[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",6528239,"mediaKeyId","3413733-1de31e2e9395775f80eb636de80b396a","parentId",3413733,"title","Resident complaints about diesel pumps near Philadelphia neighborhood prompt city inspection and follow-up","audioSeconds",1292,"startMs",2496000,"endMs",3788000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413733-1de31e2e9395775f80eb636de80b396a&start=2496&end=3788","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413733-1de31e2e9395775f80eb636de80b396a/thumbnail_2496000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6528239/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Resident-complaints-about-diesel-pumps-near-Philadelphia-neighborhood-prompt-city-inspection-and-follow-up","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528239-2ad43465ea230704c31ae687d043ac39/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208041&Signature=MM7wIlZSE0q0ICZHIvdd-aLPNOYPcM~36wS9zPYZjiOOG8sV-XH2wYx4~oZimyJ3VJE8c~hY8uIcM5pz7n6JOBeT-99v55qh50m9Q3z~xMj9P9r4J6qTkSUClcvGhTYPRUi4PmW163mppBsC47zxtDF~BNld3Rsy82crAWLtQet7GmW9rO0tnKhHe6NkKnzuyH6YXyNNcxOn9AJO65CgISgfxzy5nG7V9rzSc-WH-Fcuedt1DDsu34sY0T8XMsJgPvnhl~uJFSH8nkF1hzfwjyI5GLlvR8pB7hB5kxNnRcEah7l5IzbRmV2g61honRxSFwLEeBGCe9HCDBfOmIz~-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Port Arthur","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","A Port Arthur resident told the City Council on May 20 that temporary diesel-powered pumps used for a drainage-construction project next to his trailer have repeatedly run overnight and have blown diesel exhaust onto his property.

Walter Jackson, who gave his address for the record, said the pumps have run at many hours (he provided a written log of dates and times), that diesel odors have infiltrated his home and that family members returned from out-of-town because they could not stay in the house. “The pumps come on every 15 to 20 minutes,” Jackson said. He described tracking pump activity across late-night and early-morning hours and said the fumes make him and his father uncomfortable and cause burning eyes.

Council members and staff inspected the location earlier in the day. Councilman Colquay Doucette, who visited the site with staff, described the installation as an outfall pump set used to dewater a construction pond associated with drainage improvements. City staff and the contractor said the pumps are temporary and part of a drainage-improvement construction project; a staff member (Mr. Flood) told the council the contractor uses diesel pumps and that the work is expected to continue while side-streets and trunk-line pipe installation proceeds, with temporary pumps anticipated to be removed by August.

“Those pumps are diesel pumps. It is not coming from those pumps,” a staff speaker said, explaining that some odors appeared to originate from a tank farm near the site rather than the pump exhaust. City staff committed to further investigation: they will coordinate with the contractor, run a scheduled, observable test of the pumps so council members can hear and smell the equipment on-site, and return the matter for discussion at a follow-up meeting. Staff also said they will document times and run a “mock run” the next time council members can attend.

The council directed staff to set a coordinated site visit and to report back with a recommended remedy if the pump operation or contractor practices are violating city noise, air-quality or construction permits. Council members also encouraged the resident to continue submitting logs of pump activity and to work with staff to document health impacts.

Ending — what the transcript shows: City staff and the contractor characterized the pumps as temporary and part of drainage construction; staff agreed to an on-site, scheduled demonstration and to follow up with recommendations and possible further remedies at the next council meeting. Council members emphasized the need to verify the source of fumes and to balance construction progress against neighborhood impacts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Port Arthur - City Council - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Port Arthur resident told the City Council on May 20 that temporary diesel-powered pumps used for a drainage-construction project next to his trailer have repeatedly run overnight and have blown diesel exhaust onto his property.","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},6528243,"Port Arthur updates EMS ordinance to align standards, sets council as final appeals authority",1275,3495000,4770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413733-1de31e2e9395775f80eb636de80b396a&start=3495&end=4770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413733-1de31e2e9395775f80eb636de80b396a/thumbnail_3495000.jpg","/articles/6528243/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Port-Arthur-updates-EMS-ordinance-to-align-standards-sets-council-as-final-appeals-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528243-25736d870ed582f87cbf7da1bab4fa27/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208041&Signature=ZNRwY41dMxCuYZ9xZ7xmUPfRBvWTzAQpl1sQRjFQLmTKSMgUb0ZLBMe6dLGTH3kpjWSlaF0JTh7Bpsl2DCS3BwFolt~A9ufH6ba4qPHKWDVUGn2Bnk7qFJBISGM57bTqLcnfl6X-ELthggZiFeV4ODOmSI2u83YnutzEpG0O~RS0npoBKzKGm-ULNFV-qtkQByPiim3V2ANO9SmLb0-3STj3FQBHLkZq7~IabAqKGKS7z9t4BGrmHuCBCVTmglsAM-nRunj6pnx3z39FPtQem4EN8QrSaB5atq8nWVbEgyY9IPDeaQppLFzA8jKI6jGMmH8CT0f0ektGhsyAM7bgjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Port Arthur City Council approved amendments to the city’s emergency medical services ordinance (proposed Ordinance 73‑23) May 20, adjusting response-time definitions, adding equipment requirements and changing how contract compliance disputes will be appealed.

Deputy Fire Chief Antonio Mitchell summarized the proposed edits in a presentation to council: the ordinance adds a formal definition for dispatch facilities, adjusts the allowable turnout time to 80 seconds (to align with an NFPA standard used by the fire department), requires a minimum of four EMS units in service at baseline, moves a monthly data submission deadline from the 15th to the 5th of the month, and adds detailed language about liquidated damages, record reviews and an appeal process.

“Giving them an extra 20 seconds” of dispatch time, Mitchell told the council, reflects the practical fact that the city’s 9‑1‑1 PSAP must sometimes hold or process calls before they are rolled to the EMS contractor; the time clock for turnout starts when the PSAP receives the call. Mitchell said the edits are intended to make the city’s ordinance reflect operational reality and make compliance/verifications more transparent.

Council members pressed staff about consultation with the current ambulance provider and the practical effect of enforcement. Andre (vice president, Port Arthur ambulance service) told the council the provider already staffs a minimum of six units on many days and said the provider can offer additional operational data, including GPS-based location tracking, if the city requests it. Andre said he supports an appeals mechanism and suggested staff-level dialogue and a work group to refine terms.

Council discussion focused on one procedural change: Councilman Doucette recommended that if a liquidated-damages determination cannot be resolved between the fire chief, city manager and the ambulance supervisor, the final appeal should be decided by City Council rather than solely by staff. City staff agreed to insert council as the final appellate authority; the council voted to adopt the ordinance with that amendment.

The ordinance will be applied to future procurement and amendments; city staff said portions will be grandfathered for the incumbent provider until a new contract or RFQ process is completed. The changes were presented as preparatory to future requests for proposals and as a tool to align city policy, the fire department’s needs and contractor performance expectations.

Ending — Next steps: City staff will circulate the finalized ordinance text reflecting the council’s modification and will hold a workshop to review implementation details with the ambulance provider and other stakeholders prior to the next contract cycle.","The council adopted an amended emergency medical services ordinance to clarify definitions, require minimum EMS units, extend a short additional dispatch time and add an appeals process that names the council as final arbiter. The changes were framed as aligning with NFPA standards and improving transparency in liquidated-damage claims.",{"_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},6528248,"Port Arthur council approves controversial Diligent Offshore ground lease after closed-door talks",7514,2836000,10350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413733-1de31e2e9395775f80eb636de80b396a&start=2836&end=10350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413733-1de31e2e9395775f80eb636de80b396a/thumbnail_2836000.jpg","/articles/6528248/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Port-Arthur-council-approves-controversial-Diligent-Offshore-ground-lease-after-closed-door-talks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528248-9b56f8c2398296e24fcdd0ba28a8efc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208041&Signature=C3TczqjHXZenX7KQuOg1id8OgMvVHAbpb1jpsjM7NYc65Fp4zuBRgctEUjWUs97fTBVjmLzpyJvIoIbWQI3eNCUCbhYIwEOO50AKgagjdhir~zrzoon7uLGwer~-2M-lYSNqcQWm23qfnjES76v2XwTP52lJb4PN8yZWOu1l8qfNomGcOTQOs-cGYeNjjveSCIzH80F1AvPMCKCnNpQWxlWAE4K~~MdayKIBKbK9KQpkn3HqLgFjYTx2WB5ak10Jm3whSqxfVGew6w5jg72ZCiZwaYND4t1kA9nIPPGLKRf291mm7KIuuBQ2AwFxfIgMjR1ZEDIbFb5uuB3-iftkHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Port Arthur City Council voted to approve a ground-lease agreement with Diligent Offshore Services LLC for tracts on Pleasure Island after a lengthy, occasionally contentious discussion and executive session on May 20.

The agreement covers multiple parcels proposed for development of wind and solar generation, a substation and related support facilities. The issue drew sustained public and private negotiation: Diligent’s representative, Harry Crawford, told the council the company had submitted a letter of intent and sought an exclusive lease arrangement and revenue-sharing terms, and described repeated, slow exchanges with the city’s outside counsel.

“We’ve attempted three times to try to settle any issue,” Harry Crawford said during the May 20 meeting. Crawford said the company had proposed easement and subleasing language intended to reflect “fairness and market norm” and said some proposed lease provisions as drafted by the city would make the project “nonfinancial.” Outside counsel for the city told the council that, after a memorandum from Diligent’s side that included a threat of litigation, the city’s lawyer requested that communications be in writing.

Council members pressed both sides about public disclosure and negotiation process. Council discussion in open session and in executive session focused on whether the city had the legal ability to negotiate an exclusive real-estate lease without a competitive RFQ (city staff and Diligent cited Chapter 252 of the Texas Local Government Code), and on draft lease terms about easement termination and sublease revenue share.

After the closed session, the council voted by roll call to approve the lease. The recorded roll call was: Councilwoman Helene Beckham — no; Mayor Pro Tem Colquay Doucette — yes; Councilman William Frank — yes; Councilwoman Hamilton Everfield — no; Councilmember Kinlaw — no; Councilman Lewis — yes; Mayor Thurman Bill Barty — yes. That tally is four yes, three no; the measure passed.

Council members who opposed the measure cited the pace of negotiations and public concern about confidential details being posted to the public record; supporters said the proposed project could be a significant local economic investment. City and Diligent representatives told the council they expected additional written redlines and were prepared to continue fine-tuning details through the city attorney and, if necessary, executive session.

What’s next: the approved lease moves forward under the terms approved May 20. City staff and Diligent representatives indicated they expect follow-up redlines and continued engagement; because parts of the negotiations were handled in executive session, portions of the final lease language were not read aloud in open session.

Ending — Context and caution: The negotiations were contentious at times, with Diligent’s representatives and the city’s outside counsel exchanging written redlines and legal positions. The council’s narrow vote shows lingering division among elected officials about the city’s approach to negotiating large, potentially transformational industrial leases.","After months of negotiated changes and closed executive sessions, Port Arthur City Council approved a ground-lease agreement with Diligent Offshore Services LLC for large tracts on Pleasure Island. The vote followed debate about easements, exclusivity and negotiated revenue-sharing; council approved the lease 4–3 by roll call.",{"_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},6528230,"Port Arthur proclaims Water Safety Month; YMCA outlines swim lessons, outreach and lifeguard training",612,3908000,4520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413733-1de31e2e9395775f80eb636de80b396a&start=3908&end=4520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413733-1de31e2e9395775f80eb636de80b396a/thumbnail_3908000.jpg","/articles/6528230/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Port-Arthur-proclaims-Water-Safety-Month-YMCA-outlines-swim-lessons-outreach-and-lifeguard-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528230-c8aa5b1931d80978c0dcf06006502cec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208041&Signature=BlZn5joQt58UPu1okUkJWbHpt1usp8jR~ggfavPQpHZXLipcVWMMbsUCU-DDiABUNydkr~FOpNrNoEf04g7aZOQuChBGSf5X9EOXXT3B-OwGy53ZnEwk~kV7Yq5LPraTpo80FJM7-QEU9O0FcM7MBh9KuDsdBRugLOrPmkLYiX6rBC8wtdyJn3s8O24nMyjc--HQDAtkglvGYVeWHcG~zo04-z79B9qzR41R98NLU8lrsuVB4Pvn03NoaDiIATf8MFNzHgziE231zrBot2dyzQ0o7SnqmOeMFvkYKJfM95ZsRzxS-qjRAH1JMA3mqjDqAmMv5z6oUzjXc9MoBPlpvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Thurman Bill Barty presented a proclamation designating May 2025 as Water Safety Month at the May 20 Port Arthur City Council meeting and invited YMCA leaders to describe their programs.

Kevin Pearson, CEO of the YMCA of Southeast Texas, told the council drowning prevention is a priority and summarized the organization’s local activities: year-round swim lessons (starting at 6 months), a two‑week “safety around water” cohort for young children that teaches jump/turn/push/grab extraction skills, adult swim lessons and outdoor recreation events to build confidence around water. Pearson said the local YMCA teaches roughly 700 children per year and operates additional swim programs at Dornbos Park for neighboring Nederland.

“We prevent drowning. We teach children how to swim,” Pearson told the council, adding that confidence-building is central to the YMCA’s approach. The YMCA also described lifeguard and lifeguard-instructor training that it said has certified dozens of local lifeguards and instructors in recent years.

Council members thanked the YMCA for its work and noted the organization provides financial assistance so cost is not a barrier to participation. The YMCA representative also gave practical details for summer lessons: an eight-lesson session’s fee is $96 for nonmembers and $64 for YMCA members; financial assistance is available and no one is denied participation for inability to pay.

Ending — community note: The proclamation and presentation highlighted drowning-prevention and community recreation programs. City and YMCA leaders encouraged families to register early for swim lessons and screenings ahead of peak summer activity.","The City of Port Arthur proclaimed May 2025 as Water Safety Month. The YMCA of Southeast Texas described year-round swim lessons, a \"safety around water\" program and lifeguard and instructor training that it says expand local drowning-prevention capacity.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6528235,"Finance director: city revenues trending but water utility deficits and emergency spending strain reserves",1030,5370000,6400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413733-1de31e2e9395775f80eb636de80b396a&start=5370&end=6400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413733-1de31e2e9395775f80eb636de80b396a/thumbnail_5370000.jpg","/articles/6528235/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Finance-director-city-revenues-trending-but-water-utility-deficits-and-emergency-spending-strain-reserves","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6528235-863c4b8b5f808cbc741c2330a1781d80/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208041&Signature=jjsEACwH-JcPpX5fgdi-0SlFuk3Dbu3W1neYbqmJgWVcnICW~WysdkS5io5NNxT54rnmE2UEq40vIwX37Ecn4eINrkJnLPGL0ww9-JhXptOm9b7LW-V-eO12v4Vs2h8H00dMlpZluxMvc7ZRoX69ba6AKuG7F839poW0O8x6Psr6anrLbhmfobo6hW5vt2YjTCSjuBanxSyJF-KsAmxIXPBXDHymDMyExCt-788mzycDekZLfwZNmYLUasTiefy13~6QzwVVHy18m25hByIP8Kp-lPL7sF3EkqsRAvrZZlwe~VGGYbpILfghfkCJ88KfsrR6tsF0apDtenzHpeWj-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Port Arthur’s finance director told the City Council on May 20 that the city’s general fund revenues are tracking above expectations through the second quarter, but that water and sewer utility operations have required emergency spending that reduced reserve balances.

Finance Director Linda Biles presented the semiannual report and said general-fund revenue and many major funds are “trending very well.” But she also said the city has moved cash to cover urgent utility repairs and currently expects to owe the general fund roughly $6 million because of emergency water‑system and sewer repairs undertaken in the current fiscal cycle.

“These were addressed as emergencies because they affect the health and safety of our citizens,” the city manager told council, summarizing staff work to secure funds and noting the city has drawn on reserves while grant reimbursements are pending. Biles said the city also has approximately $21 million in federal and state grant drawdowns that are in-process and not yet reimbursed.

Councilmembers pressed to know what the fiscal impact will be. Councilman William Frank noted the long-term implications: lowering reserve levels can affect credit ratings and future bond costs. Biles confirmed she has discussed that risk with the city’s financial adviser and said excessive use of reserves could impair the city’s rating if it becomes a trend.

Council members and staff discussed next steps: pursue state and federal grant funding aggressively, clarify fund balances and cash balances in the next quarterly audit, and provide more granular tracking of capital-project restricted funds. Biles said the 2024 audit is scheduled to be completed in June; she also committed to presenting the completed audit and clarified cash-vs-fund-balance distinctions in future reports.

Ending — takeaway: City leaders said they will continue to pursue external funding and refine reporting to keep reserves transparent. The finance director warned that continued reliance on general-fund balance to finance utility emergencies is unsustainable and that long-term capital and grant strategies are a priority.","Finance Director Linda Biles told the council that general fund revenues are strong year-to-date but the city has been using general‑fund reserves to cover water-utility emergency repairs; staff estimate the utilities owe roughly $6 million to general fund and the city has about $21 million in outstanding grant drawdowns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident complaints about diesel pumps near Philadelphia neighborhood prompt city inspection and follow-up

Port Arthur updates EMS ordinance to align standards, sets council as final appeals authority

Port Arthur council approves controversial Diligent Offshore ground lease after closed-door talks

Port Arthur proclaims Water Safety Month; YMCA outlines swim lessons, outreach and lifeguard training

Finance director: city revenues trending but water utility deficits and emergency spending strain reserves