City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON REGULAR MEETING - JUNE 27, 2024 6/27/2024 - Minutes 1. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM AND CALL MEETING TO ORDER With a quorum present, the meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Craig Brown, Council Member Sharon Lewis, Council Member David Finklea, Council Member Bob Brown, Council Member Alex Porretto, Council Member Beau Rawlins, and Council Member Marie Robb. 3. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Rev. Lance Anaya of Moody Methodist Church. 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and Texas Flag. 5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Conflict Disclosure Statements filed by CM Finklea and CM Porretto. 6. PRESENTATIONS/REPORTS OF COUNCIL, OFFICER BOARDS, AND CITY MANAGER 6.A. Pursuant To Texas Government Code Section 551.0415, The City Council May Report On Any Of The Following Items: 1. Expressions of thanks, gratitude, and condolences - Mayor Brown recognized NFL star and Ball High graduate Mike Evans for his philanthropic work for the City of Galveston. Mike recently held his eighth free football clinic for the youth of Galveston. CM Rawlins expressed condolences in memory of Scott Evans who recently passed away in a motorcycle accident. City Manager Brian Maxwell recognized and congratulated Fire Chief Charlie Olsen on his retirement with the Galveston Fire Department. He congratulated Interim Fire Chief Mike Varela on his appointment and welcomed him aboard. CM Lewis thanked the Fire Chief and Fire Department for recently assisting a young man having a seizure. She reported that Reedy Chapel Juneteenth events will take place on Saturday. 2. Information regarding holiday schedules 3. Recognition of individuals a. Tree City USA Recognition - presented to Tree Committee and Tree Conversancy members by CM Lewis in recognition of six consecutive years of Tree City USA designation. 4. Reminders regarding City Council events 5. Reminders regarding community events 6. Health and safety announcement 7. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS  5. Reminders regarding community events 6. Health and safety announcement 7. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS Claims: 24-034 - AT&T Services, Inc.; 24-035 - Sylvia Robledo; 24-036 - Oscar Diaz; 24-037 - Rachelle Woodall; 24-038 - Bruce Rebmann; 24-039 - The Claims Center - One Gas; 24-040 - Andy Villela; 24-041 Brian Root. 8. ELECTION OF A MAYOR PRO TEM Motion was made by CM Porretto, second by CM Rawlins, to appoint Marie Robb as Mayor Pro Tem. In favor: Mayor Brown, CM Porretto, CM Rawlins, and CM Robb. In opposition: CM Brown. Abstentions: CM Lewis and CM Finklea. Motion passes. 9. PUBLIC COMMENT Agenda Items: Mike Miller, Donald Smith, Tommy DeVries, Albert Choate, David O'Neal, Jr., Manuel Moreno, Jr., Darryl Tramonte, Eddie Janek, and Kelly Forester - Item 11F. Non-Agenda Items: Sheila Bell - miscellaneous items; Bruce Rebmann, Claudia Hilton, Ricky Bobby, Bobby Kennedy - Police and Fire issues. 10. ORDINANCES (NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS) 10.A. Consider For Approval Ordinance Authorizing The Issuance, Sale And Delivery Of City Of Galveston, Texas, Wharves And Terminal First Lien Revenue Bonds, Series 2024a (Amt), And City Of Galveston, Texas, Wharves And Terminal First Lien Revenue Bonds, Series 2024b (Non-Amt); And Providing For The Security Thereof; Approving The Form And Substance, And Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of A Second Supplemental Amended And Restated Trust Indenture; Approving And Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of Related Transaction Documents; Approving The Use And Distribution Of A Preliminary Official Statement And Official Statement; And Making Certain Findings With Respect Thereto And Containing Other Provisions Relating To The Subject. (C. Ludanyi) Ordinance No. 24-041 was read by caption. Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Robb, to approve the ordinance. Unanimously approved with a roll call vote. Yes: C. Brown, Lewis, Finklea, B. Brown, Porretto, Rawlins, and Robb. 10.B. Consider For Action An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Adopting The Homestead, Elderly, And Disabled Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions For Tax Year 2024, Pursuant To Chapter 33, Section 33-24 Of The Code Of The City Of Galveston 1982, As Amended; Maintaining The Minimum Homestead Exemption Of $60,000 Or 20% Of The Appraised Value Whichever Is Larger; Maintaining The Additional Exemption In The Amount Of $15,000 Be Available For Those Age 65 And Older; Maintaining The Additional Exemption Of $10,000 For Those Who Are Disabled; Making Various Findings And Provisions Related To The Subject; And Providing For An Effective Date. (C. Ludanyi) Ordinance No. 24-040 was read by caption. Motion was made by CM Porretto, second by CM Rawlins, to approve the ordinance. Unanimously approved. 10.C. Budget Amendment Ordinance Consider For Approval An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Amending The Total Operating Budget For Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2024, By Adjusting Various Budget Accounts In The Amount Of Six Million Seven Hundred Fifteen Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-Six Dollars ($6,715,686) To Properly Record Expenditures Related To Repairs To 25th Street Lighting Project ($50,000), Funding For Sandhill Crane Lighting Project ($40,000), Funding For Mardi Gras Expenditures ($285,853),  10.C. Consider For Approval An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Amending The Total Operating Budget For Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2024, By Adjusting Various Budget Accounts In The Amount Of Six Million Seven Hundred Fifteen Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-Six Dollars ($6,715,686) To Properly Record Expenditures Related To Repairs To 25th Street Lighting Project ($50,000), Funding For Sandhill Crane Lighting Project ($40,000), Funding For Mardi Gras Expenditures ($285,853), Funding For Stewart Beach Masterplan/Pavilion And Beach Patrol Housing ($1,013,800), Carryover Of Trolley Style Buses And Refurbishing Of Trolley Car #503 ($2,637,230), Funding For Park Board Tourism Special/Capital Projects ($1,879,103), Funding For Arts And Cultural Coordinator ($105,000), Increase In Cultural Arts Contracts ($180,950) As Approved By City Council, Increase In Arts Preservation Contracts ($323,750) As Approved By City Council, Funding For The Airport Improvement Fund For Capital Needs In Anticipation Of Grant Reimbursements ($200,000); Making Various Findings And Provisions Related To The Subject; And Providing For An Effective Date. (C. Ludanyi) Ordinance No. 24-042 was read by caption. Motion was made by CM Finklea, second by CM Robb, to approve the ordinance. Unanimously approved. 10.D. Consider For Approval An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Amending The City Code Of The City Of Galveston, Multiple Sections Of Chapter 34, “Traffic”, Regarding Parking Along The Avenue S Corridor And Seawall Boulevard, And In The 31st And 32nd Street Blocks; Making Various Findings And Provisions Related To The Subject; Providing For An Effective Date. (R. Winiecke) Ordinance No. 24-043 was read by caption. Motion was made by CM Brown, second by CM Lewis, to approve the ordinance. Unanimously approved. 10.E. Consider For Approval An Ordinance Of The City Of Galveston, Texas, Declaring A State Of Disaster And Emergency In The City Of Galveston Related To The Impact Of Tropical Storm Alberto To The City Of Galveston; Extending The State Of Emergency Ordered By Mayor Brown, Extending Various Emergency Orders Issued By The Mayor; Making Various Findings And Provisions Related To The Subject, And Providing For An Effective Date. (Legal) The Ordinance was read by caption. Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Lewis, to not extend the State of Disaster and Emergency. Unanimously approved. 11. CONSENT ITEMS - The Following Items Shall Be Considered For Action As A Whole, Unless One Or More Council Members Objects. The City Manager Is Authorized To Execute All Necessary Documents Upon Final Approval By The City Attorney. Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Robb, to approve Consent Items 11A through 11Q, except for Item 11F. Unanimously approved. 11.A. Consider For Approval A Resolution Of The City Of Galveston, Texas Suspending The July 8, 2024 Effective Date Of Texas Gas Service Company’s Requested Increase To Permit The City Time To Study The Request And To Establish Reasonable Rates; Approving Cooperation With Other Cities In The Texas Gas Service Company’s Central-Gulf Service Area; Hiring Legal And Consulting Services To Negotiate With The Company And Direct Any Necessary Litigation And Appeals; Authorizing Intervention In Gud No. 17471 At The Railroad Commission; Requiring Reimbursement Of Cities’ Rate Case Expenses; Finding That The Meeting At Which This Resolution Is Passed Is Open To The Public As Required By Law; Requiring Notice Of This Resolution To The Company And Legal Counsel. (Legal) Resolution No. 24-019 11.B. Consider For Approval An Engagement Letter For Legal Services With Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, P.C. With Respect To The Matter Regarding The 2024 Rate Case. (Legal) 11.C. Consider For Approval A Resolution Of The City Of Galveston Authorizing Entering Into A Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) With U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Galveston District For Beneficial Use Of Maintenance Dredge Material Associated With A 1.7-Mile-Long Beach Nourishment Project; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute All Required Documents Upon The Review And Approval Of The City Attorney; Providing For Findings Of Fact And Providing For An Effective Date. (K. Clark) Resolution No. 24-020  Use Of Maintenance Dredge Material Associated With A 1.7-Mile-Long Beach Nourishment Project; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute All Required Documents Upon The Review And Approval Of The City Attorney; Providing For Findings Of Fact And Providing For An Effective Date. (K. Clark) Resolution No. 24-020 11.D. Consider For Approval A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Galveston Supporting The Application Of A "Local Parks Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant" From The Texas Parks And Wildlife Department For Jones Park, Located At 2300 71st Street. (B. Sanderson) Resolution No. 24-018 11.E. Consider For Approval A Supplement To The Interlocal Agreement For Operation Of City Park By The Park Board Of Trustees Related To The Sale Of Alcohol At Dellanera RV Park. (B. Sanderson) 11.F. Consider For Approval Naming The Collective Baseball Fields At Crockett Park, The "Eddie Janek Sr. Baseball Complex At Crockett Park" In Accordance With Sec. 26-31 And 26-32 Of Chapter 26 "Parks And Recreation" Of "The Code Of The City Of Galveston 1982, As Amended," Article II "Park And Recreation Board" And Sections Thereunder, As Recommended By The Parks And Recreation Advisory Board. (B. Sanderson) Motion was made by CM Porretto, second by Mayor Brown, to approve Item 11F. Unanimously approved. 11.G. Consider For Approval Accepting All Public Infrastructure Improvements For Beachside Village, Section 9 For The Initial Two-Year Maintenance Period. Authorizing The City Manager To Execute All Necessary Documents Upon Final Approval By The City Attorney. (R Winiecke) 11.H. Consider For Approval Acceptance Of A Proposal From Crescent Electric Utilizing Contract CON-COG- 22-857 To Provide Electric Service Construction And Connections For Galveston Island Beach Patrol For Both Temporary And Permanent Facilities In The Amount Of $38,794.01 Authorizing The City Manager To Sign All Documents Upon The Review And Approval Of The City Attorney. (D Anderson) 11.I. Consider For Approval Submittal Of Grant Application To The U.S. Department Of Transportation For The Strengthening Mobility And Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant Funding Program And Authorizing The City Manager To Sign All Grant Application Documents. (T Wrobleski) Resolution No. 24-022 11.J. Consider For The Approval Of The Inter-Local Agreement Between The City Of Galveston And The Village Of Tiki Island Which Will Enable Them To Purchase Fuel From The City Of Galveston’s Fueling Sites And Authorize The City Managers Staff To Execute The Agreement Upon Final Approval By The City Attorney. (D. Smith) Resolution No. 24-021 11.K. Consider For Approval Payment To The City Of League City For Costs Associated With The Gulf Region Information And Dispatch Consortium, A Multi-Agency Records Management System, For A Total Cost Of $57,811.47. (D. Balli) 11.L. Consider For Approval The Ratification For The Emergency Purchase Of A Submersible Pump For Airport Wastewater Treatment Plant In The Amount Of $20,992.00, With Pumps Of Houston, Inc. Authorizing The City Manager To Execute All Necessary Documents Upon Final Approval By The City Attorney. (T. Pedraza) 11.M. Consider For Approval The Purchase Of 12 Sulzer Pumps Through BuyBoard Contract # 672-22 From Zone Industries, In The Amount Of $112,550.00. Authorizing The City Manager To Execute All Necessary Documents Upon Final Approval By The City Attorney. (T. Pedraza) 11.N. Consider For Approval The Authorization Enters Into An Agreement With Accu-Time Systems, Inc For The Purchase Of Timeclocks And Services Authorizing The Payment Of One-Time Fees In The Amount Of $ 94,300 With A Recurring Monthly Fee Of $ 2,046 Utilizing Galveston County’s Procurement In  11.M. Zone Industries, In The Amount Of $112,550.00. Authorizing The City Manager To Execute All Necessary Documents Upon Final Approval By The City Attorney. (T. Pedraza) 11.N. Consider For Approval The Authorization Enters Into An Agreement With Accu-Time Systems, Inc For The Purchase Of Timeclocks And Services Authorizing The Payment Of One-Time Fees In The Amount Of $ 94,300 With A Recurring Monthly Fee Of $ 2,046 Utilizing Galveston County’s Procurement In Accordance With The Terms And Conditions Set Forth In The Sales Order Attached. (H. Dean) 11.O. Consider For Approval The Authorization To Purchase A One Year Renewal Subscription Licenses For Sonicwalls Through Centre Technologies In The Amount Of $16,053.28. (H. Dean) 11.P. Consider For Approval The Authorization To Purchase Eighteen (18) Panasonic Toughbook Laptops And Docking Station Equipment For A Total Cost Of $56,212.56 Utilizing DIR-CPO-5225 Contract (H. Dean) 11.Q. Consider For Approval Minutes Of The April 25, 2024 Workshop And Regular Meeting, The May 15, 2024 Special Meeting, And The May 23, 2024 Workshop And Regular Meeting. (J. Williams) 12. ACTION ITEMS 12.A. Discuss And Consider For Action An Amendment To The City Auditor’s FY2024 Audit Plan To Include The Audit Of The Park Board Concerning Alleged Fraud. Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Lewis, to approve the amendment to the City Auditor's FY2024 Audit Plan as presented. Unanimously approved. 12.B. Discuss And Consider Appointments To H-GAC's 2024 General Assembly And Board Of Directors. (Brown) Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Brown, to appoint CM Robb as Member and Mayor Brown as Alternate to the General Assembly and Board of Directors, and to appoint CM Robb as Member and CM Finklea as Alternate to the Transportation Policy Council. Unanimously approved. 12.C. Discuss And Consider Appointments To The Following City Boards, Commissions, And Committees: 1. Civilian Review Board - Mayoral 2. Finance, Fiscal Affairs and Investment Committee - Districts 1 and 2 - Motion was made by CM Finklea, second by CM Lewis, to appoint John Curra. Unanimously approved. 3. Galveston Housing Authority - Mayoral 4. Industrial Development Corporation - (1) Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Finklea, to appoint Mayor Brown and CM Robb. Unanimously approved. (2) Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Porretto, to appoint CM Lewis. Unanimously approved. (3) Motion was made by CM Robb, second by CM Rawlins, to appoint CM Porretto. Unanimously approved. 5. Landmark Commission 6. Park Board of Trustees - (a) Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Lewis, to appoint Robert Quintero. Unanimously approved. (b) Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Robb, to appoint Bill Clement. Unanimously approved. (c) Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Robb, to appoint Carlos Guerra. In favor: Lewis, Porretto, Rawlins, Robb. In opposition: Mayor Brown. Abstentions: CM Brown and Finklea. (d) Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Porretto, to appoint Jason Hardcastle. Unanimously approved. 7. Tree Committee - District 5 12.D. Discuss And Consider Ex Officio Appointments To The Following City Boards, Commissions, And Committees: Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Rawlins, to approve the following Ex Officio appointments. 1. Airport Advisory Committee - CM Robb 2. Arts & Historic Preservation Advisory Board - CM Finklea  Committees: Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Rawlins, to approve the following Ex Officio appointments. 1. Airport Advisory Committee - CM Robb 2. Arts & Historic Preservation Advisory Board - CM Finklea 3. Cultural Arts Commission - CM Finklea 4. Families, Children and Youth Board 5. Finance, Fiscal Affairs and Investment Committee 6. Galveston Housing Finance Corporation/Galveston Property Finance Authority - CM Brown 7. Galveston Island Redevelopment Authority - CM Rawlins 8. Galveston Wharves Board - Mayor Brown 9. Landmark Commission - CM Rawlins 10.Park Board of Trustees 11.Parks and Recreation Advisory Board - CM Robb 12.Planning Commission - CM Rawlins 13.Sister Cities Program Committee - CM Lewis 14.Tree Committee 15.Zoning Board of Adjustments - CM Finklea Motion was made by CM Robb, second by Mayor Brown, to appoint CM Robb as Ex Officio to the Finance, Fiscal Affairs and Investment Committee. Unanimously approved. Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Finklea, to appoint CM Brown as Ex Officio to the Park Board of Trustees. Unanimously approved. Motion was made by Mayor Brown, second by CM Robb, to appoint CM Lewis as Ex Officio to the Tree Committee. Unanimously approved. 13. RECEIVE AND FILE (Non-Action Items) 13.A. Letter From Senator John Cornyn - Juneteenth 14. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Janelle Williams, City Secretary Date Approved: July 25, 2024