Natalie N. Arnett

The meeting agenda included departmental reports recap and previews from Municipal Court, Community Services, Parks and Community Center, Police, Public Works, and Fire Marshal. New business featured consideration and possible action on adopting a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement with Galveston County for animal control and sheltering services, effective October 1, 2025. Another item involved amending the City's Purchasing Policy, specifically Section 5.4 regarding Approval Limits. Further new business included approving an interlocal agreement with Galveston County for milling work on 4th Street and Avenue L, discussion on opening 26th Street behind City Hall as a one-way street, approval to authorize H.I.S. Ministries to administer $50,000 in grant funds from SETH for residential housing rehabilitation, and an Executive Session regarding economic development negotiation. The City Manager's report noted recent strategic planning workshops.

Key discussions during the meeting included the City Manager acting as the Interim Economic Development Corporation Executive Director during the search for a new Coordinator. Financial reports for the period ending December 2025 were presented, including revenue, expenses, and fund balance. An overview of the January 2026 sales tax report was provided. Updates on current economic development and project status included reporting that drainage projects funded by the EDC grant are out for bid. New business covered updates from the Interim Executive Director, noting that Project Battlefield would not be pursued and that the BEAR Program applications were temporarily discontinued pending guideline refinement. The next Regular Meeting was scheduled for February 24, 2026.

This special joint meeting involved discussions and directions for the 2026 Strategic Planning Session across several bodies. Key sessions included planning between the City Council and the Park and Recreation Board, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Economic Development Corporation. The final session involved discussions between the City Council and the City Administration, where all parties agreed the meetings were beneficial and informative.

Key discussions included the presentation of the 2025 Racial Profiling Report by the Police Chief, along with departmental reports summarizing previous month's activities and upcoming projects for Finance, Municipal Court, Community Services, Parks and Community Center, Police, Public Works, and the City Secretary's office. New police officers were introduced. Under new business, the Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing participation in Texas CLASS for investment pools. A public hearing was held regarding the revision of Contract No. 24-065-037-E529 with the Texas General Land Office concerning the reprogramming of Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation funds for a backup generator at the Runge Park Community Building, which concluded without citizen comment. The Council also unanimously approved the submission of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Santa Fe Coordinated Response VOCA continuation grant application to fund the Santa Fe Resiliency Center. An ordinance was approved on its second and final reading, banning outdoor donation bins and regulating indoor placement. A resolution approving a Chapter 380 Agreement with BW Building Supply LLC to provide economic incentives was postponed until the next meeting. Announcements included updates on construction progress for a CenterPoint Energy service center and recent changes in the Precinct 2 Constable's office leadership.

The Council reviewed and approved several items, including interlocal agreements with Galveston County for animal control and sheltering services, road milling services for 4th Street and Avenue L, and the amending of the city's purchasing policy regarding approval limits. The Council authorized H.I.S. Ministries to administer grant funds for residential rehabilitation and approved the procurement and installation of a replacement monument sign at City Hall. Personnel policy was amended to update business hours, and an ordinance was approved to transition to one Regular City Council meeting per month on the third Thursday. Additionally, the Council authorized the submission of a grant application for the Fiscal Year 2027 Body Armor Grant Program, reappointed members to the Park and Recreation Board, and provided direction regarding the replacement of playground equipment at Joe A. Tambrella Park. The meetings also included departmental reports and updates on economic development negotiations.