Chris Bouley

The City Council meeting agenda included several key items. The council was scheduled to consider and possibly approve an ordinance ordering the City's General Election to be held on May 2, 2026. Discussion items included the presentation and potential acceptance of the Annual Audit for the year ending September 30, 2025, and consideration of the bills list for November and December 2025. Furthermore, the agenda included potential action to enter into a Joint Election Agreement Services Contract with the Orange County Elections Administrator for the upcoming General Election. The meeting planned to enter an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters related to the evaluation and duties of the City Manager.

The City Council meeting included agenda approval, reports from the City Manager regarding the Pickleball Court progress and the Library receiving accreditation, and updates from City Staff regarding new police department hires. A key presentation involved Bond Counsel and a Financial Municipal Advisor discussing the proposed 2025 Series Tax and Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Certificates of Obligation, detailing bond amounts, interest rates, and maturity schedules. The Council subsequently approved Ordinance No. 2025-74 authorizing the issuance of the Certificates of Obligation and Ordinance No. 2025-75, which increases water and sewer rates. Additionally, Resolution No. 2025-27(R) establishing a continuing disclosure policy was adopted, and authorizations were passed for agreements related to the bond issuance, including agreements with BOKF, NA, and the adoption of a Post-Issuance Compliance Policy. The Council also authorized a contract with the Bridge City Police Association for the upcoming fiscal year and rescheduled the September 16, 2025 meeting to October 7, 2025.

The City Council meeting addressed several administrative and discussion items. Reports highlighted the successful IT audit resulting in projected savings, the positive safety rating of Bridge City, and the awarding of a $5.426 million grant for sidewalks along Roundbunch. The Police Department hired a new dispatcher and extended contingent offers to two cadets. The Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2025-22(R) casting the city's votes for Philip Welch for the 2026 Orange County Appraisal District Board of Directors, and also approved the bills lists for September and October 2025. During the workshop session, the Council decided not to charge a fee for reserving pickleball courts for special events. Discussions also centered on finalizing the Bridge City Vision and Mission Statements, and establishing a timeline for strategic plan infrastructure items, including tagging the Street and Drainage Bond issuance for Year 26-27. Furthermore, a proposal for marketing city-owned properties for cell tower placement at no initial cost to the City was reviewed.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included approval of the agenda and a review of staff reports. The City Manager reported on the execution of an agreement with HDR for a water rate study, an update on the TXDot Transportation Alternatives Program application timeline for a sidewalk project, and the scheduling of a pickleball ribbon cutting. Council discussions included preparation for the TML business meeting. Action items involved the approval of the minutes for the September 2, 2025 Regular Meeting and September 9, 2025 Special Meeting, approval of the bills list for August 2025, entering into a lease agreement for property at 778 Robin Avenue, and approving the purchase of in-car and body camera systems for the police department from Utility Associates, Inc.

The City Council meeting included a public hearing regarding the proposed ad valorem tax rate for the 2025 tax year, which included a debt service rate and a maintenance and operations rate. The Council subsequently adopted Ordinance No. 2025-73, which adopted and levied the municipal ad valorem taxes for 2025, resulting in a total tax rate of $0.550000 per $100 valuation. Other actions included approving Resolution No. 2025-20(R) nominating Philip Welch for the Board of Directors of the Orange County Appraisal District. Additionally, appointments and reappointments were made for the 2025-2027 terms for the Board of Adjustment, the Building Standards Commission, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Bridge City Public Library Advisory Board. City Manager reports detailed updates on the Pickleball Court fencing progress, acknowledged a thank you letter regarding the Warrior Bonfire Program contribution, and announced a forthcoming special meeting regarding Texas Water Development Board Bonds. A new 'Christmas Trail' concept was proposed for the 'Christmas in the Park' event.