Chair recognizes Vice Mayor Pro Tim Peck for a proclamation to Dress for Success Houston.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

I it is such an honor to present this proclamation again.

Um, every year we support Dress for Success Houston.

The work that they do is just incredible, and it's an honor to get to present this every year.

Dress for Success Houston.

Since its found since its founding in 1998, Dress for Success Houston has served more than 49,500 women and positively impacted over 63,000 children.

The organization empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, career development resources, and a strong network of support, helping them build confidence, secure employment, and thrive in both their professional and personal lives.

Women who obtain employment are invited to continue their journey through the Professional Women's Group, an ongoing educational and leadership program offered both in person and online.

Dress for Success Houston advances its mission across Greater Houston through partnerships with more than 200 local organizations, including its Chevron sponsored career center, which provides job search workshops and career advancement resources.

This work is made possible through the steadfast dedication of volunteers whose service is essential for the organization's impact.

The organization is also committed to meeting the unique needs of women veterans by offering specialized career workshops, mentorship, and a supportive community as they transition to civilian life.

To date, more than 1,700 women veterans have participated in these programs, getting confidence, connection, and access to new career opportunities.

All services are provided at no cost to clients and made possible through the generosity of donors, partners, and volunteers throughout the Houston community.

By equipping women with the tools for long-term employment and success, Dress for Success Houston strengthens families, cultivates future leaders, and fosters a lasting cycle of empowerment and community engagement.

In recognition of its enduring commitment to advancing economic opportunity and improving the lives of women and families across the community, the City of Houston proudly honors Dress for Success Houston for its transformation transformative impact and unyielding dedication.

Therefore, I, Martha Castex Tatum, Mayor Pro Tim of the City of Houston, on behalf of John Whitmeyer, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim March 3rd, 2026 as Dress for Success Houston Day in Houston, Texas.

Congratulations.

It could have been that confidence that they had going into an interview or that phone call that they received that really changed the path of their life.

These moments, these stories, we all have a couple, but Dress for Success has many, hundreds, in fact, over the years, and we're so proud to partner with them.

The story of the partnership with Chevron began in 2004 with a $5,000 contribution to support the Send One Suit Drive, now the Her Path Forward Drive.

Since then, we have increasingly inspired, we've been increasingly inspired by their success and stories, and the vision of one woman, one suit, one job can change the world.

Comparing 2004 to today, our partnership has grown.

As a company, our annual financial support has increased by a factor of 20, expanding our commitment to her path forward and contributing to additional programming.

On behalf of Chevron, we look forward to another 25 years of partnership with Dress for Success and all of your support to inspire women in our community to reach their full potential.

Thank you, Leah.

Um good afternoon, everyone.

I'm president of Dress for Success Houston, and I've had the privilege of working alongside our incredible team, our volunteers for 13 years, and have seen firsthand the impact of what starts with professional attire in a suit, and more inspiringly is the community of support.

Eighty percent of our women are single women, and when you know you are no longer alone in your journey and you have a community alongside of you to not just land a job but build a career and your self-defined success, our whole community thrives.

So thank you for your continued support, Leah Chevron team, uh the whole community of Houston and Councilmember Peck for always being inspirations and voices to ensure that we continue to uplift and inspire the women in our community.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Thank you, Vice Mayor Pro Tem for bringing this forward.

I know it's March when it's dressed for success.

Um so gotta go through our closets.

And um, do you would you like to introduce anyone else who's with you?

Oh, I'm like, we can go through everyone.

So Francesca, Kayla, Kelly, Susan, and Clarissa are part of the Dress for Success Houston team.

And then we've got, I'm like, wait, sorry.

And then from Chevron, Leah, of course, Laura, Yemi, Janelle, and Hammer.

Excuse me, from Chevron.

Yes, thank you, Chevron too.

Yes.

Tremendous.

All right, thank you so much, Amy.

This is just a great, a great organization.

We all know well, and thanks for the good work you do.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All right.

Let's get a picture.

Oh, is it check straight?

Next, the chair recognizes Mayor Pro Tem Castic's Tatum for a proclamation to Otis Marks.

Never mind.

Um, next, the chair recognizes Councilmember Carter for a proclamation declaring March as theater in our schools month.

Thank you, Councilmember Alcorn or Vice Mayor Pro Tim Peck.

Um, I'm presenting today on behalf of Councilmember Huffman.

Um, and I'm so sorry that she couldn't be here, but I'm so glad she's not because I got to meet an incredible young lady.

Um, Amelia Indicott, who is a stage manager for the uh Westchester Academy for International Studies, it's long and here in Spring Branch, she's the stage manager for a theater troupe, and she reached out.

This is here you are, she reached out wanting to just bring awareness to what they're doing.

And so little known fact, but now known fact because you you reached out, um the organization, theaters they the organization within the school, which is a very small school, learned all about the school, but um that they wanted to show the power of educational theater and wanted to talk about advocacy, and they would like to have March declared just theater in our schools month.

It's a national campaign, and and uh Amelia wants to bring this to uh the city's attention, and what a wonderful idea because exciting.

We have a proclamation for you.

She was very energetic when I was talking to her, so I'm most impressed.

Mom and dad, you're back there.

They've clearly done a great job with Amelia because she is the go-getter.

I expect to see you around too.

So, Theater in Our Schools Month in Houston for March, um, the proclamation reads, whereas their Theater in Our Schools Month is a national campaign supporting theater arts education observed each March and highlighted by the International Thesbian Society, and whereas this observant raise it observant observance, I can't read today, y'all.

Sorry, raises awareness for the many benefits of theater education and positively impacts more than 6,000 theater students in the Houston area, fostering creativity and community engagement.

And whereas the International Thesbian Society, an affiliate of the Educational Theater Association, honors student achievement in theater arts and encourages public support for the arts.

And whereas the Texas Thespians Troop 6296 and Houston schools recognize the vital role theater plays in developing creativity, confidence, and leadership in students.

And whereas in March 2026, the City of Houston celebrates the impact of theater education on student expression and calls on all residents to support local theater, attend performances and observe theater in our schools month.

Therefore I, Martha Castex Tatum, Mayor Pro Tim of the City of Houston, on behalf of John Whitmire, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim March 3rd, 2026 as Theater in Our Schools Month in Houston, Texas.

Congratulations Hi guys, my name's Amelia.

I'm also the president of my ITS troop.

I want to start by thanking Councilmember Huffman and her team for kind of bringing my idea to life.

Theater arts is such a powerful form of media.

It transcends across cultures and backgrounds.

Most importantly though, theater arts teaches students all across the world how to express themselves create creatively and how to collaborate with those who are different from them.

I'd like to thank my theater director Ms.

Beth in court for making my theater a place that celebrates all a space that teaches and a space that adapts all students should have access to arts programs that allow them to grow into leaders.

And I encourage everyone to look at the young artists in the room, attend shows, visit public arts, and most importantly I encourage everyone to never stop creating.

Thank you.

Councilmember Alcorn thank you for this I actually gave this proclamation last year at to the group at Lamar High School and then I went to one of their plays right afterwards it was awesome.

So really you don't even have to have a kid I thought you know once my kids were all grown I would never go to another school play.

It was so good.

It's a great way to see good theater is to go to school plays.

Also I went to Westchester back in the day.

Before it was the high school for international studies it was just Westchester High School we call it was Chester now because it's so different.

But anyway congratulations you've got a great way of speaking so I know you're probably great on stage too thank you.

Congratulations the chair now recognizes Councilmember Martinez for a proclamation recognizing Barrio Dogs for 15 years of service.

Thank you Vice Pro Tim today I'm I'm uh happy to honor their incredible work that Body O Dogs is doing specifically with the Youth in Pause program.

Uh Body of Dogs if y'all can come up for your team uh Buddy dogs have been around since 2010 and they initiated uh their programming in the Houston's East End uh raising awareness and I we talk about this a lot my predecessor and then even uh before that uh councilmember Gonzalez uh Ed Gonzalez was uh advocate of identifying uh this three prong effort of education enforcement but then also services and so uh body dogs has been very instrumental in in the East End their youth in pause program is something that I'm extremely uh supportive of because uh historically uh I I was in the uh managing youth programs and making sure young folks uh had opportunity to learn and be engaged and quite frankly we are only able to see more change if we start impacting the younger folks uh in in this upper programming hopefully teaching uh older individuals who are a little bit harder to change uh to be more uh responsible pet owners and so uh since 2010 uh through twenty twenty four body dogs um has conducted a hundred and twenty four school outreach presentations uh reaching hundreds of students and planning grassroots in the next generation um and it initiated in the East End but now it's citywide so just want to do a quick plug some of you have these cars in front of you um

And so uh since 2010 uh through 2024, Body O Dogs um has conducted 124 school outreach presentations, uh reaching hundreds of students and planning grassroots in the next generation.

Um and it initiated in the East End, but now it's citywide, so just want to do a quick plug.

Some of you have these cards in front of you.

Um of them talks about Body O Dogs and how they can get involved in uh they can reach out to them so how they can get involved in your schools, and then the other one is a um pedals for paws.

Uh and that one in particular, it's a fundraising uh effort that they have annually.

It's in the East End.

It's a way where they can continue to do the great work.

Um and so I'll start with the uh proclamation, and and it's whereas on March the 3rd, 2026, the Youth and Paul's program of Body of Dogs celebrates 15 his 15th anniversary, marking nearly 16 years since its founding as a grassroots effort in Houston's East End and highlighting its transformative impact on public health, mental health, and overall quality of life for Houstonians by improving the lives of both animals and residents.

And whereas by breaking the cycles of neglect and fostering compassion, responsibility, and healing the Body of Dog's Youth and Paws program advances mental health and community well-being beyond traditional animal welfare by educating and empowering the next generation throughout Houston.

The program now only saves not only saves lives of pets, but also helps build a more compassionate, healthier and safer community for all residents.

Therefore, I, Martha Castex Tata, Mayor Pro Tim of the City of Houston, on behalf of John Whitmeyer, mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaimed March 3rd, 2026 as Barrio Dogs Youth and Paws Program Day in Houston, Texas.

Congratulations.

And I'm gonna have uh Gloria say a few words, but I'll just close with this.

Um we recognize that, and I know our Map Pro Tem says this is a lot.

Uh government can't do it all.

We can't do it alone.

Uh Body of Dogs is uh is an asset to the community, but then they also have several partnerships that they leverage and and lean into to ensure that we are serving our community.

So, Gloria, if you please say a few words.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Joaquin Martinez, and thank you to the mayor and to all council members for this honor.

Uh I'm joined here with uh some of my board members and my hardworking team and some of our friends and supporters.

Um the organization uh is celebrating 16 years.

It started out as a family-founded organization, uh joined by my family and uh my late great Norma Santuno, my sister-in-law, who really helped us jumpstart the organization with her music and her popularity.

But since then, we have grown to a strong organization, and uh going forward, we are investing in uh young uh development, young team members so that we can sustain this organization and carry it forward.

We couldn't do this organization with all of our partners.

I have to mention uh Lee Vella with Clear Channel that helped us with the Billboard campaign, actually helping us get the word out even further with Houston.

There's so many other partners like community centers like Community Family Center, Wesley House, um Tejano Center that has allowed us to bring this Youth in Paul's program into their uh centers.

And so that is definitely where we're at now.

Body of Dogs was primarily in the East End, but we are all over the city of Houston now.

So in every district, we will be bringing this program to educate our children because we feel that's another way to address the animal welfare crisis that we have in the City of Houston.

I'm proud to uh say that we have a new partnership with Houston Area Women's Center.

Uh, we're joined here by Sonia Canales, who is the deputy CEO with uh Houston Area Women's Center.

We feel that also there is a strong correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse, so that's just another way that we can change the city and our um our children to create a better future for our pets and neighbors.

Thank you all so much for this opportunity.

Councilmember Ramirez.

Thank you.

Um I just want to say uh thank you, Councilmember Martinez for bringing this forward and thank you, Barrio Dogs, and and especially you, Gloria, for the work that y'all do.

I think how we treat our animals is an indication of our humanity and our values.

And so you guys represent some of the best uh that we have here in Houston.

So appreciate the work that you do.

Glad to hear that you're gonna try to take it citywide and I wish you the best of luck and let us know how we can help.

Thank you.

We will.

Thank you.

Last plug.

I was told that any council member that decides to sign up for the pedals for paws, that there's a uh anonymous uh donor that will that will that will uh cover your costs.

So anybody ready ready to write in these then come through.

Thank you.

Colleagues, I think the mayor's headed down, so I wanted to wait till he arrived, so just give us a sec.

Mayor Pro Tem, while we're waiting, we have a point of personal privilege.

Thank you, Mayor uh advisor pro Tim.

Um Constable Garcia, is he still here?

Yeah, I just wanted to recognize uh Constable Garcia, he's uh constable for precinct two.

He can just come in.

He's actually my constable out in the hobby area.

I just wanted to recognize you, thank you for being here, and always a pleasure to work with you.

Thank you all so much.

We're patient.

Sharp.

Thank you.

You do too.

Mayor and colleagues, it is my distinct honor today to welcome Otis Marks the Third and his family to City Hall as we celebrate his remarkable achievements as the 2026 Reverend Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Oratory Competition Champion.

Otis delivered a powerful, thoughtful, and deeply moving speech that truly captured the spirit, courage, and visionary leadership of Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr.

His words reminded us that the next generation is not waiting to lead.

They are doing it.

So today we are also celebrating the village behind Otis.

His parents are here, his family, his teacher, his principal, the entire Windsor Village Elementary community, which continues to cultivate young leaders and scholars in District K.

This achievement is a testament to all of you.

On behalf of the City of Houston, Otis, we offer our heartfelt congratulations, and it is my honor to present this proclamation to you today.

And the proclamation reads to Otis Marks III, first place winner, Foley MLK Jr.

Oratory Competition.

On March 3, 2026, the City of Houston joins the community in celebrating Otis Marks the Third for winning first place in this year's Foley MLK Junior Oratory Competition.

A gifted fifth grade student at Windsor Village Elementary School in District K, Otis delivered a powerful and compelling message that resonated deeply with the judges and audiences alike, propelling him into the public spite light and earning recognition in numerous local national media outlets, including an appearance on the Sherry Shepherd Show.

Through his words, Otis inspires others to believe in the power of education, courage, and service.

Born in Houston and holding dual citizenship with the United States and the Muscogee Creek Nation, Otis represents a proud legacy of cultural heritage, perseverance, and promise.

The son of Dr.

Otis Marks II and Michelle Banks, he has a strong commitment to excellence, earning honor roll distinction each year since kindergarten.

In 2025, he ranked among the top 1% of students statewide in both mathematics and language arts on the Texas Star examination.

Otis's talents extend well beyond the classroom.

In 2025, he was selected as co-emc of the prestigious Junior Achievement Hall of Achievement Ceremony, a role typically reserved for older students.

He is also the youngest individual ever named an honorary member of the Don Breakers Toastmasters International Club in Atlanta, Georgia, for his exceptional public speaking skills and leadership potential.

A natural communicator, he has been invited to speak at major civic and educational events, including programs at the Children's Museum Houston, meeting of the Houston Independent School District Board, and Congressman Al Green's Black History Month legislative breakfast.

Whereas he speaks, wherever he speaks, I apologize.

Otis brings wisdom beyond his years and a message of unity, optimism, and possibility in recognition of his exceptional oratory talent and outstanding achievements.

Mayor.

Thank you.

Mayor Pertim.

Cat Six Tatum.

You've done so much.

I'm 11.

You're 11?

Do you know most of us will never know what it feels like to accomplish all your good deeds?

Like winning an oratory competition, your star exam.

You realize that you know you're special.

Is that what I'm trying to say?

Yes.

Well, we do too.

And the city of Houston's hearing all about you today.

And thank you to the council member for allowing us to enjoy the city's future is in good hands.

Can we agree?

Yes.

With your leadership.

Therefore, I John Whitmore, mayor of the city of Houston, hereby proclaim March 3rd, 2026.

Otis marks the third day across this great city of Houston.

Congratulations.

Marie Marks.

She was my grandmother.

She passed away before I was born, but I have seen pictures of her.

In her pictures, she had a scar going from her temple all the way down.

As soon as I saw that scar, I asked my dad how she got it.

He told me that in 1955, when my grandmother was a college student, she and her classmates sat at a whites-only lunch counter to protest against segregation.

They were inspired by the teachings of Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr.

They believed in the power of love to break the chains of hate.

Unfortunately, the police were called, and instead of protecting the peaceful protesters, those officers beat them, including my own grandmother.

From that point on, I began reading more about Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr.

and his message to the world.

Like my grandmother, I too was inspired.

My name is Otis Marks III, and I'm a fifth grade student from Windsor Village Elementary School.

If Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr.

were alive today, I believe that he would say, now that you have embraced my message, take this torch and continue to make my dream come true.

I will gratefully accept that torch, hold it high, and tell my generation to follow me to a place where equality is not just spoken, but lived every day.

Follow me to a place where Hispanics, Europeans, Africans, and Asians can all find a place of refuge in this land of opportunity.

Follow me to a place where law abiding citizens do not have to hide from the authorities and where ICE is only used in Kool-Aid.

Follow me to a place where Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and all other cultures can sit at the table of brotherhood and have no conflict nor barriers.

Follow me to a place where there shall be no labels that divide us into races, but where we see each other as only God's people.

Follow me to a place where Dr.

King's dream becomes reality.

Imagine it with me.

A world that chooses love over hate, hospitality over rejection, and compassion over cruelty.

Imagine a world where every child, no matter their ethnicity, can grow up safe, valued, and free to pursue their dreams without judgment.

That is the world Dr.

King dreamed of, and that is the world we are called to build.

But dreams don't vote themselves.

They require action, true sacrifices, and everybody working together as a team.

So I ask you, my friends, carry this torch with me.

Carry it proudly, carry it bravely, carry it until it's flames, light up every dark corner of injustice, and let us walk side by side, step by step, toward the world Dr.

King toward the world Dr.

King knew was possible.

A world of hope, a world of peace, a world where true freedom are not just empty words, but guaranteed promises.

And if Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr.

were alive today, that would be his message to the world.

Did you hear it?

If not, don't worry, just follow me.

Woo.

Mayor and council.

Otis's parents are here.

I'm going to ask if they will come and join us for a photo.

And then his school principal, Chantelle Lewis is here, my high school classmate is here.

And his entire village is here.

So we're very that y'all are here.

Before we take photos, we do have some council members in the queue.

Councilmember Martinez.

Thank you, Vice Mayor Pro Tem.

Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Otis, congratulations.

Thank you.

Thank you for inspiring me today.

But I also feel very happy to see you speak these words because it just tells me that you know all of the work isn't done.

There's folks like yourself, uh fifth year uh fifth grader, uh, ready to take take the torch and lead.

So thank you for everything you're doing.

Uh continue to do what you're doing, but also as you do it, think about your classmates and then those that are third, fourth, second graders on how you can bring them along with you as well.

Congratulations.

Thank you, Shah.

Councilmember Davis.

Thank you, uh, Mayor Pro Tim.

And uh I want to say to Otis Marks the third from District K.

Uh, congratulations.

It's pretty obvious that you are the winner.

Uh, and it's pretty obvious that why you have all of these accolades on the list of things that Mayor Pro Tim just announced.

What a phenomenal uh young man who is going to excel into greater things.

There is a word that says train him up, the child in the way that this should go.

And when they're old, they won't depart from it.

And you stick with what you're doing, my young friend.

Congratulations.

God bless you.

Thank you.

Council Mayor Evan Shabbat.

Thank you, uh Vice Mayor Pro Tim.

You give me uh just so much encouragement.

Because it's going to be young people such as you that are going to change this world.

And certainly I saw you, you were you were kind of glowing when she was reading that proclamation.

But I want you to take that in to know how important you are.

And just as closing, I'm gonna say that's a pretty cool little haircut you got too.

So thank you so much.

Thank you to your parents, because it's their support and their role model that has led you to where you are, and always remember and respect that they are here for you, and that we are so very, very proud of you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Ramirez.

Thank you, Vice Mayor Pro Tim.

Uh Otis, congratulations on your victory.

Thank you.

And thank you for that uh inspiring speech.

It's obvious you are a very talented young man, but I think what's most impressive is that you're using your talents to deliver a powerful message that can inspire people.

So I wish you the best of luck.

I feel like in a few years you might sitting be sitting back here or something.

But uh congratulations to you and to your parents and wish you well in the future.

Thank you.

Councilmember Pollard.

Thank you, Vice Mayor Pro Tim, and good afternoon to everyone, Mayor and to the Mayor Pro Tim.

Otis, that was remarkable.

And um, I want you to know that I can see a lot of leadership qualities within you.

And uh one of the true qualities of a leader is using their voice uh and to use their voice with passion.

And you were able to have all of us listen intently to what you were saying, to receive it and to believe in you and be inspired by you.

And so I want to give a huge shout out to your parents.

I have a fourth grader, and so I know what it takes uh behind the scenes uh to help you be able to recite uh those words and to be able to memorize them uh all the time and sacrifice that it took uh for you to learn that and to be able to recite it for us.

And so my challenge to you is to go beyond just those words uh to continue to be a leader, uh lead with action, uh, lead by being someone that people uh look up to, making the right decisions, and uh being kind to people.

Uh your representative Mayor Pro Tim always ends the council meetings by saying, be kind to people.

And uh do that, have respect for others, continue to lead, and I know you're achieved great things.

So thank you for being here.

God bless you.

Councilmember Evan Shabbat.

Well, I just wanted to plant a seed.

You look like a Moorhouse man.

I'm just saying.

Is that it?

All right.

Well, come on up and get in the photo.

Jim for the vacation.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh, Council members.

Um, our our staff is uh always so important to us, and I will tell you that um when I was looking for a chief of staff, I was looking for someone that uh could come into our office and really be a change maker and someone who could um help to elevate what we were doing in our office, and um I I I really feel like the Lord sent Dee Dee and to deliver our prayer today, our chief of staff, Dee Dee Chavez uh will lead us in prayer.

Thank you, Mayor Pratim, Mayor and Council members if we'll get in position.

Heavenly Father, we come before you today with gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

Thank you for the city of Houston for its diversity, its resilience, and the people who call it home.

As we begin these council sessions, we ask for your wisdom to guide every discussion, every decision, and every vote.

Grant us clarity of thought, fairness and judgment, and unity of purpose.

Help us to lead not from ego, but from service, not from division, but from a shared commitment for to the greater good.

Strengthen the public servants.

Remind them that behind every agenda item are families, neighborhoods, small businesses, and communities who trust us to act with integrity and care.

And may we listen attentively, speak respectfully, and deliberate thoughtfully.

We also lift up the residents of our city, those celebrating milestones, those facing challenges, and those seeking opportunity.

May our work today reflect compassion, accountability, and deep dedication to improving quality of life for all.

And protect this chamber, protect our city employees, first responders, and every resident throughout Houston.

Give us steady hands and courageous hearts as we carry out responsibilities, interest is interested to us.

We ask this.

In your holy name.

Amen.

Amen.

I pledge the leader to the flag of the United States of America.

And to the Republic.

One nation under God.

Mayor Whitmeyer.

President.

Councilmember Peck?

Here.

Councilmember Jackson will be absent.

Councilmember Kamen will be absent.

Councilmember Evan Shabazz.

Here.

Councilmember Flickinger.

Councilmember Thomas.

Councilmember Huffman.

Councilmember Castillo.

Here.

Councilmember Martinez.

Here.

Councilmember Pollard.

Here.

Councilmember Castax Tatal.

Here.

Councilmember Ramirez.

Here.

Councilmember Davis.

Councilmember Carter.

President.

Councilmember Salinas.

Here.

And Councilmember Alborn.

Yeah.

Need a motion to adopt the minutes of February 18th and February 24 and 25.

Cast X Tater move.

Motion is made in the second.

All in favor say yes.

Those posed name motion passes.

Councilmember Carter.

Thank you, Mayor.

I'd like to move to suspend the rules to add Jacob Clemente to the top of the previous one-minute list.

Second.

Motion made in second.

All in favor say yes to suppose name.

Motion passes.

Yeah.

Motion made in second.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Anyone else?

Not uh Mr.

Secretary, our first speaker.

Joseph Ballard.

To be followed by Marion Scott.

First of all, the microphones, either one.

I was here talking about Phil Ward and Mayor, you know how I am about my community.

I had with uh Miss Palmer and when the police came by and all that.

I just want to apologize to y'all.

I don't come down here to fight with y'all, but I know y'all got business to take care, and I have business to take care of also.

So when I'm right, I'm like I was right.

But here's what I come down here for today.

I saw the thing on the news where they were where the city of Houston is, Houston landmakers giving money to investors to build on contaminated property.

That's that's kind of I got a problem with that.

I've been out there for 60 years.

I'm 61 years old.

We never had that opportunity to even even my I got property out there.

I never had that opportunity to uh get a grant alone to build some affordable housing on my property, you know.

And here you got whatever they got going on with this program, and you you know, of course, Union Pacific has been there for a hundred years.

My mother's house been there for since 1889.

So you know my property is contaminated.

So I don't know how how it should be done or reworked or rewarded or uh what the case may be.

I don't think it's right.

I think they should take care of the community first.

We've been suffering, you know, like I say, I'm 60.

And look how long I've been living in contamination.

You know, I might have counsel.

I don't lost so much weight, you know what I'm saying?

I just want to take it because I don't want to know.

I got a brother-in-law got counsel, you know.

My mother died of cancer.

My whole family.

And you and they're talking about giving property to investors or people to come in to dig the contamination out.

That's gonna take them another 10 years to dig all that contamination out.

And I don't I don't think it's right without getting with there's not that many homeowners that's that's left out there, like on my mother's street.

I think we have probably six houses.

Majority of the property I own on the street, because it was my grandmother's.

I refuse to give it away or give it up unless they come with a hell of a number.

But not likely it's gonna happen.

So I pay tax, I pay taxes on my property out here in Fifth Ward is higher than my taxes at in my home in Umball.

And it's just vacant lots.

So why can't uh some of the people that's that have property that's been there forever get grants and loans or whatever the case may be and build affordable housing?

I and I and I'm with the I'm with the beautification because I'm tired of seeing all the trash on every every nick of the corner of Fifth Ward all over Houston.

It's beautiful.

I'm tired of fighting that fight.

So I I I would love for them to be on more houses and time has expired.

That would that would help the the community.

You know, because y'all know y'all, I know we see to spend money, thousands, millions and millions of dollars on heavy trash every day.

So it's got to it's got to be a change, man.

And I know y'all doing all y'all can do to make that happen, but you got to have some input from the community.

That'll be my point.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you for being here.

Okay.

Councilman Pollard, just procedural motion.

No, that's fine.

I think it's a procedural vote.

Thank you, sir, for being here.

Councilmember Pollard.

Mayor, uh, I'd like to suspend the rules to make a motion to add Mr.

Joseph Jennings after Alfreda Franklin on the three-minute agenda list.

Motion made in the second.

All in favor, say yes, so supposed nay.

Motion passed.

Okay.

So done.

Next.

Marion Scott.

Irma McWell.

To be followed by Caden Frash.

Good afternoon.

Mayor Whitmire, uh, Mayor Pro Tem and the City Councilman, thank you all so much for allowing me to speak.

Mayor Whitmore, I just like to ask you first.

Um, do you remember someone shouting, giving you a big shout out at the parade, the MLK parade?

Do you remember that?

She called out and said, my water bill is too high.

Do you remember that?

I said that to you, and you know, and you told me to call, and I did.

But I'm not here for that.

I'm here for something more, much more serious.

Friday, February 20th, around 5 30-ish.

Um, I went to Fiesta grocery store in my neighborhood, and I got a few items.

I came out.

I saw this vehicle in front of me.

I I don't know why I noticed it, but it had um handicapped sticker.

So I looked at it, but then after I drove out of the parking lot, that person drove out alongside.

But I didn't see them and I guess they were hiding, I don't know.

But anyway, when I got to the street, I made a left turn on Cullen Street to go back to my home.

So the car followed.

Then I went to culling to Reed Road, made a left, and the car followed me there.

So I got out of that lane really quickly, and I headed across through the green light, not red.

Uh, and they followed me.

So I was just driving just out of my mind, trying to get away from whoever it was.

Finally, they left me alone, and then I drove around and went back, went to my home.

I didn't report it that night.

I did report it that Monday.

So I was told since it was a couple of days, I had to go into the substation.

Went into the substation, McCower Road, and I was talking to the officer, and he blew me off like I said nothing.

He said, Well, people can follow you, that's no crime.

But I said there was a crime.

I was followed, almost ran over like.

But he said, Well, we just going back and back and forth, and there was no crime, so we can't do a report.

So I'm asking you, is it possible that one of the police officers can view the footage?

And the reason I want the footage viewed, it's because that vehicle looked like a vehicle where I work, and I want to know whether or not it was an employee that I work with.

And I want to know whether or not it was an employee that I work with.

That that's what I want to know.

You have the video.

No, I don't.

I don't have video.

I want the footage from Fiesta, like parking lot, and then the following me.

Is that possible?

I I'm not certain.

I certainly will contact HPD and get give them your contact.

Uh well, they have my information.

I know, ma'am, but make certain that they have it.

Yeah.

And uh do you know the name of the officer that you said was no, I didn't get his name.

But an officer did call and leave a mess.

Well, he left a message um yesterday, but they followed up on it.

Well, he only said Houston Police Department, Sergeant Lahar.

That was it, and I've been trying to reach him since, and I haven't been.

Okay.

Well, I will uh ask A HPD if they have records.

And uh do you know the officer that called you?

Yes, Sergeant Lahar.

And he's here, he's the gentleman at the back.

Okay.

So he's right there.

All right.

Let us go to work on it.

Okay.

Thank you.

Be safe.

Thank you.

No, I don't.

Okay.

Next, Caden Frashad.

Jerish Patel.

Melissa Lindhurst.

Alfredo Franklin.

To be followed by Joseph Jennings.

Good evening, everyone.

I'm just here today to thank Mayor Whitmeyer, Martha Tatum, Miss Rebecca Williams, and Rashad Cave for everything that y'all have done for the motorcyclists in uh in our city.

Little did y'all know the things that y'all have done for them has brought everyone together.

And uh Rashad and Miss Rebecca Williams has been there to see um the things that has been done because of you guys.

And I mean, I'm just here to basically thank you all for everything that you're doing, and to let you know, I know that we did um get the proclamation passed for May 1st.

And instead of me bringing 800 bikes down the street, we're just gonna have a family reunion.

I mean, because it's it's too much.

And I would like to thank you.

And I did bring a gift for you guys.

So it's right here.

You can show them if you would like, please.

Um, that's something that I have for each one of you guys that I did name.

Mayor Whitmire, you you have one in the bag as well.

Miss Tatum, you have one, Rashad Cave and Miss Rebecca Williams.

And like I said, we're just here to basically thank you all for everything and your dedication to helping the motorcyclists that are doing great things in your city.

And if your city is going into a recession, we're the first ones to stand up to help the community.

Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, you name it.

We're standing up because and then we're gonna stand up more because of the things that you all have done for us and bringing us together, and that does keep your city calm.

Thank you.

Thank you for your kindness.

We appreciate it.

Mayor Pro Dem.

I know I speak for everyone.

Uh Mayor Pro Tim.

Thank you for coming uh and circling back with us.

Council members, you may have remembered um that you came forward and wanted to do something special for the deceased bikers in our city.

We did host a rally, and they they um planted about 20 trees in honor of their deceased loved ones in the esplanades in District K.

Uh, and they it was a sight to see hundreds of bikers coming down uh South Post Oak into the parking lot and then getting off their bikes, celebrating their loved ones who have passed away, and then planting trees in their honor.

So thank you for um bringing this to us, and we enjoyed executing it and look forward to working alongside you and the other cyclists in our city.

Stay safe.

Yes, and that's why I said that we're not gonna do the um that's too many bikes to bring from post oak.

Hey, I think you've seen it for yourself.

So we're just gonna do like a family reunion, and we're asking you all to help us.

Uh we're trying to get McGregor Park, which uh we have been talking to uh Nika Peters and getting that part so we can make sure that all the bikers are together and we're not gonna because that that's too much.

We're not gonna I don't even want to put the city or any council member Shabazz is gonna help you with McGregor Park.

Because he was sitting over there.

Okay, but you all have your shirts, and we would like y'all to be there.

We're gonna distribute them in in due time.

And would you like to ride in the sling?

No, we're gonna swing for my schedule.

Okay, well, we have a swing for you waiting, because um also one of your state representative Ron Reynolds, he did log on to it uh once he heard about it.

And I mean, he's actually on the shirt, so we're all on the shirt.

Thank you.

Thank you.

We appreciate you.

And thank you all so much once again.

Very good.

Be safe.

So if I get the pog, do I get a shirt too?

You get whatever you want.

And we got that good old soul foo.

So I need you to get that good old soul food.

You know, the coin.

Thank you, ma'am.

Next Joseph Jennings.

To be followed by Diana Nockwim.

Hello, everyone.

Uh Joe Jennings here with LaRouche.

Okay.

Joe Jennings here with LaRouche and Executive Intelligence Review.

I'm placing into your hands pre-publication copies of a special report, which EIR has just produced and released, called The Empire Has No Close, The End of Oligarchy, not just Epstein.

Behind the lurid headlines, which you have all seen, EIR presents a disturbing picture of private money interests tied to offshore banking and drug money with the power to influence and topple governments and take nations to war to enforce their right to loot at subjugate.

Shouldn't we look into this as the U.S.

heads into yet another war now with Iran?

Our authority goes back to 1978 when we released this book, Dope Incorporated.

We traced the money flows of the drug trade back to the British Empire's two opium wars against the nation of China.

The profits looted from China were banked and deployed throughout the world through the crowns, Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, still with us today as HSBC.

Dope Bank temporarily halted HSBC's takeover of Marine Midland Bank in New York.

With deregulation of banking in the 1970s, the Caribbean became a special haven for gun and drug running with Epstein Island right at the middle of it.

Now on Iran, we should recall that Jabigny Brzezinski helped topple the Shah during the Carter Presidency and bringing the mules as part of the arc of crisis encirclement of Russia, and that former Houston resident George H.

W.

Bush oversaw the far-flung Iran-Contra cocaine and gun running enterprise to smuggle weapons into Iran to wage war against neighboring Iraq, whose President Saddam Hussein naively believed he was an ally of the United States.

One million people killed, with Western financiers arming both sides.

Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palmer headed the U.N.

Commission of Inquiry into this criminal enterprise, but before he could release his findings, Palmer was gunned down in Stockholm, Sweden.

The worldwide media immediately blamed the assassination on Lyndon LaRouche.

The so-called anti-defamation league pushed this slander and many others to poison public opinion during the government prosecution that railroaded LaRouche into prison in January of 1989, the week of Bush's inauguration.

Now many of you will remember that Bush brought the G7 summit here to Houston in 1991, and he brought Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip right here actually 1990 for the summit in 91 is when the Queen Queen and the Prince stood on the steps of City Hall.

At a press briefing for the summit, our correspondent Harley Schlanger threw the British spokesman into an apoplectic fit for exposing plans for a new Mid East War to quash the prospects for peace after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the breakup of the Soviet Union.

For George Bush's role in kicking off the post-Cold War New World Order of Permanent War, and for jailing La Rouge to George Bush, Sir George.

Very good.

Thank you.

Can I have 10 seconds?

10 seconds.

Thank you.

Resource looting, and Princess Diana gave it a thumbs up when it came out.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Next.

Diana Nockwim.

Brandy Allen.

Brandy Allen Spencer Swearingen, Eddie Salazar, Theodore Carrero, William Sowell.

To be followed by Mercy Lawson.

Good evening.

I would just like to thank the mayor on the last my visit he was here.

I want to thank you for you and your administration that got on that and solved that problem.

And uh thank you so much on that.

But on uh bus fifty hikes on a Tuesday night, May May 26, 2015, at 10:30 p.m.

at the end of a bus route.

Uh a contract worker bus operator, Mr.

Roland Terrell Ross, took me to this location at North North North Shepherd and Gordon Oaks Boulevard, right across where that old Sears used to be.

It's no longer there.

Mr.

Ross exposed himself to me.

Now this was 12 years ago.

I gave all this information to Metro.

But on February 11th, the 2020 26 at 8 p.m., Mr.

Ross drive operating a bus 84 Buffalo Speedway, bus 1991 at 820 at uh West Belfort and Lake 16.

Mr.

Ross brought another young black boy to the end of that bus route and then told the board get off the bus and get back on the bus and ride off with them.

This just goes to show me, and and and this was reported to Metro, and I took a picture of the young boy outside the bus, taking a picture of the bus and the number to make sure that they know that I know what I'm talking about, but the Metro private investigators didn't want to take this boy's picture and put it in the investigation or their report.

And when I call them February 16, they said, Oh, we already closed the case, like what they did to me.

They allow these things, they cover up the police department and investigators.

And another thing, too, it has nothing to do with this, but uh uh two weeks ago, a young homeless man was at a homeless church, got out of the homeless church and was shot and killed by three police officers, shot this black man down, three officers gonna shoot one black man down.

And it's just uh this black man didn't even stand a chance, but they allow the male uh the black man to be sexually assaulted, taking your your children.

I don't know if any parent, you know that someone is doing that to your child or taking your child to a dark secluded area.

You would want someone to sound that alarm.

You know, so I'm just saying Metro, I don't trust their police authority.

When when they doing those sexual assault cases, they need to somebody need to be over them watching them because they covered up to your time has expired for Metro image.

They want to keep it looking good.

Thank you, sir.

We'll share your information.

Thank you.

I already went to the board too, but that didn't do no good.

Okay.

Next, Mercy Lawson.

To be followed by Saretta Harding.

Good afternoon, Mayor, and good afternoon, the council member.

Uh, my name is Mercy Lawson.

I work with Kellwood Home.

Um, we do have a bunch of um homeless individuals that have showed up at our homes, trying to, you know, they said they've been to the shelter, and the shelter is full, and shelter refied them to us.

Uh this they send them to our home, and I told them that well, we do we do have to get paid for them staying at our home.

And um some of the homeless um individual said that at the are the what is it called as a shelter they told them that when they get to the home that the city will be able to pay for them to stay with us.

So I'm here to ask if there is any uh if if there's any provision for those homeless individuals to stay at our home and get um actually taken care of.

Councillor Thomas Thank you, Mayor.

Ms.

Lawson, uh, your address is located right outside of the city limits in uh mission been on the county side, but I'm the closest city council district to you.

Um West Houston Assistance Ministry and the constable office on that area, they have entered into this pilot partnership uh with rapid rehousing and addressing the homelessness.

Sarai for my team is right here in the striped shirt.

I want to follow up because I wasn't clear about the homes you were alluding to.

Yes.

Um, and we have um some infrastructure around identifying encampments and individuals, and so we need some information from you so we can better respond in in regards to the funding.

Um we ain't got it.

That's so I'll say that.

Um, and and so but we are working on it.

I will say we'll say that um right now we are working on our critical, those that need uh mental and medical support at this time.

But on the west side that um where you reside and where I represent, there are some limited resources that we're working through.

Okay, so Rai will be able to be in contact with you, and then we can respond accordingly.

No problem.

I appreciate you for coming down.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Next Serena Hardy, Steve Williams.

To be followed by Latoya Jones.

And well, today is March and so it's March March woman's history month.

So all of your women in the room, please raise your hand so I can applaud you.

And now uh I work at the rodeo, so here's a song for y'all.

Uh I want to be a cowboy.

Your time's running, Jacob.

Yeah, give me more time.

I like four minutes.

No, no, it's well, hey, remember.

Uh I want to make you have all.

Okay.

Okay.

And you can make my cow go.

Uh well, uh I can't.

Make it work and we'll let you come back.

I think well, um the Zaggy's uh professor was giving them questions with me about when is it different between what we're and he said, well, one is uh mayor of heasting, and another is the um governor of Michigan, and then who is as which one is which and who got the what mayor for the governor of the Jacob.

Come back.

Next, Latoya Jones.

Bernadette Kiki.

Tomato Tomato.

Come on, Dilton.

To be followed by Andrea Rapier.

Excellency, the mayor of Houston, John Wheatmayer, and all the council members.

I bring you greetings in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He has sent me to tell us that this is very, very urgent that I bring to you, dear mayor.

And the reason is that the Lord Jesus Christ, he's coming back.

He is coming back.

And he has sent his mightiest, mightiest, most dreadful, most terrible, most transfigured prophets of Jehovah Yahweh, HM Moses Sanish and Elijah are on the earth, preparing the whole world for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Houston as the number two most sinful city in America.

It's commanded to repent your time has expired.

A holy way for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Very good.

And if you give me one more minute, sir.

The war in Iraq, I mean Iran and Israel right now.

The mega Asian prophet of the Lord spoke about it since 2005.

And they've been prophesying it.

And they've been uh talking to Israel.

They can say that about it.

And we have seen it.

And this war will escalate still.

And at the end of it, it's the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you for being here.

That we need a revival in Houston.

We need to prepare.

We need to invite the mega Asian prophets.

Just like Italy, Italian Parliament has invited them.

Brazilian Parliament has invited them.

And even your friend here that came from Finland has invited them to Finland.

So how come we can do this thing?

Thank you very much.

I really plead with you.

Blessed uh John Wheatman.

Because me and you are not young.

We are not young.

We're about to see the Lord Jesus.

And he's gonna ask you about the channel.

I'm ready, man.

Thank you.

How is your city the number two most useful city in America?

Why?

We can change that.

Bless them, Mayor.

And you know I love you.

Amen.

We gotta finish up here.

You know, I love you.

You be safe.

Keep praying.

Thank you, sir.

Bless you.

Thank you, sir.

Next.

Andrea Rapier.

Jeremy Peel.

She said, See the Lord.

Honey.

I'm ready.

Joseph O'Mari.

Ciao.

To be followed by Eduardo Duran.

How are you doing today?

Uh, you know, young oldest remind me of my well, anyway.

I think oldest parents should be very proud of his presentation.

He did a very good presentation.

I know they should be proud of his presentation.

You know, I ran across this book, uh white feminist wrote it called Finishing Rich.

I like the book called You Can't Fitness Rich.

At least we'll do a company pool.

I could do comfortable all day long, but uncle, no, no, no.

Uh uh.

I was just working up before I call uh this uh 16 steps of Brock and Nomics, and uh I voted for Brock Obama and Donald Trump.

The two votes I really regret.

I wish I could take it back, but I can't.

Anyway, this is 16 step back.

I hope I still have been one line of this one lines I can do before we get over the bill.

Air time of business between black American business people have egg-long says, which government shut it down.

Ha ha ha ha ha.

Economic egg price for the mass that don't allow the new rich to see if they like like you.

Ha ha ha ha ha.

Use military muscle soldiers for the reserves to take qualified spirit draws away from them and paying one of nothing.

Ha ha ha ha.

A lot of government take power pop business and take the time is expired.

And they need one of nothing.

Ha ha ha.

Still a small business, a bit of a big bitch.

They're getting me nothing.

If you're the clicking little big maid of money, payroll short work because you don't nobody have a job.

Anyway, somebody gotta pay the bills.

Ha ha ha.

Decrease your spirit and increase.

Thank you by pre-less job.

All cost don't ask the media to tell the people about it.

Gotcha.

Thank you.

Call your president.

Eduardo Duran.

Whom I don't see, and this completes the list of speakers.

Woo.

We stand uh recessed to nine in the morning.

Sir, I think it's the hours.

For renovation of fire station number 74, item 14, ordinance amending ordinance number 2025-212, approving and authorizing first amendment to contract with Eastern Aviation Fuels Inc.

Item 15, ordinance approving and authorizing contract with Morgan Site Services Inc.

Item 16, ordinance approved and authorizing First Amendment to contract with Spay and Newter Assistance Program Inc.

Item 17 Ordinance Amending Ordinance Number 2021-944 related to contract with municipal emergency services in 18 ordinance approved and authorizing submission of application for grant assistance to the Texas Office of Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office for FY 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program.

Item 19, Ordinance approved and authorizing submission of application for grant assistance to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Local Parks grant for improvements to Agnes Moffitt Pool, Agnes Moffitt Park Pool.

Item 20, ordinance approved and authorizing submission of application for grant assistance to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Local Parks Grant for Improvements to Merrill Rose Park.

Item 21 ordinance consenting to the addition of 1.9389 acres acres of land to Harris County Municipal Utility District No.

480.

Item 22 ordinance consenting to the addition of 2.321 acres of land to Harris County Municipal Utility District number 542.

Item 23 ordinance consenting to the addition of 59.254 acres of land to Northwest Harris County Municipal Utility District Number 5.

Item 24 ordinance approving and authorizing in a local agreement between the City of Houston and Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority.

Item 25, ordinance approving and authorizing First Amendment to public improvement.

Development contract among the City of Houston, Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority and Reinvestment Zone Number 10.

Item 26, ordinance appropriating 546,000 dollars.

Approved and authorizing second amendment to contract between the City of Houston and BGE Inc.

Item 27, ordinance appropriating $5,500,000.

Approved and authorizing contract with Grava LLC.

Item 28, ordinance approved and authorizing Fourth Amendment to Professional Engineering Services contract between the City of Houston and Corolla Engineers, Inc.

Item 29, ordinance approved and authorizing the second amendment to contract with Flat Iron Dragados Constructors Inc.

This item was tagged by Councilmember Pollard and was Item 22 on the agenda of February 25th.

This concludes the reading of the captions for the agenda of Wednesday, March the 4th.

Stay tuned for the next City Council session to begin at 9 a.m.

And with that, I wish everyone a blessed and happy update.

Council, please come to order.

We'll start with our monthly financial report and recognize uh Deputy Director Paula Lichin Panett and our City Controller.

If y'all would please come forward.

Wow.

Good morning, Mr.

Controller.

We'll recognize you first.

I appreciate y'all giving me a chair today.

Good morning, Mayor.

Uh Honorable Members of Council, uh staff.

I'm here today to present the monthly financial report for the month of January 2026.

The controller's office is projecting an ending fund balance of $336 million or 13.2% of expenditures, less debt service, and pay as you go for fiscal year 2026.

This is 17 and a half million dollars lower than the projection of the finance department, with the difference being due uh to a lower revenue projection than finance.

Based on our current projections, the fund balance will be approximately 144.8 million dollars above the city's target of holding seven and a half percent of total expenditures, excluding debt service and pay as you go in reserve.

Our revenue and expenditure projection remains unchanged from the December 2025 report.

For our enterprise funds, uh within aviation, non-operating revenues increase by 20.2 million dollars due to land sales, and operating transfers to the airport improvement fund increased by 20.2 million dollars.

We're projecting no changes from the previous month's amounts in the combined utility system, uh, convention and entertainment operating funds, the stormwater funds, or the dedicated drainage and street renewal funds.

For our commercial paper and bonds, the city's practice has been to maintain no more than 20 percent of the total outstanding debt for each type of debt in a variable rate structure, which is in line with rating agency guidance of 25 percent.

From time to time, the city's enterprise credits have exceeded this threshold on an interim basis as they've undertaken large capital improvement projects or major expansions.

As of January 31st, 2026, the ratio of unhedged variable rate debt for convention and entertainment was 47.98 percent due to the ongoing George R.

Brown expansion.

As you all know, uh our finance department and the controller's office are up in New York uh right now, uh pricing bonds for that project, and so once that comes through, you should see this number uh go down substantially.

And you know, there is quite a bit of turmoil in the markets right now, given uh the ongoings in the Middle East.

And so uh we're gonna see you know how this pricing goes, but the you know, the weekends events certainly uh have changed how Wall Street is operating right now.

Uh the ratio of unhedged variable rate debt for each other type of outstanding debt remained well below the 20 percent threshold.

Mayor and council, uh, as you know, Texans went to the polls yesterday for our primary elections.

At a moment when our democracy is more deeply under threat than at any other point in my life, every single ballot cast yesterday and throughout the early voting period was an act of belief.

So let me start with this.

Thank you to the Houstonians who showed up, those who waited in line, who did your homework, who refused to sit this one out.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.

It only works when we come together and make it work.

And to every candidate who step forward, who put your name on the ballot, who organize your neighbors who knock doors in the heat and in the cold, thank you.

Running for office is not glamorous.

Uh it's long nights, it's tough questions, it is the willingness to be judged in public, and win or lose, it takes courage to raise your hand and say that you are ready to serve.

And so for all those uh who ran in yesterday's elections, we thank you.

We know that campaigns can be divisive, but participation strengthens our community.

And in a time when too many people are trying to silence us and shrink the number of seats that are available at the table, Houston keeps showing up.

And so we're grateful for that.

I want to wish you all a happy women's history month, and I certainly want to acknowledge the incredible women around this horseshoe that lead this city every day.

You want me to repeat that, Councilmember Thomas?

Uh without you, Houston would not be as great as it is, and I'm honored to lead alongside every single one of you.

Uh Women's History Month comes on the heels of Black History Month, and I want to thank all of you, I think nearly all of you, who joined the controllers' office in celebrating 100 years of intentional remembrance of a critical piece of American history and honoring black leaders who are making a difference across the Houston community.

It was a powerful moment that exemplified Houston's diversity and commitment to the people and stories that shape our city.

On March 17th, uh we'll be hosting our tenth annual Houston Investor Conference.

The original October date was impacted due to the labor strikes at the Hilton Americas.

And now that those have been successfully resolved, we are excited to be moving forward on March 17th.

Some of you are joining us as speakers, and we are very grateful for that.

Uh, but all of you are invited to attend, and we love uh to have you be there.

As you all know, the Houston Investor Conference is the premier event that brings together investors, industry leaders, and regional power players to discuss the financial future of Houston, so please come out.

This past weekend, uh our office joined an organization called Clean the Block, along with the Harris County DA's office and over 150 volunteers to bring beauty to an often ignored area in Sunnyside.

It was an awesome example of what Houstonians can do when they put words into action and get involved directly in driving the change that they want to see.

Uh, Councilmembers Evan Shabazz as well as Councilmember Salinas uh were also there getting their hands dirty uh to clean up this neighborhood that was very much uh in need, and so it is great to have you out there.

Uh the Clean the Block crew is awesome.

They don't just do this work on Saturdays, they are out there every single day of the week doing what they can.

Uh it's my understanding that right now they could use a truck to haul off the trash that they pick up every morning.

Uh right now they are using their personal vehicles uh and their small personal vehicles, and that's limiting the impact uh that they can have.

Uh we know that illegal dumping remains a major issue across the City of Houston, and while the City is working to address that issue, uh, we should support leaders like Andrew Beaver and the Clean the Brock the Block crew.

Mayor, I know that you have made a truck available to uh a group on the North Side for a similar uh endeavor, and so if at all possible, we should try to provide that support to this group as well.

Um again, this group is showing up for Sunnyside and South Park and for all of Houston, and we should support them uh if we can.

Mayor and Council, uh, yesterday, Deputy City Controller Will Jones uh came to the BFA committee and released a new insight report about our electricity exposure uh and what it means for our budget going forward.

This year, this fiscal year, the city is projected to reach 131 million dollars in electricity costs, an increase of more than 40 percent from last year.

Uh, this isn't a routine fluctuation.

This is a material and substantial shift uh in our cost structure that is going to stick moving forward.

Many of the rising costs that Houstonians are seeing, uh, and certainly here at the City of Houston are directly associated with reforms that were made in the aftermath of winterstorm URI.

Uh during that February 2021 event, there were more than 200 Texans that lost their lives uh due to the antiquated Texas grid.

Uh and in that moment, we came within minutes of a total collapse, and we are lucky that we avoided it.

That tragedy prompted some substantial changes to the State's electricity market, and the costs associated with those reforms were passed down directly to customers, including the City of Houston.

Today, those structural changes are showing up in our operating budget.

It is important to recognize that roughly half of the city's electricity costs are entirely outside of operational control.

They are driven by transmission charges, regulatory mandates, and market-based reliability mechanisms.

And so even with conservation efforts, significant portions of those costs remain fixed and will remain at those elevated levels.

The city has currently utilized 86 percent of the original $640 million contract uh for spending capacity that it has with Reliant.

And at projected spending levels, the remaining contract capacity may not be enough to fully cover our cost through the end of the contract in fiscal year 2027.

And so that is something for council uh to pay attention to.

I want to be clear here.

Uh the bad guy here isn't anyone at the City of Houston, and it's not NRG or Reliant who provide us uh with electricity.

Uh the system that Governor Abbott and the State Legislature allowed to be in place that holds no one accountable, and when disaster strikes passes those risks and those failures and those costs down to customers, including our residents and including us here at the City of Houston, that is the problem.

Uh, nevertheless, that problem isn't going away.

Prices appear to remain elevated for years to come.

So as we prepare for the next fiscal year and potentially a new supply contract beyond fiscal year 2027, we have to evaluate that risk, look towards long-term price stability, uh, and of course, prioritize overall value for Houston taxpayers.

Thank you so much.

And that concludes my report.

Councilmember Keman.

Um I guess we can dig.

You want to wait Dr.

Paul, or would you like to address the controller?

Um I was going to speak to the controller, but if someone else has any questions, no, no, no.

All my comments.

Thank you, sir.

Congratulations.

It's tough.

Um Ms.

Pollard.

Good morning, Mayor, Councilmember.

This is seven plus five financial report for the period ending January 31, 2026.

Fiscal year 2026 projections uh based on seven months of actual results and five months of projection.

For general fund, our revenue projection is 41.9 million lower than the adopted budget and remained unchanged from prior month for the sales tech receipts for the month of December were 88.1 million.

To meet the current estimate of 902.3 million, the remaining period would need to come in 8.68 percent below prior year.

For our expenditure projection is 9.5 million higher than the adopted budget and remain unchanged from prior month.

We are currently projecting the ending fund balance of $353.5 million, which remained unchanged from pyramid, and 13.9 percent of estimated expenditure, less that so it and pay goal.

The fund balance is 162.3 million above the target at 7.5 percent of expenditures, excluding debt service and pay goal.

We agree with controller for every Asian uh projection change on that.

And as we had uh received the question uh for the BFA yesterday on page uh four for the FY26 adopted budget of $387 million.

That uh fund balance is based on the fund balance at that time at the adopted budget.

So when the annual comprehensive financial report completed for FY25, uh the fund balance had increased to 100 uh million, approximately 100 million, pretty much mainly increase in uh the revenue about 53 million for property tax, sales tax, and also we have some saving uh about 40 something million uh in the expenditure side that what driving the increase on the fund balance currently that we have right now.

That's what driving the increase on the fund balance that we have right now.

So thank you very much.

That's conclude my report.

Thank you, Paula.

Good job.

Uh Councilmember Cayman.

Thank you, Mayor.

Good morning to everyone.

Um I was going to bring this up under item 7, which has to do with the contract that we're doing for ice, uh ice being like physical ice, not ice, federal immigration enforcement.

The cold ice.

In the midst of disasters.

And controller, I actually I really appreciate your remarks in terms of the cost of electricity and energy that we are incurring at the City of Houston directly as a result of previous generational failures of our grid.

And what I was going to speak on related to the fact that we have to now contract for ice.

There's additional costs every which way.

Mayor, whether it's backup generators that cost hundreds of millions of dollars, not only for public safety facilities, but for community centers of last resort, whether it's ice, now electricity.

We are continuing to have to foot the bill, and residents are continuing to have to foot the bill for an unreliable grid.

And an unreliable and unsustainable situation.

So I just again I'll I wanted to speak to it now since it's germane to what you are discussing in terms of city costs, but we literally are having items on agenda that we are having to pay for to keep people alive and safe because the power is going to go out.

And that's a problem.

It's not okay, but it's also not on solely the City of Houston to address that issue.

So I want to lift it up and thank you for bringing a spotlight to that cost because that's a staggering number.

Absolutely.

That's all.

That's all.

Thank you.

Councilman Allen.

Do you have a uh motion for Councilman Alcorn?

I move to accept the monthly financial report date of January 31st, 2026.

Very second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, no.

Motion passes.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Let's move to appointments.

Is there a motion to take items 124 and 9 out of order?

Cast X take a move.

Text second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, they motion back.

Mr.

Secretary.

Item one is one.

Tom Jones.

Item one.

Is there a motion for item one?

Cast item move.

Motion made in second to uh approve Tom Jones for the Port of Houston Commission.

All in favor say yes.

After.

Council Alcorn.

You want to move the question?

I like it before the vote.

I'm a before the vote kind of kind of speaker.

I am so proud of Thomas Jones and his service on this board.

I was proud to nominate him two years ago.

He has stepped right up.

As you know, there's a new CEO at the board.

He's been in charge of all kinds of managerial and structural changes.

He chairs two committees.

He chairs the procurement strategic sourcing committee and pension.

He's also on the audit and community engagement committee.

Of course, you're on the audit committee.

But he's he's really stepped in and done a great job.

As we all know, the port is uh complete economic engine for this entire region for the state, for the country.

So really proud of your work, Mr.

Jones, and proud to re-nominate you for this or re-whatever.

I think I already nominated you, but we're about to vote you in.

Uh so congratulations in advance.

Councilmember Evan Shabbat.

Thank you, Mayor.

And would she say it?

But I certainly I I want to just uplift uh Thomas Jones of on a personal level.

He is such a wonderful support for me and for the city, and particularly for the District D community, and I am very, very proud that he is a constituent of District D.

And certainly I know that he will continue to do phenomenal and great things.

So thank you, Thomas Jones.

Anyone else?

It's obvious.

It's pretty clear my support of uh Thomas, a longtime friend.

And he demonstrates to all of us the importance of experience.

Thomas brings years of experience and understanding of government and business.

So represents what it means to have competent experience and honest individuals on the port commission.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, no.

Pass is unanimous.

Thomas, thank you.

You know I'll let you say something, but I'll probably do you in a favor by letting you go back to work.

Oh, he wants to say that.

Yeah, I know.

Mr.

Savannah.

Okay.

Well, thank you all very much for the faith and confidence you've shown in me.

And uh I can assure you that the last two years have been very uh interesting, informative, uh educational, and very productive.

Uh as many of you know, the port uh, as counsel woman uh Alcorn said, is uh one of the largest, if not the largest, port containers in the in the country.

Uh we account for about 19 percent, almost 20 percent of Texas's GDP.

And uh just an incredible, credible 47 mile stretch of uh trade and commerce.

Uh I wanted to add uh that if you did not know, we've uh moved our into our new offices.

Uh we've clo relocated our administrative headquarters to a new 93,000 square foot facility, uh six-story building at 2960 Riverby Road within the East River development along Buffalo Bayou.

So we're right on the bayou, which makes a lot of sense.

Uh the move completed in January 26 houses 256 employees and strengthened supports connection to the historic waterway, and I might also add to the community.

Um our headquarters that have been over there for years uh a little bit difficult to get to sometimes and not the not the nicest drive if you uh if you don't like riding alongside big trucks.

Um, but uh we are in a new facility and uh certainly is uh uh a welcoming and um and I I would encourage all of you to come by if if you if you so desire to come by our officers.

Uh we've also uh are building a new boat, replace the old Sam Houston uh tour boat that will continue the tradition of showcasing Houston's busiest and most important waterway, the Houston Chip Channel.

The new vessel is currently being built in Louisiana and should be complete by early 2027, and certainly look forward to hosting city officials, local Houstonians, and visitors from around the world.

And finally, um we are in the midst of uh we will be working with the city to host uh Fleet Week, which is coming up uh April 12th through the 15th.

Uh coming to our city.

Uh we'll be able to showcase Houston to showcase Houston, but also welcome visitors and community to our terminals to celebrate and honor those who serve at sea and the United States 25th anniversary.

So we're very, very proud to host Houston uh Fleet Week.

Ron I think.

Yeah, on a personal note, sure.

Uh you didn't mention the 1997 letter.

Okay.

Did you want me to?

Yes.

Well, uh, I think you're referring to the letter that you wrote on behalf of our firm uh to the governor at the time.

Okay.

Um Senator John Whitmere at the time, uh, my partner and I, Wayne McConnell had just formed our firm of Collin Jones.

And we were looking to do work at the at the state level.

We weren't doing much government, weren't doing any government work.

And uh I was able to get uh Senator Whitmire to write a letter to uh then Governor George Bush uh extolling the virtues of Thomas Jones and Wayne McConnell and the fact that we were trying to get do some work at the at the state level.

And uh within a few days I got a phone call from uh one of the partners at uh one of the big HCPA firms at the time, and uh we collaborated on some things and uh now McConnell Jones is uh one of the largest, uh no, we're the largest African American-owned CBA firm in the country, and uh certainly owe a lot of a lot of that to uh Senator Whitmar now, Mayor Whitmaier, for his help uh early on in the development of our firm.

Good job.

Councilmember Pollard.

Thank you, Mayor, and good morning to everyone.

Commissioner, I just want to uh congratulate you again on this appointment.

Uh as the mayor mentioned that that letter was back in 1997 showing that you have been uh contributing to Houston uh for over 30 years uh as a professional, uh as a community stakeholder, and now in this role uh is something that you don't have to do, but you're putting yourself forward, you're volunteering your time and you're serving your community and your city and this entire region.

And so I want to thank you for that service.

I want to thank you for continuing to always have an open line of communication, uh, being able to uh explain to us what's happening at the port, uh, what's advantageous for us as a city, some of the things that we need to know and be mindful of, and you've always been someone that we can count on.

So I want to thank you again for your service, and I wouldn't expect anything less from an alpha man.

Thank you, Councilman Collar.

Mayor Pro.

I have been here 48 years, by the way.

So Mayor Pro Tim.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh Thomas Jones, congratulations to you.

It's my honor to vote for you.

Uh we were there when you um initially were appointed at your ceremony.

It was incredible.

Um, but I I really just wanted to amplify the work at the port.

Um since being on council, I have learned so much about the port.

Yeah.

Um, the amount of cargo, the volume of um goods that come through our city's court.

I don't think most people even realize that almost everything in your house came through that post.

That's correct.

Everything comes through the port.

And we and we cannot um take that for granted.

Um, you know, the fact that we are widening and deepening, deepening the port and and the amount of volume that comes through there.

We need good people to make sure that the work that's happening um for our city's economic ecosystem is um one that we can all be proud of.

So thank you for your service.

I'm super excited about the new boat.

Um I've had an opportunity to do the tour a couple of times.

I've I've taken my constituents and some of the leaders in the District K community on the boat tour.

I mean, uh, you know, we get to see everything that that's in that that water.

And for a lot of people that live in Houston that have not had a chance to do the boat tour, I would highly recommend that they take that tour.

Um you can kind of see where when when people throw trash out in the in their waterways, kind of where it ends up.

Uh, and you can learn so much about the volume in the cargo that's coming through our city.

So thank you for your service, and we look forward to continuing to have you work alongside us to make Houston the best that it could be.

Thank you.

These allergies are killing me.

Very well.

Yes, thank you.

Thank you, Thomas, for your public service.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Go to work.

Next.

On item two is there a motion.

Cast X tata move.

Motion made and second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passed.

Yeah, our appointees are not present.

Next, number three.

On item three, is there a motion?

Cast X Tater move.

Motion made and second.

Councilmember Maris.

Thank you, Mayor.

I want to applaud you for this nomination of Scott Durfee to serve on the Houston Forensic Science Center board.

I've known Scott as a colleague and as a friend for more than 35 years.

And he served uh honorably at the District Attorney's Office here in Harris County for many, many years uh in the appellate section and also as general counsel for multiple district attorneys.

And I can't think of a better lawyer than Scott Durfee, and we are so fortunate to have uh his willingness to serve on this important board.

Uh Scott uh really took his his um uh oath to heart as a prosecutor to see that justice was done on every case.

He convicted the guilty, but also worked to exonerate the innocent and um uh tremendously talented uh person who also taught legal ethics, which is which is greatly important.

And so uh also want to highlight some of the folks from the forensic science center who are here, Dr.

Stout, another board member of Joni Barrett is here, and we have others.

So thank you for the work that y'all do, and I'll gladly support this nomination, Mayor.

Thank you.

I um totally agree the experience uh will be invaluable to the um science center.

Ms.

Stout, your colleagues, thank you for the work.

I know you all worked long hours and uh probably don't get near the recognition you deserve.

All in favor of Mr.

Durfee, please say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Congratulations.

Next.

On item four, is there a motion?

Cast X tell you to move.

All in favor say yes.

Motion made and second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

We don't have any of them here, but we do have these.

Next, Council number nine.

On item nine.

Item nine is an ordinance, just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

All opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

I understand Mr.

Gore is present.

And Judge Santos.

And Judge Santos.

Thank you.

Judge Santos, you're getting some really fine judges over there.

Yes, and I was asking you yesterday.

Your volume of work is significantly increased.

Yes, yes, your uh Mayor, it is.

Thank you, Mayor.

Good morning, Councilmembers.

It is increasing.

And I am grateful to have great judges there at the courts and staff that are able to maintain uh great services for the public and ensure that justice is served.

I am so happy to have Judge Gore.

Thank you all for your vote of competence.

Um he has been an associate judge with the courts already for 12 years and brings a wealth of knowledge from the legal field.

So with that, Judge Gore, I wanted you to uh introduce yourself and introduce your family.

Excuse me.

My name is Judge Christopher Gore.

I like Judge Santos has said, I have served the city proudly for the last 12 years.

It will be 13 in June.

Um I do have my family in the front row, family and friends, my twin sister Krista, my mother Sarah, my mother-in-law Dottie Bird, um, her husband Vic Friscell, Sarah, uh this is Marisol uh Nervaez, she's my secretary.

I consider her family.

My husband Bill and a friend of mine, Lee Blask.

So I'm all happy that they could be here today to speak to the Mr.

Thank you for your public service and thank you to our guests for you really make it possible by raising a fine fine person that is one of our public servants.

So thank you.

I understand that's a tough job over there.

In difficult uh conditions, it's still amazing to me uh to see what was allowed to happen to the structure of our municipal court.

We've got the best presiding judge I could find in our community, and the increase in your case load is coming about by the morale of the police and their hard work regarding illegal dumping traffic violations and just trying to make this city safe.

So thank you.

Thank you, Judge Santos.

Thank you, Judge.

Mayor Mayor, excuse me.

Consent agenda.

Move to the consent.

Under the purchase and a tabulation of bids category, item seven has been removed for separate consideration.

Is there a motion for items five, six, and eight?

Cast six tell you to move.

Pack second.

Motion made in segment.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay, motion passes.

Under the ordinances category, item 19 has been removed for separate consideration.

Just need a vote on the balance.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposed, nay, motion passes.

Items removed for separate consideration.

Is there a motion for item seven?

Castex Tate to move.

Peck second.

Councilmember Peck.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, this is for the bag to ice for extreme weather events, and Councilmember Keeman talked about earlier.

Um the money is coming from the water and sewer system operating fund.

And um we did ask that if we get reimbursed from disaster recovery dollars, if that money would go back to that fund.

And they confirm that it would.

I just want to thank you, Mayor.

I know in the past it's always questionable about where that money is going back to.

Um, but thank you for ensuring that the money will go back to that fund if we get reimbursements.

Absolutely.

Back to the fund.

Councilman Cayman.

Councilmember Cayman.

And Councilmember Peck, I appreciate your leadership uh in looking into that and working with the administration.

I did want to point out something you said, which is if we get reimbursed, uh, and I keep going back to the risk that we have, especially under the current administration federal administration of not being reimbursed for disaster costs.

Uh so we have to continue to have these conversations, but more importantly, we need to have action so that we are accurately and appropriately setting aside sufficient funds to respond and mitigate during disasters.

Thank you.

Just need to vote.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Next.

Item 19 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

Councilmember back.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, this is the one million dollar grant for Agnes Moffat Park improvements for the pool.

Um we I'm very excited about the partnership with HPD and HFD to be able to use the pool in off times for their training once um we get all of the improvements.

Mayor, I just wanted to thank you um for your support on this project and for um representative Lacey Hole for securing the funds in the last legislative session.

Just need to vote.

Sounds good.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposed, no.

Motion passes.

And this completes the items on the agenda.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Wait, wait, wait.

Item 29.

Oh.

Item 29 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes on 29.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Okay.

Now this completes the items on the agenda.

Councilmember Hoffman.

Just congratulations to everybody with the election results uh yesterday.

Congratulations to our colleague on her race.

Um that's all I have for today.

Very good.

I'll second that.

Congratulations, Councilmember Kamen.

Um appreciate everybody who turned out and and voted and um let their views be known.

Thank you.

Councilmember Thomas.

Thank you.

Congratulations, Councilmember Kamen.

Uh public service is tough.

Um, so thank you for putting your yourself out there uh and leading for Harris County.

Um, I want to talk about that horse I rode on Saturday at the rodeo.

Okay, my horse is biting Joaquin's horse.

It was a mess.

But we made it.

Uh I'll be in the carriage next year, sitting next to the mayor uh in his carriage.

Uh I want to remind everyone on Thursday, on Thursday, March 5th, we're having our second and final apartment inspection ordinance meeting at 6300 Irvington.

Uh council members, please get this out to your constituents.

We are on the road to the special call meeting for March 30th.

Um, and we are moving expeditiously so we cannot have delay so we can get this done and move this off our list for Houstonians so we can improve their quality of life.

Um, my office finally was able to install air quality monitors on the west side.

A lot of attention is often given to the cancer cluster in Fifth Ward or um uh uh concrete batch plants in each in East Houston.

Um but on the west side, we have a concrete black batch plant right there in uh uh West Chase.

So thank you to the Houston Health Department, just shout out to them and their diligence, exceptional team at the Houston Health Department.

We installed three monitors um in West Chase and will be re providing the updates on our air quality on the West Side.

More to come uh for those that live in that area off of West Park, Willcrest, Harwin.

Um, we have information to you, really excited about that.

Um, you know, oftentimes, uh particularly for myself, I wonder if the work that we do is in vain.

Um if the uh you know effort we put out with community meetings and initiatives, if it actually meets the moment.

And Sunday I was reminded that our work, my work is meeting the moment.

I was able to uh join Councilmember Evan Shabazz and the District of Destination for a groundbreaking with Boy and Boynton Houston Community Development Corporation.

Um I started the Faith and Affordable Housing Summit two years ago to meet the moment for our faith leaders that had a vision but did not have the technical support in order to reinvest in their communities.

And on Sunday, at that groundbreaking, it was realized that because of that uh the 13 in field lots uh that they were able to acquire through Midtown, they're moving forward with single-family homes and a lot of their financing and the relationships that were at the table was because of the Faith and Affordable Housing Summit.

I want to shout out Pastor Jones.

Um she completed the enterprise faith cohort for uh pastors that were interested in development.

I want to shout out um Alvin Johnson with Texas First Bank, who was a sponsor of the uh of the Faith and Affordable Housing, Courtney Johnson Rose, Midtown Development for making that happen.

The the and the City of Houston for providing the down payment assistance up to 125,000 dollars of the homeowner who is 68, I believe, said that he he told his family that he wanted to make sure that he could celebrate Christmas in 2026 in a home.

And so I'm excited.

Uh I was reminded that the work that we're doing is not in vain, and more to come, but just shout out to them on that.

And lastly, I just want to shout out happy birthday to Monique on our team.

Um she's our office's favorite penguin.

So if you see her, she's um celebrating her birthday today.

She's not with us.

But when you see her uh at City Hall, tell her happy birthday.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

Councilmember Pro Tim Peck.

Mayor Pro T.

Thank you, Mayor.

A couple of announcements in District K.

Do want to remind our presidents of our neighborhood organizations in District K that they are invited to register for our President's Advisory Council.

We are scheduling that on April the 9th from 6 p.m.

to 8 p.m.

at the Fountain Life Center.

During this meeting, participants will have an opportunity to engage in discussions on uh short-term rental regulations, changes to the prohibited yard parking, and the um roll out of solid waste management, heavy trash on demand.

Um so we'll have lots of updates on our ordinances.

Uh so we are encouraging all of our presidents of our organizations to register and attend that meeting on Thursday, April the 9th.

Uh and that meeting, um, if you have any questions, you can contact the District K office at 832-393-3016.

Um Councilmember Thomas made the announcement for our community meeting on Thursday.

Um we do want to make sure that we continue to invite folks.

If you are a tenant and you want to provide feedback for the apartment inspection ordinance, if you are a an operator or a landlord, we want to hear from you.

We we held the first meeting and we were able to um go into breakout sessions, and I think that worked well.

We'll do that again on Thursday.

So um please, please, this is your opportunity for us to hear from you.

So we look forward to seeing you on um Thursday, and that meeting will be at the Harris County Department of Education building at 6 p.m.

at 6300 Irvington Boulevard.

Highly recommend that council members also attend so that when we get to um our special call meeting on the 30th, um, we can get your questions answered and kind of work through that ordinance and get um this on the books for Houstonians as soon as possible.

And then we get lots of calls in our office about our summer internship um program.

Don't wait until the summer to call us and say um uh my child is looking for a summer job.

Now is the time to apply for um summer internships.

Uh the last day to apply is March the 13th.

So we want to make sure that everyone that knows someone that is 16 to 24 looking for summer internships at the city of Houston is aware that the applications close on March the 13th.

And then finally, congratulations to all the candidates that were brave enough to put their names on the ballot, and thank you to everyone that went out and exercised their um right to vote.

Um best wishes, y'all be kind to each other and make it a great day.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, first we are doing our annual Dress for Success um suit drive.

Um you may have heard the proclamation yesterday, but in case you didn't dress for success, empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help women thrive and work in life.

So we will collect um suits, shirts, dresses, jacket, shoes, scarves, and handbags on the first floor of City Hall Annex through the end of the month.

You could also make a monetary donation um directly to Dress for Success.

Umnounced a critical electric resiliency improvement project in spring branch.

This will start um later this month.

It will be um from Bingle to Antoine and from IT to Hammerly.

So look out for crews.

Um Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.

to 6 p.m.

They are going to install stronger, more storm resilient polls to better withstand extreme winds, um devices to reduce the impact of any outages and trimming and cleaning high-risk trees and vegetation from power line.

So we're excited about that project.

And finally, congrats um to Councilmember Cayman.

I know you have one more election to go, but I have a whole list of things in District A that I am going to give you that we can work on together.

Very excited for you.

Councilmember Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um first wanted to highlight the Houston Land Bank.

They're issuing an RFP to select a developer uh development partner for 7811 Harrisburg Boulevard.

It's a little bit over one point 1.5 uh acreage uh in the McNolia Park.

And it's along the rail, so there's transit-oriented development.

Um the environmental um due diligence has been completed.

It's clear for residential development, so I encourage developers to look look to considering submitting a proposal.

Um, this past weekend, uh I was fortunate to join two groups of young folks.

Uh the first one was at Millby High School.

Uh they had a beautification project celebrating their uh centennial that that's uh upcoming.

I want to thank Dr.

Vicky Cruz, uh Jay DeLeon, Sergio de la Yata, who is with Gold Lion Construction, and then the Houston Tool Bank.

We had over a hundred kids that were there uh doing some good work on their campus.

The other group was uh with the East End District and Lisc.

Uh they hosted the East End Youth Leadership Academy, and so myself, uh Councilman Castillo, Councilman Alcorn, and Councilman uh Ramides uh participated in a mock city council uh meeting with them.

It was great to see young folks engaged, involved in their community.

Um and and so for me it just uh ensures that there's uh folks that are ready to step up in leadership roles and happy to see that happen.

Um and then lastly, um for residents that are uh quite frankly around the city, but District I wanted that you know that the heavy trash on demand has been suspended for uh some time.

Uh we have been we've been sharing with folks that it was going to kick off March 2nd.

Uh but we definitely want to ensure that there is a uh good productive rollout of messaging so that way folks understand that uh we uh we will be able to service those 311 requests uh when the time comes.

Councilmember Powerth.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh first want to start out by congratulating Councilmember Kamen.

Um you win a hell of a race.

And uh congratulations on your victory and best wishes going forward.

Um today at Council um we had an item on the agenda, uh item 24, which we approved in interlocoal agreement uh between uh the city and TURS 20 for their construction of improvements on Harwin Drive uh and Hillcroft Avenue at the intersection in J City.

Uh those uh proposed improvements will be the reconstruction of existing intersection uh traffic signal improvements, reconstruction of pavement and pedestrian realms, and infrastructure improvements for stormwater and drainage.

This is a two million dollar project.

Uh most of you all know that the Harwin and Hillcroft area is extremely densely populated, uh very uh well traveled um location uh that needs uh these improvements, and so we've been working as an office with the TURS on this for some time.

So glad to see that it uh was approved today.

So thank you all for the support.

Thank you.

Council Al Cork.

Thank you.

I want to thank Public Works.

Uh, Councilmember Kayman, as you know, there's three unpermitted parking lots being poured on along Washington Avenue.

Public Works is doing everything they can, citing them every single day.

It's the same owner.

It's a big mess.

It just n it completely confounds me how how how brazen people are about just just get getting this they started at 5 a.m.

on a Saturday morning, pouring concrete.

So by the time everybody wakes up and gets their act together, they're they're halfway done and and it's it's a big mess.

So it's just all we can do is keep citing them every single day.

And I know that we have limited resources to do that.

And but eventually, I mean, rip the thing up.

If if you don't have a if you don't have a permit, I mean, we're gonna have to be pretty, pretty, you know, active and aggressive about um getting people making sure they have proper drainage, making sure that they have a permit to even do this kind of work.

So that's one thing.

I will be at the apartment inspection ordinance.

I went to the first one and I went to the breakout room for the owners and uh and kind of management people for the apartments.

This time I plan on spending time in the breakout room with the tenants.

This is a really important ordinance for our city of Houston.

I really thank the Mayor Pro Tem and our housing chair, Tiffany Thomas, for leading this charge, and um and and I think this will be uh a big step.

And you know, we've we've spent a lot of time listening to people come to the podium to talk about how uh dire their situation is in certain apartment buildings.

So I'm really hoping we can address that.

Uh good BFA meeting yesterday, uh, more talk about the open space ordinance and also um the Eastwater, very happy to see the investments in the Eastwater Purification Plant, Mayor, uh, the amount of money we are getting from the State and the Federal Government is pretty astounding.

And uh this is going to be a huge project and a big boon for the City of Houston and glad we're getting it done.

And uh also, colleagues, I stated this last week.

Uh you we've sent to you recently our March 17th effort we're doing with Scenic Houston and the Parks Department to get more uh Esplanades adopted.

I encourage you to please get these to your neighborhoods, to your churches in your area, to your businesses, everybody you can.

The more we've saved $3 million a year adopting out these Esplanades.

We hope to save a lot more if more people get involved.

And Scenic Houston is going to be involved in really helping us more aggressively market the program.

And finally, congrats to my friend Abby Kamen.

Great race.

It's running for office is is uh not for the faint of heart.

And you were out there hustling and uh really proud of you and all the candidates that put themselves out there.

Congrats.

Thank you, Councilman Sleemus.

So I'd like to start by also congratulating Councilmember Kamen.

Your leadership is inspirational to me and so many others, and we're so excited to see what you are going to do for Harris County.

Uh for Women's Wis History Month, our office is proud to highlight the women whose leadership, dedication, and behind the scenes excellence strengthens our city.

And the first woman I am honored to recognize is Ms.

Fredina Jones, who is here in the audience with us today.

As folks may know, Miss Ms.

Jones has faithfully served the City of Houston for more than 19 years, managing the administrative office of City Council with exceptional professionalism, integrity, dedication, and heart.

In that role, she has been a guiding force for dozens of council members, helping us navigate everything from budgets and procedures to operations and city departments.

Each time a project is completed with council district funds, Houstonians should know that it is in due in no smart small part to the quiet leadership and tireless dedication of Mrs.

Jones.

I know that I could not do my job without you, and I'm sure many of my colleagues feel exactly the same.

So please join me once again in recognizing and thanking Mrs.

Bernina Jones.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, first off, just wanted to uh mention, I know I sound like beat the drum.

Well, first off, congratulations, uh Abby.

I know you've you don't look like you've been up for 28 hours, but I'm sure you have.

Um so congratulations and keep moving.

Um amazing work.

Want to talk about the pit count.

We've got work to do, Houston.

Lots of work to do.

Um participated in the PIN Cap Pit Count last week, worked with um was on a about out in District F with Star of Hope and Search.

Unfortunately, uh our experience, there was about 20 of us, did not go as as well as it has in years past.

In about a four four-hour period, I think we talked to three people, which is not uh not you know, not actually gonna get the count done, but certainly we'll be having discussions with uh Kelly Young.

But most importantly, when we met up with the second group, they um, you know, they apologize for being late because they had come across a deceased person.

And um, these are the things that we don't hear about every day, but this is the reality of homelessness.

So, you know, as we continue to work towards solutions, Mayor, whether it's 419 or other locations, you know, I think we all just need to continue to be mindful that it's not what we see, it's what we don't see.

And there's so much more that we don't see out there.

You know, we need the resources, the finances certainly to get it done are just uh immeasurable, but we've got to get a handle on it, and it's not just in downtown, it's in the it's in the greater Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend, Montgomery County, it's in the entire area, and it's it's a huge problem.

And it's it's quite sad when you when you come up on these individuals who um they really don't even realize that where they are or what they're doing there.

They just, you know, they're just there.

And so uh mental health at its finest.

Um I I had one other thing, but it's totally slipped my mind.

So congratulations again, Avi.

Thank you for your leadership.

Councilman Evans.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you.

I'll take some of your time.

Okay.

As always, I want to take a moment to highlight continued progress happening across what I probably call the District of Destination.

I want to roll back a little.

I was out last week on city business, so I didn't get a chance to thank Controller Chris Hollins for phenomenal black history program.

It was engaging and so uplifting to see our honorees.

It was one of the best programs that I have experienced.

And you know, black history programs get better each year, and I look forward to the next year.

On last Friday, I attended the Crescent Palms Groundbreaking, which represents some meaningful reinvestment in District D and the Palm Center area.

This project will transform a deteriorated motel site into 29 new home ownership opportunities, helping families build stability and generational wealth.

Excuse me.

The development is made possible through partnerships with the Harris County Housing Finance Corporation and Amplified Credit Union, which provided millions of dollars in financing, along with additional partners committed to revitalizing this corridor.

These three story homes, approximately 1,850 square feet with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, will place residents within close proximity to Metro Light Rail, the Alice Young Library, YMCA, health care services, and many, many options.

University of Houston, Texas Southern, and nearby Green Space.

Projects like this reflect the type of thoughtful redevelopment that continues to move District D forward.

On Saturday, February the 28th, our District D had a food and supply distribution at the Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center, which was truly a success.

A huge thank you to the Convoy of Hope for sending an 18-wheeler filled with food and supplies all the way from Missouri.

Together we serve 353 families from the community.

Special thanks to Pastors Manny, Tia Arango, and the Garden Church servant leaders for showing up in full force.

Thank you to Mission Link for connecting the local church, nonprofit partners, and district D so that this drive could happen.

Thank you to HPD for traffic control and keeping residents safe throughout the food distribution.

Also grateful to Department of Neighborhoods for providing Chick-fil-A breakfasts for our 163 volunteers and certainly the gratitude of District D residents to get people started eating a nice breakfast, and they work very, very hard.

Thank you, Director Dorothy West for the Center of Recovery and Wellness Resources for providing hygiene kits and Monica Jones for Evolve for bringing behavioral health resources to our families.

I certainly want to thank our District D High team who worked very, very hard to help us to clean up uh District D.

And I finally want to thank my constituents director, Ingram Mitchum, who almost single-handedly organized and coordinated this great effort.

I participated in the parade, so when I arrived, it was well underway, and the area was bustling with volunteers and recipients.

Because of each of you, our community was seen, supported, and fed.

Oh, so busy Saturday.

Later later on Saturday, I joined partners from the Harris County District Attorney's Office, Cleaner Communities Initiative, a community cleanup effort addressing illegal dumping and its impact on public safety.

This initiative brought together several organizations committed to protecting our neighborhoods, including Clean the Block Houston, which is the organization that was highlighted by City Controller Chris Hollins, Harris County Constable Precinct 7 under the leadership of Constable James Smokey Phillips, American Youth Works, the Houston Police Department, and Trio Burgers.

The event included a press conference and community cleanup effort, reinforcing the message that illegal dumping is not just an environmental concern, it is also a public safety and neighborhood stability issue.

Thank you to State Rev Lauren Ashley Simmons, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and a large and and at large Councilmember Selena, who attended to support this event.

Efforts like these demonstrate what can happen when law enforcement community organizations and residents work together.

And on Sunday, March 1st, first, I had the pleasure of attending the Boynton Houston Community Development Corporation groundbreaking, which was highlighted by uh Councilmember Tiffany D.

Thomas, uh, celebrating the start of a new affordable single-family homes development in the heart of Third Ward.

Uh, it's developments like this represent continued investment in sustainable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and pathways to honorship for families.

Thank you to Johnson Development, um, Womag Development, Reese Hunt Development Group, and certainly to Pastor Linda Davis for her leadership and continued dedication to uplifting uplifting the community and bringing partners together that make projects like this a reality.

And finally, looking ahead, I will have the pleasure of attending the University of Houston Carnegie classification.

There's a lot going on, y'all.

For community engagement celebration on Monday, March 9th, from 4 to 6 at the Judy Cook Building located at 3002 Leak Street.

This event celebrates the University of Houston receiving the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, which is a distinguished national designation, recognizing the university's commitment to strong community partnerships and meaningful civic impact.

Certainly we appreciate all the partners, and this is why we call it the district of destination.

And finally, congratulations to my colleague and friend, Abby Kamen.

She will do an outstanding job of defending our county and city.

I will miss you personally and your watchful eye regarding inequities, especially those like the tire retreading contract that we fought together and got removed from the agenda.

And certainly uh we will stay in touch, and I certainly appreciate knowing you, and I know that you will do great things.

And this concludes what is going on in the district of destination.

Thank you.

Oh, I can we want them all.

Council Mayor Castillo.

Thank you, Mayor.

I f I want to start by wishing my mom a happy birthday.

Today is her birthday.

Um, and I look forward to celebrating with her tonight.

Hope you enjoy your day.

She's the matriarch of our family, and uh she deserves all the all the love and celebration today.

I will be attending the apartment inspection ordinance community meeting on Thursday.

I look forward to welcoming Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember Thomas to District H.

And I do want to encourage all District H residents and stakeholders to take advantage of the fact that this meeting is being held in the district and show up.

Uh it is a critical, critical ordinance and their input and feedback uh will help shape this in the weeks to come.

And so um I will be there and encourage all District H residents as well to attend.

This coming Saturday, we will be hosting our second neighborhood resiliency event at Seti Gas Park, 10 a.m.

We do have five gallon trees that are that are available for District H residents and also while supplies last rain barrels as well.

Um we are still going to be planting trees in Guadalupe Park Plaza and throughout the neighborhood uh if you're interested in being involved in the tree planting.

But uh if you'd like to receive a five-gallon tree or a rain barrel, they are first come first serve starting at 10 a.m.

at Seti Gas Park.

I also want to extend congratulations to Councilmember Kamen on the election results last night.

Uh you ran a tremendous campaign and wish you all the best moving forward.

And also to Congresswoman Garcia on on her primary victory.

Um she has been a friend, a mentor, a tremendous partner for for District H and the City of Houston for many, many years.

And uh I want to congratulate her on her victory as well.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Davis.

Thank you, Mayor.

Just wanted to start by saying I will be attending the apartment ordinance uh on led by our chair of housing, um Chairman Thomas and also Mayor Pro Tim.

Uh certainly that is a great interest, and I've already invited several of our pastor leaders who are interested in that situation.

So we certainly are going to be in attendance to support.

Also, I want to thank my staff for the pit uh participation uh because that's such a critical issue around our homeless, and we certainly want to do all that we can.

Uh also we was a part of the meeting that was held in South Union.

Many of us heard from the group of South Union that came to discuss the issue around illegal dumping.

And uh they have a kind of a three or four-point plan in order how to address this, and we certainly want to keep interest in it and make sure that everybody knows exactly help out every district on the uh illegal dumping side.

I met with Mr.

Beavers and the others, so we hope to keep that moving forward, and uh we uh will get back and certainly address it to the rest of the colleagues.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh first of all, congratulations to Councilwoman on your victory.

Um also we participated in the uh pit count as well.

Um I had some of the same concerns that Councilwoman uh Carter had.

Um we found a total of four homeless, and we went to a food bank where the homeless show up between five and six in the morning, and they had served seventy-two people that morning.

So out of the 72 that they served, and we found four more.

I mean, we're really getting uh small percentage of the total count.

I think we have got to do something to do a better effort in actually getting a true count of the homeless and being able to assist them whenever possible.

We have the first public meeting about the Lake Conroe Lake Houston joint operations.

It's going to be Thursday, March 5th, 6 o'clock to 8 at the Humble Civic Center.

Any of the constituents that would like to come out would greatly appreciate you coming out there to see them give their presentation and answer questions about how this is going to be done.

Also wanted to thank Councilwoman Peck who rented us her hot team.

And we use that to clean up a stretch of Almeda Genoa Road.

It wasn't an area where dumping it occurred, but there was enough trash that it looked like dumping.

I don't know that it had been cleaned in a decade.

And it's, you know, there's been a lot in the news over the last several years about microplastics entering our ecosystem.

I kind of got to see that firsthand because I helped the group out for about the first hour until I had another appointment.

And you can see where the plastics have degraded.

They're decomposing.

They get mowed twice a year, which I think facilitates the decomposing as well.

So I mean I think the trash and the dumping is not only a quality of life issue, but there's also some environmental concerns that I think are you know long-term that we really need to address.

So whatever we can do to help that out would be uh greatly appreciated.

So thank you.

Councilmember Peck.

Uh Kamen.

Okay, we look alike.

It happens.

Uh some housekeeping business first.

We have the Memorial Groves groundbreaking at Memorial Park tomorrow.

Uh for those that don't know, we are expanding uh within the footprint of Memorial Park new usage that pays homage to the park's history, including the 24th Infantry.

So I want to lift up the work that the Conservancy is doing there.

Also next Monday, March 9th at 3 30, we have an in-person neighborhood meeting that will be at the Chevron building in Memorial Park with the surrounding neighborhood as the Houston Open comes in.

Mayor, this is in your neighborhood, you know this.

We work very closely with the neighborhood on traffic mitigation and control.

Uh we hand out parking permits.

Uh Moes has an entire plan in place with HPD.

Uh so that is what this community meeting is for to give that information as well, because we also have a new tournament, which we're very excited about coving.

Um in addition to the Texas Children's Houston Open, we will then a few weeks later have the Chevron women's tournament, which we are very excited about.

So parking tags and yard signs will be distributed at that meeting.

Um a personal note, I want to thank all of my colleagues for the well-wishes, but I I really want to speak to elections in general.

And there are so many people that give of their time and is their job are poll workers that are there for hours on end, day after day.

There's volunteers that participate because they believe in our democracy.

Um, our sorry.

It takes a toll on a candidate's family, and we all know that sitting around this horseshoe.

Um I want to personally just recognize my family, but there's so many families that that give to this effort to participate in democracy, but I have dubbed my husband St.

Matthew at this point for juggling trials while also holding down the Ford at home.

Um Slade, our council baby, uh who I promised as soon as the election was over, it was going to be his birthday.

So he had something to look forward to.

So his birthday is next Friday.

Our council baby, if you can believe it, is going to be five.

So very, very happy birthday to my Sladybug next Friday, because I think we have council break week.

Um I want to also recognize just the voters.

We saw unprecedented turnout on historical proportions.

Uh you can feel the energy, you can feel the commitment, you can feel the desire to participate in democracy, and that's what this is about.

So to everyone who participated, regardless of who you voted for, which regardless of what party you chose to vote for in the primary that you turned out to use your voice is extraordinary.

And we want people to stay engaged.

I also want to thank and recognize my staff, because I want to reassure residents that district C is not missing a beat right now.

We are still here to serve you.

And it is my responsibility as your council member to serve our district.

And I want to recognize our district C staff because they continue to step up time and again to serve the people of District C in Houston.

And I especially want to recognize Kate Dentler, my chief of staff, and I made her come out here.

Kate Dentler is getting married on Sandra Saturday to Anthony Rios, and we are so excited.

That's right.

So, Kate, we wish you a very early congratulations.

We love you.

Uh we take any opportunity we can to celebrate you, but to get to celebrate your family and the love is very special.

So congratulations.

Very good.

Congratulations.

Councilor Carter.

Thank you, Mayor.

I just wanted to uh give my uh publicly give my thanks and appreciation to those serving our country abroad right now.

It's a very difficult time for families, and uh it doesn't go unnoticed that um six lives lost, six lives too many, but certainly uh thanks is never enough for those who serve our country tirelessly.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And uh next week is a break.

No council will return for regular council session at 2 p.m.

on Tuesday, March 17th.

We stand adjourned.