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City of Houston City Council met Aug. 2 & 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the Houston City Council was held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 2, 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, Edward Pollard, Martha Castex-Tatum, David W. Robinson, Letitia Plummer and Sallie Alcorn; Randy Zamora, Legal Department and Marta Crinejo, Agenda Director, present. Council Members Robert Gallegos, Mike Knox and Michael Kubosh absent on personal business. At 1:35 p.m., Mayor Turner called the meeting to order and recognized Council Member Peck for the first presentation.
Council Member Peck (on behalf of Council Member Kubosh) presented a proclamation to Representatives of Houston’s Salvadoran American Community recognizing August 6, 2022, as Salvadoran-American Day.
Council Member Martin presented a proclamation to the Houston Fire Department Chief Officers Association acknowledging all the organization does to enhance the quality of life of all HFD Chiefs and Officers and Houstonians, in general. Accepting the proclamation were Mr. Bryan Sky-Eagle and Chief Peña.
Council Member Castex-Tatum presented a proclamation to World Youth Foundation, Inc. honoring their 45 years of experience in the Construction Industry. Accepting the proclamation was Chairman/CEO Karen Franklin.
Mayor Turner presented a proclamation to the U.S. Coast Guard celebrating their 232nd birthday. Accepting the proclamation was Captain Jason Smith.
Mayor Turner gave the Invocation on behalf of Council Member Gallegos in his absence after which he led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Robert Gallegos, Mike Knox and Michael Kubosh absent on personal business. Council Member Castex-Tatum moved to adopt the minutes of June 7-8, 2022 and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION ADOPTED
Mayor Turner stated as they can see there is one person that has always been standing right behind him, who is not here. That being William Paul Thomas. William-Paul has chosen to retire and it was his hope that he would be at least with him through the end of his term. Though he does hate it, he certainly respects it.
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# 601 060 190#. Details for signing up to speak in-person or virtually are posted at https://www.houstontx.gov/council/meetingsinfo.html.
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 Jacob Klementich to the top of the three (3) minute List of Speakers for one (1) minute and Seconded by Council Member Castex-Tatum, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Plummer absent. MOTION 2022-0393 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 Carol Galloway after Jacob Klementich and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Plummer absent. MOTION 2022-0394 ADOPTED
At 2:21 p.m., Mayor Turner requested the City Secretary to call the List of Speakers.
#1 - JANICIA MARBRAY – 151 Northpoint Dr. – 77060 – 713-359-6791 – Texas Hospitality Worker Summit – (In Person).
#2 - JUAN CARDOZA-OQUENDO – 5300 Caroline St. – 77004 – 214-552-3447 – Redistricting – (Virtual) – juan@houstoninaction.org.
#3 - JACOB KLEMENTICH – 4004 Montrose Blvd. – 77006 – 832-596-8187 – Unsung heroes of Houston’s Minute Maid Park – (In Person).
#4 - CAROL GALLOWAY – 4810 Lavender St. – 77026 – 713-303-3444 – Trash talk – (In Person).
#5 - DR. THOMPSON AKWO – Post Office Box 16171 – 77091 – 832-322-5426 – Housing related to redistricting (In person).
#6 - ERIC JOHNSON – 1300 Redford St. – 77034 – 281-832-6310 - Homeless Housing – (In Person).
#7 - GEORGE HERNANDEZ – 1607 Airline Dr. – 77009 – 713-697-2027 – Drugs in Midtown/Homeless/Robberies – (In Person).
#8 - DERRICK MOTEN – 23223 Bright Star Rd. – Spring, TX - 77373 – 346-760-6909 – HPD – (Teleconference).
#9 - GORDON ROSEN – 10611 Atwell Dr. – 77096 – 832-723-6937 – Police – (In Person).
#10 - LATOYA HARRISON – No Address – No Phone – Police responding to a call for assistance – (Teleconference).
#11 - ROSALIND WILLIAMS - No Address – No Phone – Police responding to a call for assistance – (Teleconference).
#12 - JAMES WILLIAMS II - No Address – No Phone – Police responding to a call for assistance – (Teleconference).
#13 - CLAY JORDAN – 320 W. 10th St. – 77008 – 713-254-3073 – 11th St. Project – (In Person).
CLARENCE LENTON – 3410 Black Locust Dr. – 77088 – 713-494-2631 – Trash pick-up – (In Person). NOT PRESENT
#14 - ROBERT MARTIN – 1203 DeSoto St. – 77091 – 832-687-2906 – Power lines and commercial trucks – (Virtual) – kk5topcat@aol.com.
MARY MARTIN -1203 DeSoto St. – 77091 – 832-567-6962 - Power lines and commercial trucks – (Virtual) amjrealtors@gmail.com. NOT PRESENT
#15 - MARIA TELLEZ – 1350 Witte Rd., Apt. 208 – 77055 – 346-279-4367 – Abuse - (In Person).
#16 - ROBERT FORAN – 8716 Blackhawk Blvd. – 77075 – 346-702-6951 – Theft of service by Attorney/multiple victims – (In Person).
#17 - GERRY MONROE – 2501 Burkett St. – 77004 – 832-933-3447 – Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) – (In Person).
#18 - MARY WILLIAMS – 9449 Briar Forest Dr., Apt. 3405 – 77063 – 713-628-3699 – Hurricane Harvey – (Teleconference).
#19 - LINDA MURRAY – 6207 Bending Oaks St. – 77050 – 281-449-5232 – Living in apartment with mold – (In Person).
ANNIE JOHNSON – 7015 Hopper Rd. – 77016 – 832-967-4186 – J. T. Trotter Park – (In Person). NOT PRESENT
#20 - BENJAMIN BROWARD – 6602 Harbor Town Dr., Apt. 1001 – 77036 – 346-775-7415 – Third Ward, Acres Home and South Park – (In Person).
JERRY RILEY – 702 Girard St. – 77007 – 281-455-4825 – Finances – (In Person). NOT PRESENT
#21 - MARY EDWARDS – 5767 Belmark St. – 77033 – 832-996-0677 – Gas Bills – (In Person).
ANNIE WILLIAMS – 4014 RV Mayfield Dr. – 77088 – High water bill – (Teleconference). NOT PRESENT
#22 - TOWANA BRYANT – No Address – No phone – Mayor Administration/OBO/Transparency - (Virtual) – towana.bryant@trinityfreightservices.com.
ILY MONTOYA-RIVAS – 9390 FM 1960 Bypass West – Humble, TX – 77338 – 832-795-6272 – Eviction– (In Person). NOT PRESENT
NEOMA HARRIS – 7417 Hoffman St. – 77028 – 281-222-9260 – Deed restriction violation/enforcement (Teleconference). NOT PRESENT
ERIKA HARRISON – No Address – 830-580-5141 – Injustice of families in shelters – (In Person). NOT PRESENT
At 2:25 p.m., Council Member Plummer came into the meeting.
At 2:43 p.m., Council Member Martin left the meeting.
At 3:17 p.m., Council Member Huffman left the meeting.
At 3:23 p.m., Council Member Kamin left the meeting.
For more information and details from the speakers list, please click here: houstontx.new.swagit.com/videos/178122
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 4:05 p.m., City Council was recessed until 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 3, 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, August 3, 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, 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.
REPORT FROM CITY CONTROLLER AND THE CITY ADMINISTRATION REGARDING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL STATUS OF THE CITY including but not limited to, a revenue, expenditure and encumbrance report for the General Fund, all special revenue funds and all enterprise funds, and a report on the status of bond funds and a Quarterly Investment Report by the City Controller – Was presented, City Controller Chris Brown and Interim Director of Finance Department, Will Jones, reviewed the Monthly Operation and Financial Report; copies of which are on file in the City Secretary’s Office for review.
Council Member Martin moved to accept the Monthly Financial Report and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0395 ADOPTED
MAYOR’S REPORT
With respect to Monkeypox, the Houston Health Department has received a shipment of 6,740 doses of the vaccines. The Houston Health Department will receive up to 16,780 doses in the coming weeks and will provide 30% to Harris County Public Health. Vaccine supplies are still limited and they can get more information on the Houston Health Department website or by calling (832) 393-4220, Monday thru Saturday. Even with Houston to receive 16,780, they still need a lot more because the cases are exponentially increasing.
Mayor Turner stated in regards to the Gun Buyback Program that took place this Saturday. It was incredibly successful. 845 guns were collected. A little more than $100,000 in Visa gift cards were distributed. He wanted to thank Council Member Kamin, who worked with our faith based partner, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, and Pastor Ortega from the National Association of Christian Churches for contributing an additional $25,000.00 to the program. It was because of his contribution that the radio spots were purchased. He also wants to thank the other partners, the County, Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia, Congresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee and other State leaders. So based on what took place Saturday, he anticipates doing it one (1) or two (2) more times. The next one they anticipate being in Council Member Thomas’ district. Then one will be in the East End, as well. They had media outlets as far as Japan who came out and wanted to witness the program and they were impressed about what they saw. He wanted to thank HPD for its efforts, the staff, people in Government Affairs, Crystal Okorafor, the Deputy Inspector General and her team and city employees for making it successful.
The City of Houston is planning the African Energy Summit, which is scheduled to take place next month on September 22nd and 23rd. They are extending invitations to the Heads of State of our African countries to come. He wanted to acknowledge Chris Olson, Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs, for taking the leadership on this particular initiative and they should be hearing more about it as we move forward.
Mayor Turner wanted to acknowledge the team at BARC who had a record of 389 pets adopted during last month’s “Empty the Shelters.” This was a great outcome during the Bissell Pet Foundation sponsored campaign, the largest funded adoption event in the country. The team has now transitioned to the Annual “Clear the Shelters” campaign sponsored by MBC Universal and will be partnering with local tv affiliates to promote $20 dollar adoption fees all month. More details available at www.houstonbarc.com.
The Mayor acknowledged and congratulated Bun B Trill Burgers. Bun B Trill Burgers was named the greatest burger in the country last Friday on Good Morning America’s United States Burgers competition. Bun B first won a local competition in Houston and then was selected to compete in New York City and GMA. He is now interested in partnering with the City for a fun event that will include a pop up Trill Burgers stand.
The Mayor had the pleasure of participating with the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), along with NASA, the Johnson Space Center and the Houston Food Bank. They are giving out Artemis learning lunch box STEM kits, focusing on science, technology, engineering and math. This is their second city chosen in the country. Orlando was the first. The theme is feeding the minds and feeding lives. Within this box, there are about 10 hours of learning experiences for individuals and families. He wants to thank them for being here in the City of Houston.
Members of Council commented and questioned Mayor Turner about the Mayor’s Report. At 9:46 a.m., Mayor Turner requested the City Secretary to call the Agenda
CONSENT AGENDA NUMBERS 1 through 21
MISCELLANEOUS - NUMBERS 1 through 4
1. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the appointment of WILLIAM J. TAYLOR III to Position Seven of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER THREE, CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS (MAIN STREET MARKET SQUARE ZONE) for a term to expire December 3, 2023 – Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0396 ADOPTED
2. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the appointment of WILLIAM J. TAYLOR III to Position Seven of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELPMENT AUTHORITY (Formerly the MAIN STREET MARKET SQUARE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY) for a term to expire December 3, 2023 - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0397 ADOPTED
3. REQUEST from Mayor for confirmation of the appointment or reappointment of the following individuals to the HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Position One - ADAN G. VEGA, reappointment, for a term to expire 3/1/2023.
Position Two - NICHOLAS A. JIMENEZ, appointment, for a term to expire 3/1/2023.
Position Three - RACHEL L. CEVALLOS, reappointment, for a term to expire 3/1/2024.
Position Five - GAYNELL FLOYD DREXLER, reappointment, for a term to expire 3/1/2024.
Position Six - NEIL THOMAS, reappointment, for a term to expire 3/1/2023.
Position Seven - ZARINE M. BOYCE, reappointment, for a term to expire 3/1/2024.
Position Nine - LICIA A. GREEN, reappointment, for a term to expire 3/1/2024.
Position Eleven - MARY JANE WAKEFIELD, reappointment, for a term to expire 3/1/2024 Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0398 ADOPTED
4. RECOMMENDATION that the City Council approve a motion submitting the no-new revenue and voter-approval tax rates based on estimated tax roll information - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0399 ADOPTED
ACCEPT WORK - NUMBERS 5 through 9
5. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $1,911,762.49 and acceptance of work on contract with PM CONSTRUCTION AND REHAB, LLC dba IPR SOUTH CENTRAL Force Main Renewal and Replacement - Golf Course Lift Station - 2.66% over the total contract amount - DISTRICT E – MARTIN - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0400 ADOPTED
7. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $2,644,920.04 and acceptance of work on contract with T CONSTRUCTION, LLC. for Wastewater Collection System Rehabilitation and Renewal - 8.23% under the original contract amount - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0401 ADOPTED
8. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $2,071,320.03 and acceptance of work on contract with GRAVA LLC for Quick Connect Electrical Improvements at 50 Lift Stations - 0.73% under the original Contract Amount - DISTRICTS A - PECK; B - JACKSON; C - KAMIN; D - EVANS-SHABAZZ; E- MARTIN; H - CISNEROS; I - GALLEGOS and J - POLLARD - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0402 ADOPTED
9. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $2,526,769.17 and acceptance of work on contract with WEISINGER INCORPORATED for New/Replacement of Water Well and Well Collection Line - White Oak - 0.93% under the original contract amount - DISTRICT A – PECK - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0403 ADOPTED
PURCHASING AND TABULATION OF BIDS - NUMBER 11
11. EVANS ENTERPRISES, INC for Emergency Purchase of Nine Groundwater Well Pumps for Houston Public Works - $295,000.00 - Enterprise Fund - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0404 ADOPTED
ORDINANCES - NUMBERS 12 through 18
12. ORDINANCE approving the application for and the acceptance of funds through a Grant Agreement between City of Houston and the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION for implementation of the COVID19 Economic Development Program as part of the FY 2022 Cares Act Economic Recovery Corps and Equity Impact Investments Program; declaring the City’s eligibility for such Grant; authorizing the City of Houston Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development to act as the City’s representative in the application process; authorizing the Director to accept the Grant and expend the Grant Funds, as awarded, and to apply for and accept all subsequent awards, if any, pertaining to the Grant – Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0600 ADOPTED
13. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Amendment No. 7 to Grant Contract between City and TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES for Cities Readiness Initiative - $497,259.00 - Grant Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0601 ADOPTED
14. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Amendment No. 7 to Grant Contract between City and TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES for Public Health Preparedness - $1,316,546.00 Grant Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0602 ADOPTED
15. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Amendment No. 6 to Grant Contract between the City and TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES for Laboratory Response Network $255,002.00 - Grant Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0603 ADOPTED
16. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Sole Source Agreement between City of Houston and ADB SAFEGATE AMERICAS, LLC for Maintenance and Support Services of Airfield Lighting Control Equipment for the Houston Airport System; providing a maximum contract amount - 5 Years $884,844.00 - Enterprise Fund - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0604 ADOPTED
17. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Interlocal Agreement between City of Houston, Texas and MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS in support of the County’s nomination of Woodforest National Bank as a Texas Enterprise Zone Project - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0605 ADOPTED
18. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing agreement to reimburse ST. ANNE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL for payment of School Crossing Guard Services from the Child Safety Fund - 2 Years - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2022-0606 ADOPTED
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
6. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $1,163,197.30 and acceptance of work on contract with SPECIALIZED MAINTENANCE SERVICES, INC for Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Television Inspection In Support of Rehabilitation - 8.99% under the original contract amount – Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0405 ADOPTED
10. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $3,339,525.00 and acceptance of work on contract with T CONSTRUCTION, LLC. for FY2017 Clearing and Grubbing for Open Drainage Systems Work Orders #1 - 25.79% under the original contract amount DISTRICTS A - PECK; C - KAMIN; D - EVANS-SHABAZZ; F - THOMAS; H - CISNEROS and I – GALLEGOS - Was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and Seconded by Council Member Robinson, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2022-0406 ADOPTED
19. ORDINANCE establishing the north side of the 800 block of Welch Street, between Converse Street and Crocker 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 - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2022-0607 ADOPTED
20. ORDINANCE appropriating $290,448.90 out of Dedicated Drainage And Street Renewal Capital Fund - Drainage Charge as an additional appropriation to Professional Engineering Services Contract between City of Houston and CIVILTECH ENGINEERING, INC for Drainage and Paving Improvements for Cottage Grove East (Approved by Ordinance No. 2018-0680); providing funding for CIP Cost Recovery relating to construction of facilities financed by the Dedicated Drainage And Street Renewal Capital Fund - Drainage Charge - DISTRICT C – KAMIN - Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2022-0608 ADOPTED
21. ORDINANCE 2022-578, passed second reading on July 27, 2022
ORDINANCE granting to TORO ROJO, INC d/b/a ACTION TRUCKING, a Texas Corporation, the right, privilege, and franchise to collect, haul, and transport solid waste and industrial waste from commercial properties located within the City of Houston, Texas, pursuant to Chapter 39, Code of Ordinances, Houston, Texas - THIRD AND FINAL READING – Was presented, all voting aye, nays none.
ORDINANCE 2022-578 PASSED 3RD & FINAL READING IN FULL
MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS - Council Member Pollard first There being no further business before Council, the City Council adjourned at 10:24 a.m. Council Members Huffman, Knox and Kubosh absent.
DETAILED INFORMATION ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY SECRETARY MINUTES READ AND APPROVED
https://houston.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/