[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6664350,"mediaKeyId","2383022-8fc3987a583199e18db70e6bf3e3346c","parentId",2383022,"title","Katy council begins moratorium process for in-ground telecom fiber permits, allows companies that sign city agreement to proceed","audioSeconds",1200,"startMs",682000,"endMs",1882000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2383022-8fc3987a583199e18db70e6bf3e3346c&start=682&end=1882","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2383022-8fc3987a583199e18db70e6bf3e3346c/thumbnail_682000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6664350/Katy/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Katy-council-begins-moratorium-process-for-in-ground-telecom-fiber-permits-allows-companies-that-sign-city-agreement-to-proceed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664350-435b37b8381fef73ec94a5631cf27fbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775630248&Signature=O8TG7DpsBeC69sy6r5T9drJ5ZQZ8fiuBipIdI8~q21hYyVGKg5QHx2EhgNL0UQOitKnzDVuEGLat0YIp-SJba6h68cmY2k-n4l890Q3jx5Krhoeae-bBboJmoXZ6Hqaeka7v9G3BZ8oTvleEo1T4oXGe4mYnzebysGcpd2pDajZ8TnNenypgCi~O3ZNSxIWhVjdL1Yi66deXgXbfGpipNJjKNHy2BCsPM9ELo8V9HCU7tjY6x0vj8vmfGJQP0GJmaMXHGDh4Lpnt7OvJ2OHVlFeB6u7XknZL~abfZjpWLh3RsivYyqNZeynZui87~U7VrXH3DV~9drTrplEEZdZZ5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Katy","date","2025-02-24T00:00:00Z","article","Katy City Council on Feb. 24 held the first reading of an ordinance that would impose a temporary moratorium on acceptance and processing of new right-of-way permits for in‑ground telecommunications/fiber installation within the city limits, and approved a motion allowing companies that execute a city form agreement to continue to apply for and process permits during the moratorium.

Council opened the item by reading the ordinance in full and cited the city’s finding that since October 2024 there have been multiple utility strikes while installing lines. The ordinance text included a summary asserting “at least 16 water line hits” and said the moratorium is intended to preserve the status quo while staff drafts an amended right‑of‑way management ordinance. The ordinance’s first reading was completed; the council scheduled a second reading for March 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Public input and public‑works staff framed the council’s action as a response to infrastructure damage and staffing limits. Resident Sean Dolan urged the council to focus on internal permitting fixes rather than a broad moratorium, saying, “Instead of implementing more restrictive measures, I urge the city to fix internal issues first, improve communication, clarify permitting rules, and address any inaccurate utility maps and markings.” Public Works Director Jason Rivera described the measure as “a reasonable and appropriate response to an infrastructure conflict that we have going on right now,” and outlined three priorities: improving the permitting and planning process, standardizing quality control and inspection, and ensuring proper restoration and mapping of in‑ground utilities.

Councilmember Chris Harris moved, and Councilmember Roy Robertson seconded, a motion to permit processing of permits during the moratorium for applicants that sign the city’s Exhibit B agreement; the motion carried. The council did not vote to adopt the ordinance on first reading (state law requires two readings), but staff announced that, pursuant to state law, a temporary moratorium will go into effect on Feb. 25, 2025, for 12 days while the city finalizes its revised right‑of‑way ordinance. City staff said they expect to finalize and enact the amended management ordinance by the council’s first regular meeting in April 2025.

The ordinance includes waiver language allowing the council to grant exceptions where a written agreement with the city exists, where prior legal rights exist, or where work is necessary for public safety. The public‑works director or designee will make initial determinations on permit status during the moratorium, with appeals to the council.

The council and staff said the moratorium is intended as a temporary, targeted measure to reduce additional hits to water and wastewater utilities while the city improves mapping, inspection, and restoration requirements for third‑party work in rights of way. The planning and zoning commission will hold a public hearing on the moratorium on Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. at City Hall. The council’s special meeting to consider the ordinance second reading is set for March 4 at 5:30 p.m.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Katy - City Council - Feb 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Katy City Council on Feb. 24 held the first reading of an ordinance that would impose a temporary moratorium on acceptance and processing of new right‑of‑way permits for in‑ground telecommunications/fiber installation within the city limits, and approved a motion allowing companies that execute a city form agreement to continue to apply for and process permits during the moratorium.","taxTitle","Katy, Fort Bend County, Texas","taxId",64475,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6664335,"Resident raises transparency and environmental concerns about proposed Katy City Park improvements",141,254000,395000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2383022-8fc3987a583199e18db70e6bf3e3346c&start=254&end=395","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2383022-8fc3987a583199e18db70e6bf3e3346c/thumbnail_254000.jpg","/articles/6664335/Katy/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Resident-raises-transparency-and-environmental-concerns-about-proposed-Katy-City-Park-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664335-b67a1bf4b052d46b28aa1849faf403e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775630248&Signature=RkmOkhb8gRocihsXNYf5Ifz6cMWCwlOnWGhg7ofL1CkkUfOG~qGUHUZzn9VI8QJi9gbEPKE0iJKybui2ASkNG5g8izyR69QHuSk24C9yFnGEd5vLXjl3gofBG9K-pO67mE3qBdSLY-oW8~JlWotFqziC1-y7W0YsUilWDtDwzw-AYlr96fXGew3bYtpEGr9BJzOUmHoSdWzEBfLJR~Oc96amKW7UlAYwn9jxV8VcIfiuSh8mn~vXJKNjDIvYHuoFmuIQg0A563v56zN1uEaTiCRHBchm7UWlFI08OCN-uwtzmiyN7povKa~V1ul7PzlaP2F~R8h-Y3uK1SRcnrr8eA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the Feb. 24 public‑comment period a resident identified as Meadows Lane criticized the city’s promotion of its recent “State of the City” event and urged clearer public notice. The speaker also raised objections to a proposed plan for Katy City Park that the city presented at the State of the City, specifically a turf field, additional pickleball courts, extra parking, and a park operations building shown on Avenue D at Franz Road.

Meadows Lane voiced several concerns: loss of natural landscape, the potential for reservation‑only closures similar to the city’s baseball fields, the aesthetic impact of a park operations building on Avenue G to Franz, and environmental impacts from removing trees. The commentator also questioned financing, saying the city’s budget has “exceeded over $70,000,000” over the past two fiscal years and suggesting self‑funding changes rather than issuing another bond.

The remarks were received during the public‑comment portion of the Feb. 24 meeting; no council action on the park plan was taken that night and staff did not respond during the comment period. The comment will be part of the public record and can be raised again during future hearings on park planning.","A resident used the public‑comment period to criticize recent State of the City publicity and to oppose elements of a proposed Katy City Park plan — especially a park operations building and synthetic turf — and urged stronger event promotion and alternative funding.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6664340,"Katy approves Animal First software agreement to streamline shelter adoptions and records",360,3476000,3836000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2383022-8fc3987a583199e18db70e6bf3e3346c&start=3476&end=3836","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2383022-8fc3987a583199e18db70e6bf3e3346c/thumbnail_3476000.jpg","/articles/6664340/Katy/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Katy-approves-Animal-First-software-agreement-to-streamline-shelter-adoptions-and-records","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664340-5abe96a1221ff4a215787b3ae7ab2d71/orig.mp4?Expires=1775630248&Signature=KA6r3pttZdVpaVLBje-JpoWQ4MvzJ-K0QEOcNKXeI~zIiMDXvh6pCZ40zycKEMNEVdB13EMkvObIrWcCYUmuTE9Kc70yg2yyo8xfW6WYVVTkBqPpLQ8jnfosHPYAdnbfsB-Zbq0C25nfiLybsK-xGyGBSzI4jRO1BpeWMIFOJunfPccC-qQdH~fDoo8OdgVWoML0K2bgItQvl-0mWyBn45Nu-cbYGX6Q9pTqZuBlz7sW4GbGHHKrL-wWOMRM0TfTEO1l5L-QOp~eAe~HHjo~nMkZj2WcCMMEbKoYun1Gx9bUuBWU92-F-gX7arKC6CmJm8oXXiQ699ARfxodoZUmBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Katy City Council on Feb. 24 approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with Animals First LLC to provide software and services for the Katy Animal Control Department.

At the council meeting shelter staff explained the current shelter is largely paper driven and described specific operational benefits of the Animals First system: automatic uploads to the city website and adoption platforms (Adopt a Pet, Petfinder), central medical and behavior records, photo and video support for online bios, and customizable statistics that help with grants and reporting. Shelter staff reported there were 16 dogs in the shelter and that two bottle‑fed kittens were taken in that day.

Councilmember Roy Robertson moved the resolution; Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris seconded, and the motion carried. During discussion staff said the software is web‑based, user friendly, and will not, by itself, change adoption ordinance requirements; any ordinance changes for adoption procedures would be presented separately.

Councilmembers said the software should reduce staff time spent on manual uploads and improve the city’s ability to share animal information with rescues and potential adopters. Staff will proceed with implementation and training as provided by the vendor, with final contract documents to be executed by the mayor.","Council authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with Animals First LLC to provide animal‑shelter management software for Katy Animal Control; staff said the software will automate postings to adoption sites, centralize medical and behavior records, and reduce manual reporting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6664345,"Katy council authorizes electricity agreement to cover city facilities beginning April 2027; rate capped pending final contract",1520,1918000,3438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2383022-8fc3987a583199e18db70e6bf3e3346c&start=1918&end=3438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2383022-8fc3987a583199e18db70e6bf3e3346c/thumbnail_1918000.jpg","/articles/6664345/Katy/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Katy-council-authorizes-electricity-agreement-to-cover-city-facilities-beginning-April-2027-rate-capped-pending-final-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664345-c4dab80f468d3eb893f6a0a1d01b06ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1775630248&Signature=eYqpQmaiKUxPqC1j2ZHRGJh5mG1rZt81pzo9VdFb2g0uteFi2Pm1RbwaPBonN0Hukc5754LjybVHb9wG92kd3yRodsP-uMheJ8bzDAtGSP7HUTCKaWbKw2WCFgRmh5MzDLF54MaMwJLLvu6fahfs721W6hzJ~IeINtm057ZqXY8H-RjDTk6csH7dgGRtYTR2MDrjooAdc6JbEHc7WEuPx~mi1fWuM9XMJTnhlb5ie3jl6oqQ20WWV4fFK33ac6GyMl~oLslRV-FAQztx75lI596mUwVO1fHILYXE5TJgb82PR4Mb4Gx1TpBRgZ0E~3lq~MfRdPsrRLP0F-MsZHZ-4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Katy City Council on Feb. 24 heard a market briefing from Michael Skelton, vice president at Tradition Energy, and authorized staff to move forward with procuring electricity for city facilities effective April 2027 for up to a 48‑month term at a not‑to‑exceed rate presented to council.

Skelton told the council the city’s current agreement (negotiated in 2018) locked in a very low rate that expires in 2027 and that market conditions have shifted. He summarized ERCOT market dynamics, saying the system has grown more reliant on renewables and battery resources and is “very sensitive to the weather,” and described the recommendation as a risk‑management approach to control budget exposure ahead of contract expiration. Skelton noted the city’s current rate is “just over 4¢” and discussed the tradeoffs of a shorter‑term contract that allows the city to average down in a falling market while protecting the budget if prices rise.

Council discussed the procurement approach and gave staff latitude to secure a contract at or below the presented 48‑month quote; Councilmember Gina Hicks moved the resolution, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris seconded, and council approved the motion. City staff said any final contract would still be brought back to council for execution and that legal review and the mayor’s signature would be required.

The resolution authorizes the city to execute an electricity agreement to begin April 2027 for a 48‑month term. During the presentation, staff and the consultant outlined risks facing the Texas grid including demand growth from industrial users and data centers, the changing generation mix, and supply‑chain uncertainties for new dispatchable plants. Council described the item as a budget and risk‑management decision and directed staff to return with contract documents for final approval and signature.","After a market briefing from Tradition Energy, the council authorized the mayor to sign a city electricity agreement with a term not to exceed 48 months and a maximum rate presented (0.06764), to take effect April 2027; staff will return with the final contract for execution.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Katy council begins moratorium process for in-ground telecom fiber permits, allows companies that sign city agreement to proceed

Resident raises transparency and environmental concerns about proposed Katy City Park improvements

Katy approves Animal First software agreement to streamline shelter adoptions and records

Katy council authorizes electricity agreement to cover city facilities beginning April 2027; rate capped pending final contract