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Home My WebLink AboutPR 25071: APPOINTING A MEMBER TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Cin of O% ort rtfzu1� Texas - www.PortArthurTx.gov DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: July 27, 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 RE: P.R. NO. 25071 —A proposed resolution appointing a member to the Planning and Zoning Commission Introduction: This agenda item seeks the City Council's approval of Proposed Resolution No. 25071, appointing one (1) individual 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 appointment is necessary to fill the unexpired term created by the resignation of Mr. Norris Simon,Jr.The individual appointed by the City Council will serve the remainder of Mr. Simon's current term, which expires 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 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 throughout the municipality. Specifically, the Commission is responsible for: • Reviewing and making recommendations to the City Council regarding zoning amendments, zoning district boundaries, and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. • Conducting public hearings as required by the Texas Local Government Code prior to City Council action on zoning matters. • Advising on the interpretation and administration of the City's land use regulations and development policies. "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 continued effective administration of the City's planning and zoning responsibilities. Pursuant to Article XI, Section I, of the City Charter, vacancies occurring during an appointed term are filled by appointment of the City Council for the remainder of the unexpired term. Mr. Norris Simon, Jr., was originally appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 20, 2008, by Resolution No. 08-216, and has served the citizens of Port Arthur with distinction for eighteen (18) years. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Simon has provided valuable leadership, institutional knowledge, and thoughtful recommendations on zoning amendments, subdivision matters, land-use policy, and other planning-related issues considered by the Commission and City Council. Mr. Simon recently submitted his resignation from the Planning and Zoning Commission due to unforeseen circumstances.The City extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude for his many years of dedicated public service and his significant contributions to the orderly growth and development of the City of Port Arthur. Accordingly, Proposed Resolution No. 25071 appoints one (1) individual to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Simon's resignation. The appointee will serve the remainder of the unexpired term ending October 30, 2030. Budget Impact: There is no fiscal impact associated with this appointment. Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Proposed Resolution No. 25071, appointing one (1) individual to the City of Port Arthur Planning and Zoning Commission to fill the unexpired term created by the resignation of Mr. Norris Simon, Jr. The appointed individual shall serve the remainder of the term, expiring October 30, 2030, in accordance with 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. 25071 07/27/2026 PDL PAGE 1 OF 6 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR TO FILL AN UNEXPIRED TERM CREATED BY A VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION EXPIRING OCTOBER 30, 2030; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission is established pursuant to Chapter 22 of the Texas Local Government Code and Article XI, Section 1, 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, Mr. Norris Simon, Jr., was originally appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 20, 2008, by Resolution No. 08-216, and has faithfully served the citizens of the City of Port Arthur for eighteen (18) years; and WHEREAS, Mr. Simon has submitted his voluntary resignation from the Planning and Zoning Commission, via email on June 15, 2026, due to unforeseen circumstances, thereby creating a vacancy on the Commission, as delineated in Exhibit"A"; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to recognize and acknowledge Mr. Simon's dedicated service, leadership, and contributions to the citizens of Port Arthur and the Planning and Zoning Commission during his eighteen (18) year tenure; and WHEREAS, Mr. Simon's current term is scheduled to expire on October 30, 2030, thereby creating an unexpired term vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission; and P.R.NO.25071 07/27/2026 PDL PAGE 2 OF 6 WHEREAS, pursuant to Article XI, Section 1, of the Charter of the City of Port Arthur, vacancies on the Planning and Zoning Commission are filled by appointment of the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to appoint a qualified individual to serve the remainder of the unexpired term ending October 30, 2030. 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 as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission to fulfill the remainder of the unexpired term created by the voluntary resignation of Mr. Norris Simon, Jr., with said term to expire on October 30, 2030, as delineated in Exhibit"B". 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 Norris Simon, Jr. 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. Section 6: That a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council. P.R.NO.26071 07/27/2026 PDL PAGE 3 OF 6 READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this day of August,A.D., 2026, 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: Christe Whitley Ned, TRMC, City Secretary P.R. NO.25071 07/27/2026 PDL PAGE 4 OF 6 APPROVED AS TO FORM: Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney APPROVED FOR MINISTRATION: __p R nald "Ron" Burto , P , City Manager ((Art, ,- i . X Pamela D. Langford, CP , Assistant City Manager— Operations/Director of Development Services P.R. NO.25071 07/27/2026 PDL PAGE 5 OF 6 EXHIBIT "A" Pamela Langford Subject: RE: [NON-CoPA] Re: 6.15.2026 P &Z Meeting Agenda Update From:Norris Simon,Jr.<norrisP[onghorncaiun_com> Sent: Monday,June 15,2026 12:31 PM To:Aries Milo<aries.mi[oPportarthurtx.gov> Subject: [NON-CoPA] Re: 6.15.2026 P&Z Meeting Agenda Update Aries, Due to unforeseen circumstances, please accept my resignation from the Port Arthur Planning and Zoning Commission.) have enjoyed my tenure of service to all citizens of Port Arthur and have had the opportunity to work with some very knowledgeable Commissioners and Staff. Thank You and God Bless ! Norris Simon Norris J. Simon,Jr. Longhorn Cajun Enterprises, LLC/Acme Truck Line 6455 Garnet Avenue Port Arthur,Texas 77640 norrisCa�[onghorncajun.com 409.284.9337 1 P.R.NO.25071 07/27/2026 PDL PAGE 6 OF 6 EXHIBIT "B" PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (REV.September 10,2025) Current Original Term Term Resolution Resolution Appointee Beginning Ending Appt& Date Appt&Date Dr. Rosalind (Queen)Taville RES 23-460 RES 22-242 Port Arthur,TX 77640 10/24/2023 10/31/2023 10/30/2028 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. Roosevelt Petry RES 20-217 RES 26-239 06/02/2026 10/30/2031 06/23/202000 Port Arthur,TX 77642 06/02/2026 Zulema Escobedo RES 25-383 RES 23-117 Port Arthur,TX 77642 09/09/2025 09/10/2025 10/30/2029 03/14/2023 RES 26-_ 08/11/2026 08/12/2026 10/30/2030 RES 26 08/11/2026 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.)