City Council

PRE-COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF PASADENA January 7, 2025 – 9:30 a.m. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wagner called the Pre-Council Meeting to order. Proceeded to go over the agenda. 15) – PERSONNEL CHANGES: Item (A) – Councilmember Ybarra questioned when a new Parks and Recreation Director would be hired. Mayor Wagner responded. (19) – (A)-(1) FINAL READINGS: Items (A- 2025-001), (B- 2025-002), (C- 2025-003), and (D- 2025-004) – Amanda Mueller, City Secretary, stated the numbers for the items had been assigned during the Special Meeting the night before and she would read the items using the assigned numbers during this meeting. Mayor Wagner advised that for Item (D- 2025-004) Mayor Pro Tem Villarreal would be taking over for the vote. (19) – (B) RESOLUTIONS: Item (H) – Councilmember Van Houte shared her concerns regarding the appointment of Alan Robb. Short discussion followed between Councilmember Van Houte and Mayor Wagner. Trena White, HR Director, noted that Brandon Torres would be the Interim Parks and Recreation Director. ADJOURNMENT 9:34 a.m. – Mayor Wagner adjourned the Pre-Council Meeting. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS CITY OF PASADENA January 7, 2025 – 10:00 a.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 City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 1 Minutes: 01-07-25 10:00 a.m.  COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Jeff Wagner RUBEN VILLARREAL - District A JONATHAN ESTRADA - District E BIANCA VALERIO - District B DOLAN DOW - District F EMMANUEL GUERRERO - District C ORNALDO YBARRA - District G PAT VAN HOUTE - District D THOMAS SCHOENBEIN - District H Also present at the Council table was Amanda Mueller, City Secretary. INVOCATION – Karen Wallace, Purchasing Manager PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE – Councilmember Thomas Schoenbien COMMUNITY INTEREST COMMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 551.0415 OF THE GOVERNMENT CODE Councilmember Schoenbein – Wished everyone a good morning, it was wonderful to see a packed house. Wished Everyone a Happy New Year. Councilmember Villarreal – Wished everyone a Happy New Year. Recognized the Service Award Recipients and thanked them for their service. Councilmember Valerio – Wished everyone a Happy New Year. Stated she wanted to address some behaviors they have been seeing at the council meetings, as well as some personal matters. Councilmember Guerrero – Happy New Year. Thanked the Service Award Recipients and hopes everyone is staying warm. Councilmember Van Houte – Thanked the Service Award Recipients. Mentioned that the Post Offices and Federal Offices will be closed Thursday, January 9th, as part of National Day of Mourning for President Jimmy Carter. Councilmember Estrada – Wished everyone a Happy New Year. Thanked the Service Award Recipients. Mentioned his support for our incoming City Controller. Councilmember Dow – Congratulated the Service Award Recipients for their years of service. Commented it was good to see familiar faces. Wished everyone a Happy New Year. Councilmember Ybarra – Thanked the Service Award Recipients for their service. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS COUNCIL Cristina Womack - President & CEO, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. Congratulated the city on hiring Lindsey Koskiniemi as the new City Controller. Thanked everyone for attending the Chamber’s annual gala. Announced the Chamber will be hosting a Pasadena Day, at the capital in Austin, on February 12th. Stated the Chamber will be sending out information on candidates for the upcoming city council and school board City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 2 Minutes: 01-07-25 10:00 a.m. elections. Asked everyone to save the date for the Mayoral Forum that will be held on March 25th. Noted there will be a Meet the Candidate Luncheon and Expo held on April 10th. Announced the State of the City will be held on February 20th at the Pasadena Convention Center. Invited everyone to register to attend. Ty Smith – Discussed the number of days a councilmember can be absent from council meetings and the censorship of the city YouTube videos. Questioned the governance of the police department. Stated that he would like to debate anyone who runs for Mayor in the upcoming election. Gaye Hart – Stated that Prayer Warriors United has been traveling all over to share Jesus. Noted that it is the Year of Jubilee. Read scripture Chronicles 7:13-15. Angel Cortes – Commented they wanted to share blessings to the truth ambassadors, for Heaven is for those who remember his design and likeness and are destined for eternal life. Questioned where the heroes who had faith, trust, and honesty have gone. DOCKETED CITY COUNCIL HEARINGS (A) A public hearing at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, for the purpose of hearing public comments on the extension of the Commercial Moratorium imposed by the City of Pasadena, Texas, on the issuance of permits for the placement and installation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Facilities within the jurisdiction of the city. **NOTE** 10:18 a.m. – At this time Mayor Wagner opened the Public Hearing for Item (A), inviting comments from the audience. Ty Smith – Stated he did not believe the city should be spending money on batteries. Mayor Wagner – Explained that this item was not about the city spending money on batteries. **NOTE** At this time, there was back/forth discussion between Mayor Wagner and Mr. Smith regarding this item and the Open Meetings Act. Ty Smith – Continued his comments. Once again stated he did not believe the city should spend money on batteries or store batteries and there should be an oversight on what was being spent. Angel Cortes – Stated that the land is going to be pillaged for the minerals to make the batteries. Asked that everyone consider where the suppliers are getting their supplies from. **NOTE** 10:20 a.m. – At this time Mayor Wagner closed the Public Hearing for Item (A) and reconvened the Council Meeting. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS (A) Service Award Cynthia Handorf 30 years Investigations City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 3 Minutes: 01-07-25 10:00 a.m. (B) Service Award Jose Martin Moreno 35 years WW Rehabilitation **NOTE** At this time, Trena White, HR Director, introduced the service award recipients. Jose Martin Moren was not present. Asked that everyone express their congratulations to these employees for their dedication and commitment to the City of Pasadena. {Applause} PROPOSALS FOR CITY BUSINESS PRESENTATION OF MINUTES – December 17, 2024 – 6:00 p.m. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that the Minutes from the December 17, 2024 Council Meeting be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS PROGRESS PAYMENTS (A) Contractor: Boyer, Inc. Estimate No.: Six (6) Amount: $134,710.16 Project: Large Diameter Storm Sewer Rehab Project Project No.: D049 Ordinance No.: 2023-243 (B) Contractor: Boyer, Inc. Estimate No.: Seven (7) Amount: $627,055.40 Project: Large Diameter Storm Sewer Rehab Project Project No.: D049 Ordinance No.: 2023-243 (C) Contractor: Brooks Concrete, Inc. Estimate No.: Two (2) Amount: $162,105.25 Project: 2024 Annual Sidewalk Improvements Phase II Project No.: S197 Ordinance No.: 2024-097 (D) Contractor: Christensen Building Group Estimate No.: Ten (10) Amount: $942,163.57 Project: Pasadena Police Annex Building Project No.: P010 Ordinance No.: 2023-247 (E) Contractor: Christensen Building Group City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 4 Minutes: 01-07-25 10:00 a.m.  Estimate No.: Eleven (11) Amount: $703,301.37 Project: Pasadena Police Annex Building Project No.: P010 Ordinance No.: 2023-247 (F) Contractor: Doughtie Construction Company, Inc. Estimate No.: Ten (10) Amount: $145,755.20 Project: Golden Acre WWTP Screen Improvements / Influent Line Replacement Project No.: WW046 / WW087 Ordinance No.: 2023-171 (G) Contractor: JTR Constructors, Inc. Estimate No.: Fifteen (15) Amount: $24,894.75 Project: Vince Bayou WWTP UV Disinfection Improvements Project No.: WW083 Ordinance No.: 2023-015 (H) Contractor: Mar-Con Services, LLC Estimate No.: Four (4) Amount: $314,793.19 Project: Red Bluff Road Drainage Improvements Project No.: D066 Ordinance No.: 2024-078 (I) Contractor: Mar-Con Services, LLC Estimate No.: Two (2) Amount: $60,780.95 Project: Flamborough Drive Bridge Repairs Project No.: S198 Ordinance No.: 2024-144 (J) Contractor: Polk Mechanical Company Estimate No.: One (1) Amount: $575,856.75 Project: City Hall Air Handlers & Automation Phase II Project No.: M055 Ordinance No.: 2024-023 (K) Contractor: SER Construction Partners, LLC Estimate No.: Twelve (12) Amount: $341,397.18 Project: Armand Bayou Upper Reaches Project Project No.: D056 Ordinance No.: 2023-155 (L) Contractor: T Construction, LLC Estimate No.: Three (3) City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 5 Minutes: 01-07-25 10:00 a.m.  Amount: $357,976.15 Project: 2024 Citywide Waterline Replacement Project No.: W073 Ordinance No.: 2024-114 (M) Contractor: W.W. Payton Corporation Estimate No.: One (1) Amount: $634,600.00 Project: Sycamore Water Plant Improvement Project No.: W071 Ordinance No.: 2024-145 (N) Contractor: Way-Tech, Inc. Estimate No.: Four (4) Amount: $326,884.71 Project: Construction of Fire Station No. 7 Project No.: F014 Ordinance No.: 2024-113 (O) Contractor: Way-Tech, Inc. Estimate No.: Five (5) Amount: $127,240.38 Project: Construction of Fire Station No. 7 Project No.: F014 Ordinance No.: 2024-113 Councilmember Schoenbein moved, seconded by Councilmember Guerrero that Progress Payments (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (I), (J), (K), (L), (M), (N) and (O) be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. FINANCE RESOLUTION NO. 2917 MISC. CLAIMS & INVOICES Councilmember Ybarra moved, seconded by Councilmember Guerrero that Finance Resolution 2917 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 Estrada moved, seconded by Councilmember Guerrero that Personnel Changes (A) and (C) be APPROVED. City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 6 Minutes: 01-07-25 10:00 a.m. Councilmember Ybarra – Thanked Jed Aplaca for his service to the city. Commented he did an outstanding job as the city’s Parks Director. Congratulated Robert Acosta on his service in the Marine Corps and his 22 years of service with the Animal Control. Councilmember Valerio – Stated she would like to express her appreciation to Jed Aplaca for his help in replacing playgrounds and enhancing the parks in District B. Sad to see him leave but knows he will be doing great things and making an impact. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS REPORTS REPORTS OF COMMITTEES MAYOR’S REPORT ORDINANCES FINAL READINGS ORDINANCE 2024-266 - An Ordinance amending Ordinance 2023-145, which adopted the Annual Budget for the Fiscal Year 2024, for the City of Pasadena, Texas. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2024-266 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2024-267 - An Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Pasadena, Texas, at Chapter 24, Parks and Recreation, Section 24-13 Fees to adjust various golf course fees for the Pasadena Golf Club and to create an effective date of January 8, 2025 for the new fees for tournaments/special events to ensure our prices remain competitive with area courses; providing a repealing clause; providing a savings clause; and providing for severability. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2024-267 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2024-268 - Authorizing and approving an agreement by and between the City of Pasadena, Texas, and Evelyn Fabian for Exercise Classes provided through the Parks and Recreation Department. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2024-268 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2024-269 - Authorizing and approving the annual maintenance agreement for the One Solution Software Systems by and between the City of Pasadena, Texas, and Superion, LLC, a Central Square Company; and appropriating the amount of $201,638.17. City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 7 Minutes: 01-07-25 10:00 a.m. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2024-269 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2024-270 - Authorizing and approving the purchase by the City of Pasadena, Texas, of one (1) 2023 Ford Transit Medium Roof Van from Silsbee Ford utilizing the TIPS Cooperative Contract #210907; and appropriating the amount of $54,906.50. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2024-270 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2024-271 - Authorizing and approving the contract with Dell Marketing for the purchase of computer devices utilizing the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) Contract #DIR-TSO-3763; for a total appropriation in the amount of $400,000.00. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2024-271 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2024-272 - Authorizing and approving a contract by and between the City of Pasadena, Texas, and JTR Constructors, Inc. for the Vince Bayou WWTP Bar Screens Improvement Project (CIP #WW068); for a total appropriation of $3,021,060.00 to be funded from the System Fund Retained Earnings and the 2019 CDBG-DR. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2024-272 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2024-273 - Authorizing and approving the purchase by the City of Pasadena, Texas, of ammunition and simunition for police training for the Pasadena Police Department from GT Distributors, Inc. through Buyboard cooperative contract #698-23; and appropriating the amount of $230,488.00. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2024-273 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2024-274 - Authorizing and accepting a grant award from the Office of the Texas Governor Criminal Justice Division, Police Department Body-Worn Camera Program in the amount of $22,522.50. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2024-274 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2024-275 - Authorizing and approving the purchase of the Omega Plus Plates for the Pasadena Police Department from Impact Promotional Services, LLC dba Got You Covered Work Wear & Uniforms utilizing BuyBoard Contract #670-22. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2024-275 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 8 Minutes: 01-07-25 10:00 a.m. ORDINANCE 2025-001 - Authorizing and approving the Extension of the Commercial Moratorium imposed by the City of Pasadena, Texas, on the issuance of permits for the placement and installation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Facilities within the jurisdiction of the city. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2025-001 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2025-002 - Authorizing and approving a contract by and between the City of Pasadena, Texas, and Brooks Concrete, Inc. for the 2025 Annual Sidewalk Improvements Project (CIP #S143); for a total appropriation of $2,000,000.00. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2025-002 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. ORDINANCE 2025-003 - Authorizing and approving a contract by and between the City of Pasadena, Texas, and D & W Contractors, Inc. for the 2025 Annual Paving and Drainage Improvements Project (CIP #D063/S142) for a total appropriation of $4,130,649.00 from the General CIP Fund Balance Account, Athletics Operating Budget and the General Fund Balance. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Estrada that Ordinance 2025-003 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. **NOTE** At this time, Mayor Wagner stated Mayor Pro Tem Villarreal will continue with Final Reading item (4) - Ordinance 2025-004. Asked Mayor Pro Tem Villarreal to continue. ORDINANCE 2025-004 - Authorizing and approving the City of Pasadena, Texas, to offer an additional benefit of severance pay and health insurance benefit to the new City Controller, Lindsay Koskiniemi. The additional benefit will include ninety (90) days of compensation and health insurance benefits after the last date of employment in the event she is separated by City Council without cause. Councilmember Guerrero moved, seconded by Councilmember Ybarra that Ordinance 2025-004 be passed on second and final reading. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. **NOTE** At this time, Mayor Wagner continued the meeting. FIRST READINGS EMERGENCY READINGS ISSUANCE OF OBLIGATIONS RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION 2025-001 – Accepting an in-kind donation of prizes for Loteria event valued at $70.00 from Humana for use by the Parks and Recreation Department in connection with Madison Jobe Senior Center. City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 9 Minutes: 01-07-25 10:00 a.m. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2025-001 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2025-002 – Accepting an in-kind donation of prizes for BINGO event valued at $60.00 from Humana for use by the Parks and Recreation Department in connection with Madison Jobe Senior Center. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2025-002 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2025-003 – A Resolution authorizing the Mayor of the City of Pasadena to accept, on behalf of the Pasadena Police Department, the retirement of Canine “Chief” and bestow ownership of Canine “Chief” with all privileges and rights, to Officer Brandon Marshall, who is a member of the Pasadena Police Department. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2025-003 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2025-004 – Accepting an in-kind donation valued at $6,200.00 from Ducky Recovery for construction material and services to Neighborhood Network in connection with Team Up to Clean Up 2024 Program. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2025-004 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2025-005 – Accepting an in-kind donation valued at $2,294.38 from Sunbelt Rentals for the City of Pasadena Parks & Recreation Department in connection with the Christmas Tree Lighting event on December 6, 2024. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2025-005 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2025-006 – Accepting an in-kind donation of prizes for Loteria event valued at $75.00 from Humana for use by the Parks and Recreation Department in connection with Madison Jobe Senior Center. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2025-006 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2025-007 – Approving the quarterly compiled financial statements of the City of Pasadena, Texas, for the three months ended December 31, 2023 as submitted by Crowe LLP, Certified Public Accountants. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2025-007 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2025-008 – A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pasadena approving the reappointment of Alan Robb to the Board of the Port of Houston Authority for a term effective February 1, 2025, and expiring February 1, 2027. City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 10 Minutes: 01-07-25 10:00 a.m. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2025-008 be passed, approved and adopted. Councilmember Guerrero – Explained reasons he would be voting no on this item. Councilmember Van Houte – Also explained the concerns she has with this item and why she cannot approve it. MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: “Ayes” – Councilmembers Villarreal, Valerio, Estrada, Dow, Ybarra and Schoenbein and Mayor Wagner “Nays” – Councilmembers Guerrero and Van Houte RESOLUTION 2025-009 – A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and the City Secretary to attest General and No Litigation Certificate of the City of Baytown relating to issuance of tax-exempt bond financing by Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation for the Piedmont Apartments – Baytown, Texas. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2025-009 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. RESOLUTION 2025-010 – Amending Resolution 2024-234, for the Pasadena Police Department FY25 Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority, SB224 Catalytic Converter Grant in the amount of $222,200.00. Councilmember Dow moved, seconded by Councilmember Schoenbein that Resolution 2025-010 be passed, approved and adopted. MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUS. OTHER BUSINESS EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER Mayor Wagner – Thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. City of Pasadena – Council Meeting 11 Minutes: 01-07-25 10:00 a.m.