[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6071613,"mediaKeyId","3037511-b61c12df81859c598f7d53942355dc3c","parentId",3037511,"title","Katy council orders May 3 special election on charter amendments after heated public debate","audioSeconds",5239,"startMs",3021000,"endMs",8260000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3037511-b61c12df81859c598f7d53942355dc3c&start=3021&end=8260","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3037511-b61c12df81859c598f7d53942355dc3c/thumbnail_3021000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6071613/Texas/Katy-council-orders-May-3-special-election-on-charter-amendments-after-heated-public-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071613-002626179f29f86ede752a3b318207d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770600441&Signature=k9sMP9ucTycfo8wvFT6wnlYXThnhJFGb~xCPHUqQf4-lcUb9eMHToulRCR-qGxLzd1hL4LmfzENWrsnJC3WKdwCM3oin2vNkTljnNLkBjFyojfmWmIKxld4y-K-R~4ubNI8R9-Z~pPwU7ZhWRXuIYgR23j1t61Qn--Uj-Nr286DzZd7xtSli6pjr3jgWkLIa3YmFzdZtBbTfzMjI0fCtnFXr-nUucb2~jN5gAH~X5-WAYgtyYZAbUxiki~4n~jD5zeB6j2g3fJ7b1U5XDvF2l2uEtYBlg134R2GC2gMxO~xE6~DHZo0un7yHZsKXrUA9PzVt6~geM1F9qVSzi5ofvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Katy","date","2025-02-10T00:00:00Z","article","The Katy City Council voted on Feb. 10 to place multiple proposed Home Rule Charter amendments on a special election ballot May 3, 2025, after extended public comment and debate over process and policy.

The measures that will go to the voters include a change to allow the mayor pro tem to count toward a quorum and retain voting privileges while removing a veto power; updates to vacancy and resignation rules to align with the Texas Constitution’s one-year-and-30-day filing standard; a revision to give appointed department heads the same right as other city employees to petition council for a hearing after suspension or termination; and an amendment to raise the consecutive-term limit for city council members from two to four three-year terms. Multiple other proposed changes — including removing term limits for mayor and council entirely — failed to obtain the council majority needed to be placed on the ballot.

Why it matters: The package will send several structural changes in city government to voters rather than resolving them entirely at council level. The items prompted strong public comment from members of the Charter Review Commission and longtime residents who said council had bypassed the commission and urged the council to allow the commission’s review. Supporters of the ballot measures said voters should decide.

Public comment and council debate focused on process as much as policy. Sherry Booth, a member of the Charter Review Commission, told council she was concerned that one council member planned to press to remove term limits \"and I believe the mayor as well\" without reconvening the commission. Booth said, \"To me, this is an abuse of power, and it should have been brought to the charter.\" Several other speakers who identified themselves as past or current members of the Charter Review Commission — including Lynn Freeman, Skip Connor and Don Elder — also urged council to allow the commission to review the proposals before forwarding them to the voters.

Council members defended the decision to place measures on the ballot this spring, saying timing and the cost and logistics of elections influenced their choice and that several items were intended to correct inconsistencies between the city charter and state law. Councilmember Dan Smith, who introduced many of the items, said changes were needed to avoid unintended outcomes and to let voters decide. City attorney and staff explained that some edits were drafted to align Katy’s charter with the Texas Constitution and existing charter language.

Votes at a glance:
- 5A (Article 3 §1B) — Mayor pro tem voting/quorum; remove mayor pro tem veto. Motion: Councilmember Dan Smith; Second: Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris. Outcome: Approved (vote announced as \"Aye\"; motion carries). Vote tally not specified on the record for the final roll-call count.
- 5B i (Article 3 §4 forfeiture — mayor) — Remove automatic resignation on filing to run when unexpired term ≤ 1 year, 30 days (align with Texas Constitution). Motion: Councilmember Dan Smith; Second: Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris. Outcome: Approved, 3–2 (record: \"The motion carries 3 to 2\").
- 5B ii (Article 4 §3 forfeiture — council) — Same resignation alignment for council members. Motion: Councilmember Dan Smith; Second: Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris. Outcome: Approved, 3–2.
- 5C (Article 3 §6 and related) — Allow appointed department heads the same appeal process to council as other employees (adds right to petition council for a hearing after suspension/termination). Motion: Councilmember Dan Smith (amendment language); Second: (recorded) Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris. Outcome: Approved (motion carries; no final tally provided).
- 5D i / 5D ii — Proposals to remove term limits for mayor and for council (separate propositions). Outcome: Both failed (record: motions failed; council votes recorded as \"No\").
- 5E (Article 4 §2) — Increase city council term limits from two consecutive 3-year terms to four consecutive 3-year terms (language expressly \"inclusive of time already served\" for incumbents). Motion: Councilmember Dan Smith; Second: Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris. Outcome: Approved, 3–2.
- 5F (Article 3 §12) — Increase mayoral term limits from two to four consecutive terms (inclusive of time served). Outcome: Motion failed; not added to the ballot.
- Ordinance to call special election (to place approved propositions on May 3 ballot). Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris; Second: Councilmember Dan Smith. Outcome: Approved (motion carries).

What was contested: Many public commenters and several former charter-commission chairs said the Council should have routed proposed changes back to the Charter Review Commission for the commission’s recommendation before sending items to voters. Speakers described the commission as the established forum for reviewing charter text and objected to the timing and process; several called the council’s handling a breach of public trust. Council members replied that some measures correct legal inconsistencies, that the timing of a May election and deadlines required prompt action, and that placing the questions on the ballot allows voters to decide.

Next steps: The city will include the approved charter propositions on a May 3, 2025 special election ballot held concurrently with the regular city officer election. The council also approved an ordinance to call that election. The specific ballot language for each proposition, as presented to council, will be part of the election materials. Voters will determine whether the charter amendments become effective.

Speakers (selected, from meeting record): Mayor Dusty Thiele; Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris; Councilmember Dan Smith; Councilmember Roy Robertson; Councilmember Janet Court; Councilmember Gina Hicks; Sherry Booth (Charter Review Commission member); Lynn Freeman (Charter Review Commission member); Skip Connor (past charter commission chair); Don Elder (former mayor); Duran Dowdle (resident); Doyle Callender (resident); Michael Payne (mayoral candidate; commented on the proposed changes).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Katy City Council Feb 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Katy City Council voted on Feb. 10 to place multiple proposed Home Rule Charter amendments on a special election ballot May 3, 2025, after extended public comment and debate over process and policy.","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},6071603,"Council approves right-of-way agreement with EZ Fiber; staff says the pact will standardize restoration and oversight",279,8337000,8616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3037511-b61c12df81859c598f7d53942355dc3c&start=8337&end=8616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3037511-b61c12df81859c598f7d53942355dc3c/thumbnail_8337000.jpg","/articles/6071603/Texas/Council-approves-right-of-way-agreement-with-EZ-Fiber-staff-says-the-pact-will-standardize-restoration-and-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071603-bc0a9bc469b78656e9397940ad3e4056/orig.mp4?Expires=1770600441&Signature=Aq75mNAAPAP8p5OKNnq1zwHR25s69nP9P43Zrn7TBT4B8bz13c-nHsf-G0V~4WtXRyCQxL-uYkNTSY4f117s3EHhDOPFborssvGxuUbmJaBZjKnkgmYbs~aU23fchDvnKvLx1In77iYXcZwECFgMd7302UnBlxxdLgHy8oMiYLwEuBVPqw8oe75ENObVU1QWjHH6DpO3CwzemOPpG3lW1l~i~qW1uM25zTE1n5FMEGedPh2NQ3VrDzi~5InDYQvrAh7iHZWImLF0l-sJ9Q2yfenOXhM7UInnrYhh9-oTx7gUP2VJoyRkQdBsn1B2ztGIpNJB2aAqgAWND2JYnP4yNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Katy on Feb. 10 approved a right-of-way use agreement with EZ Fiber Texas LLC that sets standards for use of city rights-of-way and includes restoration and oversight provisions, city staff said.

Why it matters: Telecommunications companies installing fiber or other infrastructure regularly work in city rights-of-way; council and staff said a standardized license will protect the city’s infrastructure, require restoration and establish expectations for timeline and dispute resolution.

Council action and discussion: The resolution authorizing the mayor to accept a right-of-way agreement with EZ Fiber was moved by Councilmember Koretz and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris. The motion carried.

Councilmember Koretz asked staff to confirm the city would be protected from site damage and that agreements include timelines for repair and dispute processes; staff replied the agreement addresses restoration standards and that the city plans to use the same licensing approach for other providers who operate in city rights-of-way. City staff noted several entities already operate in city rights-of-way and said the EZ Fiber agreement formalizes expectations and fee collection for right-of-way use.

What speakers said: Council and staff framed the item as a protective measure for the city’s infrastructure rather than a punitive step toward a single company; staff said the agreement is the first of several similar licenses the city will seek to ensure consistent standards across providers.

Next steps: Staff will execute the license with EZ Fiber and continue outreach and licensing with other telecommunications providers operating in Katy rights-of-way.

Speakers (selected): Councilmember Koretz; Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris; Public Works/City staff.","Katy approved a right-of-way use agreement with EZ Fiber Texas LLC and directed staff to use the agreement as a standard for other telecom providers; council discussed resident concerns about fiber construction and restoration in public rights-of-way.",{"_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},6071608,"Katy council approves consultant engagement to assess city ERP system using ARPA funds",699,251000,950000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3037511-b61c12df81859c598f7d53942355dc3c&start=251&end=950","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3037511-b61c12df81859c598f7d53942355dc3c/thumbnail_251000.jpg","/articles/6071608/Texas/Katy-council-approves-consultant-engagement-to-assess-city-ERP-system-using-ARPA-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071608-73cdd88a3ff68ab1daa1369cb5f7c2ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770600441&Signature=SFdnApbjJJ2bu3otwzBPLOcgpCUQylvzmB6AFLq8SEFqTU4m5AmgEbhoDRVTxD42aGOVO8XQpgCsIqQwkHXkeaBd8Av3pB9xmFIIUpBebcEjnhk0IKjLzze2BhWqmB1uW6a4DR6gVLXpY7-vCQAJVQMVhoOk7PfH5V9Cytle1h1rXAPiE1mzza0xx5LMydLF9ixbj3BuWSkXdOql9V5Da8WbGcEpuzq3r7vj6JgQwkUqLsRowpl42yIqEHz0bPviUIhyNTbUH9FvQkguvkiLrJ07aJ2vXqaAmsGmHk578pv6dVwJw8Wv2vU~2KNCRX-gwHxMNuSQ8vHm6We9VoY-6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Katy City Council on Feb. 10 authorized the mayor to sign an engagement letter with Plante Moran PLLC to assess the city's enterprise resource planning (ERP) needs and assist with vendor selection and potential implementation work.

Why it matters: An ERP assessment can reshape finance, human resources and payroll systems across city operations; council described the work as a step to determine whether Katy’s current municipal software meets long-term needs and to build a transparent procurement process.

Background and scope: Councilmember Dan Smith introduced the matter and said he had seen demonstrations of other municipal systems and wanted a third-party assessment to avoid a procurement process driven by sales pitches or internal biases. He said the city needs a more robust, scalable system to improve timeliness, reporting and analytics and to help retain finance staff. Natalie Schwartz, principal in the government management consulting practice at Plante Moran, told council Plante Moran performs needs assessments, writes baseline requirements, drafts RFPs consistent with procurement strategy, assists with vendor evaluations, and can support contract negotiation and implementation. She listed recent Texas municipal clients and said Plante Moran is independent and does not sell a particular software product.

Funding and contract path: Staff stated the source of funds for the engagement is ARPA earned interest and that the contract would use the TIPS cooperative purchasing contract number 230601. Council noted the importance of using a third-party, independent consultant to ensure a thorough procurement and to protect staff from making an incomplete selection.

Council action: Councilmember Roy Robertson moved and Councilmember Dan Smith seconded the resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the engagement letter with Plante Moran PLLC. The motion carried; council announced the outcome as carried by voice vote.

What the consultant will do next: Plante Moran will perform a needs assessment across departments, develop baseline software and process requirements, draft an RFP aligned with the city’s procurement approach, assist with vendor evaluation and contract negotiation, and — if requested by the city — provide implementation support. Staff noted the firm’s capabilities in finance, HR, payroll, data management and analytics and said many municipal clients retain the same Plante Moran team from selection through implementation.

Speakers (selected): Natalie Schwartz (principal, Plante Moran), Anthony Bond (IT director, City of Katy), Councilmember Dan Smith (motion sponsor), Councilmember Roy Robertson (mover), Councilmember Dan Smith (second).","The City of Katy approved an engagement letter with Plante Moran (Plant Moran) to conduct a needs assessment and procurement support for a potential enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) earned interest funds and a TIPS cooperative contract (No. 230601). Council approved the engagement by motion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Katy council orders May 3 special election on charter amendments after heated public debate

Council approves right-of-way agreement with EZ Fiber; staff says the pact will standardize restoration and oversight

Katy council approves consultant engagement to assess city ERP system using ARPA funds