OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Houston City Council Meeting: Proclamations, Public Hearings, and Administrative Actions - August 18, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, August 18, 2026
BodyHouston, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 18, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:30:56
Transcript — Verbatim
0:15

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim.

0:17

I'd like to invite uh Parks Department, Director Allen, Tina Ortiz, and our friends from Cheneer Energy.

0:27

CFO Zach Davis and Wendy Craven, Director of Global Giving.

0:33

Everybody here?

0:34

Hello, friends.

0:36

So today today we're here to recognize the efforts of the partnership with Shane Energy and longstanding partnership and the City of Houston specifically in the Parks Department today.

0:47

The improvements via youth soccer, community recreation, and just really making our city a better place is why we're here with Shanir.

0:56

They've invested over $600,000, countless volunteer hours, their time and energy and commitment.

1:02

So far, their work has enhanced 14 parks across the city.

1:06

So we're honored today to have our Parks Department and Shane Energy here to recognize and acknowledge all you do for our city.

1:16

So on behalf of Chiner Public Parks Impact Day, whereas August 18, 2026, the City of Houston and its parks, its Houston Parks and Recreation Department joined Soccer for Success coaches, youth participants, and families in recognizing Shane Energy Inc.

1:33

and its employees at City Hall for their meaningful contributions to improving the city's parks and soccer fields.

1:39

And whereas HPart is committed to enhancing park facilities and expanding opportunities for youth soccer, community engagement, and active lifestyles for children and families throughout Houston, and whereas Shaneer shares this commitment through its Impact Day initiative, through which has partnered with HPAR to com contribute, contribute more than a thousand, I can't read today.

2:02

A thousand employee volunteer hours and invest over six hundred thousand six hundred thousand dollars across the past five years to improve 14 city parks and soccer fields, including Zuri, Malone, Our Park, Woodruff, Earl Henderson, and many, many more.

2:17

I'm not going to read them all.

2:18

And in Grondo, one of my favorites.

2:20

Whereas the collaboration between the City of Houston and Shineer strengthens neighborhoods, supports youth development, enhances public green spaces where children and families can play, gather, play soccer, and thrive, exemplifying the positive impact achieved when corporate partners and local government unite to enrich the quality of life for all residents.

2:42

And whereas following the historic FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted in Houston this summer, the legacy of the global event is measured not only by the excitement on the pitch, but also by the local children inspired to become future players, coaches, leaders, and fans who will carry the spirit of the game forward in city parks for years to come.

3:05

And whereas Shenir's Energy's investments in public parks, youth sports, and recreational spaces alongside this long-standing partnership with H.Pard truly reflect the generosity, civic mindedness, and community spirit that define Houston and its people.

3:23

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 proclaim August 18, 2026 as Shanier Public Parks Impact Day in Houston, Texas.

3:39

Congratulations.

3:40

Thank you.

3:42

Thank you so much.

3:44

Thank you.

3:45

Thank you so much.

3:48

Would you like to say something like to say something?

3:51

This is your big moment.

3:52

This is my big moment.

3:54

We we just want to say that we we couldn't do any of this without the without the Parks Department, uh, all the coordination, uh, all the support, all the time.

4:04

Um just very proud of the last five years together and look forward to the next five years.

4:18

Zach, Wendy, I just want to thank you for your commitment to the city, to our children, uh, just working alongside you guys daily, uh, improving not only parks but soccer fields.

4:33

With a end result of what you do, we get to see the kids kicking, laughing, playing, and developing.

4:41

And I want to take this time also to have the rest of the park team that stood alongside of you guys uh working in this heat.

4:49

Uh would you please stand up behind me?

5:01

These are the coaches, mentors, administrators, and guys that take care of the uh grounds.

5:06

Would you please come up for a photo op?

5:09

And then we'll move forward.

5:11

Hold on one second before we um director, councilmember, before we do photos, um, Councilmember Jackson isn't.

5:16

Thank you, um, Vice Mayor Tim.

5:18

And thank you, Director, and thank you.

5:20

Is it for Shavir?

5:22

Thank you.

5:22

I always get it wrong.

5:23

But just thank you for just for your partnership.

5:26

Um, I represent District B, and we've been able to upgrade, I would say practically every park in District B through due to this partnership.

5:34

And so um private public partnerships are how we move our districts forward, our community forward.

5:39

And so I just want to say thank you.

5:40

And again, Parks Department, um, Director Allen, you guys have like been on our phones.

5:44

We've been having we have had a lot of conversations about District B parks, and again, this partnership has helped us accomplish our overall goal in having some parks where our constituents can go and play and enjoy and walk and just really um enjoy the neighborhood.

5:59

So thank you again for your partnership.

6:02

Thank you.

7:39

Thank you.

7:39

Thank you, um, Vice Mayor Pro Tim.

7:41

And thank you.

7:45

And before I before I read this proclamation, I just want to take a moment to recognize the importance of culture, history, and legacy.

7:55

The story of West, American West cannot be told without the story of black cowboys.

8:02

Their contributions are woven into the history of Texas, and it's important that we not only remember that history, but also celebrate the people who continue to keep that history alive.

8:12

And so today we honor Mr.

8:15

Dyteman, a man who has carried forward an extraordinary family legacy while making his own.

8:21

Through the Prairie View Trail Riders, he has helped preserve our black Western heritage, pass their traditions on to other generations, and reminded us that history belongs in the story of Texas.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Health███████████████15%
Affordable Housing████████████12%
Black History Month████████8%
Religious Affairs████████8%
Community Engagement███████7%
Urban Planning███████7%
Public Transit███████7%
Immigration██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Houston City Council Meeting: Proclamations, Public Hearings, and Administrative Actions - August 18, 2026

The Houston City Council convened on August 18, 2026, under Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum. The meeting featured multiple proclamations, a legislative session including approval of minutes and procedural motions, and extensive public testimony on a proposed Right to Air Conditioning ordinance, police cooperation with ICE, the GRB expansion MOU, and various neighborhood concerns. The council also heard an invocation from Father Salvatore DeGeorge.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of the minutes from July 28–29 and August 11–12, 2026, by unanimous consent.
  • Procedural motions to add speakers to the public comment lists (moved by Councilmembers Salinas, Carter, and Ramirez) were all approved.

Proclamations

  • Cheniere Public Parks Impact Day: Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum proclaimed August 18, 2026, as Cheniere Public Parks Impact Day, recognizing Cheniere Energy's $600,000 investment and over 1,000 volunteer hours improving 14 city parks and soccer fields over five years. Councilmember Jackson (District B) thanked Cheniere for upgrades in his district.
  • Prairie View Trail Riders Day: A proclamation honoring Mr. Dyteman Jr. (carrying on his father's legacy with the Prairie View Trail Riders, the oldest Black trail ride association in Texas) and declaring August 18, 2026, as Prairie View Trail Riders Day. Mr. Dyteman spoke about the 70-year milestone and a cowboy prayer was offered.
  • Super Neighborhood 45 Day: Councilmember Castillo presented a proclamation recognizing the re-establishment of Super Neighborhood 45 in North Line, declaring August 18, 2026, as Super Neighborhood 45 Day. President Pastor Deb accepted and described the area's transformation.
  • National Emergency Management Awareness Month: Mayor Pro Tem proclaimed August 2026 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month. Brian Mason of the Office of Emergency Management encouraged residents to have a plan, kit, and stay informed.

Invocation

  • Councilmember Salinas introduced Father Salvatore DeGeorge, a native Houstonian and Oblate priest, who gave an invocation and prayer focusing on conscience, choosing good over evil, and the council's role in serving justly.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Right to Air Conditioning Ordinance: A majority of public speakers spoke in strong support of a proposed ordinance requiring landlords to provide operational air conditioning. Testimony highlighted health risks (over 2,000 ER visits for heat-related illness since April 2026), disparities in life expectancy, and the burden on low-income renters, seniors, and people with medical conditions. Speakers included representatives from Air Alliance Houston, Texas Housers, Workers' Defense Action Fund, Houston Tenants Union, Sierra Club, and individual residents. Lindsay Williams reported that Super Neighborhood 64/88 voted to support the ordinance.
  • HPD Cooperation with ICE: Several speakers (Mark Rodriguez, Jeff Reese, Randall Callanan) criticized HPD's cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing it deters immigrant victims and witnesses from reporting crimes. Councilmember Martinez urged the Mayor to direct HPD to certify a U visa for a witness, Mr. Monroy Toruay, who was detained despite being a crime witness. Councilmember Ramirez expressed support for policy change.
  • GRB Expansion Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Multiple members of People for Polk (Amy Dean, Lisa Hunt, Amy Erickson, Kyle Rogers, Ian Havilak, Scott Singleton, Roy Hirsch) testified that Houston First and the city have not fulfilled commitments in the MOU signed in October 2025 regarding Polk Street closure, two-way Leland Street, pedestrian/cyclist access, and communication. They demanded implementation of the MOU and activation of a community advisory board. Councilmember Martinez noted monthly stakeholder meetings and an upcoming RFP for an east-west connectivity study.
  • Neighborhood Complaints:
    • Gian Tolmachev complained about construction noise, dust, and utility disruptions on Jefferson Street near a highway project.
    • Lourdes Ortega requested action on an overgrown vacant lot next to her home; Councilmember Castillo committed to follow-up.
    • Michael Morriel reported trash bins left out on Judaway Street, attracting pests; the Mayor’s office will investigate.
    • Kevin Strickland criticized TIRZs in Montrose and Fourth Ward for failing to create affordable housing despite years of funding; Councilmember Ramirez acknowledged concerns and is seeking transparency reforms.
    • Lisa McWashington (Roberts Landing, District B) described crime and lack of police response; Councilmembers Jackson and Carter offered assistance.
    • Thomas Ray Carl (Air Force veteran) and Marvin Holmes complained about MetroLift service, app reliability, and driver attitudes; Councilmembers Davis and Peck offered to connect them with Metro contacts.
    • Yolanda Fobbs stated her MetroLift renewal was denied and evidence wasn't considered at appeal; Councilmember Jackson will follow up.
  • Transit and Development: Sebastian LeCourt noted the contradiction between building a 12-story parking garage downtown while cancelling rapid bus transit projects, urging better transit connections to downtown.

Key Outcomes

  • Minutes Approved: The council unanimously approved the minutes of July 28-29 and August 11-12, 2026.
  • Proclamations Issued: Four proclamations were adopted (Cheniere Public Parks Impact Day, Prairie View Trail Riders Day, Super Neighborhood 45 Day, National Emergency Management Awareness Month).
  • Procedural Motions Approved: Several speakers were added to the public comment lists.
  • No Votes on Substantive Items: The Right to AC ordinance was discussed only during public comment; no vote was taken. The GRB MOU issues were also only addressed via testimony, with Councilmember Martinez indicating ongoing progress.
  • Next Steps: The council recessed until 9:00 a.m. on August 19, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim. I'd like to invite uh Parks Department, Director Allen, Tina Ortiz, and our friends from Cheneer Energy. CFO Zach Davis and Wendy Craven, Director of Global Giving. Everybody here? Hello, friends. So today today we're here to recognize the efforts of the partnership with Shane Energy and longstanding partnership and the City of Houston specifically in the Parks Department today. The improvements via youth soccer, community recreation, and just really making our city a better place is why we're here with Shanir. They've invested over $600,000, countless volunteer hours, their time and energy and commitment. So far, their work has enhanced 14 parks across the city. So we're honored today to have our Parks Department and Shane Energy here to recognize and acknowledge all you do for our city. So on behalf of Chiner Public Parks Impact Day, whereas August 18, 2026, the City of Houston and its parks, its Houston Parks and Recreation Department joined Soccer for Success coaches, youth participants, and families in recognizing Shane Energy Inc. and its employees at City Hall for their meaningful contributions to improving the city's parks and soccer fields. And whereas HPart is committed to enhancing park facilities and expanding opportunities for youth soccer, community engagement, and active lifestyles for children and families throughout Houston, and whereas Shaneer shares this commitment through its Impact Day initiative, through which has partnered with HPAR to com contribute, contribute more than a thousand, I can't read today. A thousand employee volunteer hours and invest over six hundred thousand six hundred thousand dollars across the past five years to improve 14 city parks and soccer fields, including Zuri, Malone, Our Park, Woodruff, Earl Henderson, and many, many more. I'm not going to read them all. And in Grondo, one of my favorites. Whereas the collaboration between the City of Houston and Shineer strengthens neighborhoods, supports youth development, enhances public green spaces where children and families can play, gather, play soccer, and thrive, exemplifying the positive impact achieved when corporate partners and local government unite to enrich the quality of life for all residents. And whereas following the historic FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted in Houston this summer, the legacy of the global event is measured not only by the excitement on the pitch, but also by the local children inspired to become future players, coaches, leaders, and fans who will carry the spirit of the game forward in city parks for years to come. And whereas Shenir's Energy's investments in public parks, youth sports, and recreational spaces alongside this long-standing partnership with H.Pard truly reflect the generosity, civic mindedness, and community spirit that define Houston and its people. 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 proclaim August 18, 2026 as Shanier Public Parks Impact Day in Houston, Texas. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much. Would you like to say something like to say something? This is your big moment. This is my big moment. We we just want to say that we we couldn't do any of this without the without the Parks Department, uh, all the coordination, uh, all the support, all the time. Um just very proud of the last five years together and look forward to the next five years. Zach, Wendy, I just want to thank you for your commitment to the city, to our children, uh, just working alongside you guys daily, uh, improving not only parks but soccer fields. With a end result of what you do, we get to see the kids kicking, laughing, playing, and developing. And I want to take this time also to have the rest of the park team that stood alongside of you guys uh working in this heat. Uh would you please stand up behind me? These are the coaches, mentors, administrators, and guys that take care of the uh grounds. Would you please come up for a photo op? And then we'll move forward. Hold on one second before we um director, councilmember, before we do photos, um, Councilmember Jackson isn't. Thank you, um, Vice Mayor Tim. And thank you, Director, and thank you. Is it for Shavir? Thank you. I always get it wrong. But just thank you for just for your partnership. Um, I represent District B, and we've been able to upgrade, I would say practically every park in District B through due to this partnership. And so um private public partnerships are how we move our districts forward, our community forward. And so I just want to say thank you. And again, Parks Department, um, Director Allen, you guys have like been on our phones. We've been having we have had a lot of conversations about District B parks, and again, this partnership has helped us accomplish our overall goal in having some parks where our constituents can go and play and enjoy and walk and just really um enjoy the neighborhood. So thank you again for your partnership.

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