2025 08 14 CC WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
August 14, 2025
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in a Work Session on Thursday, August 14,
2025, at 5:30 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Baytown City Hall, 2401 Market Street, Baytown,
Texas, with the following in attendance:
Jacob Powell
Laura Alvarado
Sarah Graham
Kenrick Griffith
James Franco
Mike Lester
Charles Johnson
Jason Reynolds
Scott Lemond
Angela Jackson
John Stringer
Mayor Pro Tem
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Mayor
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Sergeant at Arms
Mayor Charles Johnson convened the August I4, 2025 City Council Work Session with a quorum
present at 5:34 P.M. All members were present with the exception of Council Member James
Franco.
1. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mayor Charles Johnson announced citizens signed up to speak.
Cynthia Blake, 5169 East Freeway, questioned why the proposed location for the Event Center is
to be on the side of Interstate Highway (IH) 10 and not the opposite of IH-10 where there is less
amenities for residents.
Shana Joseph, Event Coordinator with Arts Culture and Entertainment (ACE), 7923 Cheyenne
Court, is requesting assistance to prevent further damage to the art sculptures placed throughout
Baytown for display.
Council Member James Franco entered the meeting at 5:36 P.M.
2. DISCUSSIONS
a. Receive a presentation from Chad Burke, CEO of the Economic Alliance Houston
Port Region.
City Council Work Session Minutes
August 14, 2025
Page 2 of 3
Chad Burke provided a presentation regarding the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region.
(Exhibit A)
City Council Members expressed their appreciation to Chad Burke and his organization for
providing opportunities to the City of Baytown.
b. Discuss the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Proposed Budget.
Mayor Charles Johnson announced citizens signed up to speak.
Cynthia Coker, 1818 Cedar Bayou Road, provided her opinions and recommendations for the
budget regarding the City of Baytown Animal Services.
Shana Joseph, Event Coordinator with Arts Culture and Entertainment (ACE), 7923 Cheyenne
Road, requested transparency and clarification on Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Grants and the
related ordinance.
City Council Members requested clarification on the ordinance and requested Ms. Josephs budget
request be provided.
City Manager Jason Reynolds informed the City Council Members the requested line by line
budget item requested can be provided to Ms. Joseph and staff will review the ordinance for
verification.
City Manager Jason Reynolds informed the City Council Members a public hearing to formally
adopt the budget is scheduled for August 281h There are budget discussion meetings scheduled for
August 19th and 201h that will be cancelled if no recommendations are made today.
City Council Members requested clarification on several items from prior meetings, as well as on
security measures for upcoming City events.
Chief John Stringer informed the City Council meetings are being held with Parks and Recreation
Services to provide a break down of cost affiliated with those security measures.
Mayor Charles Johnson requested a timeline for Arts Culture and Entertainment (ACE) to receive
the budget line break down of funds and informing citizens they are welcome at the August 28TH
meeting to ask any questions regarding the budget.
City Manager Jason Reynolds informed the City Council Members it would take roughly 72 hours
to generate the report and provide to Ms. Shana Joseph and summarized there are laws in effect
that require certain stipulations be met to receive HOT Grants.
3. EXECUTIVE SESSION
City Council Work Session Minutes
August 14, 2025
Page 3 of 3
At 6:13 P.M., Mayor Charles Johnson recessed and convened into an Executive Session pursuant
to Section(s) 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to seek the advice of the City's attorneys.
At 6:48 P.M., Mayor Charles Johnson reconvened the meeting and announced that, in accordance
with Section 551.102 of the Texas Government Code, no action was taken in the Executive
Session.
4. ADJOURN
With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Charles Johnson adjourned the August 14,
2025, City Council Work Session at 6:49 P.M. and will be starting the City Council Meeting at
7:00 P.M.
Angela Ackson, C
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