City Council

CITY OF JAMAICA BEACH 16628 San Luis Pass Road 5264 Jamaica Beach Jamaica Beach, Texas 77554 PH (409) 737-1142 FAX (409) 737-5211 wwwjamaicabeachtx.gov CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 27, 2025 6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS: Mayor Bowers called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm The following Council Members were present: Mayor Sharon Bower Mayor Pro Tem Aaron Renick Alderman Gil Madray Alderman Brandon McDermott Alderwoman Lorraine Jones Alderwoman Joseph The following staff were present: City Administrator – Kendal Francis Development Director – Robert Quintero Finance Director- Ester Abrego Interim Police Chief – Matthew Seurattan PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U.S. AND TEXAS FLAGS INVOCATION: DAVID DILLMAN, CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: None PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Morse – Introduced herself at a candidate for mayor. She has lived here since 1999 and raised her 4 children in Jamaica Beach. She served as Alderwoman from 2006-2016 Bert Dillmann, 16616 Sandpiper – Introduced himself as candidate for Alderman. His biggest thing is that he bought here in 2014 and retired here permanently 3 years ago. He hopes to help the city with long-term infrastructure. His background is engineering and he thinks he can help with long-term planning Hans Hagland, 16523 Jean Laffite – He spoke in support of the animal control ordinance and would like to see chickens allowed in the city. Andrea Spiering, 16617 Jamaica Beach RD. – Stated the grant program with UH would be great but unlikely with the current political climate. Also, she questioned the engineered drawing template. She asked if it was a pre-approved drawing and does the citizen have to hire that engineer if they choose to use it. She also asked who has liability? She said she talked about it with engineers who said they would not put their stamp on it because it gives them liability. Finally, why the focus on the definition of a single-family home? Is this an alternative way to use zoning to disallow STRs? SPECIAL PRESENTATION: None ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Mardi Gras Golf Cart Parade Saturday March 1st. REPORTS FROM DIRECTORS, POLICE, AND FIRE: • City Administrator, Francis – Mr. Francis announced that the GLO has signed an agreement with Apollo Environmental Services to perform the beach nourishment. He said they are negotiating for the start date to begin after Spring Break. He stated the dune fence posts have been removed. Also, the video poker machines have been removed. Additionally he gave an update on Short-term rentals. o Short-term rentals Identified – 310 o Applications Received – 269 87% of Identified STRs o Applications Approved – 155 58% of Applications Received o Applications Missing Required Information – 114 42% of Applications Received o All applications have been reviewed for completeness Finally, he announced that Ester Abrego was resigning. • Interim Chief of Police, Seurattan – None • Director of Development Quintero – He thanked Ester for her service to the city but also the years that they have worked together in multiple jobs. • Fire Chief, Baden – None APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Approval of the minutes from the Regular City Council meeting on 2-13-2025. Motion made by Mayor Prot Tem Renick to approve the minutes, seconded by Alderman McDermott VOTE 5AYES 0ABSENT 0 NAYS MOTION PASSED ALDERMAN REPORTS: Mayor ProTem Renick: Thanked Ester Alderman Madray: Thanked Ester & said he knew she would do well. Additionally, he commented about the city budget. He felt that we had an opportunity to develop a professional budget that shows the fiduciary responsibilities, and he thought we were there, but after going through it, he didn’t think we are. Alderman McDermott: Thanked Ester and wished her good luck. Asked about the mosquito truck. In the last 6 months, on 2 separate occasions, Texas DPS has used short term rentals as bait locations to set up prostitution stings, to lure sexual predators to our community. On 2 separate occasions, sexual criminals have been in our city. The mayor has reached out to DPS to say that we do not want to participate. This proves that STRs can and have been used for this type of activity. Alderwoman Jones: No Report Alderwoman Joseph: Wished everyone a happy Mardi Gras and encouraged everyone to be safe. He reminded everyone of the golf cart parade. Announced JBIC is having their Jamaica Me Clean Day on Sat. March 29th. She reminded everyone of the planetary alignment and asked everyone to be conscious of light pollution. Finally, she thanked Ester for her great contributions. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Discussion and consideration of partnering with University of Houston for grant project to utilize decommissioned wind turbine blades for boat house pilings. Motion made by Alderman Madray to discuss, seconded by Alderman McDermott Mayor Bower explained that she had attended a conference at University of Houston about decommissioned wind turbine blades and what to do with them after their 25-year lifespan. They are currently just piling up. Because they are made of composite materials they are looking at ways they can be used in marine environments. They contacted her to see if Jamaica Beach would be interested in using them as a bulkhead a seawall, boathouse pilings. She wanted the council to hear about it and see if they wanted to explore anything further. Alderman McDermott stated that without seeing a picture of them, he does not have interest in them. He is concerned about the aesthetics & doesn’t want the city to look like a windmill recycling center. He also asked Alderman Madray stated he would want to know why they are failing & it was explained that they are not failing, but rather at the end-of-life as a functioning blade according to stress tests. He agreed with Alderman McDermott about the aesthetics. Also, he mentioned that the city had aluminum bulkheads throughout the community that failed because they weren’t compatible with saltwater. Aluminum is not really compatible with salt water. He stated the blades may be. He likes that idea of collaboration and talking with the U of H. He thinks we should pursue it and continue to work with them. Mayor Pro Tem Renick said he looked it up and the blades do withstand chlorides. Also, he said he is in 100% support of removing all wind turbines. He agreed about the aesthetics, but if they were willing to cut the blades down into the same shapes as any other piling then it’s not an issue. Alderwoman Joseph was in support of looking into it more. It was the consensus that the city should continue discussions with the U of H and see how it progresses. 2. Discussion, consideration, and take action to approve an agreement with Aran Franklin Engineering to design engineered drawings templates for decks, handrails, exterior stairs, AC /Generator platforms and boat docks. Motion made by Alderman McDermott to discuss, seconded by Alderman Madray Mayor Bower explained that the building code requires engineered drawings for any projects that are structural in nature. Projects such as stairs, handrails, decks, and boat docks are all standard and cookie cutter in nature, but the engineered plans add a significant burden to the citizens. Aran Franklin Engineering quoted providing an engineered template for these standard projects. The city would then offer those to the public either free or at a reduced rate to help the citizens.  Alderman McDermott said the way he understands it is these are standard details for construction such as handrails attach to a deck or how stringers are attached etc. He said that makes a lot of sense. Mayor Bower explained that the city’s inspector would ensure that the structures are built to the basic design criteria. Also, anyone can choose to have an engineer design their own. Andrea Spiering asked if she uses the drawing and the inspector approves it and then she has a problem, is the engineer at fault since she used their template. Do they assume liability? Alderman Madray replied that these types of standard details are used a lot in projects. The engineer’s stamp is good for the engineering and the technical aspect and the structural of the detail the owner is responsible for installing it to those details. The inspector covers the city and the owner. Alderman McDermott asked if you’re adding on to a structure an engineer is stamping their work but cannot verify the original structure. So, who owns the point of connection? Alderman Madray said that we are offering a cost affective alternative to the citizens and if they choose not to take advantage of it then they can do so. Administrator Francis pointed out that one thing not included in the quote, but he and the mayor had discussed adding, was lower enclosures with break away walls. Mayor Pro Tem Renick said this allows people to be safer in the work that they do and lowers the cost so that it is not such a financial burden to do repair work. To him it makes sense. Alderwoman Joseph said we need to clarify if it is only repairs or could it be new builds as well. Maor Bower stated it was stated that it would be up to the inspector to determine if it could apply to the situation or not. Motion made by Alderman McDermott to approve, seconded by Alderwoman Joseph. VOTE 5AYES 0ABSENT 0 NAYS MOTION PASSED 3. Discussion and consideration of amending both the animal and zoning ordinances. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Renick to discuss, seconded by Alderman McDermott The mayor stated that we have had requests from citizens to update the animal ordinance and bring it in line with more current practices. Alderwoman Joseph led the discussion. She and citizen Marci Hoffman have been working on proposed updates. The original ordinance was from 1977 and updated in 1980 & 1992. Ms. Joseph stated the reason for the update is to provide clarity on which animals are covered and there are some inaccurate use of biological terms. She listed the following areas they want to look at and provide up to date information. o Advocating for proper vaccinations o Define Noise & Distress o Good Welfare  o Prohibit being chained o Minimum spacing o Consideration of allowing chickens o Leash requirements & Dogs roaming o Barking – Loud noise nuisance o Provide police officers with clarity & good resources Alderwoman Jones mentioned that chickens become pets. Her only worry would be that they would attract coyotes and big birds of prey. The positive is the chickens eat all the bugs and all of your leftovers. Mayor Bower stated the current ordinance allows for 3 animals, and she is in favor of eliminating the number and referencing the deed restrictions. The concern is barking noise, and she believes that can be addressed in a nuisance ordinance. Alderman Madray stated that he had chickens and it’s a good thing. Administrator Francis asked what the council needs him to do. It was decided that Alderwoman Joseph & Ms. Hoffman would send a draft ordinance to Mr. Francis and it can be brought forward at a future meeting. The discussion switched to the zoning ordinance. Mr. Francis stated that this discussion is to get the council’s confirmation that the ordinance needs to be done. Then it will be sent to the Planning & Zoning Commission to do the work. The council will provide guidance, but they will figure out how to best accomplish the intent. To begin the discussion, he noted there are contradictions regarding setbacks in the ordinance. Section 8-500 allows for certain structures to extend into the building setbacks which conflicts with Section 11-800 that states the city will follow all JBIC provisions, and they do not allow anything being built past the build lines. Also, Mayor Bower asked the council to consider the possibility of making exceptions for the installation of cargo lifts and possibly a staircase if it is a secondary means of egress. The council felt that a lift was a reasonable addition, but they wanted the P & Z commission to evaluate the 2nd staircase. Additionally, Mr. Francis noted that Ordinance 2017-1 is missing language regarding JBICs setback requirements, and that the ordinance will need to be amended to correct it. The next item was a discussion of the 13’ limit on boat docks extending into the canal. Mr. Francis stated that the 13’ has been the standard and is stated on the building permit, but they have no ordinance or other documentation to support it. One possible explanation, that is a complete assumption, is that the Corp of Engineers says that you cannot block more than 50% of navigable waterways. Someone measured the narrowest canal in the city and found it to be 52’ and thus it could accommodate a 13’ dock on both sides of the canal and remain 50% navigable. Mr. Francis said that staff deal with this issue often and this is the perfect opportunity to put something in writing to address it. Mayor Bower also wants to address width of docks, especially on “pie-shaped” lots. Alderman Madray expressed that he felt people are used to the 13’ limit & that following the build line on the width was a good idea and if it doesn’t fit with their lot, they can take it to Planning & Zoning for a variance. Alderwoman Joseph asked Mr. Francis for examples of issues the city has experienced with the 13’ limit. He stated that they get instances where people want to build out further  than 13’ or people do not get a building permit and they build it larger & the city needs the authority to tell the property owner they have to tear it out and comply with the limits. Next, there was a brief discussion on whether there was a need to define Commercial business. The zoning ordinance says what businesses can exist in different zones. It also says that the city is only single-family dwellings. Mayor Bower stated some people operate small businesses from their home, but if they were not impacting their neighbor she felt comfortable not addressing it further. Council agreed with her assessment. The next item was discussion of guidelines for parking of RVs & other trailers in driveway on both a permanent and temporary basis. Mr. Francis explained that currently, restrictions allow for boat trailers to be parked behind the property’s building lines. However, there are no guidelines for other types of utility trailers, RVs etc. He asked if the council would like to consider guidelines for all trailers on a permanent basis. Alderman McDermott expressed that JB is a “water based” community and it is very common for those types of trailers to be on the properties. Mayor Pro Tem Renick felt they were ok if they were not blocking traffic. Alderman Madray agreed that JB is that type of community and if they did not hinder traffic, he was fine with not adding additional guidelines. The temporary use of RVs was the second part of the discussion. First, Mr. Francis explained that currently we do not allow someone to live in an RV on a permanent basis, but consideration should be given to the instances where someone comes to visit for a short timeframe and they want to stay in their RV on a limited basis, such as 2 -3 weeks. The council agreed that those instances should be allowed, and that the city should issue a temporary permit to authorize it. The second part of the discussion was to make provisions for someone to live long-term in an RV following a disaster declaration. The reasoning is that if someone’s home is destroyed in a natural disaster and they want to rebuild, this would allow them to live in the RV until the home is rebuilt. The council agreed that this was necessary, but they wanted to see a time limit on the length of the stay, such as 6 months, but that time frame could be extended based on certain criteria. This would only apply to disaster situations and not just someone remodeling their home. MAYOR’S REPORT: She provided an update on a recent structure fire on Spanish Main. She commended the Fire Department for their efforts. What was discovered was that previously to the current owner, a downstairs outdoor kitchen had been installed and the installer did not follow the manufacturer’s directions. The outdoor grills require a minimum of 18” away from combustibles and this was not followed. The grill was used and during cooking the nearby combustible materials had heated up & the wind enhanced that heat and caused it to flame up. She noted citizens to be aware of the situation to look at similar issues in their own homes. Also, she mentioned she had contacted DPS to let them know the city is opposed to them conducting their human trafficking sting operations in the city. EXECUTIVE SESSION The City Council may convene a public meeting and then recess into a closed executive session, to discuss any of the items listed on this agenda, if necessary, and if authorized under chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. Situations in which a closed executive session may be authorized by law include, without limitation; (1) consulting with the Council’s attorney to seek or receive legal advice concerning pending or contemplated litigation, a settlement offer, or any other matter in which the ethical duty of the attorney to the Council clearly conflicts with the general requirement that all meetings be open, §551.071; (2) discussing the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property, §551.072; (3) discussing a prospective gift or donation, §551.073; (4) discussing certain personnel matters, §551.074; and (5) discussing security personnel or devices, §551.076.  1. Personnel – to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or to hear a complaint or a charge against an officer or employee. Motion made by Alderman McDermot to recess into executive session, seconded by Alderwoman Joseph. Meeting recessed at 7:45pm VOTE 5AYES 0ABSENT 0 NAYS MOTION PASSED The meeting resumed at 9:34pm ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Renick to adjourn, seconded by Alderwoman Joseph. The meeting adjourned at 9:34pm. VOTE 5AYES 0ABSENT 0 NAYS MOTION PASSED