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Home My WebLink AboutPR 24960: APPOINTING A MEMBER TO THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION City of ort rt 11 1 r www.PortArthurTx.gov DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: May 20, 2026 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 P/Ibk RE: P.R. NO. 24960 —Appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission Introduction: This agenda item seeks the City Council's approval of Proposed Resolution No. 24960 appointing a member 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 proposed resolution provides for the appointment of one individual to fulfill the remainder of an unexpired term ending October 30, 2026, and to subsequently serve a new five (5) year term beginning October 30, 2026, and expiring October 30, 2031. 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 Charter of the City of Port Arthur. The Commission plays a critical role in ensuring that zoning decisions are consistent with the City's 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 amendments. • Conducting public hearings as required under the Texas Local Government Code prior to City Council action on zoning cases; and • Assisting in the administration and enforcement of the City's Zoning Ordinance by providing advisory recommendations related to land use regulations and development standards. 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 knowledge, "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 expertise, and perspective on local development matters. These appointments help maintain continuity in land use planning while also allowing opportunities for new participation and community engagement. Dr. Johnny Brown submitted his resignation from the Planning and Zoning Commission via email on April 7, 2026, at 6:09 p.m., citing "medical and other matters" as the reason for his departure. Dr. Brown was originally appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission in 2020 by Resolution No. 20-217. Since his appointment, he has diligently served the citizens of Port Arthur and has provided valuable input and leadership on numerous planning and zoning matters considered by the Commission. His current term is scheduled to expire on October 30, 2026. Given the upcoming expiration of Dr. Brown's current term later this year, it is recommended that the City Council consider appointing a new member to fulfill the remainder of the unexpired term and simultaneously begin a new full five (5) year term immediately thereafter. Should the City Council concur, the new appointment term would expire on October 30, 2031. In accordance with Article XI, Section I, of the City Charter, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the City Council for staggered terms. Members are appointed by a majority vote of the City Council and may be removed for cause at any time. Budget Impact: There is no budgetary impact associated with this appointment. Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Proposed Resolution No. 24960 appointing a member to the Planning and Zoning Commission to fulfill the unexpired term ending October 30, 2026, and to serve a new five (5) year term expiring October 30, 2031, in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code and the Charter of the City of Port Arthur. "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. 24960 05/20/2026 PDL PAGE 1 OF 6 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM CREATED BY A VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION EXPIRING OCTOBER 30, 2026, AND PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE SAME MEMBER TO A NEW FIVE (5) YEAR TERM EXPIRING OCTOBER 30, 2031; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission is established pursuant to Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code and Article XI, Section I, of the Charter of the City of Port Arthur; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council on matters related to zoning, land use, planning, and development within the City of Port Arthur; and WHEREAS, Dr. Johnny Brown was originally appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission by the City Council through Resolution No. 20-217 in 2020, as delineated in Exhibit "B"; and WHEREAS, Dr. Brown submitted his voluntary resignation from the Planning and Zoning Commission via email on April 7, 2026, as delineated in Exhibit "A"; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to recognize and acknowledge Dr. Brown's dedicated service, leadership, and contributions to the citizens of Port Arthur and the Planning and Zoning Commission during his tenure; and WHEREAS, Dr. Brown's current term is scheduled to expire on October 30, 2026, thereby creating an unexpired term vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it appropriate and in the best interest of the City to appoint a member to fulfill the remainder of the unexpired term ending October 30, P.R. NO. 24960 05/20/2026 PDL PAGE 2 OF 6 2026, and to simultaneously appoint said member to a new five (5) year term commencing October 30, 2026, and expiring October 30, 2031, in order to maintain continuity and effective representation on the Commission; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS: Section 1: That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct. Section 2: That the City Council hereby appoints to serve on the City of Port Arthur Planning and Zoning Commission to fulfill the remainder of the unexpired term ending October 30, 2026, and to thereafter serve a new five (5) year term commencing October 30, 2026, and expiring October 30, 2031., as delineated in Exhibit "C". Section 3: 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 4: That the City Council hereby expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Johnny Brown for his years of dedicated service and commitment to the City of Port Arthur and its citizens through his service on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Section 5: That this Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage. Section 6: That a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council. READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this day of June, A.D., 2026, at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote: AYES: MAYOR P.R. NO. 24960 05/20/2026 PDL PAGE 3 OF 6 COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: Charlotte M. Moses, Mayor ATTEST: Christe Ned, TRMC, City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney APPROVED FOR NISTRATION: Ronald "Ron" Burto , , City Manager "24.0 Pamela D. Langford, CPM,`Assistant City Manager— Operations/Director of Development Services P.R. NO. 24960 05/20/2026 PDL PAGE 4 OF 6 EXHIBIT "A" Pamela Langford From: johnnedwardbrown@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 6:09 PM To: Pamela Langford; harold.doucet@portarthurtx.gov Cc: Victoria Hernandez; Aries Milo Subject: [NON-CoPA] IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION FROM CITY OF PORT ARTHUR PLANNING COMMMISSION Hello and thank you for the opportunity to serve the City of Port Arthur in the capacity of Commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Due to medical and other matters, I am unable to continue serving in that capacity. I have enjoyed my term as a member of the commission and wish the best to you and the City of Port Arthur. Dr. Johnny E. Brownell.. i P.R. NO. 24960 05/20/2026 PDL PAGE 5 OF 6 EXHIBIT "B" PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (REV. October 30, 2025) Original Current Term Term g Resolution Resolution Appointee Beginning Ending Appt & Date Appt & Date Dr. Rosalind Queen RES 22-242 RES 22-242 05/25/2022 10/30/2023 Port Arthur, TX 77640 05/24/2022 05/24/2022 Dwight Wagner RES 23-244 RES 23-244 05/23/2023 06/05/2023 10/30/2027 05/23/2023 Port Arthur,TX 77640 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 Zulema Escobedo RES 25-383 RES 23-117 09/09/2025 09/10/2025 10/30/2029 03/14/2023 Port Arthur, TX 77642 Norris Simon, Jr. RES 25-383 RES 08-216 09/09/2025 10/31/2025 10/30/2030 05/20/2008 Port Arthur, TX 77640-1307 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. 24960 05/20/2026 PDL PAGE 6 OF 6 EXHIBIT "C" PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (REV.June_,2026) Cu Original Term Term Resolution Resolution Appointee Beginning Ending Appt & Date Appt & Date Dr. Rosalind Queen RES 23-460 RES 22-242 10/31/2023 10/30/2028 Port Arthur, TX 77640 10/24/2023 05/24/2022 Dwight Wagner RES 23-244 RES 23-244 05/23/2023 06/05/2023 10/30/2027 05/23/2023 Port Arthur, TX 77640 RES 26-_ 06/02/2026 10/30/2031 06/02/2026 Zulema Escobedo RES 25-383 09/09/2025 09/10/2025 10/30/2029 RES 23-117 Port Arthur,TX 77642 03/14/2023 Norris Simon,Jr. RES 25-383 09/09/2025 10/31/2025 10/30/2030 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 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.)