Kyle Engelhardt

The regular meeting addressed several key actions. The Council approved department activity reports for November and December 2025, as well as the corresponding financial statements. Action was taken to approve Ordinance 2026-01, ordering a General and Special Election for May 2, 2026, including a proposition for sales and use tax reauthorization. A contract with Galveston County Election Division for conducting this election was also approved. The Council approved Ordinance 2026-02, establishing a Municipal Court Consolidated Security and Technology Fund and associated fee. Additionally, a resolution naming The Daily News as the official newspaper was passed, and approval was given for the construction of a gazebo/pavilion. The Council also voted to lower the digital sign monthly plan cost to zero and authorized the Mayor to hire a Municipal Court Judge and sign a new Animal Services Interlocal Agreement. Discussions included the definition of "attractiveness" for painted houses and resident comments regarding parking, licenses, and dog registrations.

The Regular Meeting included a call to order, roll call establishing a quorum, and the recitation of the Pledges. Citizen comments included a request to consider an action item regarding a setback variance at 281 Barracuda. The Consent Agenda involved reviewing and approving minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting, reviewing departmental activity reports for October 2025, discussing the financial statement ending October 2025, and reviewing the Mayor's and Alderman's reports, which covered topics such as attending GCMCA meetings, city communications, recent police staffing updates, and preparations for holiday events. Action items included the denial of a 5 ft setback variance request for 281 Barracuda for a pool placement, and casting the City's votes for the election of the Galveston Central Appraisal District Board of Directors, resulting in the appointment of Robin Collins. Comments at the end acknowledged the supportive team environment and participation in county activities.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The resignation of an Alderman was accepted, and a new Alderman was appointed. The council elected a new Mayor Pro-Tem. Actions were taken to remove and add signatories to city bank accounts. The council authorized the Mayor and other Aldermen to finalize the hiring process for the Chief of Police. They also discussed adjusting the hours for Galveston County's mutual aid. The council considered and acted on approving an agreement with CenterPoint Energy for a new electric pole, nominated a candidate for the TML Region 14 Director, and approved a policy for the use of city-issued iPads.

The meeting included an official budget hearing, where the council considered and revised the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, making adjustments to various cost of accounts (COA). The budget was adopted and ratified based on a proposed tax rate. Citizens commented on agenda items, including bank charges, garden club activities, city employee job descriptions, fire department funding, and the use of reserve officers. The council reviewed departmental activity reports and the financial statement. They also discussed contracting with deputies to patrol the city. An economic development project was denied following an executive session.

The meeting included discussion and review of City Departmental Activity Reports for September 2025, the Financial Statement ending September 30, 2025, and Mayor's and Aldermen's Reports. The council approved a contract with Danny Sendejas as the newly appointed Chief of Police and appointed a representative and alternate to the Houston-Galveston Area Council 2026 General Assembly. Additionally, they approved a resolution regarding Texas Gas Service Company's rate increase filing and considered moving end-of-year fund balances to the emergency account. Citizens commented on county deputies using high beams, and aldermen discussed drainage study considerations and an ordinance regarding big trucks. The Mayor announced upcoming events, including National Night Out, "Trick or Trunk" on Halloween, and the Lighting of the Christmas Tree.