[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6558142,"mediaKeyId","3276076-d5128f4524bf2c18dc54f7eb544a3d92","parentId",3276076,"title","Votes at a glance: Katy City Council, May 12, 2025","audioSeconds",2842,"startMs",1618000,"endMs",4460000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276076-d5128f4524bf2c18dc54f7eb544a3d92&start=1618&end=4460","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276076-d5128f4524bf2c18dc54f7eb544a3d92/thumbnail_1618000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6558142/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Katy-City-Council-May-12-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558142-e5d12cdb661d7f7ca5841c47cfde5dc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144961&Signature=RGwMedSyhXY2Y2oWqYuXeaayjqCF2ixuO3d1-CzLbACAVM8NEZGJNyDSiWlqbqHQJWaCJsl-MfKpzoqvM5AxDcyg~nHaWkLurbBFyEOygu4fOzTiyP4VS3TG5-kbpwiUj9OlHJMWxCXh5FtSVw9oA3nQIhllo~dxCiv~7xhiVLHeMmb0oNphDdFZsPjTUV0c48UtrvhtathTM-aVDSnBLoSKvngBUDstPo6yd2eQPbolKBXIA1fYa5k4-myXMjwOYp5RANd-qeJwZ-vZFAIcjU3nqTXgq3Gbzl5yinuuDOk0es2x0SILc5p7ecL6u6L37ZPA3DznJVcQLal2GM~LsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Katy","date","2025-05-12T00:00:00Z","article","The following is a concise roundup of motions, resolutions and ordinances the Katy City Council approved, tabled or otherwise acted on during the May 12, 2025 regular session. Where the transcript did not provide an ordinance or resolution number, the item is described by agenda language and the monetary amount when shown.

- Accept FY2024 audit (Agenda 6A): Motion to accept the fiscal year 2024 annual comprehensive financial report and single-audit as presented. Motion by Council member Robertson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris. Outcome: approved (voice vote). Provenance: audit presentation by Lupe Garcia, Whitley Penn LLP.

- Authorize auditor engagement letter FY2025 (Agenda 6B): Resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the auditors engagement letter for fiscal year ending 09/30/2025 with Whitley Penn LLP. Motion by Council member Court, seconded by Council member Hicks. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

- Discussed BESS regulations (Agenda 7): Presentation and council discussion; no formal action taken; staff to revise draft language and return for future consideration.

- Approve Katy Animal Control adoption program and contract (Agenda 8): Motion by Council member Robertson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris. Outcome: approved (voice vote). Notes: staff to return with fee ordinance and budget estimates; adoptions may begin for animals already sterilized.

- Consent agenda (Agenda 9): Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Harris, seconded by Council member Robertson to approve consent agenda with correction to minutes (March 11 to March 10). Outcome: approved (voice vote). Items on the consent agenda were not individually debated on the record in this transcript.

- Emergency sanitary sewer repair (Agenda 10A): Resolution authorizing emergency repairs to an 18-inch sanitary sewer line with King Solution Services, LLC in the amount of $102,390 (US 90 at Danover). Motion carried.

- ARC Engineers design for Katy Trail (Agenda 10B): Resolution authorizing contract for engineering design and construction-phase services for Phase 1 Katy Trail Veil Improvements in the amount of $348,120 from park bond funds. Motion by Council member Hicks, seconded by Council member Court. Outcome: approved.

- Easements, Texas Heritage Marketplace (Agenda 10C.i and 10C.ii): Resolutions authorizing acceptance of utility easements with Peterson Road Town Center 139 LLC (0.61945 acres) and Target Corporation (1.4543 acres) — both approved.

- Trident Interstate Pipeline easement (Agenda 10C.iii): Resolution authorizing right-of-way and temporary access road easement agreement near the gun range at 3925 FM 2855 — approved.

- Encroachment agreement for pavement (Agenda 10D): Resolution authorizing acceptance of encroachment agreement at 128 Cane Island Parkway — approved.

- TxDOT Transportation Alternatives grant support (Agenda 10E): Consideration of supporting application for an estimated $5,000,000 project with a 20% local match (~$950,000–$1,000,000). Council tabled the item to allow staff to confirm funding sources and return at the next opportunity; motion to table passed.

- Purchase of tasers (Agenda 10F): Resolution authorizing purchase of TASER devices and associated training/license package from Axon Enterprise Inc. in an amount up to $459,038.75 using general fund reserves. Motion carried. Staff explained package includes devices, holsters, cartridges, extended warranties and virtual-reality training components packaged in a multi-year contract.

- Adopt amendment to FY2024–25 budget (Agenda 11A): Ordinance adopting Amendment Number 8 to the FY2024–25 budget for general government changes (captioned). Motion carried.

- Adopt right-of-way construction ordinance (Agenda 11B): Ordinance repealing Article 3.1 Right of Way Management and adding Article 13.11 Right of Way Construction to Chapter 13; establishes updated regulations and penalties up to $2,000 per violation. Motion carried. Administrative provisions effective immediately; penalty enforcement after publication.

Notes on votes and procedure: Most votes were recorded as voice votes without roll-call tallies in the transcript excerpt provided. When an exact ordinance, resolution or contract number was not specified in the transcript, the description above uses the agenda language and amounts stated on the record. Items where staff provided no final contract or ordinance number are marked \"not specified.\"","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Katy - City Council - May 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal motions and outcomes recorded during the May 12, 2025 Katy City Council meeting, including audit acceptance, easements, emergency repairs, trail design contract, animal adoption contract, taser purchase and right-of-way ordinance.","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},6558145,"External auditors issue unmodified opinion for FY2024; council accepts audit and authorizes engagement letter for 2025",345,1290000,1635000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276076-d5128f4524bf2c18dc54f7eb544a3d92&start=1290&end=1635","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276076-d5128f4524bf2c18dc54f7eb544a3d92/thumbnail_1290000.jpg","/articles/6558145/Texas/External-auditors-issue-unmodified-opinion-for-FY2024-council-accepts-audit-and-authorizes-engagement-letter-for-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558145-b870e1228725585f3c0841aeb5de4a45/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144961&Signature=W4knHhbuNxL9P~saYwPxbNnxKp1UpzvWcxMVAOPMemaUWoylXyJMbvy8-cYPClWQZYwTTqdqg3gYUUirLj-yv9vguUyGpw6F~MSG37Wt7MhJUx0xMWqmxo75akCnkRQ~XauA~Nl4-~HBvmatopktH9HFTb56YRVJ~9WKxBEUcMyrXdhvOV5Fk3LbTK1rjc~sWRNchXABcdFsc9GuZNv9h7cHqjfpFfAqjOhRXPPcA2MR-trK8r38ro7jI4iQcdNwuPjcygysP-a1a9BhtGiB-Y53~i6-VAQc2kcZysR55pLrH64WDENrTfZFmkbPqfgEvWzJ1ddf700rTdt9qPKO7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The city's external auditors presented the fiscal year 2024 annual comprehensive financial report and federal single-audit results and reported an unmodified opinion Monday night.

Lupe Garcia, partner at Whitley Penn LLP, told the council the audit found the financial statements are fairly stated in all material respects and that auditors identified no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal control. Garcia said the city had $1.1 million in expenditures under the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund during fiscal 2024 and auditors found no material noncompliance related to that program.

“The opinion on the financial statements is an unmodified opinion,” Garcia said. She reported governmental net assets, fund balances and that the general fund ended fiscal 2024 with an unassigned fund balance representing about 67.1% of general fund expenditures.

After the presentation, Council member Robertson moved to accept the audit; Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. The council also approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an engagement letter with Whitley Penn LLP for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025; that resolution passed on a motion by Council member Janet Court, seconded by Council member Gina Hicks.

Why it matters: An unmodified opinion indicates the city’s audited financial statements conform to generally accepted accounting principles and that auditors did not identify material control or compliance problems in FY2024.

What’s next: The city will continue the annual audit relationship with Whitley Penn under the newly approved engagement letter for FY2025.","Whitley Penn LLP reported an unmodified opinion on the city’s fiscal year 2024 financial statements and no material weaknesses; council accepted the audit and authorized the mayor to sign an engagement letter for FY2025.",{"_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},6558150,"Katy adopts updated right-of-way construction ordinance to clarify standards and move beyond moratorium",719,5951000,6670000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276076-d5128f4524bf2c18dc54f7eb544a3d92&start=5951&end=6670","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276076-d5128f4524bf2c18dc54f7eb544a3d92/thumbnail_5951000.jpg","/articles/6558150/Texas/Katy-adopts-updated-right-of-way-construction-ordinance-to-clarify-standards-and-move-beyond-moratorium","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558150-66120660d3fd22532c480062ad59631e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144961&Signature=Mg0wMfrfC9zdFurbO8XPImSscXSECL8noqjP7x~f0zuXGax1aWdjB0wMv2PTmaWalRJf-oIr4vXf3idmslYW9LDypEVyVhEu6hBwtwWj0cABOqi8VayJB4COslYY0mCCQU867TkztGUG13vHOVlO7yq~KNxrijeB4xTLsAE4AR-jm0Csd3W-xDDFLORe4achdXO-~PwcgQR02GM4b73sNMP9RhWCrPA-KolZHjo0UtT9vXtNRDvINiAnflij3MF1IqwsVt9qD3d-~xNa5Jv1DDAkHjz3m9cUUUkwEvGZS2fTVIpfphuQrIwDirfULSJ~J~5LkROWCCzlt-0bZqNIAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Katy City Council voted Monday to adopt a revised right-of-way construction ordinance designed to strengthen permitting, restoration and enforcement standards for work in city streets and easements.

Jason (city staff) told the council the ordinance replaces Article 3.1 (Right of Way Management) by adding Article 13.11 (Right of Way Construction) to Chapter 13 of the code and establishes a penalty not to exceed $2,000 per violation. He said the update follows a March moratorium and aims to protect city infrastructure while providing a standard process for contractors who work in the right-of-way.

“We had to revisit this, review what we have, as to our current challenges, and essentially upgrade this,” Jason said. He said the ordinance requires applicants to identify who is doing the work, where and when, and requires restoration “to the same or better condition.”

Jason also explained that the city is not yet prepared to join the state’s 811 one-call system as a dispatch partner because the city needs more accurate mapping of water, wastewater and storm infrastructure and additional staff or contracted services to respond to locates. He said 811 “is what most people recognize it as” and noted that participation would require the city to meet response standards.

Council members asked about staffing and mapping needs. Jason said the city will seek additional GIS and field-data resources and that some older neighborhoods lack as-built records, requiring additional field location work. He said some administrative provisions take effect immediately but the penalty portion requires publication and a 15-day waiting period before fines can be levied.

Motion and vote: The council adopted the ordinance in a motion by Council member Dan Smith, seconded by Council member Janet Court. After publication, fines may be enforced as provided by the ordinance.

Why it matters: The ordinance aims to reduce utility and roadway damage caused by uncoordinated or poorly executed work in the right-of-way and to position the city for future participation in state one-call systems.

What’s next: Staff will pursue improved utility mapping, evaluate staffing or contractor needs to support an 811 partnership and publish the ordinance caption to enable the penalty provisions after the statutory notice period.","Council adopted a new right-of-way construction ordinance that replaces prior right-of-way management rules, clarifies permitting and restoration standards, and sets penalties; staff said the change is needed to protect infrastructure and prepare for an eventual 811 one-call partnership.",{"_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},6558156,"Katy approves animal adoption program to allow shelter adoptions; council seeks budget trial and performance metrics",1587,3029000,4616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276076-d5128f4524bf2c18dc54f7eb544a3d92&start=3029&end=4616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276076-d5128f4524bf2c18dc54f7eb544a3d92/thumbnail_3029000.jpg","/articles/6558156/Texas/Katy-approves-animal-adoption-program-to-allow-shelter-adoptions-council-seeks-budget-trial-and-performance-metrics","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558156-4d9c517c1e4c9157b3cef304f42b8914/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144961&Signature=YOwqrKwvdwVRFfQZC9JNoBGZ5mA5x1F6QHNsNMGE92tx8s~BQnzQ16b0k9WeO6H3lEyVqlIlaWktYHJ9nS565sPmZ9n5C-P~TZuMjZbc-hCRLNsovV8TBwsok8KMleb9uoHkcZBAmHNigsuAVV9AeG-g15x5eiXLe19Q0B2vzM6hBwFkeNMCnNg1PR4ufGpLP6kHzEaFYEdUBJhUUYjPa-wfsvTMwwJaHF-bFBlysAgoUCufFkX3u427-eh5-OlHjFLDXdMBAWRarUoCM2YvPfPzofUkH8MzNbfuDZgoP6NT1NIXJmxhVhyqW5B4N~01c07-iFiZTF-oogPIkVDL8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Katy City Council on Monday approved an animal-control adoption program and contract that lets the city's shelter adopt animals directly to the public, with animals sterilized, rabies-vaccinated and microchipped before leaving the facility.

Chief Wojtek, addressing council, said the program aims to shorten animals’ time in the shelter and improve their chances of successful placement. “Our current, like, length of stay is 116 days. That's 4 months,” the chief said, noting long shelter stays increase medical and behavioral problems for animals.

Under the contract presented, animals would be sterilized and vaccinated per state requirements before adoption. Staff said the city's new software will automatically post animals to external adoption platforms and that allowing adoptions will make the city eligible for state and private grants for sterilization, vaccinations and related services.

Council members pressed for fiscal clarity before committing long-term funds. Council member Gina Hicks and others asked staff for a budget estimate tied to a target adoption volume and proposed starting the program as a partial trial during the upcoming budget process. Staff estimated an upper-bound “worst-case” annual cost of about $35,000 if every intake required the highest-cost sterilization and related services, but said that number was conservative and unlikely.

Council member Janet Court proposed a three-month trial; other members asked for metrics on return-to-owner rates, current sterilization resources and partner organizations. Staff described existing partnerships with nonprofit rescuers and programs that provide sterilization and vaccination services and said some adopters already bring animals in sterilized.

The council also discussed operational details: whether adoption reviewers should be hired and paid by applicants (the council preferred the city contract a third-party reviewer to be hired by the city and reimbursed by applicants in other contexts), exploring partnerships with local veterinary programs for services, and whether the city needs more staff to handle additional adoption workload. Chief Wojtek and staff said existing rescue-transfer relationships would continue; the adoption program would be an additional tool to move animals out of the shelter.

Legal counsel advised the council that governmental immunities reduce significant liability risk for the city in operating an adoption program.

Motion and vote: The council approved the adoption program contract in a motion by Council member Robertson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris. The motion carried by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the minutes.

Why it matters: The change enables the city shelter to place animals directly into homes, potentially reducing animal-stress, lowering shelter costs and allowing eligibility for grants that require an adoption program.

What’s next: Staff will implement the contract, begin adoptions for animals already sterilized and return to council with budget estimates and program metrics when preparing the next fiscal-year budget.","City council voted to approve a city-run animal adoption contract allowing animals to leave the shelter sterilized, vaccinated and microchipped; council members asked for a short trial period, budget estimates and metrics on adoption volume and costs before committing ongoing funds.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6558161,"Katy council reviews proposed rules for battery energy storage systems after prior application drew public outcry",1027,1681000,2708000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276076-d5128f4524bf2c18dc54f7eb544a3d92&start=1681&end=2708","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276076-d5128f4524bf2c18dc54f7eb544a3d92/thumbnail_1681000.jpg","/articles/6558161/Texas/Katy-council-reviews-proposed-rules-for-battery-energy-storage-systems-after-prior-application-drew-public-outcry","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558161-99fa02b8aae143894128d307a5e06677/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144961&Signature=YT~k1A~33jkupZ9eBbTSONA6AUU3wr4noEe0qQOWsT89rLOWa~fM~6zE38VLLVsPwjB2aa1RSL3IAvrcgHvdbrI3vke5W7lvzBndCnq2~RqDr8S-zETjXdCpZYKxSq~Bhlfb8lFIY0bvuH5IFI~M6s9JfO7UTmEzgVThPzUpelzphlQvSmPQEK2YFdXe07meSAp9zBIs2Sto6fHsDruDzY7nSW4v3~PWkJsb3ic84lj7m2YKPYT960waqmO0yRB5catqwgW8gzByoVTfw3jP--rkvHidJzoPTBvwAvzlLQlJGr6d8RBODujAQIkODAtvlnCHzfkuuL8WMgqRdFdQ6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Katy planning staff on Monday presented draft regulations for battery energy storage systems (BESS), outlining special-use permitting, technical studies and fire-safety measures after the council denied a previous proposal last fall.

The draft ordinance would require any new BESS proposal to apply for a special-use permit and submit a detailed site plan, landscape and screening plans, elevations and renderings, a fire management plan, a hazard mitigation analysis and a plume study. Rachel, a city planner, said the packet also recommends an elevated application fee and 24/7 remote monitoring, a decommissioning plan and a fee-in-lieu of taxes for projects on industrial land.

“This is just a high level outline of what was proposed,” Rachel said, adding that staff had researched about 14 Texas cities and used League City’s ordinance as a starting point.

Council members pressed staff for stronger protections. Council member Dan Smith and others said a 750-foot setback proposed in the draft was too small; Smith said council had previously discussed a one-mile buffer. Council member Janet Court urged adding waterways and utility corridors to setback rules and recommended that the applicant be required to reimburse the city if an incident requires extended hazardous-materials response.

Several members also asked for a required performance bond tied to the decommissioning plan so the city would not be left with a deteriorating site if an owner abandons a facility. Council member Gina Hicks and Council member Roy Robertson suggested the city should hire — and be reimbursed for — third-party technical reviewers instead of allowing applicants to retain reviewers who represent the project proponent.

Rachel told the council that some municipalities and counties have used development agreements or strategic partnerships to impose stricter requirements than local ordinances and that Sulphur Springs had unusually onerous provisions. She said staff had not yet surveyed the three surrounding counties about their approaches.

Council members also favored forming an advisory group of industry and technical experts to evaluate draft rules and recommended additional technical specificity such as whether a required “plume study” should be called “plume modeling” and whether the fire marshal must be included in all plan reviews.

City staff said the proposed regulations could extend into the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) but acknowledged legal limits on regulating privately owned property in some parts of the ETJ. The city attorney cautioned the council about preemption and ongoing state legislative activity addressing BESS setbacks and other elements; several council members noted potential legal challenges to local restrictions.

Rachel asked council for direction on distance buffers, third-party review structure, bonding for decommissioning and whether to form an advisory committee. Council members agreed they wanted stronger setbacks than 750 feet, a bond requirement in the decommissioning plan, a city-contracted technical review reimbursed by applicants, and an advisory group to refine technical standards before staff drafts ordinance language.

Council did not vote on any regulation at the meeting; staff said the packet’s outline was for discussion and that any ordinance would return for additional review and potential formal action.

Why it matters: Battery storage facilities can pose fire, air-quality and land-use issues for nearby neighborhoods and schools; the council’s choices will shape where and how the technology can be sited in Katy and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.

What’s next: Staff will incorporate council feedback on setbacks, bonding, third-party review arrangements and advisory-group membership and return with ordinance language for future action.","City staff presented draft regulations for battery energy storage systems, proposing special-use permitting, setback distances, third-party review, fire-safety requirements and decommissioning assurances; council members pushed for larger buffers, performance bonds and a city-hired technical reviewer.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Katy City Council, May 12, 2025

External auditors issue unmodified opinion for FY2024; council accepts audit and authorizes engagement letter for 2025

Katy adopts updated right-of-way construction ordinance to clarify standards and move beyond moratorium

Katy approves animal adoption program to allow shelter adoptions; council seeks budget trial and performance metrics

Katy council reviews proposed rules for battery energy storage systems after prior application drew public outcry