Houston Daily

City of Houston City Council met Aug. 19-20.

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 19, 2025, Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum presiding with Council Members Amy Peck, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Fred Flickinger, Mary Nan Huffman, Mario Castillo, Joaquin Martinez, Edward Pollard, Julian Ramirez, Willie Davis, Twila Carter and Sallie Alcorn; Randy Zamora, First Assistant City Attorney, and Marta Crinejo, Agenda Director, present. Mayor John Whitmire absent on City business. Council Member Tarsha Jackson absent due to being ill. Council Members Abbie Kamin, Tiffany D. Thomas and Letitia Plummer absent on personal business.

At 1:43 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum called the meeting to order and requested Vice Mayor Pro Tem Peck to preside. Vice Mayor Pro Tem Peck recognized Council Member Davis for a proclamation.

Council Member Davis presented a proclamation to Craig Howard, Interim President of the Houston Restaurant Association, recognizing August 1st to September 1st as Houston Restaurant Weeks.

Council Member Alcorn (on behalf of Council Member Kamin) presented a proclamation to Lock Arms for Life recognizing August as Gun Safety Month.

At 1:58 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum recognized Council Member Castillo for the Invocation. Council Member Castillo invited Pastor David L. Smith (New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church) for the Invocation after which he led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes

Council Member Peck moved to adopt the minutes of August 12 - 13, 2025 and seconded by Council Member Martinez, all voting aye, nays none. Council Members Castillo and Pollard absent. MOTION ADOPTED

At 2:02 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum requested the Interim City Secretary to call the List of Speakers.

1 - LISA HUNT - Community Benefits Agreement related to expansion of GRB.

2 - MARIAN WRIGHT - Support of modifications to Telephone Rd.

3 - MAUREEN LEO - Illegal activities in the neighborhood.

4 - INGRID VELASCO - Houston Energy and Climate Week.

5 - ALINE PHAM - Houston Energy and Climate Week.

KENNEDY LUTHER - Public safety reform and community response. Not Present

ANNABELLE TRUJILLO - Heavy trash. Not Present

6 - LAWSON ECHETA - Issue with health.

7 - JASSIM JACOB - Permit for church.

ALFREDA WILLIAMS - New homeless ordinance impacting businesses and neighborhoods. Not Present

8 - CLARA THOMPSON - Son and nephew arrested for cigarettes.

ERVIN THOMPSON - Son and nephew arrested for cigarettes. Not Present

9 - ANGELA ROSS - Equal protection of the law.

10 - MARK RODRIGUEZ - Selected enforcement.

11 - SCOTTY JOSEPH - Police brutality against cyclist downtown.

CHRISTOPHER CATO - Illegal removal of fence by Earlene Thomas; no response from HPD. Not Present

12 - THEODORE CARRERO - Climate.

Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum recognized Council Member Castillo for a procedural motion. Council Member Castillo moved that the rules be suspended for the purpose of adding John Rowe to the bottom of the three (3) minute Non-Agenda List of Speakers and seconded by Council Member Ramirez, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Evans-Shabazz absent. MOTION 2025-0601 ADOPTED

JUANA HAWK - Bullying, stalking, harassment, trespassing, false arrest by neighbors. Not Present

13 - TARCHET WRIGHT - City tree falling and damaging car.

14 - JOHN ROWE.

15 - ALFREDA FRANKLIN – Motorcycle.

16 - KEVA ST. FORT - Train noise.

CHRISTOPHER JENKINS - Public speaking. Not Present

17 - JOSEPH OMO OMAURI - Kidnapped Big Mama, Madear, Aunt Bee, Uncle Jed and Grannie too. At 3:28 p.m., City Council was recessed until 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

For more information and details from the list of speakers, please click here. houstontx.new.swagit.com/videos/352990

Troy D. Lemon, Interim 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 20, 2025, Mayor John Whitmire presiding with Council Members Amy Peck, Abbie Kamin, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Fred Flickinger, Mary Nan Huffman, Mario Castillo, Joaquin Martinez, Edward Pollard, Martha Castex-Tatum, Julian Ramirez, Willie Davis, Twila Carter, Letitia Plummer and Sallie Alcorn; Randy Zamora, First Assistant City Attorney, and Marta Crinejo, Agenda Director, present. Council Member Tarsha Jackson absent due to being ill. Council Member Tiffany Thomas absent on personal business.

At 9:06 a.m., Mayor Whitmire called the meeting of the Houston City Council to order and moved to the Mayor’s Report.

MAYOR’S REPORT

At 9:17 a.m., Mayor Whitmire requested the Interim City Secretary to call the Consent Agenda.

CONSENT AGENDA

MISCELLANEOUS

1. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Health Department for payment of Annual Assessment Fees to the TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION - $161,975.00 - General Fund - was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and seconded by Council Member Peck, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent.

MOTION 2025-0602 ADOPTED

PURCHASING AND TABULATION OF BIDS

3. APPROVE spending authority in an amount not to exceed $445,906.92 for Purchase of Water and Wastewater Pumps, Motors and Repair Services through the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with BuyBoard for the Fleet Management Department, from XYLEM DEWATERING SOLUTIONS, INC - Fleet Management Fund - was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and seconded by Council Member Peck, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. MOTION 2025-0603 ADOPTED

RESOLUTIONS

4. RESOLUTION confirming No Objection to proposed development of certain properties as Affordable Rental Housing, each located in the City of Houston, Texas, and the submittal of applications for Non Competitive 4% Housing Tax Credits for such developments - DISTRICTS I - MARTINEZ and J - POLLARD - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. RESOLUTION 2025-0030 ADOPTED

5. RESOLUTION confirming No Objection to proposed development of certain properties as Affordable Rental Housing, each located in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction of the City of Houston, Texas or having been annexed into the City of Houston only for Limited Purposes, and the submittal of applications for Non-Competitive 4% Housing Tax Credits for such developments - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. RESOLUTION 2025-0031 ADOPTED

ORDINANCES

6. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing financing agreement between the City of Houston and the TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD in connection with the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas for the East Water Plant Enhancement Project - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0695 ADOPTED

7. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Subrecipient Agreement between City of Houston and HEALTHCARE FOR THE HOMELESS - HOUSTON to provide Home Investment Partnerships Program - American Rescue Plan and Community Development Block Grant Funding to provide Street Medicine Program for individuals experiencing homelessness - $700,000.00 - Grant Fund. The Interim City Secretary advised that Item 7 has not been received but will be considered if it’s received before the end of the meeting.

8. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing second amendment to Subrecipient Agreement between City of Houston and COVENANT HOUSE TEXAS to provide Homeless Housing and Services Program Youth Set-Aside Funds for continued administration and operation of Emergency Shelter for individual youth experiencing homelessness - $200,000.00 - Grant Fund - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0696 ADOPTED

9. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing second amendment to Subrecipient Agreement between City of Houston and BREAD OF LIFE, INC to extend term of agreement and provide additional Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Funds to provide Housing and Supportive Services for low income households in which one or more members are living with HIV/AIDS - Through November 30, 2025 - $575,630.00 - Grant Fund - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0697 ADOPTED

10. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Director of City of Houston Health Department to accept and expend Grant Award between City of Houston and UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT for Healthy Homes Production Grant Program to address multiple childhood diseases and injuries in the home by focusing on housing-related hazards for the Houston Health Department; authorizing the Director to 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. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0698 ADOPTED

11. ORDINANCE relating to the water and wastewater rates of AQUA TEXAS, INC. within the City of Houston, Texas; suspending for ninety days the effective date of new rates; maintaining current rates in effect - DISTRICTS A - PECK and E - FLICKINGER - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0699 ADOPTED

12. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Reimbursable Agreement between City of Houston and FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION for Maintenance and Inspection Services at George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Houston (IAH); providing a maximum contract amount - $239,660.95 - Enterprise Fund - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0700 ADOPTED

13. ORDINANCE appropriating $438,000.00 out of Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund for planned Learning Performance System for the Houston Information Technology Services Department on behalf of the Human Resources Department - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0701 ADOPTED

14. ORDINANCE appropriating $460,000.00 out of Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund for planned SAP Cloud ERP System Upgrade Project for the Houston Information Technology Services Department - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0702 ADOPTED

15. ORDINANCE appropriating $2,000,000.00 out of Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund for planned ERP Transformation Office Project for the Houston Information Technology Services Department - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0703 ADOPTED

16. ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2022-967, as amended, to increase the maximum contract amount to Professional Services Agreement between City of Houston and HICKS JOHNSON PLLC for representation of the City in lawsuit filed against the City - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0704 ADOPTED

17. ORDINANCE approving and awarding contract to BERLITZ LANGUAGES, INC to provide Conversational Language Testing Services for Various Departments; providing a maximum contract amount - 3 Years with 2 one-year options - $482,423.81 - General and Central Service Revolving Funds - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0705 ADOPTED

18. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing contract with STREAM ENVIRONMENTAL, LLC, for Used Oil, Oily Water, Oil Filters, Absorbents, Oil/Water Interceptors (OWI), and Antifreeze Disposal Services for Various Departments; providing a maximum contract amount - 3 Years with 2 one-year options - $523,511.25 - General and Other Funds - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0706 ADOPTED

19. ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2020-0455 (Passed May 27, 2020) to increase maximum contract amount for contract between City of Houston and NIVERCO BIOMEDICAL SERVICES, LLC for Electrical Safety Inspections, Repairs and Preventative Maintenance of Laboratory Equipment for Houston Public Works (as approved by Ordinance No. 2020-0455) - $364,806.36 - General and Other Funds - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0707 ADOPTED

20. ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2023-511 (Passed June 28, 2023) to increase the maximum contract amount for contract between City of Houston and INDUSTRIAL TX CORP, for Sludge Dewatering and Drying Equipment Maintenance and Repair Services for Houston Public Works (as approved by Ordinance No. 2023-511) - $8,297,390.50 - Enterprise Fund - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0708 ADOPTED

21. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing first amendment to Interlocal Agreement between City of Houston and TEXAS A&M ENGINEERING EXTENSION SERVICE for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Training Services for George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) for the Houston Airport System (Approved by Ordinance No. 2020-0764) - Through September 13, 2028 - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0709 ADOPTED

23. ORDINANCE READOPTING THE HOUSTON YOUTH RECREATION PROGRAM’S STANDARDS OF CARE AS CODIFIED AT ARTICLE XII OF CHAPTER 32 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, HOUSTON, TEXAS, containing findings and other provisions related to the subject; providing for severability - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0710 ADOPTED

25. ORDINANCE consenting to the creation of 117.142 acres of land to HARRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 612, for inclusion in its district; authorizing the district to issue bonds, subject to certain condition - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0711 ADOPTED

26. Ordinance finding and determining that public convenience and necessity no longer require the continued use of Ira Street, from N. Eastwood Street West to its terminus, said street being situated in the S.M. Williams Survey, Abstract Number 87, in between Lot 1, Block 1, and Lot 1, Block 2, Navigation Addition; abandoning such street easements to Buffalo Bayou Partnership and David Hernandez, the abutting property owners, in consideration of their cash payment to the City in the amount of $66,535.00 and conveyances to the City of: 1) two storm sewer easements, 2) a 2,926 square-foot tract of fee owned land, and 3) a hike and bike trail easement, all land and easements being situated in the S.M. Williams Survey, Abstract Number 87, Harris County, Texas, and other good and valuable consideration DISTRICT H - CASTILLO - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0712 ADOPTED

28. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Advance Funding Agreement for Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and Supplemental Transportation Program Off-System Project between City of Houston and TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for Harwin Dr at Hillcroft Ave Project - (CSJ 0912-72-824) - DISTRICT J - POLLARD - The Interim City Secretary advised that Item 28 has not been received but will be considered if it’s received before the end of the meeting.

Note: Item 28 was received during the course of the meeting.

29. ORDINANCE appropriating $26,000.00 out of Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Capital Fund - Ad Valorem Tax as an appropriation to Advance Funding Agreement for Supplemental Transportation Program Off-System Project between City of Houston and the TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for the International Management District Intersections Project (CSJ 0912-72-829) - DISTRICTS F - THOMAS and J - POLLARD - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0713 ADOPTED

30. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Advance Funding Agreement for Supplemental Transportation Program Off-System Project between the City of Houston and the TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for the International Management District Intersections Project (CSJ 0912-72-829) - DISTRICTS F - THOMAS and J - POLLARD

This item should only be considered after passage of Item 29 above

- was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent.

ORDINANCE 2025-0714 ADOPTED

31. ORDINANCE appropriating $26,000.00 out of Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Capital Fund - Ad Valorem Tax as an appropriation to Advance Funding Agreement for Supplemental Transportation Program Off-System Project between City of Houston and the TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for the Hartman Middle School and Alcott Elementary School Safe Routes to School Project (CSJ 0912-72-828) - DISTRICTS D - EVANS-SHABAZZ and I - MARTINEZ - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Castillo absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0715 ADOPTED

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

2. HIGHLAND ELECTRIC VEHICLES, INC for Purchase of Twenty-Five (25) Light-Duty Electric Vehicles and Ten (10) E-Transit Electric Vans for the Houston Airport System - $2,331,383.90 - Enterprise Fund - was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and seconded by Council Member Peck, all voting aye, nays none. MOTION 2025-0604 ADOPTED

22. ORDINANCE approving and awarding contract to SAP PUBLIC SERVICES, INC for Enterprise Resource Planning System for Houston Information Technology Services Department - 3 Years with 2 one-year options - $20,520,929.27 - Central Service Revolving Fund - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Davis absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0716 ADOPTED

24. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Interlocal Agreement between City of Houston, Texas, and HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, for Operation and Maintenance of Various Parks - DISTRICTS A - PECK; C - KAMIN; G - HUFFMAN; H - CASTILLO and J - POLLARD - was presented and Tagged by Council Members Kamin, Huffman and Pollard.

27. ORDINANCE approving the issuance and sale of Coastal Water Authority Contract Revenue Bonds, Series 2025 (City of Houston Projects) to the TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD; approving the form, terms, and substance of a Seventh Supplemental Bond Resolution of the Coastal Water Authority relating to the bonds and related agreements; approving a Seventh Supplement to the projects contract between the City of Houston and COASTAL WATER AUTHORITY - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Davis absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0717 ADOPTED

NON CONSENT AGENDA

MISCELLANEOUS

32. MOTION to set a date not less than seven days from August 20, 2025, to receive nominations for Positions 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the HOUSTON ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL COMMISSION BOARD OF DIRECTORS, for two-year staggered terms - was presented, Council Member Castex-Tatum moved to receive nominations for Positions 10, 11, 12 and 13 for the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission Boards of Directors and seconded by Council Member Peck, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Davis absent. MOTION 2025-0605 ADOPTED

33. MOTION to set a date not less than seven days from August 20, 2025, to receive nominations for Position 8 of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HOUSTON CIVIC EVENTS, INC, CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS, for a term to expire January 1, 2027 - was presented, Council Member Castex Tatum moved to receive nominations for Position 8 of the Board of Directors of the Houston Civic Events and seconded by Council Member Peck, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Davis absent. MOTION 2025-0606 ADOPTED

34. REVIEW on the Record and make determination relative to the appeal from the decision of the Sign Administration, on denial of an Off Premise Sign at 11700 Wilcrest Drive, filed by Christopher W. Rothfelder, on behalf of SignAd, Ltd - was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and seconded by Council Member Peck, Council Member Pollard voting no, balance voting aye. Council Member Davis absent. MOTION 2025-0608 ADOPTED

MATTERS HELD

35. RECOMMENDATION from Director Houston Public Works for approval of final contract amount of $216,566.45 and acceptance of work on contract with PERSONS SERVICES CORP for FY2020 Drainage Rehab (SWAT) Work Orders #3 - 94.59% under the original contract amount and under the 5% contingency amount - DISTRICTS G - HUFFMAN and I - MARTINEZ

TAGGED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MARTINEZ

This was Item 16 on Agenda of August 13, 2025

- was presented, moved by Council Member Castex-Tatum and seconded by Council Member Peck, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Davis absent. MOTION 2025-0608 ADOPTED

36. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing an Advance Funding Agreement for a Supplemental Transportation Program Off-System Project between the City of Houston and the TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for the Hartman Middle school and Alcott Elementary School Safe Routes to School Project (CSJ 0912-72-828) - DISTRICTS D - EVANS-SHABAZZ and I - MARTINEZ

This item should only be considered after passage of Item 31 above

- was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Davis absent.

ORDINANCE 2025-0718 ADOPTED

Note: The Interim City Secretary advised that Items 28 and 37 have been received.

28. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing Advance Funding Agreement for Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and Supplemental Transportation Program Off-System Project between City of Houston and TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for Harwin Dr at Hillcroft Ave Project - (CSJ 0912-72-824) - DISTRICT J - POLLARD - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. Council Member Davis absent. ORDINANCE 2025-0719 ADOPTED

37. ORDINANCE approving and authorizing an Advance Funding Agreement for a Surface Transportation Block Grant Program Off-System Project between the City of Houston and the TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for the Waugh Drive Package 1 Project (CSJ 0912-72-796) - DISTRICTS C - KAMIN and H - CASTILLO - was presented, all voting aye, nays none. ORDINANCE 2025-0720 ADOPTED

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS - Council Member Plummer first There being no further business before Council, City Council adjourned at 11:58 a.m.

https://houston.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/