2016 02 11 WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR WORK SESSION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
February 11, 2016
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in a Regular Work Session on Thursday,
February 11, 2016, at 5:32 P.M., in the Hullum Conference Room of the Baytown City Hall,
2401 Market Street, Baytown, Texas with the following in attendance:
Brandon Capetillo
Robert Hoskins
David McCartney
Chris Presley
Terry Sain
Stephen DonCarlos
Rick Davis
Ignacio Ramirez
Leticia Brysch
Keith Dougherty
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Mayor
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Sergeant at Arms
Mayor DonCarlos convened the February 11, 2016, City Council Regular Work Session with a
quorum present at 5:32 P.M., all members were present with the exception of Council Member
Renteria who was absent.
1.
a. Discuss funding strategies for the construction of roadways within the Tax
Increment Reinvestment Zone, Number One, City of Baytown, Texas.
City Manager Rick Davis presented the item and stated that the City of Baytown TIRZ met
earlier in the week and approved the information being submitted to the Council. He further
stated that the three main projects in the TIRZ that staff would like Council's support on moving
forward were as follows: (1) the first phase build out of San Jacinto Boulevard, (2) the expansion
of John Martin Road down to Hunt Road and (3) the extension of Hunt Road west to John Martin
Road.
Deputy City Manager Ron Bottoms stated that the San Jacinto Boulevard Project was currently
out for bid and scheduled for a bid opening on March 15th. He stated that the bid opening was
delayed in order to make additions to the proposal to really make this area a showpiece for the
City. He stated that the estimated cost of $21 million for this project is higher than that of the
building of Blue Heron Parkway at $11 million which was completed last year. He further noted
that one of the increases to the project is the installation of underground utilities and conduit at a
cost of $1.2 million, in which staff believes that this change is necessary in order to make this
City Council Regular Work Session Minutes
February 11, 2016
Page 2 of 3
area esthetically pleasing and help entice quality development. He further noted that the City is
working with TxDOT, in order to swap out the on and off ramps on I -10 between John Martin
Road and Garth Road to allow for better access to San Jacinto Boulevard and help relieve traffic
congestion.
Deputy City Manager Bottoms stated that the first phase would take San Jacinto Boulevard down
to just south of Santavy Road with the second phase connecting the road down to Bush Road. He
stated that the bulk of the funding for this project will come from the TIRZ and some savings
from street projects under the 2007 Bond. Additionally, he stated that the financing ordinance
would be at a future meeting for Council's approval.
Deputy City Manager Bottoms stated that the John Martin Road Project is a joint effort between
the City and Harris County in order to extend the four lane expansion down to Hunt Road. He
stated that the third project in the TIRZ area is the expansion to the west of Hunt Road to meet
John Martin Road, in which the City hopes will be developer driven and financed.
Lastly, Deputy City Manager Bottoms noted that the City is working with Buc -ee's for a regional
detention pond off of John Martin and south of I -10, which is a key element to the potential
development and planning of this area.
b. Discuss synthetic marijuana.
Police Chief Keith Dougherty stated that the Baytown Police Department was actively working
through its lead synthetic marijuana expert, Detective Aaron Crowell, with the Southeast Harris
County Community Coalition of BACONDA and other local area agencies and groups to put
together an informational/educational video in order to help combat and curtail the use of these
types of illegal drugs. He stated that the estimated cost of the video is $61,280, and the group has
already raised $7,000 toward this effort. He stated that the group would like the City's financial
support to cover the remaining cost of the project. After a brief discussion, Council requested
that this item be placed on a regular council agenda for action. Assistant City Attorney Deanie
King stated that this contract still needed to be negotiated, but that it would be brought forth as
soon as possible.
C. Discuss marking the Baytown Fire Department fire apparatus with "In God We
Trust."
Fire Chief Shon Blake presented the item and stated that a number of law enforcement and fire
departments around the country and in the State of Texas had begun placing the U.S. motto of
"In God We Trust" on its vehicles and equipment. He stated that members of the fire union and
community members had approached him about placing these stickers on our fire trucks,
vehicles and ambulances. City Manager Davis stated that staff was supportive of the idea would
also like consideration for the placement of said motto in city hall. After a brief discussion
regarding this item, the Council stated that they were supportive of such endeavor.
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February 11, 2016
Page 3 of 3
d. Discuss any or all of the agenda items on the City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
for February 11, 2016.
The Council had no questions regarding any items listed on the regular council agenda.
2. ADJOURN
With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor DonCarlos adjourned the February 11,
2016, City Council Regular Work Session at 6:16 P.M.
Leticia Brysch, City Clerk
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