[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6071601,"mediaKeyId","3037520-5f2fe0ea47122c1c73ec6fe7cc087b87","parentId",3037520,"title","Votes at a glance: Katy City Council actions on Feb. 24, 2025","audioSeconds",3027,"startMs",425000,"endMs",3452000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3037520-5f2fe0ea47122c1c73ec6fe7cc087b87&start=425&end=3452","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3037520-5f2fe0ea47122c1c73ec6fe7cc087b87/thumbnail_425000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6071601/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Katy-City-Council-actions-on-Feb-24-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071601-f95609d958b7670a666391b9a65f534b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198330&Signature=TZv~eEV0m2B9SAKdRvUNrgPIRmDCTDYDpjsKcrOkMwTu5bgz6acyy6lcQ5dPzVwLWkOj~6PG3-T0-VK98Gcd5i7TVZvPtVPFtC~zfWWUiobj1i7tdKB~Z6Fx1FxgTc9bwncS824-a2l7MR10e4OlGUycpzqgdWZWIQw-buJ4jSf1DiPQK~bHrDMpRJ4ZQopi7ho3pPUiLDkK1X66K1xlfpqNTEda2VSP-EY2lHwAZ~RnrC5o2l2OLsq8EsOC-XloDdvdnWjc~QTpwrWwhA8DNyKEghhGHvJS7IkDRx6ZcMWGbJ09lF5EF7I7706hda6wLk-2gowhzPoqIHEl0dYziQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Katy","date","2025-02-24T00:00:00Z","article","KATY, Texas — The Katy City Council took several formal actions at its Feb. 24 regular meeting. Below is a concise list of measures that received motions and council votes.

Votes at a glance

- Temporary moratorium on new in‑ground telecommunications fiber (Agenda item 6): Passed on first reading. Council also approved use of Exhibit B (a form agreement) so parties that execute that agreement may continue permitting/work; second reading set for March 4, 2025. (See full article on moratorium.)

- Electricity procurement parameters (Agenda item 8B): Approved parameters authorizing staff to pursue an electricity agreement effective April 2027 for a term up to 48 months and a not‑to‑exceed rate presented to council (0.06764). Council authorized staff to seek better offers and to return final contract for legal review and required approvals.

- Fifth amendment to utilities function and service allocation agreement (Agenda item 9A): Resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a fifth amendment to the utilities function and service allocation agreement between Katy West Municipal Utility District and Parkside Stratford I‑ten Limited to provide utilities to the Green at Katy Park: Motion carried.

- Animals First software agreement (Agenda item 9B): Resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an Animals First LLC software and services agreement for the Katy Animal Control Department: Motion carried. Staff said the software will automate listings, medical records and third‑party uploads but no adoption ordinance changes were approved tonight.

- Towing fee ordinance (Agenda item 10): Ordinance amending City of Katy code to increase non‑consent and heavy‑duty tow rates, with penalties up to $500: Passed by council.

- Consent agenda (various items): Approved as presented.

All recorded voice votes on listed items were unanimous with no opposition noted at the meeting. Dan Smith was absent and not recorded on these items.

What’s next: The council scheduled a special meeting for March 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. for the second reading of the moratorium ordinance; the planning and zoning commission will hold a public hearing on the moratorium Feb. 25, 2025 at 1 p.m.

Items with further action required will be returned to council for final contract approval or ordinance readings as noted above.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Katy City Council Feb 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal votes and outcomes from the Feb. 24 Katy City Council meeting, including moratorium first reading, electricity procurement parameters, utility and contracting resolutions, animal‑control software and towing fee changes.","taxTitle","Katy, Harris County, Texas","taxId",69507,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6071606,"Katy council authorizes Animals First software to modernize animal‑control records and outreach",413,3476000,3889000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3037520-5f2fe0ea47122c1c73ec6fe7cc087b87&start=3476&end=3889","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3037520-5f2fe0ea47122c1c73ec6fe7cc087b87/thumbnail_3476000.jpg","/articles/6071606/Texas/Katy-council-authorizes-Animals-First-software-to-modernize-animalcontrol-records-and-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071606-e6c3d491d727ca2c4df9fb51e06bb310/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198330&Signature=M3OA~5sOy-I7LMCxhySzOR5f-UfZqs0tvnsl1Pz3vzwfMXxY7R0pA5lp7-KwqtTObcmcWpie~MG9GcB5TmFhdFj2SU6LBr7Pt7Ghn3AGoIYB63O7E23Ms-vK1BSrrTSenvKhRe2tdgXfCY8F6FGarFtjpPCGFISfQvmLFEg2-F-31am9TyIeXH3HNo8bjxmfZX6VNxAQWv3AQOD8aOmZWycqJ4Z~LJOOxePHBLNNzstyISg28WhzL4hMbEv~HodRJz0uc-DMY7Vm8DKZkYs210LcTJ3SrluDTit1dIPuBAgU6dw~-eYXsn9E7Rt9WMGmqQpd6jB8sDL1b24QA7SWnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","KATY, Texas — The Katy City Council on Feb. 24 approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a software and services agreement with Animals First LLC to support the Katy Animal Control Department’s operations and adoption outreach.

Animal control staff described the department as largely paper driven and said the proposed system would automate uploads to adoption platforms, consolidate medical and behavior records, generate customizable statistics for grant applications and reduce staff time spent manually posting animals. Katie (last name not provided), an animal control representative, said the shelter had 16 dogs in residence and had taken in two bottle‑baby kittens the same day.

The council approved the contract by voice vote after staff explained the software is web‑based and user friendly. Councilmember Roy Robertson moved the motion and Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris seconded. Council clarified that the vote did not change city ordinance on adoptions; staff said the software is a step toward creating an adoption workflow and that any ordinance changes would return to council later.

Staff said Animals First can automatically publish animal profiles to third‑party adoption websites such as Adopt a Pet and Petfinder, allow photo and video uploads, and track vaccinations, boosters and medications. The city expects the system to improve public visibility of adoptable animals and support grant reporting.","The council authorized the mayor to sign a software and services agreement with Animals First LLC for the Katy Animal Control Department; staff said the system will automate listings, medical records and adoption outreach but does not change adoption ordinance language tonight.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6071612,"Katy council OKs parameters for new electricity contract, sets 48‑month cap for staff to secure best offer",1443,1910000,3353000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3037520-5f2fe0ea47122c1c73ec6fe7cc087b87&start=1910&end=3353","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3037520-5f2fe0ea47122c1c73ec6fe7cc087b87/thumbnail_1910000.jpg","/articles/6071612/Texas/Katy-council-OKs-parameters-for-new-electricity-contract-sets-48month-cap-for-staff-to-secure-best-offer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071612-1609f675cda8656ea471de088d00d545/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198330&Signature=PzmVmA0qgDhNtO0f4ta7Q9EKTmHv~twrh5mbN6JS0JtHqjTb2XkpvXVhJzNnX22BDAc~eWNIvaA~Ob-WZ1hnl3UrJxQ1kPKtoHSHAejA-HPEiNJXq0bpn7uAuQxkjVSvGrZ99tnJuRuWnBY~yJeIWZXWf6ipioG3dsbTPK9QyQ9JmR7pIunrOKuGAxe~4fM5txuOagLhdlyyIBxFO8Pg43BV2l0lpVS4t-OfIlNet30GsvVa3~fudlAnQKJXBrqmsDUp3OWlrJtt8OuCofubMKyrbBRedyAMddnGo6hE7bfyY8enX1rRcbQYYM1l2Cy24wVb0cTI88t8zBN6raxrAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","KATY, Texas — The Katy City Council on Feb. 24 authorized city staff to pursue an electricity agreement that would take effect in April 2027 for a term up to 48 months and set a not‑to‑exceed cap on the rate presented to council.

The council’s action followed a market briefing from Michael Skelton, vice president of Tradition Energy, who told the council that changes in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market — including rapid growth in renewable generation, increased weather sensitivity and large new demand from data centers and industrial loads — have added volatility to forward power prices. Skelton recommended a risk‑management approach that balances shorter‑term purchasing with the city’s existing contract, which runs through March 2027.

Skelton told council the city’s current contracted rate is “just over 4¢,” and that forward markets have trended higher; council discussion focused on buying strategy to control budget risk while keeping options open to average down if prices fall. Tradition Energy said it solicited offers from 12 suppliers for the city and has been working with administration on tactical pricing since August.

Council moved to approve a procurement parameter: authorize staff to secure a contract with a term up to 48 months and a rate not to exceed the presented 0.06764 (per unit as presented to council). Councilmembers approved language allowing staff to continue seeking better offers from other suppliers and returning the final contract for signature after legal review. The motion was made by Councilmember Gina Hicks and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris; the voice vote was unanimous.

Council and staff emphasized that the action sets procurement parameters, not final contract execution. Byron (administration) and legal staff confirmed that any executed contract must be brought back to council for final approval if it creates a debt or otherwise requires council signature; the mayor would execute only after legal review and council authorization as required.

Councilmembers discussed the merits of shorter‑term purchasing to allow the city to monitor the market and pursue additional energy‑management measures over the next two years, including efficiency or curtailment options.","Following a presentation on Texas wholesale power markets, the council authorized staff to pursue a power agreement beginning April 2027 with a not‑to‑exceed price for up to 48 months; staff retains ability to accept lower bids and will return the final contract for execution.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6071616,"Katy council approves first reading of temporary moratorium on new in‑ground telecommunications fiber",1411,486000,1897000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3037520-5f2fe0ea47122c1c73ec6fe7cc087b87&start=486&end=1897","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3037520-5f2fe0ea47122c1c73ec6fe7cc087b87/thumbnail_486000.jpg","/articles/6071616/Texas/Katy-council-approves-first-reading-of-temporary-moratorium-on-new-inground-telecommunications-fiber","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071616-6113da4f997199304498a0abf8c868c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198330&Signature=UUWVn91j1h5RkYMe9Xzat4PbNxWoZoFuqN2rnGwhJ5ANHLqTvHw1Zrs~kLr2fwEIDy4oU~Fm71rSdxNPnSHx6RuXAw1f5~bS-ZAetfQsOKM~6Wvz3GtaOjw47Dh9f4y4oc9Yv2GiJC9lAo8YK9OXxWTZoNQsW~feNjc1as5i~IQ0MN2EflltkofoyNwA4mvXcZtZE7nXsL5dLAArNayof62o7TgmvtevnJWmtinlx6WOPFvnTMTBBV2CdFe9yeIPsCTrve81RECuMqIFZ~2P9GOoiLcgAxlsw~BvvUr9yCnb5WdggfCi7Lq1nV7Q2CQ87eJYGR08YLADtZuTyT0Tsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","KATY, Texas — The Katy City Council on Feb. 24 approved on first reading an ordinance enacting a temporary moratorium on the acceptance and processing of new right‑of‑way permits for in‑ground telecommunications fiber within the city limits, saying the pause will give staff time to update rights‑of‑way rules and protect underground water and wastewater infrastructure.

The council said the moratorium responds to repeated utility strikes and a surge in permit requests; council members and city staff described the measure as a time‑limited effort to “protect the status quo” while an amended rights‑of‑way management ordinance is drafted. The ordinance text states the initial moratorium period will be 120 days from enactment, and the city announced an interim moratorium will go into effect Feb. 25, 2025 under state notice requirements for a period of 12 days pending a second reading.

Public comment before the vote included concerns that the moratorium and new agreement language could unfairly exempt some providers and add permitting burdens. “This proposed moratorium raises serious concerns,” said Sean Dolan, who lives on Alicia Way Drive. Dolan urged the city to fix internal permitting issues first and recommended a probationary program targeting repeat offenders rather than a broad moratorium.

Jason Rivera, the city’s public works director, told council that since October 2024 the city recorded about 16 water‑line hits during fiber installations and about 35 permit requests for new in‑ground fiber since Jan. 1, 2025. Rivera said the hits and “close calls” have strained public works’ ability to respond and that the proposed ordinance and an associated standard agreement would improve planning, mapping, inspection, quality control and restoration practices.

Council members moved to allow processing of permits during the moratorium for applicants that sign a form agreement (Exhibit B) approved for use during the moratorium. Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris moved the Exhibit B motion; Councilmember Roy Robertson seconded. The voice vote drew no opposition and the motion carried. The council read the ordinance in full and recorded that it passed on first reading Feb. 24, 2025; the second reading and final consideration are scheduled for a special meeting on March 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

City staff said they intend to finalize and present an amended rights‑of‑way ordinance by the council’s first regular meeting in April 2025. The public works director and staff will make initial determinations on waiver and grandfathering requests under the ordinance; appeals of those determinations may be brought to council.

A city planning and zoning commission public hearing on the moratorium ordinance is scheduled for Feb. 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. at City Hall.","The Katy City Council read and approved on first reading an ordinance enacting a temporary moratorium on acceptance and processing of permits for new in‑ground telecommunications fiber in city rights of way; council also approved an exhibit allowing companies with an executed agreement to continue work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Katy City Council actions on Feb. 24, 2025

Katy council authorizes Animals First software to modernize animal‑control records and outreach

Katy council OKs parameters for new electricity contract, sets 48‑month cap for staff to secure best offer

Katy council approves first reading of temporary moratorium on new in‑ground telecommunications fiber