[1. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM AND CALL MEETING TO ORDER]
[00:00:03]
SO GLAD TO HAVE YOU WITH THIS EVENING, AND WE HAD A LONG WORKSHOP DAY TODAY. WE JUST FINISHED UP.
USUALLY, WE HAVE TIES ON UP HERE, BUT WE WENT ALL THE WAY FROM WORKSHOP EARLY THIS MORNING ALMOST STRAIGHT INTO OUR MEETING TONIGHT AND DID NOT GET A CHANCE TO GET OUR TIES PUT ON.
ANYWAY, GLAD TO HAVE ALL OF YOU HERE OUT IN THE AUDIENCE TODAY.
FOR THOSE THAT ARE WATCHING THIS BROADCAST, GLAD TO HAVE YOU WITH US, THAT THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY.
AND WE DO HAVE ALL OF OUR COUNCIL SEATED TODAY.
SO IT'S MY HONOR TO CALL THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR JANUARY 22ND TO ORDER.
WE DO HAVE A QUORUM, BUT LET'S HAVE A ROLL CALL.
>> VERY GOOD. WE NOW HAVE OUR INVOCATION AND HAVE THE PLEASURE OF HAVING RABBI PETER KESSLER WITH US TODAY. RABBI.
>> GOD AND GOD OF OUR MOTHERS AND FATHERS.
AS WE GATHER HERE TODAY IN THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AND SERVICE.
WE PAUSE TO REFLECT ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES ENTRUSTED TO OUR CITY COUNCIL.
WE ASK FOR YOUR GUIDANCE, AS WE DISCUSS MATTERS VITAL TO THE WELL BEING OF OUR CITY AND ITS RESIDENTS.
GRANT WISDOM THAT OUR CITY COUNCIL MAY MAKE DECISIONS THAT PROMOTE UNITY, AS WELL AS THE PROSPERITY OF GALVESTON ISLAND.
HELP US TO WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE CHOICES THAT WILL LEAD TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY.
WE ASK THIS IN YOUR NAME AND SAY AMEN.
>> AMEN. THANK YOU, RABBI KESSLER.
>> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
[INAUDIBLE] I HONOR I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE.
>> COUNSEL, ARE THERE ANY CONFLICTS OF
[5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST]
INTEREST ANY COUNCIL MEMBERS WOULD LIKE TO DECLARE?>> 11 F. YOU'RE DECLARING A CONFLICT THEN. THANK YOU.
COUNCILMAN ROLLINS HAS DECLARED A CONFLICT ON 11 F. ANY OTHER CONFLICT DECLARATIONS?
>> I'D LIKE TO PULL 11X, AND I HAVE A CONFLICT WITH THAT.
>> 11 X. COUNCILMAN FINKLEY HAS A CONFLICT ON 11X.
AND B, YOUR CONFLICT, AGAIN, SO WE'RE CLEAR, WAS 11S OR F? 11 S.
>> SAME DEAL. BUT IT HAS TO DO WITH THE [INAUDIBLE].
NO, I'M FINE WITH THAT. JUST X.
COUNCIL MEMBER FINKLEY HAS DECLARED A CONFLICT ON 11X.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROLLINS HAS DECLARED A CONFLICT ON 11S AS IN SAM AND 11X.
[00:05:05]
VERY GOOD. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.[6. PRESENTATIONS/REPORTS OF COUNCIL, OFFICER BOARDS, AND CITY MANAGER]
LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 6, PLEASE.>> ITEM 6. PRESENTATIONS, REPORTS OF COUNSEL, OFFICER BOARDS AND CITY MANAGER, 6A, PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.0415, THE CITY COUNCIL MAY REPORT ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS.
>> VERY GOOD. BEFORE WE START OUR ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS, BRIAN, WOULD YOU FILL IN THE COMMUNITY ON WHERE WE STAND WITH THE WINTER OR WEATHER AND HOW THE CITY IS PREPARING FOR THAT, PLEASE?
>> WE ARE PREPARING FOR A WINTER WEATHER EVENT THIS WEEKEND.
RIGHT NOW, ALL INDICATIONS ARE THAT MOST OF THE FROZEN PRECIPITATION IS GOING TO STAY JUST NORTH OF US, BUT THAT CAN CHANGE.
WE ARE ANTICIPATING SOME PRETTY SEVERE FREEZING WEATHER DURATION OF ABOUT 8-10 HOURS, SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY MORNING.
THE MODELS VARY A LITTLE BIT, BUT THE TEMPERATURES COULD RANGE ANYWHERE FROM THE UPPER 20S TO RIGHT AT 32 DEGREES FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT 7-10 HOURS MONDAY MORNING.
WE'RE EXPECTING MORE THAN ANYTHING, QUITE A BIT OF RAIN STARTING SATURDAY.
SOME OF THE MODELS GO UP TO 2 INCHES OF PRECIPITATION TOTAL.
THAT'S IMPORTANT BECAUSE WHATEVER FALLS THAT HAPPENS TO STAY ON THE GROUND SUNDAY WILL DEFINITELY FREEZE OVERNIGHT GOING INTO MONDAY MORNING.
IF WE GET A BREAK AND THE SUN COMES OUT ON SUNDAY AND THINGS DRY OUT FIRST, IT'S JUST GOING TO BE A COLD NIGHT SUNDAY NIGHT.
IF THE RAIN HOLDS ON ON SUNDAY, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF AN ICING PROBLEM AT THAT POINT.
THE SUPER MODELS THAT THEY REALLY USE REALLY COME INTO FOCUS STARTING TOMORROW.
KEEP IN TUNE WITH YOUR LOCAL WEATHER STATIONS BECAUSE THEY'LL HAVE SOME REALLY GOOD DATA FOR YOU TOMORROW, PROBABLY BETTER THAN WHAT WE GOT TODAY FROM THE WEATHER SERVICE, WHICH THEY'RE DOING THEIR BEST WITH IT, BUT IT'S GOING TO BE COLD.
>> VERY GOOD. BRIAN, DID YOU WANT TO MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT A POSSIBLE WARMING CENTER?
>> AT THIS POINT, GIVEN THE FACT THAT THEY'RE NOT EXPECTING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF FROZEN PRECIPITATION, OUR UTILITY PROVIDERS FEEL PRETTY CONFIDENT THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN POWER THROUGHOUT THE EVENT, AND ABSENT A WIDESPREAD OR PROLONGED POWER OUTAGE, THE CITY WILL NOT BE OPERATING A WARMING CENTER PER SE.
HOWEVER, FOR THE UNSHELTERED ON THE ISLAND, THE NOT FOR PROFIT PARTNERS WILL BE OPERATING AS NORMAL AND WELCOMING ANYBODY THAT NEEDS TO BE SHELTERED FROM THE COLD.
IF WE HAVE A PROLONGED OR A WIDESPREAD POWER LOSS, THE CITY WILL INDEED OPEN UP A WARMING CENTER AT MCGUIRE DENT? IF THE CITY OPENS ONE, WE WOULD ALLOW PETS WITH THAT AS WELL BECAUSE PEOPLE WOULD BE LEAVING THEIR HOMES AND AT LEAST AROUND OUR HOUSE, THE DOG IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN I AM.
THEY WOULD GET TO GO TO THE WARMING CENTER.
BUT THAT IS JUST A BACKUP PLAN AT THIS POINT.
WE'RE NOT ANTICIPATING HAVING TO DO SO, BUT WE'RE PREPARED TO STAND ONE UP PRETTY QUICKLY IF THINGS CHANGE.
>> VERY GOOD. THANK YOU, BRIAN.
COUNCIL, DO YOU HAVE BEFORE WE GET INTO OUR DOCUMENTS HERE, DO YOU HAVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS? ANY COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNCILMAN ROLLINS?
>> THERE IS SOME EVENTS JUST WANTED TO MAKE EVERYONE AWARE FOR THIS WEEKEND.
THIS WHOLE WEEK HAS BEEN ART WEEK.
THERE'S SEVERAL EVENTS GOING ON THIS WEEKEND AS WELL, DOWNTOWN.
MUSEUM WEEKEND FOR ALL THOSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO VISIT A MUSEUM AT DISCOUNTED RATES.
WE HAVE 14 OF THEM HERE IN GALVESTON YOU VISIT GALVESTON.COM.
I'LL GIVE YOU WHERE TO STOP IN AT THAT AND WHAT THE DISCOUNTS ARE.
OF COURSE, WE HAVE RESTAURANT WEEK GOING ON THROUGH FEBRUARY 13TH.
WE HAVE A RECORD 38 RESTAURANTS IN GALVESTON THAT ARE PARTICIPATING THIS YEAR.
THEN TONIGHT, WE HAVE OUR OFFICIAL MARDI GRAS POSTER UNVEILING THAT WILL BE AT SIX O'CLOCK.
TREMONT HOUSE AT SIX O'CLOCK FOR THE OFFICIAL MARDI GRAS GALVESTON POSTER UNVEILING.
APPRECIATE YOU ALL AND TRY AND ATTEND THOSE EVENTS.
>> ON THE NIGHT OF THE 28TH, IT WILL BE THE ROTARY CHILI SUPPER, AND ALONG WITH THAT, IT'LL BE AT THE NEW BALL HIGH NORTH.
THEY WILL BE DOING TOURS OF THE SCHOOL.
COME ON OUT AND JOIN US AND YOU'LL GET TO TOUR THE BEAUTIFUL NEW BALL HIGH NORTH.
>> VERY GOOD. ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS, SHARON?
>> WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE MLK SAY CONTEST.
KUDOS TO THOSE, AND THEY WERE KIDS FROM ACROSS THE ISLAND, ALL THE SCHOOLS.
[00:10:03]
SECONDLY, WE WANT TO SAY, CONGRATULATIONS TO JALEN WALKER.SHE SERVES ON THE CITY FINANCE COMMITTEE, BUT SHE JUST GOT MARRIED IN INDIA, AND WE HAD HER PICTURE, BUT INTERNET IS NOT WORKING FOR US.
BUT SHE IS NOW MS. SONNY PATEL.
WE'D LIKE TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO HER AND HER HUSBAND.
>> THANK YOU, SHARON. APPRECIATE THAT. VERY GOOD.
LET'S START OUT WITH OUR PARTICULAR FORMAL DOCUMENTS.
WE HAVE A DOCUMENT RECOGNIZING HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH, COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN.
>> YES, SIR. SO IT'S MY PLEASURE TO READ TO CITY OF GALVESTON PROCLAMATION.
>> WHEREAS, HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS A MODERN DAY FORM OF SLAVERY AND A GRAVE CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY THAT INVOLVES THE EXPLOITATION OF INDIVIDUALS THROUGH FORCE, FRAUD OR COERCION FOR FORCED LABOR OR COMMERCIAL SEX ACTS AND WHEREAS THIS DEVASTATING CRIME AFFECTS COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, INCLUDING THE CITY OF GALVESTON AND VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS COME FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS, RACES, GENDERS, AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUSES WITH YOUTH AND OTHER VULNERABLE POPULATIONS BEING PARTICULARLY AT RISK, AND WHEREAS ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE RESOURCE AND CRISIS CENTER OF GALVESTON COUNTY PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE IN COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING BY PROVIDING FREE CRISIS INTERVENTION, ADVOCACY, EMERGENCY SHELTER, AND PREVENTION EDUCATION WHILE PARTNERING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS TO RAISE AWARENESS AND SUPPORT SURVIVORS.
THEREFORE, WE, THE MAYOR AND THE CITY OF COUNCIL OF GALVESTON, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM JANUARY 2026, AS HUMAN TRAFFIC AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON, AND URGE ALL RESIDENTS TO JOIN IN RAISING AWARENESS, LEARNING WARNING SIGNS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING, SUPPORTING PREVENTION EFFORTS AND STANDING WITH SURVIVORS AS WE WORK TOGETHER TO END THIS CRIME IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, WITNESS M HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON THIS 22ND DAY OF JANUARY 2026, CRAIG K BROWN MAYOR, JANELLE WILLIAMS, CITY SECRETARY.
>> I'M REALLY HONORED TO ACCEPT THIS PROCLAMATION FROM THE CITY OF GALVESTON, AND IT'S A WONDERFUL THING THAT THEY ARE COMMITTING TO THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
PEOPLE THROW THAT WORD AWARENESS AROUND A LOT.
I DID WANT TO TOUCH ON WHAT DOES AWARENESS DO? AWARENESS AT.
AWARENESS GIVES OUR COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE.
WHEN WE HAVE A COMMUNITY THAT IS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE SIGNS AND THE ACTUAL OCCURRENCE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THEIR COMMUNITY, THEN THEY CAN MAKE A CALL WHEN THEY NEED TO.
THEY CAN MAKE A CALL TO NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES AND SAY, HEY, SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT AT THIS BUSINESS.
SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THIS VENDOR THAT I JUST HIRED.
SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THIS PERSON I JUST RENTED MY VACATION RENTAL TO.
THOSE PEOPLE WILL DO THE INVESTIGATION.
IT STARTS WITH EDUCATION, AND UNFORTUNATELY, THE CRIMINALS THAT COMMIT THESE ACTS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING, THEY ARE PREDATORS, AND THEY LOOK FOR WEAKNESSES.
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THESE THINGS, EVEN THOUGH THEY'RE HARD TO TALK ABOUT, WHEN WE EDUCATE OURSELVES, WE TELL OUR FRIENDS, WE TELL OUR NEIGHBORS, WE SEE SOMETHING, WE SAY SOMETHING, THAT IS REALLY CHANGE.
I'M VERY HONORED TO ACCEPT THIS PROCLAMATION ON BEHALF OF THE RESOURCE AND CRISIS CENTER.
REMEMBER THAT WE ARE HERE FOR THE COMMUNITY.
WE INCLUDE A OVER 50-BED SHELTER FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING SEXUAL VIOLENCE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
NOW, THAT WE'RE ALWAYS HERE AS A PARTNER IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS OUR HELP, GIVE THEM OUR NUMBER.
WE HAVE A 24/7-HOUR HOTLINE THAT WE MAN, AND WE CONNECT PEOPLE WITH THE RESOURCES THAT THEY NEED TO BREAK THOSE CYCLES AND MAKE THOSE CHANGES. THANK YOU, GUYS.
>> THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE]. RECOGNITION OF THE CREW OF TALASAR DAY.
[00:15:01]
WE HAVE COUNCIL MEMBER, ROLLINS.>> WHERE DO YOU GO TO BREAKFAST. I'M HUNGRY.
>> CITY OF GALVESTON PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS MARDI GRAS ACTIVITIES IN GALVESTON ISLAND DATE BACK AS EARLY AS 1867, AND IN 1985, THE CELEBRATION BOLDLY RETURNED WHEN GEORGE AND CYNTHIA MITCHELL REVITALIZED THE CARNIVAL SEASON BY BRINGING NINE MARDI GRAS FLOATS FROM NEW ORLEANS TO GALVESTON.
THIS HISTORIC REVIVAL RENEWED THE ISLANDS TRADITION OF GRAND PUBLIC CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY PRIDE.
WHEREAS DURING THAT RENEWED CELEBRATION, A GROUP OF COLLEGE FRIENDS STOOD CURBSIDE AMONG THOUSANDS OF PARADE SPECTATORS AND INSPIRED BY THE EXCITEMENT OF THE MOVEMENT.
BEGAN TO IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES AND DECLARED, LET'S START A CREW.
FROM THAT IDEA, GALVESTON'S ONLY NAUTICAL CREW WAS FORMED AND GIVEN THE NAME TALAZAR, MEANING OF OR PERTAINING TO THE OCEAN SEA OR INLAND WATERS.
WHEREAS, THE MEMBERS OF TALAZAR HAVE CONTINUED TO BE DRAWN TO GALVESTON FOR STUDIES, TRAINING CAREERS, AND A SHARED LOVE OF THE SEA, INCLUDING SURFING, FISHING, BOATING, AND BACHCOBING.
OVER THE YEARS, THEIR EFFORTS HAVE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE HOSTING AN ANNUAL MARDI GARS BALL, PARTICIPATING IN NUMEROUS PARADES AND SUPPORTING CHARITABLE CAUSES SUCH AS THE GALVESTON SEAFARER CENTER, GLO ADOPTA BEACH, TEXAN NAVY DAY, TEXAS ECO SEARCH AND LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTERS.
THEREFORE, WE THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM JANUARY 22ND, 2026, AS THE CREW OF TALASAR DAY IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON AND CONGRATULATE THEM ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 40TH ANNIVERSARY.
TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I, THE UNDERSIGNED, DO WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL THE CITY OF GALVESTON, THIS 22ND DAY OF JANUARY 2026. THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE].
>> MY NAME IS MATZE. I'M THE PRESIDENT OF THE CREW OF ALASAR.
WE ARE THE THIRD OLDEST ACTIVE CREW IN GALVESTON.
WE HAVE OUR ANNUAL BALL COMING UP NEXT FRIDAY, JANUARY 31ST.
THE GUITAR AVAILABLE AT KOTGALVESTON.ORG.
WE'VE HAD A GREAT YEAR CELEBRATING OUR MARITIME HERITAGE.
WE HAVE A SECTION OF BEACH THAT WE DO ADOPT THE BEACH.
THAT'S CALLED BABES BEACH BETWEEN 61ST AND 71ST.
THEN WE ALSO HAVE DONE FUNDRAISER FOR TEXT RESEARCH THIS YEAR, AS WELL AS PARTICIPATING IN VOLUNTEERING AT THE SEAFK CENTER.
THANK YOU, MAYOR AND COUNCIL FOR THE PROCLAMATION. WE APPRECIATE IT.
>> WELL, LET'S KEEP THIS ROLLING.
Z CREW DAY, COUNCIL MEMBER, FINKLEA.
>> LET ME GET UP HERE NEXT TO MIKE.
WHEREAS THE Z CREW ORGANIZED IN 1994, HERE ON OUR BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF GALVESTON IS CELEBRATING ITS 32ND ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR, WHEREAS THE Z CREW IS RECOGNIZED FOR ITS CONTINUED GOOD WORK AND SPIRIT OF GOODWILL WITHIN THE GALVESTON COMMUNITY.
WHEREAS THE Z CREW IS FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGED FOR ITS DEDICATION TO PERPETUATING THE SPIRIT, TRADITIONS, AND EXCITEMENT OF MIRA EACH YEAR.
THEREFORE, WE, THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON DO HEREBY PROCLAIM FEBRUARY 14TH, 2026 AS Z CREW DAY IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON AND DO ENCOURAGE ALL CITIZENS TO JOIN AND ENJOY THE TRADITIONS FUN AND MERRIMENT OF THE MARDI GRAS GALVESTON 2026.
TESTIMONY WHERE WITNESSED MY HAND SEAL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON THIS DAY JANUARY. VERY GOOD.
>> CONGRATULATIONS. [APPLAUSE].
>> I'M GOING TO GO SIT.GOD MORNING.
WELCOME TO SAY YOUR WORDS IF YOU LIKE.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. YOUR HIGHNESS, COUNSEL, WE WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO COME TODAY AND GIVE US A PROCLAMATION FOR Z CREW DAY ON FEBRUARY 14TH.
IT'S YOUR TRADITION IN OUR CREW THAT YOU GAVE US THE PROCLAMATION.
[00:20:02]
WE HAVE OUR BIG DADDIES HERE, OUR BIG BIBAS.[INAUDIBLE] [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> [BACKGROUND] THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU.
>> YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL ART GRASS SEASON.
WE EXPECT OUR MAYOR TO BE THERE ON THE SECOND SATURDAY AT ONE O'CLOCK?
>> YES, SIR. SEND ME AN EMAIL IF YOU WOULD, AND I WILL BE THERE.
>> PROCLAMATION TO EVERYONE ON THE STRAND.
>> THANK YOU. HAVE A GOOD DAY.
>> DOES THAT ALLOW US TO MAKE SOME CLAIMS? HAS GOT BIGGER DURING FIRM.
[00:25:03]
[LAUGHTER].>> IT IS NOW MY HONOR TO READ A PROCLAMATION FOR SKY DECKER AND SKY DECKER JUNIOR [APPLAUSE].
>> WHEREAS, ON MONDAY AFTERNOON, A MEXICAN MILITARY AIRCRAFT CARRYING EIGHT INDIVIDUALS CRASH NEAR THE GALVESTON CAUSEWAY IN GALVESTON BAY, RESULTING IN THE TRAGIC LOSS OF MULTIPLE LIVES AND CREATING A DANGEROUS RESCUE SITUATION UNDER EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, INCLUDING DENSE FOG.
AND WHEREAS UPON LEARNING OF THE CRASH, SKY DECKER, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS SON, SKY DECKER JUNIOR, AND A NEIGHBOR, AND WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE GALVESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, HELPED LOCATE THE CRASH SITE, WHERE IT BECAME APPARENT THAT AT LEAST ONE VICTIM REMAINED ALIVE WITHIN THE WRECKAGE.
WHEREAS WITHOUT HESITATION AND WITH COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR HIS OWN PERSONAL SAFETY.
SKY DECKER ENTERED THE WATER AND FOUGHT THROUGH THE DEBRIS SURROUNDING THE AIRCRAFT, LOCATING TWO VICTIMS, ONE DECEASED AND ONE STILL ALIVE, AND SUCCESSFULLY EXTRACTED THE SURVIVOR AND DELIVERED THEM TO AWAITING FIRST RESPONDERS BEFORE ALSO RECOVERING THE DECEASED PASSENGER.
WHEREAS DURING THIS COURAGEOUS RESCUE, SKY DECKER JUNIOR DEMONSTRATED REMARKABLE BRAVERY AND PRESENCE OF MIND BY DOCUMENTING THE RESCUE AS IT UNFOLDED, DESPITE THE UNKNOWN DANGERS FACING HIS FATHER, RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING A RECORD OF THIS EXTRAORDINARY ACT OF HEROISM.
THEREFORE, WE THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON DO HEREBY PROCLAIM JANUARY 22ND, 2026 IS SCOTT DECKER IN SCOTT DECKER JUNIOR DAY IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON? [APPLAUSE].
>> WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS?
>> YEAH, I JUST LIKE TO SAY AS A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF THE ISLAND.
I LOVE THIS PLACE WITH ALL MY HEART.
I HAVE A WONDERFUL FAMILY HERE, OF WHICH WILLIE HERE IS MY FIRST COUSIN.
I'VE SEEN SO MANY REMARKABLE ACTS, ESPECIALLY AFTER DISASTERS, HURRICANES, AND SUCH OF PEOPLE HELPING ONE ANOTHER.
IT'S AN AMAZING COMMUNITY WE HAVE HERE.
I'M A FLY UNDER THE RADAR GUIDE.
I DON'T REALLY LIKE THE RECOGNITION, BUT I'M HUMBLED AND WE'VE BEEN INVITED TO MEET THE PRESIDENT OF MEXICO.
I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT SOMETHING GOOD COULD COME WITH THIS.
IN FACT, EVERYONE THAT WE HAVE DEALT WITH THE MEXICAN EMBASSY HAS BEEN SO KIND, AND I THINK WE'VE BUILT SOME LASTING FRIENDSHIPS WITH THEM AND MAYBE AT SOME POINT, PLAN TO GO VISIT THE SURVIVORS.
WE'VE BUILT A CONNECTION WITH THEM AS WELL.
THANKS AGAIN. I'M HUMBLED. I LOVE THIS PLACE.
>> I HAVE ONE FINAL PROCLAMATION, AND I'D INVITE THE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE BECAUSE THIS IS A COUNCIL PROCLAMATION, NOT JUST FROM THE MAYOR.
THIS IS PRESENTED TO RAW J. VANDA.
>> THIS CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT IS PRESENTED TO RAW J. VANDA.
FOR HIS DEDICATED AND HONORABLE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY UPON HIS RETIREMENT.
[00:30:07]
MR. VANDA BEGAN HIS CAREER WITH THE CITY MARSHAL'S OFFICE ON OCTOBER 31ST, 2016, AND THROUGH NINE YEARS AND THREE MONTHS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE, HE CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATED PROFESSIONALISM, COMMITMENT, AND A STRONG SENSE OF DUTY IN SERVING THE CITIZENS OF GALVESTON.THE CITY OF GALVESTON GRATEFULLY RECOGNIZES HIS CONTRIBUTIONS AND WISHES HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS, FULFILLMENT AND HAPPINESS IN HIS WELL-EARNED RETIREMENT.
THEREFORE, WE THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE RAW J. VANDA FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND COMMITMENT TO THE CITY OF GALVESTON.
ON THIS DAY, 22ND DAY OF JANUARY 2026.
>> I APPRECIATE. THANK YOU, EVERYBODY.
>> I COME IN EVERY MORNING AND THERE'S RJ SITTING THERE AND HE WELCOMES ME IN THE MORNING AND WHEN I LEAVE IN THE EVENING, HE WELCOMES ME AND TELLS ME HAVE A NICE EVENING EVERY EVENING, SO HE'S HERE ALL THE TIME.
>> I SAY ONE THING REAL QUICK.
>> RJ, THANK YOU FOR BEING SO KIND AND AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT I'D LIKE TO SEE IN THE MARSHALS DEPARTMENT AND AGAIN, BEING KIND TO ME AND MY FAMILY.
I BEGIN MY CAREER IN 1982, EXACTLY.
I'VE ENDED IT HERE IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON, SO 44 YEARS, HAS BEEN A LONG TIME FOR ME, AND IT'S TIME FOR ME TO GO AND JOIN MYSELF AND MY FAMILY WITH WHATEVER I WANT TO DO.
[APPLAUSE] I STARTED WORKING WITH OUR MAN 30 YEARS AGO AND I CAN'T THANK HIM ENOUGH ALL THE WAY FROM, I THINK YOU WERE IN THE JAIL, AND YOU WERE ON PATROL AND YOU'RE BACK IN JAIL, YOU WERE A CONSTABLE, AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE FOR ME, HOW NICE YOU WERE TO MY DAD.
THANK YOU. YOU TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF HIM.
THANK YOU. WHEN YOU WERE AT THE COUNTY? EVERYBODY TAKING GOOD CARE OF ME, TOO.
YOU JUST GOT TO SHOW COMPASSION TO PEOPLE.
NOT EVERYBODY. IT'S A CRIMINAL.
ALL WE WANT IN OUR JOB AS A CITY MARSHAL, ALL WE WANT IS COMPLIANCE.
WE'RE NOT OUT TO TICKET PEOPLE.
WE'RE NOT OUT TO SERVE CITATIONS.
WE DON'T WANT TO MAKE HIM PAY ANY MONEY, BUT SOMETIMES THEY DON'T WANT TO LISTEN.
>> APPRECIATE EVERYBODY. THANK YOU.
I KNOW DONNA WAS ONE OF THE FIRST ONES THAT I WORKED WITH OVER A COURT.
>> VERY GOOD. LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 7, PLEASE, MUM.
[7. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS]
>> ITEM 7. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS, CLAIMS 25-095 TO 26-002 ARE ON THE SCREEN.
COUNSEL, WE ARE GOING TO VOTE MANUALLY ON ALL THE ITEMS TONIGHT,
[8.A Conduct a Public Hearing and consider for approval the submittal of a grant application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a FY26 Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application, (EPA-I-OLEM-OBLR-25-07), for grant funding for remediation efforts at Shield Park for potential future park renovations & enrolling in a Voluntary Cleanup Program with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary application documents for submittal. (B. Sanderson)]
SO LET'S START WITH OUR PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. A, PLEASE.>> ITEM 8.A. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL OF THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOR FISCAL YEAR '26 BROWNFIELDS CLEANUP GRANT APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDING FOR REMEDIATION EFFORTS AT SHIELD PARK FOR POTENTIAL FUTURE PARK RENOVATIONS, THEN ENROLLING IN A VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAM WITH THE TEXAS COMMISSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY APPLICATION DOCUMENTS FOR SUBMITTAL.
>> VERY GOOD. IS BARBARA WITH US, BRIAN?
>> HI, BARBARA. I DIDN'T SEE YOU THERE.
>> THIS IS ONCE AGAIN, FOR SHIELD PARK.
THIS IS OUR SECOND TIME TO APPLY FOR THIS GRANT.
I HAVE A COUPLE OF PEOPLE HERE FROM VISION GALVESTON THAT WANT TO MAKE A FEW STATEMENT.
WE NEEDED TO PUT THIS ON FOR A PUBLIC HEARING SO
[00:35:02]
WE CAN DOCUMENT IT FOR THE GRANT PURPOSE.WE'RE REAL CONFIDENT THIS TIME THAT WE'RE GOING TO GET IT.
WE'LL GET TO CLEAN UP THE PARK AND MOVE FORWARD WITH IT.
THAT'S WHAT WE'RE ALL LOOKING TO DO.
>> VERY GOOD. ANY QUESTIONS FROM MS. SANDERSON, COUNCIL? IT'S 5:35 PM.
I'M GOING TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON ITEM 8.A.
DO WE HAVE THE APPLICANT HERE OR ANYONE THAT LIKE TO MAKE A FEW COMMENTS ON THAT?
>> CITY'S THE APPLICANT. GOOD EVENING, MAYOR, COUNCIL.
FOR THE RECORD, MY NAME IS CHRISTINE BRYANT.
I'M JOINED TONIGHT BY THE INFAMOUS DR. ANNA WEISS, WHO HAS VISION GALVESTON'S GREEN GALVESTON INITIATIVE AND HAS WORKED WITH CITY STAFF AND OUR CONSULTANTS TO BRING THIS GRANT OPPORTUNITY TO FRUITION.
AS WE KNOW, SHIELD PARK IS LOCATED IN CENSUS TRACT 7240, AND IS A TRACT WITH CONCENTRATED ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS THAT REFLECT DISPROPORTIONATE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BURDENS COMPARED TO THE SURROUNDING AREAS.
THIS TRACT, 31% OF THE RESIDENTS LIVE BELOW THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL, MORE THAN DOUBLE THE POVERTY RATE IN GALVESTON COUNTY.
OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, VISION GALVESTON HAS WORKED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF GALVESTON, THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, EPA REGION 6 TO ASSESS THIS PROPERTY.
I JUST WANT TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE TO BARBARA. BLESS YOUR HEART.
YOU PUT UP WITH US ALL THE TIME, AND DISTRICT 1 COUNCILMEMBER SHARON LEWIS, WHO ADVOCATED HARD FOR THE IDC TO REALLY MAKE SHIELD PARK A PRIORITY, AND OF COURSE, IDC ITSELF TO PUT THIS ON THE PRIORITY.
OF COURSE, OUR COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS IN THE OLD CENTRAL CARVER PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, WHO HAVE BELIEVED AND STAYED FAST TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN GET SHIELD PARK UP AND GOING.
OF COURSE, ROXANNE WELCH, EPA REGION 6 IN DALLAS.
MY BEST FRIEND, WE LOVE HER SO MUCH.
SHE IS THE ONE THAT ADVOCATED TO GET OUR ANALYSIS OF BROWNFIELD CLEANUP ALTERNATIVES, WHICH IS AN APCA IN TIME FOR THIS GRANT APPLICATION.
LAST SUMMER, VISION GALVESTON CONTRACTED WITH ADAPTA AND IS A CONSULTING FIRM WITH NEARLY FOUR DECADES OF EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH BROWNFIELD SITES AND PROGRAMS TO SPECIFICALLY ADVISE US ON THIS GRANT APPLICATION.
VISION GALVESTON COVERED THE COST OF THAT CONSULTANT.
WE HAVE PUT THE BEST OF THE BEST ON IT, AND GALVESTON DESERVES NO LESS.
I MUST GIVE A HUGE NOTE OF APPRECIATION TO TESSA.
YES, WROBLESKI AND MEGHAN PIERCE, THIS WOMAN RIGHT HERE, PLEASE GIVE HER A RAISE.
I IMAGINE SHE JUST SIGHED EVERY TIME HER E-MAIL WENT OFF AND IT WAS MYSELF OR ANNA OR THE CONSULTANT SAYING, HEY, WE NEED THIS.
ONCE AGAIN, OUR WORK AT VISION GALVESTON ENCOMPASSES THESE GREEN GUIDING PRINCIPLES, THAT EVERY ONE OF OUR CONSTITUENTS AND EVERY ONE OF OUR RESIDENTS HAS A RIGHT TO GREEN.
IT SHOULD BE GREEN SPACE THAT IS BEAUTIFUL AND ACCEPTABLE.
WE KNOW THAT GREEN SPACE PROMOTES HEALTH.
WE KNOW THAT GREEN SPACE SUPPORTS THE LOCAL ECOLOGY.
GREEN SPACE SUPPORTS THE LOCAL ECONOMY.
WE WANT A GREEN SPACE THAT IS CONNECTED AND IS ACTIVATED AND AUTHENTIC, AND OF COURSE, PROMOTES EDUCATIONAL AND PROMOTES STEWARDSHIP.
AS BARBARA MENTIONED, EPA CLEANUP GRANTS ARE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE.
BUT WE'RE HONORED TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR REGIONAL ALLIES TO IMPROVE THIS COMMUNITY ASSET FOR GALVESTON.
>> THANK YOU. ANY OTHER COMMENTS ON THIS PARTICULAR ITEM? IT IS 5:38 PM.
I'M GOING TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS ITEM.
BRING THIS BACK TO THE COUNCIL FOR ACTION.
NOW, WE'RE VOTING MANUALLY ON THIS.
WE HAVE MOTION FOR APPROVAL, COUNCILMEMBER LEWIS AND SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER BROWN.
ANY DISCUSSION ON THIS? YES, SIR.
>> I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT, THIS IS A REALLY GREAT EXAMPLE OF HOW WE CAN LEVERAGE OUR ISLAND CAPACITY THROUGH TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION TO GET REALLY GOOD THINGS DONE FOR THE ISLAND.
IT TAKES EVERYBODY TO DO THIS.
THIS IS A REALLY GOOD EXAMPLE OF IT.
>> I THINK A PRIME EXAMPLE AS BOB MENTIONED IS THE CITY WORKING WITH VISION GALVESTON ON THIS AND THE IDC COMMITTEE, AND ALSO WITH SHARON LEWIS USHERING THIS THROUGH.
VERY GOOD. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THIS ITEM, PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
[8.B Consider For Approval An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Designating The Property Located At 3427 Sealy / Avenue I, As A “Galveston Landmark”, Property Is Legally Described As M.B. Menard Survey, Part Of Lot 1 (1-1), Block 214, In The City And County Of Galveston, Texas; Requesting The Historic Preservation Officer Record The Property's Landmark Designation In The Official Public Records Of Real Property In Galveston County, The Tax Records Of The City Of Galveston And The Central Appraisal District, And The Official Zoning Maps Of The City Of Galveston, Texas; Designating The Site As A Historically Or Archeological Significant Site In Need Of Tax Relief To Encourage Its Preservation; Planning Case Number 25P-048; Making Various Findings And Provisions Related To The Subject. (C. Gorman)]
>> ITEM 8.B. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, DESIGNATING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3427 CL AVENUE I AS THE GALVESTON LANDMARK,
[00:40:02]
PROPERTY IS LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS M.B MENARD SURVEY PART OF LOT 1, BLOCK 214 IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS.REQUESTING THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER RECORD THE PROPERTY'S LANDMARK DESIGNATION IN THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF REAL PROPERTY IN GALVESTON COUNTY.
THE TAX RECORDS OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON AND THE CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT.
ANY OFFICIAL ZONING MAPS OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, DESIGNATING THE SITE AS A HISTORICALLY OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANT SITE IN NEED OF TAX RELIEF TO ENCOURAGE ITS PRESERVATION.
PLANNING CASE NUMBER 25 P-048, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT.
>> WE HAVE WITH US KATHERINE GORMAN. KATHERINE.
>> THIS BUILDING WAS BUILT IN 1874, IT WAS UTILIZED AS A CORNER STORE AND DWELLING.
DR. ELEGI EDER PURCHASED THE BUILDING IN MARCH OF 1920.
DR. EDER WAS A PHYSICIAN WHO WAS ALSO THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL NAACP CHAPTER.
SINCE 1999, THE BUILDING HAS HOUSED AN AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM.
IT SHOWCASES THE LOCAL BLACK HISTORY OF GALVESTON WITH PHOTOGRAPHS, ARTIFACTS, AND STORIES OF COMMUNITY LEADERS.
THE EXTERIOR FEATURES DEPICTIONS OF FAMOUS AND PROMINENT GALVESTONIANS, PAINTED BY ARTIST E. HERRING.
LANDMARK COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION AND STAFF RECOMMEND APPROVAL.
>> VERY GOOD. ANY QUESTIONS FOR MS. GORMAN, COUNCIL? IT IS 5:41 PM.
I'M GOING TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON ITEM 8.B.
ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT ON THIS ITEM? HEARING NO RESPONSE, I'M GOING TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:41.
>> A MOTION FOR APPROVAL, COUNCILWOMAN MARIE ROBB, AND WE HAVE A SECOND BY COUNCILMAN ALEX PORRETTO.
>> I'D LIKE TO COMMEND MR. JAMES JOSI AND HIS WIFE FOR CONTINUING TO PUSH FOR THIS.
HE HAS BEEN A VERY IMPORTANT, STABLE LANDMARK IN OUR COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN OR AFRO AMERICAN HISTORY AND LOCAL AFRO AMERICANS.
I'M JUST SO EXCITED THAT YOU HAVE THIS DESIGNATION, AND CONGRATULATIONS. DISTRICT 1.
>> VERY GOOD. HE'S HERE, MR. JOSI.
OF COURSE, THE BETTER HALF IS HERE. MRS. JOSI.
>> WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS, SIR?
>> LANDMARK COMMISSIONERS AND I WANT TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR ALLOWING US TO COME UP HERE.
BUT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM, LIKE YOU SAY, WAS CREATED IN 1999, DUE TO THE FACT THAT WHEN MY WIFE AND I, WE MOVED DOWN HOME FROM CALIFORNIA, THE GANG VIOLENCE WAS OUT OF HAND.
WE GOT INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY, HAS STOPPED THE VIOLENCE RALLIES.
IN FACT, MS. SUE JOHNSON AND I STOPPED THE VIOLENCE RALLY AND RESEARCHED THE HISTORY OF BLACK BORN ON ISLAND.
THAT'S HOW THE MUSEUM CAME ABOUT.
I WANT TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR ALLOWING US TO BE HERE TO ACCEPT THIS LANDMARK COMMISSION.
>> YOU'RE WELCOME, SIR. THANK YOU.
>> ALSO, I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR THIS BECAUSE MY HUSBAND WORKED VERY HARD FOR THIS, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE THE CITY OF GALVESTON PROUD. THANK YOU.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THIS ITEM?
>> I JUST WANTED TO SHARE AND THANK THE JOSIS.
DURING THE PLANNING COMMISSION, WE GOT A LITTLE BIT MORE HISTORY.
THIS COUPLE WORKS THIS PLACE VOLUNTARILY EVERY DAY, 365 DAYS OF THE YEAR.
THEY ARE ABLE TO MAKE ENDS MEET JUST WITH SIMPLE DONATIONS AND ANYTHING PUBLICLY THAT I CAN GET OUT THERE TO HELP SUPPORT THIS COUPLE IN THIS MONUMENTAL CORNER PLACE THAT WE HAVE FOR GALVESTON'S HISTORY.
I WOULD ENCOURAGE TO HELP AND SUPPORT.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORIES AT THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
>> IT'S ALWAYS INTERESTING TO SEE HISTORY AND PEOPLE THAT PRESERVE IT, AND THERE'S A SPECIAL PLACE FOR YOU GUYS TOO THAT PRESERVE IT. IT'S IMPORTANT.
BOB SPAGNOLA WAS RESEARCHING A BOOK, AND JACK JOHNSON, THE NOTABLE BOXER, GREW UP RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO A GROCERY STORE THAT MY GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHER WAS OPERATING.
[00:45:08]
PEOPLE SAY THAT BEING ON THE ISLAND DOESN'T MATTER, BUT IT'S COOL TO SEE THE HISTORY AND BE A PART OF IT AND SEE PEOPLE PRESERVE THAT TOO ALONG THE WAY.THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR WHAT YOU DO.
>> VERY GOOD. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THIS ITEM.
[8.C Consider For Approval An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Designating The Property Located At 2210 31st Street, As A “Galveston Landmark”, Property Is Legally Described As M.B. Menard Survey, Part Of Lots 1 & 2 (2001-2) Southwest Block 114, Galveston Outlots, In The City And County Of Galveston, Texas; Requesting The Historic Preservation Officer Record The Property's Landmark Designation In The Official Public Records Of Real Property In Galveston County, The Tax Records Of The City Of Galveston And The Central Appraisal District, And The Official Zoning Maps Of The City Of Galveston, Texas; Designating The Site As A Historically Or Archeological Significant Site In Need Of Tax Relief To Encourage Its Preservation; Planning Case Number 25P-052; Making Various Findings And Provisions Related To The Subject. (D. Lunsford)]
ITEM 8.C, PLEASE.>> ITEM 8.C. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, DESIGNATING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2210 31ST STREET.
AS THE GALVESTON LANDMARK, PROPERTY IS LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS M.B MENARD SURVEY PART OF LOTS 1 AND 2, SOUTHWEST BLOCK 114, GALVESTON OUTLOTS, IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS.
REQUESTING THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER RECORD THE PROPERTY'S LANDMARK DESIGNATION IN THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF REAL PROPERTY IN GALVESTON COUNTY.
THE TAX RECORDS OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON AND THE CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, AND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAPS OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, DESIGNATING THE SITE AS HISTORICALLY OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL, SIGNIFICANT SITE IN NEED OF TAX RELIEF TO ENCOURAGE ITS PRESERVATION.
PLANNING CASE NUMBER 25 P-052, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT.
>> THANK YOU, NELLY. WE HAVE DANIEL LUNSFORD WITH US, DANIEL.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR AND COUNCIL.
ALEXANDER MCCLELLAN BUILT THIS TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMAN STYLE BUNGALOW IN 1914, ALONG WITH IDENTICAL BUNGALOWS TO THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH.
THE SOUTH ONE IS ALSO GALVESTON LANDMARK, ONE OF THE SISTER HOUSES.
LATER, ROYAL AND NONI WILLIS OWNED THE PROPERTY.
HE WAS A CARPENTER FOR THE GULF, COLORADO AND SANTA FE RAILROAD COMPANY.
HE AND HIS WIFE, NONI WERE MEMBERS OF CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCH, AND WERE BOTH HEAVILY INVOLVED IN MULTIPLE CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS.
THE BUNGALOW FEATURES MUCH OF ITS HISTORIC CHARACTER AS A CRAFTSMAN STYLE BUNGALOW.
LANDMARK COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION, AND STAFF RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THIS REQUEST.
>> THANK YOU, DANIEL. ANY QUESTIONS FROM MR. LUNSFORD? VERY GOOD.
I'M GOING TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON ITEM 8.C.
IS THERE ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE THAT WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT ON THIS? HEARING NO RESPONSE, I'M CLOSING THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:47 PM.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION [OVERLAPPING].
>> COUNCILMAN FINKLEA OF THIS DISTRICT MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
COUNCILMAN FINKLEA, WE HAVE A SECOND BY COUNCILWOMAN ROBB.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
[8.D Consider For Approval An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Changing The Zoning From Residential, Single-Family Height And Density Development Zone, Zone 6 (R-1-HDDZ-6) Zoning District To Commercial, Height And Density Development Zone, Zone 6 (C-HDDZ-6) Zoning District, On Property Which Address Is Commonly Known As 11243 Stewart Road, As Provided In The Attached Map, And Which Property Is Legally Described As: Abstract 121 Page 64, Part Of Lots 19 And 22 (19-6) And Part Of Right Of Way, Trimble & Lindsey Section 2, In The City And County Of Galveston, Texas; Planning Case Number 25P-046; Making Various Findings And Provisions Related To The Subject; And Providing For An Effective Date. (D. Lunsford)]
>> ITEM 8.D. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, CHANGE IN THE ZONING FROM RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE FAMILY HEIGHTENED DENSITY DEVELOPMENT ZONE, ZONE 6 ZONING DISTRICT TO COMMERCIAL HEIGHTENED DENSITY DEVELOPMENT ZONE, ZONE 6 ZONING DISTRICT, ON PROPERTY WHICH ADDRESS IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 11243 STEWART ROAD.
AS PROVIDED IN THE ATTACHED MAP IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS ABSTRACT 121 PAGE 64, PART OF LOTS 19 AND 22 IN PART OF RIGHT OF WAY.
TRIMBLE AND LINDSEY, SECTION 2, IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS.
PLANNING CASE NUMBER 25 P-046, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
>> THANK YOU AGAIN. IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PROVIDE A CONSISTENT ZONING ALONG STEWART ROAD, THE APPLICANT TO THE PROPERTY OWNER IS REQUESTING A CHANGE OF BASE ZONING FROM RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY TO COMMERCIAL WITH NO CHANGE TO THE EXISTING HD 6 OVERLAY THAT WOULD REMAIN.
ALTHOUGH THE PROPOSED ZONING DOES ALLOW FOR A GREATER RANGE OF LAND USES, SIMILAR TO THE AREAS AROUND THEIR COMMERCIAL AND RESURRECT, NOTE THAT SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED HOUSING WOULD STILL BE ALLOWED HERE EVEN WITH A CHANGE OF ZONING.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST AS DOES STAFF.
WE HAVE, OF COURSE, THE SITE MAP HERE SHOWING THE PROPERTY IN QUESTION WITH THE OTHER ZONING AND LAND USES AROUND IT IN RELATION.
>> VERY GOOD. ANY QUESTIONS FROM MR. LUNSFORD? YES, MA'AM.
>> IN THE FACT THAT THEY'RE CHANGING IT TO COMMERCIAL, AND IF THEY DID DO RESIDENTIAL, THEY WOULD BE ALLOWED TO USE A SMALLER LOT SIZE?
>> CORRECT. MINIMUM WOULD BE 40 BY 104,000 SQUARE FOOT.
IT'S NOT MUCH DIFFERENT FROM R1, IT IS A LITTLE BIT SMALLER.
>> VERY GOOD. WE HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION? YES, BEAU.
>> DANIEL, I SEE A ROAD GOING THROUGH THERE OR AT LEAST A COUPLE OF LINES THAT LOOK LIKE A ROAD.
IS THERE A CITY RIGHT OF WAY IN ALL PROPERTY?
>> I BELIEVE THAT HAS BEEN ABANDONED ACCORDING TO GCAD RECORDS.
>> ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS? IT IS 5:49 PM.
I'M GOING TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON ITEM 8.D.
IS THE APPLICANT HERE? ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT ON THIS ITEM? HEARING NO RESPONSE, IT'S 5:49 PM.
[00:50:03]
I'M GOING TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS AND BRING THIS BACK TO COUNCIL FOR ACTION.>> I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL, COUNCILMEMBER BROWN, IS THERE A SECOND?
>> A SECOND, COUNCILWOMAN LEWIS.
>> I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE APPROVING A PIECE OF PROPERTY AND CHANGING THE ZONING BEFORE WE HAVE ANY DESCRIPTION OF WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE ON IT.
IN THAT HANDWRITTEN NOTE THAT I COULDN'T READ WELL, WHAT WERE THEY SAYING BECAUSE WASN'T ONE OF THE USES AN RV PARK, WHICH HAVEN'T WE OUTLAWED THOSE OR MINIMIZED THOSE ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE ISLAND?
>> IF YOU WOULD LIKE, I CAN READ THE APPLICANT'S NARRATIVE, WHICH WAS BRIEF.
THEY SAY PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY ZONED AS RESIDENTIAL AND I WOULD LIKE IT TO BE CHANGED AS COMMERCIAL.
ONCE AGAIN, THIS IS THE APPLICANT.
COMMERCIAL ZONING WILL HELP IF WE DECIDE TO SELL, THE LAND IS NEXT TO STELLA MARE RV RESORT.
THE LAND WOULD BE DEVELOPED TO BE COMPATIBLE TO STELLA MARE BY PROVIDING RV PARKING FACILITIES OR RV STORAGE AND PERHAPS A SMALL CONVENIENCE STORE.
OTHERWISE, IT SAYS THAT WE DON'T HAVE ANY SPECIFIC PLANS AT THIS PRESENT TIME.
NOW, OF COURSE, THERE ARE LIMITED USE STANDARDS THAT WOULD APPLY TO ANY RV PARK THAT SOMEONE WOULD PROPOSE TO START.
THEY WOULD HAVE TO MEET THOSE STANDARDS IF THE ZONING CHANGED AND OFFHAND, I DON'T KNOW IF THEY WOULD MEET ALL THOSE STANDARDS.
IT COULD POTENTIALLY BE A PD SITUATION, BUT TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, THE COMMERCIAL ZONING WOULD ALLOW FOR A RANGE OF BROADER LAND USES, BUT THEY COULD ALSO STILL DO SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED.
>> ISN'T THERE SINGLE FAMILY TO THE NORTH OF THAT?
>> IT'S A ZONE RESORT RECREATION.
IT'S MOSTLY UNDEVELOPED, BUT I BELIEVE IT IS A SINGLE FAMILY USE.
IT'S VERY LARGE TRACT OF LAND.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL AND A SECOND.
COUNCIL, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THIS MOTION.
WE HAVE SIX IN FAVOR AND ONE AGAINST. IT DOES PASS.
[9. PUBLIC COMMENT]
LET'S MOVE TO PUBLIC COMMENT, PLEASE.>> PUBLIC COMMENT, 9.A AGENDA ITEMS, 9.B, NON AGENDA ITEMS.
>> THIS IS A SECTION WHERE WE ENTERTAIN PUBLIC COMMENT.
AS YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE 3 MINUTES, AND WE CANNOT RESPOND TO YOU DUE TO THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT RULES AND REGULATIONS, BUT WE ARE MAKING NOTES OF THINGS THAT YOU MAY SAY, AND CITY STAFF IS HERE WITH THE CITY MANAGER REPRESENTING THEM THAT WILL MAKE NOTES ALSO.
>> I'M GOING TO USE THE TIMER ON MY PHONE.
>> SO OUR CITY SECRETARY WILL TIME 3 MINUTES AND LET YOU KNOW WHEN THAT TIME IS UP.
>> MAY I PASS THESE OUT BEFORE MY TIME STARTS?
>> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK THIS EVENING.
WHAT I'VE PASSED OUT TO YOU IS A THREAD OF EMAILS FROM NOVEMBER 2012, IN WHICH IT ACKNOWLEDGES THE INDIVIDUALS THAT PAID FOR THE JUNETEENTH MARKER ON THE STRAND.
THE REASON THAT I'M PUTTING THIS INTO THE OFFICIAL RECORD IS BECAUSE THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS WITH THE JUNETEENTH HOME, MANY INDIVIDUALS HAVE FELT LEFT OUT OF THE PROCESS.
WHEN WE THINK ABOUT COMMUNITY, WHAT YOU'LL NOTICE IN THAT EMAIL, THERE ARE MANY INDIVIDUALS LISTED, AND NOT ONLY ARE THEY FROM GALVESTON, BUT YOU HAVE HITCHCOCK, YOU HAVE FRESNO, YOU HAVE FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS CITY, LA MARQUE.
THIS ISSUE IS MUCH LARGER THAN JUST THE CITY OF HITCHCOCK.
WE HAVE BEEN KEPT IN THE DARK THROUGHOUT THIS APPLICATION PROCESS.
RUMOR HAS IT THAT THERE WERE 13 APPLICANTS THAT HAVE BEEN NARROWED DOWN TO THREE, BUT WE WERE NOT IN THAT PROCESS AND WE CONTINUE TO BE LEFT OUT OF THE PROCESS.
BUT EVEN WHEN YOU TRY TO LEAVE US OUT AND YOU TRY TO ACKNOWLEDGE OTHERS, I'M GOING TO PLAY SOMETHING BACK FOR YOU FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING.
[00:55:04]
>> YOU'RE WELCOME. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS? CORRECT.
>> WOW. THAT JUST REALLY TOUCHED ME.
I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN GET THROUGH IT WITHOUT TEARY EYED.
THERE'S ANOTHER TERRY WILSON IN THE LEGISLATURE, HE'S COLONEL.
HE WALKS BY MY DESK AND SAYS, "DON'T WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE".
I'M A LITTLE NERVOUS, ACTUALLY.
I DELIVERED PLENTY OF PROCLAMATIONS, BUT THIS ONE IS REALLY SPECIAL.
I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU, THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR FOR RECOGNIZING THAT.
I DO WANT TO SAY SAM COLLINS, I WANT TO GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR FIRST BRINGING ME THE IDEA AS WELL.
>> WHEN WE THINK ABOUT THAT ACKNOWLEDGMENT AT THE END, SHE SAYS, FOR THE IDEA.
WE HAVE NOT BEEN ON THE SIDELINE.
WE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED FROM THE BEGINNING.
WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO BE INVOLVED.
THE CITY WILL TRY TO DISTANCE ITSELF FROM THIS PROCESS, BUT WHEN YOU GO TO THE JUNETEENTH HOME WEBSITE, YOU PULL IT UP ON YOUR PHONE, THE FIRST PICTURE YOU'LL SEE IS THE MAYOR'S.
THE SECOND PICTURE IS COUNCIL MEMBER LEWIS.
THE CITY IS DOVETAIL THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS, AND THE CITY NEEDS TO PROVIDE SOME OVERSIGHT WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS.
DOES THE CITY KNOW THE SCORING MATRIX FOR HOW THEY NARROWED DOWN TO THREE INDIVIDUALS? CAN THE CITY PROVIDE ANY VERIFICATION FOR HOW THE SHORTLIST CANDIDATES ARE CHOSEN? WE WANT THERE TO BE A TRANSPARENT PROCESS AND WE WANT TO BE MORE INVOLVED.
NOT ONLY INDIVIDUALS ON THE ISLAND BUT THE LARGER COMMUNITY THAT CARES ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
>> VERY GOOD. WE HAVE NOW, MR. STAN HUMPHREY. STAN.
>> MAYOR, COUNCIL MEMBERS, PLEASURE TO BE HERE TONIGHT AND JUST TALK TO YOU BRIEFLY ABOUT A ISSUE WE HAVE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
I THINK WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A COUPLE OF OTHER PEOPLE TALK ABOUT IT.
WE HAVE A SITUATION ON BELUCHE DRIVE WHERE WE HAVE DETERIORATING ROADWAY.
IN A LOT OF INSTANCES, THE ROADWAY DETERIORATING IS NOT THAT BIG OF A DEAL, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE JUST TRANSITING THROUGH.
BUT THIS IS A BIG DEAL BECAUSE DEMOGRAPHICALLY, WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE MY AGE.
PEOPLE OF MY AGE LIKE TO WALK, AND PEOPLE OF MY AGE LIKE TO WALK FACING TRAFFIC AND STAYING OUT OF THE WAY.
BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE ON BELUCHE DRIVE, WE'RE NOT QUITE ABLE TO DO THAT.
IT DOES PROPOSE A HAZARD FOR US.
IT PROPOSES A HAZARD FOR THE CHILDREN COMING OFF OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
WE HAVE A LOT OF KIDS BIKES, THE NEW POWERED SCOOTERS COMING UP AND DOWN THAT ROAD ALL THE TIME.
OF COURSE, IN THE SUMMERTIME, WE HAVE PEOPLE TRYING TO SNEAK AROUND TO GET TO AND FROM MOODY GARDENS AND SCHLITTERBAHN.
ALL THIS HAS DETERIORATED THE ROAD.
ALL THIS MAKES IT A HAZARD TO THE PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC.
ALSO, IT IS DETERIORATING A LOT OF THE TRAFFIC, JUST RESIDENTIAL.
WE HAVE INSTANCES OF DAMAGE TO CARS BECAUSE OF THE DEBRIS THROWN UP BY THESE POTHOLES.
SUCCINCTLY, JUST LET'S SEE IF WE CAN GET THIS REPAVED.
I KNOW WE'RE DOING SOME REPAVING AROUND THE AREA, AND I KNOW THERE'S BEEN SOME GOOD REPAVING DONE, AND IT'S QUALITY WORK AND I'D LIKE TO SEE QUALITY WORK COME OUT TO OUR STREET. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. BILL MANSON. BILL.
>>THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COUNCIL AND MAYOR.
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME HERE AND I'M HERE BECAUSE I AM ONE OF THE FOLKS THAT LIVES ON BELUCHE.
I WILL REITERATE WHAT STAN JUST SAID, BUT I WANT TO ALSO SAY THAT AT AGE 79, MY DOCTORS TELL ME I GOT TO GET OUT THERE AND WALK.
I TRY TO GET OUT THERE AND WALK AND IT'S A HIGH RISK PROPOSITION ON BELUCHE. THAT'S FOR SURE.
WE'VE GOT SPEEDING CARS THAT ARE COMING DOWN THE ROAD AND OTHER VEHICLES.
WE'VE GOT CARS PARKED ALONG THE STREET, PERHAPS BOTH SIDES.
THEN WE HAVE TO DODGE THE CRACKS, THE POTHOLES, AND THE TWO OR THREE LEVELS OF PREVIOUS ASPHALTS THAT HAVE BEEN PUT DOWN.
I'M SIMPLY HERE TO SAY, IT'S TIME THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE REPAVED.
ALL THOSE LEVELS NEED TO BE PULLED UP AND NEW ASPHALT NEEDS TO BE PUT DOWN.
I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
[01:00:02]
>> THANK YOU. JACK BROWN. JACK.
MY DAD BUILT THE HOUSE IN 1970, RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER FROM BOB BROWN'S DAD.
AND WE'VE LIVED THERE EVER SINCE.
I'VE MOVED BACK HOME AND BOUGHT THE HOUSE FROM MY MOTHER IN 2013 WHEN SHE PASSED.
WE HAVE BEEN SEEING SINCE 2008 HURRICANE IKE, THE ROAD, IT WAS WASHED OUT FROM THE STORM AND THE SEWER OR THE DRAINAGE HAD A SINK HOLE IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE.
R.A APFFEL LIVES ACROSS THE STREET WHO WAS EX MAYOR.
THEY PATCHED THAT HOLE AND NOW THAT HOLE IS BACK TO BEING A SINK HOLE, AND IT'S A BIG DIVOT THERE.
WE'VE REPORTED IT TO THE CITY MANAGER AND THEY'VE COME OUT AND DONE A LITTLE BIT OF ASPHALT REPAIR ON THE SIDES WHERE WE PULL OUR TRASH CANS TO THE CORNER TO KEEP US FROM TWISTING OUR ANKLE IN THE EDGE, BUT IT'S NOT BEEN SUFFICIENT.
THE OVERLAY NEEDS TO BE DONE, AND THE STREET REDONE.
NOW, I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY IF I'M CORRECT ON THE YEAR, BUT I THINK IT WAS PRIOR TO COVID, 2018-2019 TIME FRAME, AND THEY REDID 77TH STREET.
THE CONTRACTOR, I INQUIRED WITH THEM WERE THEY'RE GOING TO COME AND DO BELUCHE AND THEY SAID AFTER THEY DID 77TH.
THEY DID GERALD DRIVE COMING IN FROM THE ENTRANCE OF HAVRE LAFITTE TO THE RIGHT, AROUND GERALD DRIVE, BUT THEY STOPPED AT BELUCHE.
IT'S BEEN 18 YEARS SINCE THE SINKHOLE IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE HAPPENED AND IT'S NOT BEEN SUFFICIENTLY REPAIRED.
THEY'VE HAD NUMEROUS REPAIRS DOWN THE STREET, DOWN TOWARD BILL AND STAN HUMPHREY'S HOUSE TO THE WEST OF ME, AND THOSE REPAIRS WERE JUST PATCHED, BUT THEY HAVEN'T EVER DONE AN OVERLAY.
WE'VE REQUESTED IT, AND WE'VE ASKED FOR IT.
WE'VE LOBBIED WITH THE DISTRICT SIX COUNCILMAN TO GET THIS DONE.
WE'VE ASKED THE CITY MANAGER TO LOOK INTO IT, AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE SOME CONSIDERATION BECAUSE WHEN YOU DRIVE DOWN THE STREET, YOU LITERALLY HAVE TO DODGE THESE SINK HOLES ALL THE WAY DOWN THE STREET AND I FIND MYSELF DOING LIKE AN S GOING DOWN WEST TOWARD 77TH TO LEAVE.
WE'VE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH WAZE APP, RE-ROUTING TRAFFIC FROM 61ST STREET DOWN STEWART ROAD TO TURN ON 75TH TOWARD THE SEAWALL.
WE'VE INQUIRED ABOUT A STREET LIGHT, AND THEY SAID THAT YOU CAN'T HAVE THAT EITHER.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
>> JACK, I GUESS YOU HAVE YOUR BETTER PART HERE, KATIE.
>> I DO. SHE'S MY BETTER HALF.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR BROWN AND COUNCIL.
I WANT TO THANK MARIE ROB AND BRIAN MAXWELL BECAUSE THEY HAVE PATIENTLY RECEIVED NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS FROM ME.
I THINK IT'S WAY PAST TIME, I'M NOT A BOI, BUT I'M HERE BY CHOICE.
I SAY THIS WITH GRACE AND KINDNESS, THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF GALVESTON, YOU'RE REPAVING ROADS ALL OVER THE COMMUNITY.
SOME GET CONCRETE, SOME GET ASPHALT.
WHAT'S THE CHARACTERISTIC OR WHAT'S THE QUALIFICATION FOR BOTH? MY DRIVEWAY, I TAKE PRIDE IN MY STREET CURB APPEAL.
YOU DRIVE BY MY HOUSE, I HAVE PRETTY FLOWERS.
BUT WHEN I DRIVE OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, FACING R.A APFFEL, SELENA APFFEL'S HOME, THERE'S A HUGE SINK HOLE.
THE TWO FOLKS THAT I'VE DEALT WITH MOST KNOW IF THERE WAS A FRACTURED PIPE OR DRAINAGE OR SOMETHING, I'M NOT AN ENGINEER, BUT YOUR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CAME OUT.
THEY SAW THAT THERE WAS A MAJOR ISSUE, AND THAT WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO WHERE THE BOAT RAMP IS, BY TERRY MOORE'S HOUSE, AT THE BEND AT THE CURVE, AND THEN THERE WAS DRAINAGE ISSUE FROM THE EAST, FROM THAT AREA, THAT DUMPED INTO LAKE MADELEINE.
THEN YOU GO AROUND THE CORNER TO WHERE YOU GO TO GERALD DRIVE,
[01:05:02]
THERE WAS CHALLENGE WITH DRAINAGE FROM THAT AREA.THE INFRASTRUCTURE UNDERNEATH THE STREET IS WHAT'S CAUSING ISSUES.
WE KNOW THAT. Y'ALL KNOW THAT.
I APPLAUD MARIE BECAUSE I CALL HER.
I COME HOME AND THERE'S ALL THESE PEOPLE AND TRUCKS AND WATER FLOWING EVERYWHERE, AND I'M LIKE, NOW WHAT HAPPENED? DOWN BY STAN AND BILL'S HOUSE, THEY HAD IT, AND THEN IT WENT DOWN TO 75TH STREET.
THE INFRASTRUCTURE HOLDING MY STREET, IT'S NOT REALLY WHAT IT SHOULD BE, AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED.
OTHERWISE, YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE MAJOR ISSUES.
WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT HAZARD AND SAFETY, WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WALK AND RUN IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
WHOSE LIABILITY IS THAT IF YOU WANT TO REALLY LOOK AT IT FROM A LIABILITY STANDPOINT.
I'M HERE TO ASK THIS COUNCIL TO PLEASE REPAIR MY STREET.
I HAVE A NICE CAR, MY TIRES, IT'S LIKE GOING LIKE THIS.
YOU GET IN MY HUSBAND'S TRUCK, YOU GET BEAT UP GOING DOWN THE STREET.
I THINK IT'S TIME THAT YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION, AND I THINK THAT THE WILLINGNESS HAS BEEN THERE.
MARIE HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD LISTENING EAR AND I'VE EVEN GONE INTO THESE NEW GUYS UP HERE, THE YOUNGER GENERATION.
WE'RE GOING TO CARRY GALVESTON FORWARD AND PEOPLE LIKE US ARE HERE BECAUSE WE CHOOSE TO BE HERE, AND THE SAFETY OF THE EGRESS AND INGRESS TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD, 75TH STREET AND STEWART ROAD NEEDS A RED LIGHT.
75TH STREET AND SEAWALL NEEDS A RED LIGHT.
ONE QUICK THING ON 11.1, WHATEVER THAT AGENDA IS.
PARDON ME, 11.I AND 11.J ON YOUR AGENDA, THERE'S A GRANT THAT'S COMING THAT INVOLVES STEWART ROAD.
THERE NEEDS TO BE A RED LIGHT AT 75TH AND STEWART ROAD. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. APPRECIATE IT. VERY GOOD.
ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE? COME FORWARD. YES, SIR.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, MAYOR AND COUNCIL.
I WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN WITH MAKING A REQUEST TO DISTRICT 1 COUNCIL, SHARON LEWIS.
SHARON, THE COMMUNITY, I'M NOT SURE ABOUT JERRY WILSON, WHERE EXACTLY HE STANDS AT, BUT THE COMMUNITY WOULD LIKE FOR YOU AND THE MAYOR TO PERHAPS PLACE SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA THAT WILL DELAY ANY FURTHER MOVEMENT WITH THE JUNETEENTH MUSEUM.
>> THE REASON FOR THAT REQUEST SHOWING IS BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN GREAT CONCERNS SINCE OCTOBER 2016 WHEN THE INITIATIVE PROGRAM CAME OUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION AND WE FELT LIKE THAT THERE WERE CERTAIN PEOPLE IN AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY THAT WAS LEFT OUT OF THAT PARTICULAR INCIDENT, THE MAYOR EVEN SPOKE AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME AND THERE WERE SEVERAL ARTICLES WRITTEN IN THE NEWSPAPER ABOUT THE EXCLUSION.
BUT THE MORE IMPORTANT ONE WAS COMING FROM THE GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION ITSELF, AND I TAKE VERY MUCH OFFENSE.
I'VE BEEN COMING HERE OVER 35 YEARS.
THE THING THAT FOR DAVID O'NEILL TO MAKE THIS STATEMENT IN THE GALVESTON DAILY NEWS THAT SOME AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE COMMUNITIES WAS NOT WELCOME.
TO PARTICIPATE, AND THEREFORE, THEY ARE NOT GOING TO BE ALLOWED TO COME OVER TO THE GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION AND STRONG ON ANYONE.
I JUST DON'T THINK THAT WAS RIGHT.
I DON'T THINK THAT IT WAS FAIR.
A MATTER OF FACT, I THINK THAT IT WAS A LITTLE DISCRIMINATORY WHEN YOU ARE MAKING SELECTIONS LIKE THAT.
I THINK THAT ALL PEOPLE IN THIS PARTICULAR CITY, ESPECIALLY AFRICAN AMERICANS IS DEALING WITH JUNE TEAM SHOULD HAVE A RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT.
BUT THE HISTORICAL FOUNDATION MOVED FORWARD.
I BELIEVE THEY SUBMITTED THEIR REPORT TO AUSTIN TO THE GALVESTON TO THE TEXAS HISTORICAL FOUNDATION, AND WHAT HAVE IN LIEU OF TRYING TO GET SOME OF THE FUNDS.
IF THIS COUNCIL, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A NEW COUNCIL IN MAY AND HOPEFULLY, I'LL BE ONE OF THEM UP THERE, NO DISRESPECT.
BUT HOPEFULLY I WILL BE ONE UP THERE.
SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO MAKE DECISION ON A PROJECT AS LARGE AS THE JUNE MUSEUM.
SOME OF YOU GUYS WON'T BE THERE.
SOME OF YOU GUYS WOULD NOT BE ON CITY COUNCIL.
SO WHY CAN'T YOU HAVE A DELAY FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS?
[01:10:01]
DELAY, LET THE NEW COUNCIL COME IN BECAUSE SEE, WE HAVE ALWAYS WANTED THE CITY TO GET OUT IN FRONT OF A JUNETEENTH MUSEUM, NOT THE GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION.WE DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT MAY HAPPEN WITH THEM IF THEY DON'T GET ANOTHER LOAN FROM ONE ANOTHER ENDOWMENT.
WE NEED SOMETHING MORE FIRM MAYOR.
I FEEL LIKE IF WE GET THE CITY IN FRONT OF THIS.
AS I TELL SOME PEOPLE, I THINK THAT THE GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION GOT STARTED IN 1854, ONE MINUTE, 54 MAYOR.
I HAVEN'T READ ANYWHERE WHERE THE GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION BROUGHT IN THE SLAVES TO GALVESTON.
SO WHY NOW SHOULD THEY TAKE OVER THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT? THE CITY IS THE ONE WHO BROUGHT IN SLAVES HERE THERE AND THE CITY IS ONE WHO HELD THOSE SLAVES FOR 2.5 YEARS.
SO THEREFORE, I REALLY WOULD APPRECIATE SHARON, COUNCIL WOMAN LEWIS, IF YOU HAD TO BE ABLE TO GET TOGETHER, ANY OTHER TWO COUNCIL, BOTH MARIE ROB? THAT'S RIGHT. GET TOGETHER AND JUST DELAY THIS THING UNTIL AFTER THE NEXT COUNCIL.
THAT WAY, WHEN WE HAVE OUR POLITICAL FORUMS. IS THE POLICE COMING? WHEN WE HAVE OUR POLITICAL FORUM, WE CAN ASK YOU GUYS THOSE QUESTIONS.
>> YOUR TIME IS UP. THANK YOU.
ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC?
[10.A Consider for approval an ordinance of the City of Galveston, Texas, amending the total operating budget for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2026, by increasing expenditures to provide for a two and a half percent cost of living increase for civilian employees as follows: General Fund expenditure increase of the three hundred twenty seven thousand, seven hundred dollars ($327,700), Enterprise Funds combined expenditure increase of two hundred sixty-nine thousand four hundred ninety dollars ($269,490), Special Revenue Funds combined expenditure increase of eighty-five thousand eighty dollars ($85,080), and internal service fund combined increase of one hundred nine thousand eight hundred thirty dollars ($109,830); making various findings and provisions related to the subject; and providing for an effective date. (C. Ludanyi)]
LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 10.A, ORDINANCES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS.>> ITEM 10.A, CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, AMENDING THE TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026, BY INCREASE IN EXPENDITURES TO PROVIDE FOR A 2.5% COST OF LIVING INCREASE FOR CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES AS FOLLOWS.
GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURE INCREASE OF THE $327,700, ENTERPRISE FUNDS COMBINED EXPENDITURE INCREASE OF $269,490, SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS COMBINED EXPENDITURE INCREASE OF $85,080 AND INTERNAL SERVICE COMBINED INCREASE OF $109,830.
MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
>> CHI LA, NICE TO HAVE YOU WITH THIS.
CHI LA DANI, OUR DIRECTOR OF FINANCE.
>> MAYOR AND COUNCIL. AS WE KNOW, THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 26 WAS ADOPTED IN AUGUST AND WE AMENDED IT IN OCTOBER AND THAT AMENDED BUDGET DOES NOT INCLUDE A COLA FOR OUR CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES, ONLY FOR POLICE AND FIRE BASED ON THEIR CBAS.
SO AT OUR DECEMBER COUNCIL MEETING IN THE WORKSHOP, COUNCIL REQUESTED THAT WE BRING A ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE A CIVILIAN INCREASE AND AMEND THE BUDGET DOING SO.
AND SO THE ORDINANCE YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU IS FOR A 2.5% INCREASE FOR CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES.
THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES FUNDING FOR THIS INCREASE TO START WITH THE NEXT PAY PERIOD.
SO STARTING THIS COMING SATURDAY, THE TOTAL COST TO THE CITY THROUGH THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR AND ALL FUNDS WILL BE $792,100 APPROXIMATELY.
I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.
>> ANY QUESTIONS FOR MS LA DANI? YES, BOB.
>> JUST TO CLARIFY, WE'VE DISCUSSED THIS IN WORKSHOP, I THINK, BUT COULD YOU CLARIFY THE IMPACT ON THE CITY RESERVE FUND?
>> SO THE WAY WE DO AMENDMENTS IS WE DON'T TYPICALLY BUDGET REVENUE, AND SO YOU'RE SEEING THIS AMENDMENT, THESE COSTS, COMING OUT OF FUND BALANCE AND ALL THE FUNDS THAT ARE IMPACTED.
OUR HOPE IS THAT OUR REVENUES COME IN STRONG LIKE WE ARE CURRENTLY PROJECTING, BUT OBVIOUSLY THAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THIS AMENDMENT, AND ALL IT CALLS FOR IS FUND BALANCE TO PAY THOSE COSTS.
>> VERY GOOD. ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS? I'M GOING TO MAKE A MOTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF ITEM 10.A FOR A 2.5% INCREASE FOR ALL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES.
WE HAVE A SECOND. COUNCILMAN ROLLINS ON THAT.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
THAT IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. THANK YOU.
[10.B Consider for approval an Ordinance of the City of Galveston, Texas, of the Code of the City of Galveston 1982, Amending Chapter 34, “Traffic”, Section 34-111. “Limited Parking Between the Hours of 8:00 a.m. AND 6:00 p.m., Etc.”; Making various findings and provisions related to the subject; Providing for an effective date; Authorizing the City Secretary to execute all documents upon final approval by the City Attorney. (R Winiecke)]
>> ON BEHALF OF ALL THE CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES, I WANT TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR DOING THAT.
>> THERE'S NOT A MORE LOYAL, DEDICATED GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS IN THIS WORLD THAT I'VE WORKED WITH IN 30 PLUS YEARS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT THAN THE PEOPLE THAT WORK FOR THE CITY OF GALVESTON AND THEY'RE THERE FOR YOU 24 HOURS A DAY, LIKE MS BROWN EVEN MENTIONED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.
I GUARANTEE YOU MONDAY MORNING WHEN IT'S 28 DEGREES.
THEY'LL BE OUT THERE WORKING FOR YOU AND I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU ON THEIR BEHALF.
I KNOW THEY THANK YOU AS WELL.
>> THANK YOU. APPRECIATE THAT.
>> ITEM 10.B. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON,
[01:15:03]
TEXAS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON 1982, AMENDING CHAPTER 34 TRAFFIC, SECTION 34-111.LIMITED PARKING BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:00 A.M. AND 6:00 P.M. MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AUTHORIZING THE CITY SECRETARY TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS UPON FINAL APPROVAL BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
>> AND MR. WINEGI WITH US. YES, SIR.
>> GOOD EVENING, MAYOR, COUNSEL.
ACTUALLY, I'M GOING TO TAKE A MOMENT TO INTRODUCE MICHAEL PERKINS, JUNIOR.
HE WAS RECENTLY PROMOTED FROM TRAFFIC SUPERINTENDENT TO PUBLIC WORKS MANAGER.
HE'S GOING TO PRESENT THIS ITEM TO YOU GUYS TONIGHT.
>> FINE. WHAT WAS YOUR NAME AGAIN, SIR?
>> PUBLIC WORKS MANAGER FOR THE CITY OF GALVESTON.
LAST MONTH, WE RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM A BUSINESS OWNER, MR. GEORGE GRAHAM, TO HAVE THE PARKING ORDINANCE CHANGED FROM TWO HOUR PARKING TO ONE HOUR PARKING IN FRONT OF HIS BUSINESS.
THIS IS A PROPERTY OWNER THAT WILL ONLY BE IMPACTED.
IT IS ONLY IN FRONT OF HIS PROPERTY.
WE DO HAVE OTHER ONE HOUR PARKING INSTANCES ON THE ISLAND, ONE OF THEM BEING RIGHT ACROSS FROM HIS BUSINESS ON WINNIE.
ON 24TH STREET BETWEEN WINNIE AND BALL.
MR. GRAHAM HAS HAD A PETITION SIGNED AND WILL BY ALL THAT WOULD BE IMPACTED, BUT AS PREVIOUSLY STATED, HE'S THE ONLY ONE THAT WOULD BE IMPACTED BECAUSE HE OWNS THE BUSINESS.
I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. IF YOU HAVE ANY.
ONE MORE THING, COUNSEL DID TAKE PRIOR ACTION ON THIS BY ADDING TO TWO PARKING BACK IN 2023 OF OCTOBER FOR MR. GRAHAM, SO THERE HAS BEEN PRIOR ACTION ON THIS AND I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS MATTER.
>> ANY QUESTIONS, COUNSEL? VERY GOOD.
I DID ENTERTAIN A MOTION ON THIS ITEM.
COUNCILWOMAN LEWIS, MOVE FOR APPROVAL.
>> MR. PERKINS, YOU DID A FABULOUS JOB.
>> HE'S SOMEBODY THAT'LL BE ANSWERING THE PHONE IN THE MIDDLE OF NIGHT IF YOU NEED HIM. HE'S FANTASTIC.
>> VERY GOOD. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE POSITION, MR. PERKINS?
>> I ACTUALLY JUST MADE THREE MONTHS, BUT I'VE BEEN WITH THE CITY 6.5 YEARS.
>> WELL, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ADVANCEMENT.
>> APPRECIATE IT. WE HAVE MOTION AND A SECOND.
[10.C Consider for approval an Ordinance of the City of Galveston, Texas, of the Code of the City of Galveston 1982, Amending Chapter 34, “Traffic”, Establishing the Speed Limit for vehicles under to provisions of the Texas Transportation Code, Section 545.356, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, upon certain streets and highways of parts thereof, within the corporate limits of the City of Galveston and Providing for a Penalty of a Fine not to exceed $200.00 for Violation of the Ordinance; Making various findings and provisions related to the subject; Providing for an effective date; Authorizing the City Secretary to execute all documents upon final approval by the City Attorney. (R Winiecke)]
>> ITEM 10.C. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON 1982, AMENDING CHAPTER 34 TRAFFIC.
ESTABLISHING THE SPEED LIMIT FOR VEHICLES UNDER TWO PROVISIONS OF THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE, SECTION 545.356 UPON BASIS OF THE ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC INVESTIGATION UPON CERTAIN STREETS AND HIGHWAYS OF PARTS THEREOF, WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY OF A FINE NOT TO EXCEED $200 FOR VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE.
MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AUTHORIZING THE CITY SECRETARY TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS UPON FINAL APPROVAL BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
>> THAT WAS A MOUTHFUL THERE. TEXAS I REACHED OUT TO US.
THEY DID A SPEED STUDY ON STATE HIGHWAY 168.
THAT'S A LITTLE STRETCH OF ROAD THAT GOES FROM FERRY ROAD OUT TO THE CORE WOODS AREA, AS WELL AS THE MARINE CENTER.
BASICALLY, THE SPEED LIMIT DOES NOT CHANGE.
IT STAYS AT 45 MILES PER HOUR AS IT IS ALREADY SIGNED, BUT THEY HAD DONE THE STUDY AND THEY NEEDED A NEW ORDINANCE TO GO AHEAD AND JUSTIFY IT.
>> VERY GOOD. ANY QUESTIONS FOR MS WINK? ENTERTAIN A MOTION, COUNSEL.
>> MOTION, COUNCILMAN FINKY, FOR APPROVAL, IS THERE A SECOND TO THAT.
MISS ROB IS FOR A SECOND ON THAT. ANY DISCUSSION? [LAUGHTER] ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
THAT IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED COUNCILMAN ROLLINS IS AWAY FROM HIS SEAT AT THIS POINT.
THANK YOU, ROB. ITEM 10.D, PLEASE?
[10.D Consider for approval An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Amending The Year 2026 Designated Meeting Days For Joint Meetings With The Planning Commission, The Park Board Of Trustees, And The Board Of Trustees Of The Galveston Wharves; Reserving The Right Of Council To Schedule Additional Meetings As Needed; Providing For Findings Of Fact And Providing For An Effective Date. (C. Brown)]
>> ITEM 10.D. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS, AMENDING THE YEAR 2026, DESIGNATING MEETING DATES FOR JOINT MEETINGS WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION, THE PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE GALVESTON WALLS.
RESERVING THE RIGHT OF COUNSEL TO SCHEDULE ADDITIONAL MEETINGS AS NEEDED, PROVIDED FOR FINDINGS OF FACT AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
>> I MOVE FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO THE MEETING DATES FOR COUNCIL FOR OUR JOINT MEETINGS, THAT THEY WOULD INCLUDE THE PARK BOARD, WHARF'S BOARD, AND PLANNING COMMISSION ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS.
>> WE HAVE A COUNCILWOMAN ROB FOR A SECOND ON THAT.
[01:20:04]
ANY DISCUSSION? QUESTION? YES, SIR.>> SO IN OUR PACKET, IT DOESN'T STATE THIS EXACTLY LIKE WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT IN WORKSHOP.
SO WE'LL COME BACK NEXT MONTH TO HAVE A REVISED.
>> DONNA REVISED IT [LAUGHTER]. WE HAVE IT REVISED.
I THINK HE HAD LIKE 45 MINUTES.
>> I SENT AN EMAIL TO COUNSEL BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN HAVING EMAIL ISSUES.
I SHOULD HAVE PRINTED IT FOR YOU.
>> IS REFLECTIVE OF HOW THE MAYOR MADE THE MOTION?
>> VERY GOOD. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
[10.E Consider For Approval An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Ordering And Calling An Election To Be Held In The City Of Galveston On The 2nd Day Of May, 2026, For The Purpose Of Electing A Mayor At-Large And Six (6) District Council Members, Each For A Two-Year Term; Making Provisions For The Conduct And Giving Notice Of The Election; Designating Polling Places; Designating Hours For Voting; Providing For Publication Of The Notice Of The Election; Providing Bilingual Election Requirements; Providing For A Severability Clause; Providing An Open Meetings Clause; Providing A Savings Clause; Declaring Findings Of Fact; And Providing For An Effective Date. (Legal)]
ITEM 10.A, PLEASE.>> ITEM 10.A. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, TEXAS ORDERING AND CALLING AN ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON ON THE SECOND DAY OF MAY 2026.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING A MAYOR AT LARGE AND SIX DISTRICT COUNCIL MEMBERS, EACH FOR A TWO YEAR TERM, MAKING PROVISIONS FOR THE CONDUCT AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE ELECTION, DESIGNATING POLLING PLACES, DESIGNATING HOURS FOR VOTING, PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE OF THE ELECTION, PROVIDING BILINGUAL ELECTION REQUIREMENTS, PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, PROVIDING AN OPEN MEETINGS CLAUSE, PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, DECLARING FINDINGS OF FACT AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
>> VERY GOOD. DONNA ANY INPUT ON THAT?
>> I'LL SECOND THAT. BUT MAYOR, WE DON'T HAVE TO GO THROUGH WITH THIS IF YOU WANT TO STAY ON [LAUGHTER].
>> LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT [LAUGHTER]. VERY GOOD.
WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL ON THE ITEM 10.E AND A SECOND.
[11. CONSENT ITEMS]
>> ITEM 11, CONSENT ITEMS. THE FOLLOWING ITEM SHALL BE CONSIDERED FOR ACTION AS A WHOLE, UNLESS ONE OR MORE COUNCIL MEMBER OBJECTS.
THE CITY MANAGER IS AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS UPON FINAL APPROVAL BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
CONSENT ITEMS 11.A THROUGH 11.F ARE ON THE SCREEN.
>> MAYOR, I'D LIKE TO PULL 11.E.
>> 11.E WOULD LIKE TO BE PULLED BY COUNCILWOMAN ROB.
ANY OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS LIKE TO PULL ITEM FOR THE INDIVIDUAL DISCUSSION?
>> POINT TO ORDER. YOU SAID S AND X, RIGHT? WE'RE PULLING THOSE ITEMS FOR CONFLICT, RIGHT?
>> YES. THANK YOU FOR THAT. I APPRECIATE IT.
I'M NOT QUITE SURE THERE'S A DUPLICATION ON THE AGENDA WITH 11I AND J.
>> ROB WINNICKE MENTIONED THAT DURING THE WORKSHOP, SO WE CAN JUST STRIKE 11J.
I JUST REALLY WANTED TO COMMENT ON IT.
I WANTED TO THANK THE MARY NORTHER MOODY FOUNDATION FOR THE DONATION TO THE POLICE FORCE OF THE 26 BOLO WRAPS, WHICH WILL ALLOW US TO TREAT PEOPLE WHO MAY BE HAVING SOME MENTAL BREAKDOWN OR SOMETHING WHERE WE DON'T NEED A TASER OR A GUN AND WE CAN USE THE BOLO WRAP.
SO I'D LIKE TO THANK THEM FOR THAT.
SO YOU COULD INCLUDE IT BACK IN.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MARIE.
HEARING THAT, I'M GOING TO MAKE A MOTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF ITEMS 11.A THROUGH 11.FF, EXCLUDING ITEM 11.S, 11.X AND THE DELETION OF ITEM 11.J.
>> I HAVE A SECOND COUNCILMAN PERETA.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
[11.S Consider for the approval allowing the Fleet Facility to purchase the listed rolling stock (two pickups) and associated equipment from Caldwell Country Chevrolet through Buy Board Co-op for a total price of $119,470 and authorize the City Managers staff to execute the contract upon final approval by the City Attorney. The funding will be supported by a catalytic converter grant. (D. Smith)]
LET'S HAVE ITEM 11.S, PLEASE.>> 11.S. CONSIDER FOR THE APPROVAL ALLOWING THE FLEET FACILITY TO PURCHASE THE LISTED ROLLING STOCK TWO PICKUPS, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT FROM CALDWELL COUNTY CHEVROLET THROUGH BY BOARD COOP FOR TOTAL PRICE OF $119,470 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER STAFF TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT UPON FINAL APPROVAL BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
THE FUNDING WILL BE SUPPORTED BY A CALYTIC CONVERTLE GRANT.
>> VERY GOOD. WE HAVE A CONFLICT DECLARED, COUNCILMAN ROLLINS HAS DECLARED A CONFLICT ON THAT PARTICULAR ITEM.
[01:25:03]
YOU HAVE NOT, RIGHT, COUNCILMAN FINK.>> NEED TO STEP AWAY FROM THE [INAUDIBLE]. COUNSEL NEED TO STEP AWAY FROM THE THIS.
>> I HAVE A I HAVE A POINT OF ORDER TO THAT.
WOULD HE JUST EITHER NEED TO ABSTAIN ON A VOTE OR JUST NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY DISCUSSION ON THE VOTE.
>> A CONFLICT IS DIFFERENT FROM JUST ABSTAINING.
THAT MEANS THERE'S SOME OTHER REASON WHY.
>> I UNDERSTAND THE STEPPING DOWN PART.
I HAD MY OPINION WRITTEN ABOUT MY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND THERE WAS NO MENTION OF LEAVING.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEAVE THE ROOM.
>> MAYOR, I'D LIKE TO AMEND MY POSITION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND ONLY AMEND IT TO ABSTAIN FROM VOTING.
>> YOU CANNOT DO THAT. THAT'S HOW CONFLICTS WORK.
>> HOW ABOUT NEXT TIME? NEXT TIME, IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE SAYING?
>> NEXT TIME YOU'RE TRYING TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN ABSTAINING OR CONFLICT OF INTEREST?
>> THEY ARE TWO DISTINCT THINGS.
>> I'M GOING TO JUST ROLL BACK AND LET'S GET THIS VOTE DONE.
THEN LET ME KNOW NEXT TIME, WHAT I SHOULD DO.
MEANING I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND. JUST TELL ME.
>> I'M SAYING NEXT TIME, I CAN JUST SAY I ABSTAINED FROM VOTING.
>> WELL, YOU CAN CAST AN ABSTENTION VOTE.
BUT IF THERE'S A CONFLICT, THEN YOU CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION OR THE VOTING.
>> I DON'T NEED TO. I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND ROLL BACK BUT [LAUGHTER] NEXT TIME I'M JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND. THAT'S ALL.
>> NO, I'M JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND. I'M NOT QUESTIONING WHAT YOU'RE TELLING ME.
>> BUT WE HAD THIS COME UP BEFORE WHEN YOU READ ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER, AND EVEN I THINK THERE'S SOMETHING IN OUR CHARTER THAT THE PERSON WHO HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST DOES NOT NEED TO LEAVE THE ROOM.
>> I THINK ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER SUGGESTS THAT THEY REMOVE THEMSELVES FROM THE DAISES.
>> COUNCILMAN DOESN'T HAVE TO LEAVE THE ROOM, BUT HE HAS TO STEP AWAY FROM THE DAIS AND HE CAN GO ANYWHERE BECAUSE HE'S STILL PERCEIVED TO BE A PART OF THE DISCUSSION.
>> I'M JUST TRYING TO DO IT RIGHT.
>> NO PROBLEM. COUNCILMAN RAWLINS IS LEAVING THE DAISES AND [BACKGROUND] VERY GOOD.
NO, YOU DON'T NEED TO LEAVE THE ROOM, THOUGH.
>> COUNCILMAN, RIGHT HERE. [BACKGROUND]
>> WE MAY HAVE LOST HIM FOR GOOD HERE ON THAT.
WE HAVE A MOTION FOR ITEM 11.S.
IS THERE ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THAT? WE DID NOT HAVE ONE.
I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION FOR 11.S.
WE HAVE A MOTION, COUNCILWOMAN ROBB AND SECOND BY COUNCILWOMAN LEWIS.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
[11.X Consider for the approval allowing the Fleet Facility to purchase the listed rolling stock (eleven police patrol units) and associated equipment from Caldwell County Chevrolet through the Buy Board Co-op for a total price of $809,274 and authorize the City Managers staff to execute the contract upon final approval by the City Attorney. (D. Smith)]
LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 11.X, PLEASE.>>11.X, CONSIDER FOR THE APPROVAL, ALLOWING THE FLEET FACILITY TO PURCHASE THE LISTED ROLLING STOCK 11, POLICE PATROL UNITS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT FROM CALDWELL COUNTRY CHEVROLET THROUGH THE BUYBOARD COOP, FOR A TOTAL PRICE OF $809,274 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER STAFF TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT UPON FINAL APPROVAL BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
>> COUNCILMAN FINKLEA AND RAWLINS HAVE DECLARED A CONFLICT.
WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
THAT IS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED OF THOSE STILL VOTING.
VERY GOOD. LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 12.A, PLEASE.
[12.A Consider for approval an amendment to the FY 2026 Park Board of Trustees Annual Budget for sail250 funding for participation. (C. Ludanyi)]
[BACKGROUND]>> ITEM 12.A. CONSIDER FOR APPROVAL AND AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNUAL BUDGET FOR SAIL250 FUNDING FOR PARTICIPATION.
>> VERY GOOD. WE DISCUSSED THIS AT LENGTH THIS MORNING AT OUR WORKSHOP. ANY QUESTIONS? WE HAVE OUR CFO HERE.
OUR FINANCE DIRECTOR, IF WE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OF HER.
THE PARK BOARD HAS REQUESTED THAT WE AMEND THEIR BUDGET.
[01:30:02]
[NOISE] EXCUSE ME.I'M GOING TO MAKE A MOTION TO AMEND THE PARK BOARD BUDGET FOR A SUM UP TO $750,000 TO SUPPORT THE ELISSA PARTICIPATING AND MOVING TO NEW YORK TO PARTICIPATE WITH SAIL250.
>> THERE'S A SECOND FROM COUNCILWOMAN, ROBB.
IS THERE A DISCUSSION AT ALL? YES, BOB.
>> SIMILAR TO ANOTHER ITEM WE HAD ON THE AGENDA.
THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF WHAT WE CAN DO WITH VISION AND TEAMWORK BETWEEN THE CITY, THE PARK BOARD, AND THE GHF.
I'M PLEASED TO SEE IT HEAD IN THAT DIRECTION, AND I'M REALLY PLEASED TO BE PART OF SENDING SUCH A FINE EXAMPLE OF WHAT GALVESTON CAN DO, FOR THE WHOLE WORLD TO SEE.
>> I WANT TO REITERATE ONE OF THE COMMENTS THAT CHAIRMAN MARTY MILES OR INTERIM CEO MARTY MILES MADE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE UNDERSTAND THE FACTS OF THIS.
YES, WE'RE AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF $750,000 UP TO.
HOWEVER, THERE WAS A CLEAR DISCUSSION ABOUT THE INTENT THAT THE SPONSORSHIPS THAT THIS IS ANTICIPATED TO GENERATE WILL BE WELL IN EXCESS OF THAT.
AS A RESULT OF THAT, THOSE EXCESS FUNDS WOULD BE SHARED BETWEEN THE PARK BOARD AND THE CITY.
THIS IS NOT ONLY A GREAT THING TO DO TO CELEBRATE OUR COUNTRY, BUT FINANCIALLY, IT IS A VERY GOOD THING FOR US TO SUPPORT.
>> MAYOR, MAY I SAY ONE OTHER THING? I THINK COUNCILMEMBER BROWN LOVES THIS SO MUCH BECAUSE HE MET HIS WIFE ON THE ELISSA, AND THEY'VE BEEN MARRIED FOR 24 YEARS.
>> I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE HE LIKED BEER.
>> THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL VOTE FOR ME BECAUSE OF THAT, I CREWED ON ELISSA FOR MANY YEARS AND MADE LIFELONG FRIENDS THERE AND MET MY WIFE THERE.
AS FAR AS WE EVER GOT BACK THEN WAS NEW ORLEANS.
I'M REALLY PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO HELP SEND HER TO NEW YORK.
>> THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME FOR GALVESTON.
>> WELL, IF WE CAN GET ON BOARD, WE'LL BOTH GO.
>> VERY GOOD. WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THIS AND A SECOND.
ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
>> THANK YOU, CSILLA. ITEM 12.B. THANK YOU.
[12.B Consider for the approval of the partnership agreement/contract between the City of Galveston and Yaga’s Entertainment Inc. for the organizing, promoting and managing of Mardi Gras 2027 through 2029, following the terms as identified in the contract agreement. The term is for three years, with an option to extend two additional years. (D. Smith)]
>> ITEM 12.B. CONSIDER FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT, CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GALVESTON AND YAGA'S ENTERTAINMENT INCORPORATED FOR THE ORGANIZING, PROMOTING AND MANAGING OF MARDI GRAS 2027 THROUGH 2029, FOLLOWING THE TERMS AS IDENTIFIED IN THE CONTRACT AGREEMENT.
THE TERM IS FOR THREE YEARS WITH AN OPTION TO EXTEND TO TWO ADDITIONAL YEARS.
>> VERY GOOD. WE DISCUSSED THIS IN OUR WORKSHOP THIS MORNING.
>> MOTION FOR APPROVAL, COUNCILWOMAN ROBB.
ANY DISCUSSION ON THIS? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
[12.C Discuss and consider directing the City Manager to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a search firm to recruit candidates for the City Attorney position. (Robb/Porretto)]
ITEM 12.C, PLEASE.>> ITEM 12.C. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR A SEARCH FORM TO RECRUIT CANDIDATES FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY POSITION.
>> MOTION FOR APPROVAL, COUNCILMAN PORRETTO, SECOND BY COUNCILWOMAN, ROBB.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
[12.D Consider for action, if any, the Item(s) Discussed in Executive Session. (Legal)]
ITEM 12.D, PLEASE.>> ITEM 12.D. CONSIDER FOR ACTION, IF ANY, THE ITEMS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
>> YES, SIR. MY MOTION IS FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO PROCEED WITH A RECOMMENDATION FROM COUNSEL REGARDING DISMISSING CASE NUMBER 25-CV-0913 CITY OF GALVESTON V PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON, BASED ON THE RESOLUTION OF OPEN MEETINGS VIOLATION REGARDING THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS AND THE RESIGNATIONS OF THE CFO AND CEO THAT THOSE WERE PERTAINING TO.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THAT.
COUNCILMAN PORRETTO MADE THE MOTION. YES, BOB.
IN THE WORKSHOP, I DECLARED A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON THIS ISSUE.
>> I GUESS I'LL GO TO THE NEXT ZIP CODE.
>> I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT AN ITEM I HAVE A CONFLICT ON SO I CAN LEAVE.
[01:35:04]
[LAUGHTER] VERY GOOD.BOB BROWN HAS DECLARED A CONFLICT ON THIS AND HAS LEFT THE DAISES.
VERY GOOD. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
>> WASN'T IT TWO LAWSUITS THAT WE WERE DISPENSING OR IS IT ALL UNDER ONE NUMBER? NO. IT WAS THE PARK BOARD AND HARDCASTLE.
>> THAT'S THE SAME. IT'S THE SAME ONE.
THAT IS UNANIMOUS FOR THOSE THAT ARE HERE.
BOB BROWN IS NOW RETURNING TO HIS SEAT HERE IN THE COUNCIL.
[12.E Discuss and consider appointments to the following City boards, commissions, and committees: 1. Ethics Commission 2. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board - District 6 3. Sister Cities Program Committee 4. Zoning Board of Adjustments]
LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 12.E, PLEASE.>> ITEM 12.E. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES.
>> WE FIRST OF ALL, HAVE THE ETHICS COMMISSION.
JANELLE, HOW MANY OPENINGS AND THAT'S ACCORDING TO THE DISTRICTS, IS THAT CORRECT?
>> CORRECT. I PUT A COPY OF ALL OF THE APPOINTMENTS THAT ARE PENDING.
YOU SHOULD HAVE SOMETHING THAT LOOKS LIKE THIS.
>> MAYOR, FOR DISTRICT 4, I ASK THAT WE POSTPONE IT TO THE NEXT MEETING.
THE PERSON CURRENTLY HOLDING THE SEAT IN MY DISTRICT EMAILED JANELLE RECENTLY IN THE LAST FEW DAYS AND SAID THEY DO NOT WANT TO SERVE OR CONTINUE SERVING, SO I'M GOING TO FIND A REPLACEMENT.
>> I'M GOING TO POSTPONE MY APPOINTMENT.
I HAVE SOMEONE IN MIND, BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET AHOLD OF THEM.
>> ACCORDING TO THIS, WE HAVE FOUR VACANT POSITIONS, AND THAT IS A VACANT POSITION FOR DISTRICT 4.
YOU WOULD LIKE TO WAIT ON THAT?
>> YES. ON POSITION 5 OR DISTRICT 5, THAT'S A VACANCY BOB DO YOU HAVE SOMEONE IN MIND FOR YOUR POSITION?
>> WE'LL PUT THAT OFF UNTIL NEXT MEETING.
DISTRICT 6, YOU WANT THAT PUT OFF, PLEASE, MARIE.
TO THE NEXT MEETING? I HAVE A MAYORAL APPOINTMENT, AND I'M GOING TO APPOINT CARL ARONSON TO THE ETHICS COMMISSION.
>> MAYOR I HAVE ONE FOR DISTRICT 2?
>> WELL, IS THERE AN OPENING THERE?
>> JOYCE MCCLEAN DID NOT WANT TO CONTINUE TO SERVE.
SHE'S ALREADY FILED HER APPLICATION, LACHARI MATTHEWS.
>> WONDERFUL. WE HAVE CARL ARONSON FOR THE MAYORAL APPOINTMENT.
DISTRICT 2, WE HAVE LACHARI MATTHEWS.
>> WE JUST HAVE THE MAYORAL POSITION CURRENTLY TONIGHT AND DISTRICT 2'S POSITION. VERY GOOD.
WE HAVE A MOTION, AND I'M GOING TO SECOND BOTH THOSE NOMINATIONS.
LET'S MOVE TO PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD.
>> WE CAN DEFER THAT TO THE NEXT MEETING AS WELL.
>> ON DISTRICT 6, YOU WOULD LIKE TO DEFER THAT TO THE NEXT MEETING.
THAT'S THE ONLY VACANCY WE HAVE ON THAT.
>> LET'S MOVE THEN TO THE SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE. WHAT WAS THAT?
>> I WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE LUCIENDA FORMAN FOR THE SISTER CITY COMMITTEE.
DO WE HAVE ALL THOSE IN FAVOR? THAT IS UNANIMOUS MARIE? THEY UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED ON THAT? VERY GOOD. ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
>> FOR THAT, WE'RE GOING TO RECOMMEND MOVING MARK METZGER FROM ALTERNATE INTO MEMBER AND
[01:40:02]
THEN OPENING UP THAT ALTERNATE POSITION, PLEASE.>> I'D LIKE TO MAKE A, I GUESS AMENDMENT TO NOMINATE GANNON RAWLINS TO THE ALTERNATE POSITION AFTER WE MOVE MARK METZGER IN TO BE, WOULD YOU ACCEPT THAT AMENDMENT?
>> BEAU HAS TO PROBABLY RECUSE HIMSELF ON THIS ONE.
>> WE'RE MOVING MR. METZGER UP TO POSITION 3 AND THEN WHAT WAS THE NAME AGAIN?
>> GANNON WITH A G, G-A-N-N-O-N. GANNON.
>> GANNON RAWLINS, AND WE'RE HAVING THAT. VERY GOOD.
[12.F Discuss and consider the appointment of an Alternate Member to the Harris-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Board of Directors and General Assembly. (Robb/C. Brown)]
DISCUSS AND CONSIDER AND 12.F, I SHOULD SAY.>> 12.F. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE HARRIS GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL, BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
>> COUNCILWOMAN ROBB AND I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS.
SHE IS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HGAC BOARD.
I KNOW ALL OF OUR SCHEDULES ARE BUSY, BUT MY SCHEDULE HAS BEEN EXTREMELY BUSY AND AT TIMES WE NEED TO HAVE THE ALTERNATE ATTEND.
I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ATTEND ONE OF THOSE, BUT THE OTHERS, I HAVE NOT BECAUSE OF THE CONFLICTS IN MY SCHEDULE.
>> I'D LIKE TO NOMINATE ALEX PORRETTO.
>> WE HAVE ALEX PORRETTO HAS BEEN NOMINATED.
WE CAN NOMINATE NUMEROUS PEOPLE FOR THIS, CAN'T WE JANELLE?
>> WE HAVE ONE NOMINATION OF ALEX PORRETTO FOR THIS POSITION.
IS THERE ANY OTHER NOMINATIONS? I'M GOING TO NOMINATE SHARON LEWIS FOR THIS POSITION. LET'S GO AHEAD.
>> ALL I ASK, WHOMEVER DOES IT CAN MAKE IT ON THE RARE TIMES THAT I CAN'T.
THAT'S WHAT THE ALTERNATE IS THERE FOR.
>> [BACKGROUND] [LAUGHTER] YES, IT WILL.
>> WE HAVE TWO NOMINATIONS FOR THIS POSITION.
LET'S START WITH COUNCILMAN PORRETTO.
SHARON IS APPOINTED AS THE NEW ALTERNATE FOR THE HGAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
VERY GOOD. SHARON, YOU MIGHT GET WITH MARIE.
SHE CAN FILL YOU IN ON DATES AND WHEN THEY MEET AND THINGS LIKE THAT. THAT SOUNDS GOOD.
>> I SAY ON TEAM ONS, I'VE BEEN TO A FEW OF THEM.
>> VERY GOOD. ITEM 13, PLEASE.
[13. RECEIVE AND FILE (Non-Action Items)]
>> ITEM 13, RECEIVE AND FILE 13.A, LETTER FROM SENATOR JOHN CORNYN, MARTIN LUTHER KING JUNIOR DAY.
>> THANK YOU. THAT IS ON FILE.
COUNCIL, WE HAVE GONE THROUGH ALL THE ITEMS ON OUR AGENDA.
WE HAVE BEEN MEETING FOR NINE HOURS, SO WE ARE NOW ADJOURNED. THANK YOU.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.