Jeffery Randall

The meeting commenced with council reports, including updates from Council Member Ed Waters regarding pleasant weather and Council Member Rick Fisher discussing recent Parks Committee activities, such as addressing illicit activities in parks and planning vendor presentations for new park equipment. The City Administrator provided updates on a bridge inspection by TexDot, noting material concerns but good overall structural integrity, and outlined a plan to hire an engineering firm for a detailed inspection and to determine necessary repairs and decisions regarding a pedestrian bridge attachment. Reports from Roads and Drainage and Parks Committee further detailed work on the bridge project and playground maintenance. Waterfront compliance efforts post-hurricane were noted as complete. The Planning and Zoning committee announced upcoming meetings regarding a replat of Star Harbor Landing and a parking lot setback consideration. The Civic Club report mentioned upcoming community events and the postponement of the Barbecue Cook Off due to a conflict with Wing Wars. The Economic Development Corporation approved funding for East Municipal Parking lot improvements and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and discussed the four open seats on the board. A new ordinance was passed exempting businesses also permitted as food establishments from the local alcoholic beverage permit fee. The council also reviewed and approved an invoice for debris removal related to Hurricane Barrel, with detailed discussion on costs associated with improperly disposed tires not being recoverable through FEMA, and the process for submitting initial FEMA claims was initiated. Finally, the recommendation for the award of construction for the East Municipal Parking lot was reviewed and approved.

The meeting included proclamations recognizing students active in the Leader in Me program from Levee Stewart Elementary School and commending Boy Scouts of America Troop 603 for constructing a donation box for retiring United States flags. Council members provided various committee reports, including updates on the Parks and Pools committee regarding an upcoming ice cream social and pool membership drive, and the liaison for Planning and Zoning reminding attendees of an upcoming hearing for zoning changes. The Roads and Drainage report indicated plans to pave Blue Point Road before hurricane season and Christmas Street afterward, pending bid evaluations. The Economic Development Corporation reported on a presentation by the Visit Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitor Bureau, funding of the strategic plan, and exploring replanting entrance trees and creating a city-themed mural. The Waterfront and Compliance committee noted the installation of new letters to alleviate violations and scheduled a workshop to begin renegotiating the 10-year lease. Additionally, the Civic Club reported on the success of the Easter egg hunt and provided details for the upcoming 60th anniversary celebration on April 30th, which will feature a vintage car parade, shrimp lunch, and games.

The meeting began with the call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included the presentation of the audit for fiscal year 2022, where an unmodified opinion was issued, noting a healthy fund balance of approximately 180% of 2022 expenditures. Council reports covered attendance at the Texas Municipal League conference, a painting party event, and an update on the parks and pool. Staff reports detailed police activity statistics, progress on the Oak East parking lot project, and updates on the Shell Bottom boat ramp, including safety adjustments after high water levels and progression in the planning phase for construction grants. The fishing pier at Jarbo Park was reported as repaired and reopened, and swimming pool repairs were completed, although a potential ongoing issue with mastic was noted. The Roads and Drainage committee noted the need to rebid the request for proposal for a City Engineer. The Parks and Pool committee discussed updates on various parks and outstanding funding for playground equipment. The Waterfront Compliancy section addressed an issue with two lot slips requiring a resurvey. The Planning and Zoning Board reported having no items to present.

The regular city council meeting included reports from council members, one of whom noted an upcoming induction into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. The Mayor Pro Tem provided updates on external elections, specifically a Galveston County bond election for the bridge and a Clear Creek ISD election, mentioning associated candidate forums hosted by local Chambers of Commerce. The Chief of Police presented statistics for March, including traffic contacts, arrests, and the handling of a house fire incident, noting that rebuilding permits were being sought. City Administrator reports (delivered by another member) included the release of an RFP for debris collection, which is separate from the debris monitoring contract, and progress on applying for a hazard mitigation grant to fund a safe room building near City Hall. A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed discussion regarding a historical marker for the Clear Lake Shores Clubhouse. The committee leading the effort explained that the marker, originally intended to designate the building as a historic landmark upon City Council approval, was ultimately approved by the Texas Historical Commission as a subject marker for the city, including details about the clubhouse. Concerns were raised by council members regarding the deviation from the initially approved purpose and the city paying the $2,300 invoice, leading to discussions on how to retroactively correct documentation to ensure compliance. Additionally, an update was provided on a grant secured from the Portal to Texas History to digitize historical documents, though newspaper articles were excluded from that specific submission.

The City Council meeting included various reports and new business items. Council reports covered attendance at a Chamber meeting discussing increased security at Ellington Field and updates on the Parks and Pool meeting being rescheduled. A council member detailed ongoing communications with TCEQ regarding alleged fuel tanks, noting a lack of evidence and a request for public input or pictures to resolve the matter. Another council member reported on the federal approval of the Ike Dyke project and congratulated the Chief on obtaining a PIN. City Administrator reports highlighted the significant impact of heat on the swimming pool, necessitating repairs requiring draining a parcel in late September. Safety issues discussed included beehive removal and potential tree removal at Depot Park due to poor health, and striping completion on Clear Lake Road, noting a missed crosswalk. Progress on the boat ramp project involves completing an endangered species report for the state grant application. Parking lot construction is halfway finished, and the Engineering RFQ was published. The Economic Development report noted approvals for a Rideshare stop bench/signage and an administrative reimbursement program, and mentioned upcoming consideration for sponsoring the Texas Music office. New business involved approving road maintenance quotes for Clear Lake Road, funded by the Road and Drainage budget, and authorizing an MOU with the Texas Music office to designate the city as a music-friendly community, which involves man-hours but no direct financial commitment from the city.