HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 16, 2025 REGULAR MEETING 5_30 PMCHARLOTTE 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, December 16, 2025
5:30 PM CT
The City Council Of The City Of Port Arthur Will Conduct The Regular Meeting
Scheduled For Tuesday, December 16, 2025, At 5:30 PM 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 Zoom Toll-Free Numbers And
Entering The Meeting ID: 871 8988 0448 And Passcode: 780439
(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
December 16, 2025
5:30 PM
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) Deric Outley Of Land To Sky Realty Regarding Unauthorized
Municipal Occupation Of Private Property (Parcel 72810)
B. Presentations
(1) A Presentation By Steve Bolden Of The Benefit Of Foothill Affordable
Housing Foundation, Inc., Regarding Housing
C. City Manager’s Staff Reports – None
D. Employee Recognition – None
E. Correspondence – None
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AGENDA
DECEMBER 16, 2025
III. PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS – CONTINUED
F. Discussions
(1) Reconsideration, Discussion, And Possible Action Regarding Conduct
Of A Forensic Audit (Requested By Councilmember Frank)
(2) A Discussion And To Take Possible Action Regarding Boards And
Committees, Attendance, Directives, Mission, And Stated Duties
(Requested By Councilmember Beckcom)
(3) A Discussion Regarding The Future Of Game Rooms In The City Of
Port Arthur, In Light Of Recent Changes To Existing Ordinances In
Other Local Municipalities (Requested By Councilmember Beckcom)
(4) A Discussion Regarding Impaneling A Charter Change Committee
(Requested by Mayor Pro Tem Doucet)
(5) A Discussion Regarding The Appropriation Of Street Funds
(Requested By Mayor Pro Tem Doucet)
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS – 6:00 PM
(1) A Public Hearing For The Purpose Of Receiving Public Comments And
To Consider The Following:
PERMIT REQUEST: Request For A Major Pipeline Permit To Install
A Twenty Inch (20") Natural Gas Pipeline To Transport Natural Gas
From Facilities South Of Highway 73, Approximately 1.9 Miles
Southwest Of Port Arthur And Continue In A Northeasterly Direction
For Approximately 3.3 Miles Before Crossing Highway 73, Within Port
Arthur
APPLICANT: Trident Interstate Pipeline, LLC
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
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AGENDA
DECEMBER 16, 2025
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS – 6:00 PM – CONTINUED
(2) A Public Hearing For The Purpose Of Receiving Public Comments And
To Consider The Following:
PERMIT REQUEST: Request For A Major Pipeline Permit To Install
A Forty-Two Inch (42") Natural Gas Pipeline To Transport Natural
Gas From Facilities North Of Highway 73, Approximately 2.5 Miles
Southwest Of Port Arthur. The Line Continues In A Southeasterly
Direction For Approximately 15 Miles Before Crossing Highway 87, 7
Miles South Of Port Arthur. The Line Then Continues 1.5 Miles
Through Lands Adjacent To The Keith Lake Entergy Power Station,
Ultimately Terminating At Golden Pass Products Property
APPLICANT: Trident Interstate Pipeline, LLC
Citizens With Questions Regarding The Description Of This Property Can
Contact The Engineering Department At (409) 983-8103. 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;
(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;
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AGENDA
DECEMBER 16, 2025
V. REPORTS / ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST (LIMITED TO A
TOTAL OF TWO (2) MINUTES PER COUNCILMEMBER) –
CONTINUED
(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 – NONE
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.
A. Travel Expense And Reimbursement Report – None
B. Minutes – None
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AGENDA
DECEMBER 16, 2025
VII. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTINUED
C. Resolutions – Consent
(1) P.R. No. 24636 – A Resolution Approving A Training Agreement
Between The Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation And
Lamar State College Port Arthur For Tuition Reimbursement For Ten
(10) Port Arthur Resident High School Graduates Attending A 2-Year
Associate Degree Program Not To Exceed $90,000.00; Funds
Available In EDC FY 25-26 Account No. 120-80-625-5475-00-00-000
(Job Training Programs)
(2) P.R. No. 24656 – A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Of A New
2026 F-450 Flatbed Service Truck For The Water Utilities Department
Pipe Bursting Crews From Silsbee Ford Of Silsbee, Texas, Through
TIPS Contract No. 240901, In The Total Amount Of $76,904.00.
Funds Are Available In Capital Equipment Account No. 405-40-220-
8522-00-00-000, Project No. WS0030.OTH
(3) P.R. No. 24663 – A Resolution Authorizing A 288-Day Extension To
The Professional Services Agreement For The Solid Waste Master
Plan Project With NewGen Strategies And Solutions Of Orlando,
Florida. There Is No Funding Impact For The Professional Service
Agreement Extension
(4) P.R. No. 24665 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute A License Agreement Between The City Of Port Arthur And
Central Mall Port Arthur Shopping Center, Located At 3100 FM 365
For The Establishment And Operation Of A Police Substation. The
License Agreement Includes A License Fee Of $1.00 Annually With
No Security Deposit. Funding Available In The Police Department's
Building Maintenance Account Number 001-17-045-5312-00-3-000
(5) P.R. No. 24668 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute All Necessary Documents To Accept The Donation Of A 2026
Ford Explorer From The Texas Department Of Health And Human
Services For Use By The City Of Port Arthur WIC Program.
Inspections And Repair Services Will Be Funded By WIC Grant Funds,
Vehicle Maintenance Account, 101-23-061-5319-00-50-000,
HG2603.GRE.MVM
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AGENDA
DECEMBER 16, 2025
VII. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTINUED
(6) P.R. No. 24674 – A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Of Service
Awards For City Of Port Arthur Employees And Awarding Said Bid To
Terryberry Of Grand Rapids, Michigan, In An Amount Not To Exceed
$68,256.00. Funds Available In Account No. 620-11-025-5214-00-
00-000
(7) P.R. No. 24687 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute Change Order No. 1 To The Contract With G&G Enterprises
Construction Corporation, Of Beaumont, Texas, For The Construction
Of Fire Station 3 To Extend The Substantially Finished Date To March
28, 2026, At No Change In Costs
(8) P.R. No. 24697 – A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of
Port Arthur, Texas, Authorizing The City Manager, Or His Designee,
To Negotiate An Agreement With Entergy Texas, Inc., Through Its
Power Through Program, For A Cost-Share Installation Of A Natural
Gas Generator At The Port Arthur Civic Center Located At 3401
Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, Jefferson County, Texas
VIII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION – NON-CONSENT
A. Resolutions – Non-Consent
(1) P.R. No. 24576 – A Resolution Authorizing City Manager To Remit
Payment To The City Of Beaumont For The Annual Recurring Costs
Of The Regional Radio System In The Amount Of $184,461.28;
$160,000.00 Available In FY 25-26 Regulatory Account #149-17-
630-5491-00-10-000 And $24,461.28 Available In The Fire
Department Equipment Maintenance Account Number 001-19-047-
5318-00-30-000
(2) P.R. No. 24607 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute A Contract With Allco, LLC Of Beaumont, Texas For The
Highway 365 Lift Station Improvements For A Total Amount Of
$1,612,000.00, Funding Shall Be Provided In Capital Improvements
Project Account Number 405-40-000-8516-00-00-000, Project No.
WS0029.CON
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AGENDA
DECEMBER 16, 2025
VIII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION – NON-CONSENT –
CONTINUED
(3) P.R. No. 24608 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Enter
Into A Professional Services Agreement With EJES, INC Of Houston,
Texas For The Lead Service Line Inventory, In The Total Amount Of
$4,115,415.00. Funds Are Available In Account No. 404-40-000-
8516-00-00-000, Project No. TW0004.ENG
(4) P.R. No. 24635 – A Resolution Authorizing The Port Arthur Economic
Development Corporation To Utilize Pre-Employment Workforce
Training Funds To Implement A Youth Employment Program In An
Amount Not To Exceed $100,000.00; Funds Available In EDC
Account No. 120-80-625-5440-00-00-000 (Job Training Programs)
(5) P.R. No. 24639 – A Resolution Authorizing Approval Of Amending
Resolution 24-123 And Financing Proposal From PNC Equipment
Finance, LLC In The Amount Of $2,670,977.00 For The
Lease/Purchase Of Two Pierce Custom Enforcer Pumper, 2nd
Generation Type I Fire Engine Apparatus From Siddons-Martin
Emergency Group Of Denton, Texas. Funds To Support This
Financing Structure Will Be Drawn From The Capital Reserve Account
No. 625-19-047-8492-00-00-000 Pending Proposed Budget
Amendment PO 7385
(6) P.R. No. 24648 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Utilize $37,923.00 From The Project's Contingency Fund To Cover
Field Orders During Construction, Resulting In A Decrease To The
Original Contract Amount From $1,987,807.00 To A New Total
Contract Amount Of $1,875,730.00; And Further Authorizing The
Acceptance Of Close-Out Documents And The Approval Of Final
Payment In The Amount Of $93,786.50 For The Completion Of The
El Vista Drainage Pump Station Improvements. Funding Of
$92,582.05 Is Available In The Accounts Payable Retainage Account,
307-00-000-2050-00-00-000, Project No. DR1P07-CON, And
$1,204.45 Is Available In The Drainage Pump Stations Program
Account, Harvey Fund, 147-07-015-8515-00-40-000
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AGENDA
DECEMBER 16, 2025
VIII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION – NON-CONSENT –
CONTINUED
(7) P.R. No. 24669 – A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of
Port Arthur Approving A Plan Of Finance For The Issuance Of
Revenue Bonds By The Housing Authority Of The City Of Port Arthur
To Finance A Qualified Residential Rental Project For The Benefit Of
Foothill Affordable Housing Foundation, Inc. Or Its Affiliates, And
Certain Other Matters Relating Thereto
(8) P.R. No. 24673 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute Change Order No. 8 For The Main Wastewater Treatment
(WWTP) Plant Improvement Project With Allco, LLC Of Beaumont,
Texas, For An Increased Cost Of $458,175.02 For Various
Modifications At The Main WWTP, Resulting In A New Total Contract
Amount Of $70,579,981.59, And Extending The Contract Time By 90
Days; Funding From CIP Account No. 405-40-000-8516-00-00-000,
Project No. WS0023
(9) P.R. No. 24675 – 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
(10) P.R. No. 24676 – A Resolution Appointing And/Or Reappointing
Member(s) To The Historical Landmark Commission
(11) P.R. No. 24678 – A Resolution Authorizing The Execution Of Major
Pipeline Permit No. 25-02 From The City Of Port Arthur To Trident
Intrastate Pipeline, LLC Of Houston, Texas, (A Kinder Morgan
Company) For The Installation Of A Forty-Two Inch (42") Natural
Gas Pipeline Within The City Limits Of Port Arthur, Texas
(12) P.R. No. 24679 – A Resolution Authorizing The Execution Of Major
Pipeline Permit No. 25-01 From The City Of Port Arthur To Trident
Intrastate Pipeline, LLC Of Houston, Texas, (A Kinder Morgan
Company) For The Installation Of A Twenty-Inch (20") Natural Gas
Pipeline Within The City Limits Of Port Arthur, Texas
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AGENDA
DECEMBER 16, 2025
VIII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION – NON-CONSENT –
CONTINUED
(13) P.R. No. 24680 – A Resolution By The City Council Of The City Of
Port Arthur, Texas Approving A Principal Forgiveness Agreement
With The Texas Water Development Board And Authorizing The City
Manager As The Designated Representative Of The City To Execute
A Grant Agreement; And Approving Other Matters Related Thereto
(14) P.R. No. 24681 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Purchase One (1) Premelter Trailer With Thermoplastic Applicator
(Striping Machine) For The Public Works Traffic Division From
Trantex Transportation Products Of Texas, Inc. Of Houston, Texas,
Through The BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing Program, Contract
No. 703-23, With A Total Budgetary Impact Amount Of $123,800.00.
Funding Is Available In The Capital Improvement Fund Equipment
Account No. 307-21-057-8522-00-10-000
(15) P.R. No. 24682 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To
Execute A Contract Between The City Of Port Arthur And Argus
Talent Through TIPS Cooperative Contract No. 230703 With A
Projected Budgetary Impact Of $1,500,000.00 For The Provision Of
Temporary Employee Staffing, Which Includes The Payment Of
$485,619.00 For Temporary Staffing Services Rendered After
Expiration Of The Prior Contract. Funding Is Available In Various
Departmental Accounts
(16) P.R. No. 24684 – A Resolution Ratifying The Additional Repairs And
Authorizing Final Payment For The Emergency Repairs Of Sewer
Lines And Manholes Located On Jimmy Johnson Boulevard Between
Highways 69/96 And 9th Avenue In The Amount Of $609,545.21 To
Global Drilling, Inc., Of Winnie, Texas, With Funding From CIP
Account No. 405-40-000-8516-00-00-000 Project No. WS0032.OTH
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AGENDA
DECEMBER 16, 2025
VIII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION – NON-CONSENT –
CONTINUED
(17) P.R. No. 24691 – A Resolution Of The City Of Port Arthur, Texas
Authorizing The City To Enter Into The Following Agreements With
Motiva Enterprises LLC (“Motiva”):(1) A 25-Year Non-Exclusive Term
Easement Agreement To Accommodate The Installation, Operation
And Access To Three HDPF Raw Water Supply Pipelines; (2) A 24-
Month Temporary Construction Access And Workspace Agreement
For The Non-Exclusive Use Of 2.805 Acre Of Land Which Consists Of
Existing Roads And A Construction Area Also Known As A Laydown
Area Located At Or Near 1101 H.O. Mills Blvd., Port Arthur, Texas;
And (3) A Sales And Purchase Agreement, Contingent Upon The
Property Being Listed By A Licensed Real Estate Broker, For Which
Motiva May Purchase The Land Directly Around The New Surface
Water Intake Structure Located At Or Near The LNVA Canal, 1101
H.O. Mills Blvd., Port Arthur, Texas
(18) P.R. No. 24693 – A Resolution Authorizing Appointing A Member Or
Members To The Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone TIRZ
#1 Board
(19) P.R. No. 24694 – A Resolution Of The City Of Port Arthur, Texas
Authorizing The City Manager To Execute A Third Amendment To
The Non-Exclusive Ambulance Agreement With Viking Enterprise Inc.
Doing Business As City Ambulance Service For An Extension Of
Ambulance Services From January 1, 2026, At 12:00 A.M. (CST)
Through January 31, 2026, At 11:59 P.M. (CST)
B. Ordinances – Non-Consent
(1) P.O. No. 7380 – An Ordinance Delineating The Number Of Authorized
Police Officer Positions In The Police Department
(2) P.O. No. 7381– An Ordinance Designating Friday, December 26,
2025, As An Official Paid Holiday
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AGENDA
DECEMBER 16, 2025
VIII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION – NON-CONSENT –
CONTINUED
(3) P.O. No. 7382 – An Ordinance Of The City Of Port Arthur, Texas,
Authorizing The Issuance And Sale Of City Of Port Arthur, Texas,
Combination Tax And Revenue Certificates Of Obligation, Series
2025B In The Aggregate Principal Amount Of $30,000,000.00;
Levying A Tax In Payment Thereof; Making Other Provisions
Regarding Such Certificates Of Obligation, Including Authorizing The
Preparation And Distribution Of One Or More Preliminary Official
Statements And Authorizing The Preparation And Distribution Of One
Or More Official Statements And Matters Incident Thereto; Awarding
The Sale Of The Certificates; Authorizing The Execution And Delivery
Of One Or More Purchase Agreements; Authorizing Bond Insurance;
Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of A Paying Agent/Registrar
Agreement; Authorizing And Confirming The Engagement Of Certain
Professionals In Connection With The Issuance Of The Certificates
Of Obligation; Finding And Determining That The Meeting At Which
This Ordinance Is Passed Is Open To The Public As Required By Law;
And Enacting Other Provisions Relating Thereto
(4) P.O. No. 7383 – An Ordinance Of The City Of Port Arthur, Texas,
Authorizing The Issuance And Sale Of City Of Port Arthur, Texas,
Combination Tax And Surplus Revenue, Certificates Of Obligation,
Taxable Series 2026 In The Aggregate Principal Amount Of
$2,355,000.00; Levying A Tax In Payment Thereof; Making Other
Provisions Regarding Such Certificates Of Obligation, Including
Authorizing The Preparation And Distribution Of One Or More
Preliminary Official Statements And Authorizing The Preparation And
Distribution Of One Or More Official Statements And Matters Incident
Thereto; Awarding The Sale Of The Certificates; Authorizing The
Execution And Delivery Of One Or More Purchase Agreements;
Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of One Or More Loan
Agreements And Promissory Notes; Authorizing The Execution And
Delivery Of A Paying Agent/Registrar Agreement; Authorizing And
Confirming The Engagement Of Certain Professionals In Connection
With The Issuance Of The Certificates Of Obligation; Finding And
Determining That The Meeting At Which This Ordinance Is Passed Is
Open To The Public As Required By Law; And Enacting Other
Provisions Relating Thereto
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AGENDA
DECEMBER 16, 2025
VIII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION – NON-CONSENT –
CONTINUED
(5) P.O. No. 7384 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 94, Article I Of The
City Of Port Arthur Code Of Ordinances By Adding Section 94.9 As It
Pertains To Obstructing Alleys, Rights-Of-Way And Utility Easements
(6) P.O. No. 7385 – An Appropriation Ordinance Amending The City Of
Port Arthur Budget For The Fiscal Year Beginning October 1, 2025
And Ending September 30, 2026, Increasing The Capital Reserve
Fund (625) By $600,986.00 And Increase the Water And Sewer
TWDB Fund (404) By $4,806,122.00
(7) P.O. No. 7386 – An Ordinance Amending The City Of Port Arthur,
Texas Code Of Ordinances By Adding Chapter 19 Vacant Buildings,
Section 19-01 Through 19-17 To Require Vacant Buildings Located
In The Downtown Business District To Register With The City;
Establishing A Registration Application, Registration Fee And
Inspection Charge; Establishing For The Issuance, Denial Display,
Revocation, Expiration, Renewal And Appeal Of A Certificate Of
Registration; Requiring Nontransferability, Property Inspections,
Emergency Response Information, Insurance And A Vacant Building
Plan; Providing A Penalty For A Violation; Providing A Savings And
Severability Clause; Providing For Publication; And Providing An
Effective Date
IX. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
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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 December 17, 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
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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
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
*The Items In Executive Session May Be Discussed And Acted On In
Open Session
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