City Council

PRE-COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF PASADENA December 19, 2023 – 5:30 p.m. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wagner called the Pre-Council Meeting to order. Proceeded to go over agenda. (19) – (B) RESOLUTIONS: Item (M) – Councilmember Van Houte mentioned an email conversation she had with Mark Gardemal, Deputy Director of Public Works, regarding corrections that needed to be made within the wording of the metes and bounds in the resolution. Asked Robin Green, Director of Public Works, if these corrections were going to be made. Mr. Green confirmed it was being corrected. (14) - FINANCE RESOLUTION NO. 2892 MISC. CLAIMS & INVOICES: Councilmember Ybarra - Questioned payments made to Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith Law Firm and the current status of lawsuits. Discussion followed between Councilmember Ybarra, Mayor Wagner and Jay Dale, City Attorney. ADJOURNMENT 5:32 p.m. – Mayor Wagner adjourned the Pre-Council Meeting. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS CITY OF PASADENA December 19, 2023 – 6:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The regular Council Meeting of the City of Pasadena, Harris County, Texas, was called to order by Mayor Wagner. ROLL CALL COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Wagner RUBEN VILLARREAL - District A DOLAN DOW - District F BIANCA VALERIO - District B ORNALDO YBARRA - District G EMMANUEL GUERRERO - District C THOMAS SCHOENBEIN - District H PAT VAN HOUTE - District D Absent – Councilmember Jonathan Estrada City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 1 Minutes: 12-19-23 6:00 p.m. Also present at the Council table was Amanda Mueller, City Secretary. INVOCATION – Jerry Wright, Chief of Police PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE – Councilmember Ornaldo Ybarra COMMUNITY INTEREST COMMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 551.0415 OF THE GOVERNMENT CODE Councilmember Ybarra – Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Councilmember Schoenbein – Welcomed everyone to the meeting. Wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and blessed New Year. Recognized the Pasadena Police Department and Fire Department for their Christmas programs that helped citizens within the city. Councilmember Villarreal – Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Councilmember Valerio – Thanked everyone for being at the meeting. Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Noted a new street light at Curtis Ave. and Pasadena Blvd. Urged everyone to take things a little slower down Pasadena Blvd. Councilmember Guerrero – Thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. Commented that he loves to see all the colorful Christmas sweaters in the audience. Thanked the Fire Department and the Police Department for getting everyone in the holiday spirit and doing everything they did around town. Thanked Police Chief Wright for lending his support with a toy drive put together by small businesses in District C. Stated he was honored to be able to facilitate and participate in this event where over 100 children from the Pasadena community received toys. Wished everyone a happy, safe and blessed holiday. Councilmember Van Houte – Merry Christmas. Councilmember Dow – Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS COUNCIL Robert Jeter III – Commented it was good to be back for a meeting. Stated he believes 2024 will be an exciting year. Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Murline Staley – Representative, Pasadena Strawberry Festival. Wished everyone a good evening. Stated it was an honor to be at the meeting to talk about the 15 th annual Holiday Lighted Parade. Thanked the City for allowing them to hold such a huge and fun event for the citizens of Pasadena. Also thanked Applebee’s for hosting this event every year. Commented there were over 100 entries and an estimated crowd of 25,000 people that gathered on the street. Thanked the local businesses along the parade route that closed their businesses for hours, the judges that voted on the entries and their MC “Bear” Hebert for doing a fantastic job. Also extended thanks to the Police Department, Fire Department and OEM Department for keeping everyone safe. Recognized Street and Bridge Department for all their hard work and hours they put in for this event. Also recognized Laura Mireles, the City’s Community Information Manager, for her City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 2 Minutes: 12-19-23 6:00 p.m. commitment, passion and leadership. Announced the parade category winners and presented them with their awards. {Applause and photo op with Mayor and Council} Stephen Alvarez – Wished everyone a good evening. Urged everyone to donate to dementia and Alzheimer’s research. Discussed comments he has received from citizens regarding the problems he has encountered relating to the renovation of his home. Referenced a letter he provided to Council at a previous meeting which had been written by Ralph Morrissey. Described grievances he has with the letter and how he believes the City supports Mr. Morrissey. Ralph Morrissey – Commented that Fairmont Estates is a deed restricted, single family, residential neighborhood. Discussed issues related to his opposition of Mr. Alvarez’s renovation to his home; falsifying applications; violations of the deed restrictions; continuation of the project after being “red tagged” and comments made by Mr. Alvarez when confronted about the violation of deed restrictions. **NOTE** At this time, Mr. Alvarez began to talk over Mr. Morrissey. Mayor Wagner gaveled reminding him that he would need to follow the rules or would be expelled from the meeting if he continued to make comments. Ralph Morrissey – Continued his comments. Stated that he and his neighbors are trying to protect their residential investments and their good names. Remarked that Mr. Alvarez should stop his harassment campaign and make his property compliant. **NOTE** At this time, Mr. Alvarez once again began speaking out. Mayor Wagner gaveled several times to bring the meeting back to order, with Mr. Alvarez continuing to speak over him. Mayor Wagner asked officers to come forward to walk Mr. Alvarez out of the council meeting. Mr. Alvarez continued to speak loudly and made comments as he was escorted out of the council chamber. DOCKETED CITY COUNCIL HEARINGS PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS PROPOSALS FOR CITY BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF MINUTES – December 5, 2023 – 10:00 a.m. Councilmember Schoenbein moved, seconded by Councilmember Ybarra that the Minutes from the December 5, 2023 Council Meeting be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS PROGRESS PAYMENTS (A) Contractor: McKinney Construction, Inc. City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 3 Minutes: 12-19-23 6:00 p.m.  Estimate No.: Five (5) Amount: $137,156.25 Project: Glenmore Dr. & Washington St. Waterline Improvements Project No.: W075 Ordinance No.: 2023-083 (B) Contractor: McKinney Construction, Inc. Estimate No.: Three (3) Amount: $258,570.05 Project: Spencer 12 Inch Waterline Phase II Project No.: W055 Ordinance No.: 2023-049 (C) Contractor: SER Construction Partners, LLC Estimate No.: Two (2) Amount: $1,069,625.74 Project: Preston Ave. Recon SH225 to Fleming & Flamborough Project No.: S132 Ordinance No.: 2023-119 (D) Contractor: SER Construction Partners, LLC Estimate No.: Four & Final (4 & Final) Amount: $149,698.59 Project: Thomas Ave Paving & Drainage Improvements Phase II Project No.: S109 Ordinance No.: 2023-052 Councilmember Ybarra moved, seconded by Councilmember Dow that Progress Payments (A), (B), (C) and (D) be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. FINANCE RESOLUTION NO. 2892 MISC. CLAIMS & INVOICES Councilmember Valerio moved, seconded by Councilmember Guerrero that Finance Resolution 2892 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. PERSONNEL CHANGES (A) REGULAR EMPLOYEES (B) FINANCE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES (C) ADMINISTRATION CHANGES IN PERSONNEL (D) INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES Councilmember Schoenbein moved, seconded by Councilmember Guerrero that Personnel Changes (A) be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 4 Minutes: 12-19-23 6:00 p.m. CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS REPORTS REPORTS OF COMMITTEES MAYOR’S REPORT ORDINANCES FINAL READINGS ORDINANCE 2023-239 - An Ordinance authorizing a Commercial Driver License (CDL) stipend incentive of $170.00 per pay period for eligible employees. The incentive will be effective January 1, 2024. The cost for this incentive was included in the FY24 budget. Councilmember Ybarra moved, seconded by Councilmember Guerrero that Ordinance 2023-239 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2023-240 - Authorizing and approving annual Consulting Agreement by and between the City of Pasadena, Texas, and Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. for consulting services for the period of January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 for a total of $126,000.00; and appropriating the amount of $94,500.00 for fiscal year 2024. Councilmember Ybarra moved, seconded by Councilmember Guerrero that Ordinance 2023-240 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2023-241 - Authorizing and approving an agreement with Consor Engineers, LLC DBA U.S. Underwater for water tank cleaning & repairs at the Red Bluff, Deepwater, and Crenshaw tanks for a total appropriation of $84,810.00 from the Water Production Building & Equipment Maintenance Account (30600-7103). Councilmember Ybarra moved, seconded by Councilmember Guerrero that Ordinance 2023-241 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. FIRST READINGS ORDINANCE 2023-242 - Authorizing and approving amending Ordinance 2022-134, which adopted the Annual Budget for the Fiscal Year 2023. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Valerio that Ordinance 2023-242 be passed on first reading only. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2023-243 - Authorizing and approving contract with Boyer, Inc. for the Large Diameter Storm Sewer Rehab (Queens & Harris Storm Sewer Rehab) Project (CIP #D049) for a total appropriation of $9,948,750.00 funded by the Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Account. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Valerio that Ordinance 2023-243 be passed on first reading only. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 5 Minutes: 12-19-23 6:00 p.m. ORDINANCE 2023-244 - Authorizing and approving the acceptance of an award from the Office of Justice Programs FY23 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (VALERIOP), Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number of 16.607, in the amount of $2,833.49. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Valerio that Ordinance 2023-244 be passed on first reading only. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2023-245 - Authorizing and approving the acceptance of a grant award from the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, FY24 Justice Assistance Grant Program, in the amount of $60,000.00. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Valerio that Ordinance 2023-245 be passed on first reading only. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2023-246 - Authorizing and approving a contract with Piano Vibes, Instructor Achille Javois, for music lessons provided through the Parks and Recreation Department. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Valerio that Ordinance 2023-246 be passed on first reading only. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2023-247 - Amend Ordinance 2022-177 to authorize Christensen Building Group, LLC for construction services as described under Ordinance 2022-177 and appropriating $14,093,055.34 for the Pasadena Police Annex Building Project (CIP #P010) from the 2018 Certificates of Obligation, 2022 Certificates of Obligation and the General Fund CIP Fund Balance account. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Valerio that Ordinance 2023-247 be passed on first reading only. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2023-248 - Authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the Pasadena Police Department, to accept the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), FY 2023 COPS Hiring Program grant for funding to hire 20 additional sworn police officers in the amount of $2,500,000.00. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Valerio that Ordinance 2023-248 be passed on first reading only. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. EMERGENCY READINGS ISSUANCE OF OBLIGATIONS RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION 2023-263 – Donation to Madison Jobe Senior Center of DVD’s, Books and Jigsaw Puzzles valued at $150.00 from Mrs. George Wilbourn. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-263 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 6 Minutes: 12-19-23 6:00 p.m. RESOLUTION 2023-264 – A Resolution to accept seized trailers from Harris County as follows No. 19-003606, No. 2016-14292 and No. 2009-60664. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-264 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-265 – Donation by Mrs. Margaret (McMasters) Barnhart of a Storybook of the McMasters family history valued at $250.00. An original Oil Painting by a McMasters family member valued at $2,500.00. McMasters family bible valued at $150.00. An antique rocking chair valued at $750.00. An antique butter churn valued at $125.00 for the use by the Heritage Park and Museum for display in the McMasters Exhibit at the Heritage Park Museum. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-265 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-266 – Donation from the Jane Long Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution of $100.00 for the use of operating expenses for the Heritage Park and Museum. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-266 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-267 – Donation from Mr. C. David Pomeroy, Jr. of 8- Historic Pasadena, Texas, an Illustrated History valued at $280.00, 7 magazines Houston History, San Jacinto valued at $70.00, 1 book Yesteryears in Pasadena 1895 – 1941 valued at $350.00. Photographs of the Pomeroy Family and the Early Settlers Association members with various newspaper articles value, unknown. All to be used by the museum to preserve the history of Pasadena, Texas and the Pomeroy Family and Early Settlers. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-267 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-268 – Authorizing the Parks and Recreation Department to accept an in-kind donation from Sunbelt Rentals valued at $1,572.00. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-268 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-269 – Authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the Pasadena Office of Emergency Management (OEM), to accept a grant in the amount of $5,000.00 from Motiva Enterprises, 2023 First Responders Grant Program. Grant Application was approved per Resolution 2023-202. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-269 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-270 – Authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the Pasadena Police Department, to accept a “corporate” grant in the amount of $2,500.00 from Motiva City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 7 Minutes: 12-19-23 6:00 p.m. Enterprises, 2023 First Responder Grant Program to be used to purchase drone equipment for the Mavic 3T drones for the Pasadena Police Department. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-270 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-271 – Authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the Pasadena Police Department, to accept a “corporate” grant in the amount of $500.00 from TapeIt, used to reimburse the purchase of Impulse Bag Sealers with cutter for the property room at the Pasadena Police Department. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-271 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-272 – Approving an amendment to the FY 2024 Budget, (Resolution 2023-154), for Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) as approved by its Board on December 6th, 2023 and illustrated in Exhibit “A”. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-272 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-273 – Approving an amendment to the FY 2024 Budget, (Resolution 2023-153), for Pasadena Crime Control and Prevention District as approved by its Board on December 6th, 2023 and illustrated in Exhibit “A”. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-273 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-274 – To accept a check donation in the amount of $600.00 from various donors at The Endeavour Clear Lake and a cash donation of $100.00 from Bill Barmore to be allotted to Volunteer Pasadena for Food Drive 2023. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-274 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-275 – Accepting an assignment and assumption of easements for drainage improvements purposes related to Cotton Patch Bayou Drainage Improvements Project (CIP #D048) over, along, and across two tracts of land as described in attachment “A” from Harris County Flood Control District. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-275 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2023-276 – A Resolution authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the Pasadena Police Department, to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GunBusters, a firearm destruction agency which was entered into under Resolution 2022-162. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2023-276 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUS. City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 8 Minutes: 12-19-23 6:00 p.m. OTHER BUSINESS EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER Mayor Wagner – Thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. Wished everyone a Merry Christmas. God bless. City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 9 Minutes: 12-19-23 6:00 p.m.