[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6631682,"mediaKeyId","2679699-90940bac50eeb3500654e03b35b58ddf","parentId",2679699,"title","Civic Center alcohol policy fails after split council vote; proponents cite safety, opponents cite revenue concerns","audioSeconds",304,"startMs",3771000,"endMs",4075000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679699-90940bac50eeb3500654e03b35b58ddf&start=3771&end=4075","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679699-90940bac50eeb3500654e03b35b58ddf/thumbnail_3771000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6631682/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Civic-Center-alcohol-policy-fails-after-split-council-vote-proponents-cite-safety-opponents-cite-revenue-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631682-32ac62577de0b150c60fcf6b8e0a3f92/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440155&Signature=aZDCa-DRK1H-ArjRdYsJKXNjJ916amyfiz9AkRjxLKJIy1WAmvjMfSpOVs2hKnlMC7WJTKhJqIxTHGwhRL9m1E-mTYaHhOnigePtjHXNWaNXoXFPYm4Cdlgqg-TdBjuXBZl~dYq~yUtDtbUrbEZYb27-5QIyDIRnl0i2jMLkU9MfC3OXuDg435xPKa21BmO7oTrdM1dVE6eJNQ4lxwzwH67032OAhA6yN60ePjGTv~jPyq2913urKcyMUd-NdLf57X~GS7SVLA6APMk3QTgxetmgukS2xj9sI50yzypKBLlISPle1d1MPVrZrtg5G1fCFKCkWFRCMCoz-dFEPgf9Og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Port Arthur","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","A resolution that would have disallowed guests from bringing alcohol into the Robert A. Bowers Civic Center and required events serving alcohol to use a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)-licensed vendor failed on a 3–3 roll-call during the March 18 Port Arthur City Council meeting.

The proposed policy also included provisions aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing alcohol-related incidents at the civic center by shifting service responsibility to licensed vendors, who must meet training and insurance requirements.

Why it mattered: Proponents, including Councilmember Hamilton Everfield, said requiring licensed service would reduce over-serving and alcohol-related incidents and allow better monitoring of consumption during events. Police and civic-center staff said visible security presence alone had not prevented certain incidents and recommended the change to address safety risks. Opponents, including Councilmember Frank and others, warned the policy could make the civic center less competitive as an event venue and reduce rental revenue if hosts choose to move events elsewhere rather than pay vendor fees.

Council dynamics and vote: After debate and multiple staff and council remarks, the roll-call vote was Mayor Pro Tem Beckham yes; Councilmember Doucette no; Councilmember Frank no; Councilmember Hamilton Everfield yes; Councilmember James Lewis yes; Mayor Thurman Bill Barty no. The 3–3 split meant the resolution failed.

Key points from discussion:
- Supporters emphasized safety and liability: proponents asked for vetted TABC credentials, vendor insurance and a vendor verification step by staff before events.
- Opponents emphasized access and revenue: some council members said civic-center rentals historically do not cover operating costs and that stricter rules could deter large reunion bookings that are a major revenue source.
- Staff noted the city could verify TABC licenses online and could develop a vendor list; enforcement and practical limits on preventing guests from bringing alcohol were discussed.

Ending: With the measure’s failure, current civic-center practices remain in place. Councilmembers and staff discussed options including additional staff vetting, voluntary vendor lists and continued review of safety procedures at large events.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Port Arthur - City Council - Mar 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A proposed policy that would have required licensed vendors to serve alcohol at events in the Robert A. Bowers Civic Center failed on a 3–3 vote. Supporters said licensed service would improve safety and limit over-serving; opponents warned of lost rentals and revenue.","taxTitle","Port Arthur City, Jefferson County, Texas","taxId",5749,"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},6631687,"Port Arthur health department opens Grow With Me community garden to teach gardening and nutrition",230,3274000,3504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679699-90940bac50eeb3500654e03b35b58ddf&start=3274&end=3504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679699-90940bac50eeb3500654e03b35b58ddf/thumbnail_3274000.jpg","/articles/6631687/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Port-Arthur-health-department-opens-Grow-With-Me-community-garden-to-teach-gardening-and-nutrition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631687-e3c9f7f58dc3ddfca3d5d3401fd59592/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440155&Signature=VYozXk2mNcnkPxU96bPwqG-APYMpqhvLn9FYb9AOb7O3RsdX8YmJQtM0HlMXDkqX8VYkiAKd1uYVD6rKfk6umwVyHCjCY64wSFhQ-trQ0FhjDUhVH~yFlmvlR~Jw2HWYk1dFFbAB6NZn3JS7bXIfXQA8NOWhHqkSWtyr0x~giWH~miefCvtoJ0fYXsVRY3WloNpsaHA7iNWPESvgYnUQmC4Tti~bTzvpWhLsmAVxWF5b116zz3rMPswYQdcWLEY-eC3e2Hi0DRbeM-hO7na7F3BQzjiVnY1v4rKkxo4VDP9tPZOazNlXg8SiTTcsjqlF4OQUIkEig10aly03WBHP2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Port Arthur health department staff presented the new Grow With Me Community Garden at the March 18 City Council meeting and invited council and residents to volunteer and participate.

The program, coordinated by the health department’s WIC team and supported by SNAP-Ed and local partners, uses hands-on gardening and nutrition education to encourage healthy eating and active lifestyles. Staff said the garden sits behind the Port Arthur Health Department and now includes 40 raised beds, more than 20 cedar beds and a new garden building.

Why it matters: Health staff said the garden targets low-income families but is open to all residents. Staff cited national and state data on food advertising and nutrition, and local tourism and recreation figures were offered by the city’s tourism director to underline the economic importance of fishing and birding while framing the garden’s educational role.

Program details and calendar: Weekly classes run every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., and once monthly at 4 p.m.; the garden will host a volunteer day Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Staff plan a monthly farmers market at the garden with free gardening and nutrition classes during market hours. The SNAP-Ed program provides curriculum and the garden uses QR codes at beds to share recipes, tips and videos.

Community partnerships and next steps: Partners listed include AgriLife at Jefferson County (Master Gardener training), Port Arthur Public Library, Port Arthur ISD, local beautification and public health advisory boards. Staff said they will continue to recruit advisory board members and volunteers and plan a paint-by-numbers mural fence and a rock garden with community-painted stones.

Ending: Council members praised the effort and urged cross-promotion with local colleges, homeschool groups and beautification volunteers. The WIC team distributed small rosemary/thyme seedlings to councilmembers as a community-engagement gesture and invited the public to upcoming volunteer and market days.","The city health department and WIC staff unveiled the Grow With Me community garden behind the health department, offering classes, volunteer days and a monthly farmers market to promote healthy eating and food access.",{"_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},6631689,"Councilmember Doucette urges return to original streets program, says District 4 behind on allocations",1662,3290000,4952000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679699-90940bac50eeb3500654e03b35b58ddf&start=3290&end=4952","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679699-90940bac50eeb3500654e03b35b58ddf/thumbnail_3290000.jpg","/articles/6631689/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Councilmember-Doucette-urges-return-to-original-streets-program-says-District-4-behind-on-allocations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631689-b6fb74c1aefad1f0e12324dc01c554d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440155&Signature=Gtf0JZYTvOWbBZH2CWXgletMwsqef1fBJ6~JeSa-B3TWoCw-iA3rMOgCWg2tYtep~HhRDV7JFPSziLm-Iha9MO753ZkGvvFl7bxXwFRj5hTNHdR--Ghnnj-e30j675q5AjbEweV7QpcLT8BHY3klvFp5mbjZ0BlCIQ4doDmxAV1t~RXVHCsi-jhVZzVyftn~Zd0ZtLZU0VpJ4Ktg0-efuOKObG5CKvGLI6oACyeDJHUEGdX5LZLCM21lECQwvl41nqEaztyqXic8SNznpLpC5uK0LM7oT0548a7S2AuJOG4k5OzkC95sVBB7UdFzoeqDYuzEhIS9skONE1aRR0QnYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmember Calvin Doucette used a March 18 council presentation to press for a return to the city’s original, district-based streets program and for clearer accounting of how $50 million in streets and drainage bond proceeds are being spent.

Doucette said the program, adopted by an earlier council, was designed to allocate $10 million a year across council districts based on the linear feet of streets needing work. He said the adopted approach gave each single-member district the ability to select streets for remediation or reconstruction and that the council would approve both the selections and the funding so citizens could track the work.

Why it matters: Several council members and residents have complained that streets in certain neighborhoods are not being prioritized equitably. Doucette told the council that Districts 1 and 4 — older parts of the city with more asphalt streets — have the greatest need and that district allocations appear not to reflect adopted formulas. He said the city currently shows about $20.9 million available for reconstruction and $20.9 million for resurfacing but questioned why work appears limited while money remains unspent.

Key points from the presentation:
- Doucette described components of the adopted plan: districts select streets; public works provide cost estimates and contingencies; council approves funding and selections; monthly financial reports track spending.
- He said that when the city followed the plan, there were multiple contractors working across the city, monthly monitoring, and transparent budget line items showing costs per street; when the practice lapsed, transparency declined.
- He recommended a new, verified street list by district, recalculation of percentages following redistricting, a requirement to appropriate funds and leave them in the districts, monthly budget updates that clearly show allocations and expenditures, and increased use of outside contractors to accelerate repairs.

Council reaction and staff response: City staff provided a recent list of 2025 rehab projects to council members after the presentation and encouraged district council members to meet with engineering to confirm selections. Finance staff said there are funds in the streets account available for current projects; Doucette replied he wanted to see district-by-district balances so council members and residents can track money to specific streets.

Ending: Doucette said the council must “get the program back on track” and requested the city attorney review the original resolution that adopted the program to ensure subsequent resolutions and budget actions follow the adopted plan. He framed the issue as one of accountability and transparency to residents who ask their councilmembers “what about my street.”","Councilmember Calvin Doucette presented a detailed critique of the city's $50 million streets program, urging clearer transparency on district allocations and contractor usage after finding apparent mismatches between approved budgets and what streets are being repaired.",{"_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},6631693,"Votes at a glance: Port Arthur City Council actions, March 18, 2025",4742,233000,4975000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679699-90940bac50eeb3500654e03b35b58ddf&start=233&end=4975","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679699-90940bac50eeb3500654e03b35b58ddf/thumbnail_233000.jpg","/articles/6631693/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Port-Arthur-City-Council-actions-March-18-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631693-749b9ccc2d6035c98080d58ccb44fa4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440155&Signature=eXOaFR53pDE92usUVkIHYeKovLJFpUgYzWnyi-Fsds6muitBcVecza5x9BA6qhEBRHq~iy59kkhstua5Cw72bAq3HNGQyKbrcZbO6TitP77cyaYc605-s7BChT-~efL-LKclWcaJIjAe8tBhlC7EmEhIzi-x3gJW~BlQ4X63DN1CWwyS-Tt3ZR51Zsv7U3Gs-CYie1UKxn20kBkJVrKrporQeZqjS1y6wgDYopZ-OgeciqvxHXexj3U2r9A57~JLQM659y2wfX0q01cmu9shvKYy5Jk-tE-IhCOz0FiEqq7T9z-jZoF3m-FzrzVswJuIjHjgoaLyR7uLYimlPyltWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","This is a concise summary of formal actions taken by the Port Arthur City Council at its March 18, 2025 meeting. Items below record the motion text, mover and seconder where provided, and the outcome as announced in the council meeting.

Votes at a glance

- PR 24150 — Resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an industrial district agreement with Entergy Texas Incorporated for the Legend power station project. Motion made and seconded; approved as read.

- PR 24226 — Resolution to enter into a ground lease with Diligence Offshore Services LLC for approximately 2,274 acres for energy facilities (see separate article). Motion: approve PR 24226. Mover: Councilmember James Lewis; Second: Councilmember Frank. Outcome: approved (roll-call recorded as Beckham no; Doucette yes; Frank yes; Everfield no; Lewis yes; Mayor Barty yes).

- PR 23968 — Change order #1 to BDS Contractors LLC (MK Constructors) for Woodworth Boulevard Streetscape Improvement Project to excavate and backfill water lines: additional $32,980, add 54 days; new contract total stated in resolution. Motion made and seconded; approved.

- PR 24199 / DR1P06 — Alleyway reconstruction and drainage repairs (between Dallas Ave and San Antonio Ave) awarded to Texas Materials/CRH: amount not to exceed $562,099.60. Motion made and seconded; approved.

- PR 24211 — Contract with Southeast Texas Construction Corp. for repair of piers and gazebos (Lakefront Drive, South Levee Park piers and pier adjacent to Pleasure Island condos): amount not to exceed $227,484 (document text shows funding and project number). Motion made and seconded; approved.

- PR 24216 — Change order #1 to GeoFuel Construction for restroom renovations at Lakefront Park: increase $28,547.50 to total $234,722.50. Motion made and seconded; approved.

- PR 24219 — Resolution to require TABC-licensed vendor service of alcohol at the Robert A. Bowers Civic Center and disallow guests bringing alcohol. Motion made and seconded; roll-call resulted in a 3–3 split and the measure failed.

- PR 24225 — Special road use and indemnity agreement with Duffield (company name as written in resolution). Motion made and seconded; approved.

- PR 24090 — Contract between the city and Port Arthur American Little League for use of specified park fields. Motion made and seconded; approved.

- PR 24182 — Resolution rescinding a prior resolution related to purchase of a vehicle lift for city maintenance garage (Southeast Texas Automotive Equipment); motion made and seconded; approved.

- PR 24206 — FY2026 amendment with Texas Department of State Health Services, Immunization branch (increase $162,630; new total noted in resolution). Motion made and seconded; approved.

- PR 24209 — Appointments to the Port Arthur Youth Advisory Council (three named appointees). Motion made and seconded; approved.

- Ordinance 73-13 and Ordinance 73-20 — Two separate ordinances suspending proposed rates filed by intrastate gas utilities (centered on gas reliability infrastructure program filings). Motions made and seconded; council approved motions to suspend the effective dates for further review.

What this list does and doesn’t show: Each vote recorded above is the council’s action on motions and resolutions as announced during the meeting. Most approvals fund or authorize work that will proceed through city administration, engineering or procurement processes; individual project budgets and contractor progress remain subject to future change orders, inspections and required state or federal permits.","Summary of formal motions, resolutions and ordinances voted on March 18, including approvals of a utility contract, several capital projects, a ground lease and other items.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":104,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631698,"Port Arthur council approves ground lease with Diligence Offshore after heated public debate over turbines and environmental risks",4688,287000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679699-90940bac50eeb3500654e03b35b58ddf&start=287&end=4975","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679699-90940bac50eeb3500654e03b35b58ddf/thumbnail_287000.jpg","/articles/6631698/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Port-Arthur-council-approves-ground-lease-with-Diligence-Offshore-after-heated-public-debate-over-turbines-and-environmental-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631698-4c736a8cd6d0e8338b9013b79217c4c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440155&Signature=fE~gz~UJqPkpsKqgYgGdNmiCfYVFxS~IStEO-jyx9FiUyj9~z8ULVEVnQxjoXIr7~Z-P7GLyHfNy3e3JY2g18Gos7M5A2TU8nT4kk7S3Q85irNXEwSXr6vQSJznpAdbnjl6C-r10Yr11ZHaM39Dc3DoXg7p9LDrEQ6qhYk50UkJc40P1rUP690a5O8m3KrqONfBszGa7euL37FU~94jase4RQTWvEuBHIe4oPTBCB6Q2DFpALW-kipTBD0LGZEte-o2H5j4x68vPfAUuPPWC65wWrYcCm7Wz-YSYpb8AQjZSv1tvhjwNcaKXOVSdsUa5N1gbnes4-0E~Q0RWSOqj3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Port Arthur City Council on March 18 approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a ground lease with Diligence Offshore Services LLC for about 2,274 acres of city-owned land for energy development, including “solar energy facilities, a substation, data center, offshore energy hub and other necessary facilities.”

The vote followed more than two hours of public comment and council debate that focused largely on proposed wind-turbine construction in areas around Sabine Lake and Pleasure Island. Supporters said the project could bring jobs, training and community benefits; opponents warned of ecological, navigational and long-term economic harm and questioned the contract language and permitting pathway.

Why it matters: Council approval clears a narrow municipal step — leasing city property — but does not itself authorize construction or operation. Permits from state and federal agencies would still be required, and critics argued the lease leaves the city exposed to financial and environmental risks.

Council members who spoke described competing priorities. Councilman James Lewis moved the resolution; Councilman Frank seconded it. During a later roll-call vote Mayor Pro Tem Beckham voted no; Councilman Doucette and Councilman Frank voted yes; Councilwoman Hamilton Everfield voted no; Councilman Lewis and Mayor Thurman Bill Barty voted yes. The mayor announced the measure passed.

Opponents and concerns raised in public comment: Several Pleasure Island residents and fishermen said turbines could harm fishing, shrimping and birding and cited possible dredging, pile-driving and increased turbidity in Sabine Lake. Hilton Kelly, founder and director of the Community and Power Development Association, urged the council to focus on existing industrial pollution in local waterways and air. Sean Clifford, a Pleasure Island resident and former Siemens employee, questioned decommissioning and maintenance costs, saying blade disposal and replacement could leave communities with long-term hazards. Kyle Kimball of the Port Arthur Harris Shrimpers Association said turbine parts and oils are toxic and would affect bottom-feeding shrimp.

Developer response and supporters: Harry Crawford, identified as the developer, said his company would use what he described as environmentally friendly materials, cited an initial lease payment of $227,300 and presented a community-benefits plan he said would include $31 million in local commitments: workforce training, housing and business seed funding. Reverend Simeon Queen and other residents said the project could increase jobs and tax base.

Council discussion and legal/permit context: Council members repeatedly noted that the lease is distinct from state and federal permits. Councilman Doucette and others said lease authorization does not mean turbines will be permitted or built; those decisions rest with agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and other state and federal regulators. Councilwoman Everfield said she had spoken with TCEQ, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas General Land Office and was told those agencies could limit permitting of facilities and transmission lines in the proposed area.

Contract-specific concerns: At least one council member referenced outside legal review saying the lease contains timelines, mortgage and decommissioning provisions that favor the developer, raising the risk that the city could lose control of the land or be left with minimal legal protection and low royalties if a project failed. Critics also said no appraisal had been done and that enforcement remedies were not “friendly to the city.”

What happens next: The lease approval allows the developer to proceed with next steps that may include seeking state and federal permits and, according to the developer, beginning the process for site work. The council’s vote was on the lease only; further approvals and external permits would be needed before construction could begin.

Ending: The approval capped a meeting that included lengthy public comment and divided council debate. Several speakers asked the council to delay or seek stronger contract protections; the final vote signaled a narrow majority willing to allow the property lease to proceed as the project moves into regulatory review and permitting.","The Port Arthur City Council approved a ground lease with Diligence Offshore Services LLC for roughly 2,274 acres of city-owned land for energy-related development after council members and residents debated environmental, permitting and financial concerns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Civic Center alcohol policy fails after split council vote; proponents cite safety, opponents cite revenue concerns

Port Arthur health department opens Grow With Me community garden to teach gardening and nutrition

Councilmember Doucette urges return to original streets program, says District 4 behind on allocations

Votes at a glance: Port Arthur City Council actions, March 18, 2025

Port Arthur council approves ground lease with Diligence Offshore after heated public debate over turbines and environmental risks