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Home My WebLink AboutPR 24291: APPOINTMENT / RE-APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION City of ort rtltuTexas www.PortArthurTx.gov DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: August 21, 2025 To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Through: Ronald "Ron" Burton, CPM, City Manager From: Pamela D. Langford, CPM, Assistant City Manager—Operations/Director of Development Services RE: P.R. NO. 24291 — Appointment/Reappointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission Introduction: This agenda item intends to seek the City Council's approval of Proposed Resolution NO. 24291 appointing or reappointing members to serve on the City of Port Arthur Planning and Zoning Commission, pursuant to Article XI, Section I, of the Charter of the City of Port Arthur. The resolution provides for one appointment to a four (4) year term expiring on October 30, 2029, and one appointment to a five (5) year term expiring on October 30, 2030. Background: The Planning and Zoning Commission is a statutory advisory body established in accordance with Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code and Article XI, Section I of the City of Port Arthur Charter. The Commission plays a critical role in ensuring that zoning decisions are consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan and in promoting orderly growth and development within the municipality. Specifically, the Commission is tasked with: • Reviewing and making recommendations to City Council regarding zoning amendments, zoning district boundaries, and zoning text changes. • Conducting public hearings as required under the Texas Local Government Code prior to City Council action on zoning cases. • Assisting in the administration and enforcement of the City's Zoning Ordinance by providing an advisory role in interpreting and applying land use regulations. "Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur." P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743 Appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission are made by the City Council to ensure broad community representation and the inclusion of individuals who can provide expertise and perspective on local development matters. Reappointments allow for continuity of knowledge and decision-making experience in land use planning, while new appointments may provide fresh insight and community engagement. In accordance with Article XI, Section I, of the City's Charter, the City Planning and Zoning Commission shall be composed of five(5) members and appointed for a term of one, two, three, four, and five years, respectively, and annually thereafter, one member shall be appointed for the term of five (5) years. Members of the City Planning and Zoning Commission shall be appointed by a majority vote of the members of the City Council and may be removed for cause at any time. To ensure continuity with the City Charter, the resolution was revised to include a provision requesting the City Council to appoint one member to a four-year term expiring October 30, 2029. This ensures alignment with the staggered terms required under Article XI, Section 2 of the Charter. In addition, statements were added to the proposed resolution to clarify the composition of the Planning and Zoning Commission as set forth in the Charter and to recognize that Commissioner Zulema Escobedo was appointed in May 2023 to fill the unexpired term of Tiffany Hamilton-Everfield, with that term expiring October 30, 2024. Mr. Norris Simon, Jr., was first appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 20, 2008, by Resolution No. 08-216. His long-standing service has provided valuable knowledge and guidance in the City's decision-making on zoning amendments, public hearings, and the administration of land use regulations. His term is set to expire on October 30, 2025. Both Mr. Simon and Ms. Escobedo were contacted regarding their respective term expirations. Notification of term expiration was forwarded via email, and telephone notifications were provided on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Certified letters were also sent on August 26, 2025, informing them that the City Council will vote to appoint individuals to fill the expired terms beginning on September 10, 2025, for the already expired term, and on October 30, 2025, for the upcoming term expiration. The Council may choose to reappoint the current members or appoint new individuals to serve. Budget Impact: There is no budgetary impact associated with this appointment or reappointment. Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Proposed Resolution No. 24291, appointing or reappointing members to the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code and the City's Charter. The resolution provides for one appointment to a four (4) year term expiring on October 30, 2029, and one appointment to a five (5) year term expiring on October 30, 2030. "Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur." P.O. Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743 P.R. NO. 24291 08/21/2025 PDL PAGE 1 OF 5 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION APPOINTING AND/OR REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR WHEREAS, the term for Planning and Zoning Commissioner, Zulema Escobedo, expired on October 30, 2024, as delineated in Exhibit "A"; and, WHEREAS, the term of Planning and Zoning Commissioners, Norris Simon, Jr., expires on October 30, 2025, as delineated in Exhibit "A"; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 1 of Article XI of the Charter of the City of Port Arthur, it is necessary to appoint or reappoint persons to serve the terms set to begin on September 10, 2025, and October 31, 2025. WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 2 of Article XI of the Charter of the City of Port Arthur, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall be composed of five (5) members, with the initial appointments made for terms of one, two, three, four, and five years, respectively, and annually thereafter one member appointed for a term of five (5) years, with all members appointed by a majority vote of the City Council and removable for cause at any time; and WHEREAS, Zulema Escobedo was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission to fill Tiffany Hamilton-Everfield's unexpired term following the May 2023 City Council Election, with said term expiring on October 30, 2024; and WHEREAS, the five-year term position is currently held by Mr. Simon, who was initially appointed to the Commission on May 20, 2008, by Resolution No. 08-216, and whose present term will expire on October 30, 2025; and P.R. NO. 24291 08/21/2025 PDL PAGE 2 OF 5 WHEREAS, pursuant to Article XI, Section I of the City Charter, it is necessary for the City Council to appoint or reappoint an individual to serve a four-year term commencing September 10, 2025, and expiring October 30, 2029; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Article XI, Section I of the City Charter, it is necessary for the City Council to appoint or reappoint an individual to serve a five-year term commencing October 30, 2025, and expiring October 30, 2030. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR: Section 1: That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct. Section 2: That the City Council hereby appoints or reappoints to serve as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for a four(4) year term, expiring October 30, 2029, to ensure continuity with the City Charter regarding the composition of the Board, as delineated in Exhibit "B". Section 3: That the City Council hereby appoints or reappoints to serve as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for a five (5) year term, expiring October 30, 2030, as delineated in Exhibit "B". Section 4: That in accordance with Resolution No. 98-157, the appointee shall immediately contact the City Secretary to be sworn in, receive a copy of the Charter and documentation setting up the committee, commission, or board, and attend an orientation seminar from the City Attorney's Office. Section 5: That this Resolution shall be effective immediately. Section 6: That a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council. P.R. NO. 24291 08/21/2025 PDL PAGE 3 OF 5 READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this day of September, A.D., 2025, at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote: AYES: MAYOR COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: Charlotte M. Moses, Mayor ATTEST: Sherri Bellard, TRMC, City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION: Ronal "Ron" on, CPM, City anager Pamela D. Langford, CPM, Assistant City Manager— Operations/Director of Development Services P.R. NO. 24291 08/21/2025 PDL PAGE 4 OF 5 EXHIBIT "A" PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (REV.October 30,2024) Current Original . s Term Term Resolution Resolution Appoi Beginning Ending t ppt & Date Appt& Date Dr. Rosalind Queen RES 22-242 05/25/2022 10/30/2023 RES 22-242 Port Arthur, TX 77640 05/24/2022 05/24/2022 Dwight Wagner RES 23-244 RES 23-244 Port Arthur, TX 77640 05/23/2023 06/05/2023 10/30/2027 05/23/2023 Dr. Johnny Brown RES 20-217 RES 21-455 10/30/2021 10/30/2026 06/23/202000 Port Arthur, TX 77642-6848 10/26/2021 Zulema Escobedo RES 23-117 RES 23-117 03/14/2023 03/14/2023 10/30/2024 03/14/2023 Port Arthur, TX 77642 Norris Simon, Jr. RES 20-424 12/08/2020 12/08/2020 10/30/2025 RES 08-216 Port Arthur, TX 77640-1307 05/20/2008 APPOINTED BY: City Council. The commission shall consist of five (5) members, all of whom shall be resident citizens, real estate owners,taxpayers,and qualified City of Port Arthur voters. REMOVED BY: City Council For Cause At Any Time LIAISON: Director of Planning and Development Services, Pamela D. Langford, (409) 983-8136 TERMS: Five(5) Years THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR ORDINANCE NO. 2680 CREATED THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 30, 1960. (THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION WAS PREVIOUSLY CALLED THE ZONING COMMISSION AND PLANNING BOARD.) P.R. NO. 24291 08/21/2025 PDL PAGE 5 OF 5 EXHIBIT "B" PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (REV. September 10,2025) ' "` Current Original Resolution Term Term Resolution Appointee Beginning Ending ;ppt& Date Appt & Date Dr. Rosalind Queen RES 23-460 RES 22-242 10/24/2023 10/31/2023 10/30/2028 05/24/2022 Port Arthur, TX 77640 Dwight Wagner RES 23-244 RES 23-244 06/05/2023 10/30/2027 Port Arthur, TX 77640 05/23/2023 05/23/2023 Dr. Johnny Brown RES 21-455 RES 20-217 10/26/2021 10/30/2021 10/30/2026 06/23/202000 Port Arthur, TX 77642-6848 RES 25- 09/09/2025 09/10/2025 10/30/2029 RES 7 -_ RES 25-_ 09/09/2025 10/31/2025 10/30/2030 RES_ APPOINTED BY: City Council. The commission shall consist of five (5) members, all of whom shall be resident citizens, real estate owners,taxpayers, and qualified City of Port Arthur voters. REMOVED BY: City Council For Cause At Any Time LIAISON: Director of Development Services, Pamela D. Langford (409) 983-8136 TERMS: Five (5) Years THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR ORDINANCE NO. 2680 CREATED THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 30, 1960. (THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION WAS PREVIOUSLY CALLED THE ZONING COMMISSION AND PLANNING BOARD.) I I