HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPTEMBER 09, 2025 REGULAR MEETING 9_30 AMCHARLOTTE M. MOSES, MAYOR RONALD BURTON, CPM HAROLD L. DOUCET, SR., CITY MANAGER MAYOR PRO TEM SHERRI BELLARD, TRMC COUNCIL MEMBERS: CITY SECRETARY WILLIE BAE LEWIS, JR. TIFFANY L. HAMILTON EVERFIELD ROXANN PAIS COTRONEO DONEANE BECKCOM CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS KINLAW, III DONALD FRANK, SR.
AGENDA
City Council
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
9:30 AM CT
The City Council Of The City Of Port Arthur Will Conduct The Regular Meeting
Scheduled For Tuesday, September 9, 2025, At 9:30 AM CT, By Telephonic And
Videoconference In Addition To Allowing In Person Attendance . A Quorum Of
The City Council Will Be Physically Present In The City Council Chamber, Fifth Floor,
City Hall, 444 Fourth Street, Port Arthur, Texas. The Public May Participate In The
Meeting In Person Or By Dialing One Of The Following Toll-Free Numbers And Entering
The Meeting ID: 861 5044 5022 And Passcode: 663457
(877) 853-5247 US Toll Free(888) 788-0099 US Toll Free
In Compliance With The Americans With Disabilities Act, The City Of Port Arthur Will
Provide For Reasonable Accommodations For Persons Attending City Council Meetings.
To Better Serve You, Requests Should Be Received 24 Hours Prior To The Meeting.
Please Contact The City Secretary’s Office At (409) 983-8115.
Website: http://www.portarthurtx.gov
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City Council Regular Meeting
City Hall Council Chamber
City Of Port Arthur
September 9, 2025
9:30 AM
PLEASE TURN OFF OR MUTE ALL MOBILE DEVICES
I. INVOCATION, PLEDGE & ROLL CALL
Mayor Moses _____
Mayor Pro Tem Doucet, Sr. _____
Councilmember Lewis, Jr. _____
Councilmember Hamilton Everfield _____
Councilmember Beckcom _____
Councilmember Kinlaw, III _____
Councilmember Frank, Sr. _____
City Manager Burton, CPM _____
City Secretary Bellard, TRMC _____
City Attorney Pais Cotroneo _____
Police Chief Duriso Or Designee _____
II. PROCLAMATIONS
Proclamations
III. PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS
A. Speakers
(1) Hattie Harmason Representing Extraordinary Vision Regarding
Support For The Blind Conference And Community Participation
B. Presentations
(1) A Presentation By Selim Kiralp Regarding An Update On Pleasure
Island Buildings A & B (Requested By Councilmember Hamilton
Everfield)
(2) A Presentation By Attorney Karen Kennard Regarding An Update Of
The 89th Texas Legislature
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
III. PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS – CONTINUED
C. City Manager’s Staff Reports
(1) A Presentation By Staff And Evergreen Solutions Inc. Regarding A
Wage And Compensation Study
(2) A Presentation By Staff Regarding The Solid Waste Master Plan
(3) A Presentation By Water Utilities Regarding The Water Meter Project
(4) A Progress Report By Staff Regarding Fire Station Number 3
D. Employee Recognition – None
E. Correspondence – None
F. Discussions
(1) A Discussion Regarding The Fence Ordinance Revision (Requested
By Councilmember Hamilton Everfield)
(2) A Discussion Regarding Reginald Linden Threatening An Elected
Official (Requested By Councilmember Lewis)
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS – 10:00 A.M.
(1) A Public Hearing For The Purpose Of Receiving Public Comments And
To Consider The Following:
PROPOSED CHANGE: A ZONING MAP AMENDMENT (Z25-05) TO
CONSIDER A ZONE CHANGE FROM LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO
A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT THAT WILL INCLUDE
SINGLE-FAMILY, 2-FAMILY, AND RECREATIONAL, OUTDOOR
DEVELOPMENT
SITE LOCATION: EAST OF FOSTER LEWIS DRIVE AND SOUTH OF
MAIN AVENUE
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 3, 322.5' X 470' OUT OF LT 4,
BLK 2, RANGE E, PALCO, City of Port Arthur, Jefferson County,
Texas;
TRACT 5, 1159.9' X 768.4' X 244.8' X 627.88' X 164.4' OUT OF LTS
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 BLK 2, RANGE E, PALCO, City of Port Arthur,
Jefferson County, Texas;
LT 5, TR 2, BLK 2, RG E, PALCO, City of Port Arthur, Jefferson
County, Texas
Citizens With Questions Regarding The Description Of This Property Can
Contact The City Planning Department At (409) 983-8133. The Public Will
Also Be Able To View The Public Hearing Via The City’s Website At
www.portarthurtx.gov
V. REPORTS / ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
(LIMITED TO A TOTAL OF TWO (2) MINUTES PER
COUNCILMEMBER)
Pursuant To 551.0415 Of The Texas Government Code, The Mayor And
Council May Make Announcements Regarding Items Of Community
Interest, Which Include The Following:
(1) Expressions Of Thanks, Congratulations, Or Condolence;
(2) Information Regarding Holiday Schedules;
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
V. REPORTS / ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
(LIMITED TO A TOTAL OF TWO (2) MINUTES PER
COUNCILMEMBER) – CONTINUED
(3) An Honorary Or Salutary Recognition Of A Public Official, Public
Employee, Or Other Citizen, Except That A Discussion Regarding A
Change In The Status Of A Person's Public Office Or Public
Employment Is Not An Honorary Or Salutary Recognition For
Purposes Of This Subdivision;
(4) A Reminder About An Upcoming Event Organized Or Sponsored By
The Governing Body;
(5) Information Regarding A Social, Ceremonial, Or Community Event
Organized Or Sponsored By An Entity Other Than The Governing
Body That Was Attended Or Is Scheduled To Be Attended By A
Member Of The Governing Body Or An Official Or Employee Of The
Political Subdivision; And
(6) Announcements Involving An Imminent Threat To The Public Health
And Safety Of People In The Political Subdivision That Has Arisen
After The Posting Of The Agenda
*Possible Action May Not Be Discussed In Conjunction With The
Information Provided In The Report
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(1) P.R. No. 24473 – A Resolution Nominating A Member And/Or
Members To The Board Of Directors Of The Orange County
Appraisal District For The 2026 – 2029 Term
(2) P.O. No. 7362 – An Ordinance Authorizing The Sale And Conveyance
Of City-Owned Vacant Tracts Of Land Located On Freeman Avenue
(Formerly Texas Avenue), Identified As Parcel Nos. 95636, 95641,
95642, 95643, And 95644, To The Port Of Port Arthur Navigation
District For The Total Fair Market Value Of $26,100.00 To Support
The Port's Expansion Efforts
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
VII. CONSENT AGENDA
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: The Following Items Are Of A Routine Or
Administrative Nature. The Council Has Been Furnished With Background
And Support Material On Each Item, And/Or It Has Been Discussed At A
Previous Meeting. All Items Will Be Acted Upon By One Vote Without Being
Discussed Separately Unless Requested By A Council Member Or A Citizen,
In Which Event The Item Or Items Will Immediately Be Withdrawn For
Individual Consideration In Its Normal Sequence After The Items Not
Requiring Separate Discussion Have Been Acted Upon.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTINUED
A. Travel Expense Reports – None
B. Minutes – None
C. Resolutions – Consent
(1) P.R. No. 24273 – A Resolution Authorizing The Renewal Of The
License And Maintenance Agreement With Environmental Systems
Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) Of Redlands, California, For The
ArcInfo GIS Software Through The Texas Department Of Information
Resources Contract No. DIR-CPO-4699 In The Amount Of
$33,121.44; Funding Available In The GIS Computer Programs
Account No. 001-13-029-5450-00-10-000
(2) P.R. No. 24275 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Negotiate A Contract With Freese And Nichols, Inc. Of Houston,
Texas, To Provide Comprehensive Planning And Engineering Services
For The Revision And Amendment Of The City Of Port Arthur's
Subdivision Regulations (Chapter 98, Code Of Ordinances)
(3) P.R. No. 24302 – A Resolution Calling For A Public Hearing To
Consider A Zoning Change For 0.4814 Acres Of Land Consisting Of
All Of Lots 15-20, Block 23, Rosemont Addition, City Of Port Arthur,
Jefferson County, Texas (3537 39th Street) From Planned
Development District – 30 (PD-30) To Medium Density Residential
(MDR) Z25-04 – Kode Properties
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
VII. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTINUED
(4) P.R. No. 24349 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Accept The Project Completion Documents For The Sabine Pass Pipe
Bursting Phase IV Project With Global Drilling, Inc. Of Winnie, Texas,
And Authorize The Release Of Retainage In The Total Amount Of
$22,640.40; Funding Is Available In Retainage Account No. 169-00-
000-2050-00-00-000
(5) P.R. No. 24379 – A Resolution Approving Settlement Of Wind
Damage Claims In The Amount Of $14,926.89 Made Against
Landmark American Insurance Company (Through Agent USI
Southwest Inc., El Paso) Due To A Tornado (April 10, 2024) To
Various City Properties
(6) P.R. No. 24380 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute Settlement Of A Property Damage Claim In The Amount Of
$10,331.97 Made Against Texas Municipal League
Intergovernmental Risk Pool (TML-IRP) As A Result Of Property Theft
At Senior Field (3401 60th Street)
(7) P.R. No. 24382 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute Settlement Of A Property Damage Claim In The Amount Of
$29,946.00 Made Against Texas Municipal League
Intergovernmental Risk Pool (TML-IRP) As A Result Of Damages To
Cameras On Pleasure Island (December 6, 2024)
(8) P.R. No. 24453 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute Amendment #2 To The Home Investment Partnerships
Program American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Contract With Catholic
Charities Of Southeast Texas. The Amendment Will Allocate An
Additional $1,116.00 Of HOME-ARP Funding To Catholic Charities
And Amend The Budget To Permit The Use Of HOME-ARP Funds For
Food Purchases, Outreach, Transportation, And Financial Assistance
Costs For Eligible Participants. The Account Number Is 108-13-033-
5470-00-40-000; Project# HMEARP2
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
VII. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTINUED
(9) P.R. No. 24454 – A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of
Port Arthur, Texas, Authorizing The City Manager To Apply For
Funding Through The Texas General Land Office Resilient
Communities Program (RCP) To Update The City's 2014
Comprehensive Land Use Plan To Incorporate Resiliency And Hazard
Mitigation Strategies
(10) P.R. No. 24476 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute Amendment No. 2 To The Professional Engineering Services
Agreement With Woolpert, Inc. Of Houston, Texas, For The 9th
Avenue Bridge Repairs For The Amount Of $37,765.00. Funds Are
Available In The Capital Improvement Fund Account, 307-21-053-
8517-00-10-000, Allocated From Project Number BR0002.DES
(11) P.R. No. 24501 – A Resolution Ratifying Three Professional Services
Agreements Between The City Of Port Arthur And Strategic
Government Resources (SGR) For Executive Recruitment Services
For The Positions Of Director Of Public Services/City Engineer,
Assistant City Attorney, And Comptroller, In A Total Amount Not To
Exceed $63,484.00. Funding Is Available In Human Resources
Professional Services Account No. 001-11-025-5420-00-10-000
(12) P.R. No. 24502 – A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of
Port Arthur, Texas, Authorizing The City Manager To Execute A
Contract With Ardurra Group, LLC For Grant Management And
Administration Services For Projects Funded By The Texas General
Land Office (GLO), Including Two Grants Awarded From The 2019
Department Of Housing And Urban Development (HUD)
Infrastructure Grants. The Administration Costs For The 2019 HUD
Infrastructure Grants Will Not Exceed $76,000.00, With Funding
Available In Account No. 148-21-053-8517-00-10-000 Project No.
GM2502.GRE.ADM And Account No. 148-21-055-5492-00-70-000
Project No. GM2402.GRE.ADM. Future Grant Awards Will Require A
Task Order And A Fee Amount
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
VII. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTINUED
(13) P.R. No. 24505 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute Settlement Of A Property Damage Claim In The Amount Of
$54,454.21 Made Against Texas Municipal League
Intergovernmental Risk Pool (TML-IRP) As A Result Of Damages Of
Flooding At The Health Department (5860 9th Avenue)
VIII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION – NON-CONSENT
A. Resolutions – Non-Consent
(1) P.R. No. 24174 – A Resolution Approving The Fourth Amendment To
The Purchasing Manual For The City Of Port Arthur
(2) P.R. No. 24278 – A Resolution Appointing And/Or Reappointing
Member(s) To The Zoning Board Of Adjustment Pursuant To
Appendix A: Zoning, Section 5.04 Of The City Of Port Arthur Code Of
Ordinances
(3) P.R. No. 24291 – A Resolution Appointing And/Or Reappointing
Members To The Planning And Zoning Commission Of The City Of
Port Arthur
(4) P.R. No. 24330 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Enter
In A Two-Year Contract With The USIO Output Solutions Of San
Antonio, Texas, For The Printing And Mailing Service Of Monthly
Water Billing Statements, With A Projected Budgetary Impact Of
$90,000.00 Per Year. Funding Is Available In Water Utilities Account
No. 410-40-205-5420-00-00-000, Professional Services ($90,000.00
For FY26 And $90,000.00 For FY27, Subject To FY26 And FY27
Budget Approvals)
(5) P.R. No. 24338 – A Resolution Ratifying The City Manager's Decision
To Authorize Emergency Repairs To The 12-Inch Sewer Line Located
On Jimmy Johnson Boulevard Between Highways 69/96 And 9th
Avenue; And Further Authorizing The City Manager To Release A
Partial Payment Of $349,340.43 To Global Drilling, Inc., Of Winnie,
Texas, With Funding From CIP Account No. 405-40-000-8516-00-00-
000 Contingent Upon Approval Of The Budget Amendment In
Proposed Ordinance No. 7366
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
VIII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION – NON-CONSENT –
CONTINUED
(6) P.R. No. 24361 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute Change Order No. 2 With Allco, LLC. Of Beaumont, Texas,
Increasing The Contract Amount By $7,458.46 To A New Total Of
$1,441,805.46; Accept The Project Completion Documents For The
Port Acres Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Improvements
Project; And Further Authorizing The Release Of Retainage In The
Amount Of $71,717.35 From Retainage Account No. 169-00-000-
2050-00-00-000, Project No. ARP015. Funding For The Change
Order In CIP Account No. 405-40-000-8516-00-00-000, Project No.
ARP015.GRE.WWT.OTH, Is Contingent Upon The Approval Of The
Budget Amendment In Proposed Ordinance No. 7366
(7) P.R. No. 24489 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Purchase The Property Located At 1148 9th Avenue From The
Vietnamese Dominican Sisters For The Total Amount Of
$280,000.00, Plus Applicable Closing Costs; Funding For This
Purchase Is Available In The Capital Improvement Account No. 307-
25-065-8511-00-20-000
(8) P.R. No. 24492 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Increase The Purchase Order With Olson & Olson, LLP Of Houston,
Texas, By $10,000.00 For A New Total Not To Exceed Amount Of
$35,000.00 For Professional Legal Services; Funding Available In The
Law Department's Professional Services Account No. 001-05-013-
5420-00-10-000
(9) P.R. No. 24498 – A Resolution Authorizing The Second Year (First
Renewal) Of The Contract With Smith's Remodeling Of Port Arthur,
Texas For Grass Cutting Services At The Civic Center Department
Buildings For A Total Cost Of $56,540.00. Funding Available In Civic
Center Account Number 001-15-043-5311-00-20-000 Subject To
Approval Of FY26 Budget
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
VIII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION – NON-CONSENT –
CONTINUED
(10) P.R. No. 24499 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager, Or His
Designee, To Purchase Sole-Source Polymers And Polymer Aids For
The Water Purification And Wastewater Treatment Plants, With A
Projected Budgetary Impact Of $1,645,000.00; Funding From The
Following Water Utilities Accounts: $1,510,000.00 From Account No.
410-40-210-5217-00-00-000 And $135,000.00 From Account No.
410-40-225-5217-00-00-000, For Treatment Chemicals Is
Contingent Upon Approval Of The Budget Amendment In Proposed
Ordinance No. 7366
(11) P.R. No. 24507 – A Resolution Approving The Port Arthur Economic
Development Corporation Engaging The Interim Legal Counsel
Services Of Germer PLLC Of Beaumont, Texas In An Amount Not To
Exceed $30,000.00; Funds Are Available In PAEDC Account No. 120-
80-625-5420-00-00-000 (Professional Services)
(12) P.R. No. 24516 – A Resolution Appointing And/Or Reappointing
Members To Port Arthur Coalition For Homeless Advisory Board
(Requested By Mayor Moses)
(13) P.R. No. 24517 – A Resolution Appointing And/Or Reappointing A
Member Or Members To The Pleasure Island Advisory Commission
(Requested By Mayor Moses)
(14) P.R. No. 24518 – A Resolution Appointing And/Or Reappointing A
Member Or Members To The Citizen’s Pipeline Advisory Committee
(Requested By Mayor Moses)
B. Ordinances – Non-Consent
(1) P.O. No. 7318 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 110 (Utilities),
Article II (Water),Division 3 (Service Charges And Billing), Sections
110-98 (Procedures For Water Utility Billing Adjustments) And 110-
99 (Procedures For Water Utility Billing Adjustments Commercial
Accounts) Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Port Arthur
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
VIII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION – NON-CONSENT –
CONTINUED
(2) P.O. No. 7365 – An Ordinance Amending Subsubsection (b) Of
Section 78-71 [Filling Of Vacant Regular Positions] Of Division 2
[Employee Selection] Of Chapter 78 [Personnel Policy] Of The City
Of Port Arthur Code Of Ordinances By Providing Agency Temporaries
Who Have Six (6) Months Of Continuous Service With The City Of
Port Arthur Be Afforded An Opportunity To Bid On Vacant Positions
In The Same Manner As City Temporaries
(3) P.O. No. 7366 – An Appropriation Ordinance Amending The City Of
Port Arthur Budget For The Fiscal Year Beginning October 1, 2024
And Ending September 30, 2025, Increasing The General Fund
(001) By $2,001,801.00 And Transferring That Amount Thereby
Increasing Water And Sewer Capital Fund (405) By $356,801.00
And Water And Sewer Fund (410) By $1,645,000.00
IX. WORKSHOP
To Discuss The Proposed Budget For Fiscal Year 2025 – 2026
X. *CLOSED MEETING (EXECUTIVE SESSION)
The City Council Will Now Go Into Closed/Executive Session Pursuant To
The Following Sections Of Chapter 551 Texas Government Code:
1. Section 551.074 (Personnel) – Performance Evaluations Of The City
Manager, City Attorney, And City Secretary (Requested By Mayor
Moses)
2. Section 551.074 (Personnel) To Discuss And Take Possible Action
Regarding The Evaluation Process Of The City Manager, City
Secretary And City Attorney (Requested By Councilmember Kinlaw)
3. Section 551.071 (Legal Advice) – Separation Agreement And Release
Of All Claims Signed By Terry Stokes
4. Section 551.071 (Legal Advice), Section 551.072 (Value Of Real
Property), And Section 551.087 (Economic Development) – Pleasure
Island Building A And Marina Boat Slips
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
X. *CLOSED MEETING (EXECUTIVE SESSION) – CONTINUED
5. Section 551.071 (Legal Advice), Section 551.072 (Value Of Real
Property), And Section 551.087 (Economic Development) – Purchase
And Development Of 35.24 Acres Of Land Located On Pleasure
Island
6. Section 551.071 (Legal Advice), And Section 551.072 (Value Of Real
Property) – City-Owned Vacant Tracts On Freeman Avenue
(Formerly Texas Avenue)
7. Section 551.071 (Legal Advice) – Randy Daws Vs. City Of Port Arthur,
Cause No. 25DCCV1583 Filed In The District Court Of Jefferson
County, Texas
*The Items In Executive Session May Be Discussed And Acted On
In Open Session
PUBLIC NOTICE Is Hereby Given That The City Council May Elect To Go
Into Executive Session At Any Time During The Meeting In Order To Discuss
Any Matters Listed On The Agenda, When Authorized By The Following
Chapter 551 Of The Texas Government Code:
1. Section 551.071, Seeking The Advice Of Its Attorney About Pending
Or Contemplated Litigation, Settlement Offers, Or Any Matter In
Which The Duty Of The Attorney To The City Council Under The
Texas Disciplinary Rules Of Professional Conduct Of The State Bar Of
Texas Clearly Conflicts With The Texas Open Meetings Act
2. Section 551.072, Deliberating The Purchase, Exchange, Lease Or
Value Or Real Property If Deliberation In An Open Meeting Would
Have A Detrimental Effect On The Position Of The City In
Negotiations With A Third Party
3. Section 551.073, Deliberating A Negotiated Contract For A
Prospective Gift Or Donation To The City If The Deliberation In An
Open Meeting Would Have A Detrimental Effect On The City's
Position In Negotiations With A Third Person
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AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
X. *CLOSED MEETING (EXECUTIVE SESSION) – CONTINUED
4. Section 551.074, Deliberating The Appointment, Employment,
Evaluation, Reassignment, Duties, Discipline, Or Dismissal Of A
Public Officer Or Employee; Or To Hear A Complaint Or Charge
Against An Officer Or Employee Under The Officer Or Employee Who
Is The Subject Of The Deliberation Or Hearing Request A Public
Hearing
5. Section 551.076, Deliberating The Deployment Or Specific Occasions
For Implementation Of Security Personnel Or Devices
6. Section 551.087, Discussing Or Deliberating Commercial Or Financial
Information That The City Has Received From A Business Prospect
That The City Seeks To Have Locate, Stay, Or Expand In Or Near
The City And With The City Is Conducting Economic Development
Negotiations; Or Deliberating The Offer Or A Financial Or Other
Incentive To A Business Prospect
7. Section 551.089, Deliberating Security Assessments Or Deployments
Relating To Information Resources Technology, Network Security
Information, Or The Deployment Or Specific Occasions For
Implementations Of Security Personnel, Critical Infrastructure, Or
Security Devices
XI. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
***************************************************
Note: If The Meeting Extends Past 11:59 PM, The City Council May Elect
To Recess The Meeting And Reconvene At 9:30 AM On September 10, 2025.
During The Recess, No Action Will Be Taken On Any Item Of Remaining
Business And No Executive Sessions Will Be Held To Discuss Any Matters,
All In Accordance With The Open Meetings Law
***************************************************
RULES OF DECORUM – PERSONS ADDRESSING COUNCIL & AUDIENCE MEMBERS
1. Recognition by Presiding Officer. No person shall address the Council without first being recognized by the
Presiding Officer.
2. Speaking Procedure; Limitation on discussion and questioning. Each person addressing the Council shall step up to the microphone provided for the use of the public and give his name and address in an audible tone of voice for the records, state that subject he wishes to discuss, state whom he is representing if he represents an organization or other person, and unless further time is granted by majority vote of the Council, shall limit his remarks to five (5) minutes. All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a whole and not to any member thereof. No person other than members of the Council and the person having the floor shall be permitted to
enter into any discussion, whether directly or through a member of the Council, without the permission of the
Presiding Officer.
3. Improper References, Disorderly Conduct By Person Addressing The Council; Any person making, expressly or impliedly, personal, impertinent, slanderous, derogatory, discourteous, snide, or profane remarks or who willfully utters loud, threatening or abusive language, or engages, in any disorderly conduct which would impede, disrupt, or disturb the orderly conduct, the order by the Presiding Officer, and if such conduct continues, may, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, be ordered barred from further audience before the Council during that Meeting.
4. Addresses After Motion Made or Public Hearing Closed. After a motion has been made or a public hearing has been closed, no member of the public shall address the Council from the audience on the matter under consideration without first securing permission to do so by majority vote of the City Council. 5. Campaign Speeches Prohibited. No persons will be allowed to address the City Council by making campaign speeches for or against any candidate who has announced or does announce his intention to run, or issue already ordered on a ballot for election.
6. Disorderly Conduct. No person in the audience shall engage in disorderly conduct such as hand clapping,
stamping of feet, whistling, using profane language, yelling, and similar demonstrations, which conduct
disturbs the peace and good order of the meeting. 7. Limitations on Use of Supplemental Lighting. Limitations on use of supplemental lighting for television and motion picture cameras to create the least amount of interference with or disturbance of Council proceedings and/or discomfort to the public. 8. Persons Having Complaints, Allegations, or Charges Against Individual City Employees. No person shall make any complaint, specific allegation, or charge against an individual City Employee by name in a public meeting
unless he first shows that he has pursued appropriate administrative channels.
ENFORCEMENT OF DECORUM
Warning. All persons shall at the request of the Presiding Officer, be silent.
Removal. If, after receiving a warning from the Presiding Officer, a person persists in disturbing the meeting, such Officer may order him to remove himself from the meeting. If he does not remove himself, the Presiding Officer may order the Sergeant-at-arms to remove him.
Resisting Removal. Any person who resists removal by the Sergeant-at-arms shall be charged with violating V.T.C.A,
Penal Code 42.05.
Motions To Enforce. Any Councilmember may move to require the Presiding Officer to enforce this division, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the Council shall require him to do so. RULES OF PROCEDURE
The City Secretary shall make public, in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Law, an agenda containing all business to be discussed at a meeting of the City Council. Persons Requesting To Be Heard On Agenda Items (1) Residents. Any resident who wishes to address the Council on
any matter may do so by notifying the City Secretary in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Law. (2)
Nonresidents. Any nonresident wishing to address the Council shall notify the City Secretary and specify his interest in the matter being considered. The City Secretary shall present such request to the Presiding Officer for approval before placing the name on the Agenda. Specific Agenda Items. After a motion, second and discussion by the City Council on any specific agenda item, and before a vote is taken, the Presiding Officer shall recognize any citizen in the audience wishing to address the council
on such item, who shall be permitted to address the Council thereon for a period of three (3) minutes. “Specific Agenda
Items” are defined as any item specified on the Notice of Meeting posted for purposes of the Texas Open Meetings Law and which becomes the subject of a motion before the Council. This is an abridged version of the City of Port Arthur Code of Ordinances Article II, Sec. 2-75 (a).
Article II. The Council. Section 11. - Rules of Procedure