2019 05 23 WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR WORK SESSION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
May 23, 2019
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in a Regular Work Session on Thursday,
May 23, 2019, at 5:33 P.M. in the Hullum Conference Room of the Baytown City Hall, 2401
Market Street, Baytown, Texas with the following in attendance:
Laura Alvarado
Council Member
Chris Presley
Council Member
Charles Johnson
Council Member
Heather Betancourth
Mayor Pro Tern
Robert Hoskins
Council Member
David Himsel
Council Member
Brandon Capetillo Mayor
Rick Davis
City Manager
Ignacio Ramirez
City Attorney
Leticia Brysch
City Clerk
Keith Dougherty
Sergeant at Arms
Mayor Capetillo convened the May 23, 2019, City Council Regular Work Session with a quorum
present at 5:33 P.M., all members were present.
1. DISCUSSIONS
a. Discuss the City of Baytown Yard Parking Ordinance and its enforcement.
City Manager Rick Davis presented the item and noted that this item was brought forth at the
direction of the Council during the last Council Retreat. He noted that the staff had nothing to
present, but was open to answer any questions or concerns regarding the yard parking ordinance
and its enforcement.
Mayor Capetillo noted that he was a part of Council when this ordinance was put into place and
stated that the original intent of this ordinance was to bring citizens into compliance with the law
through education and would be dealt with on a complaint and case by case basis. He further
noted that the current pro -active enforcement of yard parking was excessive and code
enforcement officers should use their discretion when considering whether or not to ticket
residents.
Interim Health Director Tony Gray noted that the pro -active approach and sweeps of
neighborhoods was implemented at the direction of the Council. He noted that the code
enforcement officers ticket if they see a violation, but the court process allows for the ticketed
City Council Regular Work Session Minutes
May 23, 2019
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resident to plead his/her case with the municipal court judge who has the discretion to dismiss
and/or reduce the fees depending on the circumstances.
The Council discussed the code enforcement process for yard parking, to include the processing
of complaints, the citation process, the court process, whether or not the court notice included
pictures of the violation, fines, and public education.
The consensus of the Council was to not make any changes to the yard parking ordinance, to
have Public Affairs work with the Health Department to have a strong education component to
help existing and new residents understand the rules and expectations with yard parking and
ensure that the citation notice from the court included pictures of the vehicle(s) parked on the
yard.
Mr. Davis thanked the Council for their comments and noted that staff would move forward as
directed.
b. Discuss any or all of the agenda items on the City Council Regular Agenda for May
23, 2019, which is attached below.
This item was not taken.
2. ADJOURN
With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Capetillo adjourned the May 23, 2019,
City Council Regular Work Session at 6:33 P.M.
Leticia Brysch, City Clerk
City of Baytown