Houston City Council Notes, prepared by Emily J Hynds
Agenda
- Mayor’s Report
- Consent Agenda (items that require a vote, like purchases, resolutions, ordinances, etc.)
- Council Member Pop-Off
The Mayor’s Report
The Mayor used his time today to share condolences for Deputy John H. Coddou with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Coddou was hit and killed by a vehicle during a traffic stop on Tuesday. Mayor Whitmire asked for a moment of silence.
Agenda Items, Selected Works
- Item 2 approved the nomination of Herbert Sims to Director of the Department of Neighborhoods. From the DON website: “The Department of Neighborhoods help[s] neighbors resolve neighborhood concerns. Together, we help improve the quality of life in Houston neighborhoods through people-focused programs and strong community partnerships.” The Mayor and many CMs praised Director Sims and acknowledged his family.
- Item 6 approved $451K to purchase lawn mowers through a cooperative purchasing program. CM Plummer complained that small businesses aren’t able to apply through co-op programs and advocated for a different system that would grant them access, potentially saving money as well.
- Item 7 approved $132K for handheld gas detectors for the fire department.
- Item 9 approved $138K to modify a Landing Craft Boat and Trailer used by HPDs bomb squad during special operations.
- Item 13 approved $33K for flushing devices for Houston Public Works.
- Item 14 approved $750K ($500K from ARPA and $250K from TIRZ) for a homeless housing program run by The Harris Center. CM Thomas thanked the Mayor and mentioned the item was aired at the Housing Committee last week. Mayor Whitmire expressed concerns about past management and said the program will be monitored.
- Item 41 set a public hearing for May 1 on a 4% housing tax credit application by Cordova Apartments in District D. CMs Plummer and Ramirez have concerns about the applicant.
- Item 42 set a public hearing for May 8 on the City’s tax abatement ordinance. Tax abatements are incentives the City offers to developers, in this case for “green stormwater infrastructure” and “low impact development.”
Council Member Pop-Off
- CM Kamin remarked on climate change and the increasing likelihood of extreme weather related events in Houston, like hurricanes, droughts, extreme temperatures, air quality, etc. She said the City is not prepared and the region needs both large infrastructure projects (Ike Dike, North Canal Project) and small ones, like the drainage projects that often accompany street improvement plans. She said, “We desperately need the planned projects that we have in place for flood mitigation … We need those projects now. We needed them yesterday.” I can’t be sure because she didn’t name names, but I’m pretty sure she’s talking about the Montrose Blvd drainage and street improvement plan that has been in the news recently because some trees need to be removed (and replaced).
- Mayor Whitmire defended the City’s preparedness and advocated for partnerships with the County and the State Emergency Center.
- Kamin agreed that those partnerships are necessary, commended those already working towards defense and mitigation, but argued that the City needs to get “shovels in the ground” all on its own. She said, “Every one of us should be stepping up to do everything we can.”
- Mayor Whitmire then complained about trash cluttering up drains … for some reason.
- CM Jackson criticized the system the City uses to decide which pools to open during the summer. She advocated instead for an “equity lens,” which would prioritize economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Mayor Whitmire went on a bit of a confusing ramble talking about how even the Memorial Park pool isn’t used enough during the summer, eventually conceding that might be because people in that neighborhood often have their own pools, effectively making CM Jackson’s point for her.
- neighborhood often have their own pools, effectively making CM Jackson’s point for her.
- CM Huffman plugged National Crime Victims Week.
- CM Ramirez praised recent committee meetings for the deep dives they provide. He said that Council meetings can be inaccessible to the public because they are held during the day on weekdays. He said committee meetings are another way for the public to get involved … even though they are also held during the day on weekdays.
- CM Thomas plugged a deed restriction workshop on 4/27 and the Tour de West bike ride on 5/4. She shared condolences for Curtis Wesley, a longtime District F community member.
- CM Castex- Tatum said the tentative opening date for the Shannon Walker Library is June 1st and that Dr. Shannon Walker herself is planning to be there.
- CM Pollard complained about the Prop-A Committee: it circumvents the will of the voters, it has unclear processes, it adds unnecessary bureaucracy. He wishes to no longer consider the parking meter ordinance change and hopes council will respect the wishes of the bill’s authors.
- CM Alcorn plugged her budget survey. The next Budget/Labor Committee meeting is on 4/30.
- CM Evans-Shabazz plugged a crime town hall this Thursday 4/25 at the Third Ward Multi Service Center that will particularly address Monday’s shootout at one of the bars on Emancipation Ave / Arbor St.
- CM Castillo plugged the Lindale Littles lemonade stand and dessert contest on 4/27 and Dia de Niños at Henderson Park on 4/27. The library is seeking a Hispanic archivist. Castillo lamented the dueling Pride parades and hopes to facilitate unity once this year’s festivities are over.
- CM Davis plugged a Black Men’s Wellness Day at UH on 4/27. He wants to resurrect the Ministry Advisory Board to help the City address crime.
- CM Flickinger plugged a battery, oil, paint, and antifreeze recycling event at the Kingwood METRO Park and Ride 4/27 from 9am-1pm.
Who took these notes? And what resources did they use?
My name is Emily Hynds and I am a writer, producer of the monthly storytelling series Grown-up Storytime, and lifelong Houstonian. I am not a journalist or government official. I am a local government enthusiast who believes meaningful change starts at home. These notes are presented from my point of view and with my framing, and are not comprehensive. Your notes will certainly be different, and I would love to read them if you attend.
While compiling these notes I used the following sources:
https://houston.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/
https://houwatch.com
You can find your City Council Member and their contact info at: http://www.houstontx.gov/council/whoismycm.html
Thank you to ACLU TX for supporting these notes.
My Patreon is patreon.com/emilytakesnotes.
