houston Parks Board LGC, Inc/Funding for Scenic Woods Parks – (Virtual) – percymoultry@sbcglobal.net. NOT PRESENT
CHARLES NOBLE – No Address – No phone. NOT PRESENT
#3 - CHARLES EPPERSON – 500 Round Rock Ave. – Round Rock, TX - 78664 – 512-636-4305 – Item No. 36 - MSD/Northpoint Development LLC – (In Person).
#4 - AMAKA UNAKA – 900 Bagby St. – 77002 – 832-393-3001 – Item No.17 - Amending Chapters 14 and 34/Parental Paid Family Leave – (In Person).
Mayor Turner stated to Ms. Unaka if he wasn’t already persuaded, she is certainly very persuasive and her personal testimony spoke volumes as to why this issue is before us tomorrow. He thanked her for speaking not just for herself but for so many other mothers and fathers who find themselves in a position where they don’t want to utilize all of their time and end up with zero time to take care of their precious little ones.
Council Member Evans-Shabazz stated she wanted to publicly thank Ms. Unaka. Of course, she never knew some of this, she used to joke in some of the meetings and she was the first Chief of Staff who actually took a laptop and phone into the delivery room. She thought she was joking, but hearing some of these things, she wanted to make it very clear that it was nothing that she imposed on her. She commends her for what she is doing and she is going to make her cry. It’s her own dedication that brought this about and she helped the office to continue work very smoothly. She wants to thank her and for coming forward because not only does she have a newborn, she has a five year old. She is standing not just on her own behalf but on the behalf of all those that could be impacted by having to work. Council Member Evans-Shabazz stated you have to keep up with these hours because they cannot afford to not get paid. She is certainly going to support this and will be able to move forward with giving this to our personnel in the City of Houston.
#5 - SIHAN LIU – 4825 Northwest 41st St. – Riverside, MO – 64150 – 913-907-6776 - Item No. 36 - MSD/Northpoint Development LLC – (Virtual) – sliu@northpointkc.com.
#6 - ELLEN COHEN – 2929 Buffalo Speedway – 77098 – 832-524-6150 - Item No. 17 – Amending Chapters 14 and 34/Parental Paid Family Leave – (In Person).
Mayor Turner thanked Ms. Cohen for her presence today her words of wisdom, her experience and she is quite familiar with this chamber. Her words speak for themselves and they speak volumes. It was good to see her. Even, last week at the Houston Area Women’s Center luncheon where she has been instrumental in bringing that organization forward and then now speaking on this particular issue means a great deal.
Coucil Member Kamin stated she wanted to acknowledge and thank Ms. Cohen for her leadership. Not only speaking on behalf of all of the children that this would impact but also her leadership for women. For women’s health and family health. It’s an honor to have her has her predecessor. She has alway been a champion for this work. Her leadership continues on in many as respects and it might a lot to have her here today.
Mayor Turner recognized Council Member Martin for a procedural motion. Council Member Martin moved that the rules be suspended for the purpose of moving Jacob Klementich after Ellen Cohen and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0182 ADOPTED
#7 - JACOB KLEMENTICH – 4004 Montrose St., Apt. #42 – 77006 – 832-896-8187 – Birthday at Minute Maid Park/Working at Minute Maid Park – SPEECH/HEARING IMPAIRED NEEDED.
Mayor Turner recognized Council Member Knox for a procedural motion. Council Member Knox moved that the rules be suspended for the purpose of adding Alex Marichal after Marian Wright on the (3) three minute Non-Agenda List of Speakers and Seconded by Council Member Kubosh, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0183 ADOPTED
#8 - KEN GOOD – 5353 W. Alabama, Apt. #690 – 77098 – 903-780-7731 – Item No. 15 – Chapter 28 of the Code of Ordinances/Bail Bond Premium – (Teleconference).
Council Member Knox stated to Mr. Good that he indicated that they might be breaking the law on this issue. As he understands this partucular issue, it’s limited to only those defendants who have been charged with a violent or sexually oriented crime. If you were a burglar or a thief or a shoplifter or anything else, this would not apply. Is that right, Mr. Good understanding as well and Mr. Good stated it is but that there is no other city in the state that has a similar ordinance. There is no other bail bond ordinance in the state that regulates what bondsmen charge. Council Member Knox stated this is a finely tuned law for specific offenses and it’s his understanding when they pass laws or ordinances, that they ought to apply to everyone in the city, not just a select few people as well, is that, Mr. Good understanding as well. Mr. Good stated he thinks so. He stated that this is his last question to him, judges make a determination whether someone should be released on bail, bond or not, that is really not up to the bondmen. When someone comes to their office and they have a bond. That is an indication from them that they are safe to be released in the community. Isn’t that accurate? Mr. Good stated yes.
Members of Council commented and question Mr. Good’s statement at length.
Mayor Turner stated to Mr. Good that the point that he is making, is when the bail bonds company is putting people on a payment plan and they don’t have the necessary job to get the income. They are going to find that income from somebody.The goal for this ordinance is to reduce and enhance public safety. Everybody has a role to play. The judges has a role to play and bail bond companies have a role to play. They need to be responsible. The legislature doesn’t meet until January of 2023. Is that correct, Mr. Good and Mr. Good stated yes. Mayor Turner doesn’t think that the people out in our city can wait until January 2023 in order for the legislature to act. When the members of City Council can act tomorrow to enhance public safety in the City of Houston. That is why this ordinance is before the City Council. This is the number one issue in terms of public safety. It’s incumbent upon City Council to do its part in making sure that bail bonds companies are not adding to the public safety issue that are impacting people on a day to day existence. That’s why this ordinance is before us and it won’t solve all problems but it’s an additional step that we can take.
#9 - MARIO GARZA – 7634 Gulf Freeway – 77017 – 832-453-8078 - Item No. 15 – Chapter 28 of the Code of Ordinances/Bail Bond Premium – (In Person).
Mayor Turner stated to Mr. Garza that Chief Finner says there is a problem with the bail bond companies. Then what about due process with respect to people who are victimized by people who are out and on that 2% or 3% bond on a payment plan. What is the due process for them. No one is saying that everyone that’s out on a bonding system is violating it or abusing it. But if you ask a person on the street. They will assume that if a judge sets the bond for $100,000 that person or person’s family member is paying for 10% and most are not aware that they are paying 2% or 3% installment plan. Everyone does need to be accountable. We need to get down on the backlog of cases, not just misdemeanor but there are 40,000 to 50,000 felony cases that are behind. There are people that are out on bond on that installment plan. Just like they have to be accountable with what they do at the city, police and everyone else. Judges need to be held accountable. The legisature needs to be accountable with HB1927 putting guns everywhere. So does the bail bonding companies. No one is trying to put anybody out of business. They want to keep people who are out on bail on these installment plans from committing additional crimes while they are out on bond. At least mitigate it, so it’s not picking on anyone.
Members of Council commented and question at length on Mr. Garza’s statement.
Mayor Turner recognized Council Member Jackson for a procedural motion. Council Member Jackson moved that the rules be suspended for the purpose of moving Qasim Khan after Donna Brawley on (1) one minute Non-Agenda List of Speakers and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0184 ADOPTED
#10 - TREASEA TREVINO – 4703 Brady St. – 77011 – 281-705-2171 – Item No. 17 – Amending Chapters 14 and 34/Parental Paid Family Leave – (In Person).
#11 - AMY DINN – 1415 Fannin St. – 77002 – 713-501-5070 – Item No. 36 – MSD/Northpoint Development LLC - (Virtual) – adinn@lonestarlegal.org.
#12 - QASIM KHAN – 5514 Hirsch Rd. – 77026 – 346-303-1931 – Advocate for making the month of May mother’s month – (In Person).
Mayor Turner stated to Mr. Khan that they all agree with him. They are quite deserving and without them they certainly wouldn’t be here. He thinks that he has total agreement and they stand with him on that. Mayor Turner stated that he has put it in the atmosphere. The administration will take it into consideration and they will see how to move forward and they will probably have some conversations with him as well.
DONNA BRAWLEY – 4431 Busiek St. – 77022 – 713-818-5600 - Proposed gas station on Busiek St. – (Teleconference). NOT PRESENT
SONIA COLLANTES – 4439 Busiek St. – 77022 – 832-618-0772 - Proposed gas station on Busiek St. – (Teleconference). NOT PRESENT
#13 - RUBEN LOREDO – 4430 Busiek St. – 77022 – 713-367-3414 - Proposed gas station on Busiek St. – (Teleconference).
#14 - CHERYL TIMS – 4423 Busiek St. – 77022 – 713-299-8060 - Proposed gas station on Busiek St – (Teleconference).
Council Member Cisneros thanked Ms. Tims for speaking today. They are aware of the prostitution that is in the area, so is HPD and they have been out there. She had spoken to her husband earlier this week. In regards to the gas station, it is currently commercial property, that makes it more complicated to what the city has jurisdiction over. If they are not breaking rules and they are complying with everything. They don’t have much say on what can go there because we don’t have zoning. They are looking to see what else they could do.
#15 - ADAM RENZ – 1524 Allston St. – 77008 – 832-260-6843 – 11th Street Road Improvements – (In Person).
Council Member Kamin thanked Mr. Renz for coming and as he knows a lot of safety improvements are coming to 11th street. Including Nichols at 11th street which has been a top priority for her. She thanked him for speaking to all of the departments that have been involved in this.
Members of Council commented and questioned at length Mr. Renz’s statement.
#16 - MARIAN WRIGHT – 709 Bayland Ave. – 77009 – 713-899-7439 – 11th Street – (In Person).
Council Member Kubosh stated to Ms. Wright that she sometimes makes too much sense and the reason why they don’t want to put it on 12th street, that Council Member Knox had suggested it’s not going to reduce the speed of traffic on 11th street. The over all goal is to reduce the speed and crashes on 11th street. There is a lot to be considered.
Members of Council commented and question at length on Ms. Wright’s statement.
#17 – ALEX MARICHAL – No Address - No Phone -11th Street.
TOWANA BRYANT – No Address – No Phone – OBO – (Virtual) – towana.bryant@trinity freightservices.com. NOT PRESENT
JOSUE ZAMARRON – 5607 Hilary St. – 77026 – 713-299-3820 – Government Contracts – (In Person). NOT PRESENT
#18 - REV. RANDY TIMS – 4423 Busiek St. – 77022 – 713-408-4682 – Proposed gas station on Busiek St./Prostitution at Timber Inn Hotel – (In Person).
Council Member Castex-Tatum thanked Rev. Tims for being here and his service to the City. His comments are very familiar. They hear from so many residents about the number of gas stations that are going into the communities. She has had conversation with the Planning Department and she has an intern doing some research on the possibility of moratorium some gas stations in the City of Houston. With private property rights, they are very limited in what they can do. They have even looked at if its even possible to do a moratorium in certain sections where we are over saturated with gas stations. There are sections in District K on each of the four corners there are three gas stations and a fourth one is coming. Residents are saying the exact same thing that Rev. Tims is saying. They are so limited because of private property rights and no zoning. She thinks that he is doing the right thing by trying to reach out to the owner. They have started by trying to have community meetings with the owners and if they move forward with the gas stations, talk about expectations and how they can be good neighbors out in the community that they both have to live in. Her suggestion to him, is to reach out to the owner to see if he can talk about expectations and what type of security. She does thinks when the owners who care and want to make sure they are being good neighbors and they take responsibility for what is happening in their property. Not to let nuisances that happen on their property impact on the community.
Council Member Thomas stated to Rev. Tims that she encourages him share his comments with the Planning Commission and the Planning Commission replat that land and they have some influence around that when developers want to build in our communities, they need your voices to share with them. She would encourage everyone that signed up here, to share those same comments with the Planning Commission as well.
Council Member Pollard suggested extended Police presence for added security measures.
Council Members Cisneros thanked Rev. Tims and that she knows that he has been talking to her staff. She appreciates her colleagues on Council for their good advice. Talking to the owners and letting them know not to patronize the businesses and see if that really works. The other ideas in talking with the Planning Commission and maybe Council can explore moratoriums and set limits on the number of gas stations. These are things that they do not have the tools for right now. She hears them and there are working on what they can help and do whatever they can.
#19 - MARY FRAZIER – 4314 Cadmus St. – 77022 – 713-692-0111 – Proposed gas station on Busiek St. – (Teleconference).
Mayor Turner stated to Ms. Frazier that they will have some people drive out there and they will work closely with her Council Member. They will do whatever they can and that her Council Member is very dedicated to that area.
#20 - JOCELYN BABIN – 4318 Cadmus St. – 77022 – 713-446-1052 - Proposed gas station on Busiek St. – (In Person).
Mayor Turner stated to Ms. Babin that they will send some people out in regards with the prostitution that is out there. They will see what they can do. There is no zoning in the city. If they are following all the legal requirements, then they are limited to what they can do.
#21 - JOE TIRADO – 122 E. Crosstimbers St. – 77022 – 832-282-6532 – Water Department deposit returned/Complaint process with Health Department – (Virtual) – tiradoproperties@gmail.com.
#22 - ALEX ROSEN – 10611 Atwell Dr. – 77096 – 832-723-6937 – Zoning – (In Person).
#23 - ANDREW ROBERTSON – 1430 Christine St. – 77017 – 832—340-5145 – HPD needs to be proactive versus reactive – (In Person).
#24 - INES SIGEL – 708 Main St. – 77002 – 504-258-4852 - Earth Day – (In Person).
Council Member Robinson thanked Ms. Sigel for her patience today and for waiting to speak and for the mission and the message that she brings. Link Houston is the leader in this and she is leading Link Houston now. She nailed it, they have a lot of room for improvement and there are directions that they are going that she and he believes in. And this Mayor’s believe in with his commitment.
#25 - KRISTINA RONNEBERG – 1819 Columbia St. – 77008 – 510-333-4707 – Earth Day/Climate resiliency – (In Person).
MICHELLE HARRIS – 12731 Braeswood Glen Ln. – 77072 – 832-876-0339 – Junk waste – (Virtual) mm3harris@gmail.com. NOT PRESENT
#26 - YVONNE SILVA – 2502 Mona Lee Ln. – 77080 – 713-464-2078 – Ignored fraud/Housing issues by HUD – (Teleconference).
#27 - MARIE CORTES – 16415 Craighurst Dr. – 77059 – 832-388-8218 – Safety of children at Best Elementary/Drugs and Prostitution – (In Person).
#28 - MICHELLE WILSON – 3203 Candlepine Dr. – Spring, TX – 77388 – 281-543-0980 – Government access – (In Person).
STEVE WILLIAMS – No Address – No Phone – Will appear to express personal opinion – (Teleconference). NOT PRESENT
#29 - ILY MONTAYA-RIVAS – 9390 FM 1960 Bypass West – Humble, TX 77338 – 832-795-6272 – Texas Children Hospital – (In Person).
#30 - ROBERT CHOATE – 6107 Hurst St. – 77008 – 713-818-6945 – Item No. 17 – Amending Chapters 14 and 34/Parental Paid Family Leave – (In Person).
At 2:17 p.m., Council Member Huffman came into the meeting.
At 4:19 p.m., Council Member Kamin left the meeting.
At 4:22 p.m., Council Members Gallegos and Knox left the meeting.
At 4:55 p.m., Council Member Kubosh left the meeting.
For more information and details from the speakers list, please click here: houstontx.new.swagit.com/videos/167245
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 5:17 p.m., City Council was recessed until 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 13, 2022. 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, April 13, 2022, with Mayor Sylvester Turner presiding with Council Members Amy Peck, Tarsha Jackson, Abbie Kamin, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Dave Martin, Tiffany Thomas, Mary Nan Huffman, Karla Cisneros, Robert Gallegos, 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.
At 9:03 a.m., Mayor Turner called the meeting of the Houston City Council to order.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Turner stated that redistricting conversations will start really soon. The redistricting meetings are scheduled and they are starting next week. The City of Houston will host a series of town hall meetings in each City Council District to explain the redistricting process and allow members of the public to give input to the city in how they want their district to look in the future. These meetings will be conducted in person. The Capital Improvements projects meetings will be followed by redistricting discussion. They are combining the two. If there are specific topics that council wants to discuss at the meetings, let them know so they can come prepared. He will have many of the key departments setting up booths at the meetings. So, like Police, Fire, Department of Neighborhoods, Libraries and Public Works will be there to answer any questions. There maybe specific areas of concern within their district and they want to address thoughts and just let them know.
He is going to be attending the funeral today for the Harris County Precinct 7 Deputy Jennifer Chavez who was killed while trying to stop a suspected drunk driver on the Harris County Toll Road last week. That funeral is today, unfortunately last Friday the Harris County Sheriff’s Office laid to rest Deputy Darren Almendarez who was shot and killed confronting a group who was thought to be stealing the catalytic converter from his own truck. They want to continue to lift up his family, his wife and his children. Let’s lift up the family members of Constable Deputy Jennifer Chavez as well. Keep them in their prayers and then on a general note, keep all of law enforcement officers in their prayers.
This is National Public Safety Telecom week. He knows that Chief Finner has been out this week thanking the men and women who answers the calls for help when people call 911. They are the calm voices in the midst of the chaos. Then this is National Public Health week as well. Houston’s 14-day average COVID-19 positivity rate is 3.5%. He wants to encourage people who haven’t gotten any of the shots to please do and people have gotten the first shot and get the second. And then their third shot.
Mayor Turner stated that the University of Houston Cougars didn’t make it to the Final Four but he thinks next year because the Final Four will be held here in Houston in 2023. This Friday, the Houston Local Organizing Committee will host a Fan Jam Truck, an interactive pop-up truck as it arrives in Houston to pass the Men’s Final Four host City torch from New Orleans to Houston for the NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament. There will be entrainment, give always and more and this is all taking place on Friday. In regards to the Houston Astros, they won last night and he got his Astros cap and he loves the new jerseys. Hats off to the Houston Astros and they are off to a blazing start. The opening game will be on Monday night. He wants to encourage everyone to go out and support the Astros.
This coming Friday is Good Friday for Christians and those observing that. Sunday, is Easter which he observes and will be out with the kiddos chasing the Easter eggs, Enjoy the weekend.
At 9:11 a.m., Mayor Turner requested the City Secretary to call the Agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA NUMBERS 1 through 39
MISCELLANEOUS - NUMBERS 1 through 4
1. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the appointment of TRACI LATSON to Position Two of the HOUSTON ETHICS COMMISSION, for a term to expire December 31, 2023 Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0185 ADOPTED
2. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the appointment or reappointment of the following individuals to the HOUSTON ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON, for terms to expire March 1, 2024:
Position Two - TANYA DEBOSE, appointment
Position Four - RHONDA L. SEPÚLVEDA, reappointment
Position Six - ELIZABETH WIEDOWER JACKSON, reappointment Position Eight - STEPHEN K. MCNIEL, reappointment
Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0186 ADOPTED
3. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the appointment of LIBBY VIERA BLAND to Position Five of the HISTORIC PRESERVATION APPEALS BOARD OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON, for an unexpired term ending December 2, 2023 - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0187 ADOPTED
4. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the appointment or reappointment of the following individuals to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER TWENTY SEVEN, CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS (MONTROSE ZONE):
Position One - LISA W. HUNT, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2023
Position Three - JOE DOUGLAS WEBB, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2023
Position Four - EUREKA GILKEY, appointment, for an unexpired term ending 12/31/2022
Position Seven - RAYMOND L. VALDEZ, reappointment, for a term to expire 12/31/2023
Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0188 ADOPTED
ACCEPT WORK – NUMBER 6
6. RECOMMENDATION from Director General Services Department for approval of final contract amount of $2,106,229.00 and acceptance of work on Construction Manager At Risk Contract with TIMES CONSTRUCTION, INC, for the Dixon TECHLink Library Replacement - 4.89% over the original construction amount and under the approved 10% contingency - DISTRICT B – JACKSON – Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0189 ADOPTED
PURCHASING AND TABULATION OF BIDS - NUMBERS 7 through 14
7. QUALTRICS, LLC for Emergency Purchase of Software for COVID-19 Surveying and Public Engagement for the Houston Health Department. - $790,500.00 - One Year - Grant Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0190 ADOPTED
8. GREATER GOOD COMPANY, LLC for Emergency Purchase of Software for Laboratory Reporting for the Houston Health Department - $287,200.00 - Grant Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0191 ADOPTED
9. ITG TECHNOLOGIES, INC for Emergency Purchase of Data Q Software for the Houston Health Department - $180,000.00 - Grant Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0192 ADOPTED
10. PEPSICO FOUNDATION INC for Emergency Purchase Order to fund the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program for the Houston Parks and Recreation Department $830,865.00 - Grant Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0193 ADOPTED
11. HOPEWELL DESIGNS, INC for purchase and delivery of a Panoramic Dosimeter Irradiator System for the Mayor's Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security Division - $166,673.00 - Grant Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0194 ADOPTED
12. VEGA AMERICAS, INC for purchase of Radar Sensors for Liquid Level Detection in Wastewater Operations for Houston Public Works - $40,035.00 - Enterprise Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0195 ADOPTED
14. KINETIC MOTORWERKS, LLC to provide and install various Chemical Tanks and Recirculating Pumps for Houston Public Works - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0196 ADOPTED ]
ORDINANCES - NUMBERS 18 through 37
18. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing contract between City of Houston and COKINOS ENERGY L.L.C. dba COKINOS ENERGY CORPORATION for the supply of Natural Gas and Related Services to City of Houston facilities citywide for the Finance Department; providing maximum contract amount – Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0253 ADOPTED
19. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing third amendment to contract between City of Houston and HOUSTON SRO HOUSING CORPORATION, to extend the term of the contract and provide additional Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Funds for the continuing administration and operation of a Community Residence along with the provision of Supportive Services - $350,000.00 Grant Fund - DISTRICT D - EVANS-SHABAZZ - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0254 ADOPTED
20. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing third amendment to contract between City of Houston and HOUSTON HELP, INC, to extend the term of the contract and provide additional Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Funds for the continuing administration and operation of a Community Residence along with the provision of Supportive Services - $368,551.00 - Grant Fund - DISTRICT D - EVANS-SHABAZZ - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0255 ADOPTED
21. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing third amendment to contract between City of Houston and AIDS FOUNDATION HOUSTON, INC, extending the term of the contract and providing additional Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Funds for the continuing administration and operation of three multi-unit residential facilities, along with supportive services - $1,599,792.00 - Grant Fund - DISTRICTS D - EVANS-SHABAZZ; H - CISNEROS and J – POLLARD - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0256 ADOPTED
22. ORDINANCE authorizing third amendment to contract between City of Houston and COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS OF HOUSTON/HARRIS COUNTY, extending the term of the contract and providing additional Emergency Solutions Grant Funds and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Funds for the continuing operation and maintenance of a Homeless Management Information System $150,135.00 - Grant Fund Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0257 ADOPTED
23. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing contract between City of Houston and INSTITUTE OF SPIRITUALITY AND HEALTH at the Texas Medical Center for the Training and Deployment of Health Workers in the community for the Health Department; providing a maximum contract amount - 1 Year $150,000.00 - Grant Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0258 ADOPTED
24. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing contract between City of Houston and MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA OF GREATER HOUSTON, INC for the Training and Deployment of Health Workers in the community for the Health Department; providing a maximum contract amount - 1 Year - $500,000.00 Grant Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0259 ADOPTED
25. ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2016-0259, as amended, to increase the maximum contract amount; approving and authorizing first amendment to contract between the City of Houston and CONDUENT PUBLIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS INC (Formerly known as CONSILIENCE SOFTWARE INC) for Maven Software Maintenance/Upgrade Agreement for the Houston Health Department $270,000.00 - Grant Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0260 ADOPTED
26. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Sole Source Contract between City of Houston and IMAGETREND, INC for Software and Professional Services to support City of Houston Fire Department's Electronic Patient Care Reporting System; providing a maximum contract amount 4 Years with 4 one-year options - $3,564,681.01 - Central Service Revolving Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0261 ADOPTED
30. ORDINANCE awarding and approving agreement between City of Houston and THE HARRIS CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH and IDD for the Crisis Intervention Response Team Program for the Houston Police Department; providing a maximum contract amount - $2,388,105.00 - ARPA Recovery Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0262 ADOPTED
32. ORDINANCE awarding and approving agreement between City of Houston and THE HARRIS CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH and IDD for the Clinician Officer Remote Evaluation Program for the Houston Police Department; providing a maximum contract amount - $2,543,625.00 - ARPA Recovery Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0263 ADOPTED
33. ORDINANCE finding and determining that public convenience and necessity no longer require the continued use of a ±10 foot-wide utility easement, out of the north side Buffalo Bayou Subdivision, situated in the John Austin Survey, Abstract 1, Harris County, Texas; abandoning said utility easement to the University of Houston System, the abutting property owner, in consideration of its payment to the City in the amount of $45,086.00, and other good and valuable consideration - DISTRICT H – CISNEROS - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0264 ADOPTED
35. ORDINANCE consenting to the addition of 5.505 acres of land to HARRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 5, for inclusion in the district - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0265 ADOPTED
37. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Purchase and Sale Agreement between City of Houston, Texas, Seller, and FIFTH WARD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, Purchaser, for sale of approximately 341,710 square-feet of land located at 3400 Linn Street, Houston, Harris County, Texas, 77026, for $771,954.00 cash and the conveyance of a 40-foot wide Waterline Easement to the City; approving and authorizing the conveyance of an Access and Easement Agreement to the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District - DISTRICT B – JACKSON - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0266 ADOPTED
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
5. RECOMMENDATION from Director of Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $12,959,568.13 and acceptance of work on contract with INDUSTRIAL TX CORPORATION for Northeast Water Purification Plant Improvements-Package 2 - 2.09% 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 2022-0197 ADOPTED
13. PENCCO, INC for Hydrofluorosilicic Acid Chemicals for Houston Public Works - 3 Years with 2 one-year options - $1,966,600.00 - Enterprise Fund – Was presented and TAGGED BY COUNCIL MEMBER KUBOSH
15. ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE XX, CHAPTER 28 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, HOUSTON, TEXAS, establishing a Minimum Bail Bond Premium or Payment for serious violent or sexual offenses; declaring certain conduct to be unlawful and proving a penalty therefor – Was presented and TAGGED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS MARTIN AND KUBOSH
16. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, HOUSTON, TEXAS, to add and amend sections relating to Exterior Security Cameras and Lighting to increase public safety – Was presented and TAGGED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS KAMIN, THOMAS AND ALCORN
17. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 14 AND 34 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, HOUSTON, TEXAS, relating to the adoption of paid leave for Prenatal, Parental, and Infant Wellness Leave; superseding or repealing certain ordinances; containing findings and other provisions relating to the foregoing subject; providing an effective date; providing for severability – Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0267 ADOPTED
27. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing contract between City of Houston and EBSCO PUBLISHING, INC for implementation of Digital Databases and Collection Services for Houston Public library; providing a maximum contract amount - 5 Years with 2 one-year options - $625,000.00 - General Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0268 ADOPTED
28. ORDINANCE appropriating $ 3,515,000.00 out of Parks and Recreation Dedication Fund; approving and authorizing first amendment to Interlocal Agreement by and between City of Houston, Texas, and HOUSTON PARKS BOARD LGC, INC, relating to construction of improvements on eleven (11) neighborhood parks under the 50/50 Park Partners Initiative Project - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0269 ADOPTED
29. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing the submission of an application for grant assistance to the State of Texas through the OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION for the Body Worn Camera Program; declaring the City's eligibility for such Grant; authorizing the Police Chief of the City of 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 Grant and to extend the budget period - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0270 ADOPTED
31. ORDINANCE awarding and approving agreement between City of Houston and THE HARRIS CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH and IDD for creation and operation of a Crisis Call Diversion and Mobile Crisis Outreach Team Rapid Response Program for the Houston Police Department, providing a maximum contract amount - $13,480,656.00 - ARPA Recovery Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0271 ADOPTED
34. ORDINANCE consenting to the addition of 61.0439 acres of land to EMERALD FOREST UTILITY DISTRICT, for inclusion in the district - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0272 ADOPTED
36. MUNICIPAL Setting Designation Ordinance prohibiting the use of designated groundwater beneath a tract of land containing 86.658 acres commonly known as 8230 Stedman Street, Houston, Harris County, Texas; supporting issuance of a Municipal Setting Designation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at the request of NORTHPOINT DEVELOPMENT LLC - DISTRICT B – JACKSON – Was presented and TAGGED BY COUNCIL MEMBER JACKSON
38. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Settlement Agreement of lawsuit and associated amendment to the Interlocal Agreement relating to Allens Creek Reservoir Project between City of Houston and BRAZOS RIVER AUTHORITY; approving and authorizing: 1) Quitclaim Deed; 2) Assignment and Assumption Agreement; and 3) Bill of Sale - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0273 ADOPTED
39. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing third amendment to Water Supply Contract between City of Houston and CITY OF HUMBLE (Approved by Ordinance No. 1997-1136, as amended) to align Delivery Dates and Surface Water Amounts with Houston-Galveston Subsidence District’s current rules - DISTRICT E – MARTIN - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0274 ADOPTED
40. ORDINANCE appropriating $498,750.00 out of Water & Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund as an additional appropriation to Professional Engineering Services Contract between City of Houston and BROWN & GAY ENGINEERS, INC for Rehabilitation of Water Storage Tanks at Various Locations (as approved by Ordinance No. 2020-1022); providing funding for CIP Cost Recovery relating to construction of facilities financed by the Water & Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund DISTRICTS A - PECK; B - JACKSON; C - KAMIN; D - EVANS-SHABAZZ; E - MARTIN; F - THOMAS; G - HUFFMAN; J - POLLARD and K - CASTEX-TATUM - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0275 ADOPTED
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS - Council Member Pollard first Members of Council announced events and discussed matters of interest.
There being no further business before Council, the City Council adjourned at 11:00 a.m. Council Members Thomas, Gallegos, Knox and Kubosh absent.
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